0:00:02 > 0:00:03The county I'm in is famed for its big skies
0:00:03 > 0:00:06which were the inspiration for one of the nation's best-loved
0:00:06 > 0:00:08night-time nursery rhymes.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12But which sparkly children's song am I referring to? And where am I?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Find out in just a few moments.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36On today's show, we're helping a couple of busy Londoners
0:00:36 > 0:00:40find a home, a business and a slower pace of life.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- Our properties appeal to both their interests...- I like that.- Wow.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- I love cooking. And he likes eating.- I like eating.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47THEY LAUGH
0:00:47 > 0:00:50..but another leaves them tight-lipped.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54I'm not going to say anything because I already really like it
0:00:54 > 0:00:56and I don't want to give the game away.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Today I'm in Suffolk in the historic town of Lavenham.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Now, this beautiful building behind me is Shilling Grange,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06home to the aspiring young poet Jane Taylor
0:01:06 > 0:01:08who apparently penned the nursery rhyme
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
0:01:10 > 0:01:12from her bedroom back in 1806.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Now, she'd find it hard to imagine how popular this poem would become
0:01:16 > 0:01:19when it was added to an earlier melody of a French lullaby.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23And it's amazing to think that this small poem, written here in Lavenham
0:01:23 > 0:01:25back at the start of the 19th century,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28has gone on to have such enduring appeal
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and is still translated into languages all over the world.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33But, as you're about to see,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35poetry isn't all that this beautiful county
0:01:35 > 0:01:37has to offer.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41The East Anglian county of Suffolk
0:01:41 > 0:01:43is bordered by Norfolk to the north,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Essex to the south and Cambridgeshire to the west.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Situated on the east coast,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52the low-lying county has few hills and is largely agricultural.
0:01:52 > 0:01:53There are no cities in Suffolk
0:01:53 > 0:01:57but a scattering of beautiful market towns and villages, such as Kersey,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01which prospered in the medieval period thanks to the wool trade.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06Many of the historic buildings, some around 500 years old,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08are painted in the traditional Suffolk pink,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11a style first adopted by the local dyers.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14On the coast, the attractive seaside town of Southwold
0:02:14 > 0:02:17is popular with the rich and famous and, as such,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19house prices command a premium.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Even a beach hut can set you back £70,000.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25With trains running to London Liverpool Street
0:02:25 > 0:02:28and journey times around 1 hour ¼ from Ipswich
0:02:28 > 0:02:30and two hours from Bury St Edmunds,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Suffolk is well connected to the capital.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35A vibrant arts and music scene,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38including the world-famous Aldeburgh Festival,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40makes it a popular destination
0:02:40 > 0:02:43for those seeking an escape from the busier South East.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48The average price for a detached house here in Suffolk
0:02:48 > 0:02:51is just over £251,000,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54which is around 16,000 below the national figure.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56So, generally speaking,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58this county offers pretty good value for money,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01especially for those seeking an historic property
0:03:01 > 0:03:05as there are over 12,500 listed buildings in Suffolk.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07But what are today's buyers looking for?
0:03:07 > 0:03:09Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:11 > 0:03:12Gil, who's originally from Brazil,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15and Phil have been a couple for two years.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Home is currently Phil's two-bedroomed flat in Shoreditch,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21a trendy but very busy part of London.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26This is an old artist's studio. We designed it all.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27It's a bit Gothic.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29We like a bit of Victoriana.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31We've got Hoxton Market just outside our window
0:03:31 > 0:03:33which has its upsides
0:03:33 > 0:03:36because, if we want a bunch of flowers or some jellied eels,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38it's the East End after all.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40We can get them whenever we want. Um...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42There's a very good vibe as well.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It's very noisy
0:03:44 > 0:03:46and there are times when it, you know,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49it just feels a little bit much.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Phil has recently given up a job as a deputy head teacher
0:03:53 > 0:03:57and now runs an educational consultancy business from home.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Gil works in finance in the City Of London
0:03:59 > 0:04:02and will continue commuting to the capital.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04He first caught the country bug when he moved to Britain
0:04:04 > 0:04:0619 years ago.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Well, when I first came to the UK, I went to visit to the Cotswolds
0:04:10 > 0:04:13and I absolutely fell in love with the place.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17But then Philip persuaded me to Suffolk.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19The quality of life there, it does appeal to me.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25I've done a lot in London and I think this is the time to move on.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28And they've already dipped their toes into rural living.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31We've got a little cottage in Suffolk
0:04:31 > 0:04:33and we've been going there every weekend.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34Lots of holidays.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37We go on a Friday night, we hit the motorway,
0:04:37 > 0:04:42we light the fire and that's it, you know.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43It's a romantic getaway.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Swapping their weekend retreat for a permanent Suffolk home
0:04:48 > 0:04:51will offer Phil the chance to relive his childhood.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53When I was little,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55I suppose I wanted to be a zoologist, or a vet,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57or a jockey, or a show-jumper.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59I've always been horse mad
0:04:59 > 0:05:03and I used to participate in a sport called eventing.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08About 15 years ago I sort of gave it up to focus on my career.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11And I really want to go back and have another horse.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Nothing will make me happier than getting up in the morning,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16going to feed my horse and going out riding.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Whilst Phil's saddling up, Gil will be down at the local court.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Being naturally Brazilian, you either play football or volleyball,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and I chose volleyball.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31And volleyball has been my passion since I was a little kid.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34And when I came to London, I joined a club.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38We've been playing all over Europe, been national champion in the UK,
0:05:38 > 0:05:39in Europe.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Something that keeps you fit but, as well, it's very...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45give you a sense of community and I love it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Absolutely love it.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49As well as running his own consultancy business,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Phil also has plans to run a bed and breakfast,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54a complete change of life for the busy Londoners.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59For me, it's a life make over.
0:05:59 > 0:06:00I want to make jam...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- GIL LAUGHS - ..I want to look after horses,
0:06:02 > 0:06:07I want to look after our bed and breakfast guests and...
0:06:07 > 0:06:08Excuse me, what about me?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- Yeah, I know...- You should say, "I'm going to look after you too."
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Well, you can say nothing now.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17Our Suffolk property search
0:06:17 > 0:06:21will be somewhat dictated by Gil's commuting time to London.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Ideally, he wants to be no more than two hours away from his desk
0:06:23 > 0:06:25in the City, so we'll be looking within
0:06:25 > 0:06:29reasonable distance of towns like Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31I'm meeting up with them on Suffolk soil
0:06:31 > 0:06:35to discuss the finer details of their big move.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38- It's stunning here, isn't it? - Hmm.- It is. Amazing.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39What is it you like about it so much, Gil?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42I love it. I just love the peaceful...
0:06:42 > 0:06:47the fields, the horses and, you know, having the animals around us.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Well, you'll need to like horses cos Philip here...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51It's a huge passion of yours, isn't it, Philip?
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Yeah, I've always been horse mad. - Yeah.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55As soon as I could, I learned to ride
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and, ever since then, horses have been an obsession really.
0:06:58 > 0:07:04So, that obsession is being bolted on to this new home, isn't it?
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- Absolutely.- Now, talk me through that a bit.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Yeah, well, our objective is to buy a place that has the potential
0:07:09 > 0:07:12to be an equestrian bed and breakfast.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Right. OK. So we're looking for a house with some land.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- You know, land with some outbuildings or...- Uh-huh.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- Yeah.- ..space to build outbuildings?
0:07:21 > 0:07:25Ideally, we'd like to have them ready-made but, certainly,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27if we can get planning permission relatively easy,
0:07:27 > 0:07:28we don't have a problem with that.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30We're kind of open minded, put it that way.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32You've got a consultancy business.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36Yes, yes. I'm an education improvement consultant.
0:07:36 > 0:07:37And that's based at home?
0:07:37 > 0:07:38It's based at home.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- You're quite different, aren't you, Gil?- I am, yeah.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- You work in the City.- Yes. - Right in London, don't you?- Yes.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49I will continue initially the planning...commute to London.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52So, let's talk about the house itself.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55What, Gil, in your mind's eye does this look like?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Um, very rural.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00We don't really like modern,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02no bungalow whatsoever.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Don't say the word B.- Oh!
0:08:04 > 0:08:06How many bedrooms do you think you need?
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Um, four minimum.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Talk to me about the budget.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Well, our budget is the bottom end of 750
0:08:14 > 0:08:17but we can go up to 850
0:08:17 > 0:08:19provided we don't have to spend too much on it.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- That's a really healthy budget, guys.- Hmm.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24But we're looking for a lot. You know what I'm going to say?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26We'll have to maybe look at compromises along the way.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- Yes.- No pain, no gain. - No pain, no gain!
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Yes. It sounds like it's going to be my pain and your gain, Gil.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- I'd love that!- That's the way... - THEY LAUGH
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Let's look at the first one and see what you think. This way.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Thank you.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42For a generous top budget of £850,000,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Gil and Phil are after a property with character in a rural location,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48ideally with three acres of land and outbuildings
0:08:48 > 0:08:50to run an equestrian bed and breakfast business
0:08:50 > 0:08:52in the future.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54They'd like a minimum of four bedrooms
0:08:54 > 0:08:55and need to be close to a train link
0:08:55 > 0:08:57into London for Gil's job.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02We've lined up three lovely Suffolk properties to tempt our buyers
0:09:02 > 0:09:06but I won't be revealing the price of each until the end of the tour.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Our mystery house will give Phil and Gil plenty of property
0:09:09 > 0:09:11but not necessarily in the right places.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Our first house is located in the village of Somersham,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21seven miles from Ipswich railway station,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24with a journey time of 1 hour ¼ to London by train.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27The closest town is Hadleigh,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29one of a series of attractive East Anglian settlements
0:09:29 > 0:09:32that derived its wealth from the wool trade
0:09:32 > 0:09:34and, as such, has a range of preserve,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37timber and brick listed buildings as well as a leisure centre
0:09:37 > 0:09:40with hard court areas for volleyball fanatic Gil.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43The property can be found on a quiet country lane
0:09:43 > 0:09:45just outside the village of Somersham.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48First impressions, gentlemen?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- I like the look of it.- Yeah.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52- Good.- Good size.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Yeah, no, it's a really lovely house actually.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57What a lovely setting.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- A good place for the setting but...I'm keeping cool.- Hmm.
0:10:00 > 0:10:01It's hard to place it
0:10:01 > 0:10:04because it's been completely refurbished,
0:10:04 > 0:10:05and to a very good standard.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Parts of the house, the far side of it,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10date back as far as 1580.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14Now, when you get inside suddenly that history comes alive.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15- All right.- Great.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17So far, so good. I can't wait to see inside.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- I want to see more. - This is where we find out.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22You said you wanted character. We'll find out how much you really like it.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- Follow me.- All right.- Let's go.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Our first property is a grade two-listed
0:10:28 > 0:10:30Tudor Suffolk farmhouse
0:10:30 > 0:10:32and is built to the classic stout oak frame.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39So the first thing you'll see, lovely little snug area.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- That's cosy.- That stove works. Solid fuel burner.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Now,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45what do you think of this?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Wow.- There is a bit of wow factor.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51I hoped for something like this standing outside.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53The first thing I think it's like Christmas time.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56That's a beautiful room for... Very Christmas.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Love those beams as well. - Can imagine being here.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02The kitchen is a magnificent room. Look at this.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Oh, yeah. Wow, that is lovely.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- I like that.- Wow. - I love cooking.- Do you?
0:11:07 > 0:11:08I do. I love it.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- And he likes eating.- I like eating.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11THEY LAUGH
0:11:11 > 0:11:13That's the perfect combination.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16And I guess it's quite easy if you are entertaining
0:11:16 > 0:11:17and having a dinner party,
0:11:17 > 0:11:18it's just, you know...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Yeah, you get the best of both worlds
0:11:20 > 0:11:22because you're not separated.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- It's still an entertaining space. - Hmm.- Hmm, yeah, it's good.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Let's take a look quick peek at the living room through here.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31As well as the snug, dining room and kitchen,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34there's a utility room to house the white goods
0:11:34 > 0:11:37and an oak-framed sunroom which is adjacent to the main living room.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42- Just mind your step coming down here.- Thank you.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Hmm.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47What's your thoughts?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Um, it's a...living room.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Yeah, I guess you've got a small window there.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- If you left that open, you've got dual aspect.- Mm-hm.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- Cosy.- Yeah.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01I like the floor a lot.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Cosy sounds like you were expecting maybe a bit bigger.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- Don't...- We like cosy but
0:12:09 > 0:12:12maybe I was for the living area. I was a little bit...
0:12:12 > 0:12:16I've always been partial to sort of slightly claustrophobic places.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18THEY LAUGH
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Upstairs certainly isn't claustrophobic
0:12:21 > 0:12:23as there are four decent-sized bedrooms
0:12:23 > 0:12:26and a family bathroom with roll top bath.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29One of the doubles offers some space above it in the eaves,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32and another leads to a further bedroom beyond that.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Finally, there's a room that might suit Gil and Phil.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40The master suite kind of starts from here, so you've got an en-suite...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43..and then you've got a big duck.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46This is your master bedroom.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Yeah, no, I like that. Definitely.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49I love the chimney breast.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53Cos that'd be warm when the house is warm when the fire's on.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Good size.- Yes.- And I love that.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58I'm not sure in the dark how it's going to be
0:12:58 > 0:13:00but I love that. HE LAUGHS
0:13:00 > 0:13:01This is your home first.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I know you've got ideas of having a B&B business in the future.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I think this house could adapt to be your B&B business,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- if you like.- Mm-hm.- Mm-hm.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13My plan for the equine bed and breakfast business
0:13:13 > 0:13:16would be to turn the two adjacent double bedrooms
0:13:16 > 0:13:18into a self-contained suite
0:13:18 > 0:13:20with the furthest room becoming an en-suite bathroom.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Outside, the garden is spread out to the rear of the property
0:13:24 > 0:13:26and there's a large three-acre paddock
0:13:26 > 0:13:28offering plenty of room for a horse or two
0:13:28 > 0:13:30as well as a couple of outbuildings.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Now, let's talk about everything we've got here.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37As you can see, remember when we came in, there was a brick building?
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Yeah.- You've also got this building here.- Yes.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42That's a good size building with a brand-new roof
0:13:42 > 0:13:45with power and water. OK?
0:13:45 > 0:13:50Now, going to your business idea, you'd initially think stables.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54I actually think if you put stables elsewhere,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- that would be great accommodation for guests...- It would.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00..subject to obtaining the planning consents.
0:14:00 > 0:14:01Yeah, it would.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- And behind those trees in a way would be good for the stables.- Yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06It'd be perfect, wouldn't it?
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Hmm.- How much do think it's on the market for?
0:14:10 > 0:14:11775.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15I'm going around 750.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Good guess. It's on the market for £750,000.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Even at the asking price, it gives you that float of £100,000
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- to muck around with it.- Hmm.- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Without me, why don't you go around the house on your own,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28- but then go and explore all these outbuildings.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Concentrate on it being a home first.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32This business idea of yours, that's something for the future.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Right, yeah.- Help yourselves and we'll catch up
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- when you're finished. - Thank you.- Thanks.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40£100,000 below their maximum budget,
0:14:40 > 0:14:42our first property gives Gil and Phil
0:14:42 > 0:14:46a sizeable character home full of original features,
0:14:46 > 0:14:49including a large kitchen to cook breakfast for paying guests,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52four good-sized bedrooms plus plenty of space and outbuildings
0:14:52 > 0:14:55to develop the equine holiday business.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56And it's reasonably situated
0:14:56 > 0:14:58for the mainline railway station.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02I loved the...the space.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05The outside space. The look of it, the situation.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07The kitchen is amazing.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09The living room - a little bit underwhelming.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12The more I look at it and take into account the outbuildings,
0:15:12 > 0:15:16which I've kind of fallen in love with, it's growing on me.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21The living area, I was kind of not quite there
0:15:21 > 0:15:25but, saying that, it's something that we could work on it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26Overall, good start.
0:15:28 > 0:15:29Do I love the house?
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Not sure yet.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33We'll see what comes next.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35But I like it. Good start.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Now, then, Philip,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43you're spoilt for choice, I figure, for where to put your stables.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Did you find anywhere to put a volleyball court?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49HE LAUGHS Well, there's space. That's for sure.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Nice. Nice space there.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52Walking around the house Philip was like,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56"Oh, I can see a horse from here. I can see a horse from that angle."
0:15:56 > 0:15:58So I was thinking, where is the volleyball court going?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Sounds like we need to go away from here.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Remember all you liked and all you had question marks over.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- We're going to go to the next property, so follow me.- OK.- Cheers.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Suffolk's low-lying, flat terrain suits arable farming.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21For centuries, a common feature in the rural landscape
0:16:21 > 0:16:22was the Suffolk punch,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25a heavy draught horse that was bred to pull the plough
0:16:25 > 0:16:27and carry the wheat.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29First bred in the 16th century,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31it's the oldest kind of heavy horse in Britain.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36A century ago, there were several hundred thousand Suffolks
0:16:36 > 0:16:39but, today, there are approximately 400 breeding animals left.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44In order to protect the breed, a charity, the Suffolk Punch Trust,
0:16:44 > 0:16:49was set up in 2002 on 180 acres of farmland near Hollesley.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53As Phil is passionately interested in horses, we sent him and Gil
0:16:53 > 0:16:56to meet the trust's head groom, Jemma Martin,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59to find out why the Suffolk punch is on the critical list.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Is it true that the breed is more rare than the giant panda?
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Yes, it is. There's about 2,000 giant pandas
0:17:06 > 0:17:10compared to just over the 400 mark of the Suffolk punches.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12They're actually critical on the endangered list,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14so it's quite vulnerable at the moment.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17And what made the breed so ideal for working?
0:17:17 > 0:17:19They're very short and compact with a lot of power,
0:17:19 > 0:17:23so they're pulling power is about 2½ times their own weight.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Why are they such an endangered species now?
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Obviously, when mechanisation came around with your big tractors
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and things, which can do things so much quicker than your horses,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36unfortunately, loads of these horses were sold on from farms
0:17:36 > 0:17:38and, at that point, weren't bred anymore
0:17:38 > 0:17:40cos there was just not the demand for them,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42so the numbers dwindled immensely.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45So, Jemma, what does the Trust do to protect the horses?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Well, we've got an active breeding system
0:17:47 > 0:17:50where we try and put all of our mares in foal every year
0:17:50 > 0:17:51to up the numbers.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Also, finding them jobs to do in today's world,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56so they're trained in logging and sorts of things like that.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And we've recently started riding one of our mares as well.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01As well as being used for farm work,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03the breed also pulled heavy artillery
0:18:03 > 0:18:05during the First World War.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07To prevent the Suffolk punch from dying out,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10the Trust has developed a unique programme to encourage
0:18:10 > 0:18:12its recreational use,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15turning it from a workhorse to a riding companion.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17This involves breaking them to saddle,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19a process also known as backing.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22This five-year-old mare is called Colony Vee.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Jemma, how long has she been backed?
0:18:25 > 0:18:28About five months ago now.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30But, prior to that, as a two-year-old,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33she's done some harness training, so she's done a bit beforehand.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- So do you think she's ready for another rider?- I think so.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Shall I go and get changed? - I think that's a great idea.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Colony Vee is aiming for her first county show
0:18:42 > 0:18:44in a couple of months' time.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Phil is an experienced rider
0:18:45 > 0:18:48but he's never ridden a Suffolk punch before
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and they're both a little nervous.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Is there anything I need to be aware of when riding her?
0:18:52 > 0:18:54Just that, although she's five,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57she's still quite green in herself, so she hasn't done a lot.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- Be nice and gentle with her mouth as well.- OK.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- So no contact really, just light contact.- Just a slight one, yeah.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04- OK. I'll get on then, yeah?- Yeah.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11A mature Suffolk generally stands at between 16 and 17 hands
0:19:11 > 0:19:15and can weigh up to 1,000 kilos, the same as a small car.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18And they are always chestnut in colour.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21In fact, you're quite a good size on her.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- I think we'll steal you back to ride her in shows.- Yeah, I'd love to ride her.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33So, how did it go?
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Yeah, lovely.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36Are we buying one then?
0:19:38 > 0:19:41The Trust relies heavily on the help of volunteers,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43so, even if they don't buy a Suffolk punch,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46there'll be plenty of chances to help out at the stables
0:19:46 > 0:19:48and visitor centre.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50But, first, we need to return to the business
0:19:50 > 0:19:51of finding our buyers a home.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57For our second offering, we're heading east,
0:19:57 > 0:20:01deeper into the Suffolk countryside and to the hamlet of Sternfield.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05The closest market town, Saxmundham, is two miles away
0:20:05 > 0:20:09and offers a wide range of amenities and a train station.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11It's a 40-minute rail journey to Ipswich,
0:20:11 > 0:20:14where you have to change for the London train.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17The famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall is nearby,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19which attracts visitors from around the world
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and is one of the venues for the famous Aldeburgh Festival,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26so a good spot for a potential bed and breakfast business.
0:20:26 > 0:20:28Sternfield itself is a peaceful village
0:20:28 > 0:20:32and our second house is situated on its fringes on a quiet lane.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34So, in order to mix things up a bit,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37we thought we'd show you a Georgian farmhouse.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39This is it.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- I like it already.- Gorgeous, isn't it?- I absolutely like it.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44Wow.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Yeah. No...I...yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- You can see the big smile on his face.- Yeah.- Definitely like it.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51There is a compromise. There always is,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54especially when you're looking for period properties with land.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- And that's where we are. - Do we need to...
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- I'm stretching your commute, I'm afraid.- OK.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Saxmundham
0:21:02 > 0:21:03is only a couple of miles down the road
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and it has a train station there.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- You'd be better driving to Ipswich...- Mm-hm.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- ..40-odd minutes and then getting a train there.- Hmm.- OK.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Sorry.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Yeah, you will be. Only joking!
0:21:17 > 0:21:21Anyway, I always said, you know, if the location or the house
0:21:21 > 0:21:23is the house of our dreams,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26I'll be willing to compromise I would say.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31But I have already a good feeling and I just hope this flow...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Will continue through it. - ..will continue when we go inside.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Let's have a look. Come on. Follow me.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40'Well, Gil seems open to the idea of a longer commute.'
0:21:41 > 0:21:45In we come. 'So, that's the major stumbling block out of the way.'
0:21:45 > 0:21:47We're heading to the back of the grade two-listed farmhouse
0:21:47 > 0:21:49which has been recently extended.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53So, in we come to...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- ..the newest part of the house actually.- Uh-huh.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Look at you, you're comfortable already.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05You can see my smile continues there.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06I like it.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09I'm not going to say anything
0:22:09 > 0:22:13because I already really like it and I don't want to give the game away.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Come on, man! That's what we're here for.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- So far, I could see us here having our friends and family...- Yeah.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- Two fingers up, in a good way. - Two thumbs up. Good.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29So, do you like what they've done with it cos it's modern...
0:22:29 > 0:22:33Much more modern than we've seen so far, but does it work?
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- It's gorgeous.- It works. Even the part with the little window there.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- It's quite quirky. I like it. - Do you want to see more?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Well, I'll tell you what we'll do - you can do a complete circuit,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44if you like, of the ground floor before we go upstairs.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- Let's do just that. - Sounds good to me.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50The kitchen leads on to a stunning dining room
0:22:50 > 0:22:54with glass doors along one side and fantastic views out onto the garden.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Adjacent to the dining room is a cosy snug with wood-burning stove.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Now you've got a much bigger reception room here.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06That's more like it.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12I like it. Lovely fireplace. As you say, you kind of go around the house.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Yeah. Well, this would have been...
0:23:14 > 0:23:15It might've felt a bit long and thin before
0:23:15 > 0:23:17but because you got that extension...
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- Look, there's the old external wall. - Yeah.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Cos you have that extension, in the short term,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23you've got a snug and a living room.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27In the long-term, talking about maybe having guests to stay,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29you've got a sanctuary there, haven't you?
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Well, that's their living room, isn't it?
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Cos you can have that for the guests.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35Fair enough.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Either way, keeping the bed and breakfast business in mind,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41there are plenty of reception rooms without compromising their privacy.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Upstairs, the spacious theme continues,
0:23:45 > 0:23:49as there are five bedrooms spread across two floors.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52So, let's start with the master bedroom.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- It's a good size. - Yeah.- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00To give you an idea which got - you've got an a en-suite here,
0:24:00 > 0:24:04an en-suite bath with a Jacuzzi in it with shower. And you've got...
0:24:04 > 0:24:08a bedroom in the middle and a bedroom right at the end.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09Beyond that bedroom is an en-suite,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- but it's the size of another family bathroom.- Right.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15So, the middle bedroom will have to come through one of these bedrooms
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- to use this en-suite so maybe that becomes an office or an...- OK.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20..or study or whatever.
0:24:20 > 0:24:26But upstairs, you've got two other bedrooms that share a bathroom.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Wow, OK.- So, you got all the bedrooms you asked for.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30I can't add those up. How many does that make?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32You've got five bedrooms
0:24:32 > 0:24:35but I think essentially you've kind of got four
0:24:35 > 0:24:37if you're starting to think about guests
0:24:37 > 0:24:40and walking through other people's bedrooms and stuff.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- Mm.- So you've we got all the bedrooms up here.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Let me take you back outside, if I may.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Start thinking about price, as well, guys.- Yeah.- Hm.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53To the side of the house, there's a large timber-framed outbuilding
0:24:53 > 0:24:55that could be converted into stables.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58The outside space includes a south-facing patio
0:24:58 > 0:25:00and the rear garden is mainly lawn with a footbridge
0:25:00 > 0:25:04across a small river to a further garden and meadow.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07There are three acres of land in total.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09But, there's also an option to rent a paddock
0:25:09 > 0:25:12at the back of the property for Phil's longed for horse.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19- Look at it.- Yes, it's idyllic.- You can see the volleyball court here.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I suppose now...
0:25:21 > 0:25:24They've almost given you a volleyball net there, haven't they?
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- No, no, no.- Look at that. - That would spoil it, actually.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29If you said to someone, you know, "Show me a meadow"...
0:25:29 > 0:25:31This would be it, wouldn't it?
0:25:31 > 0:25:33It's just... You'd be so proud to live here, wouldn't you?
0:25:33 > 0:25:38So how much do you think this spectacular Georgian property
0:25:38 > 0:25:40with its three acres is on the market for?
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I'm going to say £785,000.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47I'm going to go a bit higher, actually. £825,000.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50This house is on the market for offers around £795,000.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- Oh, wow.- Hmm.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- That surprised me, actually.- Yes.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58- You need to go back into this house. - Yeah.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Think about whether you guys could live here
0:26:01 > 0:26:04and commute to and from here, as well, most importantly, Gil.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- All right?- Absolutely.- All right.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The house is that way, but don't forget to walk around, as well.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12- All right, then.- Thank you. - Let's go that way.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13- Do whatever you want.- Cheers.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18£55,000 below their maximum budget,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21our second property, a Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse
0:26:21 > 0:26:26gives Gil and Phil the character they asked for in a rural location.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29It features five bedrooms, a large kitchen,
0:26:29 > 0:26:32and land and outbuildings for an equine holiday business,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36but it is a longer commute for Gil, just over two hours door-to-door.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41Walking in, architecturally, the kitchen is a wonderful space
0:26:41 > 0:26:43flooded with light.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Definitely somewhere where I could imagine pottering around,
0:26:46 > 0:26:48spending time.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49We're spoilt for choice were to stay
0:26:49 > 0:26:53because we could probably live in the third floor,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56but I can imagine just wanting to sleep in each room
0:26:56 > 0:26:58a different night of the week
0:26:58 > 0:27:01because I'd like all of them to be my bedroom.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05Walking around the house, it feels really well. The layout worked.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09You're kind of going around and wherever you looked at
0:27:09 > 0:27:13was just nice and bright. It just worked.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14It's like being on holiday, actually,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17just looking around and those bridges.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22A romantic getaway, really. I'm speechless for that. Love it.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- So, look at that. Is that a contented smile there, Philip?- Yes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31But are you both happy?
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Yes, we are.- Yes? Something to think about tonight?- Absolutely.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Yeah, definitely.- Good news. Let's go back.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It's the second day of our property search
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and on a generous budget of £850,000,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55we're helping Gil an Phil from London
0:27:55 > 0:27:59escape the bustle of the capital for the serenity of Suffolk.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Coming up, we go off-piste with the mystery house.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04It's like a ski lodge.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Yeah, you know what? It's a good point, actually.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08I get that. Yeah.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10And I head back to the Stone Age.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Well, we looked around two fantastic properties yesterday, didn't we?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Although I don't think it takes a genius to work out
0:28:19 > 0:28:21which of the two houses is coming out on top.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23Now with that in mind, I think we can afford
0:28:23 > 0:28:25to take a bit of a risk today. And let's face it,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28that's what the mystery property is all about, isn't it?
0:28:28 > 0:28:29Now, with this house itself,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32there are a couple of issues, first of all.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Now, for Philip, there's not a great deal of land for his horses,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38although there is an opportunity to get hold of some on a later date.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42And then, for Gil, he seems to have an acute dislike for bungalows.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45And let's face it, this house is built all on the same level.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47But, if they're able to get over these issues,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50they could get their hands on a character property
0:28:50 > 0:28:51with so much space.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55It'll offer them fantastic potential for their business.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56Let's see how we go.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04You want something quite different.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05You want land around you and da-da-da.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08You know there's going to be compromises, don't you?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Yeah.- Oh, right. OK. - We're fully aware of that.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13So, are you hinting at a project?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I'm hinting at a compromise.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19We're not showing you this house because we think it's unsuitable.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22We are just approaching it from a slightly different angle.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Yeah, I know. We like that.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27I did say to you at the very beginning that we are open minded.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Well, let's see how far they're willing to go.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33For our mystery house, we're heading northwest
0:29:33 > 0:29:35to the village of Laxfield,
0:29:35 > 0:29:38a 30-minute drive to the nearest train station.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Nearby Dennington has a vibrant community
0:29:40 > 0:29:44which is reflected in the number of activities and societies on offer,
0:29:44 > 0:29:46including a sports club for Gil.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50Our final offering is situated a mile south from Laxfield village
0:29:50 > 0:29:51in open countryside.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57So the mystery house...
0:29:57 > 0:29:58is this.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Well, almost looks like a collection of barns, doesn't it?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- I know.- It does. - First impressions?
0:30:03 > 0:30:09Erm, I like it. I mean, is it a bungalow?
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Well, funny you should say that. It's a converted barn.- Yes.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17OK? Which those words seem to get people jumping for joy
0:30:17 > 0:30:20a lot of the time, but, yeah, you're quite right.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25It is all on one level, so it's a bungalow in its truest sense.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30These are two very different men that I saw yesterday, aren't they?
0:30:30 > 0:30:32You're not jumping for joy at the moment, are you?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34I'm looking forward to seeing the stables
0:30:34 > 0:30:36and the equestrian centre that's behind it.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37Yeah, me too.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44Well, this is the mystery house, and yes, the land could be an issue.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47On the plus side, the actual property is huge -
0:30:47 > 0:30:49over 4,000 square feet,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52and so offers lots of potential to accommodate guests,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56either friends from London, or income-generating holiday-makers.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- Right, so the hub of the house when you first walk in.- Mm-hm.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01First impressions?
0:31:02 > 0:31:07Yeah, it's a spacious entrance, but the ceiling feels a bit low.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09That's because there's a gallery above it.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11There's a mezzanine level, if you like.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Just through that door you've got a utility.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15A good size utility with deepfreeze
0:31:15 > 0:31:17and a ground floor shower room and loo.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Just through those doors there, there's a snug.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21We'll have a quick peek at that later.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Let me take you to the separate living room first.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29The accommodation is arranged around a central courtyard
0:31:29 > 0:31:32with the bedroom quarters on one side,
0:31:32 > 0:31:34and on the day-to-day living areas on the other.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38The main living room is accessed via a formal dining area.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41Right, then.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46This is the furthest part from the kitchen, if you like.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51- OK. I like this better.- Yeah, this is nice. It's like a ski lodge.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Yeah, you know what? It's a good point, actually. I get that.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58One of the reasons why we brought you here
0:31:58 > 0:32:01is cos we thought this might give you a really good opportunity
0:32:01 > 0:32:03of an up and running B&B
0:32:03 > 0:32:05- or some form of hospitality-based business.- OK.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07We've not really centred on that a great deal.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11But we think this is your dedicated living room
0:32:11 > 0:32:13away from your paying customers.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16- This is just you guys.- OK.- OK.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- Yeah, we'll bear that in mind. - All right. So, let's see more.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23There's probably 3,500 square feet still to come, isn't there?
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Good maths! I think you're about right.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Let's go have a look at some of it.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Despite its size, the third property
0:32:31 > 0:32:34doesn't appear to have captured the hearts of our buyers just yet.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38The kitchen is quite different.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- It's massive, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Now for you guys, looking at your home/business,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50you've got your sanctuary away from people at the far end
0:32:50 > 0:32:52with that living room we've just been to.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55You got a snug here looking out to the garden.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59And then your standard dining/kitchen here.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Yeah.- Put the Georgian house from yesterday to the back of your mind.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06Let's try to see this as it is, all right?
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- This is the sort of kitchen you could see yourselves in?- Oh, yeah.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13I mean, this is a fab kitchen, isn't it? What's not to like.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16All right, let's go and have a look at the bedroom stock
0:33:16 > 0:33:18because there's quite a bit to see. Follow me.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23There are six bedrooms in total and not surprisingly,
0:33:23 > 0:33:25they're all a good size.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Three of those bedrooms are found in a self-contained wing
0:33:28 > 0:33:31of the property which also features a living room
0:33:31 > 0:33:33with kitchenette and bathroom.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36This section could be entirely reserved for guests,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38leaving the three remaining bedrooms and family bathroom
0:33:38 > 0:33:39for Gil and Phil.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Now as it stands, it's the master bedroom.- OK.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49It's the biggest and it's en-suite
0:33:49 > 0:33:52with a sunken bath in there, actually.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Sounds good.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- I like the exposure of the beams and all that. It's cute.- Yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00What's been your feeling when you've been walking around?
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I haven't got to grips with the geography of the house yet.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- It feels very sprawling. - Yeah, it's labyrinthian almost.
0:34:06 > 0:34:12Because it's also all in one level, it's spread out quite a lot.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14But when you consider that you could probably
0:34:14 > 0:34:18shut bits of the property off as when guests come to stay,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20either paying or non-paying, it could work quite well.
0:34:22 > 0:34:23In terms of land,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27this property is the smallest we've seen at around 1.25 acres.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31The gardens are mainly laid to lawn and bordered by an open meadow.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35There is a garage but no immediate space and shelter for a horse,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37however there are rentable options nearby.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41What are your thoughts on this house?
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Well, I mean, fair dues, it's a good attempt.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47I feel like I'm being home-schooled now.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49This is the teacher in you coming out, isn't it?
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Do I get a cross or a tick at the moment?
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- A little smiley face. - Right, OK.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56But not a big beaming smile. Just a little half.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Yeah, all right.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00How would you price this house?
0:35:00 > 0:35:03I mean, you both been very good in the pricing so far.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- I think £725,000.- OK. Philip?
0:35:09 > 0:35:12£695,000.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13Very good guesses.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18It's on the market for a guide price of £725,000.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Why don't you go back into the house? You've seen the land.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Why don't you go back into the house
0:35:22 > 0:35:24and look at some of the areas we haven't seen like the bedrooms,
0:35:24 > 0:35:27and I'll meet you back outside whenever you're finished, all right?
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- All right.- OK. Thanks.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Substantially below budget by 125,000,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35our one-level barn conversion
0:35:35 > 0:35:40gives a Gil and Phil a 4,000 square feet of accommodation to play with,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43including six bedrooms and a separate wing for guests,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46but comes with only 1.25 acres of land.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Location wise, it did look good.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54But then we realised it was only one level...
0:35:54 > 0:35:56It was a challenge.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58The feel of the house for me...
0:35:58 > 0:36:02It's a great family home, potential B&B...
0:36:02 > 0:36:05I have to say from my heart, I didn't get the feeling
0:36:05 > 0:36:08that it's the home that I would dream of.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- Well then, gentlemen, enjoyed your tour around on your own?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17You know, it's a beautiful house.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21- It just didn't work for us, but huge potential there.- OK.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Well, there's something else praying on your minds, I shouldn't wonder.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Sounds like there's a big decision looming.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a think
0:36:28 > 0:36:31and then we'll get together and have a discussion.
0:36:31 > 0:36:32- Good.- Sounds good.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45In 2005, the cliffs overlooking Suffolk's North Sea coast
0:36:45 > 0:36:47at Pakefield hit the headlines.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Two amateur archaeologists stumbled on a remarkable discovery
0:36:52 > 0:36:55that would rewrite history.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58A collection of stone tools similar to these and made from local flint,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01show that humans were living in Britain
0:37:01 > 0:37:06700,000 years ago, far earlier than previously thought.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09The process of shaping, or knapping, flint continues today
0:37:09 > 0:37:13and the stone is often used as a building material in the county.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I've come to Bury St Edmunds to meet master flint knapper,
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Will Lord, who runs workshops in prehistory
0:37:19 > 0:37:23to find out how Stone Age man would have made these tools.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26This is amazing. Let's talk about this environment.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28Stone Age, we're talking about up to...
0:37:28 > 0:37:31What, to one million years ago, goodness me.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33It's mind-boggling, isn't it?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36What was it like around here? What was the environment like?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38It was a lush savanna,
0:37:38 > 0:37:42but the problem was, is the animal kingdom was far different.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44What sort of animals were roaming here then, Will?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48You had mammoths, woolly rhino, you've got hyenas, you've got bears,
0:37:48 > 0:37:49you've got lions...
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Now, of course we are talking about, Stone Age man and woman, here.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55At the heart of this process is stone
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and here in Suffolk we have bountiful supplies of flint.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- Now you do something here called flint knapping.- Well, yes.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03We've got the flint knapping over there
0:38:03 > 0:38:06and if we approach a stone well,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09within five minutes time we can be holding in our hands
0:38:09 > 0:38:11something called a hand axe,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14which sounds like it's used for chopping trees down,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17but basically it was used as a butchery tool
0:38:17 > 0:38:19for cutting up things like a great big mammoth.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- Can I have a go at this? - You can have a go at this, too.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- Let's go. Come on.- Let's go.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Flint is a fine-grained form of the mineral quartz,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29usually found as lumps in chalk.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31It's one of the hardest natural materials there is,
0:38:31 > 0:38:35making it the perfect stone from which to craft a tool.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38The first step of knapping involves breaking open
0:38:38 > 0:38:40a piece of parent material called a core.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- How old is this? - 100 million years old.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46100 million years old?!
0:38:46 > 0:38:47That's amazing.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51OK, so, you've got your raw material.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52We need to bust it open
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- and look at the geometry of how to break it apart.- OK.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58So with that in mind, let's put that down and make your hammers,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- cos they're quite interesting. - All right.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05First of all, it's quartzite. It's the oldest stone on the planet.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Quartzite.- Quartzite.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10It is very, very, very hard.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14Will is going to start me off, but not before I get kitted out
0:39:14 > 0:39:17as flint can shatter and spark when struck.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23What I'm going to ask you to do now -
0:39:23 > 0:39:26I want you to hold this on your leg as I held it on mine.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27So, about there?
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Yeah, that looks great. Then hold on to this.- Right.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34I'm going to use my finger as a pen to mark where to hit it.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35You're going to hit it there.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Now hit it hard.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40That was the one!
0:39:40 > 0:39:41Lovely job.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44'The next step is to strike flakes off the core
0:39:44 > 0:39:47'and then to shape those flakes into the intended tool.'
0:39:47 > 0:39:50That, Will, looks...
0:39:50 > 0:39:54That looks terrifying! Look at the edges!
0:39:54 > 0:39:56You don't want to run your finger across the tip of that.
0:39:56 > 0:39:57No way! Look at that.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03'All this work has made me hungry, so what better way to test out
0:40:03 > 0:40:07'our prehistoric carving knives than on a leg of fire cooked venison?'
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Goodness me, that's sharp. - It's just falling apart, isn't it?
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Wow! That is absolutely amazing.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Thank you so much.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Normally I'd say, "Look, I wish you the very best of luck.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24"I'll see you again." But I'm going nowhere.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27- Should we do some more carving? - Let's get into it, shall we?
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Well, after looking around three stunning properties,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38I think it's fair to assume that there is still one clear favourite.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Let's find out what Philip and Gil want to do about it.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I'm pretty sure that your favourite house is house number two
0:40:50 > 0:40:53that we saw yesterday afternoon.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55What I want to know is, what do you want to do about it?
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Well, we are still mulling it over.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It is a lovely house
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and I knew from the moment that I saw it that you were presenting us
0:41:03 > 0:41:05with a real dilemma which was why
0:41:05 > 0:41:07I was kind of nervous going around the house,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10because I didn't want to love it as much as I did.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16But the payoff of the two hour commute is such a big consideration.
0:41:16 > 0:41:21What I would love to do is actually to try to commute
0:41:21 > 0:41:26and see how long it actually would take.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29We started out a couple of days ago and we were looking for a house
0:41:29 > 0:41:32with this potential to become a business in a few years' time
0:41:32 > 0:41:35and in a lot of ways I think that...
0:41:35 > 0:41:38That took the focus away from what we should've been looking at.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I've seen this journey go from this potential business to,
0:41:41 > 0:41:45no, actually what we want is a home, first and foremost.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It's that home part of house number two
0:41:48 > 0:41:50that you both seemed to really fall for.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51Probably the deciding factor
0:41:51 > 0:41:54is always going to be emotionally based.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57That's what this process is about, though. It's a journey, isn't it?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59And got us into bungalow.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Yes! I forgot about that. The big surprise. I totally forgot about it.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Well, look, I wish you both the very best the very best
0:42:06 > 0:42:07with that second viewing.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Whatever you decide to do, please let us know, won't you?
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- We will.- It'll be on a sunny day. That's for sure. It'll help.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Don't do it in the wet. Please don't do it in the wet.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Perhaps that's what you should do then. Look, good luck.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- All right, thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Admittedly, it was a bit of a gamble showing Gil and Philip
0:42:26 > 0:42:28the second property bearing in mind
0:42:28 > 0:42:31the commute time back into London for Gil.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32But I'm glad we took that risk.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34I certainly think it was worth it
0:42:34 > 0:42:36because in showing them that house,
0:42:36 > 0:42:39it's got both of them to refocus on what's important to them -
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and that's the house or business
0:42:42 > 0:42:44needs to be a home for them both first.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47And what a home that Georgian property would make.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49And in going back for a second viewing,
0:42:49 > 0:42:51doing a dummy run on that commute,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55if Gil is able to put up with an extra 10 or 15 minutes on a train,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58you never know, we may well have found them a new home.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00I sure hope so. See you next time.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:03 > 0:43:06in Wales, England, Northern Ireland, or Scotland
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and would like our help, then you can apply online at: