0:00:02 > 0:00:04This majestic, red brick 15th-century castle
0:00:04 > 0:00:07very nearly escaped the country in the 20th century.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Find out more about the ground-breaking history
0:00:10 > 0:00:14of this building and, of course, where I am in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34On our house hunt today, emotions are running high...
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- I'm welling up now.- Are you? - And I don't know why.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41And top of the wish list is a double garage.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43There is your garage.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Wow, that looks... I think I might move in today.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47THEY LAUGH
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Today, I'm in Lincolnshire,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54and the impressive castle standing behind me
0:00:54 > 0:00:57is tucked away in the small rural village of Tattershall.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Constructed over six floors
0:01:00 > 0:01:03from nearly a million locally-made bricks,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Tattershall Castle rises to a height of 34 metres
0:01:07 > 0:01:10and is one of the earliest brick-built domestic buildings
0:01:10 > 0:01:14in the country, dating all the way back to 1440.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19Now, sadly, the building fell into disrepair in the 17th century
0:01:19 > 0:01:23and remained like that until 1911, when a mystery millionaire
0:01:23 > 0:01:27tried to buy the castle with the intention of taking it apart,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32brick by brick, and rebuilding it across the pond in America.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Luckily, public outcry and some generous benefactors
0:01:35 > 0:01:37put a halt to the sale,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40but it was the threatened removal of this castle
0:01:40 > 0:01:44that led to the introduction of laws to protect ancient monuments
0:01:44 > 0:01:47and the development of the current listing status.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Now, today, Tattershall Castle stands safely on British soil,
0:01:51 > 0:01:57where it belongs, towering over the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Lincolnshire is a large, agricultural county
0:02:00 > 0:02:04in the east of England, which borders eight other counties.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Its countryside is one of ever-changing landscapes -
0:02:07 > 0:02:10the north has the gentle rolling chalk hills of the Wolds,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14which stretch over 40 miles and rise to 500ft,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18making them the highest land in the east of England.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21This rich area of natural beauty is made up of hidden valleys and
0:02:21 > 0:02:24lush grasslands, offering the perfect home
0:02:24 > 0:02:26to rare flowers and wildlife.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30In contrast, the south boasts the low-lying Lincolnshire Fens,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33which have been drained by man for over 1,000 years.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36This picturesque network of waterways
0:02:36 > 0:02:38meanders through the level landscape.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40The county town is Lincoln.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43With origins dating back to the Iron Age, Lincoln's skyline is
0:02:43 > 0:02:46dominated by its English Gothic Cathedral
0:02:46 > 0:02:48that, for hundreds of years, held one of the four
0:02:48 > 0:02:50remaining copies of the Magna Carta
0:02:50 > 0:02:54until it was moved to Lincoln's equally impressive castle.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Spread over 2,000 square miles, Lincolnshire's countryside
0:02:58 > 0:03:01offers scale and beauty and is perfect for those
0:03:01 > 0:03:03looking to escape from urban living.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07So let's meet today's buyers
0:03:07 > 0:03:11and find out why they are drawn to this stunning part of the UK.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15For the past eight years, Richard and Denise
0:03:15 > 0:03:17have run a large guesthouse on the outskirts of Hull.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Although they've enjoyed their time here,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22they're tired of the location of their home.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Unfortunately, it's on a very busy main road,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28so we don't get a lot of peace, really.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31And it's family that has prompted this move.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35My son lives in Ipswich, which is a four-hour drive,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and, um, I've just had another grandson.
0:03:38 > 0:03:44So the idea was to be somewhere in between Hull and Ipswich.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48We were thinking of moving somewhere Lincolnshire way.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52There's some nice scenery around there.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55They have both worked in the hospitality business for some time
0:03:55 > 0:03:57and previously ran a hotel on the coast
0:03:57 > 0:04:00but decided to downsize to the guesthouse
0:04:00 > 0:04:02because of Richard's health.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04All of a sudden, Richard started to get quite poorly, didn't you?
0:04:04 > 0:04:07And they discovered that he had a kidney failure.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11I had gone to the doctor's to see if I could be a match.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15It's unusual for a husband and wife to be blood and tissue compatible
0:04:15 > 0:04:19but, amazingly, tests revealed the couple WERE a perfect match
0:04:19 > 0:04:23and, in 2008, Denise successfully donated one of her kidneys
0:04:23 > 0:04:24to Richard.
0:04:24 > 0:04:29So we've got a lot to thank the National Health for, haven't we?
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- And you, of course. - And me, of course, yes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Although this move is about retiring,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38they do still want a home with some earning potential.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40Erm, well, we're hoping when we move,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43still to run some type of small business
0:04:43 > 0:04:46so we've just got a little bit of income coming in.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51We don't need a large guesthouse, just maybe one or two bedrooms.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54And Richard has a very clear idea of what he doesn't want.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I would not like to see a church or a chapel.
0:04:57 > 0:05:02It's just something I don't really think I could settle in.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06To walk out your front door and see the sight of a church and gravestones
0:05:06 > 0:05:09is not something... I don't... I know I wouldn't be able to, uh...
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Now, you see, I wouldn't mind that. I would quite like that.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15The couple are looking forward to this next chapter
0:05:15 > 0:05:16in their lives.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19So we've had some rough times and we've pulled through it
0:05:19 > 0:05:22and we've decided we'd like to have a bit of me-time now.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24We've given an awful lot to other people
0:05:24 > 0:05:28and we try our best to please other people, don't we?
0:05:28 > 0:05:31And we've decided that it's maybe about time we pleased ourselves.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Richard and Denise are fairly flexible on location
0:05:38 > 0:05:42in Lincolnshire as long as they have easy access to major roads.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45But before we start our search, we're meeting up to find out
0:05:45 > 0:05:48exactly what they're looking for.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- Well, Richard and Denise, welcome to Lincolnshire.- Thank you.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Why has Lincolnshire won you both over? Why here?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57It's beautiful, it's got everything you could wish for.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59So tell me about this move,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01because, at the moment, you run a successful B&B.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- Yep.- And you're taking elements of that with you, aren't you?
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Well, hopefully. Just do it for a little bit of pocket money
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and so we don't get bored.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12What's the priority?
0:06:12 > 0:06:13Is it the B&B or is it a house?
0:06:13 > 0:06:18- Ooh.- I think, really, a home that we could still maybe do
0:06:18 > 0:06:20just a little bit of B&B.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24So, tell me, what exactly are you looking for with this next property?
0:06:24 > 0:06:27I would love a garage. I've got a classic car at the moment,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29and it's outside in all the weathers.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32And what about you, Denise? What are you looking for with this property?
0:06:32 > 0:06:35I'm looking for something that I can put my mark on,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39and a nice kitchen, and a quaint little garden
0:06:39 > 0:06:42that I could maybe have some chickens and a vegetable plot.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Sounds ideal. And we're looking about three bedrooms?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Do you think that's about right? - I think that would be enough, yes.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49So remind me of your budget.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51300,000.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53We could go up to maybe 310,000-315,000
0:06:53 > 0:06:55if it was the perfect property.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Well, I think we should get started.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Lincolnshire is such a huge county. Are we ready to go?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Shall we?- Yes.- Come on, then.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Richard and Denise have a budget of £300,000.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14They would like a three-bedroom house with B&B potential,
0:07:14 > 0:07:18a big kitchen, a good-sized garden where they can keep chickens
0:07:18 > 0:07:21and grow vegetables, and Richard really wants a garage.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22They'd like to be in a village,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24but not too far from major roads
0:07:24 > 0:07:26for easy access to their family.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29I've got three interesting properties to show them,
0:07:29 > 0:07:34but I won't be revealing their price tag until we've completed each tour.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Our last stop will be the mystery house,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39where I hope they'll receive some spiritual inspiration.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49House number one is in the village of Skendleby,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52which lies on the southeastern edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds,
0:07:52 > 0:07:56approximately four miles northeast of the town of Spilsby.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00Spilsby has been a market town for more than 700 years
0:08:00 > 0:08:04and, today, has a population of around 2,500.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07It's a busy town with many family-run businesses
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and a place where farmers and growers meet and sell their produce.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14A ten-minute drive takes us back to our first house.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18Dating from the 1830s and originally a dairy farm,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21the property has been considerably extended and renovated
0:08:21 > 0:08:24by the current owners, and I think offers them what they want.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30So welcome to the village of Skendleby and our first property.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- Wow. Is it all of that? - It is.- Lovely.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37And I know what you mean, on first sight it looks huge, doesn't it?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- Yes, it does, it does.- Yes, yes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41All right. Well, a strong start.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- A strong start, I would say. - Yes?- Yeah, yeah.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45I'm going to go with that one, Richard. Shall we step inside?
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Let's...let's do it.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52But will the house give them what they're after on the inside?
0:08:58 > 0:09:00So, got a large hallway which leads into...
0:09:00 > 0:09:02well, one of two reception rooms.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Well, this is very nice.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Oh, this is very nice. Very nice lounge.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09I've spied the beautiful fire.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12As you come through the door, you've got two reception rooms,
0:09:12 > 0:09:13one either side.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Because you've got two reception rooms... I don't want to talk
0:09:16 > 0:09:18about the B&B too much cos I want you two to be happy.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Mmm, yes.- ..but you do have the option then...
0:09:20 > 0:09:21of you having one room
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- and perhaps your guests having another room.- Yes.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25But this is working beautifully.
0:09:25 > 0:09:26Yeah, so far, so good.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Good. Excellent. All right. Well, if you want to follow me,
0:09:29 > 0:09:31we'll continue through to the kitchen.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Now, I think this is the largest room in the house,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40which is never a bad thing when it comes to the kitchen.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Oh, that is absolutely gorgeous.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- That's nice. Yeah, it's very nice. - Oh, it's beautiful.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Yeah, I like it a lot.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- I'm welling up now.- Are you? - And I don't know why.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Ooh, it's beautiful.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- It's pretty much as we would have it.- It's lovely.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54So far, so good, all right.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- Well, would you like to continue, see a bit more?- Yes, I would.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Yes, please.- See what else is on offer.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Dare I say it, but this tour is going remarkably well.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Let's see what they make of the master bedroom upstairs.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08This is pretty.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12It's a lot bigger than the room we've got at the moment.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's a lovely size for a cottage.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16With this property you have three bedrooms.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18Oh, fantastic.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The sigh of relief. I saw your shoulders drop then, "Phew".
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Erm, now, it's unusual, actually, you've got a large double next door.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30- Oh.- You've got this with a Jack and Jill bathroom,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- so it serves both the bedrooms. - Oh, yes.- Right, yes.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34And at the end of the corridor,
0:10:34 > 0:10:38you've got your third double bedroom with an en-suite.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Oh, fantastic.- I thought you were going to say...
0:10:40 > 0:10:41That would work very well.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44And, of course, there is something after you,
0:10:44 > 0:10:46very close to Richard's heart.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Richard, what could that possibly be?
0:10:48 > 0:10:51The garage, for me, is more important than the house itself.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52- Well, he's liked the house.- Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57Well, the house is fantastic, so if the garage fits the bill,
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- uh, it'd be great. Let's go and have a look- Come on, then.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01I think I'm doing well, but for Richard,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04the garage is top of his priorities.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07I just hope he likes what's on offer.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- There is your garage.- Wow, that looks... I think I might move into there.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15I've still got one more thing, though, I want to show you,
0:11:15 > 0:11:19so shall we take a wander... a meander through the garden?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Yes, please. - That would be very nice.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The outdoor plot is approximately a quarter of an acre
0:11:24 > 0:11:28and has been divided into a number of different areas.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31To the side of the house is a lawn bordered by shrubs.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35The area behind the garage is also laid mainly to lawn
0:11:35 > 0:11:38and is broken up with beds and gravel pathways.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41So you've got the greenhouse, you've got some raised beds,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43you've got a water feature but, at the moment,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45they've left it sort of blank.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- But I'm thinking, chickens. - Chickens, yes.- Yes.- It's lovely.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Are you able to guess the price?
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Hmm, 280,000.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53I'd say 310,000.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55The asking price is...
0:11:55 > 0:12:00£299,950.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02That's a good price, yeah.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05So, for £50 less than their maximum budget,
0:12:05 > 0:12:06the house would offer them
0:12:06 > 0:12:07a comfortable family home
0:12:07 > 0:12:08with the potential
0:12:08 > 0:12:10to work as a B&B as well.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13It has a large kitchen/diner,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15two sitting rooms, three bedrooms
0:12:15 > 0:12:17and a family bathroom upstairs.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Outside, there's plenty of space
0:12:19 > 0:12:21with a much-needed double garage
0:12:21 > 0:12:22for Richard
0:12:22 > 0:12:23and an area for Denise
0:12:23 > 0:12:25to keep chickens if she wanted.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28How are you both feeling?
0:12:28 > 0:12:29Very good, Nicki.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Yeah, you enjoyed that?- Very much so. Very good start.- Excellent.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Excellent first property, that one.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36What positive comments from both of you.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Right, let's hit the road.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46There is a food revolution happening in the UK
0:12:46 > 0:12:50and its epicentre can be found in the heart of Lincolnshire.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Despite being cultivated for over 2,000 years
0:12:53 > 0:12:56and being the most widely eaten green vegetable
0:12:56 > 0:12:57until the Middle Ages,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01kale, a brassica and distant descendant of the wild cabbage,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03is now the new king of the superfoods.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08I've come to meet Alex Boughton from the Discover Kale campaign
0:13:08 > 0:13:12to find out a little more about this apparently versatile vegetable
0:13:12 > 0:13:13and why it's now so popular.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18As a child growing up, I don't remember ever eating kale.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19No, well, I think it was...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22People would have viewed it as being cattle food
0:13:22 > 0:13:24but I think now, people are really getting behind it
0:13:24 > 0:13:27and realising its versatility and how good it is for you.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31This year, the UK will consume sort of 3,000 tonnes of kale.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33And how does that compare to, say, 20 years ago?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35We would have been probably selling 300.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37It really is a superfood. It's got antioxidants.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It's got minerals. It's got all sorts in it.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Andy Blair has been working on the farm for just over ten years.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Hi, Andy.- Hi there.- Good to meet you.- Pleased to meet you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48So you're the farm manager here.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50How many acres are you responsible for?
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Well, we're currently in about a 20-acre field.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55We're growing about 850 acres of kale.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58And am I right in thinking that nearly all the kale that we can buy,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01or the vast majority in supermarkets,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03is actually produced here in Lincolnshire?
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- Most of it is grown in this county, yeah.- Why?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08What's so important about this soil that works so well?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11The soil is absolutely brilliant
0:14:11 > 0:14:14for growing these sort of vegetables, really, because it's very, very fine
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and also retains the moisture brilliantly.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20And this new demand for kale has changed the way it's grown.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23Traditionally, it always was considered
0:14:23 > 0:14:25to be a winter vegetable for people to eat.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Now, the way that food trends are going,
0:14:27 > 0:14:28it's becoming a year-round vegetable.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32And then the harvesting process, we're all hand harvested
0:14:32 > 0:14:36and as long as we leave the centre of the plant still growing,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40then it will regrow again and form another harvest.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42So, basically, you'll get two crops out of every single plant?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Yeah, well, this early crop, through the summer,
0:14:44 > 0:14:45we'll get about three crops.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Three harvests a year is a fantastic return
0:14:48 > 0:14:50from just one crop.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52That's great business for the growers.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Alex wants to show me how versatile kale can be.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57It doesn't just have to be boiled.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It can be added to stir-fries,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01soups, casseroles, salads or even drinks.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04We're going to make a kale juice/smoothie.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06I'll get this blendified up.
0:15:06 > 0:15:14Alex is making his smoothie with pineapple, apple...
0:15:14 > 0:15:18..kale, a little bit of ginger...
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- And the last ingredient? - A little bit of yogurt.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- So I'll just pour a bit in here. - Tell me when.
0:15:26 > 0:15:27A bit more. Perfect.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31The kale will add taste to the drink and colour.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33I'm dying to try it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- Right.- Cheers. Moment of truth. - Cheers. Let's see if I like it.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42What do you think?
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- It's delicious. - It is tasty, isn't it?
0:15:44 > 0:15:48It is and I don't know if this is a good or a bad thing,
0:15:48 > 0:15:49but I can't taste the kale at all.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Exactly.- Well, cheers. Well done, you.- Cheers. Thank you.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Our next property is in the village of Willoughby,
0:16:02 > 0:16:03which is about ten miles away
0:16:03 > 0:16:05from the Lincolnshire coast.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06Willoughby is on the edge of the Wolds
0:16:06 > 0:16:09in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:16:09 > 0:16:15It's a pretty village with a pub, a church and a small primary school.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18House number two, in the heart of the village, is a cottage that
0:16:18 > 0:16:21was originally attached to an old rectory and has bags of character.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25So, for our second property, we're showing you something
0:16:25 > 0:16:28very, very different from the first.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30So what do you think on first impressions?
0:16:30 > 0:16:32What's going through your mind when you take a look?
0:16:32 > 0:16:34From here, it looks small,
0:16:34 > 0:16:39but I'm assuming...or hoping it maybe goes back that way.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- OK.- But it looks pretty.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45And looks in good condition. It'd be interesting to see a bit more.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- All right, then. Come on, shall we step inside?- Yes, please.- Yes.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Although the cottage is semidetached,
0:16:50 > 0:16:54it does offer them plenty of space inside.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56So welcome to the second property.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00So you step straight into this very cute little drawing room.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I want to take you straight into the main part of the house.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Through here, in a way, is the heart of the house.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- This is nice.- This is very nice, yes.- Yes.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13It's deceptive to what you've seen on the outside.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Isn't it, yeah.- I think so. - Well, if you like this room,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- I think you're going to love what's next door.- Oh, lovely.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24The all-important kitchen.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- This opens up a lot, doesn't it? - Yeah, yeah.- This is lovely.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- It's got a lot of character. It's fine for me.- Yeah.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- OK. All right. Well, let's continue upstairs.- OK.- Lovely.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40The cottage has a steep staircase leading to the first floor.
0:17:42 > 0:17:48So, upstairs, you've got beautiful oak flooring.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- Yes.- Hmm...- And this is the master bedroom.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54It's quite sweet.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56It also has...
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Oh, surprise.- Oh, great.- Oh, lovely. - ..an en-suite, yes.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03So this is the master.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06However, there are two other bedrooms of a good size
0:18:06 > 0:18:08which have their own bathrooms as well.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09- That's...- Ah, excellent.
0:18:09 > 0:18:16So we're viewing this as your home, but we're still mindful
0:18:16 > 0:18:19that you're going to need a little business on the side.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- BOTH: Yes.- I've got more to show you.- Oh, fantastic.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27The house has a long garden which is laid to lawn and very private
0:18:27 > 0:18:31with a wall and high hedging to shield them from the neighbours.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Through the gate at the very bottom is the piece de resistance.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- Perhaps we've left the best till last.- BOTH: Oh!
0:18:40 > 0:18:43So you've got a self-contained cottage here.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- Yes. Pretty.- Very pretty. - Yeah, it looks...
0:18:46 > 0:18:50But, Richard, in a way, this is the compromise.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Yeah.- I can't give you a garage.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- Right.- And I am sorry cos I know it's close to your heart.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58However, there are some lock-ups and some facilities at the end
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- of the road. How would you feel about that?- Uh, it's a compromise.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- It is. Well, I tell you what, have a think.- Yeah.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06- Shall we step inside? - Oh, yes, please.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14So this cottage literally has everything that you want.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Oh, it is beautifully done.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21High season - get looking at around £550 a week.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26And they can, if they choose to, rent this out nearly all year.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- Yes, I can understand that, it's beautiful.- It is.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Well, let's wander back
0:19:31 > 0:19:34because we are going to have to discuss the price, aren't we?
0:19:34 > 0:19:35- Yeah.- Yes, hmm.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So we have shown you perhaps a different working model
0:19:41 > 0:19:44cos you've got your house, the beautiful cottage,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47but you do have your stand-alone business.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Shot in the dark, 320.- OK.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- 315.- Asking price is £295,000.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Same as the last one, then.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- That's surprising with the business included.- Yeah.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I know it's a semi, but it's beautifully done.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07This cottage is on the market
0:20:07 > 0:20:08for £5,000 less
0:20:08 > 0:20:10than their maximum budget.
0:20:10 > 0:20:11It would offer Richard and Denise
0:20:11 > 0:20:13plenty of character
0:20:13 > 0:20:14with a large, newly fitted
0:20:14 > 0:20:15kitchen/dining room,
0:20:15 > 0:20:18a living room and family room
0:20:18 > 0:20:20and upstairs, there are three bedrooms
0:20:20 > 0:20:21all with their own en-suite.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23At the bottom of the garden is
0:20:23 > 0:20:25a self-contained, detached cottage,
0:20:25 > 0:20:26which is already an established
0:20:26 > 0:20:28holiday let business.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32Well, it's the end of the day
0:20:32 > 0:20:35so I think tonight, you two have got a lot of talking to do, haven't you?
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- We have indeed, yes. - Lots of options, we've shown you
0:20:37 > 0:20:39and got one more tomorrow.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- Yeah, mystery.- Very exciting.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Yesterday was a fantastic day with Richard and Denise
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and our first offering was certainly the pick of the bunch.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Denise even shed a small tear.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59House number two, with all its merits and options,
0:20:59 > 0:21:02unfortunately didn't have that garage.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05I think that time it was Richard that shed the small tear.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07So, today, with our mystery house,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10it's going to give them everything that they wish for.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12I'm just hoping Richard can get over the fact
0:21:12 > 0:21:16that it is a chapel - something he's always dreaded.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Our third and final property is in the village of Frampton,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23two miles east of the small town of Kirton.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Kirton was the seat of the first Saxon kings in Lincolnshire
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and was later documented in the Domesday Book.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Today, it's a small market town with an impressive town hall.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37A five-minute drive takes us back to Frampton and our mystery house.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41It's an old chapel that came out of service in the 1950s
0:21:41 > 0:21:45and, in 1999, was converted into a fabulous family home
0:21:45 > 0:21:47with a large extension.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52So, our third and final property, the mystery house.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53And, Richard...
0:21:53 > 0:21:55THEY CHUCKLE
0:21:55 > 0:21:56Thank you very much.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00..especially for you, we've provided a chapel. Look at that lovely smile.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03And underneath, I bet your heart is sinking, isn't it?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Is that a garage?- It is.- Is it? Wow.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07A very generous-sized garage.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Well, I'm very excited. Can't wait to get inside.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Ah, good. All right. - Yeah, you would be.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Let's see what the mystery house has in store for the three of us.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16Fantastic.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20I'm hoping that Richard will forget it's a chapel
0:22:20 > 0:22:22once he sees the inside.
0:22:26 > 0:22:32So, just off the hallway, you have your dining room.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- This is nice.- Wow.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- This room's gorgeous.- I can't see any negatives at all. It's stunning.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41I know I've still got plenty of work to do to convince you.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Let's go through to the next room.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48So, here is your sitting/drawing room.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50No, you can't complain about anything in here.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Alas, no. No, no.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58Do you know what? I love Richard. I really do. I really do.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03Does it feel like a home to you, Richard?
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I don't know. I think I'm getting a bit more used to it.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07OK, well, we'll keep going.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Now, you tell me about this room. - Oh-ho-ho!
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Oh, this is beautiful.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Wow. This is...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Oh, island. - The cooker's fantastic.- Yeah.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- You've worked quite a miracle on this one...- Yeah.- ..so to speak.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34Well, let's see if we can work just that little bit harder for Richard.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37If you want to follow me through here.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Come through.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Yeah, this is what I would be hoping for.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Well, this is brilliant for you. You'd spend all your time in here.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- This is ideal.- Perfect.- It's great. It's great.- Lovely.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Right, well, on that note...
0:23:55 > 0:23:57..back into the main house.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Upstairs, there's plenty of B&B potential
0:24:02 > 0:24:04with four double bedrooms,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06one of which is being used as an office
0:24:06 > 0:24:09and there's a family bathroom.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12We're going to start with the main bedroom.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14So here is your master bedroom.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- Oh, this is beautiful.- You've also got a fabulous en-suite.- Oh, lovely.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- Shall we head outside?- OK.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Let's have a look at the garden.- OK.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25And then obviously we need to talk money as well, don't we?
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Yeah.- We do, don't we? - For the final time.- Yes, yes.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35At the back of the house,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37there's a large lawned area with gravel paths around it,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40as well as a shed and a greenhouse.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43The garden enjoys views of the open paddock and beyond.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47So we've seen the actual chapel
0:24:47 > 0:24:50and we've had very favourable reactions.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53So, enough of a garden to keep you both happy, do you think?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Yes, we can work with this. - I would think so.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Yes, I can see chickens in a little corner somewhere.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02How much do you think this converted chapel is on the market for?
0:25:02 > 0:25:07I don't believe we can afford it, so with that, I would say the price
0:25:07 > 0:25:09is going to be in the region of £350,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Denise?
0:25:11 > 0:25:14I'm hoping and praying that it might be £320,000.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20- The asking price is £325,000. - OK.- Right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24However, we have made the owners, you know, notice
0:25:24 > 0:25:28about how much your top budget is and they're happy to negotiate.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29- Right.- OK.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31How do you feel about that?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Well, I hate to say this, but humble pie comes to mind.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- Oh, Richard! - I think it's fantastic.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41This beautiful converted chapel
0:25:41 > 0:25:43comes in at £25,000 over budget,
0:25:43 > 0:25:44but the owners are willing
0:25:44 > 0:25:46to negotiate. It has a large
0:25:46 > 0:25:48kitchen/breakfast room
0:25:48 > 0:25:49and four bedrooms
0:25:49 > 0:25:51with potential for B&B.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52Outside, the house has
0:25:52 > 0:25:54a large garage for Richard,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56as well as landscaped gardens
0:25:56 > 0:25:57and lovely views
0:25:57 > 0:25:59over surrounding farmland.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02Well, let's go and have a chat about it
0:26:02 > 0:26:04and perhaps the other properties as well
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- and see what your next move is going to be.- OK.- Thank you.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Well, Richard and Denise, it's been a lovely few days.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16We have shown you three properties
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and you gave me amazing reactions to all three.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22However, I think there could be a favourite in there.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Put me out of my misery. Tell me which one it is.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I think, to be honest, it would have to be the mystery house.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30Yes! Yes!
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I couldn't help smiling when I turned round the corner
0:26:32 > 0:26:33and saw the chapel.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Looking round the property,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I was convinced it was pretty much the place we would like to be.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41How do you feel about the mystery house?
0:26:41 > 0:26:42It's beautiful.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I think it would offer us everything that we've been searching for.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I think we could manage to tweak a bit
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and get a business from there
0:26:51 > 0:26:54and I think it would also make us a lovely family home.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56What is the next step going to be?
0:26:57 > 0:27:02We need to go back and have a chat and check our finances
0:27:02 > 0:27:06because, obviously, it's a bit more than what our budget was.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Maybe get in touch with the estate agents
0:27:08 > 0:27:10and see how the land lies there.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12But if all of that is positive,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16then, hopefully, we should be moving up here shortly.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Not only has it been wonderful showing you two around,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21but I have been so impressed with Lincolnshire
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and I hope you're going to both be very, very happy.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Thank you both so much. We'll be keeping everything crossed for you.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29- Thank you very much. - Thank you, Nicki.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Well, that was great news, wasn't it?
0:27:35 > 0:27:39And I'm delighted Richard and Denise have found their new dream home
0:27:39 > 0:27:40here in Lincolnshire.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43Who would have thought just a few days ago
0:27:43 > 0:27:47that Richard would be converted to the merits of chapel living?
0:27:47 > 0:27:50And I hope those negotiations go well
0:27:50 > 0:27:53so they can start their new life in this stunning part of the county.
0:27:53 > 0:27:58I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01If you'd like to escape to the country
0:28:01 > 0:28:04in either England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and need our help, you can apply online at...