0:00:02 > 0:00:04Here on Escape To The Country, we love a house with a history.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07And during World War II this 19th-century manor house
0:00:07 > 0:00:10behind me was home to arguably some of the most daring
0:00:10 > 0:00:13airmen in British aviation history.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17So who were they and where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Today's house hunting duo have sold their holiday home business in
0:00:39 > 0:00:43France and are now looking for their piece of the English countryside.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45I'll be doing everything I can to help them.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47It just so happens that I'm actually
0:00:47 > 0:00:49in the market for some French furniture.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- So there is a deal to be done here. - Right.- Right.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54But I wonder how far they are willing to go.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Is there a bus service?- Come on!
0:00:56 > 0:00:59- This is going to keep you young and fit and healthy.- Absolutely.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01This is great.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Today I'm in Lincolnshire.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07Behind me is Petwood House which, during the Second World War,
0:01:07 > 0:01:11was home to the brave officers of 617 Squadron.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15Known to you and me, of course, as the Dam Busters.
0:01:15 > 0:01:22In 1943, 133 airmen took part in probably one of the most unique
0:01:22 > 0:01:25and bravest raids in military history.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29And although unfortunately 53 of the airmen never returned home,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33at the time, Operation Chastise was deemed not only a huge
0:01:33 > 0:01:38military success but also a massive morale boost to Great Britain.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Set in England's east,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45Lincolnshire shares its borders with eight other counties,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48including Norfolk, Nottinghamshire and Cambridgeshire.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51At just over 2,500 square miles,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Lincolnshire is the second-largest county in England.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55And although thought of as flat,
0:01:55 > 0:01:57much of its northern region is
0:01:57 > 0:02:00an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the Wolds,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02whose gently rolling chalk hills
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and verdant valleys are actually the highest lands in eastern England.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09It is to the south and the Lincolnshire Fens
0:02:09 > 0:02:12where the county's horizontal reputation is justified.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Here a picturesque crisscross of man-made waterways slowly
0:02:16 > 0:02:18flow through the level landscape.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Alongside fertile farmlands that singlehandedly
0:02:21 > 0:02:25produce 25% of the nation's vegetables.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28The county town is Lincoln, whose stunning cathedral was
0:02:28 > 0:02:33the tallest building in the world for almost 238 years.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Today, it may not hold that record but is still considered one of the
0:02:36 > 0:02:41finest examples of English Gothic architecture in the United Kingdom.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44So, for those in search of the rural good life,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47it's easy to see why Lincolnshire makes a great place to call home.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53The average price of a detached Lincolnshire home
0:02:53 > 0:02:57comes in at around £175,000.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02That's a whopping 107,000 - or 38% - below the national figure,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06which currently stands at £282,000.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11So a terrific county with, I can assure you, some terrific houses.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13All I need now is some buyers to show them to.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17Retirees Jacqueline and Brian have sold up their
0:03:17 > 0:03:20busy holiday home business in France and
0:03:20 > 0:03:24are looking forward to a slower pace of life in the English countryside.
0:03:24 > 0:03:30Our home in France was in central Brittany. It was quite rural.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34It was quite a large house. The main part of it we called the manor.
0:03:34 > 0:03:41It could sleep up to 12 people. And then we had three other buildings.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44In total, we could sleep 36 people.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47So it kept us all really quite busy.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52Especially on changeover day when I used to do 22 loads of washing.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56We had five acres of grounds and a swimming pool.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58So there was always a job to do.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02For Jacqueline, the green, green grass of home
0:04:02 > 0:04:04has always been at the back of her mind.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07I was born and brought up in Lincolnshire.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12We were just in a few minutes away from open countryside and fields.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17When I was a child, my friend and I used to go cycling.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21And we always used to go out and around the Lincolnshire Wolds.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24I really fell in love with the area when I was a child
0:04:24 > 0:04:28and it's always been somewhere that I've wanted to come back to.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30And with a new granddaughter living in Lincoln,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33there are plenty of reasons to return home. However, there is
0:04:33 > 0:04:37a more immediate concern pulling our couple back from the Continent.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43Jacqueline's father is approaching 90 and is increasingly frail.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48We were pretty concerned about him and this is one of the reasons
0:04:48 > 0:04:53why we've decided to come back to England. He needs looking after.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58His house certainly needs a lot of work doing to it.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01So we decided we'd stay with him for a while
0:05:01 > 0:05:05whilst we're trying to find somewhere suitable for us to live
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and also big enough for him to come and live with us.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12However, moving back in with Albert has not been
0:05:12 > 0:05:14plain sailing for our retirees.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Where we were before was very large and we had a lot of space.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Now we are in quite a small building
0:05:20 > 0:05:23and we've got somebody else there all the time.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27We've tried to get all our things and all my dad's things into one
0:05:27 > 0:05:29space and it's quite challenging really.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34So, with more reasons than ever to return home, Jacqueline and
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Brian are definitely looking forward to the next stage in their lives.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41From my point of view, it's a new chapter.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45You know, we took up the challenge of going to France.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48We can tick that off and say we did that.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53And now we've got a new chapter to enjoy our retirement.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59Pursue some interests. And also, just enjoy being with our families.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03I think I'm looking forward to being back in England
0:06:03 > 0:06:08and having a home that's not a house and not a business.
0:06:08 > 0:06:09Just a home.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15With Jacqueline and Brian wishing to move within a 30-minute drive
0:06:15 > 0:06:18of Lincoln, to be close to friends and family
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and in particular, their 18-month-old granddaughter, we are
0:06:21 > 0:06:25concentrating our search within a 15-mile radius of the historic city.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I'm meeting up with them on Lincolnshire soil to go over
0:06:28 > 0:06:30the details of their move.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32- Good morning.- Good morning.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- Ready for some house-hunting in Lincolnshire?- Yes.- Yes, absolutely.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39It's a long way from France. Is that all done and dusted now?
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Yes, it is. We completed in January.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47And all our stuff is in a container now, somewhere in Lincolnshire.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Bad for you. Music to my ears.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- That means I've got committed purchasers on board.- Absolutely.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56- Yeah.- Let's talk about the property itself.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59You got your father on board. Albert.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I take it you are looking for a bit of space inside the house?
0:07:01 > 0:07:03- How big has that got to be?- Yes.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06We'd like to have a downstairs bedroom
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- and facilities for my dad so that he's not having to go upstairs.- OK.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13That would be ideal. A stairlift might be an option.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- A stairlift could be an option? - Yeah.- Good, OK.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19So we could be looking at a standard two or three-bed house.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Minimum three. - Minimum three?- BOTH:- Yes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23All right, OK.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Now, would Albert require his own bathroom?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Yes.- OK.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31So can we look for a house that maybe doesn't have the
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- bathroom yet and you could put one in? Is that too much work?- Yes, no.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- It's a possibility.- We are into DIY. - "We" are into DIY?
0:07:38 > 0:07:39THEY LAUGH
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Hello. Is that a royal we? - It is, yes. Oh, yes.- OK.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- You make the tea, do you? - No, I do the DIY. He makes the tea.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47THEY LAUGH
0:07:47 > 0:07:50Well, in my experience, there is probably a lot more
0:07:50 > 0:07:53devil in the detail. You're probably best for that.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56OK, do you want a separate dining room, open plan?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58It would be nice to have a separate dining room
0:07:58 > 0:08:02because we like to entertain. Jacqueline is a very good cook.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Enjoys doing dinner parties and that sort of thing.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08So it would be nice to have that facility.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- But we need to be realistic.- So, is a big kitchen on the shopping list?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Please say no!- Um... It doesn't have to be a big kitchen.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19As long as it's reasonably sized.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22Outside the house, do you want a garden?
0:08:22 > 0:08:27- Yes, that would be lovely.- Jacqueline enjoys gardening. I'm a good mower.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29So what's the budget?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- £270,000.- OK. You sound pretty sure on that.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36And that's money to spend right now? You've got nothing to sell?
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Absolutely nothing. I can write you a cheque now.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Let's look at the houses first.- OK. - But I do like your confidence.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Let's get going.- OK.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50With £270,000 to spend,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53Jacqueline and Brian have a great budget for the area.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56They are looking for a spacious property with
0:08:56 > 0:08:59character that will enable them to accommodate Jacqueline's father.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Three bedrooms is a minimum.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03They'd also love a good-sized kitchen,
0:09:03 > 0:09:07a separate dining room and a manageable garden.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10A village location in striking distance of Lincoln
0:09:10 > 0:09:11is also essential.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We have a fine range of country houses for our couple to
0:09:14 > 0:09:16feast their eyes upon.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18But price tags will remain a closely guarded secret
0:09:18 > 0:09:22until Jacqueline and Brian have completed their viewings.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Our last offering, the Mystery House,
0:09:24 > 0:09:26will attempt to introduce them
0:09:26 > 0:09:30to a different way of living whilst answering all of their prayers.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Did you enjoy yourselves over in France?
0:09:35 > 0:09:37Yes, very good. It was very interesting.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Oh, yes, it was one of those experiences that I'm glad we did.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43You moved away from your family and all those grandchildren,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45how did you find that, Jacqueline?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- I found it very difficult actually. - Did you?- Yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Missed out on so much.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52So you are hoping to redress that with a move to Lincolnshire then?
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Yes. Yes, I'm really looking forward to being more involved with
0:09:56 > 0:09:58the family and...
0:09:58 > 0:10:00And with our friends as well
0:10:00 > 0:10:02because we've got a lot of friends in Lincolnshire.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09We are kicking off our house hunt to the west of Lincolnshire, in the
0:10:09 > 0:10:13small village of Brant Broughton, a 20-minute drive from Lincoln.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Its high street is lined with attractive red brick houses,
0:10:16 > 0:10:20many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Today, locals and visitors are well served,
0:10:23 > 0:10:25with all the essential amenities,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28including a village hall, a pub and a village shop.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Whilst its Grade I listed Gothic church is said to have the
0:10:31 > 0:10:33most elegant spire in Lincolnshire.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Our first property lies within a conservation area.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39And is tucked away from the heart of the village.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44OK, so just off the main village road
0:10:44 > 0:10:47we have this lane which leads us to a collection of houses,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51including our first property we are going to have a look around.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- Right, OK.- Right.- It's very cute.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- Hmm.- It's pretty.- Pretty. Good, I'm glad you said that.- It's pretty.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- I think it is.- Yes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01What are your first impressions of the location, Jacqueline?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05It was a surprise really. I was not expecting it to be up a little lane.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- OK. Let's go inside.- OK.- Lovely.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Dating back to the 1800s,
0:11:11 > 0:11:15this attractive brick and pantile cottage started life as a barn.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19But an extensive programme of renovations and refurbishments
0:11:19 > 0:11:23through the years has created a versatile and characterful home.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- All right.- Right, OK. - Were you expecting this?- No.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- I bet you weren't.- No, not at all. - Very, very interesting.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- Quite contemporary, isn't it, Jacqueline?- It is, yes.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36Very contemporary. Yes. That I wasn't expecting either.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- I was expecting it to be more traditional.- Cottage-y?- Yes.- Mm.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Right, let's keep looking through. Follow me.- BOTH:- OK.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47As it stands, this... Well, it's clearly a dining room.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52I'm not sure, in terms of sizes of rooms, it's a little bit small.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Yeah.- I mean, we've brought some furniture back from France
0:11:56 > 0:11:59and our lounge in France was 45 foot long.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00HE WHISTLES
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- So we'd have to get rid of quite a lot of furniture.- Right.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07It just so happens I'm actually in the market for some French
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- furniture. So there is a deal to be done here.- Oh, right.- OK.- Right, OK.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15Let's suck it and see. Let's go and take a look at the kitchen next.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16Thank you very much.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20So far, the contemporary living arrangements and dimensions of the
0:12:20 > 0:12:24rooms downstairs don't seem to be winning any favours with our couple.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27So I'm hoping the modern kitchen may convince them
0:12:27 > 0:12:29of the merits of this property.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Just mind your step coming past the stairs here.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Jacqueline, you tell me you are a very keen cook.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- Yes.- Talk to me about this kitchen. - It seems quite small actually.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45I love the combinations of woods and things in here. This is beautiful.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- It's very nice. - It really is well done, isn't it?
0:12:48 > 0:12:54But it feels more holiday cottage-y as opposed to a place to live in.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56That's a fair point. What do you think, Jacqueline?
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Yeah, I think that's actually a good description of it really.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Right, OK. Let's go and have a look at the upstairs accommodations.
0:13:02 > 0:13:03- BOTH:- OK.- Brilliant.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Despite our couple's reservations,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Jacqueline's father is certainly well catered for downstairs.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13With his own ground floor bedroom and bathroom.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Upstairs, the property has an additional two bedrooms
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and a family bathroom.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Of the two bedrooms up here on the first floor,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24certainly this is my favourite.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29This is very nice. It's light and airy. Yeah. Yeah, it's good.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- It sounds like you are describing someone else's house.- Mmm.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Not a home you might consider purchasing.- Mmm.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Do you know what I mean?
0:13:36 > 0:13:37Even your tone is like, "Yeah, it's nice.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39"It's this, it's that, it's the other."
0:13:39 > 0:13:42What is it that make you think, "Oh, I'm not sure?"
0:13:42 > 0:13:46- Cos that's what I'm thinking you're thinking.- Well, space.- Right.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49I think it's probably. And the fact, you know,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52our furniture definitely wouldn't fit in here.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54Let's take a bit more of this house in.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56In fact, let's go outside to the garden
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- and start thinking about price, OK?- Fine.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Can I just squeeze through the middle there?- Indeed.- Thank you.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05So, with the house thoroughly inspected and analysed,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08it's time we moved downstairs to the garden.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10OK, so, outside space.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12It's a bit on the small side.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16I was kind of hoping that there would have been a bigger garden.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19It's starting to be the theme for the house for you guys, isn't it?
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- Mmm.- Yes. It's quite small.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24All right, how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:24 > 0:14:25Who wants to go first?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- You go first.- OK.- Jacqueline clearly doesn't want to go first.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31THEY LAUGH
0:14:31 > 0:14:35I think that it's a very well presented property
0:14:35 > 0:14:41- but on the small side. So I'm going to guess £265,000.- OK.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45That was exactly what I was going to suggest.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47If you'd have been more gallant...
0:14:47 > 0:14:52- I'll say 270.- 270? Well, the early bird catches the worm.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Cos it's on the market for £265,000. Well done.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I think I know where to go from here.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00I think you should have a good look around the rest of the house.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Go and have a look around where your father would stay
0:15:03 > 0:15:06and en suite bathroom there and the other bedroom because these
0:15:06 > 0:15:10are the other bits that make our house hunt slightly different.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13We are looking for ground-floor living and things like that.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Go have a goose around and I'll catch you later on.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17- OK.- All right.- Speak to you in a bit. - BOTH:- Thank you.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24For £5,000 below budget, this historic detached cottage certainly
0:15:24 > 0:15:29offers Jacqueline and Brian all that they require in their new property.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33Located close to Lincoln, the house squeezes in a lounge,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35a kitchen, separate dining room and a garden.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And although not a huge amount of space, there is
0:15:38 > 0:15:40enough room to accommodate Jacqueline's father
0:15:40 > 0:15:43with his own downstairs bedroom and bathroom facilities.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Hmm.- OK, so this would be the room that my dad would have.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Yeah, it's a nice room. - It would need to have a single bed.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55He wouldn't be able to have a double bed. There wouldn't be enough room.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56No. No.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59I think, to make this house work for us,
0:15:59 > 0:16:04we probably would be needing to make an extension which,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07because this property is getting near to the top of our budget,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10that's probably not doable.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13So I just don't think really it would work.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16The property has been done up really well.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20They've made great use of the space that is available.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22But there is not enough space for us.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Generally, I think this property is beautiful.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I think it's been done to a very high standard.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30I think it would be lovely
0:16:30 > 0:16:33for somebody else but it's just not right for us.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Are you happy you've seen everything you need to see?
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Yes, I think so. Thanks.- I think so, yes.- OK, on to the next one.- OK.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48The Lincolnshire Wolds are a stretch of low-lying chalk hills that
0:16:48 > 0:16:52were formed 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56The Wolds span 216 square miles and are home to many chalk streams,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00which are internationally recognised as rare habitats.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Brian and Jacqueline have come along to meet Will Bartle
0:17:03 > 0:17:04and Richard Osmond,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07who are part of the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Monitoring Group,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10to find out more about these fragile waterways
0:17:10 > 0:17:14and also discover how they can help their local environment.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18We are wanting to move to Lincolnshire
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and we particularly enjoy the Lincolnshire Wolds.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24And we wondered if there is any opportunity to get
0:17:24 > 0:17:26involved in any voluntary work?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Yeah, absolutely. Lots of opportunities to get involved,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31especially with the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Projects.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33We have people coming to do work days.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36But we also have people doing riverfly monitoring,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38like Richard here.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Just tell them a little bit about what you do.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43I live here at the Mill House.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46We've got a lovely chalk stream here, which is the River Bain.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Once a month, I go and basically do a kick sample.
0:17:49 > 0:17:50Look at the invertebrates.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55Which is basically going to tell us how healthy the river is.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56Would you like a go?
0:17:56 > 0:18:02- Sounds really interesting. Yeah.- We have some spare waders.- Yes, we do.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Kick sampling involves the disturbing of a riverbed to
0:18:06 > 0:18:09allow water-based life to be collected in nets.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Chalk streams contain rather unique ecosystems as their waters
0:18:13 > 0:18:17are extremely pure and have a very stable temperature.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Home to many species, including the brown trout,
0:18:20 > 0:18:23otter and kingfisher, it's the number of tiny invertebrates
0:18:23 > 0:18:26samples collected in just three minutes that will give Will
0:18:26 > 0:18:30and his team the best indication as to the health of a stream.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Not easy to walk in though, are they?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37OK. If you just come round here.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38Just pick your spot.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44- Just one of your feet, whichever you feel more firm on.- Yes.
0:18:44 > 0:18:50Just roughly disturb the surface. Get your net in at the bottom.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53That's it. Just keep going. That's it.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Once the allocated time for kick sampling is up,
0:18:58 > 0:19:02the contents of the net are carefully tipped into a bucket
0:19:02 > 0:19:05before being transferred to a tray for closer inspection.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I'm going to try and identify what's in here.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11We've got our...
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Technical equipment here. Turkey basters.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Will carefully sucks in one of the invertebrates
0:19:18 > 0:19:21and checks which species it is using a reference chart.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27We've got one here. Which one do we think we've got in our tray?
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- It's got two tails.- This one?
0:19:29 > 0:19:34Yep, so we've got ourselves a stonefly. Number one.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Having got all this information and recorded,
0:19:38 > 0:19:42where does it go to and what happens to it?
0:19:42 > 0:19:46We put it into the Riverfly Partnership database.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47We can see any fluctuations.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51For example, if there is any real drop in numbers
0:19:51 > 0:19:54we know that something has happened to this stream.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57That might be pollution has happened further upstream.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01It's vital information of the health of our streams.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06And with just 12 out of the UK's 224 chalk streams being protected,
0:20:06 > 0:20:11and 77% of them failing to meet a good status, it's vital Will
0:20:11 > 0:20:15and his volunteers continue the monitoring of these beautiful
0:20:15 > 0:20:17and unique systems.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21For our second house on our property search, we are
0:20:21 > 0:20:24heading 16 miles east to the village of Dorrington.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28It has plenty to offer, including a butchers, a local pub,
0:20:28 > 0:20:30and a village hall.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Along with a delightful, scenic pond, complete with ducks.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37However, just two minutes down the road lies Ruskington,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41whose busy high street easily caters for the needs of locals,
0:20:41 > 0:20:46with its large variety of amenities and shops, including a supermarket.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50But back on the edges of Dorrington, we have our second offering.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Now then.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55What do we think?
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Option number two.- Wow.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- First impressions, Jacqueline? - I prefer it to the first one.- Why so?
0:21:01 > 0:21:06I don't really know. It looks bigger. It's just more attractive.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- It looks charming.- Charming. That's a good way of describing it.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- Let's go inside. Come along. - OK, great.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16This delightful English cottage dates all the way back to the
0:21:16 > 0:21:201700s and has undergone some extensive refurbishment in its time.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24With its current owner adding an extension just two years ago.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27I'm hoping this will help provide that fine blend of space
0:21:27 > 0:21:30and character that our couple desire.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- In we come.- OK.
0:21:33 > 0:21:38- Now then, separation of living areas.- Yes. That's better.- Good.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41- I prefer that.- There is much more usable space in here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Now, follow me. I want to point something out on the way.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49OK, let's just pause here for a moment.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- First of all, I know you wanted separate dining space.- Yes.- Hmm.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Big enough, surely?- Yes. - This is great.- Yeah, that's... Yeah.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- I like that.- Hmm. And a piano.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02- Well, a little birdie told me you had a piano.- Absolutely.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- You don't have anything like a grand piano or anything?- No, no.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06It would sit there lovely.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Could you get used to that, the ducking?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12I could have a few feet chopped off my legs.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- But isn't it lovely? - It's not a problem.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- What's not to love then?- Yeah. - The kitchen is pretty much new.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Let's have a look at it. - Right. OK.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25So far, the house really seems to be delivering.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29But will the kitchen live up to Jacqueline and Brian's expectations?
0:22:29 > 0:22:30So, it's a breakfast kitchen.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32It frees up that middle room, doesn't it,
0:22:32 > 0:22:34if you've got room for dining here as well?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- That's great, yeah. - Yes.- This is a lovely kitchen.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- And it's very light as well. - Yes. It needs to be.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Those windows and that return help, don't they?
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Yes.- I know you have come from a huge property in France
0:22:45 > 0:22:49to this, so do you think you could adapt to this size of property?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- I think so.- Yeah?- Yeah, I think so.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54I mean, one of the things, one of the reasons we came
0:22:54 > 0:22:59from France was the amount of work involved in running a large place.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Running a place like this would be much easier.- Yeah.
0:23:02 > 0:23:08And as we get older, being realistic, it would suit us better.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Very practical. Music to my ears. - Mmm.- Always is.- Always is, is he?
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Well, let's go upstairs
0:23:13 > 0:23:16and have a look at at least one of the bedrooms, OK?
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Fine.- Just mind your head. I'll come after you.- OK.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Though the cottage doesn't have any ground floor living
0:23:23 > 0:23:25arrangements for Jacqueline's father,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28there is a good-sized staircase that will comfortably accommodate
0:23:28 > 0:23:31a lift, allowing Albert access to the upstairs,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34where we find three double bedrooms plus a single.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36And there is a family bathroom.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40I'm showing Jacqueline and Brian the largest of the bedrooms.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Righty-ho. Now...
0:23:44 > 0:23:46As a bedroom for you guys, big enough?
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Yeah, it's a good size. - Yeah, it is a good size. Nice room.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Behind that door is an en-suite shower room and loo.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- Lovely!- Yeah. Fairly compact. - Yes, but it works.- It works.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01But this is where I've got the conundrum for you guys, really.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Because is this a master then for you or for your dad?
0:24:04 > 0:24:09This would work well and it could give him a nice sitting area
0:24:09 > 0:24:10and so forth.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- A lovely window to sit in front of, read a book, listen to music.- Mm.
0:24:14 > 0:24:15Yeah.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21So with the inside coming up with all the goods, it's time we headed
0:24:21 > 0:24:25downstairs and outside, where I have one little surprise for our couple.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31- This pathway leads us to even more garden.- Really?- Oh!
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Up the 50m stretch of path lies a little secret.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39But the long walk is definitely worth it.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44- This is something you might not have expected.- No!
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Are we still in Lincolnshire? - THEY LAUGH
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- It's a long path but it's your path. That's the most important thing.- OK.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- That's amazing.- Yeah.- Wow.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54This is a lovely garden. Is there a bus service?
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Come on! This is going to keep you young and fit and healthy.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- Absolutely. This is great. Great for kids.- Yes.- Wonderful.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04- Superb.- Definitely has potential.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So how much would a place like this cost?
0:25:07 > 0:25:08Oh.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- I would say 285.- All right.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- I'm going to say 269.- She's good!
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- £269,950.- Really?- You are good!
0:25:20 > 0:25:22That's amazing, yeah. Yeah.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25Whilst you're up here, have a good scoot around the garden.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- Yeah, I'd like to do that.- And when you're finished, I'll meet you...
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- I'll come and find you. How's that? - OK.- OK.- See you in a moment.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- That's lovely.- Thank you.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Bang on budget,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40this charming cottage goes a long way to give Jacqueline
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and Brian everything they are
0:25:42 > 0:25:43looking for in their new property.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46With separate kitchen, living
0:25:46 > 0:25:47and dining areas providing the style
0:25:47 > 0:25:49of living they are more suited to,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51it has the added benefit of space.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52And although there may not be
0:25:52 > 0:25:54a downstairs living
0:25:54 > 0:25:55option for Jacqueline's dad,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57with four bedrooms upstairs,
0:25:57 > 0:25:58there are certainly plenty
0:25:58 > 0:25:59of options available
0:25:59 > 0:26:01to comfortably accommodate him.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03This is a great space. It's not overlooked.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08We could have some great parties up here. The kids could camp up here.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Yeah, it really gives a feeling of being in the country, doesn't it?
0:26:11 > 0:26:15I love the house. I could certainly see myself living here.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17It does present itself very, very well.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22I'm a firm believer that you can make a house work for you.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25Provided the basics are right.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28And I think lots of the basics are right here.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29When I walked into this house,
0:26:29 > 0:26:33I liked it a lot but it just wasn't saying "Buy me."
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Lovely cottage-y houses, whilst they are perhaps ideal for Brian
0:26:37 > 0:26:39and I, we need to be very careful
0:26:39 > 0:26:42when we are thinking about what's going to be suitable for my dad.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46So we meet somewhere in the middle. How did you get on there?
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Very good. Yeah.- Interesting.- Mmm.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52A totally new concept of the property that gives us.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55- Buy one get one free, garden wise. - That's right, yeah.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- Inside, something to think about? - BOTH:- Yes.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59All right, you've got the time to do just that.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02That's all we're seeing today so I'll take you back. Come on then.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03- OK.- OK, thank you.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13It's the second day of our property search in Lincolnshire.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18And armed with a budget of £270,000, we are hoping to find
0:27:18 > 0:27:22returning expats Jacqueline and Brian a perfect country pad.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Coming up, I'm hoping our Mystery House can perform
0:27:25 > 0:27:27a combination of miracles.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29The Holy Trinity, if you like.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Very good. Very good. THEY LAUGH
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Good.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I'll be taking a futuristic machine for a spin.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40There's a lot of screens here. I mean, this looks like a spaceship.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Two really strong properties yesterday.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Whilst the first house may have been a tad on the small side,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52the second property really struck a chord with Brian,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55who was even talking about putting his piano in there.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Although on reflection, I can't help
0:27:57 > 0:28:00but feel that Jacqueline was maybe dragging her feet.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And I think this has something to do with the fact that, well,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05they have moved from a massive house in France
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and she is maybe struggling to get her head around the whole
0:28:08 > 0:28:11downsizing thing, which is why I am really looking forward to
0:28:11 > 0:28:14showing them both the Mystery House.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I reckon we have to be practical about this.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Yes, they have got a good budget for Lincolnshire,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22but it will eventually buy them a modest sized house.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26But it needs to give them both a sense of space.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29And I think the mystery property today gives them just that.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30Let's see what happens.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35For our last house, we are heading to the small,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38rural village of Branston Booths, 15 minutes from the centre
0:28:38 > 0:28:42of Lincoln and three miles from the lively village of Heighington.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Lying within a shallow valley,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48the village of Heighington is characterised by its golden
0:28:48 > 0:28:50limestone houses that cluster around the high street
0:28:50 > 0:28:53of the old village. Along with a local hall,
0:28:53 > 0:28:57a supermarket and a post office, Heighington boasts two pubs,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00one of which - the Butcher & Beast - is rather unique,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03as it is the only pub in the whole of the UK with that name.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07However, leaving the pub behind and heading back to Branston Booths,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10we have our next property to explore.
0:29:11 > 0:29:17- Right then, the Mystery House is this Wesleyan Chapel.- BOTH:- Oh, wow!
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- That's amazing.- Wow!
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Well, I think this could give you that fine
0:29:23 > 0:29:27- balance between practicality, that space you have inside...- Yes.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31..and the certain style and character you are after.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And right at the top the list, I know that your dad, Albert,
0:29:34 > 0:29:36has to be catered for.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38So I think this gives us all those three.
0:29:38 > 0:29:43- OK.- All right.- The Holy Trinity, if you like.- Oh, very good, very good!
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Good. Let's have a look inside. Let's go at it this way.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47- Come with me.- OK, brilliant.- OK.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53The Methodist chapel and schoolroom was built in 1911 and remained
0:29:53 > 0:29:57a place of worship until became derelict in 2002.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00It's current owner completely renovated it six years ago.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03And while the outside oozes curb appeal,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I'm praying there's enough going on inside to convince Jacqueline
0:30:06 > 0:30:08and Brian of the benefits of this property.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10In you come.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Now then.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Oh, wow!
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- This is amazing.- Wow!
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- It's...it's surprising, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- I was not expecting a space like this.- What a difference!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Goodness me, this is superb.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30Now, kitchen. If this isn't big enough, I am retiring.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36- It is pretty large.- Stunning kitchen. Lovely floors. Wow. Yeah.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- What do you think? This is all open-plan.- Hm.- I like it.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I don't know whether I'd like to live in it.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Keep an open mind, Jacqueline, this house could work for you guys,
0:30:47 > 0:30:48it really could.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- OK.- All right? Come with me.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Up these little steps. Now, great living space.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- You could very easily separate this from the kitchen.- Yes.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01But come upstairs, let me show you the master.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02It is absolutely smashing.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Now, if you're not keen on open-plan dining and kitchen,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11you might think this is a bridge too far,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14but look at it. I absolutely love it.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- It is beautiful.- Yeah, it is. - Now, en suite.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- You have got your separate shower, loo and basin.- Oh, really?
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- All right.- Just in there.- Oh, good.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28- And you could, if you wanted, just carry this straight on up.- Yes.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- Very easily. So it is not open-plan.- Hm.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Jacqueline... What does that face mean?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38I know what you are saying, I just feel that if you were to do
0:31:38 > 0:31:41all of that, you would lose the character of the place.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43I honestly don't think you'd lose any of the character
0:31:43 > 0:31:46if you did something as simple as just put a stud partition up here.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49I mean, this could just be a guest bedroom if you liked.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Couldn't it? And then you could live downstairs.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Well, we haven't seen the whole of the downstairs yet.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Let me show you.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00So with just the one bedroom on the mezzanine,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02the majority of the living accommodation in this
0:32:02 > 0:32:05converted chapel lies on the ground floor -
0:32:05 > 0:32:07an ideal set-up for Jacqueline's father,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10consisting of two additional double bedrooms,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13a modern tiled family bathroom, a study room
0:32:13 > 0:32:17and a fully functional utility, perfect for all Albert's needs.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22So a pretty good-sized double bedroom.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- Suitable for you or your dad. - Yeah.- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah, definitely.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30With one next-door as well. Where would you want to sleep yourselves?
0:32:30 > 0:32:35I would choose to be not next-door to my father-in-law.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37THEY LAUGH
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I know exactly what you mean.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- We don't need to say any more about that, do we?- No.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Yeah, this is a lovely room, isn't it?
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Come on, Jacqueline, you have got to love this.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Yeah, it is really nice, I'll give you that.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53You'll give me... Good, good.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55You are holding something back, I know you are.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59All right, well, let's go outside to reflect
0:32:59 > 0:33:02but also start thinking about price.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Let me just squeeze through the middle there.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08So, while Brian is clearly very excited about this property,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Jacqueline needs a bit more convincing.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15So I'm just hoping there's enough garden outside here to win her over.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20Now, I think the outside space is probably your biggest
0:33:20 > 0:33:24- compromise here, isn't it?- Yes. - Could you do something with this?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Maybe.- Maybe?- Maybe, yeah.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Is this keeping one's cards close to the chest again, Jacqueline?
0:33:30 > 0:33:31I'm sorry.
0:33:31 > 0:33:36Well, maybe I get to gauge your opinion of this place
0:33:36 > 0:33:38with your guessing the price.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42I think 275.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Brian, any advance?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Well, that is exactly the figure I was going to say.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- Oh, come on, you always say that. - But I am going to say...
0:33:50 > 0:33:54No, it is truthfully the case. I am going to say 270.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56You have pulled it back.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00This beautifully converted chapel is on the market for offers
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- above 250,000.- Oh, really?
0:34:04 > 0:34:08And in speaking to him, I think he expects to settle a bit over 270.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10- Hm.- It is one of those few conversions that really,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- really does work.- Yes.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15But it also works for you, for your ground-floor living
0:34:15 > 0:34:17aspect of your search, which is quite something.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I think, go back inside this chapel,
0:34:19 > 0:34:23have a good look around and I'll meet you whenever you're done.
0:34:23 > 0:34:24- BOTH:- OK. Thank you.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Comfortably falling within
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Jacqueline and Brian's budget,
0:34:31 > 0:34:32this chapel conversion
0:34:32 > 0:34:33undoubtedly provides a fresh
0:34:33 > 0:34:35and modern living experience
0:34:35 > 0:34:37for our couple. And although
0:34:37 > 0:34:38its open-plan arrangement
0:34:38 > 0:34:40may not quite hit the mark, there is
0:34:40 > 0:34:42plenty of scope to change this.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Plus with lots of downstairs living
0:34:44 > 0:34:46space, this property certainly has
0:34:46 > 0:34:48enough room to easily accommodate
0:34:48 > 0:34:50the needs of Jacqueline's father.
0:34:50 > 0:34:51So what do you think?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Well, it's...it's amazing, actually. I can't...
0:34:55 > 0:34:58It is quite breathtaking when you walk in here.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- This space is magnificent, really, isn't it?- Oh, it is.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06I don't think I have ever seen as good a chapel conversion as this.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08No. It's really good.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11It was quite a surprise when we walked into this space
0:35:11 > 0:35:15just how lovely it is and how well it has been done.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18And even though open-plan is not really my thing,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22I do appreciate that it is a really lovely space.
0:35:22 > 0:35:29Well, when we arrived outside, I thought, "Oh, a chapel."
0:35:29 > 0:35:32And I thought, "Well, this looks pretty good."
0:35:32 > 0:35:37And then we came inside, I was...I was staggered, actually.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40It is, you know, quite breathtaking when you walk in.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Now then, all done inside?
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- Yes, thank you.- Yes. - Still smiling?- Yes.- Very much.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49Does this chapel make the shortlist? That's all I want to know.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53- BOTH:- Yes.- Good. Now is the time to sit and chat everything through.- OK.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- Let's go.- OK.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04The Lincolnshire Fens lie to the south of the county
0:36:04 > 0:36:08and originally consisted of fresh and saltwater wetlands that
0:36:08 > 0:36:12have been artificially drained by man for hundreds of years.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14The retreating waters have left behind a rich
0:36:14 > 0:36:16mixture of minerals and salts,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20creating some of the best soils for farming the UK has to offer.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Today, I am meeting with Julian Perowne, of Jack Buck Farms,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26to find out about what he produces.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Morning, Julian.- Morning. - How are we doing?- All right.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- Very well, good to see you. - You too. Now, beautiful day.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35In modern-day terms, it is Lincolnshire that is
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- the Garden of England, isn't it? - Without a doubt.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40We've got the best soils in the country.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42How much farmland have you got here?
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- Well, we are farming about 1,700 acres.- Goodness me!
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- We are probably best known for celeriac.- Which is this here.
0:36:49 > 0:36:50Here it is.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- I mean...- Not the most beautiful vegetable in the world.- It's ugly!
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- Yeah, it is ugly, yeah. - It is a root vegetable.- Yeah.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59This is all cleaned off.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03- I mean...- There it is in the dirty form.- You've got a lot here.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07I mean, how much of the celeriac that is eaten and used in the UK
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- have you got here, do you think? - We grow about 90% of the UK's, yeah.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- So pretty much all of it here. - Six million heads of celeriac.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16And how do you store them? How to keep them fresh, then?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19There is a lot of refrigeration there to keep them fresh.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- So these are chilled, these master units?- Yeah, yeah.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23All summer.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26It is a beautiful day. I can hear all the machinery whirring
0:37:26 > 0:37:30- and banging away, what can we get up to?- We can do sugar beet drilling.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31- Can we?- Yeah.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- Does that involve big tractors?- It does.- Excellent! Let's go.- Let's go.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39This family farm was established nearly 150 years ago,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43and today, it produces a wide variety of crops including fennel,
0:37:43 > 0:37:45daffodils and sugar beet, which is planted
0:37:45 > 0:37:48by drilling seeds into ploughed soils.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I am hoping to help in this process by lending my hand to
0:37:50 > 0:37:55a bit of cultivating using some rather modern technology.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Now, I've got to say, this looks like a proper bit of kit.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- This is modern farming. - This is modern farming, yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:05What we have got here - class tractor, about 180 horsepower,
0:38:05 > 0:38:08double wheels to reduce the soil compaction in the spring.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10And we have got satellite steering,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14so it will steer itself each pass across the field.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15How much is this?
0:38:15 > 0:38:18I think we would be looking at about 105,000 now.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- I would like to get into a £105,000 tractor if I may.- You certainly can.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Great stuff.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Inside, it is another world.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33I was going to say, there are a lot of screens here.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- I mean, this looks like a spaceship. - Certainly.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37So how'd I start this thing? I see a key.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Push the clutch, so it knows it is out of gear.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Start it up, just like a car. And it will start. And off we go.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Satellite navigation combined with self-steer technology
0:38:49 > 0:38:51enables fields to be cultivated
0:38:51 > 0:38:55and planted with an accuracy unattainable by man alone.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57All with the push of a button.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Press D, that's it. And it is steering.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04- The tractor is steering itself. - It just feels so alien.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07I've got no foot on the clutch, the break, the throttle.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10The key to effective cultivating is to reduce to a minimum
0:39:10 > 0:39:13the amount of times the land is worked twice.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- How much are we overlapping by? - About two inches.- That is amazing!
0:39:16 > 0:39:20This is about making it much more efficient as a business, isn't it?
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- You are saving money on...- It's making the operation more efficient.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Yeah. - And we are saving money on inputs.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29This is technology which keeps our production costs low,
0:39:29 > 0:39:33keeps us efficient, keeps us competitive in the world market,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35which is where we have got to be.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37I have absolutely loved that.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I was really looking forward to today, but it has been really
0:39:39 > 0:39:42interesting but obviously a lot of fun, so thank you very, very much.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43My pleasure.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Well, as far as Brian is concerned,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49I reckon he has two firm favourites
0:39:49 > 0:39:51out of the three houses we have shown them.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54But then when it comes to Jacqueline, I've got no idea
0:39:54 > 0:39:56where she is at,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59as all through this process she has kept her cards pretty close
0:39:59 > 0:40:00to her chest.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03So let's catch up with them and find out their thoughts.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12- Well, you have had a bit of time to think things through.- Mm-hm.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15What are your current thoughts? Favourite house?
0:40:15 > 0:40:19Favourite house, without a doubt, was the Mystery House.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24As you walked around that property, internally, you seemed to
0:40:24 > 0:40:28maybe like the mystery property more and more, is that right, Jacqueline?
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Yes. I think that is probably true.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31Why so?
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Well, as we talked about what the possibilities were,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38then the open-plan issues started to diminish.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43When I first went in there, it really did stun me in terms of...
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- I was just so surprised... - I could tell you liked it.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48..how good inside it was.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Run me through the next step for you guys, then.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52In regards to the Mystery House.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Well, I'd like to have another look at it.- OK, good.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57I think we need to have a look at the area,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00because it is an area of Lincolnshire that I don't know.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03So see what's around, find out how long it is going to take us
0:41:03 > 0:41:07to get into Lincoln, because that is quite important to
0:41:07 > 0:41:11how we think that things are going to be in the future.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13As it is at the moment, I don't think it is quite right.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16But we'll just have a think about it and see
0:41:16 > 0:41:18if we think we can make it work.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21What do you think your father, Albert, would make
0:41:21 > 0:41:22of the Mystery Property?
0:41:22 > 0:41:25He said, as long as he has got a chair and somewhere to sleep,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- he will be happy. - Well, he is easy to please.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Should have gone looking for houses with him!
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- THEY LAUGH - I could've shown him anything!
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- Yeah. Yes. - Well, that is pretty good.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I mean, are you looking forward to this next step?
0:41:37 > 0:41:42You are a step closer to, you know, getting your dad under one roof, you
0:41:42 > 0:41:45know, living together as a family but obviously with your own space.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Well, the more important issue for me is Jacqueline
0:41:48 > 0:41:53and I finding our next home to live the next chapter of our lives.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54Well, all that is left for me
0:41:54 > 0:41:56to do now is wish you the very best of luck.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- Let me know what happens next, won't you?- We will.- Good.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- Been a cracking couple of days, hasn't it?- It certainly has.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03It has been very good, thank you.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10You know, I think Brian and Jacqueline have learned
0:42:10 > 0:42:13a valuable lesson these past couple of days.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15They're gone from perhaps dismissing a house
0:42:15 > 0:42:18because it wasn't perfect to looking at a property and saying,
0:42:18 > 0:42:22"Yes, we like it, but how can we make it work for us?"
0:42:22 > 0:42:24And I think that is an approach we can all adopt when
0:42:24 > 0:42:27looking at houses, especially when you have something specific on
0:42:27 > 0:42:31your shopping list like ground-floor living for an elderly relative.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34So with that in mind, I hope they do go back to the Mystery House
0:42:34 > 0:42:37and they can find ways of making that property work for them
0:42:37 > 0:42:39as an entire family.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I look forward to finding out what happens next for them.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43I will see you soon.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Jacqueline and Brian did return to the Mystery House.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48And though they thought it could work for them,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52both felt that its location wasn't quite right.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54So their search continues with a few viewings already
0:42:54 > 0:42:56booked in the diary.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, England,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Northern Ireland or Wales and would like our help,
0:43:02 > 0:43:03you can apply online at...