0:00:02 > 0:00:05This Grade I listed building is believed to be Britain's oldest working post mill,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08but whereabouts in the country is this wind-powered landmark?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Find out in just a couple of moments.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31Today's house-hunting couple have a big budget but a tall order
0:00:31 > 0:00:35to find a house that suits them and their son's family.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39It's not my taste, but my daughter-in-law would love it.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43I'm hoping we can deliver something truly impressive.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- I'm speechless. - Well, again, this is good!- Yes.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Today, I'm in Surrey in the village of Altwood,
0:00:50 > 0:00:55and this is thought to be the oldest working post mill in the country,
0:00:55 > 0:00:58so-called because the entire structure is balanced
0:00:58 > 0:01:00on a central post carved out of oak,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04which then allows one single operator to manoeuvre the entire
0:01:04 > 0:01:09mill single-handedly according to the direction of the wind.
0:01:09 > 0:01:10Now, legend has it,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13when this was under construction way back in 1666,
0:01:13 > 0:01:15the workers were able to climb right on top
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and see the Fire of London raging away some 20 miles in the distance.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Although today this mill though no longer grinds grain,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25she's still in pretty good working order.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27And if you'd like a go at turning the mill yourself,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30then the good news is you can, as it's for sale, along with this
0:01:30 > 0:01:36three-bedroom converted stable block for a rather breezy £900,000.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Surrey is a home county in the south-east of England, bordered on
0:01:41 > 0:01:46all sides by six counties, including Greater London and Hampshire.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Although within easy reach of the country's capital,
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Surrey has a well-deserved reputation for leafy
0:01:51 > 0:01:53tranquillity and spectacular scenery.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58With 153 miles of paths criss-crossing glorious rolling
0:01:58 > 0:02:02countryside, the Surrey Hills stretch across the North Downs
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and are a designated area of outstanding natural beauty.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10The River Tillingbourne runs along the south side
0:02:10 > 0:02:11of the North Downs and passes
0:02:11 > 0:02:14through a number of lovely villages including Shere,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17whose authentic Tudor architecture and unspoiled streets
0:02:17 > 0:02:21have attracted artists and filmmakers for decades.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Surrey is also home to some beautiful market towns,
0:02:24 > 0:02:26such as Godalming.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28In 1881, it was the first town in the world to have
0:02:28 > 0:02:32public electricity and, in 2013,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36it was voted as the best place to live for a good quality of life.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Let's not beat around the bush, Surrey is extremely expensive.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45The average cost of a detached home here comes in at around £611,000 -
0:02:45 > 0:02:48that's more than double the national average.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52On top of that, it's also a home to the most expensive town outside of
0:02:52 > 0:02:57London, Virginia Water, where prices regularly average £1.2 million.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59It's incredible, isn't it?
0:02:59 > 0:03:02So, let's hope today's buyers have deep pockets to match.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Retired teachers Helen and Malcolm have been married for 46 years
0:03:10 > 0:03:13and have a son and three grandchildren.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17We met when I was at Goldsmith's College training to be a teacher.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Malcolm had a friend who was at Goldsmiths, who went out with
0:03:20 > 0:03:23a friend of mine, and we all met up in the holiday.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25The rest, as they say, is history.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31They bought their current four-bed Edwardian house in Teddington, south-west London,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34in 1979, but the area is almost unrecognisable
0:03:34 > 0:03:36from when they first moved in.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Many, many more people. Many, many more houses.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44When we first moved here, it was a lovely, quiet riverside village.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47I feel closed in in this area.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I didn't when we were first here, but I do now.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54There's a parking war on every street, which drives me nuts.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00They bought their house 35 years ago for £46,000
0:04:00 > 0:04:06but in just 20 years, house prices in Teddington have risen by over 350%.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I've had it valued at £1.8 million.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12According to the estate agent, we live in a bubble,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15somewhere where everybody wants to buy.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Helen and Malcolm won't be moving on their own.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Their son and daughter-in-law, Alistair and Jill, are also selling
0:04:22 > 0:04:26up and they're going to pool their resources and combine budgets.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28Ideally, they'd like a big house for Alistair's family
0:04:28 > 0:04:31and a smaller self-contained annexe for them.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38By moving in with our family, we would help them buy a bigger house.
0:04:38 > 0:04:44We become close to the grandchildren and at the same time we downsize.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Hopefully the move will be good for family relations.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Living with the family, oh, my God!
0:04:52 > 0:04:53THEY LAUGH
0:04:53 > 0:04:56It would depend on the property.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00If we're cheek by jowl, it probably won't work.
0:05:01 > 0:05:05But, if we have enough space between us,
0:05:05 > 0:05:07then I think it'll be brilliant.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11They've chosen leafy Surrey because it's more peaceful, but also close
0:05:11 > 0:05:15enough for their son's work and the grandchildren's school in Guildford.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Malcolm can't wait for the open space and countryside views.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I really am an outside person.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I enjoy sailing, riding my motorcycle
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and you never see the sky in town,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and what I enjoy is more sky.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35Helen hopes to spend more time painting.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38She's also thrilled at the thought of living with her grandchildren.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41My grandchildren mean everything to me.
0:05:41 > 0:05:47- They are...- Oh! - ..a chance to relive your life.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49It's wonderful to watch them develop, help them out
0:05:49 > 0:05:51when things don't go so well.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54It's like having your own children,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57but in the end they're not your complete responsibility.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59- And you can give them back!- Yes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Malcolm, Helen and their son's family would ideally like to
0:06:06 > 0:06:08be within a half an hour's drive from the county town
0:06:08 > 0:06:11of Guildford, where their grandchildren go to school
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and their son Alistair works.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15I'm meeting up with them on Surrey soil
0:06:15 > 0:06:18to discuss the details of their big move.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- So, welcome both of you to the Surrey countryside.- Thank you.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- You've got over that blue collar, the M25.- Yes.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- Suddenly, the fields open up. - Wonderful.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Is this what you're after? Why the countryside now in your life, Helen?
0:06:30 > 0:06:34More space, more sky, fresh air, that's what we want.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Sounds ideal but it's not just for you, is it?
0:06:36 > 0:06:43No. The grand plan, as it's now called, is to sell two houses -
0:06:43 > 0:06:47ours and the house of our son and daughter-in-law.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- So, your house is in south-west London?- Yes.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52That market has been cooking, bubbling
0:06:52 > 0:06:56- and overflowing for the past couple of years.- Extraordinarily.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I imagine you've done pretty well out of that.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59We didn't buy the house to make money.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01We've lived in it for 35 years.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04We bought it to live in and it's been a lovely home
0:07:04 > 0:07:06for all that time.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11The fact that we now need to downsize as well because of our age,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15it's just a lucky time that it's worth so much money.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18So, you're looking to downsize, yet you're looking to...
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Shall I tell you what we're looking for?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22Go ahead!
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- We're looking for a one-to-two bedroom cottage...- Right.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27..with a four-to-five-bedroom house attached.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29JONNIE LAUGHS
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Slightly the other way around! OK!
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- We need to find you a property that gives you your own space.- Yes.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Sanctuary away from the grandchildren sometimes.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42The thinking behind the grand plan is that they get instant babysitters
0:07:42 > 0:07:44and we get instant day-care.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46JONNIE LAUGHS
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- One comes hopefully a long time before the other! - Thank you for that.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54So, let's talk through this tick list because it's going to be...
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- It's going to have to be quite extensive, I imagine.- Uh-huh.
0:07:58 > 0:07:59Go for it. How many bedrooms?
0:07:59 > 0:08:04Four bedrooms at least, but preferably five in the house.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09- For the family?- For the family and one or two for us.- OK.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- They'll want a big family kitchen, right?- Yes, yes.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- How about you guys? What do you want?- A small kitchen would be fine.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- I like small kitchens.- OK.
0:08:17 > 0:08:18So, let's talk budget.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20What's the final budget you have settled on?
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- Well, the grand plan involves selling our house...- Yeah.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- ..for which we would hope to get 1.8 million.- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34And selling theirs, for which we would hope to get 700,000.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39So, put the two together, we're looking at £2.5 million.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Even I could work that out!
0:08:41 > 0:08:43That is a substantial budget, of course,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- in a very expensive part of the world.- Very.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48But, I know the market fairly well round here.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- I know we can get a substantial house.- Good.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55It's going to be difficult because we are also shopping on behalf of people that aren't here,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58so you've got to put their wants and desires into your heads as well.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Yes.- Yep. We can do that.- All right. - Yes.- Let's get going. Just this way.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09For an exceptional combined total budget that includes Malcolm and Helen's £1.8 million,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12as well as their son's family budget of £700,000,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15they're looking for a large, traditional property with
0:09:15 > 0:09:18five bedrooms and a self-contained annexe for themselves.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21They'd all like a good-sized garden.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25We've lined up three stunning Surrey properties to tempt our buyers,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27but I won't be revealing their respective prices
0:09:27 > 0:09:29until the end of each tour.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Our final mystery house will leave them marvelling,
0:09:32 > 0:09:36but will it work for the whole family?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Our first property lies deep in the Surrey countryside,
0:09:41 > 0:09:4216 miles from Guildford
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and just 2.5 miles south west of the nearest village of Betchworth.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50A pretty village on the north bank of the River Mole, it has two pubs
0:09:50 > 0:09:54and a local forge that can make this bespoke items for the home and garden.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58And the beautiful Grade I listed St Michael's church
0:09:58 > 0:10:01dates back to the 13th century.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04It's a ten-minute-drive to our first house, an arresting
0:10:04 > 0:10:0917th-century farmhouse with an Elizabethan barn conversion.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14Now, if we pause here, we get a good look at our first house.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18That's stunning. I think it's lovely.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- Is this part of the property? - That's all in.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24But that used to stand in Suffolk and it was dismantled,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28brick by brick, timber by timber, and reassembled here.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- You've done well.- Speechless!
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Let's go inside.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37First, I want to show Helen and Malcolm the main part of the house
0:10:37 > 0:10:40that their son and his family could live in.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42It's beautiful, with many of the original period features still
0:10:42 > 0:10:47intact, including the exposed beams in this large living room.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50I think you'll be quite impressed with this room.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51HE GASPS
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Oh, my goodness! Isn't that wonderful?!- Beautiful, yeah.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- I'm speechless.- Again, this is good!
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Alistair and Jill would both love it, I'm sure.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02I know you want separate accommodation,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05but you will you all hang out together, I take it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:06- Will you, or...?- Oh, yes.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- One of the things we do an awful lot of is babysitting...- Right.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13..so I expect to be in here quite a bit, babysitting.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16To the rear there's also a cosy snug,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18which leads to a conservatory with garden views.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I'm going to show them the kitchen and breakfast room.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Just mind your step there, Helen, coming up.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Your son and daughter-in-law like open-plan, don't they?- Yes.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- This is it, isn't it? - BOTH: Perfect.- Perfect.- Perfect.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34In unison.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39It has everything you want, lovely table down there to eat at.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Your grandchildren won't thank me for it, but that is...
0:11:42 > 0:11:44Alistair and Jill maybe doing a bit of cooking here,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47that's the homework table. There's no escaping, is there?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Homework gets done on the family table.- It does, yes, at the moment.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- It still does, yeah.- That is somewhere where they could work.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55All the fittings are presumably handmade.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- Handmade, this is a bespoke kitchen.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00So if all this has gone pretty well, let's start thinking about
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- where you are going to live. Let's go to the other side.- OK.- Right.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Down the hallway is a dining room that leads to the annexe.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I think, with a few adjustments, it could be just what they are after.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Now, the far end of the house...
0:12:13 > 0:12:16I just want you to take in what this room is, dimensions,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20features but also think about that door, OK?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Follow me.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Because when you come through this one, you can see, now,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29you've got your very own access, self-contained, all right?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32A small room there and now...
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Ignore the bed and think of this
0:12:36 > 0:12:39as maybe a walk-through living area and a small kitchen.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Now, you said you didn't mind a small kitchen.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43That would be big enough for me, yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45It's not huge accommodation,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47but now think about that dining room we've walked through,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50if you blocked that door off, because you've got your own door there,
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- I thought that could be your bedroom.- Yep, that's perfect.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Upstairs, for Alistair and Jill, there are three good-sized doubles,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02two slightly smaller ones and two family bathrooms.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04There's also another potential option for accommodation
0:13:04 > 0:13:07in this incredible period barn.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16You've got storage or garaging on the ground floor,
0:13:16 > 0:13:18which is great workshop space.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22But, up here, this is something quite different.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Oh, gosh!
0:13:26 > 0:13:28You might notice some stage lights.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30- It's a theatre.- Ah!
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It is a theatre, with a minstrel gallery above.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34Oh, my!
0:13:34 > 0:13:39I've shown you an amazing annexe, but if you did have desires to have
0:13:39 > 0:13:42something more grand,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45wouldn't this be an amazing project to work on in the long-term?
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- Well...- Well, there you...
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Put the bedroom there and the bathroom could be...
0:13:50 > 0:13:51Hmmm, perfect.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Absolutely perfect.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's a big project, of course it is, but maybe something long-term
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- if you really did get bored.- Yes.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Well, what we would do is have summer accommodation
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- and winter accommodation. - Oh, goodness me!
0:14:03 > 0:14:04Now, you're talking!
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Well, look, I wanted you to know that this is here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10Let's go outside and have a look at outside space.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13'The grounds of this house seem endless, there's even a treehouse in
0:14:13 > 0:14:17'one of the old oaks that I'm sure would delight their grandchildren.'
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- Now, if you look behind, you can see a paddock.- Yes.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Oh, is that part of it?- Yep.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- And there's another paddock just beyond...- Goodness.- ..to the left. Do you see a gate there?- Yep.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29There's a little bit of woodland. Looking back at the house, it comes back up here,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31indoor swimming pool, outdoor swimming pool.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- HE GASPS - What?!
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- All in all, around five acres. - Gosh!- Five acres!
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- That'll do. - All right, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- It is a lovely setting, isn't it? - Wonderful.- It's a wonderful place.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Beautiful house, beautiful setting.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Is the price beautiful?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I've no comparables, so it's a pure guess.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Give a stab in the dark, nobody's going to hold it against you.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- 2.5.- Two and a half million. OK.
0:14:56 > 0:14:592.75.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Well, then you'll both be pleased to hear that this
0:15:02 > 0:15:06place is on the market for offers around £2,250,000.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Gosh!- Really?- That is good news.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- A quarter of a million under budget.- Under budget.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- That's good.- That'll help.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13Wouldn't it just?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Why don't you go and have a look around? Maybe the master bedroom
0:15:16 > 0:15:18and all the bedrooms the family will use
0:15:18 > 0:15:21and then just have a scoot around the outside...
0:15:21 > 0:15:24Go wherever you want and I will meet you whenever you're finished,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- all right?- OK.- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much.- See you later.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Enjoy it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Don't get lost or fall in the pool.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Look, this is a massive house.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34They've got a huge budget,
0:15:34 > 0:15:38but this budget is to provide three generations of their family
0:15:38 > 0:15:42and I think this house could do just that for them.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46At £2.25 million,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48this 17th century house is under
0:15:48 > 0:15:52their combined budget by £250,000.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54With...
0:16:03 > 0:16:05But at 16 miles from Guildford,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07it is a little further out than they'd
0:16:07 > 0:16:09like to be for their commute.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13I think it's a wonderful house, it's full of character and charm
0:16:13 > 0:16:18and nothing that has been done to it has spoiled any of that.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Well, that's the family bathroom.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25My goodness me! That's a wonderful room.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I love it and I think that my daughter-in-law
0:16:28 > 0:16:30and my son would love it too.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33The house is wonderful.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36The peace and quiet outside is just perfect
0:16:36 > 0:16:38and the gardens are sensational.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43My main concern is its location and its distance from Guildford.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47I'm told it's 35 minutes by sat nav.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Whether that will be acceptable to the family, I'm not sure.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Have you seen enough?- I think so, we've seen everywhere. It's lovely.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- There's a lot to see, isn't there? - This is true.- There is.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Do you think it would suit the whole family?- Yes.
0:17:01 > 0:17:02- I think it would, yes.- Great news.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04OK, well, that's one down.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Maybe a tick next to the this one. Let's see if we can get two more.
0:17:07 > 0:17:08Lead the way.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17This rolling vineyard may look like it's in the South of France
0:17:17 > 0:17:20but, in fact, it's deep in the Surrey countryside
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and part of a growing trend for English wine.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27In 100AD, the Romans planted vines in these very hills.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Nearly 2,000 years later,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32winemaking is thriving again thanks to the White family,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34who have turned this 265-acre estate
0:17:34 > 0:17:38into northern Europe's largest vineyard.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41We've sent Helen and Malcolm to meet Chris White for a tour
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and to discover what makes English wine so special?
0:17:48 > 0:17:50Well, welcome to England's largest vineyard.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Why here in the middle of Surrey?
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Well, Surrey is the home to a lot of the North Downs
0:17:57 > 0:17:59and the North and South Downs of southern England, millions
0:17:59 > 0:18:02of years ago, used to be joined to the Champagne region of France.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04So we have exactly the same chalk soil,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06so it's ideal for wine production.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10Chris's vineyard has 18 varieties of grape that allows them
0:18:10 > 0:18:12to make a wide range of wines,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14but they mainly focus on white and sparkling.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19The conditions we have here are perfect for aromatic fruity wines.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22To produce the sweetest wines in the world
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and full-bodied reds every year, the climate's just not ready for it,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28so the majority of what we produce are the
0:18:28 > 0:18:30still, white aromatic fruity wines.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- And you must be just coming up for harvest?- We are.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- We are just about a week away now. - Oh, gosh!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36It's a nerve-racking time of year, but very, very exciting.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It should be a record year for us,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40both in terms of quality and quantity.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43The summer really has been just fantastic for us.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Choosing when to harvest is, perhaps, the biggest decision
0:18:46 > 0:18:48a winemaker has to make and to help with this judgement
0:18:48 > 0:18:50they hand sample some grapes.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53We're looking for three things in the grapes. We're looking for
0:18:53 > 0:18:56the sugar content, we're looking for the acidity
0:18:56 > 0:18:59and we're looking for, obviously, the flavours and the juice.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02We'll make a visual inspection to make sure we don't have any problems
0:19:02 > 0:19:05with the grape bunches, there's no mildew setting in, or anything like that.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07So, ideally, you want them all to look like this,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10which is a slightly yellow in colour, slightly translucent.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13Whereas, the one's down here are a slightly deeper green in colour,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15which means they're not quite as ripe.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18The level of alcohol in the finished wine is determined by how
0:19:18 > 0:19:20sugary the grapes are.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Chris uses a refractometer to measure their content.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26This is where we'll be testing for our sugar levels,
0:19:26 > 0:19:28which is measured in Oechsle.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Ideally, we are looking for a 85 Oechsle level, which gives us
0:19:31 > 0:19:34a natural alcohol content of about 11.5%.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- If you'd like to pick yourself... - Pick me a grape.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39All you have to do is pull the Perspex flip back...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44..and then very slowly squeeze the juice. There we go.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49And if you look through the lens at the bottom...
0:19:49 > 0:19:5170 Oechsle.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54As these grapes are 70 Oechsle, they'll need another three weeks to
0:19:54 > 0:19:58reach 85 and they'll be tasted in the field as they develop.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01- I could drink that.- Very nice.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05Once the grapes are gathered, they're gently crushed.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08When the sugary juice is released, it reacts to the wild yeasts that
0:20:08 > 0:20:12naturally occur on the grape skin and fermentation begins.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16After about six months, the first white wines are
0:20:16 > 0:20:21bottled at Chris's plant and then the tasting begins.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24In this variety is the ones that you tasted a minute ago,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26it's the malagousia.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Gosh.- Can you taste those flavours? - Mmmm.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38It's quite dry and sweet at the same time.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39You're right, it's an off dry wine.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Again, very fruity, very aromatic.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Quintessentially, it's a very good example of what an English wine is all about.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46What would you drink that with?
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Well, you could have this as an aperitif or you could have this with
0:20:50 > 0:20:52pasta or chicken, something like that.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- It's very fresh.- Very fresh, very fruity.- Tasty, yeah.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57I love drinking this on a summer's day.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Sitting out on the patio, drinking this, it's...- What's not to like? - ..absolutely perfect for that.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Well, I hope we've opened your eyes to English wine in particular
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- and you've enjoyed yourself. - Absolutely.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- Well, good luck with the rest of your house-hunting in this area. - Thank you very much.- Cheers.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12We've enjoyed it very much indeed.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- And good luck with the harvest. - Thank you.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20Back on our house search,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23property number two is a 35-minute-drive
0:21:23 > 0:21:24from our first offering.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Situated on the outskirts of Dunsfold Village,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30it's three miles west of the larger village of Cranleigh.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Home to over 9,000 people, it has a wide range of shops,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37a weekly market on Thursdays and a thriving arts centre,
0:21:37 > 0:21:40which keen painter Helen might enjoy.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43A seven-minute drive takes us to house number two,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47a handsome Grade II-listed property.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Now, I know you like old properties,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52so I thought we'd try Georgian, mostly.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53That is an amazing house.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Now if you look at the gable ends of this property,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59you can see these more Edwardian looking structures.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02They are Edwardian extensions, and those blue bricks,
0:22:02 > 0:22:05apparently, according to a learned local, is north chapel blue.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- Very elegant, very grand. - Yeah, come with me.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12We're beginning with this spacious kitchen in the main
0:22:12 > 0:22:15part of the house, where Alistair's family would live.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18You said your son and daughter-in-law like
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- old outside, new inside and open-plan.- They would adore that.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- They would love this kitchen, yes.- Absolutely adore it.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It's not my taste, but my daughter-in-law would love it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32Off the kitchen is a small sitting room, two utility rooms
0:22:32 > 0:22:34and access to a large cellar.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Across the hallway is this dining room fit for a banquet.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40What do you make of this room then?
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- Oh, my goodness.- An amazing room.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- I think you could have a few guests around this table.- This is true.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- You certainly could.- I mean, look at this fireplace. Look at that.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55I think the word that's going to come out over and over again is grand.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Now I know this is in the main family part of the building,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01but, now and again, you'd borrow this room, wouldn't you? Come on.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Yes.- Yes.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07I could sit there and she could sit there.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09And you'd never need to talk again.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Follow me to the reception room.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Another reception room there, which is a play room. An office.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Well, look at this though.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22- Oh, my goodness.- Lovely Room.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26And then you've got a snug here, in the winter,
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- if you want something smaller. - Gosh.- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Now, we're putting ourselves in the headspace of Alistair and Jill.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- Yes.- Their sort of design, their sort of feel?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Oh, yes.- Yes. It would be fine.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43There's a separate entrance at the back for a section
0:23:43 > 0:23:46of the house that could become a very nice self-contained
0:23:46 > 0:23:47annexe for Malcolm and Helen.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Now, I just want to pause here to give you
0:23:52 > 0:23:54a flavour of your accommodation.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Now, living room clearly needs a bit of work.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Small kitchen, almost the smaller the better, by the sounds of it.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Yes, that's fine. No problem.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06But this could be a bit more traditional.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09This could become a bit like a wing or a cottage, OK?
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- So, ground floor accommodation here.- Our own front door.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Your own front door, yeah.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16But you can still be connected,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20and your accommodation gets a lot plusher upstairs. Come with me.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I don't believe this.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25So up on this first floor you've got a big double bedroom there,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28with its own en suite and dressing room.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31You'd think that's you sorted, but, no.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35We're now going into the main part of the building of the main
0:24:35 > 0:24:37home, but what you could do is this.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39You could put a door here,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41so you can access that part of the building,
0:24:41 > 0:24:42then all this becomes yours,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46which means that family bathroom is yours, with separate shower.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- But that's huge.- Yeah, quite. And so is the master bedroom.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- Look.- Yes, very nice.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57If Helen and Malcolm turned this wing into their annexe,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00it would leave Alistair's family six bedrooms, two bathrooms
0:25:00 > 0:25:04and, on the second floor, a lovely beamed office.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08The space in this house is matched by what's on offer outside.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- All this land.- Wonderful. Somebody's put a lot of work in.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Outdoor heated swimming pool, tennis courts and paddocks.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19All in all, at least eight acres.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- Eight acres?- Eight acres.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- That's a lot of land.- That's a lot.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25There are also a number of outbuildings,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28including an impressive barn that could be converted.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34So, how much do you think this place is on the market for then, Malcolm?
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Must be over budget.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I would say 2.65.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44I would say top of our budget, 2.5 million.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Well, good news for you both then.
0:25:46 > 0:25:51This place is on the market for offers around £1.95 million.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52- Gosh.- Wow.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53That's a surprise.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Why don't you guys go back into the house
0:25:56 > 0:25:59- and scoot around anywhere you want? - We will do that.- All right?
0:25:59 > 0:26:03- Can you send out a search party for us?- I'll give it half an hour.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Right.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06Well, it is a big house.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10I was worried they might think it was too big, but Malcolm, I think,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13has fallen in love with this place. Helen, I'm not so sure.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Maybe it's a bit too contemporary in places. We'll see.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Just over £500,000 under
0:26:19 > 0:26:21their total combined budget,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23this property offers the potential
0:26:23 > 0:26:25of a self-contained wing for
0:26:25 > 0:26:26Malcolm and Helen, as well
0:26:26 > 0:26:28as rooms with period features
0:26:28 > 0:26:29and a contemporary style
0:26:29 > 0:26:31for their son and his family.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Finally, there's the added bonus
0:26:33 > 0:26:34of beautiful grounds
0:26:34 > 0:26:36for the children to enjoy.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38My goodness. This is a large room.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Well, there'd be plenty of space here for desks.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Don't forget, this is part of the grand plan.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47The children are going to be angst-ridden teenagers
0:26:47 > 0:26:51and they're going to get bigger and bigger and bigger.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55I have to remind myself that I'm looking at it for my son
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and his family to live in,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01and from that point of view I have to think that it is ideal for them.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I think the annexe would be a good living space for us.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09In fact, an overgenerous living space. Far more than I expected.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13That's all we're going to see today, so I'll take you back.
0:27:13 > 0:27:14A new day tomorrow. All right?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- Thanks very much indeed.- Thank you.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It's the second day of our property search
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and we're helping Malcolm and Helen swap the traffic-laden
0:27:27 > 0:27:32streets of Teddington, south west London, for the serenity of Surrey.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36They have a whopping budget of £1.8 million, which they're combining
0:27:36 > 0:27:40with the son's family budget of £700,000.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- Coming up, we go grand with the Mystery House...- That is amazing.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47..and I get my Lycra ready.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50I was hoping to meet you halfway up.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I'm already spent and we're at the bottom.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Well, I always thought it might be tricky looking for a huge
0:27:56 > 0:28:00property when only one half of the decision makers are present.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And yet today I thought we had mixed successes, really.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Helen and Malcolm liked the properties, albeit,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07having different favourites.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09So today, as it's the Mystery House,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11we're going to turn this search on its head.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14We're going to focus even more on what Helen
0:28:14 > 0:28:16and Malcolm are after in a home,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18and, if that works, if they fall
0:28:18 > 0:28:20in love with the Mystery House, well then it's up to them
0:28:20 > 0:28:24to convince the rest of the family that this is the right property.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29For our final property, the Mystery House,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32we're heading north, to the village of Bramley, which is
0:28:32 > 0:28:35just a 20-minute drive from the historic county town of Guildford.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39Set in some of the most beautiful countryside in Surrey, it would
0:28:39 > 0:28:42offer fantastic family walks at the weekend.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44The high street has a variety of shops,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47a library and a number of cafes and pubs.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Bramley church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52dates from the 12th century.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56It's a short five-minute journey by car to the rolling fields
0:28:56 > 0:28:58and farmland that surround our Mystery House,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01or perhaps I should say houses.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Now this really is a Mystery House.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- It's very different.- I'm intrigued.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08I'm looking at that.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12- I'm glad you are because that could be yours.- Ah.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- That is for the family.- Uh-huh.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18But I don't want to focus on the family house this morning,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20I want to talk about your accommodation.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22That just looks sensational.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25And you've even got options with this as well. Shall I show you?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- Yes, please.- Absolutely, let's go.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31The renovation and conversion of this Grade II listed period barn
0:29:31 > 0:29:35has just been completed.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36Now, then...
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Oh, not at all what I expected from the outside. So it's modern?
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- Slightly bigger kitchen, but not too big.- No, not too big.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Know that this is here
0:29:45 > 0:29:48because everything from now on gets a lot bigger.
0:29:49 > 0:29:54I think this 33-foot long living space is absolutely stunning.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Oh, crikey.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01My goodness me. That is amazing.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05Up there, you've put got two small bedrooms and a bathroom.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07This would be multipurpose.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Office there, maybe.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11Sitting room over there.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15There's room in the kitchen for a dining table.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19I think it gives us a tremendous amount of space to live in,
0:30:19 > 0:30:23much more than I expected, and much more than we've seen anywhere else.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Yes, quite.- Absolutely perfect.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27To all intents and purposes, this is a brand-new house.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33Underfloor heating, electric points everywhere, double-glazed.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35You know, you're getting all the benefits of modern technology,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- yet you've got, hopefully, what you described as atmosphere.- Yes.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Oh, it's got bags of that.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Now you've got your own separate accommodation,
0:30:42 > 0:30:43you've got a separate home,
0:30:43 > 0:30:45which is what you said you were dreaming of.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49That's what I would like. That, to me, is the dream.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Now, I did say this Mystery House gave you a couple of options.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55This is only one.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59If you want something a little bit more conventional, follow me.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Ten years ago, the current owners converted the
0:31:01 > 0:31:04stables into a self-contained two-bedroom annexe.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08So there is another option in this building.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12You've got a living room at the end, then you have a bathroom with
0:31:12 > 0:31:14a bath, not just a shower, unlike the last place.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Double bedroom or living room, swap it if you like.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22And then at the end, a decent-sized kitchen,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25but hopefully not too big for you, Helen.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- Yep, It's lovely. - Perfect, absolutely perfect.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31So, of course, we've been loving walking around these two
0:31:31 > 0:31:34buildings, but you haven't yet seen where the family are going to live.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- So let's go to the main building now.- OK.
0:31:38 > 0:31:42The original main farmhouse was built in the 19th century.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45It is habitable, but could benefit from some redesigning
0:31:45 > 0:31:49and an extension. The property is currently unfurnished.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Just mind your steps here, it's on a few different levels.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55So you've got a living room through there at the moment,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57and then this is the main family kitchen.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Uh-huh.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- Banquets. - HELEN LAUGHS
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Well, you put a table in front of it and there's your kitchen diner.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08It's an odd design because that's the rest of the kitchen there.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11Now, there is planning consent in place
0:32:11 > 0:32:14to muck around with this and extend,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16extend out that way.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19Now that means, according to those plans, that this
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- would become a bit of a walk-through dining area.- Right.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- The living room is a lovely big dining kitchen.- Right.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31And then you've got a lovely big living room going across that
0:32:31 > 0:32:33way and then bedrooms above.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35Would Alistair and Jill, do you think,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38be prepared to live as this is at the moment?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Yes, I think they would.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Upstairs, there are currently two large double bedrooms
0:32:44 > 0:32:47and three singles.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50There's also two family bathrooms.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53But before they explore, I want to show them outside
0:32:53 > 0:32:55and give them a chance to savour the views.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00- It sits in about half an acre. - And the fence is the boundary?
0:33:00 > 0:33:02You've got it. What you see is what you get.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04The views are phenomenal, they're just beautiful.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07So how much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- Much less land, I'm going to be very cheeky and say two million.- OK.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16I'm going to say, because of the amount of work that needs
0:33:16 > 0:33:18to be done in the main house,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21and there is a lot of work to do to make it the sort of house
0:33:21 > 0:33:24that Jill and Alistair would like,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27despite that amazing barn,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31I'm going to say 1,950,000.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Well, maybe you should have been cheekier.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38This Mystery House is on the market for offers around £1,595,000.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41- Goodness.- Perfect.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Which gives you, or Alistair and Jill,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47the change to spend on that house.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52Well, I think what you need to do now is have a look around everything
0:33:52 > 0:33:56that you haven't yet seen, which is probably mostly all in there,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- and then I'll meet you afterwards. OK?- OK, thank you very much.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01- Enjoy it.- Thanks a lot.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05At a handsome £905,000
0:34:05 > 0:34:07under their total combined budget,
0:34:07 > 0:34:09the Mystery House leaves
0:34:09 > 0:34:11substantial funds for the work
0:34:11 > 0:34:13and extension to the main house.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14The separate barn conversion is
0:34:14 > 0:34:15more than big enough
0:34:15 > 0:34:17for Helen and Malcolm and the
0:34:17 > 0:34:19stable annexe adds another option.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21It's all set within half an acre,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24with stunning views.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Bathroom, quite a reasonable size.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27Family bathroom.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31With the chance of an extension to the main house,
0:34:31 > 0:34:34I think that could make it into a
0:34:34 > 0:34:38sensational living space for the children to grow up in.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40This house gives us
0:34:40 > 0:34:43the most wonderful accommodation for us,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46away from the main house.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48It's beautiful, it's open.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51We could live very comfortably here.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54It is quite beautiful and I do just love it.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- So, all done?- Yes, extraordinary.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Hopefully this mystery property has got you scratching your heads now.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Unbelievable.- It has. - I mean, it's just too difficult.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Well, let's find you somewhere to have a
0:35:07 > 0:35:10bit of a chinwag to help you make that decision, shall we?
0:35:10 > 0:35:11- Sure.- OK.- It's this way.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Just 19 miles south-west of London on the Surrey North Downs
0:35:19 > 0:35:24lies Box Hill, which offers one of the best views in the south-east.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27For centuries, people have flocked here to escape urban life
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and enjoy the stunning scenery.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Today, almost 1,000,000 people visit Box Hill each year and, for the
0:35:33 > 0:35:38last 100 years, the area has been in the hands of the National Trust.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42I've come to meet Lyn Richards, from the charity Friends Of Box Hill,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44to learn about its history.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46So, Lyn, what are we looking at here then?
0:35:46 > 0:35:50On a clearer day, you would be able to see the South Downs.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53You can see Dorking over there, Brockham.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56You're looking out over the Weald, essentially.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59But this stunning vista could have been very different if it wasn't for
0:35:59 > 0:36:04the generosity, in 1914, of one man - Leopold Salomons -
0:36:04 > 0:36:07a city financier and company director from London.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10He basically saved Box Hill for the public.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13It was going to be sold to a developer, and so there's the
0:36:13 > 0:36:15prospect they could have had houses all over it,
0:36:15 > 0:36:17and he didn't want that to happen.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20He thought the people should be allowed to walk over it
0:36:20 > 0:36:21and enjoy it in the way he had,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24so he bought it for £15,000
0:36:24 > 0:36:27and then he gave it to the National Trust.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29It was 230 acres that he bought,
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- it's now 1,400 acres.- Is it?
0:36:31 > 0:36:35- So the National Trust have taken the reins and ran with it?- Yes.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38Leopold Salomons wasn't the first to appreciate
0:36:38 > 0:36:40the beauty of Box Hill.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45As far as we know, the first record of it was Daniel Defoe in 1700,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49so for 300-odd years there has been records of people enjoying Box Hill.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Now, I understand they built a train station later on,
0:36:52 > 0:36:53which really opened it up to,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- not just the middle classes, but to everybody.- Yes, they did.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Because people came out of London
0:36:58 > 0:37:00and this was seen as an exotic place to come to,
0:37:00 > 0:37:04so they came here to spend the whole day and they came by train
0:37:04 > 0:37:07- and they came in their thousands. - But what did they do?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Was it exercise, was it parading and showing off, was it Sunday best?
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Well, they'd just discovered picnicking,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14so they came here to picnic.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16But what else did people get up to here?
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Donkey rides. Donkey rides were really popular then.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22On the Donkey Green, which is behind us,
0:37:22 > 0:37:25there were a number of donkeys and, at that time,
0:37:25 > 0:37:29a quarter of the income for running the National Trust estate here,
0:37:29 > 0:37:30Box Hill, came from donkey rides.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Did it really?- Yes.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Now Box Hill is popular with cyclists
0:37:35 > 0:37:37and the ascending zigzag roads
0:37:37 > 0:37:41proved the perfect challenge for the 2012 London Olympic Road Race.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44I've tried this route before, but I'm keen for new tips,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48so I'm meeting up with Rick Gregory of the Redhill Cycling Club,
0:37:48 > 0:37:51who's been riding this circuit for six years.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53I was hoping to meet you halfway up.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- I'm already spent and we're at the bottom.- This is halfway up.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59And you come up here quite regularly, I understand?
0:37:59 > 0:38:00Oh, once a month or so, yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05Now, for us cyclists, Box Hill is becoming steeped in legend now,
0:38:05 > 0:38:06here in the UK, isn't it?
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Oh, absolutely. A true iconic one.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11It's a challenge that's doable for less than experienced people.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Is that what makes it so popular then?
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- It's a challenge, but you can achieve it?- That's right.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18And when you get to the top, there's a great reward
0:38:18 > 0:38:19because there is a cafe and a good view.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22I'm keen to go with an expert who can show me the pace
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- I should be going at and maybe give me some tips along the way.- OK.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26- All right? Shall we go?- Yep.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Now, be kind, Rick.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34The zigzag roads have been likened to Alpe d'Huez in the French Alps.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38It climbs 120 metres over 1.6 miles
0:38:38 > 0:38:40and the whole circuit is nearly ten miles long.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43The male British Olympic Cycling Team climbed this
0:38:43 > 0:38:47circuit nine times during just one race.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49So have you got a favourite part of Box Hill?
0:38:49 > 0:38:51In winter time, this is a good place
0:38:51 > 0:38:54because you can see through the foliage better.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56That's just one vista. When we get round this hairpin,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00- there's another one.- I do love these hairpin bends though,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02just to make the climb a bit more interesting.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- There's a bit of technical awareness you need, isn't there?- Absolutely.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09The one thing you do notice coming through here is
0:39:09 > 0:39:12the smell of alpine wood, if you like. It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:39:12 > 0:39:13It is.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15And as you go through the seasons,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18this is the bit that changes a lot too.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Well, of course, get to the top, or nearly the top,
0:39:21 > 0:39:25and you're rewarded by this amazing view.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26One of the best views in the south.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28It's got to be, isn't it? It's gorgeous.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32That was nowhere near as painful as I seem to remember it. Very pleasant.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- It's all about the pace, isn't it? - Yes, absolutely.- Shall we carry on?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Yes, why not?- Let's go.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Let's hope Malcolm and Helen don't have an uphill challenge
0:39:41 > 0:39:43deciding which house to buy.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Well, Malcolm and Helen certainly seemed smitten with Surrey,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51but they also seem rather taken with all three houses we've shown them.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53So let's meet up with them
0:39:53 > 0:39:56and find out if they're any closer to making a decision.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03So, have you managed to come to any kind of decision?
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Because you looked confused when I left you.- Well, I'll start.- Go on.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10I thought we'd given you the impossible task
0:40:10 > 0:40:15and what you've done is come up with three solutions, all of them viable.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- Now I've given you the impossible, to try and make a decision. - Absolutely.- Yes.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22They're three different solutions, all of which work,
0:40:22 > 0:40:26so I'm now at a loss to know which one to choose.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Let's try and unmuddy these waters.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32What is your favourite house to live in yourselves, as a couple?
0:40:34 > 0:40:37For me, my favourite property would be number three,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39for our accommodation.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- The Mystery House. - The Mystery House.- Right, OK.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- Absolutely.- And same for you? - Absolutely.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46What do you think the favourite house would be,
0:40:46 > 0:40:50according to your son and daughter-in-law?
0:40:50 > 0:40:53I think probably the second property.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Oh, right, the big Georgian house? - Yes.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58If the work was done on the Mystery House, the main house,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00they might like that as well,
0:41:00 > 0:41:04especially if they have an input into how it is extended.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06It sounds like it's between those two houses.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10But I think the first property deserves consideration -
0:41:10 > 0:41:13that's the house that I liked the best.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16You like the look of it, but it's got to be a home that suits you all.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18I think what Helen means is she liked the whole house,
0:41:18 > 0:41:20that's her style.
0:41:20 > 0:41:21But accommodation-wise,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24that gave you the smallest accommodation for you guys...
0:41:24 > 0:41:26- Absolutely. - ..and you're half of this.- Yes.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Which is, as you say, maybe why it's out of contention.
0:41:29 > 0:41:33OK, we've got the houses all sorted. What about the locations then?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Well, I think, again, the Mystery House comes out on top.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37- We ain't going anywhere.- No.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39But he and the family have to get into Guildford
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- and that seems perfect.- It's only five miles away from Guildford.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Exactly so.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48That would be more convenient than either of the other two properties, I think.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Well, you know what? At the start of the day,
0:41:50 > 0:41:54I said I wanted to show you a house that focused on you.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56It's up to you guys to then sell it to the rest of the family.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Oh, we'll certainly do that.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01- You must let me know what you decide on doing.- Of course, of course.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03We will, we will.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- I'm looking forward to seeing how this all unmuddles.- Yes.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- Good luck, you will need it.- Thank you very much.- Thank you very much.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17If you'd have told me just a couple of days ago that Malcolm and Helen
0:42:17 > 0:42:19would be struggling to choose between three houses,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21well, of course, I'd have taken it.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24But they do still seem a little bit confused, and they needn't be.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27They have their favourite property, and that's the Mystery House.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30What they need to do now is get their son and daughter-in-law
0:42:30 > 0:42:31down here to choose their favourite,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33and if it isn't the mystery property,
0:42:33 > 0:42:34which I think it should be,
0:42:34 > 0:42:39well, that's when the fun starts, doesn't it? See you next time.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Malcolm and Helen convinced their son and daughter-in-law to
0:42:43 > 0:42:47view the Mystery House, which is now under serious consideration.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50If you'd like to Escape To The Country in either
0:42:50 > 0:42:52England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland,
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