0:00:02 > 0:00:05This statue of a wolf symbolises a king who died a martyr to his faith
0:00:05 > 0:00:07and was the first patron saint of England.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Find out who that was, who he is,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11and where we both are in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33One of the key property requirements for today's couple
0:00:33 > 0:00:35is space to accommodate their horses.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37But it soon becomes evident
0:00:37 > 0:00:39there's something that's quite high on their priority list.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- Look at the sink. - Oh, Belfast sink!- Your dream!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- I've always said to you about a Belfast sink, haven't I?- Yeah.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49Luckily, our properties deliver on that front.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Got your sink again.- Yes! Wow.
0:00:51 > 0:00:52Do you do all the washing up?
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Because you are obsessed by sinks. - Belfast sinks.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00I'm in the seaside resort of Hunstanton in Norfolk
0:01:00 > 0:01:03and it's believed that this coastline behind me
0:01:03 > 0:01:06is where St Edmund landed back in 855AD
0:01:06 > 0:01:08to claim the throne of East Anglia.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10After a relatively peaceful reign,
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Edmund was forced to defend his kingdom from Vikings.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17He was defeated in battle and later executed
0:01:17 > 0:01:20for refusing to denounce his faith.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24Now, as legend has it, his remains were later found guarded by a wolf,
0:01:24 > 0:01:27and his followers were then able to honour their devout king
0:01:27 > 0:01:30and give him a sacred Christian burial.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Now to commemorate the legacy of St Edmund,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35the town have created a walking trail
0:01:35 > 0:01:37depicting scenes from his life.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41This carved statue of the wolf here, marks the end of the trail
0:01:41 > 0:01:45and stands as a timely reminder of a captivating story
0:01:45 > 0:01:48deeply rooted in this historic county.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54In the East of England, jutting out into the North Sea,
0:01:54 > 0:01:59Norfolk is bordered by Lincolnshire, Cambridge and Suffolk,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01with wide atmospheric skies
0:02:01 > 0:02:03and unbroken horizons,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06the county is defined by some uniquely beautiful landscapes,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08including the Fens,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11which before systematic drainage began in the 17th century,
0:02:11 > 0:02:13were an impenetrable boggy wilderness,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16but now represent close to half
0:02:16 > 0:02:19of the most fertile agricultural land in England.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Gateway to the Fens is age-old Downham Market,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24renowned during the Middle Ages for its butter market,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27and today known affectionately as the gingerbread town,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30thanks to the local ochre-hued sandstone used to construct
0:02:30 > 0:02:32many of its fine buildings.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Not far from here is the unassuming village of Burnham Thorpe,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42birthplace of Norfolk's most famous son, Lord Horatio Nelson.
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Home of heroes,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45ancient settlements
0:02:45 > 0:02:47and gorgeous vistas
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Norfolk is an understandably desirable county to escape to.
0:02:53 > 0:02:55The beautiful open countryside of Norfolk
0:02:55 > 0:02:57certainly rates above the average,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and that is balanced by its property prices,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04which are currently some £40,000 below the national average figure,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09coming in at around £222,000 for a detached house here.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13And regionally the county scores too, being the less expensive
0:03:13 > 0:03:15option out of neighbouring Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17So, an undiscovered gem?
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Well, today's buyers certainly seem to think so.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Let's find out why in particular they want to move
0:03:22 > 0:03:23to this part of the county.
0:03:25 > 0:03:2714 years ago, IT specialist Mark
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and wife Sara, who's a marketing manager,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33bought this four-bedroom house in Milton Keynes.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35They've raised nine-year-old daughter Jessica here,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37but have always dreamt of a rural lifestyle.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40So, before Jessica gets to high-school age,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42they're keen to make the move.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- Milton Keynes has been very good for us.- A town of convenience.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Great for a young family.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49I'm not sure I'd want to spend the rest of my life here.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Making the rural escape along with them
0:03:52 > 0:03:54will be their two dogs Roxy and Otis,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58their cat Kizzy, and Sara's beloved horses, Turtle and Jamie,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00who are currently kept in stables eight miles away,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and are a major motivating factor for the move.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09It's my dream to have the horses just there outside the back door.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13Every day I get in the car and I drive, you know, ten minutes there
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and I do them, and I spend so much time at the horses.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23It's something I share with Sara as well, a dream for that...
0:04:23 > 0:04:24every man dreams of his castle.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Both Mark and Sara work from home,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30but Sara will still need to return to her office in Milton Keynes
0:04:30 > 0:04:32every one or two weeks, which is part of the reason
0:04:32 > 0:04:34why they've chosen Norfolk.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36It's close to some major routes,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39and it's that lovely village, rural community.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41You've got the beach nearby...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Jessica's very excited about having the beach.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45And within an affordable price range.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Realistically, what we're looking at.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Because we're not just looking for a house in the country,
0:04:50 > 0:04:52we need land for Sara's horses.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57While Mark and Sara are more than ready to leave urban life behind,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00they have natural parental concern about how their daughter
0:05:00 > 0:05:03will respond to the change.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06I think she's very split between excited
0:05:06 > 0:05:08and nervous.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10She's lived here all her life.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11It will be a change.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14But there are things that she's really excited about -
0:05:14 > 0:05:18like having swings in the garden and having chickens.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Sara and Mark might have quite different careers and interests,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25but for both of them, family is very much at the heart
0:05:25 > 0:05:28of their decision to move.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30The thing that excites me most about the move
0:05:30 > 0:05:33is having our whole family together, and that includes the horses.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37To me they are sort of hairy children.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45So that it's easy for Sara to travel back to her office in Milton Keynes when she needs to,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48we're keeping our search within two hours of the town.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I'm catching up with them to learn some more about their move.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55So, welcome both of you to Sunny Norfolk.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57Why are we stood here?
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I was born near London, so I have experienced living in the city,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04but I think my heart has always been more living in the countryside.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08This outdoorsy life's not just about you two, but about family, as well.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11For a better family environment for your daughter?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Yes. Jessica wants swings.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Our garden isn't big enough.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Now, how much land are we talking about?
0:06:18 > 0:06:21- Minimum two acres. - Minimum two acres.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Let's talk about the house.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26It would be lovely to have sort of a Georgian property,
0:06:26 > 0:06:27or something along those lines.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31I think my thoughts are for a character type of property.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I guess because with such a big change,
0:06:34 > 0:06:35why not go the full hog?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37What about a project?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40As long as there's money in the pot, and we can see the potential.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43OK. Now, the size of the house?
0:06:43 > 0:06:46We're looking for minimum three-bed with a study.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- Or four bed.- But, ideally, two working spaces for myself and Sara.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52I guess it's even possible to build something,
0:06:52 > 0:06:54if you've got enough land. I'm open to that.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57How soon can you make this move? Are you ready to go?
0:06:57 > 0:06:58We are, really.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- We've got an offer on our house. - Brilliant.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Remind me how much you're looking to spend.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07500,000, and a little left over for some improvements.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11Do you agree changes you'd want to make? Do you have different tastes on things with the house or land?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Mark usually comes round to my way of thinking.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16In the end.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20I have a barrier, initially, and Sara has to break down.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23No pressure. Well, we've got three fantastic properties lined up.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Let's make our way to first one.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27- OK.- Thank you. - This way.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30With a budget of £500,000,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Mark and Sara are looking for a characterful home for themselves,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37their daughter and Sara's much-cherished horses.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39They would like minimum of three bedrooms,
0:07:39 > 0:07:41plus a room that could be used as a home office.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Outside they're hoping for a garden
0:07:43 > 0:07:46that could fit those swings Jessica is angling for,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49and to accommodate the horses they'll need at least two acres.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51And stables would be a bonus.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Finally, for Sara's work
0:07:53 > 0:07:57they'll need to be within reasonable driving distance of Milton Keynes.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01We've lined up three excellent properties for them to look at,
0:08:01 > 0:08:02and after each house tour
0:08:02 > 0:08:06I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09One will be the mystery house, with everything they asked for,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11and much, much more,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13but will that be too much for them?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22We're starting our search in the little village of Necton,
0:08:22 > 0:08:23which is just under a two-hour drive
0:08:23 > 0:08:25from Sara's work base in Milton Keynes.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29The nearest town, six miles away, is Swaffham,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32which has all the amenities the family will need.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36I like it. I like barn-y type conversions.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- Yeah. - And I notice there's some land.
0:08:39 > 0:08:40A big garden for Jessica. Even chickens!
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45The house is a little smaller than I was expecting,
0:08:45 > 0:08:46but I like how it's presented.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- It's got some character from the outside.- Let's look inside.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52The house was originally a cow shed,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56but the current owners who used to live in the nearby farmhouse,
0:08:56 > 0:08:57stored their tractor in it.
0:08:57 > 0:08:5912 years ago when they were looking to downsize,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03they sold the farmhouse, converted the tractor shed, and moved in.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06So, the owners use this entrance
0:09:06 > 0:09:08pretty much on a daily basis.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10It's larger than our lounge in Milton Keynes.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I think this is perfectly acceptable.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15Just through that door, you've got a downstairs bedroom.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- OK.- All right? Which I think would make an ideal office.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- Let's take a look in the kitchen, next.- OK.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24A big space here to play around with.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Oh, wow. Look at this.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Yeah. And look at the sink.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30- Oh, a Belfast sink. - Your dream!
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- I've always said to you about Belfast sinks, haven't I?- Yeah.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33Is this what you had in mind?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35I actually quite like it.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- I'm more of a kitchen/breakfast and then dining room person.- Ooh.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40But, it does work.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42This feels nice and open.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Yeah.- Very sociable.
0:09:44 > 0:09:45Upstairs we do get a bit smaller,
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- so let me show you that now.- OK.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53The ground floor has just over 1,000 square foot of, I think,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55quite flexible space to play with.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Which hopefully makes up for the slightly more limited
0:09:57 > 0:09:59bedroom space on the next floor.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02So, just the two bedrooms on this floor,
0:10:02 > 0:10:03both of which are en suite.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Now, this is the master.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08You've got a slightly bigger en suite, with a bath in it.
0:10:08 > 0:10:09OK.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- The bedroom, I think, is a slightly more interesting shape, certainly. - Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14I was just thinking if there was any other position
0:10:14 > 0:10:16the bed could occupy within the room.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18You normally expect a bed to be
0:10:18 > 0:10:20the dominant piece of furniture within a room
0:10:20 > 0:10:23whereas here it's almost tucked away around the corner.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25But, to be fair, it's what, in hindsight,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27when we did the build we would have done.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- And that we've discussed we would have done.- Would we now?- Yes.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33- Oh-ho-ho. Slight difference of opinions.- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Mark, bearing in mind that Sara said that in time you normally
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- come round to her way of thinking... - Yes, there is some truth to that.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42And Sara's liking what she sees...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45I couldn't agree more with Sara!
0:10:45 > 0:10:47There's three bedrooms in this house.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49At present, that means we have to think
0:10:49 > 0:10:51of other locations for the offices.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54That's when the project starts, and it will go...
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Well, the building would need to be done outside, I think.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58- Let me show you.- OK.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03A bit of a tricky situation here with Mark and Sara's
0:11:03 > 0:11:05quite different reactions to this place.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08But maybe the space outside will help to unite them.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10There's a good amount of land not actually dedicated
0:11:10 > 0:11:12to the horses at the moment.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14You've 3½ acres here, my friend.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Now, you have got a lovely building there.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19That's sweet, isn't it?
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Which would be excellent for a home office?
0:11:21 > 0:11:24How much do you think this whole property as a package is on the market for?
0:11:24 > 0:11:26I'm going to say...
0:11:26 > 0:11:27470.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I would maybe go for 480.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Well, I've got some good news for you both, then.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37This place is on the market for offers around £425,000.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42That's a lot of room to make improvements.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Yes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47This charming converted farm building
0:11:47 > 0:11:49is a significant £75,000 below
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Mark and Sara's maximum budget.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53It has plenty of living space
0:11:53 > 0:11:54and the three bedrooms they want.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56It doesn't have an office
0:11:56 > 0:11:58but they could easily create one
0:11:58 > 0:12:00in a characterful outbuilding.
0:12:03 > 0:12:051.5 acres MORE than they hoped for.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11So, for someone who was pretty positive
0:12:11 > 0:12:15all the way round that property, Sara, have you talked him round?
0:12:15 > 0:12:17I think he's changing his mind a little.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I'm certainly beginning to see the benefits.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23I think potential for me's the keyword for this property.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24I think you're right, actually.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26OK, well, that's one down.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Two more to go. Let's go. - Great.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Since the days of the Spanish Armada in 1588
0:12:39 > 0:12:41through to the First and Second World Wars,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43large stretches of Norfolk's coastline
0:12:43 > 0:12:46have been seen as vulnerable to invasion.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49One of the most determinedly defended locations
0:12:49 > 0:12:51was Weybourne Hope to the north of the county,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53where a military camp was set up
0:12:53 > 0:12:56training as many as 300,000 personnel
0:12:56 > 0:12:59over the course of four decades.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02The camp was finally closed in 1959,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04but in 1988, the site was bought and is now home
0:13:04 > 0:13:08to the largest private military collection in the UK
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and the man behind it all is Michael Savory.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18To build a collection of tanks and militaria such as you've got here,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21you have to be English and you have to be eccentric
0:13:21 > 0:13:23and I'm a combination of both of them.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28This began really at the Boer War years,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31so you're looking at the turn of the century, 1900,
0:13:31 > 0:13:32for infantry training.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36The land was acquired from the local farmers by the War Office,
0:13:36 > 0:13:37as it was then called,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41and it gradually developed to becoming a residential camp
0:13:41 > 0:13:45and one of the reasons why this bit of the coast was heavily defended
0:13:45 > 0:13:47was that we have very deep water here.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Deep water allowed the ships to come straight up to the shingle bank
0:13:50 > 0:13:52and unload troops.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Michael's collection includes 150 military vehicles,
0:13:57 > 0:13:5825 of which are tanks,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01but he also has a huge number of other military-related exhibits,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04which are sourced from all over the world
0:14:04 > 0:14:08and are painstakingly restored before going on display.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12You are standing amongst a collection of Second World War tanks,
0:14:12 > 0:14:16ranging from the Soviet T-34 to the American Sherman.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Surrounded also by a lot of light tanks.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23It's a collection which is unusual to the extent that everything works.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26As well as the regular military display days held here,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29the public are offered the rare opportunity to get hands on
0:14:29 > 0:14:31and actually drive a tank themselves.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Today, Michael's very kindly given me the chance
0:14:34 > 0:14:36to experience that for myself.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- Do I shut this behind me? - Yes, please.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43Appropriately attired, I'm ready for basic training.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Pull the two levers forward, no thumbs on the top.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47We're in business.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53The vehicle I'm driving is a British Army Fighting Vehicle 432,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55which is an armoured personnel carrier.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58They were first introduced in the 1960s
0:14:58 > 0:15:01for transporting infantry on the battlefield.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03This particular one was used in the Middle East
0:15:03 > 0:15:05during the first Gulf War,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08and it would have carried nine to ten troops, a commander,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10a driver and all of their weapons,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13which would have made for a very claustrophobic journey.
0:15:14 > 0:15:20I feel firmly in control. It's finger-touch accurate, isn't it?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Tanks aren't generally built for speed.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Their top acceleration doesn't usually go beyond 35mph,
0:15:27 > 0:15:33but what they do have is power - between 500 and 800bhp.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Yeah, go on right.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It's been a real privilege getting to drive this formidable vehicle,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46especially when you think of the troops it once carried
0:15:46 > 0:15:48and all that they must have endured.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51And to experience it in such a beautiful, historic part
0:15:51 > 0:15:54of the county has made it all the more memorable.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01Continuing on our search,
0:16:01 > 0:16:05we journey 25 miles west to the village of Wigenhall St Germans,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08an hour-and-three-quarter drive from Milton Keynes.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13This appealing settlement is nestled in the fertile farmland of the Fens,
0:16:13 > 0:16:14along the banks of the Great Ouse,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17which was once a major navigation route through East Anglia.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20There's an excellent general store here, a cosy pub
0:16:20 > 0:16:23and an impressive 14th-century church.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Just over a mile from the village
0:16:25 > 0:16:28is our second house, another converted farm building -
0:16:28 > 0:16:29this time a barn.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Now then, best place to take it all in is from here.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38And what you see, is what you get.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Could you live somewhere like this?
0:16:40 > 0:16:41Yes.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43- This feels more homely to me. - Let's go inside.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48The barn was converted by the current owners a few years ago,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and it already seems to have got the seal of approval
0:16:50 > 0:16:52from both Sara and Mark.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Let's see if they share the same feelings about the interior.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58So, you've got a big kitchen...
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Oh, yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- This is cracking. Your sink again.- Yeah.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06That's an even bigger Belfast sink.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- Do you do all the washing up? - No!
0:17:08 > 0:17:11I flipping hope so, because you are obsessed by sinks.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12BELFAST sinks.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Yes.- No, it's right. - All right?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16The whole style of the kitchen has got a very country feel to it.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19A lot of it's new. It's been put in retrospectively, but it works.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- These beautiful wide boards. - I love the floorboards.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Now, you don't have to dine here,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25because we've got loads of receptions. Let me show you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Now, this is where the house really opens up.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Dining, and after supper maybe...
0:17:32 > 0:17:33a game of billiards?
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Wow, that's great.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Now, another big room.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41My word. This is... Yeah. This is big.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Need more furniture.
0:17:44 > 0:17:45And the fireplace, as well.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I like this, Jonnie. This is nice.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50The character. Just... We're moving in.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51- Are you?- Yeah.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- So let's go upstairs and have a look at the bedrooms, OK?- OK.- OK.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Also on the ground floor, just off the kitchen,
0:17:57 > 0:17:59there's a fully set up study.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02But there are more home office possibilities for Sara and Mark
0:18:02 > 0:18:06in another part of the house which I'll talk more about later.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07Upstairs, there's a family bathroom
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and three double bedrooms.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12All of which have that wonderful stripped wooden flooring
0:18:12 > 0:18:15we admired downstairs in the kitchen.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Now, the master bedroom.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Yeah, that's nice.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- Yeah.- It's got an en suite.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- It's lovely. - Waking up to those views.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Now, there is some other accommodation to this.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31As we walked in? That long single-storey extension?
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- Yeah. - Now, that is a self-contained unit.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Wow.- Bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living area.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Or it could be just office space for you guys.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45But that gives you so much room to grow into in this house.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46- Yeah.- It does.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Let's go out the back, and look at the land, OK?- OK.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I'll just squeeze past you, there.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Well, I'm delighted that this house
0:18:53 > 0:18:56seems to have these two singing from the same hymn sheet.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58But I'm hoping this sweet harmony, isn't set off balance
0:18:58 > 0:19:00by what's on offer outside,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04because there is less land here than the first property we showed them.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06There's a total of 1.5 acres,
0:19:06 > 0:19:07including the formal garden
0:19:07 > 0:19:09which I'm sure Jessica would agree,
0:19:09 > 0:19:12has more than enough room for her swings.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Now, outside space you wanted, didn't you?- I did.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16So, you've got an acre there...
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- OK.- OK.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- ..and then this land here. - OK.- OK.- So it's smaller than your ideal requirement.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Any opportunity to get a bit more?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25- Yes.- Ah!
0:19:25 > 0:19:27This land - all that land -
0:19:27 > 0:19:28is for sale.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31So, how much do you think this place is?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33I think...
0:19:33 > 0:19:35probably 490.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38485, would be my estimate.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Good guesses! Pretty impressed.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43This place is on the market with a guide price
0:19:43 > 0:19:45of £495,000.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46OK.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51This superbly renovated barn conversion
0:19:51 > 0:19:54is £5,000 below maximum budget.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58The interior offers the space they hoped for and more.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59There's that large country kitchen,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01a separate formal dining room,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and even a billiard room.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08The annexe would easily accommodate a home office for each of them.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Outside, there isn't quite the two acres they wanted
0:20:10 > 0:20:13but there is neighbouring land available for purchase.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Well, that seems to be an end to a very successful day.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19- What do you think?- Yeah.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Enjoy walking round here? - Yeah.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Very pleased. It's been a good day.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26You look quietly confident about this place.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Now, something to think about tonight. Let's take you back.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30OK.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Today, we're off to the mystery house,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39and as there's usually a compromise,
0:20:39 > 0:20:40let's start with that.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43This property doesn't have the pre-requisite amount of land
0:20:43 > 0:20:46for Sara's horses, although not far off it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48And the property requires quite a lot of work from Mark,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52and that's because there's quite a lot of house.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54And it has the sort of character
0:20:54 > 0:20:56they could fall head over heels for.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Continuing our trajectory west,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03we reach the village of West Walton,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06an hour-and-a-half's drive from Milton Keynes
0:21:06 > 0:21:08and the final stop on our search.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Established by the time of the Norman conquest,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13this quiet settlement doesn't offer many amenities,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16but it does have a decent pub
0:21:16 > 0:21:17and a unique 13th-century church
0:21:17 > 0:21:20with an unusual detached and delicately carved bell tower
0:21:20 > 0:21:22that can be seen for miles around.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24And half a mile down the road,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26there is another towering landmark,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29which happens to stand in the grounds of our mystery house.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Now, Mark, I think you like Georgian properties,
0:21:33 > 0:21:35so you should appreciate this specimen.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38I am a big fan of that design and style, yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40And this is the real deal, isn't it?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42It's a genuine Georgian farmhouse.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45It was actually attached to the remains of that old mill tower.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46It's huge!
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Fantastic. - Yeah? Big is good, isn't it?
0:21:49 > 0:21:50I don't know.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- I suppose big means more work, and maintenance, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Land-wise, it comes with that field.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- Oh, OK.- The owner reckons there's just under two acres there,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01although I think he's being a bit modest.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Sounds like all the basics are there.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Yeah... Basics is maybe a good word to use.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Let's take a look inside.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13The three-storey mill house and the mill,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15were built in 1822.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18During the Second World War, the sails of the windmill were removed
0:22:18 > 0:22:20because it was thought to be too much of a prominent landmark,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24but after electrical grinding equipment was fitted,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27the mill continued to produce flour until the mid-1960s.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30The last miller still lives in the village.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Well, Sara, I think you like to have a separate dining area,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34so you've got that here.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Then, mind the step up to the kitchen... What do you think?
0:22:37 > 0:22:38Yes, it's a nice kitchen, actually.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41It's got a very homely feel to it. Yeah, I like it.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Nice floor. It's more than adequate for us,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and it's got some really nice features.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Just through there, you've got another double reception room,
0:22:49 > 0:22:50which you could use
0:22:50 > 0:22:52for formal dining, if you like.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Then this way you've got other reception areas - let me show you.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01Right, then.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03This is when it starts to feel a little more boho, if you like.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06I think there's some plastering work that needs done, but that can probably be fixed.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Mark, this place is your new hobby.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- You're right.- So, look, you've got loads of space
0:23:11 > 0:23:12on the ground floor.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- We've got two more floors to have a look at.- Two more floors.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17- Let's go and take a peek at one of them.- OK.
0:23:19 > 0:23:20At the other end of the ground floor,
0:23:20 > 0:23:22there's yet another reception room,
0:23:22 > 0:23:24and there's plenty more space upstairs.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27On the next floor there's a family bathroom,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29and five double bedrooms,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32one of which looks pretty much ready for Jessica to move into.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35But we're going to carry on up to the second floor
0:23:35 > 0:23:37which pretty much mirrors this one,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39because it also has five bedrooms.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43Personally, I absolutely love this room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Look at the views out here.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- It is nice. - That's really, really good.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50But, who says it has to be bedrooms?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Why can't this be an amazing office?
0:23:53 > 0:23:55Yeah. It's a massive house
0:23:55 > 0:23:57and I just think about the maintenance costs.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59I suppose it does come down to price.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01But, Mark, you kind of love the character of this place?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04I'd be fully up for DIY decorating.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Look, let's go outside and talk about the outbuildings, OK?
0:24:11 > 0:24:12So, between this floor and the one below
0:24:12 > 0:24:15there's a grand total of ten bedrooms,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17but aside from the room we've just seen,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19this top floor is the part of the house
0:24:19 > 0:24:22that requires the most decorative work.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Outside, apart from the paddock over the road,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26there is an attractive garden
0:24:26 > 0:24:28which leads to a large enclosed yard
0:24:28 > 0:24:29where there's an array of outbuildings
0:24:29 > 0:24:31including a two-storey farm shed,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34which could convert into nice stables,
0:24:34 > 0:24:36and another dwelling which is known as the old bakery.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Last, but by no means least,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40there is the magnificent
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Grade II listed seven-storey mill,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44which at the moment is pretty much derelict,
0:24:44 > 0:24:46but with planning permission
0:24:46 > 0:24:49could be restored to create a very unique holiday let.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55So, do we think we could make this into some sort of stable yard?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Look at the outbuildings there?
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- I think a whole community could live here.- Yeah!
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- So, excited?- Yeah, very excited, actually.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04It wasn't what I was expecting, at all.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So, who wants to have a go at guessing the price?
0:25:07 > 0:25:10More to the higher end of our budget - so 480,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12There's so much work to be done,
0:25:12 > 0:25:13so I'm going to say 410.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16This place is on the market with that land
0:25:16 > 0:25:20for around £475,000.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Good guess.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24£25,000 under their maximum budget,
0:25:24 > 0:25:29this extraordinary property offers Mark and Sara an awful lot.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31There are five reception rooms and ten bedrooms,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35which more than takes care of their request for three bedrooms
0:25:35 > 0:25:36plus an office space.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Outside, there's a paddock for Sara's horses
0:25:38 > 0:25:40and with a range of outbuildings,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42there's plenty of scope for stabling them.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45There's also the mill itself, which at the very least
0:25:45 > 0:25:47offers an intriguing focal point to the property,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51but could also be converted into yet more accommodation.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Have we warmed any more to this wonderful property?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- Well, I'm now seeing it as a business opportunity.- Oh!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Sounds like you've got a lot to talk about yourselves,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- so let's find you somewhere to have a chit-chat. After you.- Thank you.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Do either of you have a favourite?
0:26:10 > 0:26:15The only property where my heart and my head agree with one other
0:26:15 > 0:26:16is number two.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Number two is probably my strongest pull,
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- but number one I see a lot of financial sense in...- Yeah.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27..and the mystery house, from my point of view,
0:26:27 > 0:26:28I would see it as B&B, holiday let.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31We'd have to get a business loan to do that
0:26:31 > 0:26:33and then, would we recoup that money?
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I don't think the mystery house works for us financially.
0:26:36 > 0:26:37What is your next step?
0:26:37 > 0:26:40We're definitely going to go back to house number two.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43I think I'm going to drag Mark kicking and screaming
0:26:43 > 0:26:44back to house number one,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48because I see a lot of potential there and even with the work,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50there's still room in our budget.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It's a been a really interesting process. With just three houses,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58you've seen how your differences in taste and challenges have come out.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Look, you're going to come back here for a second viewing.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04Please, please let us know what you decide. I can't wait to find out.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06- Good luck!- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I'm pleased to hear Sara and Mark are agreed on one thing
0:27:12 > 0:27:15and that's that they both want to go back to house number two.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Let's face it, they really enjoyed looking around that place.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22I'm also interested to hear that Sara also wants to go back
0:27:22 > 0:27:26to property number one, taking Mark kicking and screaming if needs be.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28I think they've both realised
0:27:28 > 0:27:30that it's not just about the house or the land,
0:27:30 > 0:27:32it's the whole package,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36so second viewings of both houses and their areas is what's needed
0:27:36 > 0:27:40in order for them to decide which way they need to go as a family.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44So I'm sure, just like me, you wish them both the very best of luck.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I'll see you next time.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Mark and Sara returned to view our second house
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and they loved it just as much the second time round.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54They were keen to put in an offer,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56but after investigating the price of the additional land,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58they felt it pushed their budget too far beyond
0:27:58 > 0:28:00what they were comfortable with,
0:28:00 > 0:28:01so their search continues.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03If you'd like to escape to the country
0:28:03 > 0:28:06in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England
0:28:06 > 0:28:08or perhaps even further afield to the continent
0:28:08 > 0:28:11and would like our help, you can apply online at...