Kent Escape to the Country


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Hello, welcome to a special edition of Escape To The Country.

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We'll be helping two couples find rural homes

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and we will be revealing the splendours of a certain county.

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We'll also be sharing our advice,

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hints and tips on what it takes to move here.

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But first, we're heading south-east to the bottom of the garden.

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Don't worry, it will all make sense, join us in a moment.

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On today's show, we're helping a couple find a rural home where

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they can raise their daughter and enjoy more quality family time.

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-Wow!

-Along the way, there are some differences of opinion.

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Hands up, who's in favour?

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You're in favour, you're not so sure.

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No. I need some more convincing.

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We'll also be helping new parents find a family home

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where they can experience country life for the first time.

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Our properties certainly spark some great reactions!

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Oh, my goodness!

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Wow!

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-Oh, my goodness.

-Wow. Oh, really?

-Really?!

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Well, today, we're in Kent, otherwise known, Jonnie,

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as the Garden of England.

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And for centuries, it's been a gateway for both invaders and traders,

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a story which I think is reflected in the architecture from Roman

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styles to Canterbury Cathedral and those lovely weavers cottages.

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Sure, but the warblings you have about history,

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I know it's very close to your heart,

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what always surprises me is the fact that just a short

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hop from the capital and you're met with beautiful towns

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and villages, surrounded by that wonderful Kent countryside.

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And that, of course, is why it is perennially appealing.

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One of the English Home Counties,

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Kent is bordered by Greater London, East Sussex and Surrey.

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Its 350 miles of remarkable coastline encompasses 11 blue

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flag beaches, towering white chalk cliffs and appealing seaside towns.

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The county's most visited and historically rich city is

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Canterbury, centred on its magnificent Gothic cathedral,

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which has been the centre of English Christianity since 597 AD.

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Kent's reputation as the Garden of England endures,

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with allotments and orchards found throughout.

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The County's undeniable appeal has inspired countless

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artists, including the famous landscape painter,

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JMW Turner, who portrayed the area in more than 100 works

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and described its skies as the loveliest in Europe.

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And its appeal endures today,

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as people continue to be drawn by the beauty of this unspoilt county.

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Well, as we have hinted at,

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you can't really talk about Kent without talking about London.

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Its history and its economics are inextricably linked.

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Well, for so many people working in the capital,

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Kent becomes its playground, its back garden, doesn't it?

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But then, that popularity, obviously,

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has an adverse effect on property values.

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Well, when you think about the price of your average detached,

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currently in Kent, it's about £326,000.

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I mean, these are eye watering numbers,

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when you think about what you're getting.

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But unfortunately, not for Londoners seeking that move out,

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that money would still only get you a one bed flat in West London.

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-Yeah.

-But my recommendation for buyers,

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if they don't need to commute back into the capital, get away from the train stations,

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you get so much more for your money then.

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So, maybe, sort of Canterbury, Maidstone area.

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Yes, and Canterbury is still a beautiful city,

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but in fact, it was the open spaces and the larger houses that

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Kent has to offer that was attracting my buyers to Kent.

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Well, more from them a little bit later on, but first,

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let's meet MY couple who also had a dream of living in Kent with

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a pretty generous budget.

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Andrew and Janine have been living in this four-bedroom

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new-build in the town of Corsham, Wiltshire, for the last seven years.

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They've always craved a more rural lifestyle, but the birth of their

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daughter, Francesca, has given them the impetus

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to finally make the move.

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I think the time is right for us to move for Francesca now,

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because she's just getting to the stage of walking and exploring

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and actually understanding the world around her.

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She gets very excited about being outside,

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and being in a modern housing estate, as we are here,

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there is very limited scope for us to do that with her.

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As well as providing Francesca with a wholesome rural upbringing,

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the move will enable Andrew to spend more quality time with her.

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His job as a compliance consultant is based in London,

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and his current commute from Corsham

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takes him up to two and a half hours each way.

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Francesca's getting to the point, shortly, where I run the risk

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of not seeing her in the evenings.

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And I really don't want to be a dad who sees my daughter

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on a Saturday and a Sunday. So obviously moving to Kent,

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being within an hour, an hour and a quarter,

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of the city, would make family life so much easier.

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Ever since they bought their current home, they've never felt

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it's fully reflected their style or their needs.

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And they sense that even more so, now they've become a family.

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Ideally, in a property I'm looking for character.

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Both of us have said we'd like something older, albeit

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we recognise that that can come with a price tag and its own challenges.

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But certainly something that reflects the historic nature of Kent,

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and the sort of houses that are around there.

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The last thing to establish is how much they've set

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aside for their rural family home.

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The budget for the move is between £500,000 and £600,000.

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FRANCESCA COOS

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Andrew and Janine are quite open to looking at any area

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within Kent's borders, as long as it's no more than an hour

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and a quarter's train journey from London for Andrew's commute.

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So before we begin our countywide search,

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I'm meeting up with them to learn more about their move.

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Well, Janine and Andrew, welcome to Kent.

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Why this county, then?

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Well, it's, as you say, the Garden of England, beautiful greenery,

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the schools are fantastic, and for us it's just the ideal location.

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Now the kind of property you're after, give us a spec list, as it were.

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Well, for me, it's important to have a nice kitchen.

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The kitchen's always the heart of the home.

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-Yep.

-Ideally, we'd like four bedrooms.

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Or three and a study. I do get the chance to work from home,

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albeit it's not as often as maybe I would like.

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OK. Now the budget for this move of yours?

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Well, £600,000 would be our absolute max. If you found us the perfect,

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ideal home, that would be the upper limit.

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But also, you know, if there's a house slightly less than that,

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and it needs work doing on it, we sort of said, well, £500,000,

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to give us that comfort zone, that if we needed to extend or build

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a study area in the garden, we actually have the scope to do that.

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I'm hoping the next few days will give you the chance

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to get your feet under the table here in Kent,

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and get a sense of what this county can offer you in particular, Andrew. We've got three, I think,

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very interesting properties for you to look at,

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including our mystery house. Who knows what that will be?

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So I think, without further ado, let's go and find some properties.

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-OK.

-Great!

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With a maximum budget of £600,000, Andrew and Janine are looking for

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a characterful period home within a commutable distance to London.

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They'd like a large kitchen/diner,

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three to four bedrooms and a study for Andrew.

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They don't need a huge garden

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but would like enough space to grow vegetables

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and for Francesca to play in.

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We've lined up three very different Kentish homes for them to view,

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and I'll keep them guessing about the price until they've had a good look around.

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The last will be our mystery house, a rare historic property, the likes

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of which they've probably never seen

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and might not have considered on paper.

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Our search begins three miles south of Maidstone,

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Kent's county town in the attractive village of Boughton Monchelsea.

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Our first offering, a classic Kentish weatherboard property,

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is in the heart of the village.

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That's it, that's property number one.

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Wow.

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I didn't expect to see three storeys.

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Interesting, isn't it? Yeah.

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-Very pretty.

-Very pretty.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

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The character just springs out as soon as you walked round the corner.

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It's quite beguiling, actually, it's a bit of a TARDIS.

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Something of a cliche, but this is probably appropriate for this one,

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because there is a lot more to see once we get inside.

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-Yeah?

-Excellent.

-Yeah.

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The house was built around 1825.

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Later, in the Victorian era, an extension was added to the rear,

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which almost doubled its size.

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Well, let's start in here.

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-Wow.

-What do you think?

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-I wasn't expecting that, it's the hidden bit there.

-Yes.

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It really opens up, doesn't it?

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It does create a different, an atmosphere of a different room, but

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the two of them give the, I guess, sense of space, which is one of the

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-things we miss at the moment...

-Yeah.

-..and we are looking for.

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We have a very big sofa at home, and it's around the same size as that

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sofa, so you can kind of sense where the furniture would actually fit.

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Right, well, let's continue through here.

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Now, Janine...

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let's tackle the nice big kitchen/diner that you want.

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-It is not one of those.

-No.

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But would you be prepared to do a bit of knocking about?

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Yeah, obviously, budget allowing, we already talked about that. But, yeah.

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I looked at this and thought, "That wall needs to come down,"

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-when I came in.

-I think it can go because what it would do is,

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it would open it all up.

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You get the idea. I mean, if that wall were to go,

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-it would transform it...

-Absolutely.

-..into a fabulous,

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huge kitchen/diner, within this very substantial,

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and very nicely produced, conservatory.

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I like the fact that we can start seeing how we can shape it to

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make it our own. I like the fact that we can bring, you know,

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the outside in, in terms of making this space a more usable space.

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And I can see us having family here and cooking and doing all the things

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that we've discussed that we really want to do from the move, so...

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So far, so good. I just can't wait to see upstairs.

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Well, let's do that. Come and follow me.

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There's lots to see - two more floors.

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I'm delighted that Janine is already visualising the family

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enjoying this place.

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Also, on the ground floor opposite the sitting room, there's a spacious

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dining room with an elegant, original fireplace.

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And below lies a cellar that's been converted

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into an extra living space.

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The first floor consists of a family bathroom and three bedrooms.

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All of them are doubles, which have some lovely original features.

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So, this is your bit.

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Wow.

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There's a huge bed in the way of everything.

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Rather nice, actually, a kind of oak, four-poster.

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It is smaller, but we know we're going to go smaller...

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because the room we've got is unnaturally large,

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at the moment in time.

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This is a nice room, the fireplace is nice.

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-It's still got that cosy feel.

-Yeah.

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There is an en suite through there,

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which is, you know, very handy

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and usually much sought-after.

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But we also have the top floor, which you spotted from the outside.

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That has, really, two separate bedrooms in it at the moment.

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So, technically, you could say this is a five bedroom house.

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And it's got another bathroom too.

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Let's have a look at the garden. then we'll finish up and maybe

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you want to start thinking about how much this is going to cost you.

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Outside, there's around a quarter of an acre of land where there's plenty of room Francesca to play in.

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Some lovely mature trees here.

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And I love that little house, over there. I think Francesca would have

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a lot of fun in it, and you'd probably have a bit of fun

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-kind of doing it up a bit, actually.

-Definitely.

-Would this be big enough for you?

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-Yes.

-I think so, yes. I like the fact that it's mature

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and it's almost got places for her to explore, but safe exploration.

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But how much is it going to cost you?

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-Mm.

-Hmm.

-Who's going to go for our first price guess of the week?

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-£525,000.

-£525,000! Straight in!

-That was quick!

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-No messing there, from Andrew. Great!

-I'm going to go...

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-£545,000.

-£545,000. You're right to err...

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higher, but I'm afraid it's on the market

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for quite a bit more than that.

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-This is on the market at £595,000.

-Really?

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-Yeah, well...

-Gosh.

-..we are in...commuter belt.

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Yep, true.

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Just below their maximum budget at £595,000,

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this elegant Georgian home has an impressive reception room,

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a dining room and a kitchen which is next to a conservatory

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that could be knocked through.

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There are also five bedrooms and a converted cellar.

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It comes with around a quarter of an acre of land,

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and there are two nearby stations

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for Andrew's commute.

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Good. Well, we are a property down.

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We are a third of the way through our house tours,

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-but are we any closer to getting you a new home?

-Food for thought.

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-Well, talking of food, let's have some lunch.

-Yep.

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Sitting high above the River Medway is a fort that has played

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a significant part in Kent's military

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and maritime history for over 250 years.

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Built in 1750, Fort Amherst is a formidable structure,

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but its true calling as a military defence came some two centuries

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later during the Second World War.

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To find out more about its intriguing history,

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I'm meeting one of the fort's trustees, Martin Rogers.

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Martin, this is a fabulous and somewhat sprawling complex

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but why is it so significant, why is it here?

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Following the Dutch raid in 1667,

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when the Dutch sailed up the Medway and attacked Chatham Dockyard,

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plans were put in place so that this would never happen again.

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A series of river and sea fortifications went in to

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protect the entrance to the Thames and the Medway.

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In that period the Empire was expanding dramatically

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and the Navy was the seat of that power.

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And Chatham was the premier shipbuilding dockyard.

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But the fort itself was never actually called upon to

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defend the dockyard. It was never attacked, was it?

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No, it wasn't, not in that period.

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There's clearly a lot to see above ground but looking at these

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tunnels and doorways, I suspect there's even more to see...

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-below ground.

-We've carried out a lot of conservation work below ground.

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The fort was called into service not during the Napoleonic wars it

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was built for, but during the Second World War

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when it housed the Home Guard.

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Since the 1970s, a team of volunteers and trustees have been

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slowly restoring it, section by section,

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recreating its vital wartime role.

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-Gosh. Oh!

-Well, this is it. This is the heart of the civil defence.

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Many people won't be familiar with the idea of a civil defence

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network, but during the Second World War they played a vital role,

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didn't they, in managing the civilian response,

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in particular to things like air raids?

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Yes, they did, because the dockyard was very heavily bombed,

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and you can just see from the resources on these boards how

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they responded to a particular day in August 1940.

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The reports of the bombs...0900. Bomb damage. CAS, casualties?

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Casualties. Onslow Road in Stroud. And incident number ten.

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And here, the response to it from the National Fire Service,

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Auxiliary Fire Service, ARP rescue, demolition.

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Isn't it strange that Amherst starts its life in the 1750s

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and doesn't really have a role? It's a grand statement but really

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not much more than that,

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and yet 200 years later in the 1940s it fulfils a very purposeful role.

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Had the Germans breached our barriers,

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this was the last line of defence

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-before the dockyard.

-But the men that designed this fort would have had

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no concept of aerial warfare, yet

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-what they created was the perfect bunker.

-It certainly was. Yes.

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The volunteers have come a long way in terms of getting

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the fort's historical significance recognised

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and it's hoped it may attain World Heritage status.

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This would be a huge help in further restoring

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and developing this fascinating military site.

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We're heading up to the northern part of the county to Lynsted.

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Close to the centre of the village, at the end of a private driveway,

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is our second offering.

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Now earlier...

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in the car, you said you were quite interested in a barn conversion

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and I teased you about the fact that we might have one and here it is.

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-Wow.

-There you go.

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-Some barn conversion.

-You've got this L-shaped courtyard, as you can see,

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but the bit we're interested in is that chunk there.

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-Wow.

-Interested?

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Yes, please.

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-Now there is an interesting debate between you about the merits of beams, isn't there?

-Yes.

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Hands up, who's in favour?

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You're in favour. You're not so sure?

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No, I need some more convincing.

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-We have no issues with head height in here.

-OK.

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So, I'm not worried, actually. I'm really not worried about this one.

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I think that the beams will be OK.

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-Let's see if I'm right.

-We'll see.

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The barn, which is thought to date back to the 1500s,

0:17:060:17:09

was converted in 1991.

0:17:090:17:11

And it offers more than 3,000 square feet of space.

0:17:110:17:15

But let's begin...

0:17:150:17:17

over here, because...

0:17:170:17:18

..I think this really gets us into the whole beam discussion.

0:17:200:17:23

-Straightaway, without any messing.

-Yes.

0:17:230:17:26

There's a smile here and there isn't here. You see, this is what worries me.

0:17:260:17:29

-We're struggling here, aren't we?

-And I like the structure, the height,

0:17:290:17:33

the architectural beauty of the beams.

0:17:330:17:36

Obviously, dining area, something of a sort of

0:17:360:17:39

living room area here too. This isn't the main living room.

0:17:390:17:42

-Oh, OK.

-Now with our first property we looked at knocking a wall down...

-Yep.

0:17:420:17:45

..and my suggestion is that you also do the same thing here,

0:17:450:17:48

and it's that wall that you would take away because the kitchen

0:17:480:17:50

-is behind that...

-OK.

-..and it would open all of this up then, to a kitchen-living-dining area.

0:17:500:17:57

You'll see what I mean. Have a look through here.

0:17:570:18:00

So, it is a lovely kitchen,

0:18:030:18:05

but it would be lovelier if this wall behind me were gone, I think.

0:18:050:18:09

-Yes, I agree.

-I can see that.

0:18:090:18:11

I think this is the only big compromise with this property,

0:18:110:18:14

because the rest of it goes on and on and on.

0:18:140:18:19

-You see, you're there on this one, aren't you?

-More or less, yes.

0:18:190:18:21

You'll have to help me. We're going to have to persuade Janine

0:18:210:18:24

-that this could be the one.

-But I've got to live with her after.

0:18:240:18:27

HE LAUGHS

0:18:270:18:28

-This is a nice space.

-Yes?

-And lots of light.

0:18:310:18:34

Natural light because there's lots of windows.

0:18:340:18:36

I think, because it's dark and whilst it's beautiful,

0:18:360:18:39

I'm used to barns that are slightly lighter in oak.

0:18:390:18:42

I'm used to oak-flooring rather than carpeting and I think it's

0:18:420:18:45

just trying to visualise how we would utilise this beautiful space.

0:18:450:18:49

Clearly, Janine still needs some convincing

0:18:500:18:53

but I'm hoping the rest of the house might just do that.

0:18:530:18:56

Also downstairs, next to the sitting room,

0:18:560:18:58

there's a study which would be handy for Andrew when he works from home.

0:18:580:19:01

Opposite that there's a downstairs bedroom

0:19:010:19:04

which could make a good playroom for Francesca.

0:19:040:19:06

Upstairs there's a family bathroom and three more bedrooms.

0:19:060:19:10

All are good size doubles, but it's the master bedroom which has

0:19:100:19:14

particularly generous proportions.

0:19:140:19:16

This is your bit.

0:19:180:19:20

Wow

0:19:200:19:21

Now, your wardrobe.

0:19:210:19:23

I'm thinking you might not need it because through that door is

0:19:230:19:26

an enormous walk-in wardrobe, his and hers either side.

0:19:260:19:30

And...master en suite through there

0:19:300:19:33

so everything, shower, bath, the lot.

0:19:330:19:36

-It looks great.

-It does.

-Yeah?

0:19:360:19:38

I love the window seat, absolutely love the window seat.

0:19:380:19:41

Let's have a look at the garden and see if that helps the process.

0:19:410:19:45

It seems Janine may be warming ever so slightly to this place

0:19:450:19:48

and I don't think she'll be disappointed by what's outside.

0:19:480:19:51

There's almost a third of an acre of land that includes a ready-made

0:19:530:19:56

veggie garden, perfect for her horticultural projects with

0:19:560:19:59

Francesca and a huge garage and a workshop and space for two cars.

0:19:590:20:03

Just to help me sell this property further to you, Janine,

0:20:030:20:06

the sun has blessed us with a bit more support.

0:20:060:20:10

Yes. It's working.

0:20:100:20:11

It's working. Let's see if the price works, shall we?

0:20:110:20:14

-Make me an offer.

-I think it's going to be slightly over budget.

0:20:140:20:18

-I'm going to go 625.

-625?

0:20:180:20:22

-I'm going to say 580.

-580.

0:20:220:20:25

You're both wrong.

0:20:260:20:27

-But the good news...this is 600.

-Really?

-Wow.

0:20:270:20:31

-Gosh, that surprises me.

-Yes? Certainly something for you, Andrew.

0:20:310:20:35

-For you, it's got to be a grower.

-Yes.

0:20:350:20:37

Right on budget at £600,000, this spacious barn conversion has

0:20:400:20:45

a large light-filled reception room and a dining room with adjoining

0:20:450:20:49

kitchen that could be knocked through.

0:20:490:20:51

It has a study and five bedrooms,

0:20:510:20:53

including that very spacious master, and outside there's a garage,

0:20:530:20:56

a veggie garden and plenty of space for Francesca to play in.

0:20:560:21:01

-After you, madam.

-Thank you.

-Through the beepy door.

0:21:020:21:06

HE CHUCKLES

0:21:060:21:07

-Well, not a bad day, all told.

-Good day.

0:21:070:21:11

-Property number one was nice for you.

-Yes.

0:21:110:21:13

-Property number two was nice for you.

-Indeed.

0:21:130:21:15

Can we get it right with the third one, the mystery house tomorrow?

0:21:150:21:18

-Can't wait.

-Let's see.

-Time for a pint. Come on.

0:21:180:21:22

So, a really positive start for you, there.

0:21:260:21:29

Well, two very different reactions to two very different

0:21:290:21:31

properties, so who knows, roll on the mystery house.

0:21:310:21:34

Well, before we do that, time to meet our second pair,

0:21:340:21:37

now I'll be helping an international couple who want

0:21:370:21:39

to try out our British countryside for the very first time.

0:21:390:21:43

-These are lovely.

-Having a nice time?

-Mmm, loving it.

0:21:430:21:46

-JONNIE:

-Canadian-born Kristi and her Italian husband, Francesco,

0:21:480:21:51

currently live in a two-bedroomed flat in London's Muswell Hill.

0:21:510:21:55

They had always fancied moving to the countryside but it was

0:21:550:21:58

the birth of their daughter, Cora, that gave them

0:21:580:22:01

the final impetus to leave city life behind.

0:22:010:22:03

We do have a 21-month-old daughter

0:22:030:22:05

and we just want to give her the best experience that she can have.

0:22:050:22:08

She can have lots of outdoor space, a bigger home for her to play in.

0:22:080:22:13

When I was a kid I grew up in the country.

0:22:130:22:15

For me, it is like my heritage and background.

0:22:150:22:19

I would like to have the same kind of opportunity for my daughter.

0:22:190:22:23

Having moved to the UK fairly recently,

0:22:240:22:27

they are not hugely familiar with the country which is

0:22:270:22:29

one of the reasons why they have called for our help.

0:22:290:22:32

They have, however, visited Kent

0:22:320:22:34

and part of its appeal are its handy transport links

0:22:340:22:36

for Francesco's job in business development.

0:22:360:22:38

We've chosen Kent because of its proximity to London

0:22:380:22:42

so Francesco will occasionally need to commute in.

0:22:420:22:45

I think it's probably one of the most beautiful counties here in UK.

0:22:450:22:50

It is important to find the right property

0:22:500:22:52

because we don't want to move in another couple of years.

0:22:520:22:55

So what do they have to spend on a home for keeps in Kent?

0:22:550:22:58

Our budget for the move is around £650,000.

0:22:580:23:03

Because Francesco and Kristi aren't fully acquainted with Kent,

0:23:050:23:08

they're open to looking at properties from anywhere within its borders.

0:23:080:23:12

Before we kick off our countywide search,

0:23:120:23:15

I'm meeting up with them to learn more about their move.

0:23:150:23:18

-Good morning, how are you?

-Morning, very good.

0:23:180:23:20

I've got a list of properties here...

0:23:200:23:23

-Great!

-..that you've looked at on the internet and in person.

0:23:230:23:28

My only thought here is that you've looked at a lot of the stock.

0:23:280:23:31

There isn't a great deal on the market and there hasn't been a whole

0:23:310:23:34

tranche of stuff come on the market since you've looked.

0:23:340:23:37

-You will need to remain fairly open-minded.

-Yeah, we are.

0:23:370:23:40

We are definitely open-minded.

0:23:400:23:42

Let's focus on the property itself.

0:23:420:23:44

Now what does it look like inside?

0:23:440:23:47

-Do you want lots of little rooms, or is it modern?

-BOTH: No.

0:23:470:23:51

THEY LAUGH

0:23:510:23:53

-No...

-We really like open-plan.

0:23:530:23:55

Yeah, open space.

0:23:550:23:56

We like character but with modern furniture inside.

0:23:560:24:00

We like beams and we really like big fireplaces.

0:24:000:24:04

-Yeah.

-And, erm...

0:24:040:24:05

It sounds like you want a property that's been refurbed

0:24:050:24:09

and changed by someone.

0:24:090:24:11

-Yes.

-What about doing those works yourself? How much work...

0:24:110:24:15

We thought about this.

0:24:150:24:17

-The issue is we're not very...

-We're not handy.

0:24:170:24:19

We're not handy at all.

0:24:190:24:21

But we know people who could possibly help us with this.

0:24:210:24:25

-OK, how many bedrooms?

-We think four is the minimum.

0:24:250:24:28

Only because there is the possibility that Francesco

0:24:280:24:31

can do some work from home, so really, it could be three bedrooms and that one for him.

0:24:310:24:36

OK, all right. How much outside space are you after?

0:24:360:24:39

Well, we would like to have a garden that is manageable

0:24:390:24:42

but also, you know, we plan to have a dog

0:24:420:24:45

We're thinking max an acre. Max.

0:24:450:24:48

-Max.

-That's not a garden, you need a tractor for that!

0:24:480:24:50

And cows!

0:24:500:24:52

All for how much?

0:24:520:24:55

The max budget we have at the moment is £650,000.

0:24:550:24:59

-Let's get going, shall we? Just this way.

-Let's go.

0:24:590:25:02

With a budget of £650,000 Francesco and Kristi are looking

0:25:040:25:08

for a period home with a contemporary open-plan interior

0:25:080:25:11

and they're looking for four bedrooms,

0:25:110:25:14

one of which will be used as an office for Francesco.

0:25:140:25:17

Outside they'd like a minimum of half an acre

0:25:170:25:19

and they're hoping to be within easy reach of transport links

0:25:190:25:22

for Francesco and a good school for Cora.

0:25:220:25:26

We've found a great selection of Kentish homes

0:25:260:25:28

to show Francesco and Kristi

0:25:280:25:30

but I'll keep them guessing about the price

0:25:300:25:32

until we've had a good look around.

0:25:320:25:34

We'll finish off with the mystery house where the layout

0:25:340:25:37

could leave them hot or cold.

0:25:370:25:39

Our search begins in the village of Hunton,

0:25:450:25:48

five miles south of Maidstone, Kent's county town.

0:25:480:25:51

Just down the road, set on a quiet country lane, is our first house.

0:25:510:25:55

-So, property number one is a barn conversion.

-Beautiful.

0:25:560:26:00

-It's beautiful.

-This is a good reaction.

-Yeah.

0:26:000:26:04

It's a very good reaction.

0:26:040:26:05

We were hoping for a barn conversion

0:26:050:26:08

and that window in the front is awesome

0:26:080:26:10

-Just to let you know what we're getting... This is shared access.

-OK.

0:26:100:26:14

The barn itself starts at the end of this return.

0:26:140:26:17

-That is what we're looking at.

-OK.

0:26:170:26:20

You've got all the land from that first hedge in.

0:26:200:26:23

-OK.

-Yes.

-Like it?

0:26:230:26:25

-Yes.

-It's got something.

-Let's go.

0:26:250:26:28

I'm very happy with their initial reactions.

0:26:280:26:32

The barn has been converted in the last ten years and its huge

0:26:320:26:35

floor-to-ceiling windows were originally the wagon doorways.

0:26:350:26:39

So this is the formal entrance, if you like.

0:26:390:26:42

I love it. I love it.

0:26:430:26:45

-It's beautiful.

-It's beautiful. It's very warm and inviting.

0:26:450:26:49

That window, I love the woodwork.

0:26:490:26:52

It is a good contrast between modernity and character.

0:26:520:26:55

Yeah, the floors are beautiful.

0:26:550:26:57

Whilst we've walked in this way, I think,

0:26:570:27:00

just like with a lot of country properties,

0:27:000:27:02

-you come in via the back door.

-Yeah.

0:27:020:27:04

-Let's go to the kitchen where that is.

-OK, perfect, thank you.

0:27:040:27:07

-So...

-I like the kitchen.

0:27:090:27:11

Yeah, it's a good size for us.

0:27:110:27:13

Yeah, no, this is great. I love the window by the sink.

0:27:130:27:17

The working area is pretty big.

0:27:170:27:18

There's lots of counter space for you.

0:27:180:27:21

I think, on an everyday basis,

0:27:210:27:23

because you park your car around the side of the house,

0:27:230:27:25

you unload the children and what have you and through this door here.

0:27:250:27:28

Also, which is really handy, you've got a utility

0:27:280:27:31

-and a downstairs loo as well.

-OK.

0:27:310:27:33

-So, so far so good.

-Yeah.

-Living room next, just through here.

-Yes.

0:27:330:27:35

-Mind your head there. So, living room.

-I like it.

0:27:410:27:46

-Yeah, it's a good size, I think, yeah.

-Yeah.

0:27:460:27:49

-You've had great reactions.

-Yeah.

0:27:490:27:52

You said you wanted open-plan, it's... I would say, semi-open.

0:27:520:27:55

Semi-open, yeah, but it's fine.

0:27:550:27:57

This would be a good definition of open for us.

0:27:570:28:00

The only thing that I see that is missing is a fireplace.

0:28:000:28:03

-It's probably lacking a central feature, isn't it?

-Yes.

-For focus.

0:28:030:28:08

-A little bit dark, maybe.

-Yeah, some more windows.

0:28:080:28:11

Some more windows,

0:28:110:28:12

but the good thing is it opens into the garden, so we could

0:28:120:28:15

have the baby, you know, playing outside without being worried.

0:28:150:28:20

-Yeah, I feel she's safe out there.

-She is safe there, yeah.

0:28:200:28:22

-Let's go up the stairs and take a look at the bedroom stock.

-OK.

0:28:220:28:25

Well, the living room hasn't completely wowed them,

0:28:260:28:30

so let's hope the rest of the place makes up for it.

0:28:300:28:33

So, up the stairs, mind your head on that, Francesco.

0:28:340:28:38

-This is the master bedroom.

-Oh, I like it too.

-It's a good size.

0:28:380:28:42

It is definitely a good size, this bed is bigger than ours, so...

0:28:420:28:46

Yeah, it's better, it's bigger.

0:28:460:28:47

Through that door there, that's the en suite, and it's got a lovely spa bath.

0:28:470:28:51

Sitting in the bath, you can look out over the land beyond

0:28:510:28:53

-which is pretty special.

-Nice!

0:28:530:28:55

Now, I do need to tell you that this house is three bedrooms.

0:28:550:28:58

The owner... When they bought it, it was two bedrooms.

0:28:580:29:01

They split that one bedroom at the far end into two.

0:29:010:29:04

There is a shower room

0:29:040:29:06

and a loo just the other side of that doorway that those would use.

0:29:060:29:10

I personally think, in the long run, you might look at encroaching

0:29:100:29:14

-onto that sort of galleried landing area...

-Mm.

-Yeah.

0:29:140:29:17

Take 50% of that up and make it a proper family bathroom,

0:29:170:29:19

-cos you've already got the plumbing there anyway.

-OK.

0:29:190:29:22

That's a job for the future to make it more of a family home.

0:29:220:29:25

-Probably makes more sense, yeah.

-OK.

0:29:250:29:27

All right, so it's three beds, something to think about.

0:29:270:29:30

You know, you're looking for your fourth, aren't you?

0:29:300:29:32

So we might have to think about where you might have a home office.

0:29:320:29:35

Let's go outside and have a look at the gardens

0:29:350:29:37

cos that was important to you.

0:29:370:29:38

I know you've got this idea of cows and sheep grazing.

0:29:380:29:42

-Some space. Ducks.

-Oh, you want ducks now as well? Oh, good.

0:29:420:29:45

They don't seem too fazed by the number of bedrooms.

0:29:450:29:49

Outside there's definitely no compromise on space, where there's

0:29:490:29:52

almost an acre of land for Cora and their future dog to play in.

0:29:520:29:56

So, outside space. We've got this garden here...

0:29:570:30:02

-Yeah.

-And the other side of that post and rail...

0:30:020:30:05

-OK.

-That's yours as well. So, enough outside space?

0:30:050:30:10

Definitely, this is a good size, manageable garden.

0:30:100:30:14

More than probably what we said this morning.

0:30:140:30:16

Yeah, good, I'm glad you said that.

0:30:160:30:18

You know you said you wanted maybe a fourth bedroom

0:30:180:30:20

for some home office working? We've got this double garage...

0:30:200:30:23

-Yes.

-Mm.

-Maybe you put it there.

0:30:230:30:25

So, knowing all of this,

0:30:250:30:28

how much do you think this property is on the market for?

0:30:280:30:32

-I'm going to take a guess at £625,000?

-OK.

0:30:320:30:37

I think probably slightly higher than that.

0:30:370:30:41

-I will go for 645.

-OK.

0:30:410:30:45

-Well, Kristi, you're good.

-Am I?

-£625,000.

-Wow!

0:30:450:30:50

Below budget at £625,000, this stylish barn conversion features

0:30:520:30:57

a dining room that flows through to a good sized reception room.

0:30:570:31:01

Upstairs there are just three bedrooms, but there is that

0:31:010:31:04

garage which could be converted into an office for Francesco.

0:31:040:31:08

The house is set in almost an acre of land,

0:31:080:31:10

and has open countryside views.

0:31:100:31:13

-So, happy with everything? Seen enough?

-Yes, thank you.

0:31:150:31:19

-Thanks, we've seen it all.

-OK, onto the next house then?

-Great.

0:31:190:31:23

For hundreds of years,

0:31:270:31:28

Dover's iconic white cliffs served as the front line of defence

0:31:280:31:31

against attack from Continental Europe

0:31:310:31:34

just 21 miles away across the Dover Strait.

0:31:340:31:37

At the turn of the last century, a gun battery was built on land

0:31:370:31:41

and cliff overlooking the eastern arm of Dover Harbour

0:31:410:31:44

to protect the port and the country,

0:31:440:31:46

with its powerful guns seeing action during both world wars.

0:31:460:31:50

Today, this historic military site is home to

0:31:510:31:54

the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

0:31:540:31:56

which uses the excellent vantage point here to survey

0:31:560:31:59

the Dover Straight and coastline below.

0:31:590:32:01

The centre's operations manager is Kaimes Beasley

0:32:010:32:04

and I'm here to meet him.

0:32:040:32:06

There were four 9.2 inch guns situated on this site.

0:32:080:32:12

We're stood on one of the emplacements

0:32:120:32:14

where one of the guns was...

0:32:140:32:16

-Just here?

-Indeed, with a concrete apron in front of us.

0:32:160:32:19

-What was the range?

-Oh, gosh. Easily across the Channel.

0:32:190:32:24

The artillery and war ships may be gone,

0:32:240:32:26

but the Dover Straight still sees a lot of action.

0:32:260:32:29

It's one of the busiest international seaways in

0:32:290:32:31

the world used by more than 400 commercial vessels each day.

0:32:310:32:36

Every year over a billion tons of cargo passes through here

0:32:360:32:39

and part of the centre's job is to monitor it all.

0:32:390:32:42

Just looking out there now, it's dotted.

0:32:420:32:44

It looks like a giant-sized game of Battleship.

0:32:440:32:47

It must be terribly complicated to keep your eye on

0:32:470:32:50

what's going on there.

0:32:500:32:51

That's part of the function we're performing here.

0:32:510:32:54

We're making sure that vessels are observing what they're suppose to be doing.

0:32:540:32:57

The centre, opened here in 1979, is part of Her Majesty's Coastguard

0:32:570:33:01

and is one of 16 centres dotted around the UK shores.

0:33:010:33:05

Its staff provide a 24-hour service to mariners and coast users.

0:33:050:33:09

By employing a combination of radar surveillance systems,

0:33:090:33:13

satellite date and nautical charts,

0:33:130:33:15

the team work to prevent loss of life on the coast or at sea.

0:33:150:33:19

When you see this chart in front of you,

0:33:190:33:22

there's only a small bit of water.

0:33:220:33:24

-Are you controlling these ships, telling them where to go?

-No.

0:33:240:33:27

We are monitoring the vessel traffic to ensure that they comply with

0:33:270:33:30

the international regulations for preventing collisions at sea.

0:33:300:33:33

It's the rules of the road. It's the rules that the mariners will be

0:33:330:33:36

applying as they are navigating in their ships.

0:33:360:33:38

So, you've got a rogue ship somewhere here

0:33:380:33:40

and you've got all this traffic going to and fro.

0:33:400:33:42

Yes, that's correct.

0:33:420:33:43

We need to make sure all the other vessels that may possibly interact

0:33:430:33:46

with that vessel are aware to expect something out of the ordinary.

0:33:460:33:51

As well as monitoring the huge flow of traffic that passes through the Strait,

0:33:510:33:54

the centre responds to more than 1,500 distress calls a year.

0:33:540:33:59

Kaimes, thanks to you,

0:33:590:34:00

and everybody here at Her Majesty's Coastguard for letting us in.

0:34:000:34:04

I have seen a large pair of binoculars over there which

0:34:040:34:06

I wouldn't mind having a quick look through, would that be all right?

0:34:060:34:09

-By all means.

-Thanks again.

-Thank you.

0:34:090:34:11

It's certainly been inspiring to witness the vital work this

0:34:110:34:14

dedicated team does to protect the vessels and people around this

0:34:140:34:18

world famous coastline and incredibly busy stretch of water.

0:34:180:34:22

Our search continues an hour's drive east, to the pretty village

0:34:240:34:28

of St Nicholas-at-Wade, less than three miles from the Thanet Coast.

0:34:280:34:31

Our second offering is right in the heart of the village.

0:34:310:34:34

-Now then, I know you like barn conversions.

-Yes, we do.

-Yes.

0:34:370:34:42

And this is a beautiful one.

0:34:420:34:44

-The garden seems to be a little bit small.

-That...

0:34:440:34:48

is the only issue you're going to find with this house.

0:34:480:34:50

I've only shown you one property, so I don't know everything

0:34:500:34:53

about you, but I think you're going to love this house, I really do.

0:34:530:34:57

At the moment...a balancing act - the garden brings us down here.

0:34:570:35:01

Prepare to be catapulted like a trebuchet once you get inside.

0:35:010:35:05

-Great!

-OK, let's go.

0:35:050:35:08

The property, which was converted around five years ago,

0:35:080:35:11

was originally a threshing barn and dates back to the 16th century.

0:35:110:35:15

So...

0:35:170:35:18

-Open-plan. It's very much open-plan.

-Yeah, beautiful.

0:35:190:35:23

-Yeah, really beautiful.

-Yeah, I really like it.

0:35:230:35:25

This is probably what we wanted in terms of open space.

0:35:250:35:28

-It's like a loft, right?

-Yeah.

-Look at the kitchen, though.

0:35:280:35:32

-Let's take a closer look.

-Yes.

-It's a good size, isn't it?

0:35:320:35:36

-Yeah, it's a great size.

-Great size.

-Yeah, beautiful.

0:35:360:35:39

-I like the island in the middle as well.

-There's lots of storage there.

0:35:390:35:42

This is a chef's kitchen, isn't it?

0:35:420:35:44

All your other white goods are all hidden

0:35:440:35:47

-because you've got a utility there.

-Oh, OK.

-OK.

0:35:470:35:50

And just next door you've also got a downstairs loo and

0:35:500:35:52

-a lovely walk-in shower as well.

-Oh, wow.

0:35:520:35:56

So, this is where I want you to tell me

0:35:560:35:57

how you're going to start configuring this house, because

0:35:570:36:00

they've laid this out as a dining area, initially, there.

0:36:000:36:03

But the current owner said, "Well, they've got a living room there,

0:36:030:36:06

"another dining room next door, and in the next bay

0:36:060:36:08

"they've got like a home office."

0:36:080:36:10

And that's before we've even got to the living room!

0:36:100:36:13

-So...

-Yeah, probably we would change the layout. We don't need so many...

0:36:130:36:17

-I don't think I would dine there. No.

-No.

0:36:170:36:20

Well, let's keep looking at the house

0:36:200:36:21

and we'll discuss the more macro rationale later on, shall we?

0:36:210:36:25

-Living room, the far end.

-Perfect.

-Great.

0:36:250:36:29

This is the dedicated living room.

0:36:310:36:33

The double doors open - it still feels open-plan,

0:36:330:36:36

but you can shut them and have a bit more privacy in here.

0:36:360:36:39

I like it.

0:36:390:36:41

I think it's probably bigger than what

0:36:410:36:43

we thought at the beginning, right?

0:36:430:36:44

-Yeah.

-Even from outside it doesn't look like so big.

0:36:440:36:47

At the end we've got one set of stairs going up.

0:36:470:36:51

You've got a double bedroom, which could also be an office,

0:36:510:36:54

if you didn't have enough space down here, which is also en suite.

0:36:540:36:57

It's a great place for guests to stay.

0:36:570:37:00

-We'll go up the main stairs to the main bedrooms, OK?

-OK.

-OK.

0:37:000:37:04

Also on the ground floor, there is a separate room that could be

0:37:060:37:09

used as Francesco's office or perhaps a play room for Cora.

0:37:090:37:13

There's over 4,000 square feet of internal space, featuring

0:37:130:37:17

an impressive vaulted ceiling that makes use of many of the original

0:37:170:37:21

timbers and has reinforced glass balustrades to maximise the light.

0:37:210:37:25

Upstairs there is a large and stylish family bathroom

0:37:250:37:28

and five double bedrooms,

0:37:280:37:30

including the one accessed by the spiral staircase we saw earlier.

0:37:300:37:34

We are going to take a look at the impressive master suite.

0:37:340:37:38

-So...loads of space up here, as you can see.

-Yeah, it's very light.

0:37:380:37:42

-Enough space for a sofa!

-Wow.

-Check out this master suite.

0:37:420:37:47

-Wow!

-This is fantastic. Wow!

-Wow!

0:37:470:37:50

-Yeah!

-This is the size of our apartment right now.

0:37:500:37:54

Wow.

0:37:540:37:55

-It's enormous!

-Wow!

-It's beautiful. Yeah, it's fantastic.

0:37:550:38:00

-You've got an en suite, of course.

-That's beautiful.

0:38:000:38:03

More than what we expected.

0:38:030:38:05

-We need to understand how to manage all of this property.

-Mm-hm.

0:38:050:38:09

-If we can afford it.

-Yeah, if it's in the budget..

0:38:090:38:12

That is a question you have to ask yourselves.

0:38:120:38:15

-So, let's go back outside and do just that right now.

-OK.

0:38:150:38:17

OK, perfect.

0:38:170:38:18

I did feel pretty confident they'd love the inside of this place.

0:38:200:38:24

It's just the question of whether the outside offers them enough room.

0:38:240:38:28

There is plenty of parking space, though,

0:38:280:38:30

and a decent-sized garage that can be accessed from the kitchen.

0:38:300:38:34

-So, back from where we started, let's revisit this garden.

-OK.

0:38:340:38:40

You've got that little bit round the gable end, if you like.

0:38:400:38:44

-What do you think?

-You know what? It's growing on me.

0:38:440:38:48

It's not so bad after all.

0:38:480:38:50

I think we can compromise.

0:38:500:38:52

-After viewing that house, yeah, garden, not so much.

-Funny, isn't it?

0:38:520:38:58

So, how much do you think this property is on the market for?

0:38:580:39:02

I think it's well beyond the budget,

0:39:020:39:06

and I'm thinking it's...£735,000?

0:39:060:39:10

-OK.

-Yes, I think it's over budget at probably...

0:39:100:39:15

-maybe less than Kristi said. 710?

-Right.

0:39:150:39:21

Well...this house is on the market for offers of around £625,000.

0:39:210:39:26

-Oh, my God!

-Wow! Oh, really?

-Really?

0:39:260:39:31

-Yup.

-You're not joking?

-Nope.

-Wow!

0:39:310:39:33

-And it hasn't been grabbed yet?

-Not yet.

0:39:330:39:36

It had a sale and fell through at the last minute,

0:39:360:39:38

-but it's for sale, it's here to be bought.

-Oh, my gosh.

0:39:380:39:42

This attractive barn conversion is below budget at £625,000

0:39:420:39:48

and its open-plan ground floor

0:39:480:39:50

offers plenty of flexible living space.

0:39:500:39:53

Upstairs there are five bedrooms including a spacious master suite.

0:39:530:39:57

Outside there is an enclosed garden.

0:39:570:39:59

And just a two-minute walk away is a highly sought after primary school.

0:39:590:40:03

So, lot of it, isn't there?

0:40:050:40:07

It's a huge house, it's a beautiful house.

0:40:070:40:10

-Is it too big?

-No, it is not.

-No.

0:40:100:40:12

-I think it's just the right size.

-I knew that.

0:40:120:40:14

You don't know this area particularly well,

0:40:140:40:17

so I suggest on the way back we go around some of the villages

0:40:170:40:20

-just to get to know the area.

-Yes, definitely.

-Thank you.

0:40:200:40:23

So, fair to say they liked it.

0:40:270:40:28

Yes, I think you could say that, I mean, to be honest,

0:40:280:40:30

I had half a mind to take them straight

0:40:300:40:32

to the estate agents, so they could put an offer in, but of course,

0:40:320:40:35

we still had the mystery house to show them,

0:40:350:40:37

and as you're about to see later, I had something brewing for that.

0:40:370:40:40

Can't wait to see, but, meanwhile, Andrew

0:40:400:40:43

and Janine in Kent with £600,000 to spend,

0:40:430:40:45

now, their story was developing into one of two very distinct halves.

0:40:450:40:49

She loved number one, the white, weatherboard,

0:40:490:40:52

classic bit of Kent architecture.

0:40:520:40:54

He loved our barn conversion, but, it's all about agreement, isn't it?

0:40:540:40:58

So, true to form, our mystery house was a little bit different

0:40:580:41:02

and I would say, somewhat...

0:41:020:41:04

-Quirky?

-Yes, quirky.

0:41:040:41:05

-JULES:

-Our final stop on our house search takes us

0:41:080:41:11

11 miles south to Charing in the district of Ashford.

0:41:110:41:14

And not far from the village centre, our final offering.

0:41:140:41:20

That is our mystery house.

0:41:200:41:22

Now, you don't get all of it, I'm afraid.

0:41:220:41:26

You get that timber-framed chunk right there in front of us.

0:41:260:41:30

-So, what do we think of it?

-I like it.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

0:41:300:41:35

Not what I was expecting at all...

0:41:350:41:37

but so far I think it's really interesting.

0:41:370:41:39

You seem more engaged with this one than our property two, which he

0:41:390:41:42

-really likes.

-Yes.

0:41:420:41:43

For me, on the outside I prefer the look of this.

0:41:430:41:47

The real selling point with this one is Charing. 40 minutes!

0:41:470:41:50

-40 minutes into London.

-Fab.

0:41:500:41:52

-It's the closest commute we could find you.

-Yeah, great.

0:41:520:41:56

-I want to get inside and have a look.

-Come and have a look.

0:41:560:41:59

Our Grade II mystery property was once part of a larger

0:42:000:42:03

15th century hall house, and is thought to have been once a rectory.

0:42:030:42:08

But it's what's hidden behind that makes this a mystery.

0:42:080:42:10

There isn't a conventional garden as such,

0:42:100:42:12

but a large freshwater lake that used to serve a nearby water mill.

0:42:120:42:16

JANINE LAUGHS

0:42:170:42:19

-Oh, wow!

-Come in.

0:42:190:42:21

Oh, wow!

0:42:210:42:22

Knowing you have this thing about beams, we thought this would work.

0:42:220:42:27

-What a beautiful room.

-It's stunning, absolutely stunning.

0:42:270:42:29

-It's very different, isn't it?

-Oh, yeah.

0:42:290:42:31

It's the best room I've seen in the three houses you've shown me.

0:42:310:42:35

-Really?!

-Really.

-Why, though?

0:42:350:42:38

The almost square shape of this room, with the ceiling height,

0:42:380:42:42

with these fantastic beams and a fireplace, just...

0:42:420:42:46

and they've still got an oak floor.

0:42:460:42:47

Lots going on in here but it all works.

0:42:470:42:50

-Would you feel cosy in here, then?

-Absolutely.

-Good.

0:42:500:42:53

Well, let's go through to the next bit which hopefully will

0:42:530:42:56

please you as much.

0:42:560:42:57

-What do we think of the dining room?

-Gosh, what a lovely space.

0:43:010:43:04

-Really light. And the beams are OK.

-The beams are OK? And very high.

0:43:040:43:09

Yeah. But it's a beautiful room.

0:43:090:43:11

The light streaming in here. What a lovely room.

0:43:110:43:13

Now, we don't really have a kitchen/diner as such

0:43:130:43:16

so you'd have to think about how this would work

0:43:160:43:18

with the kitchen that's through there.

0:43:180:43:20

-But the kitchen isn't small. Have a look at it.

-OK.

0:43:200:43:22

Do you see what I mean? It's not tiny but...

0:43:240:43:28

A surprise actually,

0:43:300:43:32

-because I'd only thought of half the size of it.

-Yeah.

0:43:320:43:35

-It's actually quite a nice kitchen space.

-You're not so sure.

0:43:350:43:40

No. I think from the proportions of the other two rooms,

0:43:400:43:43

I expected this to be bigger.

0:43:430:43:46

It's a workable space but not quite what I had in mind.

0:43:460:43:49

Let's see what you think of upstairs

0:43:490:43:51

because there is plenty of space up there.

0:43:510:43:53

On the next floor, there's a generous landing currently

0:43:550:43:58

being used as a study.

0:43:580:43:59

There's also a luxurious family bathroom and three bedrooms.

0:43:590:44:03

Two are good-sized doubles and one's a single

0:44:030:44:06

and they all have beautiful leaded windows.

0:44:060:44:09

On the very top floor, taking up the entire roof space, is

0:44:090:44:12

an impressive bedroom suite.

0:44:120:44:14

Now this is what I think is your master bedroom.

0:44:160:44:19

We're right at the top floor. It's got a lovely shape to it, actually.

0:44:190:44:24

Very generous en suite through there and a dressing room beyond.

0:44:240:44:28

-Very nice.

-So you get your own floor.

-Excellent.

0:44:280:44:32

-Unusual. Didn't expect to have this space.

-It's a lovely space.

-Yeah.

0:44:320:44:36

-Quirky, I think is probably right.

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Would you agree?

-Yes.

0:44:360:44:40

-Definitely.

-But it may be you.

-Certainly challenging my thinking.

0:44:400:44:45

-Interesting.

-Absolutely.

0:44:450:44:46

The garden area is certainly going to challenge your thinking

0:44:460:44:49

because this is very different to almost any other property

0:44:490:44:52

I've ever shown on this programme. You'll see what I mean.

0:44:520:44:55

Come and have a look at this lot.

0:44:550:44:57

The outside space is mainly comprised of a cleverly

0:44:590:45:01

designed decked area that wraps around the end of the lake.

0:45:010:45:05

It includes some attractive planting,

0:45:050:45:07

a vegetable garden with raised beds,

0:45:070:45:10

a storage shed, a summerhouse and its own private mooring.

0:45:100:45:14

-But look at this.

-Wow!

-It's a garden like no other, really.

0:45:160:45:21

-What an interesting space.

-Er, yes.

0:45:210:45:24

You kind of get the terminus end of this moat and you get this,

0:45:240:45:28

well, decking complex, shall we say?

0:45:280:45:32

So, it's a very different kind of set-up.

0:45:320:45:35

Completely out of anything I'd have ever thought of

0:45:350:45:38

but actually totally charming.

0:45:380:45:40

I suspect your instincts wouldn't have brought you here, ordinarily.

0:45:400:45:43

-No. Certainly challenged us.

-Really challenged us.

0:45:430:45:48

Well, is the price going to be a challenge, I wonder?

0:45:480:45:52

Go on, then, Sir, take it away.

0:45:520:45:54

-610.

-610?

0:45:540:45:57

I think, because of location, where we are, slightly higher than that,

0:45:570:46:00

-so I'm going to go 615?

-615?

0:46:000:46:04

-It is £575,000...

-Really?

-..for our mystery house.

0:46:040:46:09

-Cheapest of the three.

-It is indeed.

-That's a real surprise.

-It is.

0:46:090:46:12

A real surprise.

0:46:120:46:14

It's the cheapest of the three, it's the quirkiest of the three.

0:46:140:46:17

And in terms of location, for you, I think it's the best of the three.

0:46:170:46:20

Absolutely. It's an hour.

0:46:200:46:23

Total calculation, if I get my timings right,

0:46:230:46:25

an hour door-to-door to work. You can't put a price on that.

0:46:250:46:28

Below budget at £575,000, this rare 15th century home has

0:46:300:46:36

a sitting room packed with wonderful period features,

0:46:360:46:39

an impressive high ceilinged dining room and four bedrooms,

0:46:390:46:43

including a top floor master suite.

0:46:430:46:45

Outside, there's a extraordinary lakeside garden

0:46:450:46:48

and it's all within

0:46:480:46:49

easy commuting distance of London.

0:46:490:46:52

How are we doing?

0:46:520:46:54

-Just admiring the view.

-Anybody been for a paddle yet?

0:46:540:46:56

-Got your feet wet?

-Yeah...no.

0:46:560:46:59

I think this is a really interesting contender.

0:46:590:47:01

I think it means we've given you three very viable options

0:47:010:47:04

but I suspect there is a debate as to which are the favoured.

0:47:040:47:09

-Indeed.

-As there would be with you two.

0:47:090:47:11

Right then, let's go think about it. Come on.

0:47:110:47:13

Well.

0:47:180:47:20

-Hello. How are you two?

-Yes.

0:47:200:47:23

I gather that the planets may have lined up in your universe

0:47:230:47:28

and there may be some form of agreement on one of our properties?

0:47:280:47:31

Is this true?

0:47:310:47:33

The mystery house, for both of us, really took our breath away.

0:47:330:47:36

It wasn't what we expected at all.

0:47:360:47:39

A few challenges in terms of how we'd use the space.

0:47:390:47:42

The garden area for Francesca, how's she going to play?

0:47:420:47:45

How would we rejig the decked area to make it work for us as a family?

0:47:450:47:49

But I think, actually, that for us for now is the house we will go for.

0:47:490:47:55

-Really? So we have agreement on the mystery house?

-Yeah.

0:47:550:47:57

As we walked around the mystery house...independently there was

0:47:570:48:01

a meeting of minds which said, "This house really does it for everybody."

0:48:010:48:05

And its location, I suppose, was the thing that really twisted your arms?

0:48:050:48:10

Charing and its commutability and the facilities in the community

0:48:100:48:14

it provides for you on your doorstep makes it very, very amenable.

0:48:140:48:18

Definitely. I think the whole reason for this move

0:48:180:48:21

is because of Andrew and Francesca

0:48:210:48:23

and the time they have is going back to actually, "Why are we moving?"

0:48:230:48:28

As much as some of the houses are pretty,

0:48:280:48:30

picture perfect houses, actually

0:48:300:48:32

we need to get down to the reason for the move with Francesca -

0:48:320:48:36

that driver has to be the commute, which is why the mystery house.

0:48:360:48:40

-So, what happens next?

-I think for us we don't know the area that well.

0:48:400:48:43

It's not an area we had looked at on our search,

0:48:430:48:45

so I think it's a case of going back round,

0:48:450:48:48

taking Francesca back, just so she can have

0:48:480:48:51

a little run around the house, to see practically what it's

0:48:510:48:53

like with a little baby in the house and then we'll go from there.

0:48:530:48:56

Brilliant, guys. Well, very best of luck. It has been a really fun week.

0:48:560:49:00

You're going to go back for a second look

0:49:000:49:02

but if it doesn't work, there's always the barn conversion.

0:49:020:49:04

Indeed. And plenty to think on, so, thanks, guys. It's been really good.

0:49:040:49:08

-It has challenged and made us think absolutely what we want.

-Brilliant.

0:49:080:49:14

Our pleasure.

0:49:140:49:15

You pulled it together with the mystery house, what a place.

0:49:190:49:21

I must say, I've always had aspirations of owning my own moat.

0:49:210:49:24

It was quite a water feature, it has to be said,

0:49:240:49:27

but I'm just delighted that we managed to find them

0:49:270:49:29

-a property that at long last, they could agree on.

-All sorted?

0:49:290:49:32

I'd like to think so. No pressure, mate.

0:49:320:49:34

Don't worry about that. Let's not forget,

0:49:340:49:36

our couple, Kristi and Francesco,

0:49:360:49:39

they had a really healthy budget of £650,000. But then, they wanted a lot for that money.

0:49:390:49:44

But never one to shirk a challenge,

0:49:440:49:46

here's what we had lined up.

0:49:460:49:48

The final stop on our search is 45 miles west to the village of Higham

0:49:480:49:52

which borders the Hoo Peninsula.

0:49:520:49:55

The Mystery House is just moments from the centre of the village.

0:49:550:49:59

Our couple did say they were partial to conversions,

0:49:590:50:01

so we've found them another, this time a converted oast house.

0:50:010:50:05

So, the Mystery House, do you like it?

0:50:070:50:11

Yeah, I really like it. I love the brick, I love the windows.

0:50:110:50:15

-It's very spacious outside, very green.

-The garden is wonderful.

0:50:160:50:20

Let's see what you think of it, shall we?

0:50:200:50:22

-Great.

-Thank you.

0:50:220:50:23

This home dates back to the early 1900s

0:50:250:50:27

and up until 12 years ago it was still a fully functioning oast house.

0:50:270:50:31

Let's start off with Francesco's room.

0:50:340:50:37

FRANCESCO LAUGHS Yeah, the kitchen.

0:50:370:50:39

-Very nice kitchen.

-I like it.

-Very big.

0:50:390:50:43

There's a utility room just through there,

0:50:430:50:45

so a lot of the white goods out of the way.

0:50:450:50:47

-But it's a decent-sized dining kitchen.

-Yes, it is.

0:50:470:50:50

If we compare this with the second property yesterday afternoon,

0:50:500:50:53

I was going "wows" everywhere.

0:50:530:50:56

I think the only issue with this kitchen is that it does seem

0:50:560:50:59

a little bit of isolation, right?

0:50:590:51:02

-From the rest of the house?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

0:51:020:51:04

The reason we've chosen this is it looks a bit different,

0:51:040:51:08

but it isn't that open-plan that you said you wanted.

0:51:080:51:11

But whilst we also thought that you might be challenged at that end,

0:51:110:51:14

the rooms were of a decent size anyway.

0:51:140:51:16

-So, it's something to get your head around.

-Yeah.

0:51:160:51:19

-Let's go and have a look around the reception rooms.

-Perfect.

0:51:190:51:22

Not an overwhelming response to the inside of the property so far.

0:51:230:51:28

Let's see what they make of the rest.

0:51:280:51:30

As well as the kitchen, the ground floor includes a family room

0:51:300:51:33

that is being used as a home cinema.

0:51:330:51:35

There's also a cloakroom and making use of the rather wide hall,

0:51:350:51:38

the current owners have created a compact office space.

0:51:380:51:41

The end of the hall leads into two large reception rooms,

0:51:410:51:44

one is a dining room and the other is a living room.

0:51:440:51:47

It's a good size. It's got lots of light.

0:51:480:51:51

We are now in the oast house, those tall structures.

0:51:510:51:55

It's not the open space we were thinking of,

0:51:550:51:58

but there are some compromise.

0:51:580:52:00

Every house you look at, it might not be for you,

0:52:000:52:03

but it will help you make your mind up about a couple of things that you see.

0:52:030:52:07

-It is true.

-Let's go upstairs and have a look at some of the bedrooms.

0:52:070:52:10

OK.

0:52:100:52:12

It's clear that the lay out of the properties they saw yesterday

0:52:130:52:17

is much more to their style.

0:52:170:52:19

Upstairs there are two bathrooms, one with a shower

0:52:190:52:21

and one with a bath.

0:52:210:52:23

There are also five bedrooms, two of those are singles

0:52:230:52:27

and two good size doubles.

0:52:270:52:30

The fifth bedroom is a master suite.

0:52:300:52:32

Aw, it's very pretty.

0:52:320:52:35

I really love the flooring. Wow.

0:52:350:52:38

This is a beautiful room.

0:52:380:52:40

It's a huge room.

0:52:400:52:42

It's a big house.

0:52:420:52:44

You've got this big double room,

0:52:440:52:45

then you've got a dressing area going into an en suite bath.

0:52:450:52:50

-You've got a walk-in wardrobe behind this mirror as well.

-Wow.

0:52:500:52:53

-I think it's better upstairs than downstairs.

-Loads of space here.

0:52:530:52:58

This is your suite if you like, but you're moving here with Cora,

0:52:580:53:02

so let's have a look at her bedroom. I've decorated it for her.

0:53:020:53:05

Come up these steps, we're going to the top of those oast houses.

0:53:130:53:17

-You see the shape now, can't you?

-Yeah, I like this shape.

0:53:170:53:21

I love the ceiling height

0:53:210:53:22

and this is a really sweet little room for a girl.

0:53:220:53:26

It's a bigger house than we thought.

0:53:260:53:29

-Let's go outside and have a look at that land.

-OK.

0:53:290:53:32

This house might not have open-plan appeal, but it does have space.

0:53:350:53:39

Outside, there's almost an acre of land that includes a

0:53:390:53:42

double garage with extra parking

0:53:420:53:44

and a summer house that could be used as an office for Francesco.

0:53:440:53:48

Plus, there's even a playground for Cora.

0:53:480:53:51

You get a good parcel of land with this house, don't you?

0:53:550:53:57

Yeah, it's a great size.

0:53:570:53:59

And you're very own walnut tree, apparently.

0:53:590:54:02

-OK.

-Yeah.

0:54:020:54:04

How much do you think this house is on the market for?

0:54:040:54:07

I think it's pretty much right on budget. I'm going to say £649,995.

0:54:070:54:15

OK.

0:54:150:54:16

I think I'm going a little bit higher than that.

0:54:160:54:19

Probably 660.

0:54:190:54:21

Well, in a way you're both right.

0:54:230:54:25

You're probably nearest because the asking price is offers above £650,000.

0:54:250:54:32

So, you're both in the ball park.

0:54:320:54:33

On budget at £650,000,

0:54:330:54:36

this recently converted oast house has plenty of space.

0:54:360:54:40

There are three reception rooms, two bathrooms

0:54:400:54:43

and five bedrooms including a master suite.

0:54:430:54:46

It's set in almost an acre of land

0:54:460:54:47

that comes with a converted summer house

0:54:470:54:50

and the location has excellent transport links to London.

0:54:500:54:54

-So, all done?

-All done.

0:54:570:54:59

I can tell you that walnut tree will be bearing fruit well

0:54:590:55:02

this Christmas - there's loads of them there.

0:55:020:55:04

Whether or not you'll be picking them, we'll find out.

0:55:040:55:07

Let's go for a chat.

0:55:070:55:08

-No coffee for me, then?

-No coffee for you today.

0:55:160:55:19

Let's see if I deserved this coffee, then.

0:55:190:55:22

I'm asking almost knowingly, but what is your favourite house?

0:55:220:55:25

-It's number two.

-Definitely.

0:55:250:55:28

-Can you put it down to one thing?

-We saw it and immediately went, "wow".

0:55:280:55:33

-You did, didn't you?

-Yeah.

0:55:330:55:34

You just enter it and it's so grand and it's so spacious

0:55:340:55:38

and it's below budget.

0:55:380:55:40

Yeah, that's just the asking price.

0:55:400:55:42

For me it's the dream home.

0:55:420:55:44

-Dream home.

-The inside for sure.

0:55:440:55:48

Well, that's the thing, the garden.

0:55:480:55:51

You know what? Not so bad in the end. When you have that house, yeah.

0:55:510:55:55

Limited garden space is fine.

0:55:550:55:58

We can compromise with it.

0:55:580:56:00

It is our dream house and then we can make it work outside.

0:56:000:56:05

So, I think we can work with it.

0:56:050:56:08

So, if you can make it work, what's your next step?

0:56:080:56:13

Well, today we're going to see a little bit

0:56:130:56:16

more of the areas around the house.

0:56:160:56:18

-This afternoon?

-Yes, right away.

0:56:180:56:20

-Drive by the area, see a couple of the villages.

-Great idea.

0:56:200:56:24

We need to sell our house and then if everything goes well,

0:56:240:56:29

we move forward with an offer.

0:56:290:56:31

We're prepared to make that offer on it.

0:56:310:56:34

So, fingers crossed your house in London sells and then let us know...

0:56:340:56:38

..when you move in. I'm going to go with when.

0:56:390:56:42

-Yeah, we will.

-Good luck.

-Thank you so much.

-Thanks a lot.

0:56:420:56:46

That was a pretty remarkable mystery house,

0:56:490:56:52

but it was always going to struggle against the barn conversion.

0:56:520:56:55

I was worried, actually, when Kristi and Francesco gave me

0:56:550:56:58

their wish list, if you like, bearing in mind,

0:56:580:57:00

they were looking in Kent, I wasn't sure we would find everything.

0:57:000:57:03

But after being so impressed by the barn conversion, the size and the style,

0:57:030:57:08

I think they are more than happy to bend on the size of the garden.

0:57:080:57:12

But to me, one of the key things there is attitude.

0:57:120:57:14

Having the right attitude, knowing how to look at a property,

0:57:140:57:17

I think, is just as important if not more so,

0:57:170:57:20

than knowing what it is you're looking for.

0:57:200:57:22

We talk about it all the time, don't we?

0:57:220:57:24

It's compromise, whether, like your couple, Janine and Andrew,

0:57:240:57:28

compromised between themselves or maybe like Francesco

0:57:280:57:31

and Kristi, compromise on exactly what they're looking for.

0:57:310:57:35

Let's face it, when you're buying this new family home

0:57:350:57:38

in the countryside, house-hunting is never really plane sailing, is it?

0:57:380:57:42

It's a massive undertaking,

0:57:420:57:44

but the only way through it that I can see is that you have to take

0:57:440:57:47

each property on its own merits and you WILL find what you're looking for.

0:57:470:57:51

-Maybe we did.

-Fingers crossed. Well, that's it for today,

0:57:510:57:55

-but do join us again on Escape To The Country.

-Bye-bye.

0:57:550:58:00

Kristi and Francesca did put an offer in on house number two

0:58:000:58:03

which was accepted and they hope to move in the next month.

0:58:030:58:07

And Andrew and Janine are still trying to sell their current home.

0:58:070:58:11

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0:58:110:58:13

in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England or even further

0:58:130:58:16

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