0:00:02 > 0:00:05This windmill behind me first started producing flour over 180 years ago,
0:00:05 > 0:00:09and today, also helps make rather a good pint.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Find out how and exactly where I am in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Today's house hunters are ready to move to pastures new
0:00:34 > 0:00:37in the countryside, closer to family.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Our properties offer rooms with views that leave them startled.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Ooh, wow.- Oh, that's amazing. - That is really surprising.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Did not expect this.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And we've also found spaces that leave them dumbfounded.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Oh, that's absolutely fabulous.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Gosh.- I'm speechless.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Today, I'm in Lincolnshire and behind me is Heckington Windmill,
0:01:00 > 0:01:05the last remaining eight-sailed working windmill in the country.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10Originally constructed in 1830, the tower has recently been refurbished
0:01:10 > 0:01:15and now not only mills wheat, but also barley for an on-site brewery.
0:01:15 > 0:01:16Later on in the show,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20I'll be finding out more about this rather unique enterprise.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Lying on England's east coast, Lincolnshire covers a vast area
0:01:25 > 0:01:27of over 2,000 square miles.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31The county shares borders with Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Nottinghamshire and England's smallest county, Rutland.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38In north-east Lincolnshire lie the Wolds,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42a landscape of rolling hills, valleys and chalk streams.
0:01:42 > 0:01:47Further south, marshy fenland was drained several centuries ago
0:01:47 > 0:01:50to reveal low-lying, nutrient-rich agricultural land,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54which generates more fresh produce than anywhere else in the country.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56When it comes to setting up home,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00the town of Stamford is one of the most desirable centres in the county.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Here, the architecturally rich streets are lined
0:02:02 > 0:02:04with stunning Georgian facades
0:02:04 > 0:02:09and over 600 listed buildings made from local mellow limestone.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Lincolnshire also happens to be one of the most sparsely populated
0:02:12 > 0:02:16counties in England, and so makes for an attractive option
0:02:16 > 0:02:18for those seeking a truly rural escape.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24As it stands, the average price of a detached house here in Lincolnshire
0:02:24 > 0:02:30currently comes in at £176,000, which is around £100,000 below
0:02:30 > 0:02:33the national figure, which represents a pretty good proposition
0:02:33 > 0:02:37for those seeking their very own escape to the country.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Now, the beautiful city of Lincoln itself and some of the villages
0:02:40 > 0:02:43to the north are slightly more expensive,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45but heading east towards Boston...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Well, areas like that haven't seen price rises for quite some time,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51so these represent even more value for money.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Time to catch up with today's buyers, then, and find out why
0:02:54 > 0:02:58they're looking in this beautiful and reasonably priced part of the world.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Peter and Melanie met whilst working as teachers in the same school,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06and have now been married for 25 years.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08She's a very strong lady.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12Good sense of humour. Very loyal, and very, very popular.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14Peter...
0:03:14 > 0:03:16Very good with words,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20irritating cos he always corrects me, but he's brilliant.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23Based in Locks Heath, between Southampton and Portsmouth,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26they live with their two dogs and two cats.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Peter and Melanie have three children between them
0:03:28 > 0:03:30from previous relationships,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33all of whom have moved away with their own families.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Now, our buyers feel it's their turn to try somewhere new.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38'We've been here 23 years.'
0:03:38 > 0:03:42When we first moved here, it was strawberry fields,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46but recently all the housing development around us is new,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49so gradually from open fields and areas to walk the dogs,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52we're now surrounded by houses.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55Peter is retired, but dedicated head of science Melanie
0:03:55 > 0:03:58is finding it harder to cut ties as she approaches
0:03:58 > 0:04:00the end of her working career.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I don't want to retire but I've got to. They've appointed my successor.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I've got to move on and there is no way
0:04:06 > 0:04:09I'd still be wanting to live in this house
0:04:09 > 0:04:11knowing that my work was just down the road,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14so I'd really like to move.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15And the ideal base for them would be
0:04:15 > 0:04:18somewhere within easy reach of their narrow boat,
0:04:18 > 0:04:19docked in the East Midlands,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23and their five grandchildren who live in London and Yorkshire.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25We'd love to be closer to family
0:04:25 > 0:04:28and it seems that Lincolnshire will after exactly that,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31so equidistant between children and grandchildren and boat
0:04:31 > 0:04:32would be ideal.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And we actually managed to take the canal boat through Lincoln
0:04:35 > 0:04:37last summer and it was absolutely beautiful,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41so Lincolnshire is where we'd like to head.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Narrow boat enthusiasts for over 30 years,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47Peter and Melanie plan to enjoy their new-found free time
0:04:47 > 0:04:51by spending the summer months of the year exploring Britain's waterways.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54The lovely thing about narrow boating is you can get out
0:04:54 > 0:04:55and you're just away from everywhere.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00The boat is usually in the middle of nowhere and you can just walk.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03You can enjoy the space.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05You meet a whole variety of people.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08You can go to places you never dream of. It's lovely.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11And on dry land, during the winter months,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Melanie's passion for education means she is considering
0:05:14 > 0:05:15starting back at school.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I love teaching.
0:05:17 > 0:05:22I think helping in a school would give me
0:05:22 > 0:05:25a way into becoming part of the community.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28As for Peter, he's looking forward to spending as much time as he can
0:05:28 > 0:05:31tending his garden, and they're both relishing the thought
0:05:31 > 0:05:35of entering this next phase of their lives together.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37We're going to have more time to do the things we like doing
0:05:37 > 0:05:39and do new things as well.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41Yeah, he can go to museums,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45- and I'll go riding or something... - And I promise not to join a choir.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Cos I hate museums. And he can't sing.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49At all.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Peter and Melanie are excited to learn about
0:05:54 > 0:05:56what the Lincolnshire countryside can offer them,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59so they're flexible about where in the county they'd like to settle,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01as long as they're within an hour and a half's drive
0:06:01 > 0:06:05of their narrow boat, which is moored in Derbyshire.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I'm meeting up with them to get a better idea of what might
0:06:08 > 0:06:11float their boat when it comes to finding their perfect property.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- Well, good morning, Mel and Peter. - Hello.- Good morning.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19- Welcome to Lincolnshire. - Gorgeous day. Beautiful weather.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23You could have picked anywhere. Come on, why have you chosen Lincolnshire?
0:06:23 > 0:06:27I used to live at Waddington, so I've got a grounding here.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30I used to live on the RAF station at Waddington.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33We wanted a county that was different to all the other counties
0:06:33 > 0:06:35that we'd been to.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Now, the boat's the all-important thing, isn't it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40How much time do you plan on spending on this boat in your retirement?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- Well, perhaps five months a year, something like that.- Oh, right.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Not all in one block. - OK, so not all at once.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I take it then you want the commute time to be as small as possible?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51At the moment it's about three hours to drive up.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55If we can cut that to an hour, an hour and a half, it would be ideal.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58OK, well, let's talk about the house.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00What you need from this house, then, Mel?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03It's got to have three bedrooms.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07I'd like a kitchen which has got a dining area in it.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09It doesn't have to be...
0:07:09 > 0:07:12We could have a formal dining room as well. I'm not worried about that.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It can be a bungalow, it can be a standard house.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16It has to have a garden, though.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- Who's the big gardener out both of you?- Oh, him.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21It doesn't have to be big. It just has to have a feeling of space.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25We're looking in a part of the world where you get a lot for your money.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28That must be one of the main drives as to why you're looking here.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Yes. I suppose you could say we are downsizing
0:07:31 > 0:07:33to something the same size, but it's cheaper.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Well, that makes perfect sense, Mel.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- And we're also homeless cos we've sold our house.- Yes.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43You know what, though, that actually is music to my ears
0:07:43 > 0:07:45because it means that you're committed now.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49You're committed to this move. So, let's talk about budgets.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51How much have you got to spend, then?
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Well, 350 but perhaps 400 if it's something absolutely beautiful.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Great. All right, well, it's a beautiful day.- It's gorgeous.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- Let's get started. Come with me.- Thank you.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05With a maximum budget of £400,000,
0:08:05 > 0:08:09Peter and Mel have a fairly concise brief.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12They want a three-bed property with a country-style kitchen/diner
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and a sizeable garden,
0:08:14 > 0:08:18all in a location within reasonable reach of their narrow boat.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21We've come up with a fine selection of Lincolnshire properties
0:08:21 > 0:08:23with which to tempt our buyers.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25But we'll be keeping the price tag under wraps
0:08:25 > 0:08:28until the end of each house tour.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Our last destination is the Mystery House,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33where classic style meets 21st-century technology
0:08:33 > 0:08:37and could literally bring the retirement dream to the front door.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45We're starting our property search in the sought-after village
0:08:45 > 0:08:47of Ropsley, an hour and 15 minutes' drive
0:08:47 > 0:08:50from our buyers' boat in Willington.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53In the quiet village centre are a host of period cottages
0:08:53 > 0:08:55alongside a post office and a pub.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57There's also a primary school,
0:08:57 > 0:09:01which could present rewarding opportunities for Mel as a volunteer.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03And there are a number of footpaths in the area,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06which should make for some enjoyable dog walking.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Located on the edge of the village is our first offering.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15So, option number one is this.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- It looks good.- It does, doesn't it?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Yeah, it looks very good.- It looks super. It looks a good size.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25The original part of the property, that side, the front,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- was two-up, two-down, 16th-century. - Oh, that's why the...
0:09:28 > 0:09:31- That's why that angle. - Yes, correct.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32You can turn round on the front drive.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Actually, you've got an in-and-out drive. Even better.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Now we're living!- Yeah, we don't like having to reverse onto a road.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Her reversing is not good. - You can say that. I can't.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- So, first impressions, these are good, right?- Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- Well, let's go inside, shall we? - Yes.- Lovely. After you.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50'Dating all the way back to 1590,'
0:09:50 > 0:09:54this attractive stone property has accommodation over three floors.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56It has been hugely extended over the years,
0:09:56 > 0:10:02building on the original character to create a unique country home.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05So, let's start with this split-level living room. What do you think?
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- Brilliant.- Oh, it's lovely. - Interesting, yeah.- Not too big,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11but gives that lovely feeling of space.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13And it's beautifully light!
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Well, being such an old property, an old two-up, two-down,
0:10:16 > 0:10:17you'd never have this sort of space.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21This apparently is a conversion of an old barn,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24and with a conservatory beyond, it really brings that outside in.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26It stretches it beautifully. That's very nice.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28And we've got a wood burner as well.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Yeah.- And a big hearth.- Lovely. I like the textures.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Well, this exposed stonework, this timberwork, it works, doesn't it?
0:10:36 > 0:10:38You don't have to decorate, that's why.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39HE SNIGGERS
0:10:39 > 0:10:41But you will have to dust the beams.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- Job allocation, I like it. - Absolutely. Sorted.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Well, let's go to the kitchen and see what you think of that. Follow me.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50'Heading into the oldest part of the house, I'm hoping Mel and Peter
0:10:50 > 0:10:54'will continue to be impressed by what the kitchen offers.'
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Oh, that is fascinating.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58Kind of galley-style, just walking straight through.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Yeah, but it's not really too constricted, is it?- No.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03There's enough space to feel right.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Through there you've got a door going into a really handy utility,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- downstairs loo.- Right.- OK.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Now, there's two rooms the other side of this wall.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14A dining room straight off it
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- and then you've got another snug that side, as well.- Wow.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- We could walk around all day and miss each other.- We could.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Sounds ideal. - Perfect retirement.- Yeah.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Your choices are these - you could refurb this kitchen as is,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27maybe incorporate some of that rear space,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31OR use an entirely different room for the kitchen.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Oh, that sounds intriguing.- Let's keep looking.- Yes, let's have a look.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- Now, see this room...- Oh, this is a fabulous room.- Ooh. Wow.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Oh, that's amazing.- That is really surprising. I did not expect that.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And this is where you thought the kitchen could come?
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Yeah. Well, look, this wall here...
0:11:51 > 0:11:53HE KNOCKS ON THE WALL ..it's only stud partition,
0:11:53 > 0:11:57so you could bring this room right back to that stone wall.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59It would make an absolutely brilliant kitchen.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- That's got a lot of possibilities. - I like it.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03This feel definitely continues.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Let's hope so. Even more upstairs. Come with me.
0:12:06 > 0:12:07Oh, that would be lovely.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10With some expert input,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14this could make an incredible kitchen with impressive rural views.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Next, we're off to explore upstairs.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19There are five bedrooms here and a family bathroom.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Up on the second floor in the eaves, is a large double bedroom
0:12:24 > 0:12:27and the other bedrooms are all on the first floor,
0:12:27 > 0:12:31including two cosy but well-presented doubles,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33as well as a small single.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37But we're stopping off at the rather generous master suite.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39So, en-suite,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- dressing room. - Oh, I've got a dressing room.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I've got somewhere to put all my clothes.- Yeah. Now.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Good size, isn't it?- Yep. It's a very, very good size.- Dual aspect.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- The view is lovely.- This is something I've never seen before.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Some of the things in this house are completely different
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and it would be absolutely fascinating to just
0:12:57 > 0:12:59walk around later on and get a feel for where the other rooms are.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02The meld between the new and the old is interesting
0:13:02 > 0:13:04and that's been done quite well, I think.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07This modern extension, two-storey modern extension,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10it completely changes the whole house.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Let's go outside and talk about price.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- That will be difficult. - It will indeed.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19The garden here, of just under half an acre, is mostly lawned
0:13:19 > 0:13:23and blessed with stunning, uninterrupted views over open fields.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- So, cracking outlook.- Certainly.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Now, the house, you can see now, it looks a lot bigger from this side
0:13:30 > 0:13:32than the front, doesn't it?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- It's very big.- It is.- Lots of rooms.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39Well, OK, all this must come at a cost. Let's guess the price.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- You can go first.- Thank you.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Well, I would guess they would be asking a little shy of 400,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50knowing what our budget is.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51- 395?- All right.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54375.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Well, as it stands, this property is on the market
0:13:56 > 0:14:00for offers around £435,000.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Having spoken to the owner, they said they would be prepared to negotiate
0:14:03 > 0:14:06down towards the top end of your budget.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- Well, that's something to think about.- Intriguing, that.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It's a first option. It's a big one. - Yes.- It is.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I think your job is to discuss amongst yourselves
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- whether it's too big and then we can go from there.- Yep.- Yes.- All right?
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- OK.- Yep.- Catch you in a mo. - OK.- Thank you.- See you later.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Over budget by £35,000 but open to offers,
0:14:26 > 0:14:30this spacious, detached, period property with five bedrooms
0:14:30 > 0:14:32benefits from gorgeous country views
0:14:32 > 0:14:35in an enviable edge of village location.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38When we first saw the property, I thought it looked really good.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40I loved the stonework of the house
0:14:40 > 0:14:42and it looked very neat, tidy and together.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46When we came in, this room particularly
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I felt very comfortable with.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51When we came to the newer part of the property,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54it didn't have the comfortable feel and that...
0:14:54 > 0:14:57To me, it didn't match with the rest of the house.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I think it's the proportions that are nice.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03But having said that, we have to look very carefully at downsizing
0:15:03 > 0:15:05to somewhere not too big.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- That was good.- Yeah.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- So, you didn't get lost inside? - No, we found all...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Well, we think we've found all the rooms.- Well, hopefully.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- There are lots.- There are lots.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Maybe too many but that's something to discuss maybe later on.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- Shall we keep going?- Lovely.- Yeah. - Let's go.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28When they make their move, our buyers, particularly Peter,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31can't wait to get to grips with the Lincolnshire soil
0:15:31 > 0:15:33to landscape their new garden.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36With this in mind, we've arranged for them to visit
0:15:36 > 0:15:41Easton Walled Gardens, known as the lost gardens of Lincolnshire.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Formerly the site of Easton Manor,
0:15:43 > 0:15:48the estate has belonged to the Cholmeley family since 1592.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50The manor house itself has not survived,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52but after 50 years of neglect,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Lady Ursula Cholmeley has worked to restore the natural beauty
0:15:56 > 0:16:00of the site and opened the gardens to the public.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Hello.- Hello and welcome to Easton Wall Gardens.- Thank you.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- It is absolutely gorgeous. - Yeah, it is quite a vista, isn't it?
0:16:07 > 0:16:08It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11The house must have been able to look out onto that.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13The gardens were really important to the house
0:16:13 > 0:16:16and they had this fantastic 270-degree view
0:16:16 > 0:16:19and it was one of the reasons I decided to restore them.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22A lot of the design that was here, we've replaced
0:16:22 > 0:16:24because we have photographs from about 100 years ago.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27That must have been a major decision, though, wasn't it?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29It was a really stupid decision!
0:16:29 > 0:16:31I'd have said brave, but you said stupid!
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Lady Cholmeley and her team have restored ten of the 12 acres
0:16:35 > 0:16:39of garden here, which is now divided into two distinct sections.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Within the remaining Tudor walls,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45the main garden echoes the one previously planted here.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Modern additions include a yew tunnel,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51created from 200-year-old yew trees, and a traditional white garden.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55The second section was planted to inspire visitors.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59It has a vegetable plot, a pickery and a cottage garden.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02So, this is where the house was and you can see over there,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04that's where the conservatory was.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- A fantastic view looking out over the gardens.- It must be beautiful.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Trying to encourage ecological diversity
0:17:10 > 0:17:13is something that I'm really keen on so we do have a lot of meadows
0:17:13 > 0:17:16and obviously a lot of bulbs have single flowers,
0:17:16 > 0:17:17which are excellent for insects.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21So, the planting is thought about carefully in terms of the ecology?
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Very much so.- That must be an interesting part of your job.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Yeah, really interesting.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28When we first came here, we were in a period of destruction
0:17:28 > 0:17:30so we had heavy machinery, bonfires
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and we really wanted to do some actual horticulture
0:17:33 > 0:17:35as soon as possible so we started growing sweet peas
0:17:35 > 0:17:39and we got a bit obsessed with them and we now grow 100 varieties.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Sweet peas were introduced to the UK from Sicily
0:17:43 > 0:17:45at the end of the 17th century.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50However, it was some 200 years later in the 1900s
0:17:50 > 0:17:52when many of the varieties we find today
0:17:52 > 0:17:55were cultivated by botanist Henry Eckford.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59He experimented with the native Sicilian species
0:17:59 > 0:18:02to create a broader range of colours and sizes.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05Lady Ursula is taking Mel and Peter to the pickery,
0:18:05 > 0:18:09where they can get a bit more hands on and plant some of their own.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12The first thing to do is fill the pot with the compost.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- You can do the heavy bit. Don't drop it on the flowers.- You can guide it.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17You want me to get muddy.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20So, sweet peas need a good deep base
0:18:20 > 0:18:23and we're going to add some slow-release fertilizer,
0:18:23 > 0:18:25something that's high in potash.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- They're high feeders, then, are they?- Yes, they are.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30We're just going to sprinkle a bit of that in there.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Now, the important thing about training sweet peas
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- is you know they have tendrils on them?- Yes.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36So this has got nice, rough texture.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- What is it?- It's a dogwood.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41The most important thing is to have lots going on on the top
0:18:41 > 0:18:43because a sweet pea is narrowest at its base
0:18:43 > 0:18:45and it gets wider as it goes up.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Now, the key to good sweet peas are good roots
0:18:48 > 0:18:50so we're going to tap this out...
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- ..and there you can see. - Beautiful root structure.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58These are heritage variety so they don't grow as tall
0:18:58 > 0:19:00so we thought that it'd be nice for you to have this
0:19:00 > 0:19:04because then they might be a better size on the canal boat.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- That's a lovely thought!- They'll get to about four to five feet tall.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10Thank you. We've had a lovely time, we've learned a great deal.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11That was very kind of you.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15And I've got sweet peas at last cos you never grow sweet peas!
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- Heritage sweet peas.- They will look beautiful on the front of the boat.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Peter and Mel may have been impressed by the landscaped grounds
0:19:23 > 0:19:27here at Easton, but might have to scale back their grand garden plans
0:19:27 > 0:19:29when it comes to our next property.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33And to get there, we're travelling south
0:19:33 > 0:19:36and out of the county to Tickencote in Rutland,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39which is an hour and a half drive from their narrow boat.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43With its attractive traditional stone houses,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Tickencote is n a quiet conservation area
0:19:46 > 0:19:50and the River Gwash meanders around the outskirts of the village.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52On its doorstep is Rutland Round,
0:19:52 > 0:19:54a circular walk which has long attracted ramblers
0:19:54 > 0:19:58and is bound to be a hit with Mel and Peter.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Located in the heart of the village is our next property.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06OK, option number two - a very different option.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- As you can see, we're semidetached. - I've got no objection to that.- Good.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13This place, we're thinking, is your lock up and leave
0:20:13 > 0:20:16for when you spend your five months on your boat.
0:20:16 > 0:20:17This garden, I think you could
0:20:17 > 0:20:20do something better with it for your needs.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23What you see is what you get - that is the compromise with this house.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26- Right. - Have you any idea where you are?- No.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29Well, you are only five miles from Stamford
0:20:29 > 0:20:34and if you haven't been, you should go. It is absolutely beautiful.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38And that's basically your local town, a lovely area for you to discover.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42This is a base more than a home where you spend 365 days of the year.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- All right.- Right?- We look forward to seeing it.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Well, come with me.- Thank you.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52This characterful period cottage was originally constructed in 1860.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Though it has a well-kept and modern interior,
0:20:54 > 0:20:57it retains many original features.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01However, I'm interested to see if our buyers are really ready
0:21:01 > 0:21:03to face the reality of downsizing.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- It's beautiful, though. - It's lovely. It is smaller.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- There's only two of us to sit down, dear.- That is true.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12This room is a very comfortable room.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15I don't need an enormous living room. This is very comfortable.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16I love this.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19The owners think that this panelling came out of the Norman church
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- just over the road. It looks lovely, doesn't it?- It does look good.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- And it suits the room. - I love the fireplace.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30That natural stone just sets the room off beautifully.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Now, you said, in your own words, making sense from it,
0:21:34 > 0:21:36you were downsizing in a way.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38This genuinely is downsizing
0:21:38 > 0:21:41and you both seem to have warmed to it straight away.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- No, I like this room. - All right, great reactions.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46Let's keep looking round.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Let me just squeeze through the middle here.- Yes, of course.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53It's a lovely kitchen, though.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56Am I benefiting from people who spend a lot of time on narrow boats?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Cos it's not the biggest kitchen, but...
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- It's bigger than my one on the narrow boat.- Exactly!
0:22:00 > 0:22:02But it's been well done.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06So, could you see yourselves living, not full time,
0:22:06 > 0:22:09but more of the time in a house with these proportions?
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I personally could see myself in the house.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15It's the outside space that might be a compromise too far.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18I get the feeling it's a little bit too tight.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21A reason why there's less outside space than you'd normally imagine
0:22:21 > 0:22:25with these cottages is because they've built an annexe out the back.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Oh, right.- A pretty much one-up, one-down annexe,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32which I thought for visiting children and grandchildren...
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Is this part of this property? - Part of this place.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- Oh, that might be different. - That makes a difference.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Oh, you thought that was a neighbour. - Yes.- No.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42I'm going to let you loose on the annexe later on.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45The master, I think you'd still use the one upstairs here.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- Let me show you that.- OK, thank you.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49Outside to the rear of the property,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53the two-storey annexe has a small but comfy living room
0:22:53 > 0:22:54and sleeping quarters.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57'But we're heading back through the entrance hall to check out
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'the upstairs in the main house.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02'As well as a three-piece family bathroom,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04'there are three bedrooms on offer.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06'One is a small but bright airy double,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'another a single with handy built-in cupboards.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12'And that just leaves the largest bedroom.'
0:23:12 > 0:23:15So the master bedroom faces out over that beautiful church.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- Lovely, isn't it?- Lovely window, good size for a bedroom.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25- Much bigger than I expected from downstairs.- I like it.- It is good.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- You do, don't you?- Yeah. - Are you surprised you like it?
0:23:27 > 0:23:30No, because I'm quite happy to downsize.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I'm not sure he's got his head round downsizing yet.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- Inside or out, Peter?- Both.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Both!
0:23:37 > 0:23:42- Was that a prompt?- No.- Surely not. No, this room isn't too small.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- He says, "I need more space." - The sitting room felt right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50The kitchen is a touch small. Outside might make the difference.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Let's go back outside to the garden
0:23:52 > 0:23:54cos I think that could be the sticking point
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- and we'll talk it through. - Yeah.- We'll see.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01The only patch of garden here is at the front of the house
0:24:01 > 0:24:05and features a tidy lawn with mature planted borders,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09which, on a day like today, makes for a beautiful sunny spot.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12However, given Peter's thoughts on the property so far,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I'm a little unsure whether the outside space here
0:24:15 > 0:24:16will be enough for him.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22Would you consider maybe turfing over that gravel and getting more garden?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24No, I don't think so. I think that works well as it is.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28We need somewhere for the car. I think I'd be happy with this.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30If we were downsizing, this would be it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Mel, you seem to have warmed to this.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34I like the idea of a smaller property
0:24:34 > 0:24:38and this is very well presented, it's very comfortable.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I like the amount of space. I don't need a great big garden.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44OK, well, let's talk about the price.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:24:46 > 0:24:49It's your turn first, I'm pleased to say.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53It's semidetached and it's an awful lot smaller.
0:24:53 > 0:24:59- I'd probably go for 310. - Right, then, Peter.
0:24:59 > 0:25:04I think I'd probably go slightly lower - 295.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- Right, OK, I was trying...- You're going to shock us now.- I am, yeah.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12This place is on the market for £350,000.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- You're five miles from Stamford. - Yeah, it is beautiful.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Well, look, go back into the house, but also go that annexe,
0:25:18 > 0:25:22have a good look at it and then I'll meet you outside when you're ready.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25In fact, I'm going to be sat on that lovely bench, basking in the sun.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- Good sunbathing spot. - Enjoy, see you in a mo.- Thanks.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35£50,000 under the top of our buyers' budget,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40this three-bed semidetached cottage is beautifully presented throughout.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42With an annexe handy for visiting family,
0:25:42 > 0:25:46it's located in the centre of a desirable Rutland village.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50When we came into the house, it immediately felt like a home.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I love the way the rooms flow.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57Not many of them, but they actually work as you move around the house.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- It felt right. - I was amazed about the annexe.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04It gave a great deal more life to my feelings about the property.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06The garden is lovely.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Realistically, it's far too small for what I envisaged,
0:26:09 > 0:26:12but having to rethink it in terms of downsizing
0:26:12 > 0:26:15and looking at a smaller property, it's the sensible option.
0:26:15 > 0:26:21This house feels as though we could move into it and enjoy living here.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- I was nodding off then.- Sunbathing. - You're nearly awake!
0:26:29 > 0:26:34- What do you think?- It's lovely. It's true downsizing.- Yes, it is.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I like it BECAUSE it's true downsizing.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41- Well, that's something for you both to argue over dinner about.- We will.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46- Argue? Surely not!- Discuss, then. - Debate.- All right, let's go.- Good.
0:26:54 > 0:26:59Peter and Melanie from Southampton have a budget of up to £400,000
0:26:59 > 0:27:01and they're longing to start a new life
0:27:01 > 0:27:04closer to their children, grandchildren and their narrow boat
0:27:04 > 0:27:07by moving to the Lincolnshire countryside.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- Coming up, we might have just struck lucky with our mystery property.- Oh!
0:27:12 > 0:27:15It gets better and better. What a kitchen!
0:27:15 > 0:27:19And I get to experience sailing - of a sort - as I take a step
0:27:19 > 0:27:23back in time to power up one of Lincolnshire's historic landmarks.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- You are on the throttle, you're driving it.- I'm driving a windmill!
0:27:28 > 0:27:30Well, I'm rather looking forward to today
0:27:30 > 0:27:35because, I think, for Mel and Peter, it represents a challenge.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38The Mystery House, well, it gives them so much of what they wanted.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40Short of showing them a boat itself,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43it couldn't get much closer to the water and the property itself,
0:27:43 > 0:27:48well, it's a good looking Georgian specimen. So, what's the catch?
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Well, there's something nearby that some people love
0:27:52 > 0:27:53and some people loathe.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Let's find out what they think.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00For our last stop,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03we're back in Lincolnshire in the village of Helpringham,
0:28:03 > 0:28:05which is round an hour and 40 minutes' drive
0:28:05 > 0:28:06from Mel and Peter's boat.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Lying on the edge of the Fens,
0:28:08 > 0:28:11St Andrew's Church is the focal point here,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13set back from the village green.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16There's also a pub, a primary school and a tea shop.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18The village lies in a conservation area
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and there are several Grade II-listed local features,
0:28:21 > 0:28:26including a red brick road bridge built back in 1825.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Three miles outside of the village in a very rural location
0:28:28 > 0:28:31is our rather special Mystery House.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33It's surrounded by open countryside
0:28:33 > 0:28:36in sight of a wind farm as well as some water.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Now, then, before we get to the house, I want to show you this.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44My goodness! So, when does the QE2 come in?
0:28:44 > 0:28:49- Funny you should say that - this is navigable.- On a narrow boat?- Yep.
0:28:49 > 0:28:57- We've spoken to the river inspector. - You are joking!- No, I do not joke.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01That is a mooring point. This is open for six months a year.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03You go up there, turn right, get to Boston
0:29:03 > 0:29:06and it opens up the entire system to you.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09How lovely!
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Ah, now, that is incredible.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15The whole gamble about this house is, first of all, it's remote.
0:29:15 > 0:29:21We know it's remote. But people love or loathe those.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- I personally love them.- Oh, I love them. I love them.- Do you?
0:29:24 > 0:29:25I've got nothing against them.
0:29:25 > 0:29:30So, I wanted you to see all that's here before we look at the house
0:29:30 > 0:29:33- so let's go and have a look at it. - Oh, my word!
0:29:33 > 0:29:35'Judging by Mel and Peter's reactions,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37'they certainly weren't expecting that.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40'I'm hoping that the house is going to come up trumps too
0:29:40 > 0:29:43'and I have a sneaky suspicion that it might.'
0:29:43 > 0:29:46So, let's look at the house itself. She's a beauty.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- That's fabulous!- Beautiful! Oh, that looks gorgeous.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Very, very substantial. That is amazing!
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- Far bigger than I thought it was going to be.- It's not a small house.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- It's typically Georgian in its proportions.- Is it that old?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- It's early 1800s. - I'd like to see inside.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07That's why we're here so let's do just that. Come on, yeah.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11This 19th-century Georgian property features a style typical of its time
0:30:11 > 0:30:14and so has a striking symmetrical facade.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18It's an attractive property and, although it is rather remote,
0:30:18 > 0:30:22the generous layout on offer inside means our couple definitely
0:30:22 > 0:30:24won't have to deal with downsizing.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29So, let's start with one of the two reception rooms.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Oh, this is fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Gosh!- I'm speechless.
0:30:37 > 0:30:43- It is an incredible room.- Good size wood burner. I know you love those.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45And then nice detailing either side of the chimney.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- The Georgian proportions you get, I've always loved.- Nice and square.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- Yes. - I can't wait to see the rest of it.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52You've got this reception room,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56another of equal size the other side of the official front door,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59but I think you're going to love the kitchen.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Can't wait!
0:31:03 > 0:31:10- So, big enough?- Oh! - It gets better and better.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14What a kitchen! Beautiful proportions.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- I'm going to be rendered speechless. - It's a lovely kitchen, isn't it?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21You've got a dining area there
0:31:21 > 0:31:24and then you've got an almost the same size again utility
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- the other side of that entrance hall. - Really?
0:31:26 > 0:31:30Yeah, it's massive. Imagine the wet dogs coming in from outside.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- That was my immediate thinking. "That's the dogs' house."- Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Oh, I want to see the rest of it.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Definitely want to see the rest of it.- Yeah, quickly.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- OK, great reactions down here. Let's start looking upstairs.- OK, thanks.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46'Back through the entrance hall, we're going up to the first floor,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48where there are three spacious bedrooms.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52'All doubles, they benefit from high ceilings with large sash windows
0:31:52 > 0:31:55'that flood the traditionally square rooms with light
0:31:55 > 0:31:58'and there's also a family bathroom.'
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Now, then, this is officially the master,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- solely because it has an en-suite. - Yep.- OK.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I think you could make this into a lovely master bedroom.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10I'd be very happy with this as a master.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Right at the top of your shopping list, Peter, was the garden,
0:32:13 > 0:32:15which is one of the reasons why we're here.
0:32:15 > 0:32:19So, let's go back outside, but also start thinking about price, OK?
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- What a thought!- I know, sorry.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26This garden is the largest we've shown Mel and Peter.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29At around an acre and mostly lawn,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32the land here is partially walled with established hedges
0:32:32 > 0:32:34that provide some shelter to the property
0:32:34 > 0:32:37from the winds sweeping across the Fens.
0:32:37 > 0:32:43- Now, then, the man wanted gardens. Big enough?- They're enormous!- Yes.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49And the view between the trees just is lovely. You can see for miles.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51All the property you see from here is yours.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56That new pantiled roof, that's all your garaging - there's four garages.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00So, you've seen a house that I think you've been surprised by.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- We have been DELIGHTED by. - AMAZED by.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Well, surprise me by guessing the price correctly.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13- You go first.- 425.- Oh! I was going to say the same.- Hard luck.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15I'll go 430.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19OK, well, I do have a little bit of bad news cos you're wildly out.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24This place is on the market for £350,000.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- 350?!- You are joking? You are JOKING!
0:33:29 > 0:33:31That is an amazing price.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35I am astounded, honestly, I am really astounded.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- I can't believe it. - It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40You need to think long and hard about it.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43It's a very different environment to what you're used to
0:33:43 > 0:33:45so go back into the house.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48You may be some time, but the sun's going down so get a move on.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51- I'll catch you later on.- Thank you. - OK, thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56£50,000 under budget,
0:33:56 > 0:33:59this detached Georgian property with three bedrooms
0:33:59 > 0:34:02has a huge modern kitchen, a large garden
0:34:02 > 0:34:03and the added bonus
0:34:03 > 0:34:07of a potential narrow boat mooring located on fen waterways.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12As we came in through the door, it exceeded expectations.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- It was phenomenal. It just felt right.- This is spectacularly good.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20It's absolutely beautiful. It would make a wonderful home.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23It's exactly the sort of kitchen I was looking for -
0:34:23 > 0:34:25really, really good space.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28I think the position, its rural isolation,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31is something we would need to think about,
0:34:31 > 0:34:33but again that's something I think we could probably live with.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35The house offers everything.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- All done?- Yep, I feel like Dr Who. - How so?
0:34:39 > 0:34:43You go through the door and it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45Not too big, though, hopefully?
0:34:45 > 0:34:47No, no, because every bit of it is useful.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51So, is this something to compare others by and to?
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- Absolutely.- Definitely. - Well, decision time looms.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Let's go off and do that.- Good.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07For centuries,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10wind power has been used as a natural source of energy,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13harnessed by windmills which are thought to have been
0:35:13 > 0:35:15introduced to the UK during the 12th century.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17At one point,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21there were estimated to be over 500 windmills in Lincolnshire alone.
0:35:21 > 0:35:27Today, there are 136 remaining in the county in various states of repair.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28But one shining example must be
0:35:28 > 0:35:32the one standing proudly in the village of Heckington.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37This mill ceased working in 1946, but, since the 1980s,
0:35:37 > 0:35:40it has been in the care of the Heckington Windmill Trust,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44who have spent the last 24 years restoring it.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50I've come to meet trust director and mill manager Jim Bailey on site
0:35:50 > 0:35:53to find out how such an iconic local landmark
0:35:53 > 0:35:55continues its longstanding legacy.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Jim.- Hello.- How are you doing? - I'm very well, thanks.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Thanks so much for seeing me today.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Now, I understand this windmill hasn't always been in this guise
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- since it was constructed in 1830. - That's right.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11No, it was after 1830, it operated for 60 years
0:36:11 > 0:36:14and then, in a huge storm, the whole of the top -
0:36:14 > 0:36:16the five sails that it had - blew down.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18That would have been the end of the windmill.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- Did they repair it straight away? - It was repaired within two years.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24John Pocklington, who was a miller in Boston,
0:36:24 > 0:36:30he wanted to own his own windmill. There was a windmill in Boston.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34He bought it at auction - it cost £72 and ten shillings -
0:36:34 > 0:36:37demolished it, brought all of the topwork across here
0:36:37 > 0:36:39and the bricks and rebuilt this windmill.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41We go from five sails to eight sails.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44So, how do you get a beauty like this up and running and going?
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- I'll show you. - Lead the way, sir.- Thank you.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52Each sail has 24 shutters, making 192 in total.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55On a blustery day, they're opened and on a calm day,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59they stay closed to harness the wind and maximise the power of the sails.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02'I'm going to try my hand at setting these sails in motion.'
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Here we are. Here's the brake. So, hand over hand and pull it down.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12And then just slowly release it and there we go, brake's off.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15So what we need to do now is close the shutters on the sails
0:37:15 > 0:37:18and she'll go. So lean out and you're going to pull down on this.
0:37:18 > 0:37:19When you pull down on this,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22you're going to see the shutters slowly begin to close.
0:37:22 > 0:37:23There, you see, it's closing now.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26Hopefully there is enough wind...
0:37:26 > 0:37:28And there she goes. She's off.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31Now, you're driving it. That's fine, she'll slow down.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Essentially I'm on the throttle. - You're driving it.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38- I'm driving a windmill!- Yes.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44The trust is made up of volunteers - around 200 in total.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48These enthusiasts work as guides and shop staff as well as millers.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Spread over six floors,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53the windmill is capable of milling over five tonnes of flour a day.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Is this how it would have appeared hundreds of years ago?
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Yes, I think so.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03There's about half a tonne of flour around us in various bags and sacks.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05There would have been much more
0:38:05 > 0:38:07because their output would have been higher.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10We milled half a tonne of wheat at the weekend.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12We mill the barley here for the brewery.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14We are the only windmill in the country
0:38:14 > 0:38:17that's milling malted barley for a brewery.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19Well, I wouldn't be thorough
0:38:19 > 0:38:21unless I gave that brewery a good inspection
0:38:21 > 0:38:23so I think it's a good point to leave you.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Thank you so much for your time. - An absolute pleasure.- See you again.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Literally sitting in the shadows of the windmill,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31the 8 Sail Brewery has been producing beer
0:38:31 > 0:38:37since 2010 and most of its grain is grown locally, malted locally
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and milled right next door by the windmill.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43'Proprietor Tony Pygott has got me working for my liquid lunch
0:38:43 > 0:38:47'so I'm breaking up hops in preparation for his beermaking.'
0:38:47 > 0:38:51So, Tony, what would you say would be the one big advantage
0:38:51 > 0:38:53of having a windmill next door to you?
0:38:53 > 0:38:57It's two businesses that actually use the same basic ingredients.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00On one hand, grain being turned into flour.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02On the other hand, grain being turned into beer.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05We actually produce one beer on the shelf
0:39:05 > 0:39:08that is purely made from the grain made next door
0:39:08 > 0:39:11and it's named Kibbled, which is coarsely ground.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Now, Tony, you're not going to wait for me to fill this entire bin.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17No, probably not. Let's have a look.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- Go on, then, I reckon that's worth a half.- I'll take you up on that.
0:39:21 > 0:39:22Go on, then.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26'It takes seven whole days to complete the brewing process,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28'including fermentation.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31'Tony has perfected a range of 13 types of beer,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33'several of which are award winning
0:39:33 > 0:39:36'and my taste buds can't wait to sample the blonde.'
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Oh, that's good, that is. That is REALLY good.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I wish you all the very best with your enterprises,
0:39:44 > 0:39:47not only here, but in the windmill itself. I'll see you again.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- Thank you.- Cheers. - Excellent, nice to meet you.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Well, as you can see,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Mel and Peter reacted pretty well to a couple of the properties
0:39:56 > 0:40:00I've shown them, but I've a sneaky suspicion the Mystery House
0:40:00 > 0:40:02might have just edged it.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04But has it done enough to warrant a second viewing?
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Let's catch up with them and find out.
0:40:11 > 0:40:17- Hi!- Now, then, tell me - do you have a favourite property?- Yes.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Is it the one I think it is, the Mystery House?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Yes.- Yes.- Yes.- Why?
0:40:22 > 0:40:26It's quite rural and it's quite isolated,
0:40:26 > 0:40:30but, having said that, the house was beautiful,
0:40:30 > 0:40:34the price was unbelievable and the views were just gorgeous.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36When I ask how keen people are on a property,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38they normally say if they're very keen,
0:40:38 > 0:40:40they'd like to go back for a second viewing.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44It sounds like your second viewing is quite unique.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Run me through what you'd like to find out more about.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Well, we're going back tomorrow morning.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52We've already arranged that and we need to go back
0:40:52 > 0:40:55and talk about the intricacies of actually running the house.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59You move fast! Faster than your boat.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01That's one part of the second viewing.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05The other part is getting there by boat, then, by the sounds of it.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Yes, and that, if we decided to go ahead
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- and buy it, would have to be a longer term project.- Yep.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17For once we've sold the house, got rid of the house down south,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19to actually come up and live on the boat
0:41:19 > 0:41:22and find somewhere that we could hire a smaller boat
0:41:22 > 0:41:26and take their advice. Can you get a narrow boat up the drain safely?
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It'll be a real novelty to actually step out of the house
0:41:29 > 0:41:32and find that we could put the boat outside
0:41:32 > 0:41:34so we could load it up there and then...
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- That's a dream come true, isn't it? - It's got lots of exciting potential.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42So, what about the county, then?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46We were able to look around the Mystery House
0:41:46 > 0:41:49primarily because it is in Lincolnshire.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Things are cheaper here.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Are you satisfied that you've chosen the right part of the Midlands?
0:41:54 > 0:41:55You could have chosen a few counties.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58I just thought it was the flat fenland and, in fact,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00there's some beautiful countryside.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Whatever happens at your second viewing tomorrow,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- please let us know, won't you? - We will.- We'd love to.- Good luck.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Thank you ever so much, we've had a great time.- Me too.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Well, the fact that Peter and Mel would consider the Mystery House
0:42:15 > 0:42:17even if it wasn't in a waterside location
0:42:17 > 0:42:20shows just how strong a contender it actually is,
0:42:20 > 0:42:23but I'm buoyed to hear they're considering going back there
0:42:23 > 0:42:26because, yes, it's in a remote location,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28but it shows they're taking it very seriously.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30So, tomorrow morning first thing,
0:42:30 > 0:42:32they're back there for a second viewing
0:42:32 > 0:42:34to find out a few more bits and bobs
0:42:34 > 0:42:36about what it's really like to live out there
0:42:36 > 0:42:38and I wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41See you next time.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43Mel and Peter did revisit the Mystery House
0:42:43 > 0:42:46and decided the location was too remote after all,
0:42:46 > 0:42:50but the good news is they've since had an offer accepted
0:42:50 > 0:42:52on a barn conversion in a Lincolnshire village
0:42:52 > 0:42:55and are due to exchange very soon.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland, Wales
0:42:58 > 0:43:02or Northern Ireland and would like our help, you can apply online at...