Lincolnshire

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04One of this country's most famous literary figures

0:00:04 > 0:00:08found peace and inspiration in the grounds of this stately manner.

0:00:08 > 0:00:13So, who was he and where am I? Find out in just a moment.

0:00:31 > 0:00:34'Today a young family has travelled 9,000 miles

0:00:34 > 0:00:37'back to the UK to find their country retreat,

0:00:37 > 0:00:40'because home is where the heart is.'

0:00:40 > 0:00:43I can see dogs, I can see mess, muck, children,

0:00:43 > 0:00:46chaos, noise, but that's what we want.

0:00:46 > 0:00:48'And it's not long before they start talking money

0:00:48 > 0:00:51'as thoughts turn to shopping.'

0:00:51 > 0:00:53I'm already sort of imagining what new furniture

0:00:53 > 0:00:55I could buy for this room.

0:00:57 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in Lincolnshire

0:00:59 > 0:01:02and this striking mansion is Gunby Hall,

0:01:02 > 0:01:06built in 1700 for the Massingberd family.

0:01:06 > 0:01:09Now, Victorian poet laureate Alfred Tennyson,

0:01:09 > 0:01:12who lived nearby in the village of Somersby,

0:01:12 > 0:01:15was so inspired by this mansion house

0:01:15 > 0:01:19and its beautiful gardens, that it featured in his poem

0:01:19 > 0:01:20The Palace Of Art,

0:01:20 > 0:01:25where he described Gunby Hall as a haunt of ancient peace.

0:01:25 > 0:01:30And looking further afield, there are plenty of other beautiful sites

0:01:30 > 0:01:33to wax lyrical about across this county.

0:01:34 > 0:01:37Set in the East Midlands, Lincolnshire neighbours

0:01:37 > 0:01:39no less than eight other counties,

0:01:39 > 0:01:42including Yorkshire to the north and Norfolk to the south,

0:01:42 > 0:01:46with the North Sea running along its eastern edge.

0:01:46 > 0:01:49As well as being one of the largest counties in England,

0:01:49 > 0:01:53the Lincolnshire landscape is one of peaceful, understated grandeur.

0:01:53 > 0:01:54In the south of the county,

0:01:54 > 0:01:58the Fens are a prime example of predominantly level scenery here.

0:01:58 > 0:02:00For 1,000 years,

0:02:00 > 0:02:03it has been ongoing work to reclaim the land from the sea.

0:02:03 > 0:02:06Man-made waterways helped drain it to maintain

0:02:06 > 0:02:09the area's agricultural activity.

0:02:09 > 0:02:11Further north, the more rolling Wolds,

0:02:11 > 0:02:14an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

0:02:14 > 0:02:16is one of the county's treasures

0:02:16 > 0:02:19and inspired poet Alfred Lord Tennyson.

0:02:19 > 0:02:22Along with the natural splendour of the region,

0:02:22 > 0:02:25the county town of Lincoln retains its cobbled streets

0:02:25 > 0:02:27and architectural landmarks.

0:02:27 > 0:02:29There's the impressive Gothic cathedral

0:02:29 > 0:02:31and the magnificent Lincoln Castle,

0:02:31 > 0:02:34built by William the Conqueror.

0:02:34 > 0:02:36As a rich and diverse county

0:02:36 > 0:02:39with one of the lowest population densities in the country,

0:02:39 > 0:02:42Lincolnshire is a sound choice for escapees

0:02:42 > 0:02:46wishing to slow things down whilst enjoying Britain at its best.

0:02:49 > 0:02:51When it comes to buying property,

0:02:51 > 0:02:55Lincolnshire offers fantastic value for money.

0:02:55 > 0:02:57The average price of a detached property

0:02:57 > 0:03:02currently stands at just under £180,000.

0:03:02 > 0:03:05Now, that's over £100,000 less

0:03:05 > 0:03:07than the national figure.

0:03:07 > 0:03:08In the northern part of the county,

0:03:08 > 0:03:12you'll find the most affordable housing, but do bear in mind,

0:03:12 > 0:03:14if you decide to settle in the south,

0:03:14 > 0:03:17in and around the historic and attractive towns of Bourne

0:03:17 > 0:03:20and Stamford, you could well pay a premium.

0:03:20 > 0:03:24So, let's find out which part of Lincolnshire today's buyers

0:03:24 > 0:03:25want to call home.

0:03:25 > 0:03:26Whee!

0:03:26 > 0:03:30Full-time mum Rebecca and civil engineer Will have recently

0:03:30 > 0:03:34returned to the UK after seven years living and working abroad.

0:03:34 > 0:03:38Their two-year-old daughter Esme was born in Perth, Australia,

0:03:38 > 0:03:39their last stop.

0:03:39 > 0:03:42But it was eight years ago, back in the UK

0:03:42 > 0:03:44that their paths first crossed.

0:03:44 > 0:03:46William and I met in York.

0:03:46 > 0:03:50William was living there at the time and I was teaching

0:03:50 > 0:03:53and we just happened to meet on a night out, in a bar.

0:03:53 > 0:03:56I just thought she was beautiful. She is beautiful. Um...

0:03:56 > 0:03:59That's why I just had to, yeah, I had to speak to her,

0:03:59 > 0:04:00I had to get to know her.

0:04:00 > 0:04:04- And since then, really, we've been inseparable.- Yeah.

0:04:04 > 0:04:06They left the country ten months later,

0:04:06 > 0:04:10spent two years in Jamaica and five years in Australia.

0:04:10 > 0:04:13And it was while they were down under that they tied the knot.

0:04:13 > 0:04:16We got married in 2012 on a beach in Australia

0:04:16 > 0:04:18and it was a really different wedding,

0:04:18 > 0:04:20it was just the two of us,

0:04:20 > 0:04:21we jumped out of a plane the day before

0:04:21 > 0:04:24we went swimming with dolphins, so, yeah,

0:04:24 > 0:04:26it was just a really, really special time for us.

0:04:26 > 0:04:29When Esme came along in 2013,

0:04:29 > 0:04:32they started thinking about the life they want for her.

0:04:32 > 0:04:35Two months ago, they landed back on home soil and have been

0:04:35 > 0:04:38living in a house belonging to Will's family near Lincoln,

0:04:38 > 0:04:41the area where they ideally want to set up home.

0:04:41 > 0:04:43I'm actually from Lincolnshire originally.

0:04:43 > 0:04:46I grew up in the area that we're looking for a house.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48Yeah, people tend to go back to their roots

0:04:48 > 0:04:51and that's something I definitely want for us and want for our family.

0:04:51 > 0:04:55Living back in England is something new for all of them,

0:04:55 > 0:04:56not just Esme.

0:04:56 > 0:04:58'Well, because we've lived in different countries,

0:04:58 > 0:05:02'this is the first time we've actually lived in England together'

0:05:02 > 0:05:05- and it's the first time that we'll be buying a house jointly.- Together.

0:05:05 > 0:05:08So, it's quite special and, hence, the reason it's quite important

0:05:08 > 0:05:10we get it right.

0:05:10 > 0:05:12But I think the biggest change will be moving from a city,

0:05:12 > 0:05:15that we were in Perth, into the countryside,

0:05:15 > 0:05:16so we're really looking forward to that.

0:05:16 > 0:05:20'I think for Esme, it will be really important

0:05:20 > 0:05:22'that she has the upbringing similar to what we had.

0:05:22 > 0:05:25'She loves nature, she loves animals, she loves getting dirty,

0:05:25 > 0:05:27'she's a real outdoor girl'

0:05:27 > 0:05:31- and I think the countryside will really suit her.- Yeah.

0:05:31 > 0:05:34As Will has shifted career and is now joining the

0:05:34 > 0:05:36family business on the farm where he grew up,

0:05:36 > 0:05:38Esme will have plenty of opportunities

0:05:38 > 0:05:40to explore the great outdoors.

0:05:40 > 0:05:44Both parents are also looking forward to their leisure time too.

0:05:44 > 0:05:46I really enjoy cooking,

0:05:46 > 0:05:48it's something I love doing for family and friends

0:05:48 > 0:05:51'and I try and involve Esme with a few baking bits,

0:05:51 > 0:05:52'but that is something that I do.'

0:05:52 > 0:05:54I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

0:05:54 > 0:05:56'I enjoy cycling, got a few bikes,

0:05:56 > 0:05:59'got a road bike and a couple of others,

0:05:59 > 0:06:00- 'we go out with Esme as well.- Yes.'

0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Dabbling in the garden as well. - Yes.- I do like that.

0:06:03 > 0:06:05I like to have a few projects to do.

0:06:05 > 0:06:07'You know, maybe just a simple herb garden would start us off,

0:06:07 > 0:06:10'but having the space to do that would be really good,

0:06:10 > 0:06:12'because we're quite keen to have a bit more of a home life.'

0:06:12 > 0:06:15Yeah, maybe get some chickens, that would be good.

0:06:15 > 0:06:16Yeah, maybe. Some ducks.

0:06:16 > 0:06:20So, with thoughts of sun, sea and sand at the back of their minds,

0:06:20 > 0:06:23this young family is now looking to the future.

0:06:23 > 0:06:25'We're just ready for a change.

0:06:25 > 0:06:27'Although we will miss Australia,'

0:06:27 > 0:06:30it doesn't feel at the moment like we're missing out,

0:06:30 > 0:06:31because we're having all these new things

0:06:31 > 0:06:34'and new experiences. Yeah.'

0:06:34 > 0:06:38'We've never have had a family base and to have that kind of...'

0:06:38 > 0:06:41Put some roots down and really settle into a family life.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49Rebecca and Will have decided they'd like to live somewhere

0:06:49 > 0:06:53within the triangle between Lincoln, Brigg and Louth,

0:06:53 > 0:06:56not too far from Will's family near Wragby.

0:06:56 > 0:06:58Before we set off on our search

0:06:58 > 0:07:00for their perfect Lincolnshire property,

0:07:00 > 0:07:02we're meeting in the county so I can dig deeper

0:07:02 > 0:07:06into what's on their wish list.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09Well, welcome, you two. Back to the UK, Will and Rebecca.

0:07:09 > 0:07:12- How many years have you been away? - Seven in total, Nicki.

0:07:12 > 0:07:15I'm sure it's been a hard decision, you know,

0:07:15 > 0:07:19to decide to come back to the UK, but has Esme played a role in that?

0:07:19 > 0:07:21She's really happy here now.

0:07:21 > 0:07:23She loves the outdoors and, yeah,

0:07:23 > 0:07:25I think that she's definitely in a good place.

0:07:25 > 0:07:26- Aww.- Yes.

0:07:26 > 0:07:30So, first house that you've bought, what are you looking for exactly?

0:07:30 > 0:07:31A family home.

0:07:31 > 0:07:34Something that works for us in terms of space, outdoor,

0:07:34 > 0:07:36being in the garden, that sort of thing.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39What's the style of the property, because in Australia,

0:07:39 > 0:07:42you know, my experience, they're all quite modern, open-plan.

0:07:42 > 0:07:45Are you used to that or do you want something different back here?

0:07:45 > 0:07:49I think what we're really after is to get some of those features

0:07:49 > 0:07:51from the Australian houses that we're used to,

0:07:51 > 0:07:52certainly the open-plan living,

0:07:52 > 0:07:55bigger gardens, yeah, would definitely be nice.

0:07:55 > 0:07:58We tended to have the older-style properties in Australia.

0:07:58 > 0:07:59Yes, we did.

0:07:59 > 0:08:02The modern-style properties, we generally tend to avoid,

0:08:02 > 0:08:05we like old features, high ceilings,

0:08:05 > 0:08:09we really like quirkiness, a bit of character.

0:08:09 > 0:08:13So, let's talk about the finer details of this new home.

0:08:13 > 0:08:15- How many bedrooms? - Four minimum, I'd say.

0:08:15 > 0:08:18Yes, we'd like to expand our family and I think that four

0:08:18 > 0:08:21would be the minimum at this stage.

0:08:21 > 0:08:24So, four bedrooms. What about the kitchen, the downstairs area,

0:08:24 > 0:08:25what's that going to be like?

0:08:25 > 0:08:28I think the key to that is really having a big, open family area,

0:08:28 > 0:08:30or the possibility to create that.

0:08:30 > 0:08:32Yeah, I think the kitchen is the heart of the home

0:08:32 > 0:08:35and I think that that's what needs to be the focus, actually.

0:08:35 > 0:08:37That area really needs to work for us.

0:08:37 > 0:08:39So, if we find this quirky property,

0:08:39 > 0:08:43chances are it might need a little bit of work.

0:08:43 > 0:08:46- How do you feel about that? - Yeah, open to doing something.

0:08:46 > 0:08:48I mean, obviously, we're making the place look nice

0:08:48 > 0:08:50and be our home, really looking forward to that.

0:08:50 > 0:08:53Are we talking extensions, knocking down walls, is that a job too far?

0:08:53 > 0:08:56I think if we walked into a house and it was completely done,

0:08:56 > 0:08:58I think we'd feel disappointed.

0:08:58 > 0:09:00If we walked into a property and we saw potential,

0:09:00 > 0:09:03this wall could come down and we might expand here,

0:09:03 > 0:09:06we'll feel a bit more motivated in that way, yeah.

0:09:06 > 0:09:09And what about the actual location of the property, ideally?

0:09:09 > 0:09:12Do you want to be quite close to a town or want more rural?

0:09:12 > 0:09:16I would like just rural, our own space, not overlooked,

0:09:16 > 0:09:17definitely not.

0:09:17 > 0:09:20So, remind us how much we've got to spend for this move?

0:09:20 > 0:09:24The budget's 400,000, but there's a bit of room, I think,

0:09:24 > 0:09:27wriggle room at the top if it really pulls on the heartstrings,

0:09:27 > 0:09:28I think we could go up to, say, 425.

0:09:28 > 0:09:30- That's our top ceiling, is it? - It is, yes.

0:09:30 > 0:09:33For the perfect property. Well, I think we should get started then.

0:09:33 > 0:09:36- Yes, please.- Shall we? - Excellent.- Come on.- Thank you.

0:09:36 > 0:09:40With a top budget of £425,000

0:09:40 > 0:09:44Rebecca and Will are looking for an older property with character,

0:09:44 > 0:09:47that features a spacious interior and four bedrooms.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50Outside, they'd like a garden that two-year-old Esme

0:09:50 > 0:09:51could enjoy playing in

0:09:51 > 0:09:53and they're keen on a rural position

0:09:53 > 0:09:55that's not overlooked

0:09:55 > 0:09:56and also not too far

0:09:56 > 0:09:58from Will's work near Wragby.

0:09:58 > 0:10:01We've selected three completely contrasting properties

0:10:01 > 0:10:03for our buyers to view,

0:10:03 > 0:10:05but the price of each will only be revealed

0:10:05 > 0:10:07after they've completed each tour.

0:10:07 > 0:10:10Our final visit will be to the Mystery House,

0:10:10 > 0:10:12which may have a youthful addition,

0:10:12 > 0:10:16but I'm hoping it will be considered a bonus, rather than a minus.

0:10:22 > 0:10:26We're beginning our journey just outside the village of Upton,

0:10:26 > 0:10:29it's around 13 miles north-west of Lincoln

0:10:29 > 0:10:32and a 35-minute drive from Will's job near Wragby.

0:10:32 > 0:10:35Upton is a quiet but sociable village

0:10:35 > 0:10:38with a scattering of pretty cottages.

0:10:38 > 0:10:41There's a handsome church thought to date back to the 11th century,

0:10:41 > 0:10:44a dining pub and then there's the renowned Upton chippy.

0:10:44 > 0:10:50Founded in 1948, it's always prided itself on locally-caught fish,

0:10:50 > 0:10:51using a coal-fired frying range

0:10:51 > 0:10:55and their traditional secret batter recipe.

0:10:55 > 0:10:59Just a ten-minute walk away is where we're starting our house hunt.

0:11:01 > 0:11:03NICKI LAUGHS Through the tree.

0:11:03 > 0:11:05- And this...- Oh.

0:11:05 > 0:11:08..is our first home.

0:11:08 > 0:11:10Lovely.

0:11:10 > 0:11:13- That's really pretty. - I like the front of the property.

0:11:13 > 0:11:16It's got nice symmetry and the front door...

0:11:16 > 0:11:18Yeah, it's got presence.

0:11:18 > 0:11:20I think it looks like a really substantial house.

0:11:20 > 0:11:22Nice, big windows, so it should be light inside.

0:11:22 > 0:11:24And quite an established garden with some big trees,

0:11:24 > 0:11:26so quite a bit for me to do, I think.

0:11:26 > 0:11:27- Got to keep you busy?- Yeah.

0:11:27 > 0:11:30Right, well, I think it's time we explored our first house.

0:11:30 > 0:11:32Let's go.

0:11:32 > 0:11:36This attractive period property was built in 1843

0:11:36 > 0:11:39as the main house to a neighbouring flour mill.

0:11:39 > 0:11:42It was extended in 1920.

0:11:42 > 0:11:45'The front door leads to a long hallway and the sitting room

0:11:45 > 0:11:47'is off to the right.'

0:11:47 > 0:11:51- High ceilings, nice size. - Yeah, nice, old features.

0:11:51 > 0:11:54Definitely, yeah. Impressive fireplace, I have to say.

0:11:54 > 0:11:55- Look at those tiles.- I know.

0:11:55 > 0:11:58- They have to be original, don't they?- Must be.

0:11:58 > 0:11:59I really like it.

0:11:59 > 0:12:02- I didn't think we could probably get this in the countryside.- No.

0:12:02 > 0:12:05It's got that proportion that you more associate

0:12:05 > 0:12:06with, like, a big townhouse.

0:12:06 > 0:12:08That's right, it's not farmhouse-y, is it?

0:12:08 > 0:12:10It's definitely got the townhouse appeal.

0:12:10 > 0:12:12You've got two reception rooms, this is just one.

0:12:12 > 0:12:15- Right.- The other one at the moment is being used as a dining room.

0:12:15 > 0:12:17So it's about the same size.

0:12:17 > 0:12:19This would be the grown-up room.

0:12:21 > 0:12:24'Further down the hallway, at the back of the house, is the kitchen,

0:12:24 > 0:12:29'another bright, spacious room with access to the garden.'

0:12:29 > 0:12:32Really stunning kitchen, actually. Lovely and light.

0:12:32 > 0:12:34- And if this wasn't big enough...- Oh.

0:12:34 > 0:12:39..across the hallway, you have a scullery/kitchen/utility room.

0:12:39 > 0:12:42Oh, wow. Well, I never thought in a million years

0:12:42 > 0:12:45we'd have anything like that, so that's wonderful.

0:12:45 > 0:12:47- Hmm. So, you're liking what you see?- Yes.

0:12:47 > 0:12:52I can see dogs, I can see mess, muck, children, chaos, noise,

0:12:52 > 0:12:53but that's what we want.

0:12:53 > 0:12:56- You've also got a study downstairs. - Oh, that's good.

0:12:56 > 0:12:59But in the back of your mind, cos you've got the downstairs cloakroom,

0:12:59 > 0:13:02you could make that into another bedroom if ever you wanted to.

0:13:02 > 0:13:03How many bedrooms is this?

0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Well, that's a good question, shall we explore?- Yes, please.- Yeah.

0:13:08 > 0:13:11A winding stairway opposite the front door leads us

0:13:11 > 0:13:15to a large, light landing and a wonderfully unique family bathroom

0:13:15 > 0:13:16that serves four bedrooms.

0:13:16 > 0:13:19There's a double with a window at the side of the house,

0:13:19 > 0:13:23an individually decorated room at the back and a large,

0:13:23 > 0:13:26sunny double at the front with a feature fireplace.

0:13:26 > 0:13:30Also at the front is the master.

0:13:30 > 0:13:33- Nice. Nice, big size.- Yeah.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It is. Nice, high ceilings again. - Again, yes.

0:13:36 > 0:13:39- It also has an en-suite. - Oh, lovely, oh, good.

0:13:39 > 0:13:41Do you think it's got character, Will?

0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Yeah, definitely.- In bags. In bags. - Lots of nice, quirky features.

0:13:44 > 0:13:48And, yeah, I think we could work with this, definitely.

0:13:48 > 0:13:52This well-presented house seems to be winning them over,

0:13:52 > 0:13:55but the garden is an important factor too.

0:13:55 > 0:13:56'Back downstairs,

0:13:56 > 0:13:59'the double doors in the kitchen lead to a large deck terrace

0:13:59 > 0:14:02'which overlooks a lawn surrounded by hedges and mature trees.'

0:14:04 > 0:14:07So, we've got a generous garden.

0:14:07 > 0:14:09Yes. I can see Esme running around having...

0:14:09 > 0:14:12She's got loads of space here, that wouldn't be a problem.

0:14:12 > 0:14:15It's nice and protected from the road as well, it's quite separate.

0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yeah.- Well, let's go back to the actual house itself,

0:14:17 > 0:14:20- cos we've got to put a price on it.- OK.

0:14:20 > 0:14:24How much do you think this house is on the market for?

0:14:24 > 0:14:27- I think 395.- OK.

0:14:27 > 0:14:29I think I'm going to go...I'll go 400.

0:14:29 > 0:14:31The asking price is...

0:14:31 > 0:14:33£330,000.

0:14:33 > 0:14:36Oh, OK. Oh, we're off the mark.

0:14:36 > 0:14:38Why don't you go back in, this time on your own,

0:14:38 > 0:14:40- now you know it's way under your budget.- Yeah.

0:14:40 > 0:14:45Pleasantly surprised, hopefully. And I'll go this way. Thank you.

0:14:46 > 0:14:51This 19th-century house has rung in a substantial £95,000

0:14:51 > 0:14:54under Rebecca and Will's top budget,

0:14:54 > 0:14:57meaning they'd have plenty spare to make their mark on the property.

0:14:57 > 0:15:00It's got well-proportioned rooms downstairs,

0:15:00 > 0:15:03providing plenty of options for a young family

0:15:03 > 0:15:07and there are the high ceilings and original features they want.

0:15:07 > 0:15:10Upstairs, there are just the number of required bedrooms

0:15:10 > 0:15:14and the outside space would be a great playground for their daughter.

0:15:16 > 0:15:19- Oh. Dual sink. Lovely.- That's great.

0:15:19 > 0:15:22Very nice. Oh, it's a really good size, isn't it?

0:15:22 > 0:15:24- This could work.- Definitely work.

0:15:24 > 0:15:26I was really surprised at the price.

0:15:26 > 0:15:29It just shows that I don't know the area and we need to maybe,

0:15:29 > 0:15:32yeah, realise that we can get a lot for our money in Lincolnshire.

0:15:32 > 0:15:35I think even though the rooms are a really nice proportion

0:15:35 > 0:15:38in this house, it's the fact that they're all separate at the moment.

0:15:38 > 0:15:41There is a cloakroom in-between the kitchen and the living room,

0:15:41 > 0:15:43which would make it difficult to knock through there

0:15:43 > 0:15:46to make a bigger open area. It just makes it a little bit more complex

0:15:46 > 0:15:50to try and think about making the house work for us as a family

0:15:50 > 0:15:51at the moment.

0:15:52 > 0:15:53- Have you seen enough?- Yes.- Good.

0:15:53 > 0:15:55And fantastically under your budget.

0:15:55 > 0:15:58And this is only our first house.

0:15:58 > 0:16:00Let's see what else we've got in store.

0:16:06 > 0:16:10Lincolnshire is known for being the bread basket of England,

0:16:10 > 0:16:12due to its abundance of crops

0:16:12 > 0:16:14and the food it grows for the nation.

0:16:14 > 0:16:17Its coastal position by the North Sea has also been

0:16:17 > 0:16:20a lifeline for the fishing industry, centred on Grimsby.

0:16:22 > 0:16:24In the 1950s, the town was considered the largest

0:16:24 > 0:16:27and busiest fishing port in the world,

0:16:27 > 0:16:30but towards the end of the 20th century,

0:16:30 > 0:16:32the industry had fallen into steep decline.

0:16:32 > 0:16:38The Ross Tiger, built in 1957, is a trawler from those times

0:16:38 > 0:16:42and is now the star attraction at the Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.

0:16:42 > 0:16:46Rebecca and Will have come to meet retired fisherman Syd Wahwerit,

0:16:46 > 0:16:49who used to be a deck hand on the vessel.

0:16:49 > 0:16:51What was life like on a boat like the Ross Tiger?

0:16:51 > 0:16:56It could be exciting, it could be dangerous, rough, cold,

0:16:56 > 0:16:59- hard, uncomfortable...- Yeah.

0:16:59 > 0:17:01..and anything else you could think of.

0:17:01 > 0:17:04- What was your best memory? - Coming in dock.- Seeing land.

0:17:04 > 0:17:08Seeing that dock gate and coming through them dock gates.

0:17:08 > 0:17:11And coming to shore and then on settling day,

0:17:11 > 0:17:14then that's the day when you get your money.

0:17:14 > 0:17:17And how many hours did you work in a day?

0:17:17 > 0:17:20You couldn't say how many hours a day on a boat like this...

0:17:20 > 0:17:25a ship like this, because when you started work, you turned out,

0:17:25 > 0:17:27you started work, went back to bed when it was finished.

0:17:27 > 0:17:30You might not see your bed again for the next two or three days.

0:17:30 > 0:17:33Would you like me to show you around the ship?

0:17:33 > 0:17:35- That would be great, thank you. - Yes, please.- Come this way then.

0:17:35 > 0:17:39The Ross Tiger's career as a trawler ended in 1984,

0:17:39 > 0:17:41but when it was a working boat,

0:17:41 > 0:17:43there would have been 12 crew on board.

0:17:43 > 0:17:46It would have fished British waters in the North Sea

0:17:46 > 0:17:48and also off the coast of Norway,

0:17:48 > 0:17:51as well as the arctic waters around Iceland.

0:17:51 > 0:17:53These are some of the nets we used.

0:17:53 > 0:17:55Syd's taking Rebecca and Will below deck

0:17:55 > 0:17:57through the engine room of the trawler

0:17:57 > 0:18:00and up to the wheelhouse at the front to show them

0:18:00 > 0:18:01how it used to be navigated.

0:18:01 > 0:18:04And at 128ft long

0:18:04 > 0:18:09and weighing in at 355 tonnes, that would've been no mean feat.

0:18:09 > 0:18:11If you was the helmsman, you'd stand here,

0:18:11 > 0:18:14you would read your compass through that mirror,

0:18:14 > 0:18:16cos this is called a binnacle compass.

0:18:16 > 0:18:19But if that breaks down, you have to use this mirror

0:18:19 > 0:18:23to look in this mirror, to read the compass above your head.

0:18:23 > 0:18:24Right.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28In Grimsby's fishing heyday, there were hundreds of trawlers

0:18:28 > 0:18:32like this in the dock, but after the Cod Wars in the 1970s,

0:18:32 > 0:18:35they started to disappear, when Iceland won the right

0:18:35 > 0:18:38to an exclusive fishing zone in its waters.

0:18:38 > 0:18:4130 years ago, around a third of the day's catch

0:18:41 > 0:18:45from Grimsby's fishermen went to local smokehouses to be smoked,

0:18:45 > 0:18:48the same way it's been done for more than a century.

0:18:48 > 0:18:53Next stop for our couple is a visit to the Alfred Enderby smokehouse

0:18:53 > 0:18:55near Grimsby Fish Market.

0:18:55 > 0:18:57The local man who gave his name to the business

0:18:57 > 0:18:59bought it over 50 years ago

0:18:59 > 0:19:02and now his son Richard Enderby is at the helm.

0:19:02 > 0:19:05The smokehouse is one of just a handful

0:19:05 > 0:19:08still using traditional smoking methods.

0:19:08 > 0:19:12The process is unchanged for 150 years

0:19:12 > 0:19:14and goes back to the very beginning of Grimsby fish docks

0:19:14 > 0:19:16as a premier fish port.

0:19:16 > 0:19:17So, what is the process?

0:19:17 > 0:19:20It's an overnight process, that's what makes us different.

0:19:20 > 0:19:23It takes longer. We buy the fish off the fish market, fillet it

0:19:23 > 0:19:25and at the end of the day we put it in the smokehouses

0:19:25 > 0:19:28and it leave it overnight and get it out the next morning,

0:19:28 > 0:19:31put it on these racks, let it cool and then pack it.

0:19:31 > 0:19:32Six years ago,

0:19:32 > 0:19:34the Grimsby traditional smoked fish

0:19:34 > 0:19:37that has been through this lengthy smoking process

0:19:37 > 0:19:39was put on the culinary map

0:19:39 > 0:19:42when it was given PGI status by the European Union.

0:19:42 > 0:19:46This protected geographical indicator distinguishes it

0:19:46 > 0:19:49from mass-produced versions, dried artificially

0:19:49 > 0:19:50in just a few hours.

0:19:50 > 0:19:53- So, what does that mean for the flavour?- It's more...

0:19:53 > 0:19:56It has more depth to the flavour, because it's been in the smokehouses

0:19:56 > 0:19:59that much longer, it has time to imbue into the fish.

0:19:59 > 0:20:00And I'd like you to taste some

0:20:00 > 0:20:02so you can understand the difference.

0:20:02 > 0:20:04Yes, please. Yeah, great.

0:20:04 > 0:20:06Well, this is smoked haddock, which is what we do mostly,

0:20:06 > 0:20:09- so, if you want to take a fork.- OK.

0:20:12 > 0:20:13- Mm.- Mm.- Mm.

0:20:13 > 0:20:15So, what do you think of the flavour?

0:20:15 > 0:20:20- It's quite unique, I'd say.- Yeah. - It's very mellow.- It's delicious.

0:20:20 > 0:20:21Thank you.

0:20:21 > 0:20:24After sampling some coastal heritage,

0:20:24 > 0:20:26it's time to return to our property search.

0:20:29 > 0:20:31For our next offering,

0:20:31 > 0:20:33we're journeying to the hamlet of Atterby,

0:20:33 > 0:20:35it's 15 miles north of Lincoln

0:20:35 > 0:20:39and a half-hour drive from Will's family farm.

0:20:39 > 0:20:41Local amenities are found half a mile away

0:20:41 > 0:20:43in the village of Bishop Norton.

0:20:43 > 0:20:45There's a village hall where local families

0:20:45 > 0:20:48can get stuck into community life

0:20:48 > 0:20:51and a playing field perfect for an energetic toddler.

0:20:51 > 0:20:55There's also the attractive Grade II listed St Peter's church,

0:20:55 > 0:20:58along with an eclectic mix of country homes.

0:20:58 > 0:21:03It's a ten-minute walk to peaceful Atterby and to our second house.

0:21:04 > 0:21:05So, for our next property,

0:21:05 > 0:21:08we thought we'd show you something a little bit different.

0:21:08 > 0:21:10Rain isn't going to put us off too much, I'm hoping,

0:21:10 > 0:21:13because this time we're going to show you a converted barn.

0:21:13 > 0:21:16- Wow.- Looks stunning. Really characterful.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19- All the stone. - Yeah, that's Lincolnshire stone.

0:21:19 > 0:21:25Lovely. Yeah, Will's always wanted a barn conversion. I'm hesitant.

0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Are you?- Yes. - What are your concerns about a barn?

0:21:28 > 0:21:30I just assume they're modern inside, so...

0:21:30 > 0:21:33if it's not too contemporary then that's fine.

0:21:33 > 0:21:35Well, this one was converted in 2006.

0:21:35 > 0:21:40- The actual barn itself, I think, dates back to around 1790.- Gosh.

0:21:40 > 0:21:42- The good news is it's not listed. - Ah.

0:21:42 > 0:21:45So, I think we should get out of this rain and get in, don't you?

0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Let's do it.- Come on.

0:21:47 > 0:21:51This barn's exterior is full of 18th-century charm

0:21:51 > 0:21:54with a history as both a forge and stables.

0:21:54 > 0:21:55It's set out in an L-shape

0:21:55 > 0:21:58with the front door leading to a kitchen-diner.

0:22:00 > 0:22:03So, come straight in, it's nice and dry in here.

0:22:03 > 0:22:05- Impressive, high ceilings. - Yeah, nice.

0:22:05 > 0:22:10- Now, it is done in a contemporary, more modern style.- Yes.

0:22:10 > 0:22:13I can't really see in here where we would put our stamp on,

0:22:13 > 0:22:14to be honest.

0:22:14 > 0:22:17Now, the way it's set up at the moment, next door...

0:22:17 > 0:22:18stud wall.

0:22:18 > 0:22:21You've actually got a utility room, so, if you wanted to,

0:22:21 > 0:22:24you could take that down and you could actually

0:22:24 > 0:22:26- open this out a little bit more. - OK, there's scope there then.

0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Yeah, I think we'd need to do that in order to consider it.- Yeah.

0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Let's see what you make of the rest of the property.- OK.

0:22:35 > 0:22:36Moving down the corridor,

0:22:36 > 0:22:39we come to a reception room in the corner of the property.

0:22:39 > 0:22:43- So, this is one of the sitting rooms.- Ah.

0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Currently used as a rather lovely music room.- Oh.

0:22:47 > 0:22:49And this leads us to the second sitting room.

0:22:49 > 0:22:52Oh, this is nice. I'm surprised.

0:22:52 > 0:22:54Yeah, bright, really bright.

0:22:54 > 0:22:56Well, it's open, this is warmer,

0:22:56 > 0:22:58it definitely has that warmer, homely feel.

0:22:58 > 0:23:00And do you like the space, the fact that there's two reception rooms?

0:23:00 > 0:23:03I think so, yeah. The fact that they're quite connected as well,

0:23:03 > 0:23:06so it's not having a separate room, it feels that it flows through.

0:23:06 > 0:23:11- It's nice.- I can see closing that door to all Esme's clutter

0:23:11 > 0:23:14and this being our space and Esme has her own playroom,

0:23:14 > 0:23:15I can really see that.

0:23:15 > 0:23:19So, things seem to be warming up in our barn conversion

0:23:19 > 0:23:22and on the other side of the sitting room

0:23:22 > 0:23:25are two of a possible four bedrooms here.

0:23:25 > 0:23:27- So, here is one of the bedrooms.- OK.

0:23:27 > 0:23:29Well, that's a good-sized dressing room.

0:23:29 > 0:23:31Became really used to those in Australia.

0:23:31 > 0:23:33Lots of the houses have, like, the walk-in robes.

0:23:33 > 0:23:38- Which is so nice.- Very practical. - And a good-size en-suite.

0:23:38 > 0:23:40Yeah. And it doesn't bother me that it's on the same level,

0:23:40 > 0:23:44because we're sort of used to that from Australia as well.

0:23:44 > 0:23:47But there's the option of sleeping upstairs here

0:23:47 > 0:23:49with two further double bedrooms above us,

0:23:49 > 0:23:51both in the eaves with skylights

0:23:51 > 0:23:54and making use of a smart family bathroom.

0:23:54 > 0:23:56Back downstairs,

0:23:56 > 0:23:58'on the other side of a double garage

0:23:58 > 0:23:59'and access room outside

0:23:59 > 0:24:02'is what could be bedroom number four,

0:24:02 > 0:24:04'completing the property's L-shape.'

0:24:04 > 0:24:09- So, this is a little surprise for you.- Yes.

0:24:09 > 0:24:11An annexe. So, it's pretty large.

0:24:11 > 0:24:13At the moment, they've got a sofa bed in,

0:24:13 > 0:24:15but could easily get a double bed.

0:24:15 > 0:24:17you've got your own kitchenette and an en-suite.

0:24:17 > 0:24:19Unexpected surprise, definitely.

0:24:19 > 0:24:21It is, it's a big annexe, actually.

0:24:21 > 0:24:23So, would this work for your friends and family, perhaps,

0:24:23 > 0:24:25if they came to stay?

0:24:25 > 0:24:28Well, funnily enough, I think my mother would put her stamp on this.

0:24:28 > 0:24:31- Really?- Yes, she's often joked about a granny flat,

0:24:31 > 0:24:33so she'd be more than happy with this.

0:24:33 > 0:24:35Oh, is this the first we've both heard about it?

0:24:35 > 0:24:37Yeah, we've definitely lost a bedroom,

0:24:37 > 0:24:41- it would be down to three bedrooms, plus the granny flat.- Yeah.

0:24:41 > 0:24:45Now, I'm going to take you outside. Sadly, the weather is unkind.

0:24:45 > 0:24:48We're going to need these and we're going to talk about money.

0:24:48 > 0:24:50- You ready?- Right, let's go.

0:24:50 > 0:24:53The double doors from the annexe lead to a patio with views

0:24:53 > 0:24:58across the lawn to the church and neighbouring farmland beyond.

0:24:58 > 0:25:01- You've got horses in the paddock. - Esme would love that.- Would she?

0:25:01 > 0:25:03I have to say, Esme would love that

0:25:03 > 0:25:05and I can see that this garden is just practical

0:25:05 > 0:25:08and I could see putting up a little Wendy house

0:25:08 > 0:25:10and bits and pieces to play for her.

0:25:10 > 0:25:11So, really, in practical terms, this works.

0:25:11 > 0:25:13Can we put a figure on it?

0:25:13 > 0:25:17I think I'd say 360,000.

0:25:17 > 0:25:22Well, I was going to say a bit lower than that and I'll say 345.

0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Well, you're both under the asking price.- Oh.

0:25:25 > 0:25:27- Will by not too much.- Oh, OK.

0:25:27 > 0:25:30- It is on the market for £365,000. - OK.- OK.

0:25:30 > 0:25:32- Yeah.- Well done.

0:25:32 > 0:25:35I'd like you to go back in on your own and have another look.

0:25:35 > 0:25:37- OK.- All right, see you later.

0:25:38 > 0:25:42This historic barn is a generous £60,000 below Rebecca

0:25:42 > 0:25:44and Will's maximum budget,

0:25:44 > 0:25:47there are elements of the open-plan space they're after

0:25:47 > 0:25:49and with some expert input,

0:25:49 > 0:25:52there could be the potential to open it up even more.

0:25:52 > 0:25:55Plus, they get the number of bedrooms they want

0:25:55 > 0:25:58with an added bonus for guests with the annexe.

0:25:58 > 0:26:03Outside, the lawn is a perfect playground for their daughter.

0:26:03 > 0:26:05Barn conversions do generally appeal to me.

0:26:05 > 0:26:09I like the big, open-plan spaces they tend to give inside.

0:26:09 > 0:26:11This house has got that in the two living rooms

0:26:11 > 0:26:13that are connected together, but the rest of the house

0:26:13 > 0:26:17doesn't really give any of that big, grand, open plan.

0:26:17 > 0:26:20I feel like it would be a fantastic holiday home.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23If it was somewhere down on the coast it would be ideal,

0:26:23 > 0:26:25but not a home for my family.

0:26:25 > 0:26:28So, that's it, mixed reactions with this property,

0:26:28 > 0:26:30- but I'm glad you took a second look. I think it was worth it.- Yeah.

0:26:30 > 0:26:33Gives you that time to really go through the house

0:26:33 > 0:26:35and appreciate what you like and what's good.

0:26:35 > 0:26:38Excellent and guess what? Tomorrow I've got another house to show you.

0:26:38 > 0:26:41- This time, it's our- Mystery House. Yeah.

0:26:47 > 0:26:51Morning has broken on our second day in Lincolnshire,

0:26:51 > 0:26:54searching for a country home for Will and Rebecca

0:26:54 > 0:26:55and their young daughter Esme

0:26:55 > 0:26:58who have recently returned from Australia.

0:26:58 > 0:27:02'Their top budget of £425,000

0:27:02 > 0:27:05'is capable of opening plenty of doors for them.'

0:27:05 > 0:27:08We've still got an impressive entrance

0:27:08 > 0:27:11to a rather grand Mystery House to come face-to-face with.

0:27:11 > 0:27:14- It's impressive. - Yeah, it's very big.

0:27:14 > 0:27:17And I'll be seeing first-hand how one of the county's

0:27:17 > 0:27:21gorgeous aquatic mammals is nurtured back to health

0:27:21 > 0:27:23after being injured and stranded.

0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Who is this? - This is little Celebration for us.

0:27:26 > 0:27:29Unfortunately, she was abandoned from her mum.

0:27:31 > 0:27:34Yesterday, we got some very positive reactions

0:27:34 > 0:27:37from both Will and Rebecca, but in all honesty,

0:27:37 > 0:27:41I don't think we managed to quite hit all their requirements.

0:27:41 > 0:27:44Today, we're on our way to our Mystery House,

0:27:44 > 0:27:48which blends history and character with a modern, flowing feeling.

0:27:48 > 0:27:51But to achieve their perfect family home,

0:27:51 > 0:27:54I think our couple are going to have to approach this property

0:27:54 > 0:27:58with an open mind and a clear vision.

0:27:58 > 0:27:59Let's see how we get on.

0:28:01 > 0:28:04Our final visit is to the Mystery House

0:28:04 > 0:28:06which takes us to the rural hamlet of Goltho,

0:28:06 > 0:28:10only five minutes from Will's family farm near Wragby.

0:28:10 > 0:28:14The town's low skyline is dominated by an old mill

0:28:14 > 0:28:16with a Grade II listed All Saints Church

0:28:16 > 0:28:18also a prominent feature.

0:28:18 > 0:28:22There's a market square here, plus a good selection of eateries

0:28:22 > 0:28:25and local shops, with a maze providing perfect family fun.

0:28:25 > 0:28:28Just over a mile away and we're in Goltho,

0:28:28 > 0:28:32where our Mystery House certainly makes a statement.

0:28:32 > 0:28:33In a truly remote setting,

0:28:33 > 0:28:37just two properties stand at the end of a tree-lined track.

0:28:37 > 0:28:40One is a derelict barn on the market and awaiting development,

0:28:40 > 0:28:42'but we're here to see its rather vibrant

0:28:42 > 0:28:45'and imposing detached neighbour.'

0:28:45 > 0:28:48This is our Mystery House.

0:28:49 > 0:28:52- Wow. OK.- Wow.

0:28:52 > 0:28:54It's impressive.

0:28:54 > 0:28:55Yeah, it's very big.

0:28:55 > 0:28:59I think what strikes me the most is how peaceful it is.

0:28:59 > 0:29:01Lovely and quiet.

0:29:01 > 0:29:04- It's very kind of grand looking with the pine trees there.- Yeah.

0:29:04 > 0:29:06The reason it's the mystery -

0:29:06 > 0:29:08it is very quirky,

0:29:08 > 0:29:09it's not your usual property.

0:29:09 > 0:29:11It's built about 150 years ago,

0:29:11 > 0:29:14- you can see it's got a Gothic style to it...- Yes.

0:29:14 > 0:29:19- ..but there is a contemporary wing, shall we say, inside.- Right.

0:29:19 > 0:29:20- Yeah?- That's that word again.

0:29:20 > 0:29:23Well, let's see. Let's reserve judgment.

0:29:24 > 0:29:27'This Mystery House was built in 1865,

0:29:27 > 0:29:30'but bears little resemblance to its Victorian past.

0:29:30 > 0:29:33'We're walking towards the newly extended hallway

0:29:33 > 0:29:36'attached to the original part of the property.

0:29:36 > 0:29:39'Here, the ground floor has been opened up but may require

0:29:39 > 0:29:42'a bit of imagination, as the owners have moved out.'

0:29:42 > 0:29:44So, please enter.

0:29:44 > 0:29:46OK.

0:29:46 > 0:29:47Wow.

0:29:47 > 0:29:51So, as you walk in, you've got this huge area

0:29:51 > 0:29:55which could be used as a sitting-room of sorts

0:29:55 > 0:29:56and then you've got this room as well.

0:29:56 > 0:29:59Now, tell me, was this what you were expecting?

0:29:59 > 0:30:03No, very different on the inside to the outside. Very clean.

0:30:03 > 0:30:08- It's open, so the grandeur of it, yeah, is impressive, I think.- Yeah.

0:30:08 > 0:30:11And I'm already sort of imagining what new furniture

0:30:11 > 0:30:13I could buy for this room.

0:30:13 > 0:30:17I could see us putting our own stamp on a property like this.

0:30:18 > 0:30:21'So, a warm response so far.

0:30:21 > 0:30:23'The kitchen lies to the other side of the bright hallway

0:30:23 > 0:30:25'in the extended part.'

0:30:25 > 0:30:29Now, how is this for a kitchen-diner?

0:30:29 > 0:30:34- Wow.- Now, is this big enough? - Uh, yeah.

0:30:34 > 0:30:36This is so Australian.

0:30:36 > 0:30:41So open plan and so just ready for you to move into.

0:30:41 > 0:30:42I love the kitchen.

0:30:42 > 0:30:46The layout of this is you've got a utility,

0:30:46 > 0:30:49you've got a downstairs cloakroom there,

0:30:49 > 0:30:54but you've also got another reception room/bedroom

0:30:54 > 0:30:57which is what they had earmarked it for, with the dressing room,

0:30:57 > 0:30:59because you've got a family bathroom, literally,

0:30:59 > 0:31:02- that we've just walked past. - I wasn't expecting this.

0:31:02 > 0:31:06So, the old and the new is beginning to work?

0:31:06 > 0:31:08In this case, yes, absolutely.

0:31:08 > 0:31:10Let's see what you make of upstairs.

0:31:12 > 0:31:14'As we head through the vast kitchen

0:31:14 > 0:31:16'and back through the central hallway,

0:31:16 > 0:31:19'the wooden staircase leads to a large beam landing

0:31:19 > 0:31:20'on the first floor,'

0:31:20 > 0:31:23also in the old part of the house.

0:31:23 > 0:31:26Here there's another family bathroom which is fully tiled and neutral.

0:31:26 > 0:31:29There's also a further three bedrooms,

0:31:29 > 0:31:31all of which are doubles.

0:31:31 > 0:31:33There's a decent-sized one in the middle,

0:31:33 > 0:31:36sandwiched between the smaller bedroom and the master en-suite.

0:31:36 > 0:31:40- Wow, OK.- Now, I'm not going to lie, when that extension was put in,

0:31:40 > 0:31:44they chose not to go up and put any of the bedrooms in it,

0:31:44 > 0:31:48- so they are all of quite a modest size.- They are.- OK, yeah.

0:31:48 > 0:31:52But what you do have is a really large en-suite...

0:31:53 > 0:31:56..with a stud wall. So, if you wanted to, you could take at least

0:31:56 > 0:31:57two or three more foot going into there.

0:31:57 > 0:32:01If the family bathroom's next door, we don't need a massive en-suite.

0:32:01 > 0:32:04If that makes this space bigger then that would work far better.

0:32:04 > 0:32:07We don't really need that many bathrooms. Can I have a sneaky peek?

0:32:07 > 0:32:09Go and have a look, stick your head in.

0:32:09 > 0:32:12Oh, yes, it's a big...oh and it's a wardrobe.

0:32:12 > 0:32:14- That's good. Wardrobe's good. - You could easily...

0:32:14 > 0:32:16That's a lot bigger then, yeah.

0:32:16 > 0:32:19Right, outside now to look at this land.

0:32:21 > 0:32:23Our surprising Mystery House has done well

0:32:23 > 0:32:28and I suspect the outside space will also impress them.

0:32:28 > 0:32:30It's a garden paradise for their daughter,

0:32:30 > 0:32:34featuring a large lawn dotted with fruit trees and framed by hedgerows.

0:32:34 > 0:32:39Now, I think this is an exceptional space. Blank canvas.

0:32:39 > 0:32:43Yeah, definitely. I mean, you've got so much space and potential to...

0:32:43 > 0:32:46- Yeah.- It's just stunning, it's really special.- OK.

0:32:46 > 0:32:53- OK.- How much do we think this property is on the market for?

0:32:53 > 0:32:56- Go, Will, first.- I'd say...

0:32:56 > 0:32:59- £410,000.- OK.

0:32:59 > 0:33:03I think it's top of the budget, so I'm just going to say 425.

0:33:03 > 0:33:05Cos that is the very top of your budget.

0:33:05 > 0:33:06It is the very top of our budget.

0:33:06 > 0:33:08OK, asking price -

0:33:08 > 0:33:13£399,995.

0:33:13 > 0:33:14Oh, really?

0:33:14 > 0:33:18- So, £5 off the £400,000 mark. - Yes.- Yeah.

0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Yes.- Hm.- Interesting. - Now, talk to me.

0:33:22 > 0:33:24- It's definitely worth considering. - Yeah, I think so.

0:33:24 > 0:33:26So, I'm guessing you two might want to take the time

0:33:26 > 0:33:29- and actually look around on your own.- Definitely.

0:33:29 > 0:33:32- A second viewing?- Yes, please. - Please, do. Go on, off you go.

0:33:33 > 0:33:37How exciting was that? Do you think they're going to buy it?

0:33:37 > 0:33:39I mean, it is a splendid home,

0:33:39 > 0:33:41it gives them everything they want -

0:33:41 > 0:33:44the rural setting, it's got history, it's got character,

0:33:44 > 0:33:47it's contemporary, but we're allowed to use that word now.

0:33:47 > 0:33:50And put it all together - perfect family living.

0:33:52 > 0:33:56This fabulous Mystery House manages to blend quirky character

0:33:56 > 0:33:59with a contemporary open-plan space our buyers are used to

0:33:59 > 0:34:01from their time in Australia.

0:34:01 > 0:34:04And it would still give them £25,000 change

0:34:04 > 0:34:09from the top of their budget if they decided to make it theirs.

0:34:09 > 0:34:11Despite their demand for character,

0:34:11 > 0:34:14the modern wing of the home got the thumbs up

0:34:14 > 0:34:19and the 19th-century part gives them all the room they want and more.

0:34:19 > 0:34:22Outside offers a safe area for little Esme to play

0:34:22 > 0:34:25and location-wise, it's within striking distance

0:34:25 > 0:34:27of Will's family farm.

0:34:27 > 0:34:29I can see why it's a mystery.

0:34:29 > 0:34:32When you first look at the property, it's got that real kind of dark,

0:34:32 > 0:34:35red colour, the Gothic-ness to it and you're expecting something

0:34:35 > 0:34:37really doom and gloom that's coming out of the woods.

0:34:37 > 0:34:40The building is not something I would usually go for, so I was

0:34:40 > 0:34:45quite surprised by how inside it was just so light, spacious.

0:34:45 > 0:34:47Yes, it is contemporary, but I think it's got enough

0:34:47 > 0:34:52of old-meets-new for me to feel comfortable here.

0:34:52 > 0:34:54I think the only compromise with the Mystery House

0:34:54 > 0:34:56is the proximity to the house next door.

0:34:56 > 0:34:59That's something we'd just have to really consider

0:34:59 > 0:35:02before we kind of get head over heels with this house.

0:35:02 > 0:35:06- Have we ended on a high, I wonder? - Yes.

0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Yeah? You liked it? - Yes, yeah, really impressive.

0:35:10 > 0:35:12Well, I think you two should have some time on your own,

0:35:12 > 0:35:15have a chat and let's meet up and you can tell me

0:35:15 > 0:35:18- what your next move's going to be.- OK.

0:35:22 > 0:35:24Along with its stunning countryside inland,

0:35:24 > 0:35:27Lincolnshire has an impressive coastline

0:35:27 > 0:35:31which stretches along the North Sea for almost 50 miles.

0:35:31 > 0:35:33Populations of grey and harbour seals

0:35:33 > 0:35:36are frequent visitors to these shores

0:35:36 > 0:35:38and it's sad to say that often these wonderful mammals

0:35:38 > 0:35:42find themselves stranded on the wide, sandy beaches here.

0:35:42 > 0:35:46Thankfully, a seal sanctuary in Skegness does a fine job

0:35:46 > 0:35:49of rescuing and rehabilitating these seals.

0:35:49 > 0:35:52And I've come to meet the sanctuary's director Duncan Yeadon,

0:35:52 > 0:35:54to find out more.

0:35:54 > 0:35:55How did it all start?

0:35:55 > 0:35:59Well, it was 50 years ago, in 1965, and my father came down to Skegness

0:35:59 > 0:36:01to help set up Natureland.

0:36:01 > 0:36:03It was a marine zoo to start with and then one day,

0:36:03 > 0:36:06somebody came along with a little baby seal in their arms

0:36:06 > 0:36:08that they found on the beach and they said,

0:36:08 > 0:36:10"Can you do anything for this?"

0:36:10 > 0:36:12And that's how our seal rescue work started.

0:36:12 > 0:36:14So, these seals that you actually rescue,

0:36:14 > 0:36:16what percentage can you release back into the wild?

0:36:16 > 0:36:19Out of the ones we rescue - about 90% go back into the wild.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21That's a high amount. And how long will it take

0:36:21 > 0:36:24to nurture them and get them back to full health?

0:36:24 > 0:36:25On average it takes us about three months

0:36:25 > 0:36:28from when the pup comes in to when we're releasing them

0:36:28 > 0:36:29back into the wild.

0:36:29 > 0:36:32Now, today's a special day, I believe, isn't it?

0:36:32 > 0:36:34It is indeed, yes. We're going to be releasing Bonnie,

0:36:34 > 0:36:36one of our grey seal pups, back into the wild.

0:36:36 > 0:36:39So, have you got any recently rescued pups

0:36:39 > 0:36:40- in the sanctuary at the moment? - We have.

0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Am I able to go and take a look? - You are indeed.

0:36:42 > 0:36:45- Who should I ask for?- If you ask for Curtis when you go there.

0:36:45 > 0:36:46Great, I'll go and take a look.

0:36:46 > 0:36:48- Thank you, I'll see you later. - See you later.

0:36:48 > 0:36:51The sanctuary rescues around 40 seals a year

0:36:51 > 0:36:54which are usually orphaned, injured or trapped.

0:36:54 > 0:36:56Curtis Jones is a seal hospital worker

0:36:56 > 0:36:59who has been doing a wonderful job here for six years.

0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Hi, Curtis.- Hi, Nicki.

0:37:02 > 0:37:05Good to meet you. Preparing someone's lunch by the look of it.

0:37:05 > 0:37:08Yeah, I've got a lot of fish here, ready for the seals.

0:37:08 > 0:37:11For... I can hear somebody in here, who is this?

0:37:11 > 0:37:13This is little Celebration for us.

0:37:13 > 0:37:17Unfortunately, she was abandoned from her mum about a week old

0:37:17 > 0:37:19and she was actually found in a cow field.

0:37:19 > 0:37:21How long has she been here?

0:37:21 > 0:37:23She's been here now for about four weeks.

0:37:23 > 0:37:27She's put on round about 5lb in body weight, which...

0:37:27 > 0:37:29she's nearly doubled in size as well.

0:37:29 > 0:37:31And what type of seal is she?

0:37:31 > 0:37:33She's actually a harbour seal.

0:37:33 > 0:37:35'Celebration has been patiently waiting for her lunch

0:37:35 > 0:37:37'and here it comes.'

0:37:38 > 0:37:40- Oh-oh-oh.- As you can see,

0:37:40 > 0:37:42- she's responded to that splash. - NICKI LAUGHS

0:37:42 > 0:37:44She's very hungry.

0:37:44 > 0:37:48Obviously, the aim is for her to be re-established back into the wild.

0:37:48 > 0:37:51- Yeah.- How many, over the years that the sanctuary's been open,

0:37:51 > 0:37:53do you think you've managed to do that successfully?

0:37:53 > 0:37:58Well, from what we know record-wise, about 725 plus.

0:37:58 > 0:38:01- That many?- Yeah.- My goodness. What a difference you make.

0:38:01 > 0:38:04Another three months here and this gorgeous seal

0:38:04 > 0:38:07should be ready to be released back into the wild,

0:38:07 > 0:38:10but today it's the turn of young Bonnie.

0:38:10 > 0:38:13She's been here for four months after she was found orphaned,

0:38:13 > 0:38:14injured and weak.

0:38:14 > 0:38:18And after a good dose of TLC, she's now at the rearing pool,

0:38:18 > 0:38:22where the seals go after they've been rehabilitated.

0:38:22 > 0:38:25Only then are they strong enough to be taught to feed themselves,

0:38:25 > 0:38:28so that they can survive alone in the wild.

0:38:28 > 0:38:30So, Duncan, which one's Bonnie?

0:38:30 > 0:38:33She's the one at the front here and she's the only grey seal.

0:38:33 > 0:38:35Will you be sad to see her go?

0:38:35 > 0:38:37Yes, we're always a little bit worried about them

0:38:37 > 0:38:39when we let them go, but really it's a nice feeling

0:38:39 > 0:38:41because we're releasing a seal that wouldn't have survived.

0:38:41 > 0:38:44- It's an important day, isn't it? - It certainly is.

0:38:44 > 0:38:47'After the pool is drained,

0:38:47 > 0:38:50- 'Bonnie's ready to be transported in a crate.'- In you go.

0:38:50 > 0:38:52'Next, it's onto the scales for Bonnie,

0:38:52 > 0:38:55'to see if she's back to full health and fighting fit.

0:38:55 > 0:38:59'When she was rescued, she weighed just 22 kilos.'

0:38:59 > 0:39:01Well, she needs to be 35kg.

0:39:01 > 0:39:03She's easily heavy enough to go.

0:39:03 > 0:39:06But are you ready for your next adventure?

0:39:06 > 0:39:08- OK, Nicki, you going to give us a pull?- Yes.

0:39:08 > 0:39:10This is it. Let's go.

0:39:10 > 0:39:13'And off we head to the beach for what could be a rather

0:39:13 > 0:39:14'emotional goodbye.'

0:39:14 > 0:39:18How do they normally react when they're first released?

0:39:18 > 0:39:20They're all different.

0:39:20 > 0:39:23So, some go straight off into the sea and are never to be seen again

0:39:23 > 0:39:25and some hang around a bit,

0:39:25 > 0:39:28some refuse to come out the crate to start with, so, you never know.

0:39:28 > 0:39:31So, we don't know. So, Duncan, are you happy?

0:39:31 > 0:39:33I'm happy, yes, she's ready to go.

0:39:35 > 0:39:37I think Bonnie's happy.

0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Back to the wild.- Off you go. - Ready, Bonnie?

0:39:42 > 0:39:43Off you go.

0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Little bit of trepidation. - She's thinking about it.

0:39:48 > 0:39:49- She is.- Off you go.

0:39:50 > 0:39:53Off you go, Bonnie!

0:39:53 > 0:39:56- I think she knows where to go now. - Look at that. Back into the wild.

0:39:56 > 0:39:58She's just getting used to the waves.

0:39:58 > 0:40:00So, is this a good release for you?

0:40:00 > 0:40:03Yeah, it gives you a really nice sense of achievement to see them

0:40:03 > 0:40:05going back after you've rescued them

0:40:05 > 0:40:08and, you know, when they're in very poor condition when they come in,

0:40:08 > 0:40:10- it's really nice to see. - It is an amazing thing to see.

0:40:10 > 0:40:15'How wonderful to see Bonnie reunited with her natural habitat.

0:40:15 > 0:40:18'Now it's time to see if we've managed to help find our buyers

0:40:18 > 0:40:20'somewhere to call home.'

0:40:22 > 0:40:25Well, we're coming to the end of our property search

0:40:25 > 0:40:27with Will and Rebecca here in Lincolnshire.

0:40:27 > 0:40:30We've shown them three properties in, well,

0:40:30 > 0:40:34very different locations, but my money is just on one of them,

0:40:34 > 0:40:36but let's hear what they've got to say.

0:40:38 > 0:40:41What a lovely spot.

0:40:41 > 0:40:43Well, out of everything we've shown you,

0:40:43 > 0:40:45and they've been pretty different all of them.

0:40:45 > 0:40:48I wonder, have we found you

0:40:48 > 0:40:50a property that you're going to consider moving into?

0:40:50 > 0:40:53Well, we certainly are taken with the Mystery House.

0:40:53 > 0:40:57It's challenged us in all the right ways, but, really,

0:40:57 > 0:41:00boils down to it, it does give us everything we asked for.

0:41:00 > 0:41:03It offers us a lot of space, it's got character,

0:41:03 > 0:41:06it's just got a great family home feel to it

0:41:06 > 0:41:09and I can just see us being very happy there.

0:41:09 > 0:41:13And I think, yeah, it's got potential as well on the outside

0:41:13 > 0:41:15to transform it into something, yeah, even better.

0:41:15 > 0:41:16Really stunning, yeah.

0:41:16 > 0:41:19And what about the location of the Mystery House?

0:41:19 > 0:41:22It's idyllic there, because of the trees

0:41:22 > 0:41:25and the way it's situated with the garden all around.

0:41:25 > 0:41:28I can't believe that you've found a house like that

0:41:28 > 0:41:30near a town like Wragby, because it seems to have

0:41:30 > 0:41:32the best of both worlds.

0:41:32 > 0:41:34What's the next step then with that property?

0:41:34 > 0:41:38I think the next step is definitely to go and get the details

0:41:38 > 0:41:41and to have another look around and really consider

0:41:41 > 0:41:44the extent of the grounds,

0:41:44 > 0:41:46the interaction with the next-door property

0:41:46 > 0:41:48and what the potential is for that.

0:41:48 > 0:41:52And what that really means if we were to go further with the house.

0:41:52 > 0:41:56Oh, a second viewing has got to happen and soon as well, you know.

0:41:56 > 0:41:58We need to get moving.

0:41:58 > 0:42:02Well, I hope that second viewing of the Mystery House is successful.

0:42:02 > 0:42:05I'll be keeping everything crossed and do let us know, won't you?

0:42:05 > 0:42:06- Oh, we will.- Thank you both.

0:42:08 > 0:42:10When I first met Will and Rebecca,

0:42:10 > 0:42:13they had a pretty clear vision in their minds

0:42:13 > 0:42:16of what they wanted from their property.

0:42:16 > 0:42:19And, for me, it felt like they wanted to incorporate elements

0:42:19 > 0:42:24of the Australian lifestyle with the best of British countryside living.

0:42:24 > 0:42:26Now, having spent a few days with them,

0:42:26 > 0:42:28I think we've cemented that idea,

0:42:28 > 0:42:30so I'm delighted that we've found them a property

0:42:30 > 0:42:36that ties up all those elements, but is also in the most beautiful

0:42:36 > 0:42:39of rural settings - something we know is close to their heart.

0:42:39 > 0:42:43So, it's fingers crossed for that second viewing

0:42:43 > 0:42:46and I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.

0:42:47 > 0:42:51Rebecca and Will did revisit the Mystery House

0:42:51 > 0:42:54and the good news is they've put in an offer which has been accepted.

0:42:54 > 0:42:59So, we wish them all the very best with their move.

0:42:59 > 0:43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England,

0:43:01 > 0:43:03Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales

0:43:03 > 0:43:06and need our help, please apply online at...