0:00:00 > 0:00:04Behind me is the Jacobean home to Britain's first-ever winner
0:00:04 > 0:00:07of the Nobel Prize for literature.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09After a childhood in India, then later America,
0:00:09 > 0:00:14he eventually found solace in this beautiful part of the country.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17So, which globetrotting author am I referring to,
0:00:17 > 0:00:18and where exactly am I?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Find out in just a moment.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Today, a high-flying pair are heading south
0:00:41 > 0:00:44in pursuit of a country pad and more.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48This would be ours, and the guests would be elsewhere.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49This is our space to enjoy.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Let's see how nice the rest of it is before we give it up.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53LAUGHTER
0:00:53 > 0:00:58And we've got plenty of mouthwatering surprises to serve up on the menu.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03bubble and squeak, black pudding.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- You forgot the blueberry pancakes. - Oh, that's in the oven, my friend.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Today, I'm in Sussex, and this is Bateman's,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15home to poet and author Rudyard Kipling,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17perhaps best remembered for The Jungle Book
0:01:17 > 0:01:19and his Just So Stories.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Kipling moved to this house, down the road from Burwash, in 1902
0:01:23 > 0:01:24at the age of 37,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26at the height of his fame.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29He saw Bateman's and the Sussex countryside
0:01:29 > 0:01:32as a place of respite from his new-found celebrity.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36One of his favourite pastimes was being chauffeur-driven around
0:01:36 > 0:01:37the lanes of his beloved Sussex
0:01:37 > 0:01:40in his Rolls-Royce Phantom,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43taking in the sights and drawing upon them
0:01:43 > 0:01:45as places in his stories and poems.
0:01:45 > 0:01:46And I must say, even today,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49as you drive around this beautiful county
0:01:49 > 0:01:52it's quite easy to see how it was such an inspiration.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56The counties of East and West Sussex
0:01:56 > 0:01:58are situated in the South of England,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and are bordered by three other counties,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04with the southernmost edge running along the English Channel.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Stretching from the holiday resorts of Camber Sands in the East
0:02:08 > 0:02:09to Chichester in the West,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the region's coast couldn't be more diverse.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16From Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain
0:02:16 > 0:02:20rearing up to 530 feet with its vertical drop to the sea,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23to pretty coastal towns such as Rye,
0:02:23 > 0:02:24a port in Norman times.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Away from the water, Rye's beautifully preserved
0:02:28 > 0:02:32narrow cobbled streets from the Medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods
0:02:32 > 0:02:36tell a story of the town's maritime past.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39In more recent times, the town has been associated with the arts,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43where writers such as HG Wells and Henry James once called home.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Moving inland is Britain's newest national park,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51the South Downs, straddling both East and West Sussex.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55It only gained its protected status in 2011.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Here country residences sit alongside crop-filled fields,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04while sheep graze in pasture that rolls away towards the sea.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08So, whether it's the beauty of the rural landscape that appeals,
0:03:08 > 0:03:09the stunning coastline,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13or the classically British towns and villages,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Sussex is a place that manages to offer a slice of it all.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22As it stands, the average price of a detached house in East Sussex
0:03:22 > 0:03:26comes in at just under £360,000.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31But over in West Sussex, that figure jumps to nearly £430,000,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35a huge £150,000 above the national average.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Why? Well, there's a huge array of historic property,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41especially around the town of Chichester.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Plus, direct trains will hit London in under an hour.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49These two factors mean that the price will always be at a premium.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51But be warned, that's not to say
0:03:51 > 0:03:53East Sussex doesn't have its hotspots,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56especially around the towns of Rye and Lewes.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01So, where in Sussex as a whole are today's buyers looking to move?
0:04:01 > 0:04:02Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- I'm Paul.- I'm Tony.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08Together we're Tony and Paul.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10LAUGHTER
0:04:10 > 0:04:14Tony and Paul are recent retired university lecturers from Glasgow.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18But they had 4,000 miles between them when they first met.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24We met in Manchester at a social gathering, 12 years ago.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26And at the time I was living in the US
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and we had a long-distance relationship.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Back then Tony was a flight attendant on transatlantic flights,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36but after four years of commuting
0:04:36 > 0:04:39he decided to make Glasgow his home to be with Paul.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44We got married on the very first day that was legal in Scotland,
0:04:44 > 0:04:49in December 16th of 2014.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53We're living in a terrace house, built in about 1908.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56We've done extensive stuff since Tony has been here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57That kitchen had to go.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00So, the month before I moved in,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03we had the kitchen and the bathroom torn out
0:05:03 > 0:05:05and redone to my design
0:05:05 > 0:05:07so I could work in it.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10The couple have had a great seven years in the Scottish city,
0:05:10 > 0:05:14but it couldn't be further away from Tony's old life across the pond.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I've enjoyed living in Glasgow.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I enjoy the city. I enjoy the people.
0:05:20 > 0:05:21The climate...
0:05:21 > 0:05:23is horrendous.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24I was born in Florida,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and lived most of my life in the South of the US.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29So, coming to a place
0:05:29 > 0:05:33where you have the heat on and fire on in June
0:05:33 > 0:05:35is quite an adjustment.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37So, with their working days behind them,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40Paul and Tony have decided they'd like to say farewell
0:05:40 > 0:05:43to the wetter weather and their Scottish house
0:05:43 > 0:05:46in the hope they'll spend their retirement in warmer climes
0:05:46 > 0:05:48close to the sea in Sussex.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I know the south coast because my mother lived there.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57And visiting her, coming from here, it's always sunny.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01And being retired, I expect to spend more time outside.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05And it'll be really nice to get into some gardening
0:06:05 > 0:06:07and be able to entertain in the garden.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10We're very social, so we like to have friends around.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13So, having a space that's welcoming and warm
0:06:13 > 0:06:16to accommodate people is a must.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20With more socialising and coastal walks together,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23as well as cooking and gardening high on the agenda,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Tony also had grand plans to do a bit of work when they move,
0:06:27 > 0:06:29making a small income from home.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33I've had experience with B&Bs, helping my cousins
0:06:33 > 0:06:36with their five-star B&B in the US.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39So, I saw what they did and how they did it,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and what worked and what didn't.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45Also, I've taught hospitality management for the past six years.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48So, I think I'm ready to go it on my own.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51But most of all, this committed couple
0:06:51 > 0:06:54are just looking forward to a new and relaxed life.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56We want to move to a place where we're happy,
0:06:56 > 0:06:57where we can be together
0:06:57 > 0:07:00and enjoy the things that we both like to do,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04separately and together, while we still can.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07So with their home sold and work ties to Glasgow no more,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Paul and Tony are more than ready
0:07:09 > 0:07:11for the next stage in their life together,
0:07:11 > 0:07:15and the first house they've bought together.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Every move is a different lifestyle. Every move is a change.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23So I'm prepared that it's going to be different.
0:07:23 > 0:07:24It's a challenge,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28and if you don't challenge yourself you just stagnate.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35Paul and Tony have asked us to focus their search close to the coast
0:07:35 > 0:07:37between the towns of Hastings in East Sussex
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and Chichester in West Sussex.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Before we get out of the starting blocks in search of a sunny home,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45I'm meeting them in the county
0:07:45 > 0:07:48to make sure I know exactly what it is they're looking for.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52So, here we are in Sussex, gentlemen. Good flight down from Glasgow?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Yes.- Good.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56This is your retirement you're looking down the barrel of?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58I'm just very recently retired.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02He's much older than me, so he's been retired for some time.
0:08:02 > 0:08:03So, what are you going to do?
0:08:03 > 0:08:06Well, I'm hoping to do some B&B
0:08:06 > 0:08:08to keep from annoying him all the time.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10So I'll have something to keep me busy.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13How low-key can we make this B&B business?
0:08:13 > 0:08:14Pretty low-key.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15I think the thing is,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19it would be nice to have some money from a B&B
0:08:19 > 0:08:22which was also an occupation that we enjoyed.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25It really is going to be a part-time thing.
0:08:25 > 0:08:26What about the property itself,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28what does it look like in your mind's eye?
0:08:28 > 0:08:31I'm quite open to any suggestions.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34I'm more concerned about how the house feels
0:08:34 > 0:08:36and how the rooms flow into each other.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39I think that's far more important than style.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41I like the idea of a very old place,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and there are some of those around here.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45I want a garden.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47You want to grow things in your garden?
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Yes, and we want to have flowers.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50We want to have a tiny bit of vegetables.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53But not so big that you need a ride-on mower.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55He would be treacherous on a ride-on mower.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Oh, right, OK.- Well, yeah.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59How many bedrooms do you want?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02I would say three bedrooms and a study, or four bedrooms.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04What about the location for your property?
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Do you want to be close to a community or do you want to just see that?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Well, I think we want to be at the edge of a village, certainly.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- I don't think we want a house in the middle of a field...- OK.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15..with only fields around.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17How much money you looking to spend?
0:09:17 > 0:09:18£600,000.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21But we're willing to take on a bit of a project.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Well, I got a good idea of what you're looking for.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Let's get started. Come with me.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31For their budget of £600,000,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Paul and Tony are hoping for a 2-in-1
0:09:33 > 0:09:37with their plans for a home and a B&B.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39They're open to the style of property they'd have,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42but they'd like the rooms to have a good flow.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43Tony would love a great kitchen,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46and Paul wants a garden they can entertain in.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49They'd like four bedrooms, or three plus a study.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51And location-wise, they prefer to be
0:09:51 > 0:09:53on the edge of a village.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58We've chosen a tempting trio of properties for Paul and Tony to view.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01But they'll only be furnished with the price of each
0:10:01 > 0:10:02after they've toured it.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04The final visit to the mystery house
0:10:04 > 0:10:06will definitely give them something to think about,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09as it a veers slightly off-piste from requirements
0:10:09 > 0:10:12but still manages to have so much to offer.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20To kick off our search, we're starting in East Sussex
0:10:20 > 0:10:22in the village of Ninfield,
0:10:22 > 0:10:26just over four miles from the seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28There's an expansive pebbled beach here
0:10:28 > 0:10:33overlooked by a charming promenade, perfect for a seaside stroll.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Ten minutes away, the village of Ninfield
0:10:35 > 0:10:37is served by a good selection of amenities,
0:10:37 > 0:10:39including a store and post office,
0:10:39 > 0:10:41traditional dining pubs,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43a village green,
0:10:43 > 0:10:48and a library housed in an attractive red-brick Edwardian building.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49On the outskirts of the village
0:10:49 > 0:10:53is this single-storey classic Sussex brick-and-flint cottage,
0:10:53 > 0:10:55thought to date back to the 1800s,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58with an extension built just three years ago.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00What's your first impression?
0:11:00 > 0:11:03What's the sort of vibe you get when you first see this place?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06I like the house, I like the look of it from the outside.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09It looks very cottagey, cos of the style of the garden with the steps.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Well, the house itself is.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Now, Tony, what's going through your mind?
0:11:12 > 0:11:16It's all one level, which is not a bad thing at all.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- He's not getting any younger. So...- Hey!
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I like the flint on the outside and the tile.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24- So, first impressions sound pretty good.- Pretty good.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26Let's look inside.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30We're beginning our tour to the left of the front door
0:11:30 > 0:11:33in the breakfast room, which flows into the kitchen.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38OK, so, you've got these sort of cottagey proportions
0:11:38 > 0:11:41when you first walk in, haven't you?
0:11:41 > 0:11:42But...
0:11:42 > 0:11:45keep coming with me and...
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- Oh, wow!- You're rewarded, aren't you?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Yes, actually. - Boy, it really opens up, doesn't it?
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Yeah.- My initial impression is this would be ours...
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Yeah.- And the guests would be elsewhere.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00So, this is our private space. This is our space to enjoy.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Let's see how nice the rest of it is before we give it up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04LAUGHTER
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- Let me show you that living room.- OK.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11The recent extension enlarged the kitchen
0:12:11 > 0:12:13and created the family room behind it,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15and includes a fabulous conservatory
0:12:15 > 0:12:19with a splendid outlook over the garden.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Next door to the family room, and also at the back of the property,
0:12:21 > 0:12:23is a large lounge-diner.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Now, then.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- Look at this.- Oh, yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30It's picturesque, isn't it?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Yeah, see, I think this would be... For B&B this would be perfect.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35It's a lounge for the guests,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39a sit-down-and-eat-for-breakfast area for the guests.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43And it's separate, so they don't feel like they're underfoot,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45but it's also convenient.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Since we're actually thinking about doing the B&B
0:12:50 > 0:12:52as not the main core of our life,
0:12:52 > 0:12:58then even if they had this space and this was where the guests were,
0:12:58 > 0:12:59we would be here a lot.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Let's go and take a look at the bedrooms.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Oh, yeah, bedrooms.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04You've got to sleep somewhere.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Now, let's start with what I think would be your master bedroom.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12Yes, it is very nice.
0:13:12 > 0:13:13- Big enough?- Yes.
0:13:13 > 0:13:14Oh, definitely.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17So this, I think, would remain your bedroom.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18OK?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- Let's keep walking through.- OK.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25So, that's the fourth bedroom or study, OK.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29Now, you've got a really nice family bathroom in here.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- Oh, yes!- I love the 1920s look of it.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33Yeah.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35A double bedroom here.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37Separate access to outside, there.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Oh, that's good.- That's a good idea.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42And then you've got yet another bedroom here.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46That looks exactly the same size as the other one - well, nearly.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48As a guest you'd be pretty happy with this place?
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Oh, yes, yes, yes.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- With the view, with the storage. Certainly.- Yeah.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55So, let's go outside and have a look at the garden.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56That's right up your street.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57That's what I want to have a look at.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Outside, there's a patio leading to a large, well-maintained garden,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06where the cottage's solar panels are visible.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10They save around £1,000 on energy costs each year -
0:14:10 > 0:14:13a handy saving, as the cash could be ploughed back
0:14:13 > 0:14:15into the marvellous half-acre garden.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Now, then, Paul. Green-fingered Paul.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- You look behind you, you can see some raised beds.- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24Just beyond those conifers.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28This is absolutely a perfect size of garden.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Is it?- Yeah. - You look over there...
0:14:30 > 0:14:33that small building there with the flint detail on the wall.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Yes.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39That's a double garage, with a man cave at the back of it.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42That has previously held planning consent...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Really?- For conversion to residential accommodation.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Two-bedroom residential accommodation.- Wow!
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Oh, that would be great!
0:14:48 > 0:14:52How much do you think this property is on the market for, gentlemen?
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I'm... going to take a stab
0:14:54 > 0:14:57at 565 with my fingers crossed.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00I think it's 580.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03The estate agent is asking for
0:15:03 > 0:15:07between £575,000 and £625,000.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Go back into the house, refresh your memories,
0:15:11 > 0:15:12and I'll meet you whenever you're done.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Thank you so much. - See you in a moment.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23If Paul and Tony manage to get this 19th century property
0:15:23 > 0:15:25for the bottom end of the guide price
0:15:25 > 0:15:27they'd still have £25,000
0:15:27 > 0:15:29to help transform it into the B&B
0:15:29 > 0:15:32that Tony's got his heart set on.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Two generous-sized reception areas
0:15:34 > 0:15:37would allow privacy for and from guests.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Plus, there are just the number of bedrooms they want,
0:15:39 > 0:15:42with the option to create even more rooms in the garage.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44And the outside space
0:15:44 > 0:15:47is just what gardening-loving Paul is hoping for.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50It's nice to find something that has age and character
0:15:50 > 0:15:51and is all one level.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55I like the house, I really do.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58It's cute without being cutesy.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01It's period without being restrictive.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I can stand up in most of the rooms
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and walk through most of the doorways.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It's all got potential.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Liveability for us, if it were just for us,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13would be pretty close to spot-on.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18However, to make it into a B&B with en-suite bathrooms,
0:16:18 > 0:16:20that would take some thought and some work
0:16:20 > 0:16:22and, of course, a bit of money.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24So, we'd have to really figure that in
0:16:24 > 0:16:28before we decided to go with this one.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33So, gentlemen, how much would you pay per night
0:16:33 > 0:16:35to stay in a room in this place?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I think £50, £55 a night.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- I'd like to stay here. - Good. That's it, isn't it?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44If you'd like to stay here, hopefully other people would mirror that.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46OK, on to the next one.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Both East and West Sussex are home to some stunning countryside,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03including the classic scenery of the South Downs to the West.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05And it's in the South Downs National Park
0:17:05 > 0:17:08that the RSPB has a home at Pulborough Brooks,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10a 618-acre nature reserve
0:17:10 > 0:17:15dedicated to the conservation of natural wildlife in the county.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Nature-lovers Paul and Tony
0:17:17 > 0:17:20are keen to create a garden paradise in their new home,
0:17:20 > 0:17:24and have come to meet Anna Allum, the visitor experience manager here,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26to find out about getting closer to nature.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29We're just wondering what sort of wildlife do you have here?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31What sort of special wildlife do you have?
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Well, it's a fantastic site for lots of different kinds of wildlife.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37So the RSPB are probably best known for their work with birds,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39but actually we're giving all sorts of nature a home here.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42This time of year it's things like the insects that take centre stage,
0:17:42 > 0:17:46so butterflies, dragonflies, moths and things like that.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Is it something special about this county that draws them here?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Well, it's a really diverse county.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54We're located in one of the best areas for wildlife
0:17:54 > 0:17:56in the entire country.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58That's because you've got so many different kinds of habitat
0:17:58 > 0:17:59in a really small area.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Do you mainly do conservation work here
0:18:01 > 0:18:03or are there other things that you do here as well?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05We have a big education programme here,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07so lots of school parties come and visit.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10We do lots of events, so lots of families come and visit.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12We do evening walks, where we go listen
0:18:12 > 0:18:14for nightingales and bats and nightjars and things.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17And summertime ones, where we go looking for insects.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19That's what we're going to do with you today.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21We're going to try doing a big butterfly count.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Enjoy the sunny weather and all the butterflies that are enjoying the flowers.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- We can talk a bit about that, but if you're ready to go, let's get started.- Fantastic.- Sure.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34A butterfly count is simply counting and recording
0:18:34 > 0:18:37how many butterflies are spotted in a 15-minute period.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41The Big Butterfly Count was started in Sussex five years ago
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and is the world's biggest survey of butterflies.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Last year, over 44,000 people took part,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52counting almost 560,000 individual butterflies and day-flying moths
0:18:52 > 0:18:56across the UK, and then logging their findings online.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Butterflies are actually a really important species.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03So, like bumblebees and honeybees, they're good pollinators
0:19:03 > 0:19:05of all of our plants and things.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08So knowing what's happening with them is important for that.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Also, being the RSPB and being keen on our birds,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14butterflies and moths provide lots of caterpillars
0:19:14 > 0:19:15for those young, hungry birds.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Making sure the butterfly population is doing well
0:19:18 > 0:19:20helps all sorts of wildlife.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Anna's taking Paul and Tony to a prime area for butterfly-spotting.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So, I've brought you here to this meadow.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29I thought it'd be a great place for us to do a big butterfly count,
0:19:29 > 0:19:32because you've got lots of different wild flowers up here. It should be a nice spot.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Are there any endangered or rare ones that we might run across?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38About three quarters of the UK's butterfly populations
0:19:38 > 0:19:39are actually in decline.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41So, actually quite a few of them are struggling.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44I wouldn't expect any rare ones particularly in this habitat.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46OK, so we've got everything we need.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48We've got our charts. We've got our nets.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49- Let's get started.- Let's go!
0:19:53 > 0:19:56With their butterfly-counting gear at the ready,
0:19:56 > 0:19:57it's time to try and gently catch
0:19:57 > 0:19:59any of the delicate insects they spot,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02before identifying them on a chart,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05making a note of what they've caught and letting it go.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09You can have a swish if you see one coming past.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11But you don't want to be bashing around with them.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- We don't want to harm any of them.- No.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- Do they go on siesta?- Yeah? - LAUGHTER
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's one there. You get that, I think.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20No, it got away.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24That's a dark-brown one, what would that be?
0:20:24 > 0:20:25I think that was a Ringlet.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28Ringlet. There it is.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- I got one!- Well done!
0:20:30 > 0:20:32Can you identify this for us?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Let's see if we can have a look before it flies off.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35There we go.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Did you see it?- Yeah.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39It looked like a Meadow Brown.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41I think we can be safe and put it down as the Meadow Brown, yeah.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44As you can see, it can be quite tricky catching them with the net.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Very difficult to get. - They're quite speedy.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49You don't have to have a net to do the Big Butterfly Count,
0:20:49 > 0:20:50we've seen quite a few flying around
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- and it's been easier to spot them flying than to catch them.- Yes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57So, after their intimate brush with nature,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Paul and Tony are now completely clued up
0:21:00 > 0:21:03on how to spot these beautiful and fragile creatures
0:21:03 > 0:21:05in their new rural retreat.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07But first, we've got to help them find it.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12For our second property, we are staying in East Essex
0:21:12 > 0:21:14and travelling 10 miles west,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17just outside of the town of Hailsham,
0:21:17 > 0:21:20which is less than 20 minutes' drive from the coast.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23This historic market town has its roots in the 13th century,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and is centred on the attractive St Mary's Church
0:21:26 > 0:21:28and the market square.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30There's a true blend of old meets new,
0:21:30 > 0:21:34with modern shopping precincts sitting alongside historic buildings
0:21:34 > 0:21:37housing a good mix of shops and eateries.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39The residential streets are peaceful and leafy
0:21:39 > 0:21:44and the town is enveloped by beautiful Sussex countryside.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45Just a few minutes from the centre of town
0:21:45 > 0:21:47is our next offering.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Now, for option number two,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57we're looking around an up-and-running B&B. All right?
0:21:57 > 0:21:59First impressions?
0:21:59 > 0:22:00Very nice.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03We want somewhere we can live,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and make a bit of money on the side, as they say.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Well, this could be that. Come with me.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13This detached house was built in 1938,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16supposedly for the nephew of the lord of the manor nearby.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20It's now in its fifth year running as a B&B.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23We're going inside and heading for the guests' breakfast room,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26which runs from the front to the back of the property,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29with a conservatory behind it overlooking the garden.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- It's big enough!- It's big!
0:22:32 > 0:22:35First impressions - I want to walk towards that window,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- which, I suppose, is a good thing.- Yeah.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39There's a nice brick fireplace -
0:22:39 > 0:22:40it's OK.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44- "OK" isn't necessarily a home... - Yeah, it's not singing and dancing
0:22:44 > 0:22:48in this room, but maybe I write my own music, as it were.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Well, there's nothing sweeter than the sound of cash in a till.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52LAUGHTER
0:22:52 > 0:22:54And that's maybe what this place can give to you.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- Let's keep walking around.- OK.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03And happy customers are usually well fed ones.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05So, we're going to where cook of the pair, Tony,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07would prepare the guests' grub.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Now, the kitchen is by no means open-plan,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- but it is a chef's...- No.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18- ..paradise! Look at that! - Yes, it's got lots of bits.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23bubble and squeak, black pudding!
0:23:23 > 0:23:25You forgot the blueberry pancakes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Oh, that's in the oven, my friend.
0:23:28 > 0:23:29Could you work in this environment?
0:23:29 > 0:23:33It's definitely a workable kitchen. Yes, definitely workable.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35It sounds to me like you're starting to get your head around
0:23:35 > 0:23:39the fact that the business element is more than catered for here.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41But we need to remind ourselves that you need a home,
0:23:41 > 0:23:45and what I like about this place is your accommodation is very private.
0:23:45 > 0:23:46- And it's this way.- Oh, OK.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Next to the kitchen is a utility room
0:23:51 > 0:23:53and, next to that, at the back of the house,
0:23:53 > 0:23:54is another sitting room,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56again with double doors to the garden.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00It's a nice, cosy space.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02For the way that we live...
0:24:02 > 0:24:03This is OK.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- This would be a nice-size sanctuary.- Would it?- Yeah.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12You've got a really nice modern shower room and loo next door
0:24:12 > 0:24:14and a lovely double bedroom.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I'm keen on showing you where the money's at.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Come with me.- OK, after you.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24As it stands, this property has five bedrooms.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25There's another one down here,
0:24:25 > 0:24:30originally a separate dining room, also served by a smart bathroom.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32When the owner started her B&B business,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34she made £2,000 in her first year.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38And by year three, she was bringing in £25,000.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40So, if Paul and Tony are up for it,
0:24:40 > 0:24:42they could have a rather nice little earner
0:24:42 > 0:24:44along with their new home.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47Upstairs are three double bedrooms.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51A sunny one in use as a twin with an outlook to the side.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54And there's another rather plush one at the front.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57These two rooms have a shared bathroom between them.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59But we're heading to the third bedroom,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01that spans the depth of the house.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04This is your biggest room, and it's en suite.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Right. It's a very nice size of a room.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- It's a room you could spend time in.- Yeah.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13What I like is the business element is up here -
0:25:13 > 0:25:14we're down there.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Let's go out to the garden. - I really want to do that.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19I know you're keen on that, and that will give you a break
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- from talking all this business about bed-and-breakfast.- Absolutely.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Come on then, let's go.- There we go.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Outside there's a garage at the front.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30And then, at the back,
0:25:30 > 0:25:33the perfectly manicured gardens extend to around half an acre,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36surrounded by pretty flower beds and majestic mature trees.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39There's also a patio to the side,
0:25:39 > 0:25:42which the owner's sitting room opens onto.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46The garden is really a sculptural masterpiece, I must say.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48I don't know how she keeps it in this order.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51I'm sort of fearfully thinking about doing it myself.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- She's got a gardener. - Ah, very sensible.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55You've had a look around.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01I'm going to say it's probably a bit over our budget.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03I'm going to say 615.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04OK. Paul?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I don't think it's as much as that.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08I would say 580.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09Asking price...
0:26:09 > 0:26:11is £600,000.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12BOTH: OK.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14It's been on the market quite some time.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16At the same price.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19We fit the profile of the people who might buy it.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Which might put us in a strong bargaining position.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24Something to think about, but I think now is the time
0:26:24 > 0:26:25to go back into the house
0:26:25 > 0:26:27and really consider, "Could it be a home?"
0:26:27 > 0:26:29All right, I'll meet you when you're done.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30Thank you very much.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36This house couldn't be more suited
0:26:36 > 0:26:39to what Paul and Tony want for their new life.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41And at £600,000,
0:26:41 > 0:26:42it still manages to fall
0:26:42 > 0:26:44right on the nose of their budget.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46It's got all the space they need
0:26:46 > 0:26:47in a home and a B&B,
0:26:47 > 0:26:51with the potential for no less than five bedrooms.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Outside is not only perfect to keep Paul busy gardening,
0:26:54 > 0:26:58but would also suit their entertaining aspirations too.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02It's a very nice house and the garden is wonderful.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Walking up to the property gave a wonderful impression.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09It's settled very nicely in the setting here.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13It's a really nice experience to walk around outside.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15The inside...
0:27:15 > 0:27:18while very much a clean slate,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20had some drawbacks.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23For me the big question mark was the kitchen.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I'm not sure that the kitchen in its present state
0:27:26 > 0:27:31would be usable to cater for a number of people.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34The fact that this is, obviously, a successful B&B
0:27:34 > 0:27:36and a nice house
0:27:36 > 0:27:37is a bit of a trade-off
0:27:37 > 0:27:40to a beautiful house and a possible B&B.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45So, I was thinking...
0:27:45 > 0:27:48that you've got one house each today.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50I think that's a fair assessment.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53So, tonight, over dinner, it's all about an arm wrestle
0:27:53 > 0:27:55about who gets their own way,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57- ahead of the mystery property tomorrow, yeah?- Yes.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Well, I always let him have my way.- Good man!
0:28:11 > 0:28:13It's day two of our Sussex search
0:28:13 > 0:28:16for a country home where Paul and Tony from Glasgow
0:28:16 > 0:28:18can spend their retirement.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21They've got £600,000 to spend on a property,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25which Tony is hoping will come with B&B potential,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28even though that's not at the top of Paul's wish list.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30We've still got a visit to the mystery house to come,
0:28:30 > 0:28:33which will require the pair to employ some creative thinking.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Have the cattle moved out?
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- Yes, thank you.- The cattle have been converted. Right.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42And I'll be learning how an ancient battle technique
0:28:42 > 0:28:43is enjoyed as a sport today.
0:28:49 > 0:28:50Clearly what we saw yesterday
0:28:50 > 0:28:53is that Paul and Tony do want different things
0:28:53 > 0:28:56when it comes to this new property down here in Sussex.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59So, today we're going to take a gamble with the mystery property,
0:28:59 > 0:29:04and that is moving this business element out of the equation.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08But in doing so, it'll allow us to show Paul and Tony
0:29:08 > 0:29:13a really nice countryside property in a fantastic rural location.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15But there's the other gamble -
0:29:15 > 0:29:18the location of the mystery house may well be to rural.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20We won't find out until we show them.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24For our mystery house,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27we're journeying some 40 miles west into West Sussex
0:29:27 > 0:29:29and to the hamlet of Bilsham,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32which is just south of the village of the Yapton.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36Yapton has its own local hall and a number of knapped-flint buildings,
0:29:36 > 0:29:40including the parish church, which dates back to the 13th century.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44Nearby is the attractive coastal village of Middleton-on-Sea.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Here there's a farm shop, a selection of restaurants,
0:29:47 > 0:29:52and all the essentials, as well as local artisan traders.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Then, there's the beautiful stretch of sandy beach,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57ideal for bathing and coastal walks.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00A three-minute drive and we're in Bilsham
0:30:00 > 0:30:01at our third and final property -
0:30:01 > 0:30:03the mystery house.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05This striking former barn.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11Now, for our mystery house we are going along the conversion route.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13- Indeed.- What say you?
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Have the cattle moved out? - Yes, thank you.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17The cattle have been converted.
0:30:17 > 0:30:23- The setting's wonderful. - It is lovely, it really is.- Quiet.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- The occasional sheep vocalising.- Yes!
0:30:26 > 0:30:28First impression's quite good.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30I'm withholding judgments.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31- Let's have a look inside.- OK.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35This brick and flint converted barn
0:30:35 > 0:30:39was built over 200 years ago to house livestock.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41It became a residential property in 1970,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45and today the current owners have already moved out.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46It sets out in an L shape,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49and we're entering through the front door into the hallway,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52which leads to an ultramodern kitchen-diner.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53OK.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Now, let's start in Tony's room.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Yes, yes. A nice layout, very open.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Good work surfaces. Yeah, good start.
0:31:05 > 0:31:06The kitchen is huge.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11If this was the heart of the home, it certainly would be a big heart.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14And it just has to be that, just a kitchen-diner.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16You've got a fantastic living room through there.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- So let me show you.- OK.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I know you talked about a flow, but I also like the fact
0:31:22 > 0:31:24your living room can be made completely separate
0:31:24 > 0:31:27from the smells of burning next-door. LAUGHTER
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- I like the living room. - Nicely proportioned.- Right shape.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34It lends itself to entertaining and to relaxing.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37As you can tell, with this mystery house
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- the business element has taken very much a back seat.- Right.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I'm trying to be your best mate today.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46Well, except that I want to keep him out of my way, you know.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Well that's why the kitchen is separate to here.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54The home may be the star here rather than the business opportunity,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57but the mystery house is designed to challenge.
0:31:57 > 0:31:58And with some compromises,
0:31:58 > 0:32:02there could still be options to welcome paying guests.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05On the other side of the kitchen is a small utility room.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07Beyond that lies a neutral family bathroom
0:32:07 > 0:32:10and a bright hallway leading to three bedrooms.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15There's a small one at the front, a larger double with dual aspect,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19then at the back there's the master with its own en-suite shower room.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24- That's nice.- A nice-size room. It's not cavernous, good storage.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- Look at the sunlight. - I think it's really nice.- Private.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- It's very nice.- Yes, it works.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Good. Let's go out to the garden.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- I think that is equally attractive. Come with me.- OK.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Outside, there's a generous lawn
0:32:39 > 0:32:41fully enclosed by a high brick-built wall.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47Now, garden-wise, for a fairly recent barn-conversion development,
0:32:47 > 0:32:48you get loads here.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Easy to do something with, it's big enough to do something with.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Some lovely history here. There used to be a structure here -
0:32:54 > 0:32:56these old pillars the remains of the support there.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58And these were cattle sheds,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01and so there'd be a dairy here as well,
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- so they were milked nearby - Right, right.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Before I ask you to guess the price, I will say one thing -
0:33:06 > 0:33:09we've been in East Sussex, we are now in West Sussex.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10More expensive.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12With that in mind...
0:33:12 > 0:33:13How much is this house?
0:33:15 > 0:33:18Well, I'm going to be hopeful and say it's not too much over budget.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20And say...
0:33:20 > 0:33:22610?
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- OK.- I think 625.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27Well, your guess is a lot closer to the original asking price,
0:33:27 > 0:33:28but it's now been reduced
0:33:28 > 0:33:32to offers around £597,500.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- OK.- See, there or thereabouts.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37Are you prepared to put that business element to one side
0:33:37 > 0:33:40in order to get a home that you really rather like, from where I'm standing?
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- I'll catch you later on. - OK.- Thanks very much.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51This beautifully converted 19th-century barn
0:33:51 > 0:33:54has managed to come in £2,500 under
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Paul and Tony's budget.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57The contemporary interior
0:33:57 > 0:33:59is finished to a very high standard.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Although there aren't
0:34:01 > 0:34:02the number of bedrooms they hope for,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04there's still scope to provide B&B
0:34:04 > 0:34:05if they're willing to share
0:34:05 > 0:34:07their living space.
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Outside, the walled garden
0:34:08 > 0:34:10has great potential.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12And although the location is rural,
0:34:12 > 0:34:13it's not too far from amenities
0:34:13 > 0:34:15or the sea.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19This house scores really well on the garden,
0:34:19 > 0:34:22and the public areas can be transformed to anything we want.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27The B&B possibility is pretty much nil.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29In terms of bedrooms,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32uh, never mind opening a B&B,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35just thinking about, you know, having friends come to stay,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37if it had one more bedroom,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40just one more bedroom would be really good.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43The big advantage of this is there's certainly nothing to undo,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46and it's open to anything we want to do.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48Now, then.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51I'm sorry there's no B&B opportunity here for you,
0:34:51 > 0:34:53but it was well worth coming here, wasn't it?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- Very well worth it. - It's a very interesting, nice house.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58I was hoping we would have the opportunity to see a barn conversion.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- Well...- There we go. - There you are.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Let's find you somewhere to sit down and have a bit of a chat, shall we?
0:35:03 > 0:35:05We need to do that.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14In the heart of West Sussex lies Arundel Castle.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19Founded back in the late 11th century by Norman lord Roger de Montgomerie.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Today, this magnificent medieval edifice
0:35:22 > 0:35:24is home to the Duke of Norfolk.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28The stately home receives 160,000 people every year,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31who visit it's interior and gardens.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35But it also plays host annually to the largest re-enactment
0:35:35 > 0:35:38of a medieval jousting tournament of its kind in the country,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41and attracts participants from around the globe
0:35:41 > 0:35:43in a show of skill and bravery.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46To find out more about the thrills and spills of this ancient art,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48I've come to meet Kate Vigurs,
0:35:48 > 0:35:52a historical interpreter who comperes the joust here.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54This is a tournament, right?
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Yep, this is an international medieval tournament.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58This is absolutely competitive.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Some people play football, some people play rugby -
0:36:00 > 0:36:02these guys joust.
0:36:02 > 0:36:03So, how did jousting first come about?
0:36:03 > 0:36:05This is centuries old, isn't it?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09It is. It started in the Middle Ages as a practice for battle, really.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12You needed to get the horse used to battle, men would be in armour.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15And it just derived, really, as a way of preparing the horse
0:36:15 > 0:36:16and the man for battle.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19Now, who was taking part in these jousts?
0:36:19 > 0:36:20Normally knights.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23It's men at arms, um, people who are wealthy.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25You won't get commoners being able to joust.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It's called the sport of kings for a reason.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Why did it die out, then?
0:36:29 > 0:36:31It died out as armour died out, really.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Warfare moved on, the invention of the gun meant that armour
0:36:34 > 0:36:38started to die away and jousting just started to peter out.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41But when jousting, in its first incarnation, was alive,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44it was some of the more unlucky participants who died.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46There are two types of jousts.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49There's a joust a l'outrance, which is a joust to the finish,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52and the idea would be to finish off your opponent, to kill them,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54or to maim them in some way.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56The joust we replicate is the joust a plaisance,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58a joust of peace.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01So the idea is lances will shatter on impact.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03The men will rock back in their saddles,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06but the idea is that they get to the other end pretty much unharmed.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Well, that's good to hear.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12The tournament here at Arundel Castle is now in its ninth year
0:37:12 > 0:37:14and this week there will be eight knights competing,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17all wearing historically accurate suits of armour
0:37:17 > 0:37:19from the Middle Ages.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Kevin Leg is a master armourer,
0:37:21 > 0:37:25and he's responsible for repairing armour damaged during the tournament.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27When you're not doing running repairs,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29you're obviously making stuff.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30I'm making new armour.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Right, OK. Anything I can get involved in?
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- I'm working on a helmet here. - That's a helmet?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38It will be, it will be in the end.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40It needs heating up, ready for me to start hammering.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43If you want to get on the bellows, that'll be great.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47- Look at the heat coming out of that! - Yeah, it certainly gets up to a high temperature.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50The fire there can burn up to 2,000 degrees centigrade.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52If you want to grab that, we'll move across on to the stake.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- You want the metal over the hot bit. - There it goes.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56Hot bit towards the stake.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58And if I grab it, then...
0:37:58 > 0:38:00And away we go.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03HAMMERING CONTINUES
0:38:03 > 0:38:05So, how long will it take you
0:38:05 > 0:38:09to turn that into one of these beautiful-looking helmets?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13One of these helmets is going to take at least 30 hours of hammering.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- 30 hours!- 30 hours.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Well, listen, it sounds like you've got enough to be getting on with.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20I'm going to go and check out the jousting.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21- Cheers, Kevin.- Take care.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27This year the English team, Arundel Castle's home team,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29has opponents from countries as far-flung
0:38:29 > 0:38:32as America, Canada, Poland and more.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34And even the rain is not going to put them off.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36Are you ready to see some jousting?
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- CHEERING Yes!- We need all the impressments we can get.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43It may be wet, but I've got a ringside spot under cover.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46And Stacy Van Dolah-Evans, who's the joust master,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48is on call to explain the action to me.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51CHEERING
0:38:51 > 0:38:52Come on, England!
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Each knight has a lance
0:38:55 > 0:38:57and, though they may not be designed to maim nowadays,
0:38:57 > 0:38:59I'm not sure I'd fancy it,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02even though each one only weighs about the same as a bag of sugar.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07You'll know about that, wouldn't you?
0:39:07 > 0:39:10The idea is to shatter the lance on your opponent
0:39:10 > 0:39:11in certain locations.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13You hit the shield, you get three points,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15or the head, you get three points.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17You hit the body, you get two points.
0:39:17 > 0:39:18You get the arm, you get one point.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Each joust is between two knights from opposing countries
0:39:22 > 0:39:26and everything is watched by the eagle eye of the marshal.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Now they're going to charge the wooden barrier there.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32Get in!
0:39:32 > 0:39:35If the coronel, the rubber tip of the lance,
0:39:35 > 0:39:36strikes the opponent's shield,
0:39:36 > 0:39:40our English jouster will get his full three points.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43So, he's absolutely smashed his own lance, which is good?
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- That means he's getting more points.- Yes.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53Oh, I like that one!
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Well, it's certainly an exciting sport,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57even as a spectator.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59And as the winner is announced,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01I wonder if England will come out on top.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04They're hoping to regain their title after losing out last year.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08And your winner, ladies and gentlemen -
0:40:08 > 0:40:10for England, Darth Rimmer with 16 points.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Come on, England!- Come on, Darth!
0:40:14 > 0:40:17I tell you what, I've absolutely loved this, but I'm going to leave you to it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I'm going to go and try to find someone selling mead.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- OK, have a good one.- Thanks, mate.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Normally, I have an inkling
0:40:26 > 0:40:30of where our buyers' thoughts are at this juncture.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33But when you've got a couple that want slightly different things,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36and where we've offered three properties all quite different,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I have no clue what I'm about to hear.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Well, gentlemen,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50are we any closer to a decision, do you think?
0:40:50 > 0:40:52They all three have resonance with me,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54for completely different reasons.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I was in fear of just this answer.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59This is what I was worried about.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02The first house was my favourite, I think. I like that very much.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- Yeah.- The core of it has got a medieval bit of wood.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09And it was usable shape, a great garden.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11You also have views over the fields to the hills.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Very, very nice.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15We definitely want to go back and look at the first house.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Again, certainly.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20And we definitely want to go back and look at the mystery house,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22and have a discussion with the owner
0:41:22 > 0:41:24- about the possibility of extending.- Right.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26We'll check with her to see what the possibilities are.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29If that's a possibility, then it will be worth having a discussion.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32But if that can't happen, it's definitely not for us.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33Fine, fine.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Whether or not they can...
0:41:36 > 0:41:38..upgrade themselves from just second-viewing fodder
0:41:38 > 0:41:42to a potential new home, we'll wait and find out.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45But do, please, tell us. I am dying to hear what you do next.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- We certainly will. - Thanks, we certainly will.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49- Wish you the very best of luck. - Thank you very much.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Whilst it's great to hear that Tony and Paul are going back
0:41:57 > 0:41:59for second viewings on two houses,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01they are looking at two very different properties.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06The first house is a lovely property with potential for the B&B,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09the mystery house is just a home.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11And being so different, I think they're going to
0:42:11 > 0:42:12struggle to come to a decision.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15Maybe this second viewing will flush that out,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18but if not I think they need to go back to the drawing board
0:42:18 > 0:42:21and decide exactly what kind of property they're after.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23Whatever they decide, I'm sure, like me,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25you wish them both the very best of luck.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31Well, Tony and Paul only ended up revisiting house number one,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34and, after viewing a further 33 properties
0:42:34 > 0:42:38it was still the first house that shone out above the rest.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42And I'm delighted to report that they have had their offer on it accepted.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45We wish them every happiness in the Sussex countryside.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Wales or Northern Ireland, and I need our help,
0:42:53 > 0:42:58please apply online at: