0:00:02 > 0:00:04This majestic looking castle was built, during the 100 Years War
0:00:04 > 0:00:06against the French, of gorgeous local stone.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10It's main purpose - not only a defence point and a family home,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14but also at 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 > 0:01:20just how powerful he had become.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25Now, in those days most people were illiterate and imagery was key.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Taking pride of place is his coat of arms and family crest -
0:01:29 > 0:01:32a visual signature for everyone to see,
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and just part of the Dalyngrigge family brand.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38And what a wonderful place for us to start our adventure
0:01:38 > 0:01:40in this beautiful part of the county.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44The diverse county of East Sussex
0:01:44 > 0:01:47sits in the southeast corner of England,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50bordered by West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Its beautiful coastline stretches along the English Channel,
0:01:53 > 0:01:56where sandy beach is flanked by grassy banks
0:01:56 > 0:01:58offer endless views across the open sea.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03One of East Sussex's undeniable attractions is the South Downs -
0:02:03 > 0:02:05England's newest national park.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The county shares this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:08 > 0:02:11with neighbouring West Sussex and Hampshire.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16It covers about 260 square miles across the three counties.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's beautiful landscape is ideal for exploring the lush countryside,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24even better in the company of four-legged friends.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27The expansive park also takes in Beachy Head in the South,
0:02:27 > 0:02:32whose dramatic jagged cliffs are the highest chalk sea cliffs in Britain.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Sitting atop is the statuesque Belle Tout lighthouse.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Originally built in 1832,
0:02:38 > 0:02:44it was damaged in the Second World War and restored in the 1950s.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Villages such as Alfriston in the south of the county
0:02:47 > 0:02:49offer a glimpse into the past
0:02:49 > 0:02:52with an eclectic array of architectural styles.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54The Star Inn, built in the mid-14th century,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57was once a base for a local smuggling gang
0:02:57 > 0:03:02before their leader was shipped off to Australia in 1830.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05There's no doubt that East Sussex is an attractive destination
0:03:05 > 0:03:08for home-buyers seeking to escape city life.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15At £331,000, the price of an average detached property
0:03:15 > 0:03:17here in East Sussex
0:03:17 > 0:03:21is nearly £65,000 above the national average figure.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25It's hotspots - well, they're spread right across the county,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29with premiums being paid for the proximity to the coast in the south
0:03:29 > 0:03:33and those strong commuter links to London in the north.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35So let's meet today's buyers and find out
0:03:35 > 0:03:40where they want to call home and how much they're willing to pay for it.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Finance engineer Wayne and his teacher wife, Izzy,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47live with their two young sons in a 1930s semi in Purley, Surrey,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49on the outskirts of the capital.
0:03:49 > 0:03:5318 years ago, it was this active couple's love of sport
0:03:53 > 0:03:55that brought them together.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We met playing hockey. We both joined the same hockey club.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00You had been there for quite a few years
0:04:00 > 0:04:02and I had moved into the area and joined
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and saw this gorgeous bloke playing hockey and I thought,
0:04:04 > 0:04:06"That'll do. He'll do."
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Nine years later, they were married,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12and soon after, they had Jake, age eight, and Oliver, six.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15The two energetic boys share their parents' passions.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19I think our sport activities have definitely been passed on to our boys
0:04:19 > 0:04:21who just love anything to do with running around,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23whether it's hockey, cricket, football, rugby...
0:04:23 > 0:04:25They will play absolutely everything.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Unfortunately, it's the kit that takes up
0:04:27 > 0:04:29the majority of the space in the house.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And it's not just the four of them upping sticks
0:04:32 > 0:04:34and heading for pastures new.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37The fifth member of the family is a little black lab called Maisie.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39She's about three and half years old.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42Keeps to herself at home, but she loves getting out.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Hopefully, the sixth member will be along quite soon after the move.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48That was the deal we had - new house, new dog.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So, after 14 years in one home,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55this active family have decided to cross borders
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and head to East Sussex.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Izzy is excited about what a move south will mean.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03For me, I love the countryside because just the space,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06the peace and quiet, the ability to just walk with the dog,
0:05:06 > 0:05:10and just enjoy that time to reflect and to have your own headspace.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12You can't just walk out round here
0:05:12 > 0:05:14and have that peace and quiet that I crave for.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17We've got a great life here in Purley.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19All we want is the countryside to go with it.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23If I could lift my neighbours up and take them with us,
0:05:23 > 0:05:24then that's what I would do.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26The new house is going to be an important move
0:05:26 > 0:05:29because we feel it's going to be our final move.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32We want to make sure that it's the right house for us
0:05:32 > 0:05:36to spend the next 20, 30 years of our life. Bring the boys up there.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38So, we just want it to be perfect.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42And with their house sold, there's no time to look back.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I think we are very excited about the move
0:05:44 > 0:05:45and about what the future holds for us.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47I think it's going to be quite exciting
0:05:47 > 0:05:48to find out what's going to happen.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51This is the right time for us to do this and we know that
0:05:51 > 0:05:54because we're both so positive about the whole move
0:05:54 > 0:05:57that we know the benefits of it are going to be tremendous.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Wayne and Izzy are looking forward to a quieter life in East Sussex,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06close to the coast and not too far from the city.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10And they're open to considering anywhere in the diverse county,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12but with Izzy's job in South Croydon,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15she wants to be no more than an hour's commute from work.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18But before we start on the journey to their new life,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20I've come to meet them in East Sussex
0:06:20 > 0:06:23to find out little more about their plans.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26So, Wayne and Izzy, it's great to meet you.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Now, you're not moving that far.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30I mean, moving is always a huge undertaking,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32but physically we're doing what?
0:06:32 > 0:06:3750 miles from Surrey to here in East Sussex. So why East Sussex?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Wayne's a very country person and he's persuaded me over the years
0:06:40 > 0:06:43that that's what I want.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44I like that.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- There's an art to that, Wayne. - It's a very defined skill.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Wayne, are we talking rural, proper rural?
0:06:50 > 0:06:51Or are we talking,
0:06:51 > 0:06:53"I like the idea of having a few trees at the end of the road?"
0:06:53 > 0:06:55A bit of in between if I'm being honest
0:06:55 > 0:06:58because we still quite like our creature comforts
0:06:58 > 0:06:59which come to living close to town.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02So, let's talk about this all-important family home
0:07:02 > 0:07:05for the four of you plus dog, mustn't forget the dog.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07You know, what's important with this next move?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10I think the first thing is we're after a nice big garden.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12So something that the boys can just go and disappear in
0:07:12 > 0:07:15and have plenty of playtime out there.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16The current garden is on a slant
0:07:16 > 0:07:18so when the boys play any type of sport,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20the ball always rolls down to the bottom of the garden.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22They get very cross with it.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24We've always said, we'd like a flat garden
0:07:24 > 0:07:26because we've lived in this house for 14 years
0:07:26 > 0:07:30and we want to kind of be able to move on a little bit.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32What about the property itself?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I think we are after something with maybe four bedrooms as a minimum.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36The boys share a bedroom at the moment
0:07:36 > 0:07:38and we'd like having a spare room.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- I think they're both looking for their own personal space.- Aw.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42- I think we're after a nice big kitchen.- Yep.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44I think that's quite important to us.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46We'd like to spend a lot more time in there.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Somewhere that's a bit of a homey place within the house.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50What style would you like?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Ideally, we'd like something like a period farmhouse,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55but having said that, we are quite open to suggestions.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58If there is going to be a compromise, which way would it go?
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- House or garden?- For me...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- I would compromise on the house. - I totally agree, actually.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08I think it is the house isn't as important as the garden.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Are you two always in agreement
0:08:09 > 0:08:11or are there going to be differing opinions
0:08:11 > 0:08:13as we drive around the county?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Ideally, our priority is the children.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I think that when we see what's right for the children,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21we kind of compromise ourselves.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23I know that you don't like kind of low ceilings
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and too much period because I think it's...
0:08:25 > 0:08:28Well, you just keep banging your head, where I'm like,
0:08:28 > 0:08:29- "Oh, this is lovely."- Right.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30So, that's where we'll differ.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33You don't mind a bit of a project if it comes up?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35I don't think we're scared of a bit of DI as long as it's manageable.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37None of the big stuff.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39You do have a healthy budget, don't you?
0:08:39 > 0:08:40We do. We've done some sums.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43We've got about £750,000 as our maximum budget,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45but we'd consider anything below it, obviously.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Looking forward to this. We got some splendid properties to show you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We have picked the most beautiful day as well
0:08:50 > 0:08:53to start this tour, haven't we? Come on, let's go.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Wayne and Izzy have a very healthy budget,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01but in this county, it won't go too far.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Their number one priority is giving their young sons
0:09:03 > 0:09:06a fabulous outdoor space, not on a slope,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09to run around and enjoy their many hobbies.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Inside, they'd like four bedrooms and a large kitchen
0:09:12 > 0:09:15that lends itself to being the heart of the home.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17They'd love a period property,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20but one where six-foot-three Wayne can stand upright,
0:09:20 > 0:09:24and they're happy to do some work on a house to make it their own.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27We've chosen three very different properties
0:09:27 > 0:09:28to really get them thinking.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32As they visit each one, they'll have no idea of its price tag.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35They'll discover that once they've completed the tour.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38The final stop will be the mystery house,
0:09:38 > 0:09:40which will take them right out of their comfort zone
0:09:40 > 0:09:43but offer them something unique in return.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52We're beginning our house hunt to the west of the county,
0:09:52 > 0:09:54in the hamlet of Fletching Common,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57just five miles from the town of Uckfield
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and just over half a mile from the village of Newick.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Newick has an attractive village green at its heart,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06overlooked by houses boasting handsome architecture
0:10:06 > 0:10:10from various periods and three welcoming pubs.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13There's also a primary school and a good selection of shops,
0:10:13 > 0:10:17meaning locals have all the essentials at their fingertips.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19A two-minute drive takes us to Fletching Common
0:10:19 > 0:10:21and our first house -
0:10:21 > 0:10:25an enchanting period property dating back to the 16th century.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27It was re-fronted in Victorian times,
0:10:27 > 0:10:31giving it an unusual facade of slate, brick and tiles.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- It's very pretty. Very pretty. - That is fabulous.- Beautiful.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41I normally try to keep the garden a secret and then reveal it later,
0:10:41 > 0:10:44but with this property you can see it in all its glory.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46It's just there, isn't it? As soon as you walk in.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47How is that for flat?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49You can practically play balls on that, couldn't you?
0:10:49 > 0:10:50- Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53Let's talk about the house itself.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Originally, it was two cottages,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58but over the years, it has been extended.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- So how keen are we to start? - Very.- Yes?- I want to get in.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Yes, excited to get in and have a look.- Come on.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Top of Wayne and Izzy's wish list is a large, level garden
0:11:08 > 0:11:09for their boys to enjoy.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14This charming double-fronted home has already delivered on that.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Moving inside, they're hoping for the space
0:11:17 > 0:11:18for Jake and Oliver to grow up in.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Right...
0:11:20 > 0:11:22So, I brought you in the front door, but of course,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24no-one in the country ever uses their front door,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26but it's such a pretty entrance.
0:11:26 > 0:11:31And it leads into a real large living/dining area.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- I'm not quite sure what to make of it, really.- No, I'm not.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Whether it's a hallway
0:11:36 > 0:11:38or whether it's an entrance room or a living space.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It would make a fantastic play room.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43It would, actually. The kids would love that.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45The ceilings, I think, might be a little bit of a challenge,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47but we'll see as we go around.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50They're not too bad, though. I'd expect them to be a touch lower.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51- This is OK.- This is OK.- Yeah.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Just remember this ceiling as we go on our way.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59An old feature door leads through to the sitting room.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- That's lovely, isn't it? - It's impressive.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03You've got the patio doors going out onto the garden.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07You've got a little snug area. And just to the right,
0:12:07 > 0:12:11that used to be an aviary and they use that as a morning room.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Instantly, I've got the whole height thing going on.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16- Yeah.- And we're looking for the cottage house,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18so you know, that's almost to be expected.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21A little more ducking and diving for Wayne
0:12:21 > 0:12:22and another door from the sitting room
0:12:22 > 0:12:25takes us to the kitchen at the back of the house.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Wayne, I'd like you to stand right there.- Will do.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31You can stand up straight. As kitchens go in cottages,
0:12:31 > 0:12:32I think this is a generous size.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It seems like we've modernised as we walk through the rooms.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37Next door, you've got a utility room
0:12:37 > 0:12:40with access to another private garden.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42So just to sum up the downstairs then...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Come on, give me an overall reaction. An overall feeling.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49I'm feeling it's a little bit too cramped for a family of four,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51for a growing family of four because the children,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53if they're going to be anything like Wayne's height,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- will be that size.- Yeah. - That's my main concern.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Because this cottage began life as two,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02it does feel more spacious than most,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06but the 500-year-old low ceilings do seem to be a sticking point.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Upstairs offers a little more headroom,
0:13:09 > 0:13:12and we're going straight to the master bedroom at the front.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Feels a little bit small.- But it's quite bright, actually.- It is bright.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20- Again, two windows, so that's good. - Yes. Looking out over the common.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25You've got a very small, bijou en-suite, but it is an en-suite.
0:13:25 > 0:13:31You've got four bedrooms on this floor with a large family bathroom.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33And because of the quirkiness of the cottage,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36there's actually an additional space above us,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- which would make a fantastic playroom/storage area.- Oh, fabulous.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43But you have the potential of actually having five bedrooms
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- in this property.- It's a bonus. - Great, OK.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Well, let's head back downstairs. That all-important garden.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54If the inside feels a little on the snug side for Wayne and Izzy,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56the outside definitely won't.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01There's almost an acre of land and it's as flat as a pancake.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03So, we've looked around the house
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- but just take a moment, look at it from this aspect.- That is stunning.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10It is a pretty looking house, isn't it? It is pretty.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12And it's sort of nestles in its land.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16They flattened it out, so if you are thinking football pitches,
0:14:16 > 0:14:19cricket pitches for these lovely boys of yours,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- you've got all of this.- Yeah.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23You've got an orchard there with some outhouses.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25You've got a conservatory.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27It's superb. It's absolutely lovely.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30It probably comes down to the price, doesn't it? How much?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Can you take a guess at what it's on the market for?
0:14:33 > 0:14:37I'm probably going with around £725,000.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42I'm going to go a bit lower. I'm going to go for £700,000.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47That's interesting. The asking price is £750,000.
0:14:47 > 0:14:48- Oh.- OK.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50So it is at the top of your budget, but...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52We've got the land to play with.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- Absolutely.- You told me that the land was more important than the house.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- Am I going to better this? - The garden's actually spot on.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00Am I going to better this?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03In all seriousness, go and have another look around.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Explore upstairs, absolutely everything.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08And I'll tell you what, I'll meet you by the back door
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- when you're ready. - Lovely. Thanks, Nicki.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I so wish Wayne was about five foot six
0:15:12 > 0:15:15because then I think that could be the perfect house for them.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19If it wasn't for that, I think this house with this magnificent garden
0:15:19 > 0:15:21is the perfect rural retreat.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Bang on budget, this character cottage
0:15:25 > 0:15:26has the room Wayne and Izzy want
0:15:26 > 0:15:29for their growing boys to play and explore.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Although, if they're going to match their dad in the height stakes,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35the low ceilings could be a problem.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37But with an extra bedroom-cum-play room in the eaves
0:15:37 > 0:15:42and a fabulous garden, it does have an awful lot going for it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45It's just a 55-minute drive to Izzy's work,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47under the hour she's willing to travel.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49That's a nice size bathroom, isn't it?
0:15:49 > 0:15:53I think the head height's an issue again, isn't it? Absolutely.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Well, when we turned up, I was really pleasantly surprised
0:15:56 > 0:15:59because of the vista... Absolutely gorgeous.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Looking at the facade of the house, it's stunning.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I'm finding it, though, a little bit too cramped.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08We will ultimately have three large men over six foot in the house
0:16:08 > 0:16:13and I'm thinking, "Are they going to fit all in here with the dogs?"
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Yeah, I think the footprint of the house is actually spot on.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I think the size of the house, the size of the garden...
0:16:18 > 0:16:22It just comes back down to the small cottagey feel as we've moved in.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24The lower ceilings are an obvious an issue for me.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I think that's definitely a sticking point.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Have you seen enough, you two? - We've seen plenty.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33- And there aren't any bruises? We're intact?- No, the head's OK.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Didn't take out any of those beams on the way?
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- Not quite. - Hopefully, it has got you thinking,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41but this is only our first property.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42I've got a lot more to show you. Come on.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Wayne, Izzy and the boys are dedicated dog lovers
0:16:50 > 0:16:54and their pooch, Maisie, is an important part of their family.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57When they move, they hope to welcome a new four-legged member
0:16:57 > 0:17:00to the fold, giving Maisie a new friend.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03So we've sent them to Rye, near the East Sussex coast,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07to meet Cheryl Pane, who's part of a group of local dog owners
0:17:07 > 0:17:11who train their Newfoundland dogs to carry out water rescues
0:17:11 > 0:17:14and show off their skills at events.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- And who have we got here? - This is Tillytut.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20She's 10.5 years of age, so fairly old for a Newfoundland,
0:17:20 > 0:17:21but she's looking all right on it.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24So what's so special about Newfoundlands?
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So they have webbed feet, which makes them great for swimming.
0:17:27 > 0:17:28Obviously very strong.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31They have two coats, so that actually means
0:17:31 > 0:17:33that the water doesn't get all the way to their skin.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35The topcoat almost goes out like a float.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39They also swim with all four paws rather than a normal dog
0:17:39 > 0:17:40that swims out doing a doggie paddle.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42They'll actually do a full breaststroke.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Is Tilly capable of pulling just a child
0:17:45 > 0:17:47or can she pull full-grown men?
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Tilly will quite happily tug this boat full or six, seven men in it...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54- Goodness me.- ..very easily. - So how do you train the dogs?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Well, why don't we go over there and I'll show you?- That sounds great.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Great, thank you. - Let's go. Come on, Tills.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03These gentle giants, originally working dogs from Canada,
0:18:03 > 0:18:07and affectionately know as Newfies, can reach over 11 stone in weight.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10They start their training at around 12 weeks
0:18:10 > 0:18:12and by the time they're one,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15they'll have acquired a few basic skills like holding a rope,
0:18:15 > 0:18:20and by two, they're ready for more heavy work, such as towing a boat.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22So what are the dogs actually doing now?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24We've got six dogs and they're going to go through
0:18:24 > 0:18:28a series of obedience training with sits, and downs,
0:18:28 > 0:18:29and crossing over each other.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So how does this link in with your water rescue work?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35For us, it's really important they're in control on the land.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38You can imagine they've got great big paws and claws,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41so if we're not careful and train them properly out here,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43you can end up with some big scratches.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46We just need to make sure that they can do everything right here
0:18:46 > 0:18:49before we add in the water element.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51In the 18th and 19th century,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55these remarkable dogs had a reputation as heroic water rescuers,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59meaning ships would rarely set sail without a Newfie on board
0:18:59 > 0:19:01in case disaster struck.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Today, they're used in Italy and France for water rescue
0:19:04 > 0:19:05in hard-to-reach areas.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Today, Cheryl's dog, Twizzle, is going to demonstrate
0:19:08 > 0:19:11one of the most advanced rescue techniques.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Cheryl's in the water calling for help.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18Twizzle's ready for action and jumps in to begin the rescue.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Oh, look.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22SHE SCREAMS
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Cheryl grabs onto Twizzle as Izzy and Wayne clap
0:19:27 > 0:19:30to encourage him to swim to shore.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Yay, good boy!- Yay!
0:19:34 > 0:19:37So, guys, you've had the full Newfoundland experience.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39What do you think, will you have one?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41I've been really impressed with the way he's worked,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44but I think they're just a touch too big for us.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- SHE LAUGHS - Well, it's been great meeting you
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and we wish you every success with your house-hunting.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Hope you get what you want.- Thank you.- Really enjoyable, thank you.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57For our next property, we're heading to the centre of East Sussex
0:19:57 > 0:20:01to the village of Mayfield, eight miles south of Tunbridge Wells.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Beautiful Tudor buildings standing proud in the village
0:20:04 > 0:20:08were mainly funded by the profits from the 16th and 17th century
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Sussex iron industry.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14The village offers a range of shops and three pubs,
0:20:14 > 0:20:16where locals can discuss the village's smuggling history
0:20:16 > 0:20:18over a pint.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22Just half a mile down a country lane takes us to our second property.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25This extended and refurbished five-bedroom house is sure to give
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Wayne and Izzy a few surprises,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30as well as offering them some familiar features.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34And here it is.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- That's nice, actually. - It is nice, isn't it?- It is.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- It's semidetached, I see. - It is semidetached. Well observed.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Dates back 1930s.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Oh, OK.- Same age as ours at the moment.- Same as we've got.- Yep.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- So, are we liking what we're seeing? Are we surprised?- Yes, we are.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54I think surprised that you're showing us a semi,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57but surprised also that it's actually a nice house.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- It is. It is a nice style that we like.- Good.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03This house, in its beautiful countryside location,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06is around 40-minutes' drive from the coast
0:21:06 > 0:21:09and an hour and 20 from London, meaning prices are at a premium.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11So to get the most space for their money,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Wayne and Izzy do need to consider a semi,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and I don't think this one, in its private setting, will disappoint.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20So, through the hallway, you've got a utility room
0:21:20 > 0:21:25and then...you've got this splendid room.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- This is great.- This is a lovely kitchen.- This is lovely.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Oh, look at your face.- I really like it, yeah! Really like it.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Open plan, huge dining area.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- This couldn't be more different from the cottage.- No, not at all.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40This kind of, I think, suits our needs more.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42This probably does suit our lifestyle more a lot more
0:21:42 > 0:21:44than what a quaint, little cottage would do.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46I mean, this is probably what we're looking for.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49I feel like I'm coming home because it's very similar to the house
0:21:49 > 0:21:51we currently have in terms of style and design.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- So, this is home from home so far. - It is. On a bigger scale.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Across the hallway to the other side of the house is a large sitting room
0:21:58 > 0:22:00with the same footprint as the kitchen.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Yeah, it's a nice size, actually. - I like this as well.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Good ceilings, Wayne. - Very good ceilings.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08How do you both feel about open plan?
0:22:08 > 0:22:11It's completely different to what we've got at home,
0:22:11 > 0:22:13so this is very new to us, and we can see why it's been done.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15We can see why it's been opened up, the space it gives you.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20If this wasn't enough, you also have a fabulous conservatory...
0:22:20 > 0:22:21That looks lovely.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It was put in recently. ..which you can use all year round.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26I'm looking for separate reception area for the boys
0:22:26 > 0:22:29to kind of play and get on with and be by themselves.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34I can't quite see it other than separating off the two rooms,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36back into two, basically.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40But remember, that could be a playroom downstairs
0:22:40 > 0:22:41if you wanted to.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Yes.- Let's see what else this house has got to offer.- Yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51Upstairs is a large double bedroom with an en-suite,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54a further two doubles, one with its own dressing room,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56a family bathroom,
0:22:56 > 0:22:59and at the front of the house overlooking the lawn
0:22:59 > 0:23:01is the master bedroom where we're heading.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- It's a good-sized room, isn't it? - It's a nice size, actually.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Yeah, nice, light, airy. Yeah, I like it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08We have four bedrooms.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11One of those bedrooms is actually an en-suite.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Oh, so this is the master? - This is the master.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15They've chosen to be at the front of the house,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17but one of the children actually has the en-suite.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Hm, that might not happen with us.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Wayne and Izzy might have different ideas from the current owners,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27but I think they'll agree that what I'm about to show them
0:23:27 > 0:23:29is an unexpected bonus -
0:23:29 > 0:23:32a hidden gem accessed through one of the back bedrooms.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So, we do have four bedrooms downstairs.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- But up here, we have this space. - Wow.- And no moaning about the beam.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43I'm allowed one beam in this house and that is going to be it.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- This is fabulous, isn't it? - This is a lovely room.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49It's a five bedroom, should you want five bedrooms.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- Or a fabulous playroom. - That's what I'm thinking.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57So, you know that slight quandary with the downstairs space...?
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- It's gone.- We've relieved that problem.- Completely.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- It makes up for what you've got upstairs.- Absolutely.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Outside space is the next thing, and also, can you afford it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:08- We'll see.- We'll see.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14I think I've won Wayne and Izzy back with this fabulous attic space.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16This move is all about their boys
0:24:16 > 0:24:20and the sports-mad brothers would be sure to be happy outside, too.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23The land wraps around the house and in the back garden,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27a large decked area overlooks a landscaped lawn and a play area.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30In addition to a garage, there's a garden shed
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and a fully furbished garden office.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36In actual fact, it is quite a large plot.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39That gate and the land behind it is owned by a family
0:24:39 > 0:24:42couple of doors away. At the moment, all the children play out the back.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- Oh, really?- How lovely. That's definitely worth knowing,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47because when he walked out and saw the garden we thought,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49"Hang on, probably a little bit small for what we wanted."
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- But that definitely changes the situation.- Yeah, it does.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- There's plenty of possibilities, isn't there?- There is.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56More than we thought.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58How much do you think this is worth?
0:24:58 > 0:25:02I'm going to go at £700,000.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- OK.- I'm going to go for something a bit higher, actually.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08I'll go roundabout £735,000.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- It's on the market for £745,000.- OK.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18Tell me, what's going through your minds, this silence there?
0:25:18 > 0:25:22- I think it's because it's £745,000 for a semi.- Hm.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25I think that's the bit that's got me.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- You wanted to be on the edge of a village.- Yes.- You have that.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33You have the space. You could move in tomorrow. The compromise is...
0:25:35 > 0:25:36..you could be living semidetached.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38But you get everything you want in a house,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40so why don't you take another look?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Start off with the study, the office,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44wonderful little building, and I'll meet you out the front.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- See you in a minute. - We'll take a look. Thank you.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53Just £5,000 under budget, our second property is a 1930s semi,
0:25:53 > 0:25:57offering Wayne and Izzy almost everything they're looking for.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59With four bedrooms and an attic room,
0:25:59 > 0:26:01there's space for their sons
0:26:01 > 0:26:02to have a bedroom each
0:26:02 > 0:26:04and a fabulous playroom.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07Izzy's drive to work would be an hour and five minutes,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09so just over the hour's commute
0:26:09 > 0:26:10she's looking for.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12But the three quarters of an acre
0:26:12 > 0:26:13of land for the boys
0:26:13 > 0:26:15is sure to make up for an extra
0:26:15 > 0:26:17five minutes in the car.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23- Well, this is a nice addition.- Yeah, it's good. It'd be good for work.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25We were wondering where we would put the desk, weren't we?
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- This is fitting perfectly. - That would suit.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30The property is not what we had originally envisaged
0:26:30 > 0:26:32in terms of a semidetached,
0:26:32 > 0:26:35but it ticked all the boxes in terms
0:26:35 > 0:26:39of rooms, decor, style, space...
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Except for the land outside.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44I think my only reservation is about the garden,
0:26:44 > 0:26:45being split front and rear.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48There's still sizable amounts of garden to be used,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50but I think we really wanted something slightly bigger.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Right, you two, have you seen enough?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- Have you explored everywhere? - We've looked in every room, Nicki.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58We've had a good look around.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- It's been done up very well. - It is a beautiful property.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04You've got the night off, you can really think about it,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07because I'm going to show you another house tomorrow,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09- which is very different. - Excellent.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21It's the second day of our house hunt in East Sussex
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and with pockets full of £750,000,
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Wayne and Izzy from Purley, Surrey, are looking for a wonderful home
0:27:28 > 0:27:32with an extensive garden for them and their sporty young sons.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35We'll be throwing them a curveball with our mystery house.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38That is really not what I expected to see when I walked into the house.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41This has taken me really by surprise.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44And I'll be dining out on some top-notch local fare.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47Mm. Delicious.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Yesterday, very early on, we learnt that Wayne and Izzy
0:27:52 > 0:27:56were happy to sacrifice the house for the actual size of the garden
0:27:56 > 0:28:00to help satisfy the needs of those very active, sporty little boys
0:28:00 > 0:28:02that they have.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04But after showing them a couple of properties,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07I think their priorities are 50-50.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Big house and big garden.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14So with mystery property today, it's all about the house.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Now, it might not be semidetached this time,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20but on first impressions, it may be a little confusing.
0:28:23 > 0:28:24For our final property,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27we're hopping over the border into West Sussex
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and heading toward the commuter town of Haywards Heath,
0:28:30 > 0:28:35just 36 miles south of London and 12 miles north of Brighton.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The area offers residents all the advantages of a busy town
0:28:38 > 0:28:41with beautiful countryside at arm's reach.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45The local station has short journey times to the city and the coast,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49making the town easy to commute from and quick to come home to.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Set on the outskirts of town with a wonderful aspect
0:28:52 > 0:28:56overlooking open countryside, we find our third and final property.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And it's going to require Wayne and Izzy
0:28:59 > 0:29:01to be a little flexible with their thinking.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06Now it's time for something completely different.
0:29:06 > 0:29:07Very different.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- Our mystery house doesn't look like a conventional home, does it?- No.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14It's a bungalow. We've never considered a bungalow before.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Never looked at them,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- but let's go in with an open mind and see what happens.- I like that!
0:29:19 > 0:29:21I'm going to slightly reframe it.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I'm going to call it a single-storey home.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- It's a bungalow, Nicki.- OK. We're going to step through the bungalow.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Come on.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33This thoroughly modern home has a very deceiving exterior
0:29:33 > 0:29:35which gives nothing away.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38But step inside and you can't fail to be impressed
0:29:38 > 0:29:40by the state-of-the-art design.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42It could even leave you lost for words.
0:29:42 > 0:29:48Now, let's take you straight through to the living area.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51That is really not what I expected to see when I walked into the house.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- This has taken me really by surprise. - Izzy?- Um...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- No?- No.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Come on, be honest with me.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03It's lovely, but really not me...at all, and I'm a bit shocked.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Sometimes when you see something that you're not used to, it jars
0:30:06 > 0:30:09cos it's just so out of your comfort zone.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Try and put that to one side and see it just through fresh eyes.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- OK, I'll give it a go. - This is the heart of the house.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18But I want to show you the kitchen.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22I think Wayne and Izzy are a little in shock, as this house
0:30:22 > 0:30:25is so different from what they were expecting,
0:30:25 > 0:30:28but I'm confident the more they see, the more they'll like.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32A stylish dining room leads from the sitting room to the kitchen.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34It's very modern.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- I like it, actually. - I'm still not sure what to think.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Again, not what I expected, and it think that's just a theme
0:30:40 > 0:30:43that I'm going to feel as we go through the rest of the property.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- Izzy?- As a kitchen, a stand-alone kitchen, I really like it.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50If it follows...if the rest of the house follows this theme,
0:30:50 > 0:30:51however, it's probably not for me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53I'm going to persevere
0:30:53 > 0:30:55because I do think this house has got lots going for it.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05This brick and glass house is laid out in an 'S' shape.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07The sitting room and kitchen are at the core of the home,
0:31:07 > 0:31:11and along the bottom of the 'S', is a wing with the sleeping quarters.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13There are three double bedrooms -
0:31:13 > 0:31:16two are en-suite - and there's also a family bathroom.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20This is the master,
0:31:20 > 0:31:23which has its own dressing room just behind you
0:31:23 > 0:31:25and doors to that countryside.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- That view is stunning. - That's a fantastic view.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30The thing I possibly don't like...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33I'm not sure if I can sleep downstairs on the ground floor.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36- It's something that I probably need to get over.- Really? Why?
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I think it's a case of, you know, I want to feel secure.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- It's very traditional, you go upstairs to bed.- Yeah.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44I think that's going to be a very big change
0:31:44 > 0:31:46if we ever thought about a bungalow.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48I think we're more conventional than we thought.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Oh, well, that's not a bad thing, though. That's not a bad thing.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53I like you to be stretched
0:31:53 > 0:31:55and I do think the mystery is doing that with you.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Because just take a look at this.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01And here is...
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- Oh, my goodness.- Oh, my word.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06..your bathroom/wet room.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- I'm shocked.- I am actually... That is...
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Where did this come from? - Isn't it beautiful?- It is fantastic!
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Contemporary, beautifully appointed,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so even you've got to admit you're impressed with this bathroom.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- Oh, no, we are.- I am impressed.- This is very good.- That bath is fantastic.
0:32:20 > 0:32:21Oh, I've got a compliment. Yes!
0:32:21 > 0:32:25Right, we're going to leave on a high. Let's keep going.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Moving back through to the top of the 'S' shape
0:32:27 > 0:32:30of this extraordinary house, next to the sitting room,
0:32:30 > 0:32:31is another wing.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Final thing to show you. Wonderful study area.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40You've got a utility room on that side and then... Now, look at this.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42Is this a surprise?
0:32:42 > 0:32:45It... You know what, I can't even believe where this is.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47I don't quite know where we are in the house.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48It's great. Good space.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50This is so much bigger than what it looks from outside.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51- Really is.- Yes.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55You could easily convert this side of the property.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57The boys are still very, very young
0:32:57 > 0:33:00but in five or six years, they're going to want their own space.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02This could be their part of the property
0:33:02 > 0:33:03and that's yours.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- I can see how that would work, actually.- Yes.- Definitely.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09So this mystery house has a little bit more going for it
0:33:09 > 0:33:11than we first gave it credit, hasn't it?
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- It's a lot bigger, which therefore, for us, gives us those options.- Yes.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17So let's go outside,
0:33:17 > 0:33:18just talk a little bit about the land,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21and also, I am going to ask you to put a figure on this property
0:33:21 > 0:33:23for the final time.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24- Come on.- All right.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Every room in this open-plan house has views to the gardens,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32and, like the interior,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36it also has some surprises in store for Wayne and Izzy.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37Just look at that property.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40It probably makes more sense now because the front
0:33:40 > 0:33:41gave so little away.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45But now you can actually see how large it is.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47I can't offer you a football pitch,
0:33:47 > 0:33:49but what I can offer you is
0:33:49 > 0:33:52lovely woodland that's yours.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54So you've got just over half an acre here.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56But even more importantly, behind us,
0:33:56 > 0:33:58we have open fields and countryside.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01The view is stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04So let's see if we can guess the price of this beautiful,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07contemporary mystery house.
0:34:07 > 0:34:08I think it's the...
0:34:08 > 0:34:09The finish has been fantastic.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11I think with the extra half acre on the side,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14I'll go for about 750,000.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Yeah, I don't think as much.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19I find the living space is quite cramped, however,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21that extra bit on the side has thrown me.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26So I'm really not sure, but I'm going to go for £725,000.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28That's really interesting because,
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Wayne, you're on the money.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Asking price of £750,000.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- Interesting.- Hmm.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Take another look because it is a unique property.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- You're not going to see one like this again, are you?- No.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41No.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Go on, off you go. Enjoy it.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Our mystery house has asked Wayne and Izzy to cross borders
0:34:48 > 0:34:50and think outside the box.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51And what it lacks in the
0:34:51 > 0:34:52country cottage stakes,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54it certainly makes up for
0:34:54 > 0:34:56in cutting-edge design.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Bang on budget, it doesn't leave
0:34:58 > 0:34:59any money in the bank,
0:34:59 > 0:35:00but they wouldn't have to do
0:35:00 > 0:35:01anything to it.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03This home would allow Izzy
0:35:03 > 0:35:04to enjoy country life
0:35:04 > 0:35:07with just an hour's drive to work.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10My initial impressions were just literally,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13what is behind the front door? Cos you can't tell.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16So, coming into the property, it was a complete contrast to outside.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19The decor, the quality of the actual decorations -
0:35:19 > 0:35:20it was actually really high.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23The style of the property, for me, wasn't really my taste.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27It was very trendy, very modern, and I'm much more of a conventional
0:35:27 > 0:35:30type of person, and it wasn't our style at all.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33The house - very deceptive, very big.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35It was quite strange that the garden didn't live up to
0:35:35 > 0:35:36what the house is providing.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Although the half an acre on the side was a great space,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41the actual playing area, you could say - the grassed area -
0:35:41 > 0:35:42was actually quite small.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Right, any final thoughts on my mystery house?
0:35:49 > 0:35:52The house has got some great points, but I just don't think it's quite us.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55No? OK. Well, that's it. You've seen everything.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Let's go and have a chat.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03With a coastal border, East Sussex prides itself
0:36:03 > 0:36:07on some wonderful seaside towns and villages.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10The medieval town of Rye may be inland, but historically,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13it was surrounded by sea and played an important role
0:36:13 > 0:36:18defending England's south coast, with warships sitting in its waters.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Today, it harbours fishing boats, and one of its most celebrated
0:36:21 > 0:36:24catches is the world-class Rye scallop.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27I've come to meet Russell Drew, a local fisherman,
0:36:27 > 0:36:31to learn more about this nutritious seafood.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- Russell, good to meet you. - Hi, Nicki. Welcome to Rye.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34Thank you very much.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38Now we're standing here, and I can smell the sea, but I can't see it.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- Where is it?- We're in actually Rye Harbour,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43and the sea is about two miles that way.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Why has Rye now got this wonderful reputation for scallops?
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Cos they're about the freshest scallops you're ever going to see.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51It's deep water,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and where they live in this,
0:36:53 > 0:36:55they seem to like it quite well.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58The scallop is at its best at around three years old,
0:36:58 > 0:36:59when it's fully matured.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02And fishermen can tell its age by looking at the shell.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Like a tree, there's a ring for each year.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Three rings, and it's time to harvest.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11The scallops swim freely and cluster on the sea bed,
0:37:11 > 0:37:12where they're caught.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- And they're actually harvested by this boat behind us?- Yeah.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16There'll be several boats fishing this time of year.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18And how long will they go out in total?
0:37:18 > 0:37:21They'll do a 14-hour day, generally.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- So are they easy to open?- Yeah.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- They're quite easy when you know what you're doing.- Yep.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Cos they're so alive, you have to force the shell open.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- Just cut hard down the flat shell... - Yeah.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- ..and try not to leave too much meat on the shell.- Look at that.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35Pull the frill off that side there.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Yeah.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38Cut down hard behind that,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40- not leaving any on the shell.- Yes.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42And it should just pop out like that.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Look at that. That is a beauty.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- So if I'm going to taste a scallop...- Mm-hm.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48..what shall I ask for? Any particular dish?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Um, I just like it plain as anything.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53Russell, my tummy is rumbling just at the thought.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55I'll be looking at them in a different way.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57I don't think I want to be doing too much shucking,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- but I'll certainly be eating them. Thank you very much.- No problem.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04In Rye, these juicy molluscs are celebrated during Scallop Week,
0:38:04 > 0:38:06in February every year.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Local pubs and restaurants feature them on their menus
0:38:09 > 0:38:13for residents and visitors to enjoy in a variety of dishes.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15Chef Jonathan Breeds
0:38:15 > 0:38:17loves making the most of local fare,
0:38:17 > 0:38:19and is rustling up some scallop dishes
0:38:19 > 0:38:22with a difference for me to sample today.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24The scallops are cleaned,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and then oil with a little salt is heated on the stove.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31Once the pan is hot, the scallops are fried for 30 seconds
0:38:31 > 0:38:35on each side, before being laid on baby spinach leaves.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Jonathan's cooking three dishes for me to try -
0:38:38 > 0:38:42plain, a version with sauteed chorizo and roast sweet potato
0:38:42 > 0:38:46and lastly, scallops coupled with cracked black pepper
0:38:46 > 0:38:48and tangy orange segments.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51There we go. And that's all three.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Now this is what I've been waiting for.
0:38:53 > 0:38:58- I think, Jonathan, I'm in for a treat, aren't I?- I hope so.
0:38:58 > 0:38:59Oh, my goodness.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Divine. What makes them so delicious?
0:39:02 > 0:39:06I think it's partly the texture, it's quite a meaty dish,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08and the flavour is very delicate,
0:39:08 > 0:39:11and it works very well with other flavours.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14So cooked in its simplest form, still delicious,
0:39:14 > 0:39:15not overpowering at all.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Yes, that's right.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20So our second offering here - may I?
0:39:20 > 0:39:21Yes. Oh, please do.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Mmm. Oh.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26I really enjoyed it in its simple form,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28but now it's taken on new life...
0:39:28 > 0:39:29- Yeah.- ..with that sweet potato,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- especially as the sweet potato has been quite well cooked.- Yeah.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35It brings out something else in the scallop.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36It does really complement the scallop.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39The scallop takes on the flavour.
0:39:39 > 0:39:40Let's go on to the third.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43These scallops are putting East Sussex on the map, aren't they?
0:39:43 > 0:39:45I think so, yes.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47It's been said that the Rye Bay scallop
0:39:47 > 0:39:50is possibly the best scallop in the world.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I'm sure it is. Tastes like it.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I'm trying to be dainty here, but it's not working.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Mmm.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Delicious. Thank you very much indeed.- Thank you. Cheers.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01- HE LAUGHS - I'm just going to keep eating.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Well, it's always good to make a big decision on a full stomach,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08so I hope our house hunters have had a good feed, too.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14So we've shown Wayne and Izzy our three properties,
0:40:14 > 0:40:19but have we had success here in East Sussex?
0:40:19 > 0:40:22I do have my doubts, but let's go and find out.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Izzy and Wayne, how have you found the last few days?
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Enlightening, I hope?
0:40:30 > 0:40:32An eye-opener, I would say.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Yeah, eye-opener, probably the word that sums it all a lot.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36There's so much more to think about.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I think we probably took it for granted at the beginning
0:40:38 > 0:40:40when we've been previously looking.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Because we've managed to show you
0:40:42 > 0:40:45three properties that were so different.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48I wonder, did we get close with any of our houses?
0:40:48 > 0:40:49I think we did get close.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51There's... The houses that we were shown,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54there was elements from every house that we would take.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57So, in your opinion, which was the strongest house for you.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00For me, there wasn't a strongest house.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01It was a combination, to be honest.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I loved the second house.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05It was our style, our decor.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08But I'd have liked to have put it on the land of the first house,
0:41:08 > 0:41:09which was fabulous.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12So it's quite interesting. I thought you might go for a second viewing
0:41:12 > 0:41:14on our second property.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17For me, it was just the lack of space.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I know that it had a large plot,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22but I felt the house was in the middle of the plot
0:41:22 > 0:41:25and I'd have preferred most of the land to be at the back of the plot
0:41:25 > 0:41:26to allow a bit more privacy.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29And now you can look back and reflect on what we've shown you,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31how far your money's going to go, have you...
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Do you think you've learnt anything?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I assumed that the further south you move from London,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38that the cheaper the property would become.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40And it's clear that there are pockets of East Sussex
0:41:40 > 0:41:43that are very expensive because of their desirability,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- and they pay a premium price for that.- Yes.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48And I think we have to consider that
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- more now when we're looking in certain areas.- Absolutely.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It is a huge budget, let's not forget.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56£750,000 is a lot of money.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59But you do want quite a lot for your money in this part of the world.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Neighbouring counties might be a little bit cheaper.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06I think we can probably spread out the area we're looking in,
0:42:06 > 0:42:07probably spread it out a little bit more.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09I think we want to be patient,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11we want to make sure we get the most for our money.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13I think we're in a good position to be.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Well, listen, thank you. All the best with the move.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Now, I know you can't predict the future,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25but certainly, over the last few years,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29you've been able to take your time searching out that perfect property.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32But with house prices now on the up,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34you can't afford to rest on your laurels.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Now, I do understand what Wayne and Izzy said
0:42:36 > 0:42:40when they wanted the mix of the garden in the first property
0:42:40 > 0:42:42with the space of that second house.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45But for me, that's not what compromise is all about.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48And if they don't make a small compromise today,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51it might be a very expensive compromise tomorrow
0:42:51 > 0:42:53unless they get their skates on.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Now I'm not sure what their next step will be,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59but whatever it is, I wish them all the very best.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01I'll see you again. Bye-bye.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:04 > 0:43:07in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England
0:43:07 > 0:43:08and would like our help,
0:43:08 > 0:43:10please apply online at...