0:00:02 > 0:00:04Built in 1593 by local nobleman Sir Thomas Tresham,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07this extraordinary folly is testament
0:00:07 > 0:00:09to a rather unusual obsession.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12So, where is it and why was it built?
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Find out in just a moment...or three.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36On today's show, we meet a husband and wife who are looking for a home
0:00:36 > 0:00:39to retire to and are almost struck dumb with what they see.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I won't quite say I'm speechless, I'm never lost for words,
0:00:42 > 0:00:44but I'm pleased, yes.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48And, when it comes to choosing houses, we find out who's the boss.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49We can downsize.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52We can... My wife says we can downsize, so we can downsize.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53Sorted.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Today I'm in Northamptonshire and this is Rushton Triangular Lodge.
0:00:59 > 0:01:05It has three sides, each has three windows, and is 33.3 feet long.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07There are three floors
0:01:07 > 0:01:11and it contains three inscriptions with 33 letters.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14This unique structure was designed by Sir Thomas Tresham
0:01:14 > 0:01:17as a pious monument to the Holy Trinity
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and reflects his enduring obsession with the number three.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Tresham was a committed Catholic, who was fined and imprisoned
0:01:23 > 0:01:27for 15 years for his refusal to convert after the Reformation.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30When he was released, he set about creating the Lodge
0:01:30 > 0:01:32in secret affirmation of his faith.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36But wonderful architectural oddities like this
0:01:36 > 0:01:39are not all that Northamptonshire has got to offer.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Situated in the East Midlands,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45landlocked Northamptonshire is bordered by eight counties,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48including Leicestershire and Rutland to the north
0:01:48 > 0:01:52and Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to the south.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Patchwork fields of farmland and pretty period properties
0:01:55 > 0:01:59have landscaped this largely rural county
0:01:59 > 0:02:02known as "Rose of the Shires".
0:02:02 > 0:02:04At the heart sits the Georgian town of Northampton,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07built on the original Norman settlement.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10In the 19th century, it grew in fame for its footwear industry,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13which flourished in the city, and continued to grow further
0:02:13 > 0:02:16with the introduction of the Grand Union Canal,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19which meanders past the town and on through the county.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24Streaming by picturesque villages, the longest canal in the UK
0:02:24 > 0:02:27meets one of the broadest canal tunnels at Blisworth.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31At over one and a half miles long, it allows two narrow boats
0:02:31 > 0:02:34to pass inside before coming out to the wonderful waterways
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and nature reserves of the Nene Valley.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Perched on a hilltop is the 11th century Rockingham Castle,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45built by William the Conqueror as a royal palace and hunting lodge.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Many years later, it's believed Charles Dickens was
0:02:48 > 0:02:52a regular visitor and so it became the inspiration for the
0:02:52 > 0:02:55aristocratic estate, Chesney Wold, in his novel Bleak House.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00With all this on offer and a plethora of properties
0:03:00 > 0:03:03to choose from, it's no wonder buyers have great expectations
0:03:03 > 0:03:06of finding a dream home in this county.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14When it comes to property values,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19the average cost of a detached house here in the county is £252,000,
0:03:19 > 0:03:23that's about £12,000 below the national average,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26making Northamptonshire good value for your property pound.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29And that's even more so when you consider that in Buckinghamshire,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33which neighbours the county to the south, the average cost
0:03:33 > 0:03:38of a detached house is £574,000, which is more than double.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41So, where in the county are our couple looking to move to?
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Retired IT professional Alan and his wife Anne have lived
0:03:49 > 0:03:52in their family home for the last 25 years
0:03:52 > 0:03:55in the commuter village of Bricket Wood in Hertfordshire.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58They first met when a mutual friend introduced them
0:03:58 > 0:04:00on a work's night out.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03This friend mentioned that she had a friend staying with her and I said,
0:04:03 > 0:04:05"Invite her along, the more the merrier", type of thing.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Especially if it was a girl rather than a bloke.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12We kept in touch a little bit, went out a few times
0:04:12 > 0:04:13and it just grew from there.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19Married for 35 years, they have two children who have now grown up
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and moved away, and it's their desire to be closer to their family
0:04:22 > 0:04:24that's fuelling the move.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Our daughter lives near Oxford and our son lives in Loughborough,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32so we're looking to go somewhere in-between the two.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Bricket Wood has served us well, there's no two ways about that,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37but we feel the world is whizzing past the door, virtually.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40There's the M1, M25 and the A405,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44all major roads that are very close to the house.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48But, now that we don't need to be racing out and joining the wider world,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- we'd like somewhere with a quieter, slightly slower pace of life.- Mm-hm.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Alan was born with cerebral palsy, which affected his lower limbs.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59After a number of operations as a child,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02he's been able to live a fairly active life,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05but over the last five years, walking has become difficult,
0:05:05 > 0:05:09so they invested in a mobility scooter, which changed everything.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12We bought this little mobility scooter just over a year ago now.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14It's a portable one, it's quite small,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17so it can fold up and go in the boot of the car.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20You can just...whenever there's a suitable path, out it can come
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- and we can go places together. - Yeah.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26New-found freedom will certainly come in handy for their next move.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28Active members of their current community,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32both Alan and Anne are looking forward to village life.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34What we're looking for in the village we move to
0:05:34 > 0:05:37is to have some organisation, cos we enjoy being
0:05:37 > 0:05:40part of the community and we want it to stay that way.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43We would want an area that has a community spirit,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46somewhere we can get involved in.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Whilst downsizing from their four-bedroomed house is an option,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53they'll still need room for their many hobbies. Anne enjoys gardening,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56whilst Alan is keen to keep his passions...on track.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01My main hobby really is railway-related.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I have had, over a number of years, a large model railway in this house.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I would want to continue that in a new property.
0:06:07 > 0:06:08TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS
0:06:08 > 0:06:12So, it's full steam ahead as we search for their next property,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and the pressure's on as Alan and Anne chose their
0:06:15 > 0:06:19chalet bungalow home within ten minutes of walking through the door.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23When we walked into this house, we both had the same feeling
0:06:23 > 0:06:25even before we looked around all the rooms.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28We both felt, yes, we like this house.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30That's the sort of feeling I'm looking for.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34I do think I would recognise the house if it was the right one.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Alan and Anne have asked us to concentrate our search
0:06:43 > 0:06:46to the south and centre of Northamptonshire,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48so I'm meeting up with them in the county
0:06:48 > 0:06:51to find out more about their motives for moving.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53- Well, welcome to Northamptonshire. - Thank you.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56So, what is it about this part of the country that does
0:06:56 > 0:06:57appeal to the two of you?
0:06:57 > 0:07:01It's lovely countryside and we wanted to move closer to family.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05We have family in Leicestershire and Oxfordshire, so Northamptonshire
0:07:05 > 0:07:09seemed a natural choice in the middle - a lovely location.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12So why are the two of you making this move now,
0:07:12 > 0:07:13at this particular time?
0:07:13 > 0:07:18Well, I retired in 2013 and it was always a plan to move away from the
0:07:18 > 0:07:23busy area, where we currently live, into a more quieter, rural area.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Anne, hopefully, will retire soon,
0:07:25 > 0:07:28so now is the right time for us to start and make a move.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30So what are you looking for for your home here?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32What image do you have in mind?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35I'm hoping it will be in, well, probably one of the
0:07:35 > 0:07:40slightly larger villages rather than a hamlet. Probably a bungalow or
0:07:40 > 0:07:45a house that's suitable for Alan's accessibility issues.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Yes, as well as nice-sized receptions rooms and that
0:07:48 > 0:07:54sort of thing, space for hobbies - we have some exercise equipment.
0:07:54 > 0:07:55I have a hobby of model railways,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58which I'd like to facilitate, and that sort of thing.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01I'd like space for a garage and a little bit
0:08:01 > 0:08:04of a workshop, if possible. So, while we say we're downsizing,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07we still want a little bit of space around us.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- You want your man-space, don't you? - I do, yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11LAUGHTER
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Exactly, yes, exactly.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14And what about a garden?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- Oh, yes.- Yes. - Must have a garden.- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20And it doesn't necessarily have to be a great big one,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22- but we want some space.- Yeah.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Have to grow raspberries.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25You want to grow raspberries?
0:08:25 > 0:08:26LAUGHTER
0:08:26 > 0:08:30So remind me of the budget that we've got for this search.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Well, the budget is £450,000.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37We have sold our property, so ready to pack and ready to go.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- So the pressure's on, time-wise... - It certainly is.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- ..with this one.- It certainly is.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Well, it is a healthy budget for this part of the country
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- and we've got some great properties to show you.- Great.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- You ready?- Yes.- Yes.- Let's go.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53With a budget of £450,000, our buyers are ideally
0:08:53 > 0:08:56looking for a property similar to their current home.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Downsizing to two or three bedrooms is a possibility,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03if the living areas are spacious and easily accessible for Alan.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06A garage and a room for his model railway are a must,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09whilst Anne would like a moderate-sized garden.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12And, as they both like to get involved in village life, a strong
0:09:12 > 0:09:15community spirit is important.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17And we've got three wonderful houses lined up,
0:09:17 > 0:09:22but we won't be revealing their prices until the end of each tour.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Our final property, the Mystery House,
0:09:24 > 0:09:28will certainly test whose strength of character is strongest
0:09:28 > 0:09:31when it comes to deciding which type of house to go for.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39So we're off to look at a property. What would you like to see when we
0:09:39 > 0:09:42pull up outside it? An old property, a new property?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I've got a very open mind on that.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Part of me pulls towards a newer style of house,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49but I'm not ruling anything out.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51- OK.- And I want a house with character.- Yes.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54OK, so you're each being pulled in opposite directions
0:09:54 > 0:09:56slightly at the moment.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58A little bit, but that's no different to a lot of things
0:09:58 > 0:10:03in life, but we always come back together at the end.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09We're starting off our Northamptonshire search in the heart
0:10:09 > 0:10:11of the county, equidistant from their son and daughter,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14in the village of East Haddon.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16The village has all the romance you could hope for -
0:10:16 > 0:10:20honey-coloured houses, thatched roofs, a parish church,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23and can even boast its very own fairy-tale tower,
0:10:23 > 0:10:27which is a two-storey water tower built from stone in 1890.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Widely recognised for its strong community spirit,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34East Haddon should suit our couple due to its popular local pub,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36an active village hall hosting plenty of clubs,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40and the local shop, which can be found just a two-minute drive away
0:10:40 > 0:10:42in the neighbouring village of Ravensthorpe.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45The first house I want to show our buyers
0:10:45 > 0:10:48sits in the centre of East Haddon, with easy access to everything.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54So, this is the property that I've brought you to see
0:10:54 > 0:10:57and it's this modern... It's a brick-built chalet bungalow.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's got your nice big garage.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- LAUGHTER - I did spot that straightaway.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03LAUGHTER What are your initial impressions?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06The garage is great and we're really looking forward
0:11:06 > 0:11:08to getting in the front door.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Well, we're certainly interested to have a look.- Yes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13OK, well, we've got four bedrooms to show you, two of which are
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- downstairs, which could be interesting.- Yes, very helpful.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- So, come on, let's go and take a look.- OK.- Thank you.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22This property should suit Alan's desire for something modern.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Built in the 1980s,
0:11:23 > 0:11:27this chalet bungalow offers flexible living throughout.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31Recently extended, to the rear is a new kitchen-diner,
0:11:31 > 0:11:35which provides a welcome addition, and a wide hallway leads us there.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37So, here we go.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38- This is lovely.- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40This is a nice space.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Plenty of cupboard space. Very good. - Yeah, I like it.- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45How do you feel about this open-plan living?
0:11:45 > 0:11:46We're quite keen on that, to be honest.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48And I think, "What a lovely place to sit."
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Yeah, absolutely. It... I won't quite say I'm speechless,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55I'm never lost for words, but I'm pleased. Yes, I'm pleased.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Looks lovely.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00You can imagine sitting there in the morning with a cup of tea and those doors open...?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- Yeah, that's right. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04So, why don't we go and take a look at the sitting room?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Yes.- Yes, please.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Now, we had a hint of the view from the kitchen,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16but here it is in this lovely, bright, airy sitting room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19- Yes.- It's lovely, isn't it? - It is a nice room.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20Proper fireplace.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24Yeah. I mean, what's going through my mind is the furniture that we
0:12:24 > 0:12:27currently have will fit nicely in here and still leave plenty space.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Mentally moving in is a great sign.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Also downstairs, there's a shower
0:12:34 > 0:12:36room and two further rooms, which
0:12:36 > 0:12:38could offer the potential for ground
0:12:38 > 0:12:40floor bedrooms. One is presently
0:12:40 > 0:12:44used as a study and I have an idea about how to use the second one.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48So, it's currently used as a dining room,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50but I just thought I could see a train set in here.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52LAUGHTER
0:12:52 > 0:12:54I could see some exercise equipment.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Yes. Yep, it is a lovely-sized room.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- A very big train set. - Don't tempt me.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Could you fill this room with a model train set?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03Oh, yes. It would take a year or two, but...
0:13:03 > 0:13:05It's a lovely room as well.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07We would end up debating as to how the space was actually used,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09but we will certainly use the space.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11It is good. It's a good space.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13- Well, I think we're off to a good start.- Yes.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Let's explore upstairs and see if you're still happy
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- after you seen that.- Yes. - Yeah, very good downstairs.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19So far, so good,
0:13:19 > 0:13:24but will the further two bedrooms upstairs also appeal?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Decorated in a neutral palette, the first bedroom comes
0:13:27 > 0:13:30with its own ensuite, whilst a large Jack and Jill bathroom serves
0:13:30 > 0:13:33the final and most spacious first floor room.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- So, this is the master bedroom.- Wow.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Quite a nice view from the window.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42LAUGHTER
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Indeed. That's lovely.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- It is. Very... Very pleasant.- Yep.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50It's nice. It's light, it's airy, plenty of storage space. Fantastic.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Absolutely wonderful.- Yes, great.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55OK, well, let's go out into the garden
0:13:55 > 0:13:56and you need to start thinking as well,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- cos you know what I'm going to be asking you soon, don't you?- Yes.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Put your thinking caps on.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Yeah, OK.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Outside and to the rear of the property, there's a
0:14:05 > 0:14:09low-maintenance garden with a stunning agricultural outlook.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13Although a keen horticulturalist, Anne wasn't looking for
0:14:13 > 0:14:17a large space, so hopefully this modest garden will work for her.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19What do you think of the size?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Garden-wise, possibly I'd like a little bit more land.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26But obviously there's compensations with the fact that it's not enclosed
0:14:26 > 0:14:28and you're looking at green space behind you.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Yeah.- So, yeah.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Certainly wouldn't take me long to mow the lawn, so maintaining
0:14:33 > 0:14:36the lawn would not be an issue, that's great.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41Well, let's guess the price. Come on, who wants to start?
0:14:41 > 0:14:42- Shall I start?- Yes.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I think this property would be 435.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47OK. And, Anne?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I'm going to go a little bit higher, at 440.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54You're both off the mark. You're both under the asking price.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57It's on the market for £450,000.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00It's only been on the market for six weeks and the owners are
0:15:00 > 0:15:03open to an offer, particularly to people in your position.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- They can also move quickly.- Right.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09Eight weeks they could be out in, so it could be a quick move for you.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Yeah.- Well, it's good to see you smiling. So I think you should go
0:15:12 > 0:15:15back in, explore, have a really good look around again,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17and I'll come and find you.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- That's great.- Come on, let's go and have a look.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Bang on budget at £450,000,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25this property offers our couple the
0:15:25 > 0:15:26layout and flexibility that they're
0:15:26 > 0:15:29looking for in a location close to
0:15:29 > 0:15:31the centre of the village.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32With the bright kitchen-diner and
0:15:32 > 0:15:34the option of ground floor bedrooms,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36there's plenty of scope for the future
0:15:36 > 0:15:38as well as room for their hobbies.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Then, a further two upstairs bedrooms both come
0:15:41 > 0:15:43with their own ensuite bathrooms.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Outside, there's a double garage for Alan.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49And whilst the garden is a little on the small side for Anne,
0:15:49 > 0:15:52the stunning vista certainly makes up for it.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55It's a great start. We like this property very much.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57The kitchen dining area - that is
0:15:57 > 0:16:00definitely a bit of a wow factor for the house.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03It's got a space which is better than a conservatory
0:16:03 > 0:16:05cos it's usable all the year round.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07It is definitely a contender.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09It has an awful lot to offer.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12Just looking forward to seeing the others as well.
0:16:14 > 0:16:15Have you both seen enough?
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Yes, for the time being.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Well, you went in with a smile on your face and you've come out
0:16:20 > 0:16:22with smiles on your faces. So, a good start?
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- Definitely.- Definitely, yes. - Fantastic.- Great.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Back in the 18th century, Northamptonshire was celebrated
0:16:32 > 0:16:36for its pure and wholesome air, and had a reputation as being
0:16:36 > 0:16:38one of the healthiest counties in the country,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41a place where agriculture and livestock flourished.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45And what could be more healthy than to pick your own seasonal fruits?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48With Anne keen to grow raspberries in her new garden,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50we've brought her and Alan along to a farmer near Kettering
0:16:50 > 0:16:53to pick up some top tips from the owner, Robert Bye.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- We're very pleased to come to Dovecote farm.- You're very welcome.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00Obviously members of the public come and pick fruit - what else do you do at the farm?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02We're growing strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04currants - redcurrants, blackcurrants.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06We have 900 acres of arable land,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09which has been in the family for three generations.
0:17:09 > 0:17:10So, what's in season now?
0:17:10 > 0:17:14- Raspberries is the main thing at the moment...- Right.- ..that's in season.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- Quite a lot of nice raspberries out there.- Oh, I love raspberries.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19You love raspberries? Shall we go and try and pick some then?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21- Yes, I'd love to do that, thank you. - Lead us on.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Raspberries belong to the same botanical family as the rose
0:17:25 > 0:17:28and originated from Asia and Eastern Europe.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's thought that the first raspberries were cultivated
0:17:30 > 0:17:33by the Romans and were not only eaten as fruit,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36but the berries and leaves were also used for medical purposes,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40treating anything from sore eyes to cleaning teeth.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44With over 200 different varieties, five grown on this farm,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47it's a great opportunity to learn what makes a perfect pick-your-own.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51When we're picking raspberries, what are we looking for?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53What's the optimum raspberry?
0:17:53 > 0:17:54You're looking for a nice red one.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Sometimes they're quite low down and inside the bushes.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01So if you squeeze it gently and just pull it off the calyx,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and that's what you're looking for.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Bear in mind they are soft fruits, so the more you squeeze them,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08the less shelf life they're going to have.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10So have you any tips for growing them,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12if we wanted to grow them at home?
0:18:12 > 0:18:16You need to keep the nutrition quite high, feed them well.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Just be careful on the watering - don't over-water them
0:18:18 > 0:18:21cos they will rot - and regular picking, really.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Which variety would you recommend for the home-grower, you know, with a small plot?
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- I would always opt for an autumn-fruiting variety...- Right.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30..cos they're a little bit easier to manage.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- What grows up will produce fruit in the autumn.- Next year.- Yeah.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35So how long is the raspberry season?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37For us, it starts at the end of June
0:18:37 > 0:18:40and runs through July and into early August.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45With an abundant crop on offer, it's time to say goodbye to Robert,
0:18:45 > 0:18:50get picking, and fill up a couple of punnets with this tasty fresh fruit.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54And, because the proof is always in the pudding, the next stop is
0:18:54 > 0:18:58the tea room gardens, where the farm's chef, Caroline Cross-Rudkin,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01is going to teach them how to make raspberry roulade.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- Hello, Caroline.- Hello. Nice to meet you.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- We brought some raspberries. - Oh, fabulous.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Freshly picked.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11With meringue base ready, made from sugar, egg whites
0:19:11 > 0:19:15and baked at 170 degrees for 25 minutes in the oven,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19a layer of lemon curd is added before the whipped cream.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22So, who would like to start doing that for me?
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- Anne would like to do it. - LAUGHTER
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Whipped and sweetened with a bit of icing sugar
0:19:27 > 0:19:30and a touch of vanilla, it's spread evenly over the top.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32That's great, you'll be doing these at home.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- LAUGHTER - OK.- That's lovely.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And then... Do you want to pop the raspberries on?
0:19:38 > 0:19:39Yeah. I just spread them on?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Yeah, just put them on however you like to.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44As long as it sort of covers everywhere, that's absolutely fine.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- That's marvellous. That's it, that's lovely.- OK.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49That's everything apart from the final step,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52which is the rolling of the roulade.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55With a clean cloth for support, the roulade is lifted
0:19:55 > 0:19:57and gently rolled into shape.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Wow.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- So, have a taste.- After you.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07The lemon and the raspberries are absolutely delicious.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- They go nicely together, they do. - Absolutely delicious.- They do.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- Thank you, Caroline, that's delightful. - I've enjoyed it.- Thank you.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Now that tasty treat's been devoured, it's high time
0:20:16 > 0:20:19we turned our attention back to the property search.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25For our second property, we're moving further south
0:20:25 > 0:20:27to a village called Nether Heyford.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Stroll down peaceful country lanes, past pretty cottages,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33historic schools and churches,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35and you find yourself at the wide village green.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39Said to be one of the largest in England, this space,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43along with the village hall, is host to many clubs and societies.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45Locals are also well catered for here.
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Not only does the village boast two pubs and a local shop,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51but a butcher and baker's as well.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Just a short distance from this enormous historic green
0:20:54 > 0:20:57is where we find property number two.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I wanted to show you something different, really.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03You've talked about perhaps this move could be about downsizing,
0:21:03 > 0:21:04and I want to put that to the test
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- and see how you feel about something smaller.- OK.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- So what are your first impressions? - Very nice little bungalow.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Yeah, definitely.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Good first impressions. It looks neat and tidy.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19The exterior looks well cared for.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21I'm not at this point seeing a garage,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23but, yeah, initially looks good.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Now, there was a garage there that the present owners have taken down.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29The base and one of the walls is still there.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32If you wanted to rebuild that and, that was important for you,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34then that would be a relatively easy thing to do.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35- Yes, yeah.- OK.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Well, shall we see how you feel about downsizing?
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- Yes, please.- Happy for that.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Built in the 1970s, this three-bedroom detached bungalow
0:21:45 > 0:21:49is again more to Alan's taste, being a modern property.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51And although it is smaller than the first house,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54it's deceptively spacious - having been extended over the years.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57In addition, it's been completely renovated inside,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00which comes as a welcome surprise.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Oh, this is light and airy.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05It is, it is. You've got a downstairs toilet with a shower room in there,
0:22:05 > 0:22:10and let me bring you in here, into the cosy living room.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Beautifully presented, isn't it? - It is, it's nicely presented.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Very nice room.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I like the fact that the settee is at the angle
0:22:16 > 0:22:19where you can actually look out into the garden. Beautifully presented.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Is it to your taste?
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Yeah, it's lovely.- And this isn't the end to the living space either
0:22:25 > 0:22:27cos you've got some excellent living space right next door...
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- Oh, good.- So come and have a look at that.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33So here's your second living space.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- Oh, this is lovely.- Oh, wow. - Excellent. Absolutely excellent.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39This has taken me by surprise.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42This is a nice space for living in, for dining in.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- Another nice fireplace.- Yeah.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Let's just swing round and take a look at the kitchen cos, of course,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49just like everything else, it's beautifully done.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- Sweet kitchen. - Yes, it is.- Plenty of units.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- A very workable kitchen. - It's smaller than I expected,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58but it looks OK. There's enough space here. You know, how big a
0:22:58 > 0:23:01kitchen do you need for two people to bounce around in?
0:23:01 > 0:23:05And you know, when you downsize, you get a smaller kitchen - things get smaller.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06LAUGHTER
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I'll try to keep that in my head at the moment.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And, of course, that brings me onto bedrooms, and they are smaller.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14You're not... You haven't got as much space.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15So let's go and take a look.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18In this bungalow, the reception
0:23:18 > 0:23:20rooms sit to the right of the
0:23:20 > 0:23:22property, whilst to the left there
0:23:22 > 0:23:24are three bedrooms and a family
0:23:24 > 0:23:26bathroom...fabulously decorated with
0:23:26 > 0:23:29a stylish three-piece suite and shower.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Next to it is a single bedroom, currently set up as a study with
0:23:32 > 0:23:37built-in storage. Another room, now used as a sewing space, would make
0:23:37 > 0:23:41an excellent double. And finally, we come to the master.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45So this is the largest of the three bedrooms and, again, it's got a
0:23:45 > 0:23:48lovely view out onto the garden and the summerhouse.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Oh, yes.- This is fine. It's got plenty of storage space.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52Plenty room around the bed.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55For a bedroom, it's fine space-wise.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- You're sounding reticent, Alan. - I'm not sure.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00How much space do you need in a bedroom for goodness' sake?
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Are you trying to convince yourself or convince me? I'm not sure.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05I'm probably trying to convince myself, to be honest.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08So it's got what you need, if you're thinking about downsizing.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09- Yes.- Yes.- Definitely.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- If you're downsizing. - Well, yeah, yeah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- We can downsize.- We can down...
0:24:14 > 0:24:16My wife says we can downsize, so we can downsize.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18Sorted. Now I know one of the concerns on the last property was
0:24:18 > 0:24:20the size of the garden -
0:24:20 > 0:24:21you'd have liked to have seen a bit more space -
0:24:21 > 0:24:24and we've got more space to show you on this one.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25- OK, thank you.- There you go.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28You can start thinking about the price.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30So a few negative vibes coming from Alan,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33but I am hopeful that upsizing to a bigger garden,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37found at the rear of the property, will change their minds.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So, just as much care and attention has been given to the garden,
0:24:40 > 0:24:41as you can see.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45It's got two lovely seating areas and that beautiful summerhouse.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- Yes.- It's a lovely garden.- It is.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49What about the size?
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- The size of this garden's fine. - It's a nice size.- Yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54It'll take me a little longer to cut the lawn, but it's still manageable.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57And the summerhouse is a nice feature.
0:24:57 > 0:24:58Yep, definitely.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02You know what's coming now. Who wants to go first?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Me, I suppose.- Go on, Anne. - It's my turn.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- Well, so, I'm going to go for 425. - OK.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10HE SIGHS
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- I would go for 395.- OK.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17I'm sorry to say that you're both wrong yet again.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- LAUGHTER - Surprise, surprise.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20We're not very good at this, are we?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Only this time, you're both over...
0:25:23 > 0:25:24- Oh.- ..quite considerably.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28It's on the market for £375,000.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31That's interesting, cos that brings us...
0:25:31 > 0:25:33Yeah, big difference in the price. Yeah.
0:25:33 > 0:25:34- There is a big difference.- Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37And the current owners, they're more than happy to go into
0:25:37 > 0:25:39rented accommodation, so could be flexible
0:25:39 > 0:25:42and could move quickly, if that worked with your timescale.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43- Yes.- Yeah.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46With that in mind, go back in and take another look.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48And just give some thought to how you would really feel
0:25:48 > 0:25:51about downsizing and what you'd be able to bring
0:25:51 > 0:25:53with you to something of this size.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54- OK.- I'll get my skip out.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Considerably below budget at £375,000,
0:26:00 > 0:26:02this beautifully renovated bungalow
0:26:02 > 0:26:04may be a downsize for our couple,
0:26:04 > 0:26:07but it still has plenty of living space.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08There's a small, fully equipped
0:26:08 > 0:26:11kitchen and, being on one level,
0:26:11 > 0:26:12it allows easy access to the three
0:26:12 > 0:26:15bedrooms and bathrooms. To the rear
0:26:15 > 0:26:16of the property, there's a large
0:26:16 > 0:26:19garden and space to build a garage in the future.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23The house itself is absolutely beautifully presented,
0:26:23 > 0:26:24loads of living space.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25The sitting room is lovely.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29The bedrooms are smaller, which leaves me trying to think what we
0:26:29 > 0:26:33can do to maybe fit some of the extras that I know Alan wants.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36So my thoughts for the exercise bike maybe,
0:26:36 > 0:26:40and the train set, is that potentially you consider
0:26:40 > 0:26:43digging this out and then having a small building here.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I think it's a good idea, it's worth investigating.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Definitely a contender. There's a bit of deliberation
0:26:50 > 0:26:53and thought needs to go on tonight, when Anne and I sit down
0:26:53 > 0:26:57at the end of the evening, and try and weigh things up.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Here you come.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03Two very different properties.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Indeed.- Very interesting.
0:27:06 > 0:27:07Are your minds whirring?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Yeah, well, they've both got plusses and minuses and I think
0:27:10 > 0:27:12that definitely we've got food for thought.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14A lot of thinking to do.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Well, come on, let's go and get a drink and you can do some thinking.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Excellent.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27It's the start of our second day here in Northamptonshire,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30with recently retired Alan and his wife Anne
0:27:30 > 0:27:34from Bricket Wood in Hertfordshire. With a £450,000 budget,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38they would consider downsizing, but want somewhere that has enough space
0:27:38 > 0:27:40for Alan to navigate with ease,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42as well as plenty of room for their hobbies.
0:27:42 > 0:27:49Still to come, the Mystery House is proof that age is just a number.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50It looks well maintained.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53It's weathered over the years better than I have.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55LAUGHTER
0:27:55 > 0:27:58And I find out that the force is still going strong when it comes
0:27:58 > 0:28:02to the county's centuries-old footwear industry.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04I need to know why you have Darth Vader's footprint
0:28:04 > 0:28:07on your wall, here, in the middle of Northamptonshire.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11We had a good start to the search yesterday,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14with positive reactions to both our properties,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18with that second bungalow really challenging our couple on how far
0:28:18 > 0:28:21they're prepared to go when it comes downsizing.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Now, Anne obviously puts Alan's practical needs first
0:28:24 > 0:28:26when it comes to looking for their new home,
0:28:26 > 0:28:30but I have a feeling that it's character properties that pull on
0:28:30 > 0:28:33her heartstrings, whilst modern homes seem to appeal more to Alan.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38And I've got high hopes for our Mystery House. It has a unique style
0:28:38 > 0:28:41that I think could end up appealing to both of them.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46And, for our third and final house, we're heading further north,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49close to the Northamptonshire-Leicestershire border,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51to the village of Great Oxendon.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Despite its name, Great Oxendon is the smallest
0:28:54 > 0:28:56of our three country villages.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59While sleepy in comparison, it still has lots of clubs
0:28:59 > 0:29:01and activities on offer in the village hall,
0:29:01 > 0:29:06and daily essentials are catered for by the local farm shop.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09For bigger items, historic Market Harborough,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12just three miles up the road, holds a weekly fruit and veg market
0:29:12 > 0:29:15and has all the amenities you could want.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Back in Great Oxendon, just off a quiet country road,
0:29:18 > 0:29:22we find our last property, which offers unique style and character
0:29:22 > 0:29:25that should suit both Alan and Anne.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27So, this is the Mystery House
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- and it's an older property.- Wow.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- It's not the modern ones we've been showing you, Alan.- No.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34It's a lovely-looking house.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35It is a nice-looking house.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37It's taken my breath away a little bit.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41It's a much older property than I expected to see.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Its age... It has got character.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Externally, it looks well maintained for its age.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49It's weathered over the years better than I have.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51LAUGHTER
0:29:51 > 0:29:54It was two cottages, 350 to 400 years old, that have been
0:29:54 > 0:29:58knocked together. One of them used to be the village sweet shop.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59- Oh.- Interested to see it.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Well, there's a few interesting things to show you inside.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- So, come on, let's go and take a look.- OK, grand.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Dating back to the 17th century, this brick-built four-bedroom
0:30:08 > 0:30:11period home is packed with character features.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13With a stunning oak-framed extension to the rear,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17it takes advantage of its location looking over the open countryside.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20And we're starting off in the cosy rooms indoors.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26I'm not sure if you're a fan of character and beams,
0:30:26 > 0:30:28but we've got a lot of that here.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Certainly have.- Very attractive.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- It is. It is.- Yeah.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34It's decent-sized windows,
0:30:34 > 0:30:36so it's a reasonably bright room.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38It's not dark and...
0:30:38 > 0:30:40I like the idea of the fire.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42- Nice place to sit of an evening, this would be.- Mmm.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Alan, you're looking ever so pensive.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Yes, this is a surprise.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Could I see myself sitting here?
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Could I see myself living here?
0:30:50 > 0:30:54At the moment, I'm saying, "Why not?" So...
0:30:54 > 0:30:56That's still all formulating in my mind.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59You probably noticed a couple of doors here. This is a good cupboard
0:30:59 > 0:31:02and storage space, but that leads through to an extra sitting room.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Oh.- So there's a second sitting room down there.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08It's a good size, which I guess, over time, could be utilised
0:31:08 > 0:31:10for exercise equipment, model railways...
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- LAUGHTER - Important. Important.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15- A downstairs bedroom, should you need it.- Yes.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- So you do have a lot of living space.- Yes.- Excellent.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21But the part that I think gives this house the real wow factor is just
0:31:21 > 0:31:24through here, so just come and take a look in here.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28And it's this fantastic open-plan kitchen-diner
0:31:28 > 0:31:31that was added on three years ago.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Wow.- It's lovely. Beautiful kitchen. Plenty space.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37It really has a view. That's what I call a view.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41This is nice. It's light, it's airy,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44it's spacious. It's got an island.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Yeah, like it. I like this room, most certainly.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Absolutely fabulous room.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52So, I think this combines old and new really beautifully.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54What about the two of you, do you think it works?
0:31:54 > 0:31:56I think it works really well.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I think this is a gorgeous room.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00You'd really use this day-to-day.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02- OK, let's explore upstairs.- Sure.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05There's a lot to see and I think I have found the most perfect spot
0:32:05 > 0:32:07for you to put your exercise equipment.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11Honestly, I don't think it can be bettered, so follow me.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Riding high from their initial response,
0:32:13 > 0:32:17I've been encouraged to show them the four bedrooms upstairs.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19One a bright and spacious double,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22another is currently set up as a twin.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25A smaller single, ideal as a hobbies room...
0:32:26 > 0:32:28And a family bathroom.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30But before I show them the master,
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I want us to stop and admire the landing.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36You can just see that stunning view out over the fields.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39I could see you on your exercise bike on here, Alan.
0:32:39 > 0:32:40Trying to reach those distant trees.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Yeah, you'll never get there.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44LAUGHTER But what a thing to aim for.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Just turning to some of the practical considerations, the stairs
0:32:47 > 0:32:50would absolutely accommodate a stairlift,
0:32:50 > 0:32:51if that's what you'd want to do.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54And another option that you could explore is the possibility
0:32:54 > 0:32:57of removing one of the glass panels from up here
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- and putting a small lift in. - Yeah.- Yeah, very good.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Up a couple of steps and to the right of the landing is the master.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11So, the older nature of the house is definitely apparent up here.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- It's very quaint, it's very pretty.- It's a very sweet room.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16There's plenty of storage space.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18It's fine for a master bedroom.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Yeah. It's a sweet room. - Yeah, it is.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Now, I know the big appeal about the house is the view, and why wouldn't
0:33:24 > 0:33:27it be? So let's go into the garden and take a look at it, and just
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- really take in how beautiful it is out there.- Sure.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33Once outside, I'll be putting them to the test when it
0:33:33 > 0:33:38comes to the price. Hopefully it will be a price worth paying,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41as in the garden there's a large double garage as well as those
0:33:41 > 0:33:45beautiful views from the garden itself.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Now, what do you think about the size of the garden, Anne, for your green fingers?
0:33:49 > 0:33:52I think this garden's fine. There's plenty you can do with it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Yeah, I would be happy enough with this because, together with
0:33:55 > 0:33:59putting a more interesting garden, you've got a wonderful view.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01And now comes the point where I'd like to know
0:34:01 > 0:34:03what you think this house is on the market for.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07I don't know. My head's in a bit of a twirl really.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09The old, the new.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11It's a stab in the dark - I'll go 400,000.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14400, OK. Anne, what about you?
0:34:14 > 0:34:15I think I'd pay more for this house.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I wouldn't be surprised if it was on our budget.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20But, I think, let's say 435.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23OK, well, you're both wrong again.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25But Anne is very close.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27It's on the market for £425,000.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- Oh, very good.- Yeah.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32So why don't you go inside and just spend a bit more time in it?
0:34:32 > 0:34:34Just take in that mix of old and new.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- Yeah.- We may be some time.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37- OK.- OK.
0:34:40 > 0:34:41That's fantastic.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I got the reaction I was so hoping for from this house.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48We've managed to bring together that blend of old and new.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51They both seem to have really good vibes about it.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Under budget at £425,000,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56this period property has
0:34:56 > 0:34:58certainly proved popular.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00A perfect blend of historic
0:35:00 > 0:35:02and contemporary character,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04the downstairs rooms offer plenty of
0:35:04 > 0:35:06space - 30 feet of it in the
0:35:06 > 0:35:08kitchen-diner alone. A galleried
0:35:08 > 0:35:10landing leads to four good-sized
0:35:10 > 0:35:13bedrooms and a bathroom, whilst to
0:35:13 > 0:35:15the rear there's a double garage and
0:35:15 > 0:35:17a lawn leading to those lovely views.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21I was very interested to see the Mystery House, I was very excited about that.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Magnificently large, but still old and full of character room.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Alan was hoping for something new, I was hoping for something old,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32you put the two together - great mixture.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36- This is a cosy little room.- Wow.- I wasn't expecting this to be here.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- No, I wasn't.- Useful room to have. - Yes. Sit here on a winter's night.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Lovely.- Good.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I love this space.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46The kitchen area behind me is everything one would need.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49There's a nice, relaxing sitting area.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Ample space for dining.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Upstairs needs further thought,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56but where there's a will, there's a way.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Hello.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Well, that's the three properties seen.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02Lovely house, really interesting.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Delighted to have seen it.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Yes. Absolutely delightful property.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09I think you've got a lot of thinking to do.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12We have. You've thrown the whole thing up in the air again.
0:36:12 > 0:36:13Oh, we love it when that happens.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- Come on, thinking time.- OK.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Pretty villages, rolling hills and nature in abundance...
0:36:24 > 0:36:27this county belies its once industrial past -
0:36:27 > 0:36:31a long history of shoemaking dating back to the 13th century.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35With its plentiful supply of oak, bark and water for tanning,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39and a bountiful stock of leather, the footwear industry flourished,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42helped by a large order from Oliver Cromwell
0:36:42 > 0:36:45to kit out his army in the Civil War.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49After years of decline, there's been a recent rise in demand for this
0:36:49 > 0:36:53skilled British craft, so I've come to the village of Ravensthorpe
0:36:53 > 0:36:57and the Horace Batten factory, who make heritage riding boots.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59I'm meeting the current owner - Tim Batten.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02What a treasure trove it is here. It's a stunning place.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Thank you.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06So how did the company get started?
0:37:06 > 0:37:10As a family, we go back as bootmakers to, shall we say, 1804?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14And that gentleman there started the business.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16He was Horace.
0:37:16 > 0:37:21My father, his son, was also called Horace, which causes some confusion.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23So you're carrying on the family tradition, are you?
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Are the boots still made using the same techniques and the same skills
0:37:27 > 0:37:29that would have been back in the day,
0:37:29 > 0:37:30when the first Horace was around?
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Yes, it hasn't changed a great deal.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36How long does it take to make a pair of your boots?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I suppose the stock answer is it takes about three months,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42but it depends on the processes,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45so it is very hard to quantify how long it takes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49My eagle eyes spotted on the wall something that says,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51"Footprint for Darth Vader."
0:37:51 > 0:37:54I need to know why you have Darth Vader's footprint on your wall,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56here in the middle of Northamptonshire.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Well, my father was approached in the mid-'80s to make
0:38:00 > 0:38:02a pair of boots for Darth Vader.
0:38:02 > 0:38:07In fact, that boot there was a prototype for that project.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Now, of course, Star Wars is very famous.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13When he came to him, it was all sort of, "Can you make a pair of boots
0:38:13 > 0:38:16"for this guy? He's going to be something in a film."
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Famous feet aside, in the past, these boots have also kitted out
0:38:20 > 0:38:24submariners and the Women's Land Army in the Second World War.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Today, the time and quality dedicated to each pair
0:38:27 > 0:38:33of boots is such that they can sell for between £1,000 and £2,000,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36all bespoke and based on the original designs.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40If you come through here, we'll show you where we start the process,
0:38:40 > 0:38:45which is of course with our last that we have here.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49This has been modified a little bit, otherwise this is fairly standard.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Have you noticed any changes over
0:38:51 > 0:38:53all the years in the shape of people's feet?
0:38:53 > 0:38:58People's shape has changed really, I would say, dramatically.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04In 1960, the average shoe size was like a 7.5 or an 8.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07It's now a 9.5 or a 10.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Now, imagine if that carries on for the next 300 years -
0:39:10 > 0:39:12we'll all be 12 feet tall.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- We'll all have feet like Darth Vader.- Exactly.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18With five key stages involved in building these boots,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21they still use traditional tools and machinery.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24The process starts with measuring and tailoring,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28cutting out the leather and then stitching it together.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30And when the leather upper boot is moulded into shape,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33the soles are added.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35This is our making department.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40What's happening here is that the upper is being pulled over the last
0:39:40 > 0:39:44and it's held temporarily in position with these nails.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47The next stage will be that we will put a welt in
0:39:47 > 0:39:49and that will be stitched in by hand.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55The welt is a strip of leather onto which the outer sole is attached.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59The boot is then shaped and final touches applied. And while some of
0:39:59 > 0:40:02these wonderful skills can take up to two years to learn, I have just
0:40:02 > 0:40:06two minutes to get the hang of one of the detailing processes.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Right, we're doing a little bit of stitching here.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11- Perhaps you'd like to have a go.- OK.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15OK, so you hold it with your left hand, right hand on there,
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- and turn clockwise.- Yeah.
0:40:19 > 0:40:20All right, that's good.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22It's effortless, isn't it?
0:40:22 > 0:40:24Wow.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25Yes, no, you're doing it actually...
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I know I say that, but you're actually doing very well indeed.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Now, this is where the skill comes in. You've got to manipulate it.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34Pull it slightly as you go.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36You've got to pull it slightly towards you.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38Keep going, go on.
0:40:40 > 0:40:41That's it.
0:40:42 > 0:40:43There. That's it there.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45You can pull it out.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Excellent. Practice makes perfect.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Though my sewing seems to be a success,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55I must hang up my boots and catch up with our house buyers to see
0:40:55 > 0:40:58if any decisions have been made.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Anne and Alan have had positive reactions
0:41:00 > 0:41:02to all three of the properties that we've shown them.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05And, at this point, I'm genuinely feeling quite confused
0:41:05 > 0:41:09cos I have no idea which of the three they're leaning towards
0:41:09 > 0:41:11because they seemed to like them all.
0:41:14 > 0:41:15Hello, you two.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- BOTH:- Hello.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Well, I'm very intrigued and I'm looking forward
0:41:19 > 0:41:21to hearing what your thoughts are at this point.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23It's been an interesting few days away.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27We've seen three very different properties.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30The first property was plenty of space
0:41:30 > 0:41:34and certainly had the double garage that I had on my little wish list.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38The kitchen-dining area, with the wonderful outlook at the back,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- really was a bit of a bonus. Would you agree?- Yeah.
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Number one house is exactly ideal for us.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47- And then you threw the curveball in.- Yeah.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Property three - the house itself was interesting.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It took my breath away a little bit.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53A lot.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55A lot.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58But it's not the type of house that I would actually buy, so our
0:41:58 > 0:42:02conclusion is that we'd like to have a second look at house number one.
0:42:02 > 0:42:03- Yes.- Fantastic news.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06So we've actually contacted our children and said, "Are you free on
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- "Saturday to come and we'll all have a look at it?" - To do a second viewing.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Well, I'm absolutely thrilled that you found a property that's sparked
0:42:13 > 0:42:16enough interest in you to want to go back and to take the family with you.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20Wherever you end up, we hope you have a really happy escape to the country.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28We're leaving Anne and Alan on a positive note, heading off for a
0:42:28 > 0:42:32second viewing on the first property we showed them, a house which is
0:42:32 > 0:42:36pretty similar to the home they've lived in for the last 29 years.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40Well, after exploring the local area more, I really hope they've found
0:42:40 > 0:42:43a new home to be happy in for years to come.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50Alan and Anne did go back for a second viewing with their family,
0:42:50 > 0:42:53but decided to buy another property in the area
0:42:53 > 0:42:56and I'm pleased to say they've had their offer accepted.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:58 > 0:43:01in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England
0:43:01 > 0:43:05and need our help, please apply online at...