0:00:02 > 0:00:05This unusual rocket-shaped building is known locally as the "Pepperpot".
0:00:05 > 0:00:11It is, however, possibly the oldest medieval lighthouse in the UK.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Where is it and where on earth am I?
0:00:14 > 0:00:15Find out in just a moment.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Today our home-hunting duo have decided to swap city life
0:00:38 > 0:00:39for island life.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Oh, you've got such a good panoramic view, yeah.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47And in one of our prospective homes, not everything is as it seems.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50It looks so much wider down here than it does from up above.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Today, I'm on the Isle of Wight, and this is St Catherine's Oratory
0:00:55 > 0:00:57on the southernmost tip of the island.
0:00:57 > 0:01:02It was built in 1328 by a local landowner called Walter de Godeton
0:01:02 > 0:01:05as a penance decreed by the Pope,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09because de Godeton stole 55 casks of wine from a shipwreck.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Not only was he meant to pay for the construction of the tower,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16but also for the upkeep of a priest who attended the light
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and prayed for the souls of sailors lost at sea,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21and this practice went on for 200 years
0:01:21 > 0:01:24until the Reformation in the 16th century.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But this little slice of fascinating medieval history
0:01:27 > 0:01:30is not the only thing on this beautiful island.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35The Isle of Wight is situated in the English Channel,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39around three miles from England's South Hampshire Coast.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43England's largest island, 80% of it is devoted to agriculture,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48with a myriad of fields separated by clusters of ancient woodland.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52The water also plays a significant part in island life,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55with Cowes Week, one of the biggest regattas in the yachting calendar,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58taking place in the coastal town each August,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02as it has done for almost 200 years.
0:02:02 > 0:02:04There are also stretches of beautiful shoreline
0:02:04 > 0:02:08and walking paths circumnavigating the island.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Freshwater Bay to the west is a stunning pebble and sand beach,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15bordered by jagged chalk cliffs, a classic shoreline
0:02:15 > 0:02:18for taking a stroll and drinking in the view.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Also on the west side is the dramatic rock formation,
0:02:20 > 0:02:22The Needles.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Here, a chairlift transports visitors high above the coast,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30and back down again, offering a bird's eye view of the chalk stack,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The Needles lighthouse and the rainbow-coloured sands.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36As well as the natural beauty of the island,
0:02:36 > 0:02:38there are also charming villages such as Godshill,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41with its historic thatched cottages,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44where nature and architecture combine to make
0:02:44 > 0:02:46the Isle of Wight an escapee's delight.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Considering it's ringed round by this gorgeous coastline
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and the centre is full of these lush, rolling hills,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57the Isle of Wight is the perfect rural retreat,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59particularly when you think about the prices here.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02The average price for a detached house on the island
0:03:02 > 0:03:08is £7,000 less than the national figure, coming in at £264,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12And that's even more striking when you think that across the water,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14across the Solent in Hampshire,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19an equivalent property would set you back another £100,000.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21So what about our house buyers this week?
0:03:21 > 0:03:26What are they looking for? Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Hilary and Rene from Cambridge met through work
0:03:28 > 0:03:32when they were both based in the same RAF unit.
0:03:32 > 0:03:39We met not far down the road at the Royal Air Force Hospital at Ely.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41She didn't like me at all.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43That's not at all true!
0:03:43 > 0:03:46We knew each other because it was a small unit
0:03:46 > 0:03:50and so all the single people used to get together,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52and I remember saying to a friend,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56"That's the sort of guy I can see myself marrying."
0:03:56 > 0:03:58And little did I know.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03We met in 197...5?
0:04:03 > 0:04:05Wow!
0:04:05 > 0:04:10And we got married in 1978 and here we are.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Hilary and Rene have been in their current four-bed detached house
0:04:15 > 0:04:18on the outskirts of Cambridge for 11 years.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Their two grown-up sons both live and work near Oxford.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26The whole area's absolutely exploded with new builds.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28It is really busy.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It's just getting fuller and fuller.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We've really loved living here.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- It's really lovely, but it's not near the sea, so...- No.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40..that was where we need to go next.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Our couple have now moved on from the RAF, but their time spent
0:04:44 > 0:04:46living in different towns and countries means that
0:04:46 > 0:04:49they haven't really put down roots.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Having been on the move all our lives,
0:04:52 > 0:04:55I suppose we're ready to move somewhere else.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59There's nothing to keep us here, so we're off to the seaside.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03And with happy memories of past holidays by the sea,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06they've decided that they'd love to call a small island home.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- BOTH: The Isle of Wight. - Definitely the Isle of Wight.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13It's a case of we are moving to the Isle of Wight.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15We've made the decision,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19we've been there on numerous occasions to the music festival,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22we've had a couple of holidays there with the boys
0:05:22 > 0:05:24when they were a lot younger.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28There's nothing about the Isle of Wight not to like.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Their two sons may not be joining them in their move,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33but there are two other family members
0:05:33 > 0:05:35who'll also be packing their bags.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39Eight months ago, Hilary and Rene inherited their two dogs,
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Floss and Carlsberg, from their eldest son.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44We went to pick them up, opened the car door
0:05:44 > 0:05:45and they jumped straight in.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48It was as if we'd known them all their lives, you know,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51and they're lovely, they're delightful.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54And once they're retired and in their new home with more time
0:05:54 > 0:05:58on their hands, both of them are planning to add to the hobbies
0:05:58 > 0:05:59they currently enjoy.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I'm looking forward to cycling.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04You've got all the coastal walks which we're looking forward to...
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- That's my vision.- ..you know, yes, it is, isn't it?
0:06:06 > 0:06:09Walking along the prom.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I enjoy fly fishing and sea fishing.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17There's not a lot else that you can do that is just so relaxing.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20With their house sold, there's nothing stopping our buyers
0:06:20 > 0:06:24from finding a home near the water, and wherever they end up,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28they're planning for it to be the final time they pack up and move on.
0:06:28 > 0:06:34We are hoping that this will be our last move.
0:06:35 > 0:06:42But having spent all of our lives travelling around, who knows?
0:06:42 > 0:06:45We would like it to be our forever home,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48but I think once you're used to travelling so much,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51who knows what's around the corner?
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Which is what's exciting about it.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55It is, it is exciting.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Hilary and Rene have asked us to concentrate our search
0:07:00 > 0:07:02on the south-east coast of the island, which they love,
0:07:02 > 0:07:06and where there are good transport links back to the mainland.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09So, before we get stuck into this rather exciting hunt
0:07:09 > 0:07:12for a home by the sea, I'm meeting them both on the island
0:07:12 > 0:07:15to go over their property wish list.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- Welcome to the Isle of Wight. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19Well, thank you for bringing us here.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21I can't remember the last time I came here.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23What sort of a property are you looking for?
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Well, we're quite open-minded about the type of house,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28but we need three bedrooms,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31and I think a big enough garden for a few tents
0:07:31 > 0:07:35because I think we'll be inundated with visitors,
0:07:35 > 0:07:38if we can't accommodate them all in the house.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- And we have two dogs.- Oh.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43We have two little dogs that must be taken into consideration,
0:07:43 > 0:07:48so a short walk to the sea would be nice.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49What about the location?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Are you looking to be in a village or out in the sticks?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Not that anywhere's too remote here on the island.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56No, I think as long as we've got reasonable access to the sea.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01I mean, if we could walk to the sea, that would be a huge bonus.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04But then there's some lovely inland areas too.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07I would like somewhere perhaps that's got a workshop
0:08:07 > 0:08:13or some outbuildings, just so I can perhaps start a new hobby
0:08:13 > 0:08:16or somewhere to keep my fishing tackle and bikes.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Hilary, anything on your wish list?
0:08:18 > 0:08:21You would like to overlook the back garden from the kitchen.
0:08:21 > 0:08:22Yeah, I'd like to do that.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Currently our kitchen is out at the front of the house,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and you don't think that's a problem until you've lived with it.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31No, I see. And in terms of style, are you fussed about old or new?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- No, not at all.- You're very easygoing, aren't you?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- It's going to be a joy showing you houses.- Well, yeah!
0:08:37 > 0:08:39It seems from just reading between the lines
0:08:39 > 0:08:41that really it's the kind of location by the sea
0:08:41 > 0:08:42- that's absolutely key for you. - It is, yes.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46That is the main reason why we're coming here.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48And what is your budget again? Remind us.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52Our budget for the move is £350,000.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53Very healthy on the island. Great.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56Well, we've found, I think, three really lovely houses,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59and all that remains is for you to say, "Yes, we want to move."
0:08:59 > 0:09:01BOTH: Yes, we want to move.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04You definitely want to move. Have we found the house for you?
0:09:04 > 0:09:06- Let's go and find out. Follow me. - Thank you.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Hilary and Rene have a good budget for the island,
0:09:11 > 0:09:13which will hopefully give them everything they want.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14They're pretty open-minded,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17but they'd like a detached home with character
0:09:17 > 0:09:19that has at least three bedrooms
0:09:19 > 0:09:22and Hilary would love a kitchen that opens onto the garden.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Rene wants a shed or workshop, and they'd be thrilled
0:09:25 > 0:09:28if they were a five- or ten-minute walk from the sea.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31They'd be happy with a garden big enough to put up a couple of tents
0:09:31 > 0:09:34if they have more visitors than bedrooms,
0:09:34 > 0:09:38and wherever they move needs to suit their dogs too.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Our couple can't wait for their move across the water and
0:09:40 > 0:09:44we've got three totally different potential homes to show them,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48and only after they've viewed each one will they discover its price.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51The final visit will be to the mystery property,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54which always veers slightly off track, but with today's offering,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57we're definitely sailing pretty close to the wind.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Aren't you worried about coming to the island,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06because some people are kind of a bit worried about being cut off?
0:10:06 > 0:10:10No. Because I don't feel that we are cut off.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13It's 40 minutes on the passenger ferry.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17I mean, living in Germany is cut off from England.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20That's true. That is true.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23We're starting our tour of the Isle of Wight right in the south
0:10:23 > 0:10:26of this lovely island, in the village of Niton,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29just a six-minute drive from the sea at Castlehaven.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32Castlehaven is a beautiful stony beach which would provide
0:10:32 > 0:10:35fabulous walks with the dogs, whatever the season,
0:10:35 > 0:10:39and the opportunity for Rene to get his fishing rod out.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Back in Niton, there are a few shops as well as friendly pubs
0:10:42 > 0:10:46and the opportunity to become part of the small, thriving community.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Our first house is situated down a lane,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51just off the main street in the village,
0:10:51 > 0:10:53and it's this charming stone cottage.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Oh, that's lovely!- Oh, wow! - It's a good one, isn't it?
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- I never expected anything with a thatch.- Oh, it's thatched as well?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's thatched but it's also attached.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- So this half is not yours. - Oh, right.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06But from the chimney stack that way is yours,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09so you've got a bit of thatch and then a Victorian extension.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12So the actual old part of the house dates back to 1604.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16But it's certainly nothing like the married quarters we've lived in.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- No, not at all.- No. - I can't wait to get inside.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20- Shall we?- Yes, please.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25This delightful grade two listed semidetached cottage
0:11:25 > 0:11:29contains a wealth of period features behind its walls,
0:11:29 > 0:11:30and a primrose yellow front door
0:11:30 > 0:11:33takes us straight into the dining room.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- Wow!- Wow, this is lovely. Oh, flipping heck! Look at this.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- What do you think, Hilary? - I love it. I love it.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43This would have been where everybody lived,
0:11:43 > 0:11:45the family around the fire, and then this at the back
0:11:45 > 0:11:47is what they used to call a scullery kitchen,
0:11:47 > 0:11:50so it's a smaller kitchen where the food preparation took place,
0:11:50 > 0:11:51but let's have a look.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55So you go up these lovely steps, and the stable door.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00There isn't really a view of the garden as such.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Is it too compact?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04I don't think it's too small. I think it's workable.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06You do have a utility through here,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08and then you do have a downstairs bathroom,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13- so this is also a talking point. - Oh, right.- No upstairs bathroom.- No.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14Okey doke.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17OK, so a little question mark over the bathroom, as expected,
0:12:17 > 0:12:22but let's continue next door to the extension.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25On the other side of the house,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28a mere youngster added 300 years after the kitchen,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30is the sitting room.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- I like this.- Yes, nice, isn't it? - You like it?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Yeah, I don't like big, sprawling lounges.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40I like them to be quite cosy, and it's beautifully square.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44It's just so not what I ever thought that I would like,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- and I actually do like it.- Mmm.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Well, it's always nice to be pleasantly surprised.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51So hopefully that will continue upstairs,
0:12:51 > 0:12:55where there's a long, narrow single bedroom and a small double.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Then above the dining room, in the oldest part of the house,
0:12:58 > 0:12:59there's the master.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Oh, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03So again, the whole family would have lived up here because
0:13:03 > 0:13:05this would have been the only upstairs room,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and the old staircase came up through this door,
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- this is now storage through there.- Absolutely gorgeous.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- Can you imagine waking up here? That's the question.- I can.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16But it's old. I mean, it's definitely up in the eaves,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- you can see all these little beams. - Yes, it's old.- Yes, indeed.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21You know, is that something you're comfortable with?
0:13:21 > 0:13:25I'm not so sure, but I think you're loving this.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Yeah, I think it's lovely, I really do.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31I think it's... What a beautiful house.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Although they'd like a house with character,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37having only lived in modern homes, Hilary is taking a little time
0:13:37 > 0:13:40to get used to this 400-year-old cottage.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42But would the other two members of the family in the move,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Carlsberg and Floss, approve of the pretty garden?
0:13:46 > 0:13:50I mean, it's not a huge plot but it's been beautifully landscaped.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Because here you've got a veggie garden and a shed, quite a big shed.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Here you've got a treehouse, you see?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- Oh, my gosh!- Built up there with a platform.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- That is a beautiful garden. - It's quite tranquil actually.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04It's quite a tranquil sort of garden.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- What do you think it all costs?- Oh!
0:14:07 > 0:14:12I don't know whether listed buildings command a higher price, but I'd go...
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Well, while he's thinking about it...- Oh, it's lovely.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- ..I'll go for 295. - I was going to say 325.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- So you say 325 and you say 295? - Yeah.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Well, you'll be pleasantly surprised then
0:14:24 > 0:14:27that this is on the market for 275.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- Ooh! Ooh!- So that gives you quite a lot of money to spruce it up
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- or think about changing that bathroom.- Bathroom, yeah.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Why don't you look inside, because you didn't see the bathroom
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and have a little poke upstairs and see whether it's feasible
0:14:40 > 0:14:42to move it upstairs, and then I'll meet you out the front.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- OK, thank you.- Lovely, thanks very much.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50This charming three-bedroom listed cottage,
0:14:50 > 0:14:52which has stood for more than three centuries,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55is a hefty £75,000 under
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Hilary and Rene's budget,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59leaving them with a good chunk of cash
0:14:59 > 0:15:02to really make the house their own.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05They wanted character, which this house is bursting with,
0:15:05 > 0:15:06plus there's a gorgeous garden
0:15:06 > 0:15:09that their dogs would love running around in.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13And it's also just a six-minute drive to the sea.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19Right, I reckon, if necessary, this could be turned into a bathroom.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22There's three really good-sized bedrooms.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Yeah, but the compromise would be going down to two bedrooms
0:15:25 > 0:15:28and having this as an upstairs bathroom.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33I was surprised to see a thatched property, but it looked lovely.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36When we came in, I just loved every little bit of it.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40It's got a beautiful cottage feel. An absolutely super place.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46The first room that's part of the kitchen is absolutely stunning.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48It's definitely worth our full consideration.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I think it's a beautiful property and the garden's lovely,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55and I could just live here. I could feel myself being happy living here.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57There's just nothing not to like.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I think there is so much going for it,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and I really love a load of it,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05but whether...
0:16:05 > 0:16:11I can see us compromising on the bathroom situation,
0:16:11 > 0:16:13I don't know.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15- All done?- Yes, thank you.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19So pull the door behind you because we've got another house to visit.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20- Wow, that's good.- Wow.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23If it's anything like this, Alistair, I'll be well happy.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- Good.- I love it.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Keen fisherman Rene couldn't have chosen a better spot to live
0:16:32 > 0:16:33than the Isle of Wight.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36With more than 60 miles of fishable coastline,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39he'll never be short of a scenic spot to drop his line.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Like the coastal town of Ventnor in the south of the island,
0:16:42 > 0:16:45which was built and developed in the 19th century to support
0:16:45 > 0:16:48the small fishing industry off its coast,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50which is still thriving today.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53We've arranged for Hilary and Rene to meet local fisherman,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Geoff Blake, who, like his father before him, makes a living
0:16:56 > 0:17:00from the fish and seafood abundant in the waters here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- And welcome to Ventnor seafront. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05How long have you been fishing here?
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I've been fishing for 35 years now, ever since I left school,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12but I grew up on the seafront here and really been in a boat
0:17:12 > 0:17:13since I was that high.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16So, yeah, it's kind of in my blood.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19And is fishing vital to Ventnor's economy?
0:17:19 > 0:17:22The fishing industry is very important because people come here
0:17:22 > 0:17:26to eat the seafood, it's on sale at all the pubs and restaurants,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30and it is, you know, a huge part of the tourist industry here.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33So what's the main catch here in Ventnor?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Well, we catch a variety of things here, from sea bass,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39Dover sole, but we also have a very good shellfish industry,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and really top of the tree is the lobster.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Crab is the backbone of the fishing industry in Ventnor.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Over 100 tonnes of the side-stepping crustacean is caught a year.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54But between May and August, things step up when it's lobster season.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58Geoff goes out to sea once a day to check his lobster pots.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Today, skipper Lucy is taking them to some pots
0:18:01 > 0:18:05about 600 feet from shore to see if anything's bitten.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08The southern coast of the island is very lucrative for lobsters,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10and they like to come, especially in the summer,
0:18:10 > 0:18:13into the shallows here where the water's warmer.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Although the lobsters like basking in good weather,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18so are more likely to crawl into the pots,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21in the winter months the poorer weather stirs up the nutrients
0:18:21 > 0:18:25in the sea which feeds the plankton that the lobsters feed on,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28so after a bad winter, summer stocks are boosted.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31We've had three or four cold winters
0:18:31 > 0:18:34and then followed by a very stormy winter last winter,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37and that seems to have done the stocks a huge amount of good.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41We've seen as good a lobster year as we've seen for 25 years.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43How do you know exactly where to go and where to look?
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Anywhere it's rocky or if you go off to sea,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50anywhere that's shallower or high, lobsters like.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51But one of the most important things,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53especially if you want to catch big lobsters,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56you've got to go where no other fishermen have been for a while.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Geoff has around 400 pots lying on the seabed,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01and with years of experience under his belt,
0:19:01 > 0:19:05he knows exactly where to drop them to get the best haul.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Some of his pots are up to 250 feet down,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11but here they're only about 15 feet underwater.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Each one is pulled up by hand.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16- Well, we've got a...- Oh, wow! - ..little, small edible crab,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Unfortunately this one isn't big enough.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23We've got a gauge here which tells us...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25that one's well under size,
0:19:25 > 0:19:28so he goes back to grow for another day.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33The crabs have to be 12cm wide to be kept out of the water and sold.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Also, in the parlour here, we have a lobster.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39This looks a good-sized one. I'm pretty certain it's big enough.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42This time we actually measure the back of the eye socket
0:19:42 > 0:19:44to the back of the head, and as you can see,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48this one's 5mm or 6mm within the minimum landing size.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51So really what we've got to do now is re-bait this pot,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55so if you can pass me up a couple of the mackerel heads.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Lovely.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59The pot goes back in and Geoff will return
0:19:59 > 0:20:01to see if anything's bitten tomorrow.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Time for Rene to try pulling up a pot.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07First, he's got to grab the buoy that's attached to the pot
0:20:07 > 0:20:09and then haul the rope up.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Not quite the same as fishing with a rod and line.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Well done, Rene, that was a good bit of pulling.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Yeah, well, we have got a tiny lobster though, a little baby one.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20This lobster's got a few shell changes to go
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- before he's big enough for the plate.- Yeah.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Do the honours, Rene.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26Cheerio, mate.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31With its vital statistics less than 8.7cm,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34that little fellow might not have made the grade yet,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37but the ones that have are said to be some of the best on the island.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40And the fast-running tides on the south coast make the water
0:20:40 > 0:20:43clean and healthy, which the lobsters thrive on.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47Geoff catches five to six tonnes of lobster a year,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50and they sell from between £8-£50,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53depending on their size and weight.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Back on dry land, Hilary and Rene can't wait to tuck in.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00The essential part of a trip to Ventnor are lobster on chips.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02I've been looking forward to this, Geoff.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04I feel I've earned it, pulling in that net.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- You certainly have. - Have a try of this.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08It's really meaty.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10This is like the best prawn you ever had, isn't it?
0:21:10 > 0:21:13Beautiful flavour. It's very decadent.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15And this will definitely cement the reason for coming
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- to the Isle of Wight.- We've had an absolutely brilliant day.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20- Yeah.- Thoroughly enjoyed it,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23and we look forward to coming back here once we're on the island.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Yeah. We'll be back. Thank you, Geoff.- Glad to hear it.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34For our second property, we're journeying just under nine miles
0:21:34 > 0:21:39north-east to Shanklin on the island's south-east coast.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42The town has all the amenities one might need,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46and Shanklin Old Village, with its chocolate-box thatched cottages,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49has some lovely walks which any four-legged friend would enjoy,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52plus an array of quaint shops.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55There's a pretty coastline with plenty of room for young and old
0:21:55 > 0:21:57to make the most of the views.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Just a few minutes' walk from the beach in the old village
0:22:00 > 0:22:04is our second house and this time, it's detached.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07A very different offering.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08Goodness me.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Oh, my goodness.- That is different to what we've seen.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12This is a very different face.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Wow, it looks huge!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17It looks fabulous.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18Is this more your cup of tea?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Probably.- Yeah?
0:22:21 > 0:22:23No, there's no probably, is there, really? Let's be honest.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Well, this house is pretty much a new-build,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28so it was built in the grounds of this house, actually,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32this is portioned off, and it is an upside-down house.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35So the downstairs is the bedroom, and the upstairs,
0:22:35 > 0:22:39which has the views, is where you live.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41So let's look inside.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45This impressive stone house was only built around 14 years ago.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50It's decked out with smart wooden windows and a natural slate roof.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51Come on in.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56So all the bedrooms are here, and then come in here,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58this is the master.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- It's huge.- God, it's big and I spy a little en suite there.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04An en-suite with a shower. So what do you think of it so far?
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- Lovely.- Really lovely. It's a really well-maintained property.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Well, it's an upside-down house, so clearly the living quarters
0:23:11 > 0:23:13are upstairs. Let's go and visit those.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Also on the ground floor is a family bathroom,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20a single bedroom at the front of the house,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and a double at the back that overlooks the garden.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Plus, there's a large outside office which was once a garage.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Moving upstairs and we're starting off in the sitting room.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- It's lovely.- Yeah? - It's a very nice room.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Yeah, it is. It's lovely, isn't it? Impressive.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Impressive?- Impressive, yes indeed.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- I can just...- Yeah. - Yeah, you like it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:46..I can just feel my wallet shrinking!
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Across the hallway is the kitchen,
0:23:48 > 0:23:51which has windows on the three outside walls.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Goodness me, that is massive.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55It's lovely. That is one big kitchen.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56I'm loving it.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Overawed, I think, is the word you're looking for.- I am a bit.
0:23:59 > 0:24:00- Really?- Mmm.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Oh, so it's kind of hitting the spot, is it?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05- Very much so.- Excellent.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07It's purely the budget.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08And the dogs.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10What's the problem with the dogs?
0:24:10 > 0:24:15Well, obviously, we're going to have to bring them in up the main stairs
0:24:15 > 0:24:18all the time and they don't come back clean every time.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Well, that's OK, we'll just teach them to wipe their feet.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22Oh, good luck with that.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25You could build a little doggy... I mean, I have a hose,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27we used to hose our dog down outside.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- That might be an idea.- Yeah.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Then they'll just have wet paws up the stairs.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Or the dogs could be carried up to the well-equipped utility room
0:24:35 > 0:24:39also on this floor, and have their paws cleaned there.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42The first floor also has a dining room with access to a balcony
0:24:42 > 0:24:43overlooking the garden.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46This is the reason why they built it upside down.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- So you could have this. - Oh, I can see the sea!
0:24:48 > 0:24:49And in the winter when the leaves are off,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- you can see the shoreline much more clearly.- Yeah, even better, yeah.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55- Oh, you've got such a good panoramic view.- Yeah.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57You're certainly not overlooked.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00No, you are not overlooked, you're overlooking.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03So if you look here you can see, it's not a huge garden,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05but there's definitely space for a couple of tents.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Oh, that'll be... Yeah, that's OK.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10I feel like I've lost you both into some sort of nether world.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12- You have.- Yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17I'm stuck on we can't afford this because of the location,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19and the size of the property.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I feel I want to put you out of your misery about the price,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24because it seems to be hamstringing your enthusiasm.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27So how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:25:27 > 0:25:33I would say it's significantly over budget.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37So I would say it's got to be nearer the 400.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41So I will go 385.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I'm going to be cheeky and I'm going to say 350, our budget,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46and hope you've been kind.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Well, you're both wrong, I'm afraid,
0:25:49 > 0:25:53because it's actually on the market for £325,000.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54No!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- No, honestly?- Yeah.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- 325?- 325.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Superb, lovely. I don't know what to say.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- I can't say any more. - Where do I sign the cheque?
0:26:10 > 0:26:12So you're happy?
0:26:12 > 0:26:13Very.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Well, I'm very happy you're pleased. We try to please.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Why don't you go and explore, because downstairs,
0:26:18 > 0:26:20there is that big office that might be good for the dogs.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24So have a wander round, go back in and I'll see you downstairs.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- Thank you, lovely.- Thank you.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Aww, they're so sweet. - RENE AND HILARY LAUGH
0:26:32 > 0:26:34They really were terrified that I was going to tell them it was,
0:26:34 > 0:26:39like, £400,000 and they're kind of over the moon now that it's not.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43This modern, three-bedroom, stone house
0:26:43 > 0:26:48is a surprising £25,000 under Hilary and Rene's budget,
0:26:48 > 0:26:49giving them a good amount of cash
0:26:49 > 0:26:53to make changes for their precious pooches if they so desire.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56The large office could also become the dogs' quarters.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59The house is not only detached, it's spacious too.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02The garden could easily house a couple of tents for visitors
0:27:02 > 0:27:05and the views, as well as the proximity to the sea,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08are more than Hilary and Rene could have hoped for.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Oh, wow! Come and have a look at this.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15It's fantastic.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19I mean, this is a workshop, it's whatever we want it to be.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21This is a man shed.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Bagsy it, it's mine.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26I love the house, I really love the house,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31and I thought we couldn't afford it, but we can, so I'm really excited.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Well, when we came in the house, do you know what?
0:27:33 > 0:27:36This, I think, is Hilary's dream house.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38I think we've still got to think about
0:27:38 > 0:27:40how we're going to accommodate the dogs.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45Being an upside-down house, that will be something
0:27:45 > 0:27:47we've got to overcome.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50I am going to have to tear you away.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55I know you love this one, but that's your lot for the day.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Time for a little rest and then tomorrow, the mystery house.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- I'll look forward to that, thank you.- It'd better be a good one.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09It's the second leg of our trip around the Isle of Wight,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13searching out a home near the sea for Hilary and Rene from Cambridge.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16They've got a healthy budget of £350,000
0:28:16 > 0:28:20to spend on an island home for them and their two dogs.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Coming up, I hope I won't be left high and dry when I reveal
0:28:24 > 0:28:25our mystery property.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Are you warming to it at all?
0:28:28 > 0:28:31I'd love to think that we could or that we would.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35And I'll be getting my hands dirty and feeling on top of the world.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40I must stress that was pretty good for a beginner.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42If I hadn't been doing this job for a while,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I would have thought that we were signed, sealed and delivered
0:28:45 > 0:28:47with Property 2 yesterday,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49judging by Rene and Hilary's first reactions.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52However, I am picking up a little bit of what I call
0:28:52 > 0:28:54"perfection heebie-jeebies".
0:28:54 > 0:28:57You find the perfect house, it's got everything you want,
0:28:57 > 0:28:58and then you think,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01"Maybe there's a house that's even more perfect somewhere else."
0:29:01 > 0:29:03And so then you start to find problems,
0:29:03 > 0:29:07in Hilary's case, that it's not quite right for the dogs.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09I don't think we're going to be able to solve that without
0:29:09 > 0:29:12actually showing them every house on the island,
0:29:12 > 0:29:14but with the mystery house, we're going to show them something
0:29:14 > 0:29:18so different that it might just pull focus and make them decide.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25So what do you think the mystery house is going to be?
0:29:25 > 0:29:30- Rene's got an idea. - I've got three theories.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Three theories?- Yes, indeed. - Do share.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34A lighthouse in need of...
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- Renovation.- ..renovation.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42- Perhaps something like a small B&B. - Ah!
0:29:42 > 0:29:44You'd love that, mine host, wouldn't you?
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- RENE CHUCKLES - Or a boat.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Maybe it's the boat.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Are you boaty types?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Well, Rene potentially would be.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55More on a river than...
0:29:55 > 0:29:57I'd be a bit worried about the tide coming in.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04Travelling just over seven-and-a-half miles north-east
0:30:04 > 0:30:07takes us to our third and final stop, Bembridge,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09on the island's most easterly point.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13With around 4,000 residents, Bembridge claims to be
0:30:13 > 0:30:17the largest village in England and has plenty of shops and eateries
0:30:17 > 0:30:21in its midst, as well as beaches along the attractive coast.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22There's also a striking harbour
0:30:22 > 0:30:25where we've come to unveil our last home.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30You will never guess what the mystery house is going to be.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Unbelievable!
0:30:32 > 0:30:33Well, you were almost there.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36You said a B&B and you said a boat.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38It's both.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- It's a boat that's a B&B? - It's a boat that's a B&B.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41Oh, amazing! How bizarre!
0:30:41 > 0:30:43It was used, actually, by the Germans in the war
0:30:43 > 0:30:46and then completely revamped and remodelled
0:30:46 > 0:30:49to be a five-berth living accommodation
0:30:49 > 0:30:52and actually it's now run as a B&B, very successfully.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Wow, amazing.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Do you know how much it made in August this year?
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- I've got no idea of those things. - I wouldn't have a clue.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- £7,000.- Oh, my God.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03In one month. Shall we get on board?
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Yeah, I'd love to.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09This Dutch barge, constructed from iron and steel, was built in Holland
0:31:09 > 0:31:15in 1922 and weighs in at an incredible 140 tonnes.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17She's lived on the Isle of Wight for eight years
0:31:17 > 0:31:20and will soon be anchored to a permanent berth in the harbour.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Mind your head.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- Ah! - Here is the wheel room.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28Even if you're not going to buy it,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30it's got to be a good feeling to be at the wheel.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Oh, it has indeed. Wonderful.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34So you get a bit of an idea of the lay out,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37it's quite simple really, it's like a big, long barge,
0:31:37 > 0:31:40and this, really, this area here is your outside space.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- No lawn to mow.- No lawn.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46No, I can see me just getting a load of Astroturf down.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Well, this is our mystery house after all,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and with some lateral thinking, anything is possible.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56Down a few stairs off the wheel room to the stern of the boat
0:31:56 > 0:32:01is the captain's cabin, now a master bedroom complete with an en-suite.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05Another stairway takes us below deck into an open-plan area
0:32:05 > 0:32:09which includes the sitting room and a bona-fide galley kitchen.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- It's so big.- It is big, isn't it? Surprising.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16It looks so much wider down here than it does from up above.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19- Is it growing on you?- I think it's fabulous down here.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- And it's really big.- Yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- I mean, the kitchen area, there's loads of space.- The kitchen's huge!
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- Having spent time in a camper van, we know what you don't need.- Yeah.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31'Below deck, there's also a shared bathroom
0:32:31 > 0:32:35'and a separate shower room, plus a further four bedrooms,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38'all benefitting from natural light flooding in through the windows,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41'sitting above sea level.'
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- A little labyrinth of rooms. - This is nice.- Oh, I love it.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47It's been beautifully dressed.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50It really is a stunning looking accommodation.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55- They've done all the rooms lovely. - Are you warming to it at all?
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I'd love to think that we could, or that we would.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I mean, our kids would love it.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- Oh, they would. Yeah. Oh, yeah! Without a doubt!- Who wouldn't?
0:33:03 > 0:33:07'I can almost see the wheels turning in Hilary and Rene's minds.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09'They both clearly love this boat,
0:33:09 > 0:33:13'but are wondering if it'll work for them and their dogs.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16'This barge will soon be on a permanent berth, which means
0:33:16 > 0:33:21'additional costs, like insurance, council tax and upkeep to consider.
0:33:21 > 0:33:22'And even at a temporary mooring,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26'houseboats incur extra expenses, like mooring costs.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29'Up on the deck, the vista is hard to beat.'
0:33:29 > 0:33:33You have to admit that it's few properties where you
0:33:33 > 0:33:35get 360-degree view.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40No, you can see...must be Portsmouth? What a lovely view.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- Oh, it's lovely.- It is beautiful.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45What do you think it's on the market for?
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- Five-bedroom detached property... - Very detached.- Sea view.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54- Stunning sea views.- I would say it'll be 390...- Whoo-hoo-hoo!
0:33:54 > 0:34:00- What do you think, Hilary? - I know it's got a sea view.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02But I'd go 300.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Well, in this instance, you're closer.- I am?
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Because actually,
0:34:06 > 0:34:10this is the exact same price as the property yesterday afternoon.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- £325,000.- Really?
0:34:12 > 0:34:16If money was no object, I'd go for it, I'd say yes straightaway.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- What, you and the dogs?- Yeah! - But not your wife.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20RENE LAUGHS
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Well, if we had the money, I'd go for this
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- and you could have house number two. - Ah!- Maybe 20 years ago,
0:34:27 > 0:34:32- we would have had still some more of that adventurous streak.- Yeah.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Go and explore. Who knows, inspiration may strike you.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- And we'll see you landside.- Oh, dear. Get you. You've got all the lingo!
0:34:43 > 0:34:47'This mystery house boat has certainly lived up to its name
0:34:47 > 0:34:50'and has given Hilary and Rene a lot to think about.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52'But although they love it,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55'I'm not sure it's a style of living they'd want to experience.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59'Although, if they do, they'll have £25,000 left in the pot to
0:34:59 > 0:35:01'cover any additional waterside costs.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05'It's certainly got character and a good number of bedrooms
0:35:05 > 0:35:09'and I'm sure the dogs would find it a real adventure.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12'As an existing B&B, it could make them money too.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15'And the panoramic views are something that you just can't
0:35:15 > 0:35:17'put a price on.'
0:35:17 > 0:35:21I would have loved to have said, "Yes, let's give it a go,"
0:35:21 > 0:35:25but I do feel it's a few years too late now.
0:35:25 > 0:35:31And also, I think there would be too much of a worry on the financial
0:35:31 > 0:35:36side of things to really consider it as a viable proposition.
0:35:36 > 0:35:42I would love to have the courage to take on something like this,
0:35:42 > 0:35:47but it scares me. We're not mariners.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51We've never had anything much to do with the coast.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55If we were sailors and knew about boats, then maybe.
0:35:55 > 0:36:00It is a shame because it's absolutely lovely and the price...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03the price, I just couldn't believe.
0:36:03 > 0:36:09325 for what is effectively a little slice of recent history.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Get your land legs back on.
0:36:13 > 0:36:19- There you go. Happy to be off? Or still entranced?- Oh, I love it.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20Love it. Yeah.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24The longer I was on there, the more I wanted to stay on there.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27- It's gorgeous.- You couldn't wait to get off.- It moves.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- It moves!- It sways a bit. - OK, let's get back on to firm land
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- and we can talk about all the houses.- Thank you.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39'The Isle of Wight has long been known for its seafaring links
0:36:39 > 0:36:42'and right in the heart of Cowes boatyard, Chris Adams
0:36:42 > 0:36:44'celebrates both land and sea
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'in the artisan handmade globes he makes,
0:36:47 > 0:36:51'both his historical reproductions at modern day versions.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56'He uses techniques that have hardly changed for over 300 years to
0:36:56 > 0:36:58'produce these beautiful keepsakes.'
0:36:58 > 0:37:00- Morning, Chris.- Good morning.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03A great spot to be talking about maps, isn't it?
0:37:03 > 0:37:06If anybody needs maps and globes, these people do.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- It's the place to come. - How did you get into making globes?
0:37:09 > 0:37:13I've always had a keen interest in maps and geography
0:37:13 > 0:37:17and I was struck by the fact there aren't any globe makers who
0:37:17 > 0:37:20make globes in the traditional method any more, so I thought
0:37:20 > 0:37:24it was a great opportunity to keep alive a craft from centuries ago.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- And this is one of your pieces? - This is one of my modern ones.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I've made all the cartography myself,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32using NASA satellite imagery.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Plotted all the place names myself, which was quite painstaking.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37Beautiful thing. What is the history of globes?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Globe making was widely regarded as having started in Nuremburg,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42in Germany, in the 15th century.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46So, shortly after Columbus works out that you can go around the world.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Yes, indeed. It wasn't flat, as a lot of people thought.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53'As our ancestors discovered more about the world we live in,
0:37:53 > 0:37:57'maps evolved to include their findings.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00'Chris's historic globes use exact reproductions of maps
0:38:00 > 0:38:02'from years gone by.'
0:38:02 > 0:38:04This looks pretty old. When's this from?
0:38:04 > 0:38:08- That is from 1680. - And what's missing at this stage?
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Our knowledge was fairly sketchy. The Northwest Passage and Alaska.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Things that were discovered at a later date.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19You can tell when a globe was made by exactly what is missing,
0:38:19 > 0:38:22- in terms of geography. - And this one's even older?
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- Yes, this was from 1762. - They don't even have Australia here.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- It's called New Holland.- Yes.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I didn't know Australia was called New Holland.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32And a vague stab at New Zealand.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35They knew it was there, but they don't know the shape.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- They don't know the shape, they just drew a bit of coast.- Yes.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41'Chris has been making these beautiful spheres for 11 years
0:38:41 > 0:38:44'and he produces around 200 a year.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47'He's shipped them to customers as far away as Australia
0:38:47 > 0:38:49'and South Africa.'
0:38:49 > 0:38:51This is your globe making empire.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Yes, this is where the globes are made. This is how we do it.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55So, this is historically how they were made?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57This is how they were made centuries ago.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00First of all, you have to line the mould.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- That's just normal plaster for walls.- It's plaster of Paris.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Plaster of Paris. OK.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08- And when it starts to dry, it clings to the side...- Oh, I see.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10And then you end up with a shell of plaster.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14You end up with a thing shell of fairly hard plaster.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17And that gives us the outer shell of the globe.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21When that dries, I join two together to give us our globe.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- So, that's literally all it is, just a shell of plaster.- Yes.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Isn't that terribly fragile?
0:39:26 > 0:39:30It's a fairly hardwearing plaster and I also line it with card.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33- OK.- Which is how they used to do it as well.
0:39:33 > 0:39:38'The very first globes, centuries ago, were generally solid and very
0:39:38 > 0:39:42'expensive, made from materials such as glass, marble, wood and metal.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45'Then, they became hollow, which makes them
0:39:45 > 0:39:47'much more cost-effective and much lighter.'
0:39:47 > 0:39:50And here's one in process.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I started that one last night, so perhaps you
0:39:52 > 0:39:55would like to have a go and see if you can do one yourself.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57God, you're very trusting of me.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I wouldn't trust me to do it, but I will definitely have a go.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03'The map itself is applied to the sphere in gauze,
0:40:03 > 0:40:04'or sections with glue.'
0:40:04 > 0:40:07Just make sure every bit is covered.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08So do you line up the equator?
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Yeah, start off on the equator.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14And then we take a stick to burnish it.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Do it across?- Across and down.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Presumably, you're a bit quicker, are you?
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Yes.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23There you go. It's quite stressful!
0:40:23 > 0:40:24That was pretty good for a beginner.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- Thanks, Chris.- My pleasure. - Wonderful.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Who knew that globes could be so interesting?
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I'm impressed.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Very impressed.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I fear that the mystery house is a ship that has sailed,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38or not, as the case may be,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41but house number two is a very strong contender.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I'm just a bit worried that Hilary may have found
0:40:43 > 0:40:45some more reasons not to buy it.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Let's go and find them and see what they think.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Once again, thank you for bringing me to the Isle of Wight.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54It's just been gorgeous!
0:40:54 > 0:40:56We've been lucky with the weather.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59And have we succeeded in getting you hooked into the property scene?
0:40:59 > 0:41:03I mean, do you think there's a contender in amidst our choices?
0:41:03 > 0:41:04The one yesterday.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05- The second house?- Yeah.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Definitely, the second house, yeah.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09It was the perfect location.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11The lay out is...
0:41:11 > 0:41:14not quite what we would choose,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18but we think there would be ways to get round it to make it work for us.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I think what we need to do is go and have another look,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24because we do have the dogs to consider.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27We have to see if things can be altered to accommodate them,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29but I think, in all fairness,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32number two is our house of choice.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35And I think we would certainly consider putting in an offer.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38What's the timescale, cos you've sold your house in Cambridge?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Yes, we have.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44Well, we'd like to go back and see the house again, hopefully tomorrow.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46We'll have a look to see if
0:41:46 > 0:41:49things that need to be done are achievable,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51and, hopefully, if all things are equal,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55then I think it'll probably take as long as it takes.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Well, that covers all the bases.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- LAUGHTER - Well, it's been an absolute joy showing you around,
0:42:00 > 0:42:03it really has, and I hope that you move here,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05because then maybe we can come and visit.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06You'd be more than welcome.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07I'm glad to hear it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13The Isle of Wight -
0:42:13 > 0:42:16I have to say, I can't understand why we don't come here more often
0:42:16 > 0:42:17because it's a beautiful location
0:42:17 > 0:42:19and the property is very reasonable.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21And I think that Rene and Hilary,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23when they look around - they haven't had a chance to look
0:42:23 > 0:42:27at too many properties - they will find out what a good deal
0:42:27 > 0:42:29property number two is, and hopefully move on it,
0:42:29 > 0:42:31although I can't guarantee that.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33That is part of the jeopardy of the show
0:42:33 > 0:42:35and I hope it's one of the reasons you tune in.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37So make sure you tune in next time
0:42:37 > 0:42:38for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Hilary and Rene did revisit our second house,
0:42:43 > 0:42:45but decided that although they loved it,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48it just wasn't suitable for their dogs.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51But it did leave them wanting to continue their search in
0:42:51 > 0:42:54or near Shanklin, and they're already planning their next trip
0:42:54 > 0:42:56to the Isle of Wight.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Scotland, Wales or England and would like our help,
0:43:02 > 0:43:03please, apply online at: