0:00:02 > 0:00:05This majestic-looking castle was built, during the Hundred Years' War
0:00:05 > 0:00:07against the French, of gorgeous local stone.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Its main purpose - not only a defence point and a family home,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14but also to act as the ultimate display in wealth and power
0:00:14 > 0:00:16for anyone who saw it.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20It could be an early example of keeping up with the Joneses.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23But where am I? We'll find out in just a moment.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Today, our house-hunting pair are looking for a new rural family home,
0:00:46 > 0:00:49and they've got some pretty big expectations.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52So, if you were thinking football pitches, cricket pitches...
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- You've got all of this.- Yeah.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57They've also got some rather high hopes for their new pad.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00I think the head height is an issue again, isn't it? Absolutely.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Today, I'm in East Sussex and this is Bodiam Castle.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11It was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15a tremendously successful knight for Richard II.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18He wanted to show everyone in this county
0:01:18 > 0:01:19just how powerful he had become.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23And what a wonderful place for us to start our adventure
0:01:23 > 0:01:25in this beautiful part of the county.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29The diverse county of East Sussex
0:01:29 > 0:01:31sits in the southeast corner of England,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34bordered by West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Its beautiful coastline stretches along the English Channel,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41where sandy beach is flanked by grassy banks
0:01:41 > 0:01:43offer endless views across the open sea.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48One of East Sussex's undeniable attractions is the South Downs -
0:01:48 > 0:01:50England's newest national park.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The county shares this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:01:53 > 0:01:56with neighbouring West Sussex and Hampshire.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00It covers about 260 square miles across the three counties.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05It's beautiful landscape is ideal for exploring the lush countryside,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08even better in the company of four-legged friends.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12There's no doubt that East Sussex is an attractive destination
0:02:12 > 0:02:15for home-buyers seeking to escape city life.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22So let's meet today's buyers and find out
0:02:22 > 0:02:26where they want to call home and how much they're willing to pay for it.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29Finance engineer Wayne and his teacher wife, Izzy,
0:02:29 > 0:02:34live with their two young sons in a 1930s semi in Purley, Surrey,
0:02:34 > 0:02:35on the outskirts of the capital.
0:02:35 > 0:02:3918 years ago, it was this active couple's love of sport
0:02:39 > 0:02:41that brought them together.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44We met playing hockey. We both joined the same hockey club.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46You had been there for quite a few years
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and I had moved into the area and joined
0:02:49 > 0:02:54and saw this gorgeous bloke playing hockey and I thought, "That'll do. He'll do."
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Nine years later, they were married,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and soon after, they had Jake, age eight, and Oliver, six.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03The two energetic boys share their parents' passions.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06I think our sport activities have definitely been passed on to our boys
0:03:06 > 0:03:09who just love anything to do with running around,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12whether it's hockey, cricket, football, rugby...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15And it's not just the four of them upping sticks
0:03:15 > 0:03:17and heading for pastures new.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20The fifth member of the family is a little black lab called Maisie.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22She's about three and half years old.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Keeps to herself at home, but she loves getting out.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29So, after 14 years in one home,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31this active family have decided to cross borders
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and head to East Sussex.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37For me, I love the countryside because just the space,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39the peace and quiet, the ability to just walk with the dog.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41The new house is going to be an important move
0:03:41 > 0:03:44because we feel it's going to be our final move.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48And with their house sold, there's no time to look back.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50I think we are very excited about the move
0:03:50 > 0:03:52and about what the future holds for us.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53I think it's going to be quite exciting
0:03:53 > 0:03:55to find out what's going to happen.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Wayne and Izzy are looking forward to a quieter life in East Sussex,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04close to the coast and not too far from the city.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07And they're open to considering anywhere in the diverse county,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10but with Izzy's job in South Croydon,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13she wants to be no more than an hour's commute from work.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15But before we start on the journey to their new life,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18I've come to meet them in East Sussex
0:04:18 > 0:04:21to find out little more about their plans.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23So, Wayne and Izzy, it's great to meet you.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Now, you're not moving that far.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28I mean, moving is always a huge undertaking,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30but physically we're doing what?
0:04:30 > 0:04:3450 miles from Surrey to here in East Sussex. So why East Sussex?
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Wayne's a very country person and he's persuaded me over the years
0:04:38 > 0:04:40that that's what I want.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I like that.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- There's an art to that, Wayne. - It's a very defined skill.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Wayne, are we talking rural, proper rural?
0:04:48 > 0:04:49Or are we talking,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51"I like the idea of having a few trees at the end of the road?"
0:04:51 > 0:04:53A bit of in-between if I'm being honest
0:04:53 > 0:04:55because we still quite like our creature comforts
0:04:55 > 0:04:57which come to living close to town.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00So, let's talk about this all-important family home
0:05:00 > 0:05:03for the four of you plus dog, mustn't forget the dog.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05You know, what's important with this next move?
0:05:05 > 0:05:08I think the first thing is we're after a nice big garden.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11So something that the boys can just go and disappear in.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14The current garden is on a slant so when the boys play any type of sport,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17the ball always rolls down to the bottom of the garden. They get very cross.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- What about the property itself? - I think we are after something with maybe four bedrooms as a minimum.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Ideally, we'd like something like a period farmhouse,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28but having said that, we are quite open to suggestions.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30If there was going to be a compromise, which way would it go?
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- House or garden?- For me...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- I would compromise on the house. - I totally agree, actually.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I think it is the house isn't as important as the garden.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Are you two always in agreement
0:05:42 > 0:05:44or are there going to be differing opinions
0:05:44 > 0:05:46as we drive around the county?
0:05:46 > 0:05:48I know that you don't like kind of low ceilings
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and too much period because I think it's...
0:05:50 > 0:05:54- Well, you just keep banging your head, where I'm like, "Oh, this is lovely."- Right.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56So, that's where we'll differ.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59You do have a healthy budget, don't you?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02We've got about £750,000 as our maximum budget,
0:06:02 > 0:06:04but we'd consider anything below it, obviously.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Looking forward to this. We got some splendid properties to show you.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10We have picked the most beautiful day as well
0:06:10 > 0:06:13to start this tour, haven't we? Come on, let's go.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Wayne and Izzy have a very healthy budget,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19but in this county, it won't go too far.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Their number-one priority is giving their young sons
0:06:22 > 0:06:25a fabulous outdoor space, not on a slope,
0:06:25 > 0:06:27to run around and enjoy their many hobbies.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Inside, they'd like four bedrooms and a large kitchen
0:06:30 > 0:06:33that lends itself to being the heart of the home.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35They'd love a period property,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38but one where 6'3" Wayne can stand upright.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42We've chosen three very different properties
0:06:42 > 0:06:44to really get them thinking.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47As they visit each one, they'll have no idea of its price tag.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50They'll discover that once they've completed the tour.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53The final stop will be the mystery house,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56which will take them right out of their comfort zone
0:06:56 > 0:06:58but offer them something unique in return.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08We're beginning our house hunt to the west of the county,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10in the hamlet of Fletching Common,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13just five miles from the town of Uckfield
0:07:13 > 0:07:16and just over half a mile from the village of Newick.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Newick has an attractive village green at its heart,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22overlooked by houses boasting handsome architecture
0:07:22 > 0:07:26from various periods and three welcoming pubs.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31so, our very first property.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- It's very pretty.- Very pretty.- That is fabulous.- Beautiful.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39I normally try to keep the garden a secret and then reveal it later,
0:07:39 > 0:07:42but with this property you can see it in all its glory.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44It's there, isn't it? As soon as you walk in.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Let's talk about the house itself.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Originally, it was two cottages,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52but over the years, it has been extended.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- So how keen are we to start? - Very.- Yes?- I want to get in.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Yes, excited to get in and have a look.- Come on.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04Right...
0:08:04 > 0:08:06So, I brought you in the front door, but of course,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09no-one in the country ever uses their front door,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11but it's such a pretty entrance.
0:08:11 > 0:08:16And it leads into a real large living/dining area.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- I'm not quite sure what to make of it, really.- No, I'm not.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Whether it's a hallway
0:08:20 > 0:08:22or whether it's an entrance room or a living space.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It would make a fantastic play room.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28It would, actually. The kids would love that.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30The ceilings might be a little bit of a challenge,
0:08:30 > 0:08:31but we'll see as we go around.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34They're not too bad, though. I'd expect them to be a touch lower.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- This is OK.- This is OK.- Yeah.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40An old feature door leads through to the sitting room.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- That's lovely, isn't it? - It's impressive.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Instantly, I've got the whole height thing going on.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- Yeah.- And we're looking for the cottage house,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50so you know, that's almost to be expected.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52A little more ducking and diving for Wayne
0:08:52 > 0:08:54and another door from the sitting room
0:08:54 > 0:08:56takes us to the kitchen at the back of the house.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58As kitchens go in cottages,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00I think this is a generous size.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03It's like we've modernised as we walk through the rooms.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Next door, you've got a utility room
0:09:05 > 0:09:07with access to another private garden.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So just to sum up the downstairs then...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Come on, give me an overall reaction. An overall feeling.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16I'm feeling it's a little bit too cramped for a family of four,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19for a growing family of four because the children,
0:09:19 > 0:09:21if they're going to be anything like Wayne's height,
0:09:21 > 0:09:22will be that size.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Upstairs offers a little more headroom,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28and we're going straight to the master bedroom at the front.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- Feels a little bit small.- But it's quite bright, actually.- It is bright.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Again, two windows, so that's good.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38You've got a very small, bijou en-suite, but it is an en-suite.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44You've got four bedrooms on this floor with a large family bathroom.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47And because of the quirkiness of the cottage,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50there's actually an additional space above us,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- which would make a fantastic playroom/storage area.- Oh, fabulous.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56But you have the potential of actually having five bedrooms
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- in this property.- It's a bonus. - Great, OK.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Well, let's head back downstairs. That all-important garden.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07If the inside feels a little on the snug side for Wayne and Izzy,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09the outside definitely won't.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14There's almost an acre of land and it's as flat as a pancake.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18So if you are thinking football pitches,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20cricket pitches for these lovely boys of yours,
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- you've got all of this.- Yeah.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25You've got an orchard there with some outhouses.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26You've got a conservatory.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29It's superb. It's absolutely lovely.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31It probably comes down to the price, doesn't it?
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Can you take a guess at what it's on the market for?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Around £725,000.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38I'm going to go for £700,000.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43That's interesting. The asking price is £750,000.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44- Oh.- OK.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46So it is at the top of your budget, but...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48We've got the land to play with.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- Absolutely.- You told me that the land was more important than the house.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- Am I going to better this? - The garden's actually spot on.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Am I going to better this?
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Bang on budget, this character cottage
0:10:59 > 0:11:01has the room Wayne and Izzy want
0:11:01 > 0:11:04for their growing boys to play and explore.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Although, if they're going to match their dad in the height stakes,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09the low ceilings could be a problem.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12But with an extra bedroom-cum-playroom in the eaves
0:11:12 > 0:11:16and a fabulous garden, it does have an awful lot going for it.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It's just a 55-minute drive to Izzy's work,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22under the hour she's willing to travel.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- Have you seen enough, you two? - We've seen plenty.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- And there aren't any bruises? We're intact?- No, the head's OK.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Didn't take out any of those beams on the way?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Not quite. - Hopefully, it has got you thinking,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35but this is only our first property.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I've got a lot more to show you. Come on.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45With a coastal border, East Sussex prides itself
0:11:45 > 0:11:48on some wonderful seaside towns and villages.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52The medieval town of Rye may be inland, but historically,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55it was surrounded by sea and played an important role
0:11:55 > 0:11:59defending England's south coast, with warships sitting in its waters.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03Today, it harbours fishing boats, and one of its most celebrated
0:12:03 > 0:12:06catches is the world-class Rye scallop.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09I've come to meet Russell Drew, a local fisherman,
0:12:09 > 0:12:12to learn more about this nutritious seafood.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Russell, good to meet you. - Hi, Nicki. Welcome to Rye.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15Thank you very much.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Why has Rye now got this wonderful reputation for scallops?
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Cos they're about the freshest scallops you're ever going to see.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24It's deep water,
0:12:24 > 0:12:26and where they live in this,
0:12:26 > 0:12:27they seem to like it quite well.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- So are they easy to open?- Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Quite easy. Just cut hard down the flat shell...- Yeah.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- ..and try not to leave too much meat on the shell.- Look at that.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Pull the frill off that side there. - Yeah.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Cut down hard behind that, and it should just pop out like that.
0:12:42 > 0:12:43Look at that. That is a beauty.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45- So if I'm going to taste a scallop...- Mm-hm.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47..what shall I ask for? Any particular dish?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Um, I just like it plain as anything.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Russell, my tummy is rumbling just at the thought.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Thank you very much.- No problem.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59In Rye, these juicy molluscs are celebrated during Scallop Week,
0:12:59 > 0:13:00in February every year.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02Chef Jonathan Breeds
0:13:02 > 0:13:05loves making the most of local fare,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07and is rustling up some scallop dishes
0:13:07 > 0:13:10with a difference for me to sample today.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11The scallops are cleaned,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15and then oil with a little salt is heated on the stove.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Once the pan is hot, the scallops are fried for 30 seconds
0:13:18 > 0:13:22on each side, before being laid on baby spinach leaves.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Jonathan's cooking three dishes for me to try -
0:13:25 > 0:13:30plain, a version with sauteed chorizo and roast sweet potato
0:13:30 > 0:13:33and lastly, scallops coupled with cracked black pepper
0:13:33 > 0:13:35and tangy orange segments.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38There we go. And that's all three.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Now this is what I've been waiting for.
0:13:41 > 0:13:46- I think, Jonathan, I'm in for a treat, aren't I?- I hope so.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47Oh, my goodness.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Divine. What makes them so delicious?
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I think it's partly the texture, it's quite a meaty dish,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55and the flavour is very delicate,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58and it works very well with other flavours.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00So cooked in its simplest form, still delicious,
0:14:00 > 0:14:02not overpowering at all.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Yes, that's right.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07So our second offering here - may I?
0:14:07 > 0:14:08Yes. Oh, please do.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Mmm. Oh.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13I really enjoyed it in its simple form,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15but now it's taken on new life...
0:14:15 > 0:14:16- Yeah.- ..with that sweet potato,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- especially as the sweet potato has been quite well cooked.- Yeah.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It brings out something else in the scallop.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23It does really complement the scallop.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25The scallop takes on the flavour.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Let's go on to the third.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31These scallops are putting East Sussex on the map, aren't they?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33It's been said that the Rye Bay scallop
0:14:33 > 0:14:36is possibly the best scallop in the world.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37I'm sure it is. Tastes like it.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Mmm.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Delicious. Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you. Cheers.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- HE LAUGHS - I'm just going to keep eating.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52For our next property, we're heading to the centre of East Sussex
0:14:52 > 0:14:56to the village of Mayfield, eight miles south of Tunbridge Wells.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Beautiful Tudor buildings standing proud in the village
0:14:59 > 0:15:03were mainly funded by the profits from the 16th and 17th century
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Sussex iron industry.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Just half a mile down a country lane takes us to our second property.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12This extended and refurbished five-bedroom house is sure to give
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Wayne and Izzy a few surprises,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17as well as offering them some familiar features.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21And here it is.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22That's nice, actually.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- It's semidetached, I see. - It is semidetached. Well observed.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Dates back 1930s.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- So, are we liking what we're seeing? Are we surprised?- Yes, we are.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I think surprised that you're showing us a semi,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38but surprised also that it's actually nice.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41This house, in its beautiful countryside location,
0:15:41 > 0:15:43is around 40-minutes' drive from the coast
0:15:43 > 0:15:47and an hour and 20 from London, meaning prices are at a premium.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49So to get the most space for their money,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Wayne and Izzy do need to consider a semi,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55and I don't think this one, in its private setting, will disappoint.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58So, through the hallway, you've got a utility room
0:15:58 > 0:16:02and then...you've got this splendid room.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- This is great.- This is a lovely kitchen.- This is lovely.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Oh, look at your face.- I really like it, yeah! Really like it.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12Open plan, huge dining area.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14This kind of, I think, suits our needs more.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16This probably does suit our lifestyle more a lot more
0:16:16 > 0:16:18than what a quaint, little cottage would do.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20I mean, this is probably what we're looking for.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Across the hallway to the other side of the house is a large sitting room
0:16:23 > 0:16:26with the same footprint as the kitchen.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Yeah, it's a nice size, actually. - I like this as well.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30How do you both feel about open plan?
0:16:30 > 0:16:33It's completely different to what we've got at home,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35so this is very new to us, and we can see why it's been done.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39If this wasn't enough, you also have a fabulous conservatory...
0:16:39 > 0:16:42I'm looking for separate reception area for the boys
0:16:42 > 0:16:45to kind of play and get on with and be by themselves.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49I can't quite see it other than separating off the two rooms,
0:16:49 > 0:16:52back into two, basically.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Let's see what else this house has got to offer.- Yeah.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01Upstairs is a large double bedroom with an en-suite,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04a further two doubles, one with its own dressing room,
0:17:04 > 0:17:06a family bathroom,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and at the front of the house overlooking the lawn
0:17:09 > 0:17:11is the master bedroom where we're heading.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- It's a good-sized room, isn't it? - It's a nice size, actually.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Yeah, nice, light, airy. Yeah, I like it.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18We have four bedrooms.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21One of those bedrooms is actually an en-suite.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Oh, so this is the master? - This is the master.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25They've chosen to be at the front of the house,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27but one of the children actually has the en-suite.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Hm, that might not happen with us.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Wayne and Izzy might have different ideas from the current owners,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37but I think they'll agree that what I'm about to show them
0:17:37 > 0:17:39is an unexpected bonus -
0:17:39 > 0:17:42a hidden gem accessed through one of the back bedrooms.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45So, we do have four bedrooms downstairs.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- But up here, we have this space. - Wow.- And no moaning about the beam.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53I'm allowed one beam in this house and that is going to be it.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55This is fabulous.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56It's a five bedroom,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- Or a fabulous playroom. - That's what I'm thinking.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05So, you know that slight quandary with the downstairs space...?
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- It's gone.- We've relieved that problem.- Completely.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Outside space is the next thing, and also, can you afford it?
0:18:11 > 0:18:12- We'll see.- We'll see.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18I think I've won Wayne and Izzy back with this fabulous attic space.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The land wraps around the house and in the back garden,
0:18:21 > 0:18:25a large decked area overlooks a landscaped lawn and a play area.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28In addition to a garage, there's a garden shed
0:18:28 > 0:18:30and a fully furbished garden office.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34In actual fact, it is quite a large plot.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37That gate and the land behind it is owned by a family
0:18:37 > 0:18:38a couple of doors away.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40At the moment, all the children play out the back.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- Oh, really?- How lovely. That's definitely worth knowing,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45because when we walked out and saw the garden we thought,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47"Hang on, probably a little bit small for what we wanted."
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- But that definitely changes the situation.- Yeah, it does.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52How much do you think this is worth?
0:18:52 > 0:18:56I'm going to go at £700,000.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- OK.- I'll go roundabout £735,000.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- It's on the market for £745,000.- OK.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Tell me, what's going through your minds, this silence there?
0:19:09 > 0:19:14- I think it's because it's £745,000 for a semi.- Hm.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16I think that's the bit that's got me.
0:19:16 > 0:19:22Just £5,000 under budget, our second property is a 1930s semi,
0:19:22 > 0:19:26offering Wayne and Izzy almost everything they're looking for.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28With four bedrooms and an attic room,
0:19:28 > 0:19:29there's space for their sons
0:19:29 > 0:19:31to have a bedroom each
0:19:31 > 0:19:33and a fabulous playroom.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Izzy's drive to work would be an hour and five minutes,
0:19:36 > 0:19:38so just over the hour's commute
0:19:38 > 0:19:39she's looking for.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40But the three-quarters of an acre
0:19:40 > 0:19:42of land for the boys
0:19:42 > 0:19:44is sure to make up for an extra
0:19:44 > 0:19:45five minutes in the car.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Right, you two, have you seen enough?
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Have you explored everywhere? - We've looked in every room, Nicki.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54We've had a good look around.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- It's been done up very well. - It is a beautiful property.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00You've got the night off, you can really think about it,
0:20:00 > 0:20:03because I'm going to show you another house tomorrow,
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- which is very different. - Excellent.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Yesterday, very early on, we learnt that Wayne and Izzy
0:20:15 > 0:20:19were happy to sacrifice the house for the actual size of the garden
0:20:19 > 0:20:23to help satisfy the needs of those very active, sporty little boys
0:20:23 > 0:20:24that they have.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27But after showing them a couple of properties,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30I think their priorities are 50-50.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Big house and big garden.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37So with our mystery property today, it's all about the house.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Now, it might not be semidetached this time,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43but on first impressions, it may be a little confusing.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47For our final property,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50we're hopping over the border into West Sussex
0:20:50 > 0:20:53and heading toward the commuter town of Haywards Heath,
0:20:53 > 0:20:57just 36 miles south of London and 12 miles north of Brighton.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01The area offers residents all the advantages of a busy town
0:21:01 > 0:21:04with beautiful countryside at arm's reach.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Set on the outskirts of town with a wonderful aspect
0:21:07 > 0:21:11overlooking open countryside, we find our third and final property.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13And it's going to require Wayne and Izzy
0:21:13 > 0:21:16to be a little flexible with their thinking.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21Now it's time for something completely different.
0:21:22 > 0:21:23Very different.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Our mystery house doesn't look like a conventional home, does it?- No.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30It's a bungalow. We've never considered a bungalow before.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Never looked at them,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- but let's go in with an open mind and see what happens.- I like that!
0:21:35 > 0:21:37I'm going to slightly reframe it.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40I'm going to call it a single-storey home.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- It's a bungalow, Nicki.- OK. We're going to step through the bungalow.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Come on.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This thoroughly modern home has a very deceiving exterior
0:21:48 > 0:21:51which gives nothing away.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54But step inside and you can't fail to be impressed
0:21:54 > 0:21:56by the state-of-the-art design.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58It could even leave you lost for words.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04Now, let's take you straight through to the living area.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07That is really not what I expected to see when I walked into the house.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- This has taken me really by surprise. - Izzy?- Um...
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- No?- No.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Come on, be honest with me.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15It's lovely, but really not me.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18Sometimes when you see something that you're not used to, it jars
0:22:18 > 0:22:21cos it's just so out of your comfort zone.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26Try and put that to one side and see it just through fresh eyes.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27OK, I'll give it a go.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30I think Wayne and Izzy are a little in shock, as this house
0:22:30 > 0:22:33is so different from what they were expecting,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37but I'm confident the more they see, the more they'll like.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41A stylish dining room leads from the sitting room to the kitchen.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43It's very modern.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- I like it, actually. - I'm still not sure what to think.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49I'm going to persevere
0:22:49 > 0:22:51because I do think this house has got lots going for it.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00This brick and glass house is laid out in an S-shape.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02The sitting room and kitchen are at the core of the home,
0:23:02 > 0:23:06and along the bottom of the S is a wing with the sleeping quarters.
0:23:06 > 0:23:07There are three double bedrooms -
0:23:07 > 0:23:11two are en-suite - and there's also a family bathroom.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15This is the master,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17which has its own dressing room just behind you
0:23:17 > 0:23:20and doors to that countryside.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22The thing I possibly don't like...
0:23:22 > 0:23:25I'm not sure if I can sleep downstairs on the ground floor.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27I think we're more conventional than we thought.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Oh, well, that's not a bad thing, though.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31I like you to be stretched
0:23:31 > 0:23:34and I do think the mystery is doing that with you.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Because just take a look at this.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39And here is...
0:23:39 > 0:23:41- Oh, my goodness.- Oh, my word.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44..your bathroom/wet room.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- I'm shocked.- I am actually... That is...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Where did this come from? - Isn't it beautiful?- It is fantastic!
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Moving back through to the top of the S-shape
0:23:52 > 0:23:54of this extraordinary house, next to the sitting room,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56is another wing.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Final thing to show you. Wonderful study area.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04You've got a utility room on that side and then... Now, look at this.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Is this a surprise?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10It... You know what, I don't quite know where we are in the house.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11It's great. Good space.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13This is so much bigger than what it looks from outside.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15- Really is.- Yes.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17So this mystery house has a little bit more going for it
0:24:17 > 0:24:20than we first gave it credit, hasn't it?
0:24:20 > 0:24:21- It's a lot bigger.- Yes.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23So let's go outside,
0:24:23 > 0:24:24just talk a little bit about the land,
0:24:24 > 0:24:27and also, I am going to ask you to put a figure on this property
0:24:27 > 0:24:28for the final time.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- Come on.- All right.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Every room in this open-plan house has views to the gardens,
0:24:36 > 0:24:37and, like the interior,
0:24:37 > 0:24:41it also has some surprises in store for Wayne and Izzy.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Just look at that property.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45It probably makes more sense now because the front
0:24:45 > 0:24:47gave so little away.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50But now you can actually see how large it is.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I can't offer you a football pitch,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55but what I can offer you is
0:24:55 > 0:24:57lovely woodland that's yours.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59But more importantly, behind us,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01we have open fields and countryside.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02The view is absolutely stunning.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05So let's see if we can guess the price of this beautiful,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08contemporary mystery house.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I'll go for about 750,000.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Yeah, I don't think as much.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16I'm going to go for £725,000.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19That's really interesting because,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Wayne, you're on the money.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24Asking price of £750,000.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25- Interesting.- Hmm.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Our mystery house has asked Wayne and Izzy to cross borders
0:25:30 > 0:25:32and think outside the box.
0:25:32 > 0:25:33And what it lacks in the
0:25:33 > 0:25:34country cottage stakes,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36it certainly makes up for
0:25:36 > 0:25:38in cutting-edge design.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Bang on budget, it doesn't leave
0:25:39 > 0:25:41any money in the bank,
0:25:41 > 0:25:42but they wouldn't have to do
0:25:42 > 0:25:43anything to it.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45This home would allow Izzy
0:25:45 > 0:25:46to enjoy country life
0:25:46 > 0:25:49with just an hour's drive to work.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Right, any final thoughts on my mystery house?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The house has got some great points, but I just don't think it's quite us.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00No? OK. Well, that's it. You've seen everything.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Let's go and have a chat.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Izzy and Wayne, how have you found the last few days?
0:26:09 > 0:26:10There's so much more to think about.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13I think we probably took it for granted at the beginning
0:26:13 > 0:26:14when we've been previously looking.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16Because we've managed to show you
0:26:16 > 0:26:20three properties that were so different.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23So, in your opinion, which was the strongest house for you.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26For me, there wasn't a strongest house.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28It was a combination, to be honest.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29I loved the second house.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It was our style, our decor.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34But I'd have liked to have put it on the land of the first house,
0:26:34 > 0:26:35which was fabulous.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38So it's quite interesting. I thought you might go for a second viewing
0:26:38 > 0:26:39on our second property.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43For me, it was just the lack of space.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45I know that it had a large plot,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47but I felt the house was in the middle of the plot
0:26:47 > 0:26:50and I'd have preferred most of the land to be at the back of the plot
0:26:50 > 0:26:52to allow a bit more privacy.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55And now you can look back and reflect on what we've shown you,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57how far your money's going to go, have you...
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Do you think you've learnt anything?
0:26:59 > 0:27:02I assumed that the further south you move from London,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04that the cheaper the property would become.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07And it's clear that there are pockets of East Sussex
0:27:07 > 0:27:09that are very expensive because of their desirability,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11- and they pay a premium price for that.- Yes.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14And I think we have to consider that
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- more now when we're looking in certain areas.- Absolutely.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20I think we can probably spread out the area we're looking in,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21probably spread it out a little bit more.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23I think we want to be patient,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25we want to make sure we get the most for our money.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27I think we're in a good position to be.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Well, listen, thank you. All the best with the move.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Now, I do understand what Wayne and Izzy said
0:27:36 > 0:27:39when they wanted the mix of the garden in the first property
0:27:39 > 0:27:42with the space of that second house.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45But for me, that's not what compromise is all about.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47And if they don't make a small compromise today,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51it might be a very expensive compromise tomorrow
0:27:51 > 0:27:53unless they get their skates on.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Now I'm not sure what their next step will be,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59but whatever it is, I wish them all the very best.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01I'll see you again. Bye-bye.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03If you would like to escape to the country
0:28:03 > 0:28:05in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England or perhaps even
0:28:05 > 0:28:09further afield, to the Continent, and would like our help,
0:28:09 > 0:28:10please apply online at...