0:00:02 > 0:00:03Claiming to boast the finest view in England,
0:00:03 > 0:00:06situated in one of the most beautiful estates in the country,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11this property is in need of a new tenant who could actually live here rent-free.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Find out where I am in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33Having spent much of his adult life abroad,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36today's buyer, who's house-hunting with his brother,
0:00:36 > 0:00:40hopes to find a country pad he can finally call home.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And when it comes to the niceties of property shopping,
0:00:43 > 0:00:45we're all in agreement.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- Oh.- Nice and bright.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- Nice and bright.- Nice and light.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54- Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- It is.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Decent-sized garden, isn't it?
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Today I'm in Oxfordshire at the Woodstock manor house,
0:01:01 > 0:01:04whose views were described as "the finest in England"
0:01:04 > 0:01:08by Lady Randolph Churchill, mother of Sir Winston, who was born here
0:01:08 > 0:01:11on the Blenheim Palace estate.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Now, the Manor house has a lease which is currently up for renewal,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17free of charge, but with one caveat.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21The property requires £3 million worth of refurbishment
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and whoever takes the lease on must commit to those works.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27But whoever does will be guaranteed splendid views
0:01:27 > 0:01:31of the Oxfordshire countryside for at least 20 years.
0:01:33 > 0:01:34Situated in southern England,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37landlocked Oxfordshire is bordered by six counties,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41including Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45In the south of the county, the chalky Chiltern Hills reign supreme
0:01:45 > 0:01:48as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50covering some 300 square miles
0:01:50 > 0:01:53and home to the once-endangered Red Kite.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The county's capital is Oxford, "the city of dreaming spires",
0:01:58 > 0:02:02a phrase coined by the 19th-century poet Matthew Arnold
0:02:02 > 0:02:05to describe the architecture of the university buildings,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08many of which are around 700 years old.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Just outside the city, the honey-coloured market town of Woodstock
0:02:13 > 0:02:18is popular with tourists who visit the nearby splendour of Blenheim Palace.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Pretty Oxfordshire villages include Islip, which was the
0:02:21 > 0:02:25birthplace of Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor and whose
0:02:25 > 0:02:30death in 1066 sparked the infamous battle to succeed him at Hastings.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34With it's City of Culture, classic English countryside and eye-catching
0:02:34 > 0:02:39rural architecture, Oxfordshire is a county with something for everyone.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Oxfordshire's prime central location,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45attractive property stock
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and excellent transport links into London have pushed the average
0:02:48 > 0:02:54price for a detached property here up to an eye-watering £446,000.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57That's around 50% above the national figure.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02But that's not to say the county is solely for those with money to burn.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06There are more affordable areas if you know where to look for them,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09such as the countryside around the towns of Banbury and Bicester,
0:03:09 > 0:03:12which are, perhaps unsurprisingly,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15located towards the north of the county, further away from London.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20So what's attracting today's buyer this beautiful county?
0:03:20 > 0:03:21Let's meet him and find out.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Today's buyer is Phil, who has asked his older
0:03:25 > 0:03:29and slightly taller brother Rob to join him on his house-hunt.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32After spending much of his adult working life abroad,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35home is currently a rented apartment in Chineham,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38a suburb of Basingstoke in Hampshire.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Living in Chineham has been OK, yeah,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43but it's not where I wanted to end up.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46And I think where I am presently, living in an apartment...
0:03:46 > 0:03:51Like with all apartments, you're on a large modern development.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53I don't want that sort of lifestyle.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I was brought up in a village-type atmosphere
0:03:56 > 0:03:59and I'm now thinking I'd like to get back to that.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03'Phil is originally from South Wales and until he retired'
0:04:03 > 0:04:06he worked in the telecoms industry, spending long periods
0:04:06 > 0:04:08living in both the Middle East and Southeast Asia
0:04:08 > 0:04:12before finally returning to the UK two years ago.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16I've travelled quite a lot, lived out of a suitcase for quite
0:04:16 > 0:04:20a bit and lived in other people's homes...
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- True.- Even in Rob's!
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- Yes!- You know...- Yeah.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Well, somebody's got to do the cleaning, hasn't he?
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- So...- We tried not to give him our address, but he always found us.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31Yeah, yeah.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33I think it was the food, wasn't it?
0:04:33 > 0:04:35- The cooking.- It was the food, yeah.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36It wasn't the free drink, I know that!
0:04:36 > 0:04:38HE LAUGHS
0:04:38 > 0:04:41With his brother Rob living in nearby Milton Keynes,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43a son moving to Bedfordshire in the near future
0:04:43 > 0:04:47and a daughter in North Wales, the self-confessed globetrotter
0:04:47 > 0:04:50is hoping to settle down within easy reach of all his relatives.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54It's time to think about the next 10, 15, 20 years of my life
0:04:54 > 0:04:57and where I want to be and where my friends will be
0:04:57 > 0:04:59and where my family's going to be.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02And the Oxfordshire countryside should also appeal to Phil's
0:05:02 > 0:05:04interests and hobbies.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I am toying with the idea of buying a classic car.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Obviously, I need to have a double garage for that.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I play a lot of golf, there are some great golf courses around there.
0:05:13 > 0:05:19- Now, there's something sadly lacking in Philip's golf...- Talent!- Talent.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Sadly lacking.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24When it comes to choosing the perfect property, they'll put
0:05:24 > 0:05:28any brotherly competition aside, for two minds are better than one.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30I think because although we're brothers,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- we still look at things slightly differently, don't we?- Mm.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36Well, I think I'm more of a practical type person, I think.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- I think I'm going to be a bonus, an added bonus.- Yes.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43And he's free.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46But as well as being on hand to offer advice,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Rob is convinced that his brother is making the right decision
0:05:49 > 0:05:52to finally put down roots in the Oxfordshire countryside.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56He will be moving into an area which is unknown.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00So he will have to start again to make new friends.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04Phil is a very friendly chap, he makes friends very, very easily.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06He can join in, he wants to do things.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09So I think it is a big move for Phil,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12but I think it's not a move that he will be afraid of.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16And I think he'll do it very, very successfully, actually.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Phil would like to be within a 45-minute drive of his brother
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Rob in Milton Keynes.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27So we're concentrating our property search in
0:06:27 > 0:06:28the northern half of the county.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I'm meeting up with him in Oxfordshire to hone in on Phil's property wish list.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- So, we're meeting by a babbling brook. You got the message?- Yes.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- Beautiful here, isn't it?- Lovely. Beautiful.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Absolutely gorgeous.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47So, Rob, as his brother, how long has he been harping on about this move to the countryside?
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- He's been harping on for many years. For many, many years.- It's true.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- He's consistent!- Yes.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55So I wish that you'd hurry up and find him somewhere.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57So how long have you been looking?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Probably in earnest, two years now, since I came back from overseas.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03What exactly do you think you're looking for, then, Phil?
0:07:03 > 0:07:05I like modern living,
0:07:05 > 0:07:10- but I'd like to be in a house that's got some sort of character.- OK.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- Light, airy, three bedrooms. - Right. Three bedrooms, right.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- Double garage, preferably. - Double garage? Right.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Yes, because you can put all your junk in there, you know.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- And he's got a lot of junk! - I've got a lot of junk.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- So, decent-sized house.- Yep.- Garden?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30- You've got a bit of time on your hands, haven't you?- Yep.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33And I like a bit of gardening, I like to do a bit of physical work.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35What sort of gardening? Growing veg?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I haven't in the past, but I wouldn't mind having a go
0:07:38 > 0:07:40- at doing a little bit.- The village.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42How big a village would you like it to be?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45I always think about a village of 600 to 1,000 people.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47But, you know, it doesn't need to be that.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49I think he wants to have neighbours,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52because Phil's quite a friendly, sociable fellow.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55So if there's something happening in the village itself,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Phil will take part in it.- Yeah.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59You know, things like am-dram, although he's never done that,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03- but dancing, because you're learning ballroom dancing, aren't you, Phil? - Yeah.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- You know, things like that. - Twinkle toes?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Yeah! You should see me dance! - THEY LAUGH
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- Clod hoppers!- Yeah.- You know?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14The community spirit, that's what I'm looking for.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Well, it sounds like that's what you're after, which is brilliant.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- Let's talk price, Phil. - Uh-huh.- What's the budget?
0:08:20 > 0:08:24The budget is about £675,000.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- Which I think is a fair budget for What I want.- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31Well, after looking for a couple of years,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I think you've got a good idea, generally, of what you want.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36These next couple of days are more about the specifics.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38What works for you and what doesn't.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40That is very true.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I think it's going to be a great challenge for you guys
0:08:42 > 0:08:45to find me a place and I'm really looking forward to it.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47I think we're both looking forward to it.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I hope you do find something for him,
0:08:49 > 0:08:50because then we can go to different
0:08:50 > 0:08:53subject after two years of...boring us about it!
0:08:53 > 0:08:55I'll do my best! Come on. Been boring you, has he?
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- LAUGHING:- Yes! Absolutely.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03With a budget of £675,000,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06our buyer would like a house of character
0:09:06 > 0:09:08with a modern and light feel inside.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11It must have three bedrooms to accommodate visiting family
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and a double garage to store all the belongings
0:09:14 > 0:09:18he's collected on his travels along with the planned classic car.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21The garden should be of a decent size, with room for a vegetable patch
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and he'd like to live within a village community.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28We've lined up an appealing selection of Oxfordshire homes
0:09:28 > 0:09:30for Phil and Rob to investigate.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But I won't be revealing the price details
0:09:33 > 0:09:35until the end of each house tour.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Our final offering, the Mystery House,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41could challenge Phil to streamline his collectables.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Our first house is in the village of Kirtlington,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51six miles north of Oxford.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54A small village with a population of just under 1,000,
0:09:54 > 0:09:57many of the older buildings are constructed using the
0:09:57 > 0:10:01golden-coloured limestone, commonly found throughout the area.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Amenities include a post office with convenience store,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07a gastro pub and a 13th-century church.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10More importantly for Phil, there's an 18-hole golf course
0:10:10 > 0:10:13with driving range to help him improve his swing.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16And hopefully property number one will come up to par,
0:10:16 > 0:10:19as it's located on the edge of the popular village.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Option number one, here we go.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- What do we think?- Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Well, outwardly, it looks quite nice, actually.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Nice and modern, nice light, plenty of windows.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- It was completed in 2010. - Right.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Now, what do you think of this edge-of-village location
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- for your brother here, Rob? - I think it's ideal.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40It's not far from the local shops and post office and the pub.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Most importantly.- Yeah. Quick walk, within five minutes.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Half-hour back from the pub, though. - Crawl back.- Crawl back.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Now, this is south-facing.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- I think you get the best first impressions from here.- Right.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56But your everyday entrance will be round the back, up its own drive.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00- This house tries to make the most of the sun, both ways.- Yeah.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- Let's go inside.- OK.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05Although the location seems to suit Phil, I don't seem to be
0:11:05 > 0:11:08getting an overwhelming first reaction to the property itself.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10But at just five years old,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12I'm hoping the modern interior will appeal to his taste.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16In we come, gentlemen.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19You told me, Phil, you liked open-plan and light and spacious.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Yeah.- If you come and stand right in here...- All right.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24..you get an idea of what's what and where's where.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29Yeah, looks nice, actually. As you said, it's open. Nice size.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34- Nice...- It's light and airy.- Yeah. - Which is exactly what you said you wanted!
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Yeah. It does flow very well, actually.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- And certainly the kitchen, let me show you.- OK.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41So...open-plan.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45Overall, very nice. I like the high ceilings.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50I like the featured windows. It's a nice-sized kitchen, not too big.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- Well, yeah...- Lots of light.- I'd like to try the tap.- Try the tap?
0:11:56 > 0:11:57Yes.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I like to see that these things work.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Oh, yeah. Water works, Phil.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03PHIL LAUGHS
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- I'm just worried, Rob, how're you going to clean those windows for me? - Er...
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Are you happy with those taps now? - I'm quite happy with those taps.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I want to know they work because, otherwise, what would Phil do?
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Yeah, I know.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18He'd be coming over to my place to wash his dishes!
0:12:18 > 0:12:22- It's a good job you're here, Rob!- I wouldn't say that.- I have my uses!
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Well, Rob did say he was practical
0:12:24 > 0:12:27and I'm sure the water pressure's equally as strong
0:12:27 > 0:12:30in the utility room, which lies just off the kitchen.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33The ground floor also features a generous study room.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Upstairs, there are two large bedrooms, both in the eaves and
0:12:37 > 0:12:41one with dormer windows overlooking the front and rear gardens.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Both rooms make use of the family bathroom.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47But the master is back downstairs on the ground floor.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53The current owner uses this bedroom as his master,
0:12:53 > 0:12:56because it's actually the biggest room, biggest bedroom, rather,
0:12:56 > 0:12:58and obviously, it's got an en suite.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00It's not huge, but it's OK.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04- You don't sound like you're you jumping for joy here, I've got to say.- Er...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07I would expect for the master bedroom to be a little bit
0:13:07 > 0:13:11bigger and probably have a bit more areas for storage.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It's OK, but it's not a "wow".
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Let's go outside.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18Look at the garden there and start getting your head around
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- how much this house might be for sale.- All right.- Look forward to it. - OK.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26So, the size of the master has let the side down a little,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30even though Phil has two further bedrooms to choose from upstairs.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Outside, the tidy lawned garden extends to the rear
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and is bordered on one side by mature trees.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Although there's no vegetable patch at the moment,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Phil could utilise the village allotment, which borders
0:13:41 > 0:13:45the front of the property, although there is a waiting list.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46OK, then.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51So this is the north-facing garden.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53What's missing from this equation?
0:13:53 > 0:13:54- Garage.- Yes.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56But you can see where you're going to put it.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01I mean, they owner's had conversations with a planning officer and they said, in principle,
0:14:01 > 0:14:05they'd have no objection, but you would have to make formal enquiries.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Right.- Your own.- Nice-sized garden.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- Definitely sort of the garden size that I'm looking for.- Is it?- Yeah. - OK.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Yeah. Put some runner beans along the fence...- There you go.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17So, guess the price.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Well, I'm going to say...649.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23I think it's lower than that.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I think it's about 600,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Rob, you're on the money.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30This place is on the market for £600,000.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31Yes!
0:14:31 > 0:14:33THEY LAUGH
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Go back into the house, have a good look around
0:14:35 > 0:14:37and then I'll catch you later on.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38- OK.- All right, off you go. Go right in.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47Under budget by £75,000, our first property,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50a modern, chalet-style house, offers Phil the contemporary interior
0:14:50 > 0:14:54he wanted, along with three bedrooms and a manageable garden.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Situated on the edge of a popular village, it gives Phil
0:14:57 > 0:14:59a community on his doorstep
0:14:59 > 0:15:02and although the property lacks a double garage at the moment,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06there's money left over to build one, subject to planning permission.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09My initial reaction was what a lovely setting this was.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Certainly looking at the outside of the house,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15it looked nice, it was nice and clean lines.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17It was, you know, well maintained.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21When I first saw the property, I thought it was a little small.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23As Jonnie brought us into the property,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26I felt it was nice, light and airy.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28As far as the character's concerned,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I don't think it matched Phil's expectations.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32So...
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- All done inside?- Yep, yep. Good start. It really is.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Good start, but it sounds like... Could Do Better.- Not there.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Not there?- Not there yet.- No, it's not right for him, I don't think. He's not happy with it.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- Well, onward and upward, then. Follow me.- OK.- On we go.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55In the heart of the county lies the city of Oxford -
0:15:55 > 0:16:00a university town but also and economic hub for the surrounding countryside,
0:16:00 > 0:16:05relying on its transport network to ferry people in and out of the busy city.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Typically the student staple is the handy bicycle,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12whilst for other residents, the bus remains a favoured form of transit.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16In 1967, a group of enthusiasts established a syndicate to
0:16:16 > 0:16:20preserve the city's buses for future generations.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23And today the Oxford Bus Museum just outside Woodstock
0:16:23 > 0:16:28houses a classic collection of vehicles with over 30 models on display.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32Since Phil is interested in vintage automobiles, we sent him and Rob
0:16:32 > 0:16:35to meet museum trustee Chris Butterfield.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- Pleased to meet you. - Welcome to the museum.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Here we're in one of the principal exhibition halls.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Behind us there is an example of a 1913 bus,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47because in 1913 the very first buses came to Oxford.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51The first bus in Oxford followed straight on from horse trams.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Oxford was rather unusual in not having any electric trams.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59So, in 1913, when most cities had electric trams,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Oxford still had the horse and some people were really sick of it,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05so William Morris, the man who built the cars in Oxford,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08he actually operated the very first buses in Oxford
0:17:08 > 0:17:10and what we see here is typical of the bus.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16Seating a mere 36 people and limited to a speed of just 12mph,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19the first motorised buses to hit Oxford were still a big
0:17:19 > 0:17:23improvement on the horse-drawn tram and made commuting a lot easier.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27So, Chris, what was the cost of the typical fare at that time?
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- Well, a penny or two pence, old money, of course, not new money. - Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35There's a song called Polly Perkins Of Paddington Green that you might remember here?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Before my time, maybe Rob.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Perhaps before your time, but it does end up with somebody who loses the love of his life,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44who goes off with a bow-legged conductor of a twopenny bus,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46so that was a twopenny fare on that particular bus,
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- so a penny, two pence was quite typical.- Oh, right.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53Over the decades that followed, the shape and size of buses changed dramatically.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57One of the biggest advances was in engine design,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00which had a positive impact on passenger comfort
0:18:00 > 0:18:02and saved the bus company some money as well.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Well, here we are in one of the running sheds,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07which is where we keep the running members of the fleet.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10We've got two single-decker buses here, which illustrate between them
0:18:10 > 0:18:15very well the development of the bus between the 1950s and the 1960s.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18What has happened over those few years is they've taken
0:18:18 > 0:18:20the engine from the front of the bus,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22we can see it standing there vertically at the front,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25they've turned it sideways, horizontally,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29and put it underneath the floor of the bus, a little bit further back.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32And that means that the passengers can now get on at the front
0:18:32 > 0:18:34and pay the driver as they do so.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37You've saved the conductor's wages
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and we're getting towards the kind of bus that we know nowadays.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43Eventually engines were moved right to the back of the bus,
0:18:43 > 0:18:47allowing even easier passenger access to the front.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51The low-floored double-decker being the most recognisable design today.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56But we're staying in the 1960s with one of the last front-engined models -
0:18:56 > 0:18:57an AEC Renown.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Phil has been offered a chance to take the wheel.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04He fires up the 9.6 litre diesel engine.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Start switch on... And start.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10ENGINE STARTS
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- OK. Sounds nice.- It's all right, is this, it's OK.- Steady.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- Rich and throaty, they say. - THEY LAUGH
0:19:16 > 0:19:18All right, then, Phil. Shall we go off?
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Yes, as long as you've got your tickets.- We have our tickets.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Shall we get on board?- We'll get on board.- Come along, then.
0:19:24 > 0:19:2730 feet in length and weighing seven tonnes,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30it's thought there are only 20 of these vehicles still in existence.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35All right, well, here we are, you can ring the bell. He can go.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37BELL RINGS TWICE
0:19:40 > 0:19:43It's just a short drive along the museum's forecourt,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45but Phil has got the hang of it.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49So, it's time we put our foot down to find him the home of his dreams.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54For our second offering,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57we're travelling north to the village of Upper Heyford
0:19:57 > 0:19:59about six miles north west of Bicester
0:19:59 > 0:20:03and around a 45-minute drive from Rob in Milton Keynes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06The village's mix of architecture includes a long row
0:20:06 > 0:20:10of Cotswold stone cottages covered by one continuous thatched roof.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14Amenities include a public house and a former Victorian reading room,
0:20:14 > 0:20:19restored by the community and now used by local clubs and societies.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Running through Upper Heyford is the Oxford Canal which
0:20:21 > 0:20:25opened in the late 18th century to ship coal from the Coventry Coalfields
0:20:25 > 0:20:28to Oxford, where it connects with the River Thames.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32The village is surrounded by farmland, a mixture of arable and livestock.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37House number two is located in the heart of this sought-after village.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- Now, then. The second offering is a bit older...- I see that.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45..by a couple of hundred years.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48This is late 18th century.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52So, you feel a bit more like you're in the heart of the village.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Nice rural setting.- Yeah.- Looks really nice.- It does, actually, yes.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59I'm really keen to look inside to see what it's got going for it.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Good. Well, that's why we're here. Let's go have a look.- OK.- OK.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Built of Cotswold stone, the present owners have completely renovated
0:21:08 > 0:21:10this end of terrace three-storey property
0:21:10 > 0:21:14and it combines characterful charm with modern conveniences.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17The house greets you with this part-panelled dining room,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20but backing onto that is a modern extension.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Oh!- Loads of space, loads of options.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27I want us first to settle in this room, cos I think we'll like it.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- Oh, very nice. - Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- Oh.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Absolutely.- This is a nice size room, isn't it?- Nice and bright.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37It's one of those relaxing places you can just get your newspaper,
0:21:37 > 0:21:39sit down here and just chill out.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- And spend hours reading his paper. - Well...
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- This is completely different to your first reactions in the first property.- Yes.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49Automatically you're saying, "I can see myself sitting here," doing what you love.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52But I wanted you to see this room first, because I think this is
0:21:52 > 0:21:55a really nice partner with the main living room.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56- Let me show you.- Right.- Right.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59OK.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- So, what do you think about this room, then?- Oh, this is nice.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- This is lovely, isn't it? - Lovely fireplace as well.- Yes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- England oak type fireplace, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- So, tell me, Rob.- Yes.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Have you seen your brother react like this to many houses before?- No.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14I think he quite likes this one.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16The thing is, this is not a detached house,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- but it's of a size...- Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21You know. And it feels warm, actually.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23You know, it feels comfortable and cosy.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26And of an age where the walls will be quite thick anyway.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Look at that window. The depths of those walls.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31So, you're thinking of your neighbours.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33If they have the same thickness.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Well, I don't think there'd be neighbours quite as thick as you two, but it'll be...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Well, you never know. - THEY LAUGH
0:22:39 > 0:22:41That's coming from me, the thickest of them all.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42THEY LAUGH
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- That's true.- Mmm. - Let's go to the kitchen.- Right.- OK.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48The kitchen.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50More work being done in here.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Oh, this is nice, isn't it?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It's very nice and bright, isn't it?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Yes.- I like the centre.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Very nice.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- Right. May I try the taps? - JONNIE LAUGHS
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Yeah, go on. - I can try the taps, can I?
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- Try the taps, it's all part of this viewing process.- Okey cokey.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- WATER RUNS - Yeah, good flow on that.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- Taps are OK, Phil.- Yeah. - They're safe.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18I like the modern basin, you know.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Well, I must say, from where I'm stood, so far so good.- I think so.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- It's really good, I really like this house.- Good.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28Upstairs next.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32So, a big thumbs up from both Phil and Rob
0:23:32 > 0:23:34to the ground floor layout and finish.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Upstairs there are four bedrooms spread over two floors.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Up on the second floor, nestled in the eaves, are two smaller bedrooms
0:23:42 > 0:23:45with skylight windows, although one is presently used as a study.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50Then on the first floor are two larger bedrooms including a guest
0:23:50 > 0:23:54double with built-in wardrobes and there's a fully tiled family bathroom,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56which just leaves the master suite.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Now, this master bedroom has a small walk-in wardrobe through that
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- door and then an en-suite as well. - OK.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05This is a nice size room.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- It is a nice size room, isn't it? - Plenty of space here.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10This is perfect. A nice chair, you can sit there.
0:24:10 > 0:24:15- Yes.- Read your paper.- Read the paper. Yeah.- That's right.- Yeah. - ROB LAUGHS
0:24:15 > 0:24:20- Rob, are we looking potentially at a future new home?- For my brother? - Yeah.- Yes.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22JONNIE LAUGHS
0:24:22 > 0:24:26- Well, now what you've got to do is try and price it.- OK.- OK.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Start thinking. You're 1-0 down. - I know I am.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34With the interior scoring highly, let's hope the garden is on target.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37It extends to the rear and is mainly lawn.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Fully enclosed and secluded, there's also a paved patio area,
0:24:41 > 0:24:42handy for entertaining.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- It is.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Decent sized garden, isn't it?
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- It's lovely, isn't it?- Really nice.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- Just...- Yes.- Just the right size.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55And then you've got a garage.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Which is one of three.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01And then there's some planning consent to build a new garage
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- if you want just beyond it.- OK.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07So, Rob, would you like to see your brother living in this house?
0:25:07 > 0:25:13- It's a bit close to where I live, but, yes, OK. I'll acquiesce. - There you go.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- Well, that's a good start, isn't it? That's not bad.- All right.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Let's guess the price.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Now, I think it's slightly above the price that he asked originally,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25so I'm going for 680.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28I'll say...
0:25:28 > 0:25:29665.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31This house, believe it or not,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35- is on the market for offers around £625,000.- Ooh.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- Gosh. That's pretty good.- That is. - Isn't it?- That is.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42That's well below my budget and gives me a bit of money to...
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- Spend on the person helping you find it.- I wouldn't say that!
0:25:46 > 0:25:47- I would. - THEY LAUGH
0:25:47 > 0:25:49I thought it was more expensive and
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I was being kind to let my brother win.
0:25:51 > 0:25:52JONNIE LAUGHS
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- Call it what you want.- That's very kind of you to do that.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Well, it's one all, so well done. - I think so.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Go back inside, fellas. I'll see you later on.- Thank you. - OK, see you later.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Well, they said themselves, "pleasantly surprised",
0:26:04 > 0:26:06under budget, what's not to like?
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Leaving Phil £50,000 to spare, our second option is a Cotswold
0:26:12 > 0:26:16stone cottage dating back to the late 1700s.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19With a modern interior making use of some striking
0:26:19 > 0:26:23original features, it offers Phil character with a contemporary feel.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25It comes with one more basement than he asked for
0:26:25 > 0:26:27and a manageable garden.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30There's already a single garage with options to build a second
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and the house is situated in the centre of a popular village.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Oh, this is nice, isn't it, Phil? - Yeah, it's not bad.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41A bit limited height, but then again, I'm short anyway.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45- Nice views over the country as well.- Yeah, I think it's...
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Can't fault it.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48The inside of this house was really good.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It's modern.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51It's very fashionable.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54It has all the bits that I was looking for in a house.
0:26:54 > 0:26:55You could move into it straightaway.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59When we arrived outside the house, I must admit, my first thoughts,
0:26:59 > 0:27:01I was a little disappointed.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Because I was expecting to see a drive,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06maybe a front and what have you.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09But once we walked through the front door, it was just light,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13airy, well decorated, I was surprised.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16This house clearly fits the bill that Philip is looking for
0:27:16 > 0:27:19and I think that he would enjoy being in this home.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- Happy?- Very happy.- Seen enough of this quite large house?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Yes, I think it's nice, it ticks all the boxes, I think.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31This is ideal, what Phil is looking for.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32But it's more than that, isn't it?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34It's more than just ticking boxes,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37it's what you feel about a house, so tonight, your homework is this.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40A couple of pints and discuss this as a potential new home,
0:27:40 > 0:27:41how does that sound?
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- That sounds good.- Let's go. - Sounds great.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54It's the second day of our property search with
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Phil from Basingstoke in Hampshire and his brother Rob.
0:27:57 > 0:28:02With a £675,000 budget, he's looking to put down roots
0:28:02 > 0:28:06in the Oxfordshire countryside after many years working abroad.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Coming up, Rob's thinking practically again.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- You can get round with a vacuum cleaner pretty quick in here, Phil. - Hmm.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- And your feather duster. - And the feather duster! - PHIL LAUGHS
0:28:17 > 0:28:21And it's all aboard as I discover how the Victorians used to unwind.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30After showing both Phil and Rob around those properties yesterday,
0:28:30 > 0:28:34I'm starting to realise that maybe Phil hasn't found the right
0:28:34 > 0:28:36house after looking for two years,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40because he's looked at properties through a tick list formula
0:28:40 > 0:28:43rather than properties that might take his breath away.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46And that's what the mystery house is all about.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49It'll give Phil the two most important things -
0:28:49 > 0:28:52light, open spaces inside and that quirky character.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55But the property itself, it comes in a package that he hasn't
0:28:55 > 0:28:59necessarily asked for, but we think he might rather like.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01Let's see how we go.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- So far, you've looked for so long now, a couple of years.- Yep.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10And you haven't defined...
0:29:11 > 0:29:13..a specific type of house, have you?
0:29:13 > 0:29:17No, and there is a reason for that, because I think if you get too
0:29:17 > 0:29:22definitive, then it limits your search patterns perhaps too much.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24You keep your sights so wide.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- One day you're going to have to make a decision, aren't you? - That is true.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32For our mystery property, we're heading into southern Oxfordshire
0:29:32 > 0:29:34to the village of Kingston Blount,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37right next door to the Buckinghamshire border.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40A mile down the road is the larger village of Chinnor,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42which has a range of amenities and an old post mill.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46It has recently been rebuilt by the local community after
0:29:46 > 0:29:50the original mill was bulldozed in the 1960s to make way for housing.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Chinnor is also home to a heritage railway line which runs
0:29:55 > 0:29:59historic diesel and steam engines to Thame around three miles away.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Our mystery house is in the centre of Kingston Blount,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05a smaller village with its own pub and ideally located
0:30:05 > 0:30:09with transport links between London and Oxford.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11Part of a complex of six properties,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15the mystery house gives Phil the character and community he wanted
0:30:15 > 0:30:18but will challenge him to give up some of his keepsakes
0:30:18 > 0:30:20as the storage space is somewhat limited.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22It's a barn conversion.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24What do we think?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- A nice development here, isn't it? - You like it, do you?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28It's quite mature, yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32Converted 17 years ago, the property, the barn,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35dates back 1794.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39It would've been a grain barn. Can you see that old funnel?
0:30:39 > 0:30:43That would have aired the grain inside the barn and this barn
0:30:43 > 0:30:47would service that lovely manor house or farmhouse right next door.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50I can see there's quite a lot of parking, is there a garage?
0:30:50 > 0:30:53That is one of the compromises of the mystery house.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55There is no garage.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59There is a farm just up the road and you can rent some space there
0:30:59 > 0:31:01but there is no garage to speak of.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04You will need something to keep your tractor in, Phil?
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Get into the country spirit.- Yeah.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Is that a... Would that put you off a house? Without a garage?
0:31:11 > 0:31:14It doesn't help the situation, I must admit.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- But, having said that, let's go and see what's inside.- Come on.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23A measured response to our mystery barn conversion.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Clearly, the lack of an on-site garage is a concern.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29I'm hoping Phil keeps an open mind as we explore the property.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Righty-oh.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34So, Phil, you were in here first.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Hit me with it, what do you think?
0:31:36 > 0:31:40It's a nice size. It's nice and light.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42So far, so good.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46It's a nice entertaining room this, isn't it? Easy to upkeep, as well.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50You can get round with a vacuum cleaner pretty quick in here, Phil.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54- And your feather duster. - And the feather duster!
0:31:54 > 0:31:56HE CHUCKLES
0:31:56 > 0:31:59I don't even want to go there. Come into the kitchen.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Aside from this large 24-foot living room, there are only two other rooms
0:32:06 > 0:32:10on this ground floor - a utility and washroom, as well as the kitchen.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12So what do you think of this kitchen?
0:32:12 > 0:32:15A nice size, good aspect with the windows.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18It is a nice size, isn't it? It's adequate.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21What aren't you seeing in this house, that you'd like to see?
0:32:21 > 0:32:23That you might have seen before, then?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26I probably would have liked to have seen one more room
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- downstairs, I think.- Mm.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- We've got to see the rest of the house.- Keep an open mind
0:32:32 > 0:32:34and see what the rest of the house is.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37As we said, it's all about compromise.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- You know, you can't have it all. - Is it?
0:32:39 > 0:32:41You say the words, "It's all about compromise."
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Will you be able to make the compromise for the right house?
0:32:44 > 0:32:46I don't think you want to compromise. Which is fair enough.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48If you're paying a certain amount of money,
0:32:48 > 0:32:52you'd like to try to get as close to what fits the bill.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55I'm feeling we've almost gone a bit flat downstairs.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- Let's see if upstairs impresses you more.- OK.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03On this occasion, the mystery has kitchen didn't even warrant
0:33:03 > 0:33:04Rob's tap test.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I'm feeling the pressure as we head upstairs.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11The first floor is divided up into four decent-sized bedrooms.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13All benefiting from high ceilings,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16there are two singles at one end of the barn,
0:33:16 > 0:33:18as well as a light, spacious guest double
0:33:18 > 0:33:22and a shower room that services this level.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24This is your master.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27- What do you think?- Right.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29An en-suite next door, as you can save us.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31This is a nice room, isn't it?
0:33:31 > 0:33:36Yes, I like the high ceiling and it's a good space.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Storage probably could be a little bit more.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41I think one of the stumbling blocks is the garage, lack of garage.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46There is cos it's surprising how much stuff you accumulate over time
0:33:46 > 0:33:49and I've certainly got some. I know I've got to get rid of a lot.
0:33:49 > 0:33:54But there does look to be a bit of a lack of outside storage.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- That's fair enough. Let's outside and start thinking about price.- OK.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Despite giving him that practical character he was looking for,
0:34:02 > 0:34:05the mystery barn conversion isn't striking a chord with Phil,
0:34:05 > 0:34:08or Rob for that matter.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10So it's back outside to check out the garden,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13which is laid to the front and essentially hard landscaped
0:34:13 > 0:34:15with raised, timber decking,
0:34:15 > 0:34:17making it as low-maintenance as possible.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19What do you think of the house overall?
0:34:19 > 0:34:21It hasn't got the "wow" factor.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24No, that's something you have been consistent on, isn't it?
0:34:24 > 0:34:27I don't think it suits Phil.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29OK, let's guess the price.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Who's going first? - Phil will go first.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33I think so, yes.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37Er, I think it's about 575,000.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40All right, Rob?
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Not as high as Phil, I think it will be 565,000.
0:34:44 > 0:34:45OK.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Phil, you win.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52This house is on the market for offers around £635,000.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Never?
0:34:54 > 0:34:58It is a good part of the world. You are paying for location here, gents.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01If it was cheaper, if you could get it cheaper,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04would it be worth making any changes to this to make it right for you?
0:35:04 > 0:35:06This is the time to find out.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- Go back inside and have a good look around.- OK.- See you in a mo.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Under budget by £40,000,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20the mystery barn conversion is the most expensive option
0:35:20 > 0:35:22we've shown Phil and Rob.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24With an open plan layout downstairs
0:35:24 > 0:35:26and four bedrooms upstairs,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28it gives Phil the modern interior
0:35:28 > 0:35:29he wanted but he would have
0:35:29 > 0:35:33to store his memorabilia elsewhere in the village.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34The property is ideally located
0:35:34 > 0:35:37for access to both Oxford and London.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40When we came inside,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42initially, I thought it was about the right size
0:35:42 > 0:35:46but I would probably like to have seen another room,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48a separate room added on
0:35:48 > 0:35:53to give that sort of, just another dimension to the house.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56As far as the garage is concerned, I think it is a deal-breaker.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59I think he would like the garage to be on-site or easy accessible
0:35:59 > 0:36:04because he can keep his tools in there, or workings or whatever.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Keep his golf clubs and things like that.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Yes, I think that is a deal-breaker.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13So all done inside here?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- I think so.- Yeah, well, no more houses, I'm afraid.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18It's now time for you guys to sit down, have a confab,
0:36:18 > 0:36:22have a polite argument and I'll catch up with you after that.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24- How's that?- Look forward to it. - Come on, then.- Sounds good.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Carving its way through the southern half of the county,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37the River Thames is one of the country's much loved waterways.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41The inspiration for classic tales, such as The Wind In The Willows and
0:36:41 > 0:36:45Three Men In A Boat, its 215 mile course passes through some
0:36:45 > 0:36:49beautiful countryside, as well as the city of Oxford.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52With the rise of tourism in the 19th century,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55the Thames became a popular destination for Victorian
0:36:55 > 0:36:58day-trippers and canny boat builders turned their attention to the
0:36:58 > 0:37:01growing leisure industry.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04One such firm is Salter's, based at Folly Bridge in Oxford,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07a family run business that's been operating pleasure
0:37:07 > 0:37:11cruises on the Thames for the last 150 years.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14I've come to meet fifth and sixth generation father and son John
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and Paul Salter.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- Ahoy, gentlemen! How are we?- Very well, thank you.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22- Very well, thank you. - How are you doing?
0:37:22 > 0:37:25Now, I understand this is an old business,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27so how long has this been in the family hands?
0:37:27 > 0:37:31We started in 1858 as boat builders on the other side of the river
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- there.- Oh, right. OK. And what sort of boats were you building then?
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Boats for the colleges mostly.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Racing eights, fours, sculling boats.- Right.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42And then we progressed to doing sort of heavier boat building,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45sort of punts and rowing boats and that sort of thing.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Now, pleasure boating, this really took off in Victorian times.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Just at the turn of the century.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53Our first boat was a boat called Alaska
0:37:53 > 0:37:56and we started the Oxford to Abington Services then.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59We forged associations with the British Railways,
0:37:59 > 0:38:01as they were then,
0:38:01 > 0:38:05and they'd bring train loads of visitors on daytrips from Wales
0:38:05 > 0:38:08and all over the country and we used to take them for a daytrip
0:38:08 > 0:38:10and then they'd be sent home again.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12And of course, there wasn't a lot for people to do.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15There was no theme parks, so a boat ride...
0:38:15 > 0:38:20It's very special now, but it was even more special in those days.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24Built in 1913, the Wargrave was originally steam operated
0:38:24 > 0:38:27and converted to diesel power in the 1940s.
0:38:27 > 0:38:33At 84.5ft long, it can accommodate almost 200 passengers.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35During her 100 year long life,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39the vessel has entertained esteemed guests, including King George V,
0:38:39 > 0:38:44who came on board when he opened the Royal Albert Dock extension in 1921.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47Today, we have the boat to ourselves,
0:38:47 > 0:38:51and as we cut through Christ Church Meadow on our way downstream,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I'm getting a lesson in pleasure boat skippering and river etiquette
0:38:54 > 0:38:56from 25-year-old son Paul,
0:38:56 > 0:39:00who is soon to take over the running of the business from his dad.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- Talk me through it then.- Right then.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05So, you've got the steering wheel here,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08got the throttle cable just here. Just behind you. Erm...
0:39:08 > 0:39:10If you'd like to keep that in forward...
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Now, which side of the river should I go on?
0:39:13 > 0:39:16You stick to the right-hand side of the river, but just off central.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19If we make sure we don't go too close to the bank,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21just because it gets quite shallow.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24Automatically, I'm seeing there's a lot of traffic.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- Yeah, it's a very, very busy stretch of the river.- Right.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28There's quite a lot to look out for.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31There's a lot of boaters, which are moored up,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34which have got people living on.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36You've got the rowing eights as well,
0:39:36 > 0:39:37coming up and down with the canoes.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- So, what's the speed limit? - Eight knots.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Eight knots.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46So the future of this family business, six generations on,
0:39:46 > 0:39:47lies with your son here.
0:39:47 > 0:39:52- It certainly does.- Feeling the pressure?- Not really, at the moment.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54At the moment!
0:39:54 > 0:39:58That's good you're preparing yourself for the unexpected.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59Look, it's a great tradition
0:39:59 > 0:40:02and it's great to see it's still in rude health.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04I wish you the best of luck for the future.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06- Thank you very much.- Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10With a number of heritage pleasure boating companies operating along
0:40:10 > 0:40:13the Thames, it's clear that messing about on the river remains
0:40:13 > 0:40:15a popular way to unwind.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Not least after some serious house hunting.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Well, it's pretty clear to me that with Rob's counsel,
0:40:23 > 0:40:27if you like, Phil favours house number two, but has it done
0:40:27 > 0:40:31enough to call to an end Phil's two year hunt for the right property?
0:40:31 > 0:40:32Let's find out.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Now then, gents. You've not fallen out, have you?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- Absolutely not.- So... - Still brothers.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Still brothers. You'll always be brothers.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49- You've got a favourite house. House number two?- That's true.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51What's next?
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Well, I think what's next for me is to go back again,
0:40:55 > 0:40:58have another view, get a better understanding of the garage,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01what's there, what planning has been approved.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05And then, talk to the estate agents and just see, you know,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07a bit more about the history of the house.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10How about from your point of view, Rob?
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Do you think that house is suitable?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I think it is suitable. It's got a wonderful sun room.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17You could spend most of the time in there.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Yeah, it's a nice relaxing area.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's like for me, but if I get visitors or something, you can
0:41:22 > 0:41:24go in the other main lounge.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Of course, after looking for property for a couple of years
0:41:26 > 0:41:30now, are you going to find it hard to finally pull the trigger?
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Yes, I am.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34But these opportunities don't come very often
0:41:34 > 0:41:38and I think I need to move very quickly on it.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I am one for procrastination on decision making,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43which frustrates others. And myself.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47And now I think I've really got to think about this more quickly
0:41:47 > 0:41:49and come to a decision.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52Well, it sounds like we're on the road, aren't we?
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- What do you think, Rob?- I think so.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58At long last, after two very, very long years.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01But it's an ideal location for him.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04It's, as we were saying, 30 miles from where I live.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Do me one favour, won't you?
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Let me know how you get on at this house.- Yes, I will do.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12I certainly will and I really appreciate the work that
0:42:12 > 0:42:13you've done on our behalf.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16And I look forward to keeping in touch with you
0:42:16 > 0:42:18and letting you know the outcome.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- Do so, please. Thank you very much. - Thanks.- Thank you.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28I've got to say, I've had a lot of fun showing Phil
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and Rob round these three houses and it's great news that Phil
0:42:31 > 0:42:35wants to go back to house number two for a second viewing.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39But is he finally ready to commit to a purchase after all this
0:42:39 > 0:42:41time looking for a house? Well, I hope so.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44And I bet his brother does too. See you next time.
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0:42:50 > 0:42:52England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland,
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