Norfolk Escape to the Country


Norfolk

Similar Content

Browse content similar to Norfolk. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!

Transcript


LineFromTo

This statue of a wolf symbolises a king who died a martyr to his faith

0:00:020:00:05

and was the first patron saint of England.

0:00:050:00:07

Find out who that was, who he is,

0:00:070:00:09

and where we both are in just a moment.

0:00:090:00:11

One of the key property requirements for today's couple

0:00:300:00:33

is space to accommodate their horses.

0:00:330:00:35

But it soon becomes evident

0:00:350:00:37

there's something that's quite high on their priority list.

0:00:370:00:39

-Look at the sink.

-Oh, Belfast sink!

-Your dream!

0:00:390:00:43

-I've always said to you about a Belfast sink, haven't I?

-Yeah.

0:00:430:00:45

Luckily, our properties deliver on that front.

0:00:450:00:49

-Got your sink again.

-Yes! Wow.

0:00:490:00:51

Do you do all the washing up?

0:00:510:00:52

-Because you are obsessed by sinks.

-Belfast sinks.

0:00:520:00:55

I'm in the seaside resort of Hunstanton in Norfolk

0:00:570:01:00

and it's believed that this coastline behind me

0:01:000:01:03

is where St Edmund landed back in 855AD

0:01:030:01:06

to claim the throne of East Anglia.

0:01:060:01:08

After a relatively peaceful reign,

0:01:080:01:10

Edmund was forced to defend his kingdom from Vikings.

0:01:100:01:14

He was defeated in battle and later executed

0:01:140:01:17

for refusing to denounce his faith.

0:01:170:01:20

Now, as legend has it, his remains were later found guarded by a wolf,

0:01:200:01:24

and his followers were then able to honour their devout king

0:01:240:01:27

and give him a sacred Christian burial.

0:01:270:01:30

Now to commemorate the legacy of St Edmund,

0:01:300:01:33

the town have created a walking trail

0:01:330:01:35

depicting scenes from his life.

0:01:350:01:37

This carved statue of the wolf here, marks the end of the trail

0:01:370:01:41

and stands as a timely reminder of a captivating story

0:01:410:01:45

deeply rooted in this historic county.

0:01:450:01:48

In the East of England, jutting out into the North Sea,

0:01:510:01:54

Norfolk is bordered by Lincolnshire, Cambridge and Suffolk,

0:01:540:01:59

with wide atmospheric skies

0:01:590:02:01

and unbroken horizons,

0:02:010:02:03

the county is defined by some uniquely beautiful landscapes,

0:02:030:02:06

including the Fens,

0:02:060:02:08

which before systematic drainage began in the 17th century,

0:02:080:02:11

were an impenetrable boggy wilderness,

0:02:110:02:13

but now represent close to half

0:02:130:02:16

of the most fertile agricultural land in England.

0:02:160:02:19

Gateway to the Fens is age-old Downham Market,

0:02:190:02:22

renowned during the Middle Ages for its butter market,

0:02:220:02:24

and today known affectionately as the gingerbread town,

0:02:240:02:27

thanks to the local ochre-hued sandstone used to construct

0:02:270:02:30

many of its fine buildings.

0:02:300:02:32

Not far from here is the unassuming village of Burnham Thorpe,

0:02:340:02:38

birthplace of Norfolk's most famous son, Lord Horatio Nelson.

0:02:380:02:42

Home of heroes,

0:02:420:02:43

ancient settlements

0:02:430:02:45

and gorgeous vistas

0:02:450:02:47

Norfolk is an understandably desirable county to escape to.

0:02:470:02:51

The beautiful open countryside of Norfolk

0:02:530:02:55

certainly rates above the average,

0:02:550:02:57

and that is balanced by its property prices,

0:02:570:03:00

which are currently some £40,000 below the national average figure,

0:03:000:03:04

coming in at around £222,000 for a detached house here.

0:03:040:03:09

And regionally the county scores too, being the less expensive

0:03:090:03:13

option out of neighbouring Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

0:03:130:03:15

So, an undiscovered gem?

0:03:150:03:17

Well, today's buyers certainly seem to think so.

0:03:170:03:19

Let's find out why in particular they want to move

0:03:190:03:22

to this part of the county.

0:03:220:03:23

14 years ago, IT specialist Mark

0:03:250:03:27

and wife Sara, who's a marketing manager,

0:03:270:03:30

bought this four-bedroom house in Milton Keynes.

0:03:300:03:33

They've raised nine-year-old daughter Jessica here,

0:03:330:03:35

but have always dreamt of a rural lifestyle.

0:03:350:03:37

So, before Jessica gets to high-school age,

0:03:370:03:40

they're keen to make the move.

0:03:400:03:42

-Milton Keynes has been very good for us.

-A town of convenience.

0:03:420:03:45

Great for a young family.

0:03:450:03:47

I'm not sure I'd want to spend the rest of my life here.

0:03:470:03:49

Making the rural escape along with them

0:03:490:03:52

will be their two dogs Roxy and Otis,

0:03:520:03:54

their cat Kizzy, and Sara's beloved horses, Turtle and Jamie,

0:03:540:03:58

who are currently kept in stables eight miles away,

0:03:580:04:00

and are a major motivating factor for the move.

0:04:000:04:03

It's my dream to have the horses just there outside the back door.

0:04:030:04:09

Every day I get in the car and I drive, you know, ten minutes there

0:04:090:04:13

and I do them, and I spend so much time at the horses.

0:04:130:04:16

It's something I share with Sara as well, a dream for that...

0:04:190:04:23

every man dreams of his castle.

0:04:230:04:24

Both Mark and Sara work from home,

0:04:240:04:27

but Sara will still need to return to her office in Milton Keynes

0:04:270:04:30

every one or two weeks, which is part of the reason

0:04:300:04:32

why they've chosen Norfolk.

0:04:320:04:34

It's close to some major routes,

0:04:340:04:36

and it's that lovely village, rural community.

0:04:360:04:39

You've got the beach nearby...

0:04:390:04:41

Jessica's very excited about having the beach.

0:04:410:04:43

And within an affordable price range.

0:04:430:04:45

Realistically, what we're looking at.

0:04:450:04:47

Because we're not just looking for a house in the country,

0:04:470:04:50

we need land for Sara's horses.

0:04:500:04:52

While Mark and Sara are more than ready to leave urban life behind,

0:04:540:04:57

they have natural parental concern about how their daughter

0:04:570:05:00

will respond to the change.

0:05:000:05:03

I think she's very split between excited

0:05:030:05:06

and nervous.

0:05:060:05:08

She's lived here all her life.

0:05:080:05:10

It will be a change.

0:05:100:05:11

But there are things that she's really excited about -

0:05:110:05:14

like having swings in the garden and having chickens.

0:05:140:05:18

Sara and Mark might have quite different careers and interests,

0:05:190:05:22

but for both of them, family is very much at the heart

0:05:220:05:25

of their decision to move.

0:05:250:05:28

The thing that excites me most about the move

0:05:280:05:30

is having our whole family together, and that includes the horses.

0:05:300:05:33

To me they are sort of hairy children.

0:05:330:05:37

So that it's easy for Sara to travel back to her office in Milton Keynes when she needs to,

0:05:400:05:45

we're keeping our search within two hours of the town.

0:05:450:05:48

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

0:05:480:05:52

So, welcome both of you to Sunny Norfolk.

0:05:520:05:55

Why are we stood here?

0:05:550:05:57

I was born near London, so I have experienced living in the city,

0:05:570:06:01

but I think my heart has always been more living in the countryside.

0:06:010:06:04

This outdoorsy life's not just about you two, but about family, as well.

0:06:040:06:08

For a better family environment for your daughter?

0:06:080:06:11

Yes. Jessica wants swings.

0:06:110:06:13

Our garden isn't big enough.

0:06:130:06:16

Now, how much land are we talking about?

0:06:160:06:18

-Minimum two acres.

-Minimum two acres.

0:06:180:06:21

Let's talk about the house.

0:06:210:06:23

It would be lovely to have sort of a Georgian property,

0:06:230:06:26

or something along those lines.

0:06:260:06:27

I think my thoughts are for a character type of property.

0:06:270:06:31

I guess because with such a big change,

0:06:310:06:34

why not go the full hog?

0:06:340:06:35

What about a project?

0:06:350:06:37

As long as there's money in the pot, and we can see the potential.

0:06:370:06:40

OK. Now, the size of the house?

0:06:400:06:43

We're looking for minimum three-bed with a study.

0:06:430:06:46

-Or four bed.

-But, ideally, two working spaces for myself and Sara.

0:06:460:06:50

I guess it's even possible to build something,

0:06:500:06:52

if you've got enough land. I'm open to that.

0:06:520:06:54

How soon can you make this move? Are you ready to go?

0:06:540:06:57

We are, really.

0:06:570:06:58

-We've got an offer on our house.

-Brilliant.

0:06:580:07:01

Remind me how much you're looking to spend.

0:07:010:07:03

500,000, and a little left over for some improvements.

0:07:030:07:07

Do you agree changes you'd want to make? Do you have different tastes on things with the house or land?

0:07:070:07:11

Mark usually comes round to my way of thinking.

0:07:110:07:15

In the end.

0:07:150:07:16

I have a barrier, initially, and Sara has to break down.

0:07:160:07:20

No pressure. Well, we've got three fantastic properties lined up.

0:07:200:07:23

Let's make our way to first one.

0:07:230:07:25

-OK.

-Thank you.

-This way.

0:07:250:07:27

With a budget of £500,000,

0:07:270:07:30

Mark and Sara are looking for a characterful home for themselves,

0:07:300:07:33

their daughter and Sara's much-cherished horses.

0:07:330:07:37

They would like minimum of three bedrooms,

0:07:370:07:39

plus a room that could be used as a home office.

0:07:390:07:41

Outside they're hoping for a garden

0:07:410:07:43

that could fit those swings Jessica is angling for,

0:07:430:07:46

and to accommodate the horses they'll need at least two acres.

0:07:460:07:49

And stables would be a bonus.

0:07:490:07:51

Finally, for Sara's work

0:07:510:07:53

they'll need to be within reasonable driving distance of Milton Keynes.

0:07:530:07:57

We've lined up three excellent properties for them to look at,

0:07:580:08:01

and after each house tour

0:08:010:08:02

I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

0:08:020:08:06

One will be the mystery house, with everything they asked for,

0:08:060:08:09

and much, much more,

0:08:090:08:11

but will that be too much for them?

0:08:110:08:13

We're starting our search in the little village of Necton,

0:08:190:08:22

which is just under a two-hour drive

0:08:220:08:23

from Sara's work base in Milton Keynes.

0:08:230:08:25

The nearest town, six miles away, is Swaffham,

0:08:270:08:29

which has all the amenities the family will need.

0:08:290:08:32

I like it. I like barn-y type conversions.

0:08:320:08:36

-Yeah.

-And I notice there's some land.

0:08:360:08:39

A big garden for Jessica. Even chickens!

0:08:390:08:40

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick.

0:08:400:08:43

The house is a little smaller than I was expecting,

0:08:430:08:45

but I like how it's presented.

0:08:450:08:46

-It's got some character from the outside.

-Let's look inside.

0:08:460:08:50

The house was originally a cow shed,

0:08:500:08:52

but the current owners who used to live in the nearby farmhouse,

0:08:520:08:56

stored their tractor in it.

0:08:560:08:57

12 years ago when they were looking to downsize,

0:08:570:08:59

they sold the farmhouse, converted the tractor shed, and moved in.

0:08:590:09:03

So, the owners use this entrance

0:09:030:09:06

pretty much on a daily basis.

0:09:060:09:08

It's larger than our lounge in Milton Keynes.

0:09:080:09:10

I think this is perfectly acceptable.

0:09:100:09:12

Just through that door, you've got a downstairs bedroom.

0:09:120:09:15

-OK.

-All right? Which I think would make an ideal office.

0:09:150:09:18

-Let's take a look in the kitchen, next.

-OK.

0:09:180:09:21

A big space here to play around with.

0:09:210:09:24

Oh, wow. Look at this.

0:09:240:09:25

Yeah. And look at the sink.

0:09:250:09:28

-Oh, a Belfast sink.

-Your dream!

0:09:280:09:30

-I've always said to you about Belfast sinks, haven't I?

-Yeah.

0:09:300:09:32

Is this what you had in mind?

0:09:320:09:33

I actually quite like it.

0:09:330:09:35

-I'm more of a kitchen/breakfast and then dining room person.

-Ooh.

0:09:350:09:38

But, it does work.

0:09:380:09:40

This feels nice and open.

0:09:400:09:42

-Yeah.

-Very sociable.

0:09:420:09:44

Upstairs we do get a bit smaller,

0:09:440:09:45

-so let me show you that now.

-OK.

0:09:450:09:47

The ground floor has just over 1,000 square foot of, I think,

0:09:490:09:53

quite flexible space to play with.

0:09:530:09:55

Which hopefully makes up for the slightly more limited

0:09:550:09:57

bedroom space on the next floor.

0:09:570:09:59

So, just the two bedrooms on this floor,

0:09:590:10:02

both of which are en suite.

0:10:020:10:03

Now, this is the master.

0:10:030:10:05

You've got a slightly bigger en suite, with a bath in it.

0:10:050:10:08

OK.

0:10:080:10:09

-The bedroom, I think, is a slightly more interesting shape, certainly.

-Yeah.

0:10:090:10:12

I was just thinking if there was any other position

0:10:120:10:14

the bed could occupy within the room.

0:10:140:10:16

You normally expect a bed to be

0:10:160:10:18

the dominant piece of furniture within a room

0:10:180:10:20

whereas here it's almost tucked away around the corner.

0:10:200:10:23

But, to be fair, it's what, in hindsight,

0:10:230:10:25

when we did the build we would have done.

0:10:250:10:27

-And that we've discussed we would have done.

-Would we now?

-Yes.

0:10:270:10:31

-Oh-ho-ho. Slight difference of opinions.

-Yeah.

0:10:310:10:33

Mark, bearing in mind that Sara said that in time you normally

0:10:330:10:36

-come round to her way of thinking...

-Yes, there is some truth to that.

0:10:360:10:40

And Sara's liking what she sees...

0:10:400:10:42

I couldn't agree more with Sara!

0:10:420:10:45

There's three bedrooms in this house.

0:10:450:10:47

At present, that means we have to think

0:10:470:10:49

of other locations for the offices.

0:10:490:10:51

That's when the project starts, and it will go...

0:10:510:10:54

Well, the building would need to be done outside, I think.

0:10:540:10:57

-Let me show you.

-OK.

0:10:570:10:58

A bit of a tricky situation here with Mark and Sara's

0:11:000:11:03

quite different reactions to this place.

0:11:030:11:05

But maybe the space outside will help to unite them.

0:11:050:11:08

There's a good amount of land not actually dedicated

0:11:080:11:10

to the horses at the moment.

0:11:100:11:12

You've 3½ acres here, my friend.

0:11:120:11:14

Now, you have got a lovely building there.

0:11:140:11:17

That's sweet, isn't it?

0:11:170:11:19

Which would be excellent for a home office?

0:11:190:11:21

How much do you think this whole property as a package is on the market for?

0:11:210:11:24

I'm going to say...

0:11:240:11:26

470.

0:11:260:11:27

I would maybe go for 480.

0:11:270:11:29

Well, I've got some good news for you both, then.

0:11:310:11:34

This place is on the market for offers around £425,000.

0:11:340:11:37

That's a lot of room to make improvements.

0:11:390:11:42

Yes.

0:11:420:11:43

This charming converted farm building

0:11:430:11:47

is a significant £75,000 below

0:11:470:11:49

Mark and Sara's maximum budget.

0:11:490:11:51

It has plenty of living space

0:11:510:11:53

and the three bedrooms they want.

0:11:530:11:54

It doesn't have an office

0:11:540:11:56

but they could easily create one

0:11:560:11:58

in a characterful outbuilding.

0:11:580:12:00

1.5 acres MORE than they hoped for.

0:12:030:12:05

So, for someone who was pretty positive

0:12:090:12:11

all the way round that property, Sara, have you talked him round?

0:12:110:12:15

I think he's changing his mind a little.

0:12:150:12:17

I'm certainly beginning to see the benefits.

0:12:170:12:20

I think potential for me's the keyword for this property.

0:12:200:12:23

I think you're right, actually.

0:12:230:12:24

OK, well, that's one down.

0:12:240:12:26

-Two more to go. Let's go.

-Great.

0:12:260:12:28

Since the days of the Spanish Armada in 1588

0:12:360:12:39

through to the First and Second World Wars,

0:12:390:12:41

large stretches of Norfolk's coastline

0:12:410:12:43

have been seen as vulnerable to invasion.

0:12:430:12:46

One of the most determinedly defended locations

0:12:470:12:49

was Weybourne Hope to the north of the county,

0:12:490:12:51

where a military camp was set up

0:12:510:12:53

training as many as 300,000 personnel

0:12:530:12:56

over the course of four decades.

0:12:560:12:59

The camp was finally closed in 1959,

0:12:590:13:02

but in 1988, the site was bought and is now home

0:13:020:13:04

to the largest private military collection in the UK

0:13:040:13:08

and the man behind it all is Michael Savory.

0:13:080:13:11

To build a collection of tanks and militaria such as you've got here,

0:13:140:13:18

you have to be English and you have to be eccentric

0:13:180:13:21

and I'm a combination of both of them.

0:13:210:13:23

This began really at the Boer War years,

0:13:230:13:28

so you're looking at the turn of the century, 1900,

0:13:280:13:31

for infantry training.

0:13:310:13:32

The land was acquired from the local farmers by the War Office,

0:13:320:13:36

as it was then called,

0:13:360:13:37

and it gradually developed to becoming a residential camp

0:13:370:13:41

and one of the reasons why this bit of the coast was heavily defended

0:13:410:13:45

was that we have very deep water here.

0:13:450:13:47

Deep water allowed the ships to come straight up to the shingle bank

0:13:470:13:50

and unload troops.

0:13:500:13:52

Michael's collection includes 150 military vehicles,

0:13:530:13:57

25 of which are tanks,

0:13:570:13:58

but he also has a huge number of other military-related exhibits,

0:13:580:14:01

which are sourced from all over the world

0:14:010:14:04

and are painstakingly restored before going on display.

0:14:040:14:08

You are standing amongst a collection of Second World War tanks,

0:14:080:14:12

ranging from the Soviet T-34 to the American Sherman.

0:14:120:14:16

Surrounded also by a lot of light tanks.

0:14:160:14:18

It's a collection which is unusual to the extent that everything works.

0:14:180:14:23

As well as the regular military display days held here,

0:14:230:14:26

the public are offered the rare opportunity to get hands on

0:14:260:14:29

and actually drive a tank themselves.

0:14:290:14:31

Today, Michael's very kindly given me the chance

0:14:310:14:34

to experience that for myself.

0:14:340:14:36

-Do I shut this behind me?

-Yes, please.

0:14:360:14:38

Appropriately attired, I'm ready for basic training.

0:14:380:14:43

Pull the two levers forward, no thumbs on the top.

0:14:430:14:46

We're in business.

0:14:460:14:47

The vehicle I'm driving is a British Army Fighting Vehicle 432,

0:14:500:14:53

which is an armoured personnel carrier.

0:14:530:14:55

They were first introduced in the 1960s

0:14:550:14:58

for transporting infantry on the battlefield.

0:14:580:15:01

This particular one was used in the Middle East

0:15:010:15:03

during the first Gulf War,

0:15:030:15:05

and it would have carried nine to ten troops, a commander,

0:15:050:15:08

a driver and all of their weapons,

0:15:080:15:10

which would have made for a very claustrophobic journey.

0:15:100:15:13

I feel firmly in control. It's finger-touch accurate, isn't it?

0:15:140:15:20

Tanks aren't generally built for speed.

0:15:210:15:23

Their top acceleration doesn't usually go beyond 35mph,

0:15:230:15:27

but what they do have is power - between 500 and 800bhp.

0:15:270:15:33

Yeah, go on right.

0:15:340:15:36

It's been a real privilege getting to drive this formidable vehicle,

0:15:400:15:44

especially when you think of the troops it once carried

0:15:440:15:46

and all that they must have endured.

0:15:460:15:48

And to experience it in such a beautiful, historic part

0:15:480:15:51

of the county has made it all the more memorable.

0:15:510:15:54

Continuing on our search,

0:16:000:16:01

we journey 25 miles west to the village of Wigenhall St Germans,

0:16:010:16:05

an hour-and-three-quarter drive from Milton Keynes.

0:16:050:16:08

This appealing settlement is nestled in the fertile farmland of the Fens,

0:16:080:16:13

along the banks of the Great Ouse,

0:16:130:16:14

which was once a major navigation route through East Anglia.

0:16:140:16:17

There's an excellent general store here, a cosy pub

0:16:170:16:20

and an impressive 14th-century church.

0:16:200:16:23

Just over a mile from the village

0:16:230:16:25

is our second house, another converted farm building -

0:16:250:16:28

this time a barn.

0:16:280:16:29

Now then, best place to take it all in is from here.

0:16:310:16:34

And what you see, is what you get.

0:16:340:16:38

Could you live somewhere like this?

0:16:380:16:40

Yes.

0:16:400:16:41

-This feels more homely to me.

-Let's go inside.

0:16:410:16:43

The barn was converted by the current owners a few years ago,

0:16:440:16:48

and it already seems to have got the seal of approval

0:16:480:16:50

from both Sara and Mark.

0:16:500:16:52

Let's see if they share the same feelings about the interior.

0:16:520:16:55

So, you've got a big kitchen...

0:16:550:16:58

Oh, yeah.

0:16:580:17:00

-This is cracking. Your sink again.

-Yeah.

0:17:010:17:03

That's an even bigger Belfast sink.

0:17:030:17:06

-Do you do all the washing up?

-No!

0:17:060:17:08

I flipping hope so, because you are obsessed by sinks.

0:17:080:17:11

BELFAST sinks.

0:17:110:17:12

-Yes.

-No, it's right.

-All right?

0:17:120:17:14

The whole style of the kitchen has got a very country feel to it.

0:17:140:17:16

A lot of it's new. It's been put in retrospectively, but it works.

0:17:160:17:19

-These beautiful wide boards.

-I love the floorboards.

0:17:190:17:21

Now, you don't have to dine here,

0:17:210:17:23

because we've got loads of receptions. Let me show you.

0:17:230:17:25

Now, this is where the house really opens up.

0:17:270:17:29

Dining, and after supper maybe...

0:17:290:17:32

a game of billiards?

0:17:320:17:33

Wow, that's great.

0:17:330:17:35

Now, another big room.

0:17:360:17:38

My word. This is... Yeah. This is big.

0:17:380:17:41

Need more furniture.

0:17:420:17:44

And the fireplace, as well.

0:17:440:17:45

I like this, Jonnie. This is nice.

0:17:450:17:48

The character. Just... We're moving in.

0:17:480:17:50

-Are you?

-Yeah.

0:17:500:17:51

-So let's go upstairs and have a look at the bedrooms, OK?

-OK.

-OK.

0:17:510:17:54

Also on the ground floor, just off the kitchen,

0:17:540:17:57

there's a fully set up study.

0:17:570:17:59

But there are more home office possibilities for Sara and Mark

0:17:590:18:02

in another part of the house which I'll talk more about later.

0:18:020:18:06

Upstairs, there's a family bathroom

0:18:060:18:07

and three double bedrooms.

0:18:070:18:09

All of which have that wonderful stripped wooden flooring

0:18:090:18:12

we admired downstairs in the kitchen.

0:18:120:18:15

Now, the master bedroom.

0:18:160:18:19

Yeah, that's nice.

0:18:190:18:20

-Yeah.

-It's got an en suite.

0:18:200:18:22

-It's lovely.

-Waking up to those views.

0:18:220:18:25

Now, there is some other accommodation to this.

0:18:250:18:27

As we walked in? That long single-storey extension?

0:18:270:18:31

-Yeah.

-Now, that is a self-contained unit.

0:18:310:18:35

-Wow.

-Bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, living area.

0:18:350:18:39

Or it could be just office space for you guys.

0:18:390:18:42

But that gives you so much room to grow into in this house.

0:18:420:18:45

-Yeah.

-It does.

0:18:450:18:46

-Let's go out the back, and look at the land, OK?

-OK.

0:18:460:18:49

I'll just squeeze past you, there.

0:18:490:18:51

Well, I'm delighted that this house

0:18:510:18:53

seems to have these two singing from the same hymn sheet.

0:18:530:18:56

But I'm hoping this sweet harmony, isn't set off balance

0:18:560:18:58

by what's on offer outside,

0:18:580:19:00

because there is less land here than the first property we showed them.

0:19:000:19:04

There's a total of 1.5 acres,

0:19:040:19:06

including the formal garden

0:19:060:19:07

which I'm sure Jessica would agree,

0:19:070:19:09

has more than enough room for her swings.

0:19:090:19:12

-Now, outside space you wanted, didn't you?

-I did.

0:19:120:19:14

So, you've got an acre there...

0:19:140:19:16

-OK.

-OK.

0:19:160:19:18

-..and then this land here.

-OK.

-OK.

-So it's smaller than your ideal requirement.

0:19:180:19:21

Any opportunity to get a bit more?

0:19:210:19:24

-Yes.

-Ah!

0:19:240:19:25

This land - all that land -

0:19:250:19:27

is for sale.

0:19:270:19:28

So, how much do you think this place is?

0:19:280:19:31

I think...

0:19:310:19:33

probably 490.

0:19:330:19:35

485, would be my estimate.

0:19:350:19:38

Good guesses! Pretty impressed.

0:19:390:19:41

This place is on the market with a guide price

0:19:410:19:43

of £495,000.

0:19:430:19:45

OK.

0:19:450:19:46

This superbly renovated barn conversion

0:19:470:19:51

is £5,000 below maximum budget.

0:19:510:19:54

The interior offers the space they hoped for and more.

0:19:540:19:58

There's that large country kitchen,

0:19:580:19:59

a separate formal dining room,

0:19:590:20:01

and even a billiard room.

0:20:010:20:04

The annexe would easily accommodate a home office for each of them.

0:20:040:20:08

Outside, there isn't quite the two acres they wanted

0:20:080:20:10

but there is neighbouring land available for purchase.

0:20:100:20:13

Well, that seems to be an end to a very successful day.

0:20:150:20:18

-What do you think?

-Yeah.

0:20:180:20:19

-Enjoy walking round here?

-Yeah.

0:20:190:20:21

Very pleased. It's been a good day.

0:20:210:20:24

You look quietly confident about this place.

0:20:240:20:26

Now, something to think about tonight. Let's take you back.

0:20:260:20:29

OK.

0:20:290:20:30

Today, we're off to the mystery house,

0:20:350:20:37

and as there's usually a compromise,

0:20:370:20:39

let's start with that.

0:20:390:20:40

This property doesn't have the pre-requisite amount of land

0:20:400:20:43

for Sara's horses, although not far off it.

0:20:430:20:46

And the property requires quite a lot of work from Mark,

0:20:460:20:48

and that's because there's quite a lot of house.

0:20:480:20:52

And it has the sort of character

0:20:520:20:54

they could fall head over heels for.

0:20:540:20:56

Continuing our trajectory west,

0:20:590:21:01

we reach the village of West Walton,

0:21:010:21:03

an hour-and-a-half's drive from Milton Keynes

0:21:030:21:06

and the final stop on our search.

0:21:060:21:08

Established by the time of the Norman conquest,

0:21:080:21:10

this quiet settlement doesn't offer many amenities,

0:21:100:21:13

but it does have a decent pub

0:21:130:21:16

and a unique 13th-century church

0:21:160:21:17

with an unusual detached and delicately carved bell tower

0:21:170:21:20

that can be seen for miles around.

0:21:200:21:22

And half a mile down the road,

0:21:220:21:24

there is another towering landmark,

0:21:240:21:26

which happens to stand in the grounds of our mystery house.

0:21:260:21:29

Now, Mark, I think you like Georgian properties,

0:21:300:21:33

so you should appreciate this specimen.

0:21:330:21:35

I am a big fan of that design and style, yes.

0:21:350:21:38

And this is the real deal, isn't it?

0:21:380:21:40

It's a genuine Georgian farmhouse.

0:21:400:21:42

It was actually attached to the remains of that old mill tower.

0:21:420:21:45

It's huge!

0:21:450:21:46

-Fantastic.

-Yeah? Big is good, isn't it?

0:21:460:21:49

I don't know.

0:21:490:21:50

-I suppose big means more work, and maintenance, doesn't it?

-Yeah.

0:21:500:21:53

Land-wise, it comes with that field.

0:21:530:21:56

-Oh, OK.

-The owner reckons there's just under two acres there,

0:21:560:21:59

although I think he's being a bit modest.

0:21:590:22:01

Sounds like all the basics are there.

0:22:010:22:03

Yeah... Basics is maybe a good word to use.

0:22:030:22:06

Let's take a look inside.

0:22:060:22:08

The three-storey mill house and the mill,

0:22:100:22:13

were built in 1822.

0:22:130:22:15

During the Second World War, the sails of the windmill were removed

0:22:150:22:18

because it was thought to be too much of a prominent landmark,

0:22:180:22:20

but after electrical grinding equipment was fitted,

0:22:200:22:24

the mill continued to produce flour until the mid-1960s.

0:22:240:22:27

The last miller still lives in the village.

0:22:270:22:30

Well, Sara, I think you like to have a separate dining area,

0:22:300:22:32

so you've got that here.

0:22:320:22:34

Then, mind the step up to the kitchen... What do you think?

0:22:340:22:37

Yes, it's a nice kitchen, actually.

0:22:370:22:38

It's got a very homely feel to it. Yeah, I like it.

0:22:380:22:41

Nice floor. It's more than adequate for us,

0:22:410:22:44

and it's got some really nice features.

0:22:440:22:46

Just through there, you've got another double reception room,

0:22:460:22:49

which you could use

0:22:490:22:50

for formal dining, if you like.

0:22:500:22:52

Then this way you've got other reception areas - let me show you.

0:22:520:22:56

Right, then.

0:22:590:23:01

This is when it starts to feel a little more boho, if you like.

0:23:010:23:03

I think there's some plastering work that needs done, but that can probably be fixed.

0:23:030:23:06

Mark, this place is your new hobby.

0:23:060:23:08

-You're right.

-So, look, you've got loads of space

0:23:080:23:11

on the ground floor.

0:23:110:23:12

-We've got two more floors to have a look at.

-Two more floors.

0:23:120:23:15

-Let's go and take a peek at one of them.

-OK.

0:23:150:23:17

At the other end of the ground floor,

0:23:190:23:20

there's yet another reception room,

0:23:200:23:22

and there's plenty more space upstairs.

0:23:220:23:24

On the next floor there's a family bathroom,

0:23:240:23:27

and five double bedrooms,

0:23:270:23:29

one of which looks pretty much ready for Jessica to move into.

0:23:290:23:32

But we're going to carry on up to the second floor

0:23:320:23:35

which pretty much mirrors this one,

0:23:350:23:37

because it also has five bedrooms.

0:23:370:23:39

Personally, I absolutely love this room.

0:23:410:23:43

Look at the views out here.

0:23:430:23:45

-It is nice.

-That's really, really good.

0:23:450:23:47

But, who says it has to be bedrooms?

0:23:470:23:50

Why can't this be an amazing office?

0:23:500:23:53

Yeah. It's a massive house

0:23:530:23:55

and I just think about the maintenance costs.

0:23:550:23:57

I suppose it does come down to price.

0:23:570:23:59

But, Mark, you kind of love the character of this place?

0:23:590:24:01

I'd be fully up for DIY decorating.

0:24:010:24:04

Look, let's go outside and talk about the outbuildings, OK?

0:24:040:24:07

So, between this floor and the one below

0:24:110:24:12

there's a grand total of ten bedrooms,

0:24:120:24:15

but aside from the room we've just seen,

0:24:150:24:17

this top floor is the part of the house

0:24:170:24:19

that requires the most decorative work.

0:24:190:24:22

Outside, apart from the paddock over the road,

0:24:220:24:24

there is an attractive garden

0:24:240:24:26

which leads to a large enclosed yard

0:24:260:24:28

where there's an array of outbuildings

0:24:280:24:29

including a two-storey farm shed,

0:24:290:24:31

which could convert into nice stables,

0:24:310:24:34

and another dwelling which is known as the old bakery.

0:24:340:24:36

Last, but by no means least,

0:24:360:24:38

there is the magnificent

0:24:380:24:40

Grade II listed seven-storey mill,

0:24:400:24:42

which at the moment is pretty much derelict,

0:24:420:24:44

but with planning permission

0:24:440:24:46

could be restored to create a very unique holiday let.

0:24:460:24:49

So, do we think we could make this into some sort of stable yard?

0:24:500:24:55

Look at the outbuildings there?

0:24:550:24:57

-I think a whole community could live here.

-Yeah!

0:24:570:24:59

-So, excited?

-Yeah, very excited, actually.

0:24:590:25:02

It wasn't what I was expecting, at all.

0:25:020:25:04

So, who wants to have a go at guessing the price?

0:25:040:25:07

More to the higher end of our budget - so 480,000.

0:25:070:25:10

There's so much work to be done,

0:25:100:25:12

so I'm going to say 410.

0:25:120:25:13

This place is on the market with that land

0:25:130:25:16

for around £475,000.

0:25:160:25:20

Good guess.

0:25:200:25:21

£25,000 under their maximum budget,

0:25:210:25:24

this extraordinary property offers Mark and Sara an awful lot.

0:25:240:25:29

There are five reception rooms and ten bedrooms,

0:25:290:25:31

which more than takes care of their request for three bedrooms

0:25:310:25:35

plus an office space.

0:25:350:25:36

Outside, there's a paddock for Sara's horses

0:25:360:25:38

and with a range of outbuildings,

0:25:380:25:40

there's plenty of scope for stabling them.

0:25:400:25:42

There's also the mill itself, which at the very least

0:25:420:25:45

offers an intriguing focal point to the property,

0:25:450:25:47

but could also be converted into yet more accommodation.

0:25:470:25:51

Have we warmed any more to this wonderful property?

0:25:520:25:55

-Well, I'm now seeing it as a business opportunity.

-Oh!

0:25:550:25:58

Sounds like you've got a lot to talk about yourselves,

0:25:580:26:00

-so let's find you somewhere to have a chit-chat. After you.

-Thank you.

0:26:000:26:03

Do either of you have a favourite?

0:26:080:26:10

The only property where my heart and my head agree with one other

0:26:100:26:15

is number two.

0:26:150:26:16

Number two is probably my strongest pull,

0:26:160:26:20

-but number one I see a lot of financial sense in...

-Yeah.

0:26:200:26:24

..and the mystery house, from my point of view,

0:26:240:26:27

I would see it as B&B, holiday let.

0:26:270:26:28

We'd have to get a business loan to do that

0:26:280:26:31

and then, would we recoup that money?

0:26:310:26:33

I don't think the mystery house works for us financially.

0:26:330:26:36

What is your next step?

0:26:360:26:37

We're definitely going to go back to house number two.

0:26:370:26:40

I think I'm going to drag Mark kicking and screaming

0:26:400:26:43

back to house number one,

0:26:430:26:44

because I see a lot of potential there and even with the work,

0:26:440:26:48

there's still room in our budget.

0:26:480:26:50

It's a been a really interesting process. With just three houses,

0:26:500:26:54

you've seen how your differences in taste and challenges have come out.

0:26:540:26:58

Look, you're going to come back here for a second viewing.

0:26:580:27:00

Please, please let us know what you decide. I can't wait to find out.

0:27:000:27:04

-Good luck!

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

0:27:040:27:06

I'm pleased to hear Sara and Mark are agreed on one thing

0:27:090:27:12

and that's that they both want to go back to house number two.

0:27:120:27:15

Let's face it, they really enjoyed looking around that place.

0:27:150:27:18

I'm also interested to hear that Sara also wants to go back

0:27:180:27:22

to property number one, taking Mark kicking and screaming if needs be.

0:27:220:27:26

I think they've both realised

0:27:260:27:28

that it's not just about the house or the land,

0:27:280:27:30

it's the whole package,

0:27:300:27:32

so second viewings of both houses and their areas is what's needed

0:27:320:27:36

in order for them to decide which way they need to go as a family.

0:27:360:27:40

So I'm sure, just like me, you wish them both the very best of luck.

0:27:400:27:44

I'll see you next time.

0:27:440:27:47

Mark and Sara returned to view our second house

0:27:470:27:49

and they loved it just as much the second time round.

0:27:490:27:52

They were keen to put in an offer,

0:27:520:27:54

but after investigating the price of the additional land,

0:27:540:27:56

they felt it pushed their budget too far beyond

0:27:560:27:58

what they were comfortable with,

0:27:580:28:00

so their search continues.

0:28:000:28:01

If you'd like to escape to the country

0:28:010:28:03

in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England

0:28:030:28:06

or perhaps even further afield to the continent

0:28:060:28:08

and would like our help, you can apply online at...

0:28:080:28:11

Download Subtitles

SRT

ASS