0:00:02 > 0:00:04This country house was once home to a pioneering 19th-century
0:00:04 > 0:00:09social reformer whose face now lines our 21st-century purses and wallets.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Find out who she was and where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Today, our house-hunting couple is taking early retirement
0:00:31 > 0:00:34so they can live out their rural idyll.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37I can't believe this. It's huge.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40And our properties never fail to deliver.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45It's not like a bathroom that we've seen before, is it?
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- And a view out the window, as well. - It's a room with a bath, it's lovely.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today, I'm in Norfolk and behind me is Earlham Hall,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57childhood home to Elizabeth Fry
0:00:57 > 0:01:00whose face may look strangely familiar.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Born to a Quaker family back in 1780,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06she was a social reformist and philanthropist
0:01:06 > 0:01:10and her face now appears on the back of our £5 notes.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Fry dedicated her life to helping those in need, and though
0:01:13 > 0:01:16she's probably best remembered for improving the lives of women
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and children in prisons, she also campaigned for mental asylum reform,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23enhanced nursing standards as well as better housing for the poor.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26Her legacy continues to echo today
0:01:26 > 0:01:30and many of her reforms underpin 21st-century society.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34A truly influential woman and one of this wonderful county's most famous
0:01:34 > 0:01:35and determined daughters.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Norfolk sits on England's east coast and is bordered by the North Sea
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and The Wash along its shoreline
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk inland.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50The county's known for its arresting flat countryside
0:01:50 > 0:01:53with crop-rich fields overlooked by tall church towers
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and endless views often scattered with vibrant red poppies.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00And the winding waterways of the Norfolk broads
0:02:00 > 0:02:03flanked by lush green reeds and open plains,
0:02:03 > 0:02:07have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11The region is home to a variety of pretty seaside towns like Cromer
0:02:11 > 0:02:14and has a wealth of beautiful sandy beaches
0:02:14 > 0:02:17overlooked by rugged coastlines.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19All of these charming characteristics
0:02:19 > 0:02:23see an estimated 30 million tourists flocking to Norfolk each year
0:02:23 > 0:02:25but it also holds an alluring appeal
0:02:25 > 0:02:28to those wanting to call this county home.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31So let's find out from today's buyers what's inspiring them
0:02:31 > 0:02:35to make Norfolk the base for their future move.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Aerospace engineer Mark and his wife Steve
0:02:37 > 0:02:40have lived in this detached house in Luton in Bedfordshire
0:02:40 > 0:02:44for 29 years. They met at a party when they were just 17.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47- I fell over you, I think, didn't I? - You did and I fell over you.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50Apparently I fell over on the floor. I'd had slightly too much to drink.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Then I don't know if you said or I said we should stick together
0:02:53 > 0:02:56in case we break something.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59And then it was love!
0:03:01 > 0:03:05And with Mark taking early retirement in just two months' time,
0:03:05 > 0:03:07they've decided to up sticks and move to Norfolk,
0:03:07 > 0:03:10somewhere very close to their hearts.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16We've done phases of our life and this is a new phase in retiring
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and it gives us a new challenge and something to look forward to.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23We like the area that we want to buy a house in
0:03:23 > 0:03:27and we've spent lots of holidays and lots of time there.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Engineering is in Mark's blood and at home his garage is shelter
0:03:31 > 0:03:34to his pride and joy which will be joining them in their move
0:03:34 > 0:03:36and will also need a new home.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40The car that I've got is, I had one when I was a kid,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42it brings back my youth.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45It's probably better than when it came out the factory
0:03:45 > 0:03:48so I need a decent dry garage to keep it in.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Steve and Mark are also passionate about their grandchildren,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53whom they're extremely close to.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57We see them pretty regularly, which is going to be the difference
0:03:57 > 0:04:01between moving from here to moving away.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04So one reason why we need a four-bedroom house when we move
0:04:04 > 0:04:07is so that we can still accommodate them.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Steve makes sure that all the precious moments with her family
0:04:10 > 0:04:14are documented each year, never to be forgotten.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Photography's my love.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20I do photography a lot, and after, taking the pictures,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24I do an annual photographic diary.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28So this year's one hopefully will show goodbye to the house
0:04:28 > 0:04:31where we lived in and hello to a new one.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35And with funds in the bank and Mark's retirement on the horizon,
0:04:35 > 0:04:36this busy couple are ready to celebrate
0:04:36 > 0:04:39their 40th wedding anniversary in Norfolk.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42It's going to slow me down, that's what I'm looking for,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45just slowing down and relaxing a bit more.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Steve and Mark have lost their hearts to Norfolk
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and are happy to move anywhere in the eastern county,
0:04:52 > 0:04:54if the house is right.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58So far they've spent a year viewing around 60 properties.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01So before we begin our hunt for their new home,
0:05:01 > 0:05:02I'm meeting them in the county
0:05:02 > 0:05:06to get to the bottom of their property desires.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Welcome, both of you, to a... What a simply beautiful Norfolk morning.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12So what's bringing you to this beautiful part of the world?
0:05:12 > 0:05:15Over 30 years ago, we started to come on holiday here
0:05:15 > 0:05:18when our children were small and we fell in love with it.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- How far inland would you like to be? - If we fall in love with the house,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26that will determine where we are and how long the drive is.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29What does this house look like in your mind's eye, then?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31We like light, open and airy.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34The house that we have at the moment is light, open and airy.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Style-wise, do you want character?
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Yes, character, anything. I think when you look at it, you'll know.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- How many bedrooms are we looking at? - Four. En suite if we can.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- Outside space?- For me, as much as I can get, I think.- Yeah.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50If possible, I want to put a workshop on.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51Where do you want this property to be?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Do you want to have amenities nearby or do you want to be out
0:05:54 > 0:05:56in the countryside, something completely different?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The house dictates where we will be.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- I'm quite prepared to be quite remote...- Yes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05..but I think somebody else is not quite so prepared...
0:06:05 > 0:06:06- Yeah.- ..to be remote.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Detached, semidetached? What's your thoughts?
0:06:09 > 0:06:10A detached house, please.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Remind me of how much you're looking to spend.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- We're looking at somewhere between £400,000 and £450,000.- Yeah.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Well, that's a good budget up here in Norfolk but let's face it,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21you've been looking for a long time and not found anywhere yet.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24What parts of your wish list do you think you'd be prepared
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- to compromise on?- I think most of it's open because...
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Yeah.- ..we're willing to compromise anywhere.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31We've got three properties to show you.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35All I ask from you guys is that you voice your opinions
0:06:35 > 0:06:36so we can maybe learn along the way.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- OK.- All right?- Fabulous.- Right. - Vocal is good.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41I don't think I'm going to get that problem from these two.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'm just getting that sense. Listen, let's get started.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45- Come this way.- OK.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Steve and Mark have a healthy budget for this part of the world,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54so I'm confident I'm going to be able to find them what they want
0:06:54 > 0:06:58but only they will know if it's got the right feel.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00They'd like a detached house with four bedrooms
0:07:00 > 0:07:03to put up visiting family and friends, and a large garden
0:07:03 > 0:07:07so their young grandchildren can enjoy the fresh country air.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Mark would love a workshop and a large garage so he can tinker
0:07:10 > 0:07:14with his classic car, and they'd like to be in a rural location
0:07:14 > 0:07:16but not too far from civilisation.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Steve and Mark know Norfolk well,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22but are yet to find their forever home.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25We'll be showing them three very different properties
0:07:25 > 0:07:27and after they've had a good look around
0:07:27 > 0:07:29we'll reveal each one's price.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Their last visit will be to the mystery house.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We'll be taking a bit of a risk, showing them something quite unusual
0:07:35 > 0:07:37and I just hope it pays off.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48We're starting our property search in the northeast corner of Norfolk
0:07:48 > 0:07:51in the village of East Ruston, three miles from the coast
0:07:51 > 0:07:54and a 30-minute car ride from Norwich.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57East Ruston is a small community with a traditional pub
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and a village hall in its centre.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Shops can be found less than three miles away in the village of Stalham
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and it's just a six-minute drive to the coastal village of Happisburgh
0:08:06 > 0:08:08with its beautiful sandy beaches.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12A journey of just under three miles takes us back to East Ruston
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and our first house, a delightful period cottage.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Oh, wow.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- This is a pretty house, isn't it? - It is.- Yes.- Roses over the door.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22It's got the character.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Parts of this house go back 300 years.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28- Good golly.- This used to be thatched. - Ah.- Right.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Now back in about 1901, they took the thatch off...
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Oh, really?- ..and then about 25 years ago,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37they went out the back with that extension.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- It's got a feel.- The right feel? - Yes.- I like it.- Let's go inside.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Steve and Mark have said that they'll just know when they
0:08:44 > 0:08:47find their dream home and things are already looking hopeful.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Fingers crossed the good feeling continues inside.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53The front door leads through the hallway to the dining room,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56which is also brimming with character.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's great, it's got the beams. It's light, there's plenty of light.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00It is light, yes.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04That's the old external wall. It would be very shallow, this house.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Yes.- But thankfully they've managed to push an extension out that way
0:09:07 > 0:09:09which gives us a kitchen.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Right.- Let me show you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It's a cottage kitchen, as far as I can see.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- Is it doable?- It is, yes.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19You've got enough cupboard space down the back.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- And it's light because we've got the...- The skylights.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24..skylights up there.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27'The kitchen is nestled between the dining room and the sitting room,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29'which is where we're headed now.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32'It stretches from the front to the back of the house.'
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It's surprising because you see the room the other side, which is
0:09:35 > 0:09:40quite snug, and this one's got the other dimension
0:09:40 > 0:09:42for adding that extra width on, it's brilliant.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Well, this is triple aspect as well
0:09:44 > 0:09:46so you're getting that nice, light, airy feel, aren't you?
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- And that is beautiful.- You're getting light from all directions.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53'And the period cottage character continues upstairs,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56'where there's a family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00'A double to the back, another to the front
0:10:00 > 0:10:03'and the master which runs the width of the house.'
0:10:03 > 0:10:04It's big and it's light.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It's got two nice windows with a beautiful view.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10There's a couple of things you said you would love to have.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- First of all you said you wanted four bedrooms.- Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15You get three bedrooms and a lovely family bathroom.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- Right.- You can live with three?
0:10:17 > 0:10:20Now, you did say you wanted an en suite, as well.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Tah-dah!- Oh, well, I've got less cupboard space, then.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- Great.- Oh, and a shower. - Yeah.- That's brilliant.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30When I first met Steve and Mark,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33I wasn't sure if they knew what they wanted in their country home,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36but this cottage is coming up trumps on all levels.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Hopefully it'll keep up the good work outside
0:10:38 > 0:10:40in its rather lovely garden
0:10:40 > 0:10:43with stunning views as far as the eye can see.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46This is something else, isn't it?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- It's beautiful.- Gorgeous, isn't it? - It is, it's lovely.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Now, garage-wise, good size garage with power.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- Yeah.- Boarded for storage at the top as well.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Could you live here?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Could we live here?- Yeah. - Yes, I think we could.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- 425.- OK. Mark?
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I was going to say 417.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09This place is on the market for offers around £380,000.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Good golly.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Have you felt like this before in other houses that you've looked at?
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- I was going to have that conversation with Mark and say no.- No.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24This modernised Victorian cottage comes in at a substantial
0:11:24 > 0:11:28£70,000 under Steve and Mark's budget.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30It may not have the four bedrooms they were after,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32but they've fallen in love with its character
0:11:32 > 0:11:34and are happy to compromise.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37It's got a garage for Mark's beloved classic car
0:11:37 > 0:11:41and a pretty garden with stunning views towards the coast.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- So, good start, then? - Very good start.- Yes, it is.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Excellent. On to the next one.- OK.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Half of Norfolk's border runs along beautiful coastline,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55and the seaside town of Cromer on its northeast coast
0:11:55 > 0:11:58is world-famous for its crab.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00I've come to meet Kevin Jonas,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02who has followed in his father's
0:12:02 > 0:12:04footsteps working in the local crab business.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09So, Kevin, how long have people been potting for crabs here in Cromer?
0:12:09 > 0:12:12I think the first records go back to around about 300 years ago.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14What makes Cromer crabs so special, then?
0:12:14 > 0:12:18We generally think that the crabs are smaller around here and
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- they grow more slowly and therefore they are more fully meated...- OK.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24..and they have a much more tender flavour.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Two years ago, the town's largest crab factory shut down,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30leaving a gap in the market
0:12:30 > 0:12:33for supplying Cromer crab to large supermarkets.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Kevin stepped in and opened his own site nine months ago.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41He's hoping to process 200 tonnes of crab in his first year,
0:12:41 > 0:12:45keeping his prize catch on shelves countrywide.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Sounds like things are going well. Now I understand,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52is it your nephew that works within the company as well?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- Yeah, John fishes our own boat, yes. - So he's out at the moment?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- That's correct, yes. - What sort of time does he go out?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00About first light, about 3:30 this morning.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I'm going to go over there and meet him. I'll catch up with you later.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- OK. Cheers. Bye. - Thanks very much, Kevin.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08John became a fisherman straight from school and he's been
0:13:08 > 0:13:12potting for crabs for Kevin's factory for the last seven years.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15He takes the family boat out six days a week,
0:13:15 > 0:13:17travelling two to three miles from shore,
0:13:17 > 0:13:19where he has a string of around
0:13:19 > 0:13:2112 pots lying on the seabed 20 metres down.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Good morning, John. How are you? - I'm fine, thank you, and yourself?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Yeah, pretty good, thanks. How did you get on?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Nearly three boxes of crab and about six lobsters.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Can we have a look? - Yeah, sure, yeah.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37The crabs need to be four and a half inches long
0:13:37 > 0:13:39to be legally taken out of the water.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42Any smaller, and they're put straight back in.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44So point out what makes this fella a good crab.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- When the crab is full of meat... - Yeah.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49..they actually bulge out more.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- Bursting out of its shell...- Yeah.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- There's loads of meat in there.- Yeah, yeah.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55And they take seven years to get to legal length.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57I'm going to meet your uncle back on the beach
0:13:57 > 0:13:59so I'll leave him to you, John.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- Thanks very much.- Thank you. - Good luck.- Cheers.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04'The proof of the pudding is in the tasting
0:14:04 > 0:14:07'and I can't wait to sample this local delicacy.
0:14:07 > 0:14:08'I'm heading back over to Kevin
0:14:08 > 0:14:12'to try some of this little crustacean that has put Cromer
0:14:12 > 0:14:14'firmly on Norfolk's culinary map.'
0:14:14 > 0:14:16How long have they been landed?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19They would have been cooked at our factory yesterday.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20How long do they cook for?
0:14:20 > 0:14:23About 20 minutes for these sort of size crabs.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24This is a fully meated female crab
0:14:24 > 0:14:26but as it's cooked, the meat has expanded
0:14:26 > 0:14:28so it's broken its membrane.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30So this here, this bit has just expanded
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- because of all the meat inside. - That's correct, all the meat inside.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35If I hold up the male crab,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- you can see it's a much narrower apron.- Yeah.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40'The apron is a triangle of shell on the underside of the crab.'
0:14:40 > 0:14:43And also the male has bigger claws and therefore...
0:14:43 > 0:14:45These are much bigger than those, aren't they?
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Yeah, and much more white meat. - Is there is a preference?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Do people say, "Right, can I have a male crab or a female crab?"
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Yes. Some people like, if you like more brown meat,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- sweeter brown meat, that's the female.- Yeah.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57If you like the white meat, they go for the males.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- It's easy to open.- Oh, wow.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Just comes away like that.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03- So you can see all that lovely fresh meat in there.- Yeah.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05And then you put your finger under there
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and take out all the digestive part there.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- OK.- So all that is left in there is then edible, brown meat.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16But what we would then do is we'd take the legs off.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22And take the claws off.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24There's a bit of brown meat in the middle there,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Goes into the bottom there with the rest of it.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Yeah, and that's how you see it, isn't it?
0:15:29 > 0:15:31That's correct, yes.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33So I think I need to try it for myself. Can I?
0:15:33 > 0:15:34- Yeah, absolutely, help yourself.- Right.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Oh, wow, you can tell it's fresh.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43It tastes... It's a really nice thick, tasty meat.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45I'm going to try some of that brown meat as well
0:15:45 > 0:15:48because this is the sweeter stuff, isn't it, the brown meat?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Absolutely, yeah, that's the female crab
0:15:50 > 0:15:53so that'll be slightly more delicate flavour than the male crab.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- That tastes absolutely gorgeous. - Yeah.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57I wish you all the very best of luck.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Thank you so much.- You're welcome.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09For our second house, we're journeying just over 30 miles west
0:16:09 > 0:16:12to the rural village of Whissonsett, five miles south
0:16:12 > 0:16:17of the market town of Fakenham and 23 miles northwest of Norwich.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21In the village, there's little more than a handsome 14th-century church,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23but in nearby Fakenham, there are plenty of
0:16:23 > 0:16:26shops and eateries to choose from.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30A 13-minute drive takes us back to Whissonsett and our second property
0:16:30 > 0:16:34situated in the heart of the village at the end of a stone driveway.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38So, another old house.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Nice brickwork, flint stone on the side.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43You're in the middle of the village, but it's quiet.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46The only things we've heard is two tractors going up and down.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Well, that's not bad, is it? - No.- No.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52This brick-and-flint house dates back to around 1800
0:16:52 > 0:16:54with some later additions.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57It's had extensive renovations and we're starting off our tour
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- in the first of two reception rooms. - Oh, wow.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Quite snug, parquet flooring in here and a wood floor in there.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Yeah, this was added later on. The current owners put this in.- OK.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09It's light because you've got two windows there
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and the window at the front here.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Behind the two reception rooms at the back of the house is
0:17:17 > 0:17:22a shower room and, across the hallway, a large kitchen-diner.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- It's a cracking kitchen, isn't it? - It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:17:24 > 0:17:28And there's plenty of cupboard space for you. Plenty of work surface.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- A lot bigger than the last house, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33And it's got enough room to socialise in here with
0:17:33 > 0:17:35the table that's in here.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Let's go upstairs and look at the bedrooms.- OK.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42We are heading straight for the largest of four bedrooms
0:17:42 > 0:17:44across a galleried landing.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- So the master bedroom... - Oh, wow.- ..is a very elegant affair.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It is. I like the decor.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- And it's bigger than the average room, as well.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58This spacious bedroom has views to the back and side of the property.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01There's also two decent-sized doubles to the front of the house
0:18:01 > 0:18:05with a smaller room between them and the eye-catching family bathroom
0:18:05 > 0:18:08has a feature bath as its centrepiece.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09So what do you think?
0:18:09 > 0:18:12In comparison with the other house, this is a lot bigger.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15What do you think you prefer at the moment, Mark?
0:18:15 > 0:18:16- I'm tossing up between the two. - Yeah.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Yeah, it's difficult. - Because they're totally different.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21The other one is a bit smaller,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24but it's got a different character to this one.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26And I'm thinking, hmm...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Causing us a problem.- Yeah.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Well, it's a good problem to have.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36'Well, I must say I'm rather surprised and rather pleased.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38'So far it looks like it's two out of two
0:18:38 > 0:18:41'on our tour of Norfolk houses.'
0:18:41 > 0:18:44'Steve and Mark seem to have that feeling here too and I think
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'they'll be even more confused when
0:18:46 > 0:18:50'I throw something else into the mix - a beautifully renovated barn.'
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I can't believe this. It's huge.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58You can see through there, you've got another studio room as well.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Now, I was thinking you said you wanted to get into photography -
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- what a great studio this is.- It would be...- Yeah.- It's beautiful.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- You've got room to drive a car into that top end.- OK.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13But I don't think you'd need to because you've also got a car port.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14Oh, wow.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Attached to the car port is a workshop
0:19:16 > 0:19:20and the manicured gardens extend to around a third of an acre.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24So you can see, look, you've got a kitchen garden here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Mark, you said you wanted as much garden as possible.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- It's a good-size garden. - How do you price this?
0:19:29 > 0:19:33I reckon it's got to be up the top end of the budget. 450,000.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35OK, 450. What do you say, Steve?
0:19:35 > 0:19:39I would agree with that, it is at the top end of our budget,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42so I will say 445.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49Well, this place is on the market with a guide price of £439,000.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51- Wow.- There's a lot...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- For your money. - ..of what both you said you wanted.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- Yeah.- You guys, go and have a look around the rest of the house
0:19:56 > 0:19:59and I'll see you whenever you're finished. Fill your boots.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Coming in at around £11,000 under their top budget,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07this detached house will give Steve and Mark a decent amount of change
0:20:07 > 0:20:10and it has just the number of bedrooms they're after.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14The converted barn will be an ideal space for Steve to indulge in
0:20:14 > 0:20:17her love of photography and the workshop and car port will provide
0:20:17 > 0:20:22Mark with the space and shelter he's after for his classic car.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The house sits in around a third of an acre, which not only comes
0:20:25 > 0:20:28with a ready-made vegetable garden, but is also a great space for
0:20:28 > 0:20:30the grandchildren to play.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- Ooh, lovely, claw-feet bath. - Roll-top bath.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38It's not like a bathroom that we've seen before, is it?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40And the view out the window as well.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- It's a room with a bath. It's lovely.- Yeah.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I know you enjoyed this morning, but now hopefully
0:20:44 > 0:20:47you've got two houses in the bag to think about tonight.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50We have and there'll be a lot of conversation.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54Well, as long as you let Mark get a word in edgeways.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- OK, away you go.- Well done.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Well, after a cracking day yesterday,
0:21:03 > 0:21:04I'll be pretty disappointed
0:21:04 > 0:21:07if Steve and Mark don't go back to at least one of the houses
0:21:07 > 0:21:09we showed them for a second viewing.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Now today, as you can see, it's another glorious start
0:21:12 > 0:21:15here in Norfolk and we're off to see the mystery house.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Now, as you know, the mystery house sometimes represents
0:21:17 > 0:21:21a riskier prospect, and this one is no exception.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23So far, the one thing I've learnt from Steve and Mark is
0:21:23 > 0:21:27they want a detached property - that is for sure, so guess what?
0:21:27 > 0:21:29We're off to see a semidetached house
0:21:29 > 0:21:33and on top of that, this one has a slightly more unconventional layout
0:21:33 > 0:21:37but if they're prepared to overlook these foibles,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40they could get their hands on the style of property that most people
0:21:40 > 0:21:43dream of buying when they look to make their escape to the country.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Let's see how we go.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Travelling just over 16 miles east
0:21:49 > 0:21:51takes us to our third and final house
0:21:51 > 0:21:53in the small village of Brandiston,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55ten miles northwest of Norwich
0:21:55 > 0:21:58and around a 40-minute drive from the coast.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01The village is pretty rural, but around a five-minute drive away
0:22:01 > 0:22:04is the attractive Georgian market town of Reepham.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06Just over two miles away
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and we're back in Brandiston at our mystery house.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14It's something a little out of the ordinary - converted cattle barns.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Beautiful, isn't it?- It is.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Completely different. - We'll get the cars in that space.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23I'll explain to you what we have here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27You've got a big L-shape so obviously from the garage there...
0:22:27 > 0:22:31- Yeah.- ..right the way around there to, see that upright black pipe...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Yeah.- That is the corner of your property.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- That is the next door neighbour. - OK.- Yeah.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39I would normally take you inside the house, but because this property
0:22:39 > 0:22:43has something that I think you will love, let's start with that first.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45- A shed?- More than a shed.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Somewhere to put it, follow me.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Now look at this.- Wow.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54The best viewing point is just from this corner.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56You can see all the way down there.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Oh, wow.- All the way down there and this is all yours, exclusively.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- Wow. Wow. - There's a lot of ground there.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05- Let me show you the inside, at long last.- Great.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08This stunning property sits in almost an acre of land, which
0:23:08 > 0:23:11has clearly impressed Steve and Mark and they don't seem to mind
0:23:11 > 0:23:13the fact that it's semidetached at all.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17We're starting off our tour in the striking kitchen.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20I love the ceiling and I love the kitchen.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I think we do spend a lot of time here, that's social
0:23:23 > 0:23:26because you can get out into the garden and you've got lovely views.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It's lovely.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33I can't be happier, it's a great size and I like it a lot.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38This beautifully converted barn is laid out in an inverted L-shape.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40We're moving from the top of the property,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43where the kitchen is located with an adjoining utility room,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45to the side where the sitting room is found,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49sandwiched between the bedrooms and overlooking the courtyard garden.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It's more than impressive, it's a wow, isn't it? Vaulted ceiling.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Vaulted ceiling, inglenook fireplace.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick. - Yeah. I can go through the list.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04You've come up trumps here, haven't you?
0:24:04 > 0:24:06And there's plenty of light - all those windows there.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Yeah, you couldn't wish for anything more.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12I wasn't sure I could top Steve and Mark's reactions to our first
0:24:12 > 0:24:15two houses, but the mystery house is certainly working hard for
0:24:15 > 0:24:18its place as a serious contender.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22This wing of the barn has a family bathroom, a bedroom-cum-study,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25a double bedroom and past a single bedroom is the master -
0:24:25 > 0:24:28the largest of the four bedrooms.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30We're en suite here, which has got to be good news.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- So what do you think? - Another vaulted ceiling.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34It's got character.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37There's enough for about five of us in the bed they've got there.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Now for guests, I mean, let's talk about the grandchildren.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42You've got all the bedrooms you need.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- There's a lot there.- Yeah.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Heading back outside, where there's plenty on offer too,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53with a double car port perfect for Mark's classic car
0:24:53 > 0:24:55sitting in almost an acre of land.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- How are you feeling? - Over the moon.- Excited.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Well, let's see if we can add to that in guessing the price.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07It's over our budget, so I'd probably say 460, 470.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Which one?- 460.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15I think it's over budget and if he says 460, I'll say 470.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18When it first came on the market it was over budget.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22It's now on for offers around £450,000.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Spot on budget, then. - They've just gradually got better.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28The first one was good, really good, good aspects.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32The second one was in a village, had everything we wanted and this one...
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Has surpassed that.- Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37This superbly designed brick-and-tile barn conversion
0:25:37 > 0:25:40is bang on Steve and Mark's upper budget
0:25:40 > 0:25:43but they would have to do virtually nothing to it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45It has just the amount of rooms they're looking for
0:25:45 > 0:25:48to accommodate visiting family and friends and although it's
0:25:48 > 0:25:50semidetached, the next-door neighbour is only attached
0:25:50 > 0:25:54at the far end of the property adjoining the guest bedroom.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Outside is a blank canvas of a garden which Mark
0:25:56 > 0:25:59could make his own and although the location feels rural,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02it's only a couple of miles from local amenities.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Well, hopefully we've given you lots to discuss,
0:26:05 > 0:26:09- so let's find you somewhere to do just that, shall we?- Yeah.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Hi.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Well, after the reactions I saw this morning,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I've got a fair idea of what the favourite property may be.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- Put me out of my misery. - Mystery house.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- What do you what to do about it? - Get my cheque book out.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Do you? It's that good? - Yes.- Yeah, it's that good.- Yes.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34For me, it was always a dream to try and own a converted barn.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38I think it's the home for us to retire to, basically
0:26:38 > 0:26:41because it fulfils everything on our wish list.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- Are you going to go to the estate agents from here?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47Well, I wish you both the very best of luck.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50I mean, it does seem completely suited to you,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53so whatever happens or hopefully when you secure the deal...
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- let us know, won't you?- Yeah, we'll do that.- We will do that.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05For most of us, when we look to buy a property,
0:27:05 > 0:27:09our primary focus is understandably on its location,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11but as Mark and Steve have been here to Norfolk
0:27:11 > 0:27:15so many times over the past 30-odd years, they instinctively knew
0:27:15 > 0:27:17if an area worked for them
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and then they were able to focus on a house itself.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22But I must admit I was getting a bit concerned
0:27:22 > 0:27:25when they seemed to be falling in love with everything we showed them.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28That was until they saw the mystery property.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Sure, it had everything they said they were after
0:27:31 > 0:27:34on their shopping list, but it also had that one thing that
0:27:34 > 0:27:37you can't quite put your finger on - and that's the feeling
0:27:37 > 0:27:41it gives you when you first see it and you walk over the threshold.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44So, hopefully we'll hear some good news later this afternoon
0:27:44 > 0:27:47once they've had a visit to the estate agents.
0:27:47 > 0:27:48I'm looking forward to finding out.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Steve and Mark had their offer on the mystery house accepted
0:27:53 > 0:27:54the very next day,
0:27:54 > 0:27:57but unfortunately, the sale has since fallen through.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01We wish them the very best of luck as their house search continues.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03If you would like to escape to the country in
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07or perhaps even further afield to the continent,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10and would like our help, you can apply online at...