0:00:02 > 0:00:03Born in this rural county,
0:00:03 > 0:00:05the man who commissioned this fine country house
0:00:05 > 0:00:08was hailed as Britain's first Prime Minister.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Find out if your knowledge of politicians is up to scratch
0:00:11 > 0:00:13and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Today, a country-loving couple are ready to plant roots
0:00:36 > 0:00:38in classically British countryside.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Shall I say magnificent first or will you say it first?
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- It's super.- Um, well done.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45And the outlook is inspirational.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48I wouldn't mind waking up in the morning to look at that view.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51Today, I'm in Norfolk
0:00:51 > 0:00:55and this magnificent building behind me is Houghton Hall.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59It was built by Sir Robert Walpole in the 1720s and '30s while he was
0:00:59 > 0:01:04Prime Minister, a post he held for an impressive 21 years.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08His ambitions were huge and he employed a vast array of architects,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12with the final bill cost coming to over £200,000,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15putting it at the time on a par with Blenheim Palace.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20Sadly, he only got to live here for a few years before he passed away.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Today it remains one of Britain's finest Palladian buildings
0:01:23 > 0:01:27and an architectural gem in this beautiful landscape.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Sitting to the east of England,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Norfolk, the largest county in East Anglia,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35shares its borders with three other counties,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39whilst its northern and eastern edges stretch along the North Sea.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43The region is known for its sprawling, level landscapes
0:01:43 > 0:01:44and vast skies.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47Largely agricultural, much of the land is arable,
0:01:47 > 0:01:52where fields are filled with crops like wheat and sugar beet.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56A familiar sight on the Norfolk horizon are elegant windmills,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59historically used for grinding and drainage.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Many are now privately owned, but a number are open to visitors.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Ecclesiastical architecture is another statement in the county
0:02:07 > 0:02:10and it's home to the highest concentration of medieval churches
0:02:10 > 0:02:11in the world.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Water is also a feature here, particularly the Norfolk broads.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20A network of rivers and lakes form a tranquil setting
0:02:20 > 0:02:23amongst the surrounding farmland.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28So whether it is as one of 30 million tourists who visit each year
0:02:28 > 0:02:30or as an escapee in search of a rural home,
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Norfolk is a great choice to enjoy the very best of Britain.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38When it comes to buying property,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40Norfolk offers great value for money,
0:02:40 > 0:02:45with the average cost of a detached house here costing £235,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49That's an impressive £47,000 below the national average.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53However, if you want to live on the North Coast in places like
0:02:53 > 0:02:58Wells-next-the-Sea or Thornham, you will pay a premium of up to 60%.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00But you do get more for your money inland,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03so the villages around the market towns of Dereham or Swaffham
0:03:03 > 0:03:06are well worth exploring.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08So let's meet today's buyers
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and find out why they want to move to Norfolk.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Retired sales and marketing director Peter
0:03:14 > 0:03:18and retired accounting manager Diane have spent 44 years
0:03:18 > 0:03:20living as expats all over the world.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23But when they met almost half a century ago,
0:03:23 > 0:03:25it was in the north of England.
0:03:25 > 0:03:26We met in Newcastle.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Peter moved up from the south,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31I already lived in the north
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and he joined the company I was working for.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38I have a memory of standing one day in front of a notice board,
0:03:38 > 0:03:43and there was this stunning bird looking at the notice board as well.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Somehow a conversation started
0:03:46 > 0:03:47and it hasn't stopped.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51That was 1967.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55They wed ten years later and they are still love's young dream.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58She was and remains knock-down drop-dead gorgeous.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Um...
0:04:02 > 0:04:04She's...
0:04:04 > 0:04:09She laughs at my jokes and she's a great companion.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Peter is charming, he has always been charming.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17He's very clever, he is too serious at times,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20but his great sense of humour saves him and after that,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24he's a great husband and fantastic father.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28This loving pair's grown-up daughter Nicola lives in San Francisco,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32but they've been renting a house outside Cambridge since last year.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34After 30 years living in Spain,
0:04:34 > 0:04:36they've settled back in Britain
0:04:36 > 0:04:39and are ready to find their very own English country pad.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43There are certain things you want to do - hang your pictures,
0:04:43 > 0:04:49perhaps put up the odd shelf and it's rented, it's not mine.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I would love to buy more furniture of the English type.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54I don't have room to put it all,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57because we still have a lot in storage.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Diane and Peter love British rural scenery and have decided
0:05:00 > 0:05:02that Norfolk's where they'd like to settle,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05still within reach of the life they've created in Cambridge,
0:05:05 > 0:05:10where Peter is teaching marketing and studying for a PhD.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14I was brought up in beautiful countryside around Berkshire
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and Oxfordshire and I felt the pull of that.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20And looking for a house around this area is just great.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23You have the sea, you have lovely countryside,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27which I know people say it's flat - I like flat.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29The trees come up to jump at you.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30I love trees.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34It's just genuinely beautiful, beautiful countryside.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I think we're very lucky to be here.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40A driving factor in their move to Norfolk
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- is to make the most of the great outdoors.- East Anglia's beautiful,
0:05:44 > 0:05:47it really is lovely and I want to explore it more
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and get my paints out of storage, things like that.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56You know, walk to the pub, we want to do that, we like doing that.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58We very much like walking to the pub.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Yes. I play lots of golf, I enjoy that.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Peter enjoys walking,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07he has an allotment here, which he couldn't have in Spain.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09It's a different type of climate.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12So in a strong position as cash buyers,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14they can't wait to get off the starting blocks
0:06:14 > 0:06:17and begin the search for their Norfolk country home.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20This move is going to give me a feeling
0:06:20 > 0:06:25of having roots in the ground and the feeling of permanence
0:06:25 > 0:06:28will be very, very pleasant indeed.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32It hasn't been home for a long, long time, but the feeling is there.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34There's just something.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38I belong here, and it's going to work and we're going to find a home.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39And that's great.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Diane and Peter are drawn to the country villages
0:06:46 > 0:06:48in the heart of Norfolk,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50but are happy to consider anywhere within the region
0:06:50 > 0:06:54that's no more than an hour and a half's drive from Cambridge.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55And before we hit the Norfolk roads,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57I'm meeting them in the county
0:06:57 > 0:07:00to get up to speed with their property wish list.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Well, welcome to Norfolk, both of you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Let's talk about the house.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06What are you both looking for?
0:07:06 > 0:07:09For me, open-plan would be lovely.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13That would be a great deal, I like that, yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15And definitely two bathrooms.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17And what about bedrooms?
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Three bedrooms minimum.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21One for a guest, one for us.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Perhaps four.- Perhaps four,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26or two bedrooms and two small offices
0:07:26 > 0:07:30where we can get away from each other for a while.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34She can do her thing in her office, I can do my thing in mine.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Let's just talk about what the house looks like,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38what are you hoping to see?
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Character. Yes.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41What about a garden? Are you keen gardeners?
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Do you want lots of land, not much land?
0:07:43 > 0:07:46That's probably more my obsession than Diane's.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51I would like a small area to grow some potatoes, grow some beans.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53OK, so what about the surrounding area?
0:07:53 > 0:07:57I think definitely within a walking distance of a village, yes?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00The idea of a pub we can walk to is very attractive.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Yes.- You're really smiling now!
0:08:02 > 0:08:03Have you got a twinkle in your eye?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05We like that. We both like that.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08We both like it. We've had years of tapas bars,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10which are absolutely fantastic.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13But it's English beer for you, isn't it?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- English beer.- Yes.- I've got a good idea of what the two of you
0:08:15 > 0:08:18were hoping to find, so let's talk about budget.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Remind me how much we're working with.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25The budget for this house is £425,000.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I'm really hopeful that we can help you find a combination
0:08:28 > 0:08:31that you're looking for of open-plan and character,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33and we've got some really interesting properties to show you.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- That's good.- Raring to go?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Raring to go.- Very excited, yes!
0:08:37 > 0:08:38Thank you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Our couple's budget of £425,000 is generous for the area,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49which is a positive start.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50After half a lifetime abroad,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54they want to come home to a spacious property with character
0:08:54 > 0:08:58and an open-plan layout, offering an all-in-one kitchen,
0:08:58 > 0:08:59dining and living area.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03Diane would love a room to paint in and Peter a study,
0:09:03 > 0:09:08so they need three-four bedrooms and two bathrooms is a must.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Outside, they're after a manageable garden
0:09:10 > 0:09:12and they'd both like to be near a village
0:09:12 > 0:09:15with a friendly local high on the list of requirements.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19We've gathered a fantastic range of properties,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22but their price tags will only be disclosed
0:09:22 > 0:09:24after each one has been toured.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26And a final visit to the Mystery House
0:09:26 > 0:09:28might put our buyers on the back foot
0:09:28 > 0:09:31when they first see it, but hopefully,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33it'll be a proposition they'll quickly warm to.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42We're kicking off our tour of Norfolk
0:09:42 > 0:09:44just south-west of the centre of the county
0:09:44 > 0:09:46in the village of Carbrooke,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48which is an hour away from Cambridge
0:09:48 > 0:09:51and less than two miles from the market town of Watton.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55The high street in Watton has a good assortment of shops
0:09:55 > 0:09:58along with a weekly market selling freshly grown produce.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00The town is also home to St Mary's Church,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03with its distinctive round tower,
0:10:03 > 0:10:06one of only around half a dozen remaining in East Anglia.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Back in Carbrooke, there's just a village hall,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12a 12th century church and a primary school.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15And our first property is found on the edge of the village.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18What are your initial thoughts?
0:10:18 > 0:10:23Well, my first view of it, it looks really interesting.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- Yes.- You're speechless, Peter?
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I was waiting for number one to speak first.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- It's attractive. - I was chatting to the owner
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and she said it's a really lovely community, friendly.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36The village hall runs a bar on Friday nights.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Wow.- Five minutes' walk away!
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Volunteers step forward now, yes.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45And also it's ten minutes from a golf course and the golf club.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Now you've rang my bell.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Your eyes just lit up then.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52In fact, already the house looks more attractive.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55Would you like to come and have a look?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57I'd love to, yes, very much.
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Extended 15 years ago,
0:10:59 > 0:11:02this decorative cottage dates back over 200 years
0:11:02 > 0:11:04and was originally a two-up two-down,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06built from Norfolk clay lump.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14So we're straight into this very pretty sitting room
0:11:14 > 0:11:17with lots of original features, lots of character.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Lovely fireplace.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Good, square room.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And the good news here is this isn't the main room in the house.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25This is a little bonus room, actually,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27because the main living space is right through here.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Ooh. It gets better by the minute.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34Across the hallway with enough room for a desk is a large sitting room
0:11:34 > 0:11:36with access to the garden.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38This is all the new extension.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It's a fantastic size.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Shall I say magnificent first or will you say it first?
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- It's super.- Well done!
0:11:47 > 0:11:49This surprises me.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Off to the left just there is a really big dining room
0:11:52 > 0:11:55and there's a lovely, light, spacious conservatory,
0:11:55 > 0:11:59which could be a nice light place to work and to paint.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01And I know the kitchen is important to you.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It is not part of the living space, but it's still...
0:12:04 > 0:12:08I think it's impressive. And I'm hoping those smiles will continue.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12A very promising start and there is still lots more to see.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Back off that spacious hallway,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16we find a boot room, a separate utility,
0:12:16 > 0:12:20a cloakroom and, finally, the kitchen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It's pretty perfect.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28I know my wish list is open-plan, but this is so perfect.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31It's delightfully done.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34So I'm having to get my head around the fact
0:12:34 > 0:12:36it's not as big as I thought I wanted.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40I'm totally confused, let's put it like that.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It's not perfect as a big kitchen-diner,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46but is pretty perfect as a big kitchen
0:12:46 > 0:12:48with a little dining area in it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50I think the hardest thing with a house search
0:12:50 > 0:12:54is deciding what compromises you're going to make,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57and there are always going to be compromises.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59But there are no compromises upstairs
0:12:59 > 0:13:03as far as the desired bathrooms and bedrooms are concerned.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06A galleried landing leads to a family bathroom
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and four double bedrooms.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12All the rooms are light, bright and have plenty of space.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15We're visiting the largest of the four bedrooms,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18with a beautiful view out to the garden and beyond.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21So this is the master bedroom.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23So, a lovely light, bright room.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28This is stunning. This is a great space and look,
0:13:28 > 0:13:31every woman's dream behind us, storage!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34I need you to just go and pop your head in the bathrooms.
0:13:34 > 0:13:35Go, go and quickly have a look for me,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37because I know how important they are.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Very important, yes. - So I think for an en-suite,
0:13:39 > 0:13:41that is pretty impressive.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Oh, it is impressive.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It's got everything, look at the shower.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47I could be quite happy in here.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Well, don't be too happy! Come back to me, come on.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52- OK.- You can't run yourself a bath yet!
0:13:52 > 0:13:54No, not yet.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56All that remains to be seen now is outside,
0:13:56 > 0:13:58so why don't we go and find out if there's enough space
0:13:58 > 0:14:00for those vegetables you fancy growing?
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Brilliant.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04The conservatory leads on to a patio
0:14:04 > 0:14:06which wraps around the side of the house
0:14:06 > 0:14:10and joins a lawn bordered by trees with views right across the fields.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14There's also a garage with a sheltered seating area.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Nothing too large, it's definitely manageable.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19This is a good-sized garden, it's not too big,
0:14:19 > 0:14:22it's not too small and there is some work to be done on borders,
0:14:22 > 0:14:23a place to put one or two potatoes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26It's pretty much my scene.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Well, you've seen the house and the outside
0:14:28 > 0:14:31and I've seen smiles on both your faces,
0:14:31 > 0:14:33but I'd really like to know what's going on in here.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37So what do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40425, top.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44I would say to might be a little over our top budget,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46so, say, £427,000.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48OK. Well,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50the lady is right.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Spot on. It's on the market for £425,000.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Is definitely a pull, isn't it?
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's a strong tug in the right direction.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00I think with the prize in mind,
0:15:00 > 0:15:02it's time for you to go back in and have a look.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Imagine yourselves in it, if you want to do,
0:15:04 > 0:15:06and I'll come and find you in a few minutes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- Good.- Will do.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14This cottage is bang on the nose of Diane's and Peter's budget,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18bringing their English country dream one step closer.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21It has a good selection of living spaces downstairs
0:15:21 > 0:15:22and although there isn't
0:15:22 > 0:15:25the open-plan kitchen-living room they wanted,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29what is on offer has taken them pleasantly by surprise.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31They get the four bedrooms they've asked for,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33meaning plenty of room for visitors,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35including their daughter from America.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37There's also the compulsory two bathrooms
0:15:37 > 0:15:39and the garden seems to be ideal
0:15:39 > 0:15:41for their horticultural ambitions.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Ooh. Wow.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47It's a film set.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49It's a real pretty dining room, isn't it?
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's very beautiful.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55From the very first moment I saw this house, it was very attractive,
0:15:55 > 0:15:59very appealing. At first, it seems it might be small,
0:15:59 > 0:16:03but you very quickly discover that it's not, it's very spacious.
0:16:03 > 0:16:09The first impression was lovely, welcoming, stunning.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12As we walked through the house, it just got better and better.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17I really like the kitchen, it's just not open-plan,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20which is what I wanted and I'm stuck.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25I really can't decide whether the kitchen is so beautiful
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I'll get over it and just get on with it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:29- Hello, there.- Hi.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31- Have you seen enough?- Never enough.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34It's a beautiful house, I could go round again and again.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36That's a great reaction for a first house.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38Are you united in this opinion, Peter?
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- I am.- A united front and onwards to the second.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43Fantastic.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52In south-west Norfolk lies an area known as the Brecks,
0:16:52 > 0:16:54made up of heathland and vast forests.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57It boasts the best climate in Britain,
0:16:57 > 0:16:59with low rainfall and hot summers.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02To the north of the Brecks in the town of Swaffham
0:17:02 > 0:17:03is the Green Britain Centre,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07which makes the most of the temperate climate here
0:17:07 > 0:17:10and teaches people to live more sustainably.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13There are almost 12 acres devoted to organic fruit and veg
0:17:13 > 0:17:15and supporting native flora and fauna.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19It has its own wind turbine designed
0:17:19 > 0:17:21by British architect Sir Norman Foster.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24At just over 100 metres high,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26it's the only one in the world
0:17:26 > 0:17:30which houses a public observation platform.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Diane and Peter are keen to grow their own produce when they move
0:17:33 > 0:17:34and they've come to chat
0:17:34 > 0:17:37to horticulturalist and manager Paul Woodmin
0:17:37 > 0:17:40to find out about living off the land.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44They're meeting in the rather special orchard.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Paul, what makes this orchard different?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Well, this was planted really to celebrate some of the heritage
0:17:49 > 0:17:52that Norfolk has had with apple-growing in the past.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55We've got 60 different varieties of mainly apple,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58there are some pears in here and we've actually got a medlar,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02so there are varieties that would have been common in this area
0:18:02 > 0:18:04200 years to 100 years ago.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Have you any suggestions as to the type of apple
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- we should put in our garden? - It all depends on your taste.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14But I'd go for a good eater and a good cooking apple.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16What is important is you need to make sure
0:18:16 > 0:18:18they are in the same pollination group
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and one thing that will help with that
0:18:21 > 0:18:23is perhaps planting a crab apple.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25In order to produce fruit,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29apple blossom must be fertilised by the pollen from the flower
0:18:29 > 0:18:32of a compatible but different variety of tree.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Crab apples usually successful pollinate
0:18:34 > 0:18:36many other varieties of apple.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39I'm a bit of a veg man, Paul.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42My dream house has got something of a vegetable plot.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Do you have anything like that hidden around here?
0:18:45 > 0:18:47We certainly do, if you follow me, we'll go and take a look.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- OK. Fine.- Mind your head.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54Paul's taking Diane and Peter to the organic garden,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57where a variety of crops are growing including mixed lettuce,
0:18:57 > 0:19:01carrots and onions without the use of pesticides,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04herbicides or artificial fertilisers.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Is there any particular tip you can give
0:19:06 > 0:19:08for growing potatoes organically,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10because I don't do a very good job of it at the moment.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13OK, well, potatoes, it's about the timing, really.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15So it's getting them in as early as we can,
0:19:15 > 0:19:16after the frosts have passed.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Spacing is also very important -
0:19:18 > 0:19:22it's good to encourage a lot of ventilation around the plants,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25otherwise you can be encouraging a fungal infection called blight.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28It's a little bit outside the potato-planting season now,
0:19:28 > 0:19:30but we got some lettuce which we plant in succession.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32I wonder if you'd give us a hand planting some lettuces?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Lettuce is good.- Well, I will.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36OK. Thanks, Di. Follow me.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39At the raised bed,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Paul has tasked Diane with weeding
0:19:41 > 0:19:43before the lettuce seeds are planted.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Just try and get as deep as you can,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47there's some long tap roots in there.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49This is very long, this one.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Peter's giving the job of raking the earth to prepare the seed bed.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- Oh, yes.- OK.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- That'll about do us.- Next, a string line is placed in the bed.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01This will just give us a good guide
0:20:01 > 0:20:04of where we are going to be planting our seeds. Fantastic.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06If you just use the edge of the trowel,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08follow it down the string line, through the soil,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10we need the trench round about a centimetre deep.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Like this?- Fantastic.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Now, next is the seeds.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16You want to sprinkle them down the length of that string
0:20:16 > 0:20:17quite sparsely.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- OK.- That's it. Now, just with your hand,
0:20:20 > 0:20:23put about a centimetre of soil on top of the seeds.
0:20:23 > 0:20:24Just push it on, nice and gently.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26- Just push it on?- That's fine.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Finally, a sprinkling of water and in three to four weeks' time,
0:20:30 > 0:20:31the lettuces will be ready.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And if they've found themselves a Norfolk home by then,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37they can come back to reap the rewards of their hard work.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Thank you, this has been absolutely great,
0:20:40 > 0:20:42I've enjoyed every minute of it.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43It's been my pleasure.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49For our second property visit,
0:20:49 > 0:20:51we're heading to the village of Thompson
0:20:51 > 0:20:53which is an hour's drive from Cambridge
0:20:53 > 0:20:55and just over 12-and-a-half miles
0:20:55 > 0:20:57from the market town of Thetford.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Here, there's a golf club for Diane,
0:21:00 > 0:21:02less than 20 minutes' drive from Thompson,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05a small village surrounded by fields
0:21:05 > 0:21:08with a strong community at its heart.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10There's a village hall and St Martin's Church,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14part of which has its roots in the 14th century.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Thompson's also home to a number of properties
0:21:16 > 0:21:19that reflect the county's traditional architecture,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23including a pub dating back to the 1600s
0:21:23 > 0:21:24that's just a five-minute stroll
0:21:24 > 0:21:28from our second offering, a home that's unusual on the outside,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and even more so beyond the front door.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37It's an 18th century grade II listed barn conversion.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41It was converted in 2006 and it's been really sympathetically done.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45I love the roof. That sounds mad, but the roof is fantastic.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Actually, it just all looks great.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Really lovely.- It's spectacular and it's very different.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52You're keen to see inside?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- I'd love to.- Me too.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59This fabulous barn conversion from the 1700s
0:21:59 > 0:22:01has many interesting works.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04The chimney is made of bricks from the original floor
0:22:04 > 0:22:08and the barn's ironwork has been crafted by the local blacksmith.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12The owners have already moved out, meaning a slightly sparse interior,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14but as soon as you step inside,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17it still manages to take your breath away.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Oh! Here we go, here we go.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23Is that a positive "Here we go, here we go?"
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Everything in one room.
0:22:25 > 0:22:26I think this is open-plan.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28I think it is open-plan, yes.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30This is such a complete surprise.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32I never been inside a barn conversion,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36simply because the outside has said "no" to me.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38But the outside here said yes.
0:22:38 > 0:22:43I'm thinking to myself, if we are to decide that we like open-plan,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46this is the test of whether we mean what we say.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48You've talked about, you know, that three-in-one living,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50and you absolutely have that here.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55You have your kitchen area, your dining area, a seating area.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57You've got flexibility.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Let's step further into this room
0:22:58 > 0:23:01just to get a sense of the scale of it all, really.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04A well thought-out kitchen with a central island.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06The kitchen is good, it's very good.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10The open-plan kitchen and living area in this barn
0:23:10 > 0:23:13has almost 900 square feet of floor space,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17with the mezzanine level above giving another 300,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21so hopefully, it offers buyers the kind of lifestyle they've envisaged.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25So here we are, up on the mezzanine.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27And it gives you a fantastic idea of the scale
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- and the height of this building. - So what would we do with this space?
0:23:31 > 0:23:33I think it's probably mine.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Well, I was thinking a study.
0:23:35 > 0:23:36A study area.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38- Yes, a study area.- I was thinking more a painting area.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42I can see the light falling in from these two windows.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44It's very different from anything
0:23:44 > 0:23:48that I conceived in my mind - when we talked of open-plan, for example,
0:23:48 > 0:23:52I was not thinking of vertically open so much as horizontally open.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54I think without we need to explore the rest,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57cos you'll be happy to hear that the bedrooms aren't open-plan,
0:23:57 > 0:23:58nor are the bathrooms.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00They're bit more of a traditional layout.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- Right.- So I think they'll feel a bit more familiar.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08At the bottom of the mezzanine staircase,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10you will find three guest bedrooms
0:24:10 > 0:24:12all served by a bright family bathroom.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16There is a generous beamed double with garden views
0:24:16 > 0:24:19and another large double with exposed wall timbers,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21beyond which is the smallest bedroom.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Across on the other side of the main living space,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27we pass a utility room,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30ideal for hiding away the white goods,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33then it's on to the fourth and final bedroom.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36How many more original features do you want?
0:24:36 > 0:24:37It is a big bedroom.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Of course, you've mentioned you'd like two bathrooms - there are two.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42This one's got an en-suite.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It has a little added bonus -
0:24:44 > 0:24:46it's got a sauna!
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Oh, my goodness!
0:24:48 > 0:24:50Well, that takes care of Sunday.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52The views make this bedroom.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I wouldn't mind waking up in the morning to look at that view.
0:24:55 > 0:24:56Well, why don't we head outside
0:24:56 > 0:24:58and just take in that view a little bit more
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and I need you to start thinking as well
0:25:01 > 0:25:05- about what you think this property might be on the market for.- Oh.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Double doors from the seating area at the back of the barn take us out
0:25:08 > 0:25:11into the garden, which has a patio
0:25:11 > 0:25:14and a small but neat lawn which enjoys wonderful views
0:25:14 > 0:25:18across the fields that belong to a neighbouring farmer.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20It's more than wonderful, isn't it?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Truly lovely. - Now, this is the garden.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25What you see is what you get. It's fairly compact.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27This garden is smaller than I would have wanted.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32Not a lot of room for my potatoes and fruit trees and beans
0:25:32 > 0:25:36but it is a staggeringly beautiful East Anglian view
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and maybe something has to give.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41OK, what do you think this property is on the market for?
0:25:41 > 0:25:43- It's time to guess. - It's very difficult.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I don't know anything about barn conversions,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49but my price would be 390.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50OK. And for you, Peter?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I'd go a bit lower than that.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54365,000 would be my price.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57OK, that's interesting. You are both off the mark, I'm afraid.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00It's actually on the market for £400,000.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03That seems a little bit high.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Why don't you go off and explore?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I know you haven't seen many barn conversions,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08so go and take another look around.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11See what you think and I'll come and find you in a few minutes.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12- Thank you.- Thank you.- Lovely.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20This spectacular barn conversion is full of character
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and it's on the market for £25,000 below budget.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26However, I sense open-plan on this scale
0:26:26 > 0:26:28has been a real test for our couple.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32At the heart of the home is the requested kitchen and living area
0:26:32 > 0:26:36with the mezzanine level given the option of an office or art room.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42OK, the garden may be smaller than anticipated,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45but it does come with those great views.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Coming through the door into this converted barn
0:26:49 > 0:26:50is a dramatic experience
0:26:50 > 0:26:52and an exciting experience.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54You have this great sense of space, character.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56It is beautifully converted,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59but I think it would need a bit of modification
0:26:59 > 0:27:02to make it feel, shall I say, cosier?
0:27:02 > 0:27:05The downside was the garden size.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10I thought that was just a little bit too small for a house of this size.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14You walk through this enormous room,
0:27:14 > 0:27:17there's a window over there with a view to die for, for miles.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20You open the door and you basically have
0:27:20 > 0:27:22a very small garden to walk into.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25This property is a contender
0:27:25 > 0:27:29but with some reservations that I would need to think about it.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32- Hello.- Hello.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Well, that has put open-plan living to the test, hasn't it?
0:27:35 > 0:27:36It really has, yes.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39That was a wonderful example of open-plan living.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- It truly was. - Last of today's properties.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Have we given you much to think about this evening?
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Masses for me to think about.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Plenty to think about.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- We'll be thinking.- OK, let's go and do some thinking, then.
0:27:58 > 0:28:03It's the second day of our visit to Norfolk, where we've got £425,000
0:28:03 > 0:28:07to spend on a country home for Diane and Peter from Cambridgeshire
0:28:07 > 0:28:11who moved back to the UK from Barcelona last year.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16We've still got to come face-to-face with a surprising Mystery House.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Oh, OK.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21This is probably the most positive feature of the house, for me.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25And I'll be finding out about the colourful history
0:28:25 > 0:28:26of an ancient crop.
0:28:26 > 0:28:27This is where the magic really starts.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Look at all those different shades of blue coming out.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Yesterday's search went well and I found it fascinating that the house
0:28:35 > 0:28:38that really seemed to spark Diane and Peter's imagination
0:28:38 > 0:28:41wasn't the open-plan house that I thought they'd love.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45I'm feeling confident about today and our Mystery House.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48I don't think it's a house that they would have considered looking at,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51but I think it could offer them that open, relaxed way of living
0:28:51 > 0:28:53that they seem to crave.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58For our Mystery House,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00we're travelling to the village of Great Ellingham,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03which is just about an hour's drive away from Cambridge.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06The village has a store and post office,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09a church and a gastropub
0:29:09 > 0:29:11and the narrow lanes are lined with pretty homes
0:29:11 > 0:29:14typical of those found in the Norfolk countryside.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Around a mile outside the village, in a beautiful rural setting,
0:29:18 > 0:29:22we're at our last stop and after 44 years living abroad,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24I wonder if Diane and Peter are ready to consider
0:29:24 > 0:29:27a slightly different way of English country life
0:29:27 > 0:29:29to the one they've been planning.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32So, any guesses as to why it's the Mystery House?
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- Because it's new.- I think it's because that is a new build.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Absolutely. It was built in 2006.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42It is one of only six on a very small development
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- with very spectacular view. - That's true, yes.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I'm thinking this is a new build, this is going to be clean,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53easy to run and, actually, the lines are good.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57I have something of a prejudice against new buildings.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58This could be the exception.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00We got a mixed reaction from you both to the outside
0:30:00 > 0:30:04so let's see if we can reunite you when we look inside.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05- OK.- Let's go.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10This handsome redbrick home has been built in the style
0:30:10 > 0:30:13of a manor house barn, which does give it plenty of charm,
0:30:13 > 0:30:18even though it might not have the character that comes with age.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22Right, then. We come straight into this great-sized entrance hall.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25We've got a study, dining room,
0:30:25 > 0:30:27good storage cupboard for all your coats
0:30:27 > 0:30:30and, of course, it takes advantage of that lovely view.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33It is an impressive entrance hall, isn't it? Yes.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35All the rooms are off the hall,
0:30:35 > 0:30:37which we are crossing to get to the kitchen
0:30:37 > 0:30:40and I'm hoping it's just what they've been waiting for
0:30:40 > 0:30:44as there is room to cook, eat and relax.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47I like it. I'm wanting to say a better word than like,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49but I have to take it in first
0:30:49 > 0:30:53because you've actually given me something that I've been asking for.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55I think it's a little small.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58- Right.- That's my first reaction.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00OK. That's a fair reaction.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03I have some suggestions for you.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05We've got a good-sized utility room over there
0:31:05 > 0:31:09which has got everything you need. There is, behind this wall,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12you get through to the garage, the second utility space
0:31:12 > 0:31:14and also a downstairs bathroom.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17You could take this section of wall out to extend that way
0:31:17 > 0:31:20and have a much larger space in here
0:31:20 > 0:31:23to give you much more of that big open space that you after.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25I have no problems with the odd wall coming down.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28There's definitely potential for that in here
0:31:28 > 0:31:30and I think we should go and take a look at the sitting room.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33Good idea. I'd like that.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35The sitting room is at the back of the house
0:31:35 > 0:31:36with windows on three sides
0:31:36 > 0:31:40and doors to the garden which allows the light to flood in.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45Our Mystery House may be modern but it is delivering on so many levels.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47I couldn't fault this one.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49You're going to think it's too small.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It's not too small as a sitting room.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55It's full of light, looks out onto a pretty garden space.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- It's very appealing.- OK, well, there is still plenty to show you upstairs
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- so let's go and take a look.- Thank you.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06I'm sensing uncertainty from Peter but quiet positivity from Diane.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Maybe the bedrooms will help them make up their minds.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11On the first floor there are four on offer,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13one in each corner of the house.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16There's a double with its own shower room
0:32:16 > 0:32:18and beautiful views over fields,
0:32:18 > 0:32:22another double at the back which is used as an exercise room and study
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and a smaller bedroom used for storage.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27There's also a bright family bathroom,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29but we're headed to the largest of the four,
0:32:29 > 0:32:31complete with a well fitted shower room.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Oh, OK.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38The master bedroom is in a brilliant position,
0:32:38 > 0:32:40just where you would want it to be,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43cos it takes advantage of that incredible view.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46That's what I was looking for out front,
0:32:46 > 0:32:51hoping these windows would be in prime bed position and they are.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55This is probably the most positive feature of the house, for me.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Let's go and see how you feel about the garden,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00because that's the last thing yet and of course then
0:33:00 > 0:33:01you're going to have to guess the price,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- so start giving that some thought. - The garden is important.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06The garden is important.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Back downstairs, the utility room has access out
0:33:10 > 0:33:15to the beautifully landscaped garden which has a Mediterranean look,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19so perhaps somewhere Diane and Peter will feel right at home.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20There is a terrace hugging the house,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23a lawn framed by shrubs and hedges,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26as well as various places for relaxation
0:33:26 > 0:33:27and shade.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30It's delightful, really delightful.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Pretty garden, very pretty.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Bit short of potatoes but you could probably work on that, I suspect.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37There are some fantastic raised beds
0:33:37 > 0:33:38that have got lovely planting in,
0:33:38 > 0:33:40but they could make brilliant raised beds
0:33:40 > 0:33:43for growing your potatoes and your artichokes.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- Very true.- Finally, we've come outside the house
0:33:45 > 0:33:48and we have you both in agreement that the garden...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- The garden is good. - ..the garden works.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55- Yes.- I'm intrigued to discover what you think this property
0:33:55 > 0:33:59- is on the market for.- I would guess it's on the market for 440.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02- Peter?- She's a bit above budget.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05I'd come down a bit, but at the top end of our budget.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07About 420,000.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10OK, well, it's on the market over budget.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12It's £445,000.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14However, we have had a chat with the owner
0:34:14 > 0:34:18and she said that there is some manoeuvre there on the price.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21That sounds very encouraging to me.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25Why don't you go in, take some time, look around, explore more?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- OK.- Will do, thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Our modern Mystery House may be £20,000 over budget
0:34:33 > 0:34:35but I'm confident they could strike a deal
0:34:35 > 0:34:38and if Peter can learn to love a younger property,
0:34:38 > 0:34:43this could be the one that gives them space and open-plan living
0:34:43 > 0:34:46as well as a garden to grow potatoes in.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48The kitchen is already multipurpose
0:34:48 > 0:34:50with a potential to increase its size
0:34:50 > 0:34:54and with four bedrooms, they have options for a study and art room.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56The views from the house are delightful
0:34:56 > 0:35:00and the garden has been beautifully designed.
0:35:00 > 0:35:01Another view. Look at that.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Isn't that lovely? And what a great room.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- Pretty room.- Yes. - A lot of character.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08A bit of character in this one.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12When I walked into the inside of the Mystery House,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15it was beautifully light, good, square rooms,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18well decorated, very appealing.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20I could definitely live in it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22There would be no problem with that.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25It has a lot of character, it has a lot of charm.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28That doesn't mean that I love all modern houses,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30but I could probably come to love this one.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- Have you seen enough? - I've seen enough.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Have you seen enough? - I think I've seen enough.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Ready to think.- Well, you've seen all three properties now.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Are you ready for a chat about your thoughts?
0:35:43 > 0:35:45A discussion is necessary, yes.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- Ready to go.- I'm intrigued.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48Come on, let's go.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57The Norfolk landscape is defined by its agriculture
0:35:57 > 0:36:01with arable crops like wheat a familiar sight.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02But hundreds of years ago,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06it was a flowering plant called woad that was everywhere,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10used to produce an indigo blue pigment to dye cloth.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Ian Howard used to grow the usual Norfolk crops on his family farm
0:36:14 > 0:36:17until 15 years ago, when he decided to diversify
0:36:17 > 0:36:22and experiment with growing the ancient crop himself.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24He now produces 40 tonnes a year.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27- Hello, Ian.- Hello there.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- How are you doing?- I'm all right.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31Good. So this is the woad.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- This is woad. - What kind of crop is it?
0:36:33 > 0:36:34This is a brassica crop.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38It's part of the mustard family and it produces woad.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41The brassica family also includes broccoli,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44cabbage and cauliflower, but woad is not edible.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48It's very green and I can see bits of yellow but I can't see much blue.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50We have a few leaves here for you.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53That's how it looks in its first year.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55This will be as we would cut it
0:36:55 > 0:36:57and we take this leaf to the dye house
0:36:57 > 0:37:00and it will be able to extract the blue dye from that.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02What kind of yield will you get from the crop?
0:37:02 > 0:37:05We would like to think we could get a tonne per acre
0:37:05 > 0:37:09and from that we'd like to think that from a ton of leaf,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12we could get a kilo of pigment.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16The woad is planted in April and by mid-summer,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18when the leaves are about six inches long,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20it's ready for its first harvest.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Ian harvests the leaves to produce a natural dye,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27but the seeds from the flowers are also put to good use.
0:37:27 > 0:37:31Oil is extracted from the seeds to great organic bathing products,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34but I'm interested to see how the leaves are transformed
0:37:34 > 0:37:36into that precious dye.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38So this is where all the alchemy...?
0:37:38 > 0:37:39This is where it is all done.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42So how do you turn the green leaf into the blue dye?
0:37:42 > 0:37:47With a process of hot water and cold water and adding lime to it.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50When we've done all that, we can then pump it round in the air,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53it oxidises and we'll produce a sludge.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55We dry it outside in the sun.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57If not, we put it into an oven and we bake it
0:37:57 > 0:37:59and it will come out like this cake.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03We will then grind this cake down to a powder which is this,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06like that. With that, we can then colour.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08How much crop would you have had to have had to grow
0:38:08 > 0:38:10to get that much powder to dye with?
0:38:10 > 0:38:13I would suggest that we need nearly an acre of leaf.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Wow, it is incredibly intensive, isn't it?- That's right.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19In the past, it was woad that provided colour to military
0:38:19 > 0:38:23and police uniforms until synthetic dyes came along
0:38:23 > 0:38:28which led to the last woad mill in Britain closing in the 1930s.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31But Ian has resurrected this fabulous crop
0:38:31 > 0:38:35and now a new raft of textile manufacturers and fashion designers
0:38:35 > 0:38:37are using his natural indigo pigment
0:38:37 > 0:38:39for their designs.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Today, we're going to fashion my very own woad-dyed scarf
0:38:43 > 0:38:45in a pattern created by yours truly.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47OK, Chef, tell me the recipe.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49Three, two, one is the recipe.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52So that is three teaspoons of bicarb of soda
0:38:52 > 0:38:55stirred into about half a litre of hot water
0:38:55 > 0:38:58before two teaspoons of woad pigment are added.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Then the mixture goes into a bowl.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03So it has got a really green tinge to it, hasn't it?
0:39:03 > 0:39:05At the moment, it has.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08In goes more water to make around five litres
0:39:08 > 0:39:12and the final ingredient is one teaspoon of colour run remover,
0:39:12 > 0:39:14a chemical which takes the air out
0:39:14 > 0:39:17of the liquid and makes the woad soluble.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19This is where the magic really starts.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22One twisted silk scarf is wrapped around a pipe
0:39:22 > 0:39:25with another packed tightly inside it.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28This will create a pattern in the silk like tie-dye.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32Put it in and most probably you will have to hold it in
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- with that. - After ten minutes in the liquid,
0:39:35 > 0:39:37my scarf is ready to come out
0:39:37 > 0:39:40and as soon as the oxygen in the air hits it,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44it oxidises and sends the silk on the journey to its final colour.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Well, it's still looking very green.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- So what next?- What we'll do is we'll put it in some cold water.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52And it's the oxygen in the water
0:39:52 > 0:39:55that will help speed up the colour transformation from green to blue.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Take it off the roll and it will finish up something like this.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Oh, that's beautiful.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03It's an amazing process, isn't it?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06It goes from the soil onto a silk scarf.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Absolutely incredible.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Field to fashion. How's that?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Ian, thank you, it's been fantastic.
0:40:13 > 0:40:14No problem.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19That's our property search over
0:40:19 > 0:40:23and I have a feeling that one of the houses could well be a contender
0:40:23 > 0:40:27for the home that Peter and Diane are hoping to find here in Norfolk,
0:40:27 > 0:40:28so let's find out.
0:40:34 > 0:40:35Our search is over.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37You've seen all three houses.
0:40:37 > 0:40:38What are your thoughts on them?
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Do you have a favourite?
0:40:40 > 0:40:45Number one and the Mystery House are good contenders.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Peter, what about you?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Are you in agreement with Diane on the two properties?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54I think on balance I would say I preferred number one
0:40:54 > 0:40:59but the Mystery House is very liveable in proposition.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It is intriguing to me that the two properties
0:41:01 > 0:41:03that have appealed to you most,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05they offered a nice flow to the living space
0:41:05 > 0:41:09but they didn't offer that kitchen-living-dining.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12No, but the first property,
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I think there is a possible chance
0:41:15 > 0:41:18we could knock down a wall and extend.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21What do you think you have learned from our search here in Norfolk?
0:41:21 > 0:41:25With just a reasonable amount of compromise,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I think we can find what we're looking for.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32So, is there a "what next?" with either property number one
0:41:32 > 0:41:36- or the Mystery House? - They both need a second look
0:41:36 > 0:41:39and an exploration of the area.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42The Mystery House has the views.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45It is winning on that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47I'm absolutely thrilled that out of the three properties,
0:41:47 > 0:41:49we've managed to find two
0:41:49 > 0:41:52that have sparked enough interest in you for you to go back
0:41:52 > 0:41:53and to explore them again.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57We wish you well and lots of luck with wherever it is that you end up.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I'm sure you're going to be really happy here.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07When I first met Peter and Diane,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09it was clear that they had very strong ideas
0:42:09 > 0:42:13about what they were looking for from their home here in Norfolk
0:42:13 > 0:42:15and who can blame them for that?
0:42:15 > 0:42:16But as I spent time with them,
0:42:16 > 0:42:17I've been impressed to discover
0:42:17 > 0:42:20that they are a couple who are prepared to compromise
0:42:20 > 0:42:23and whilst they don't want to give up on that dream
0:42:23 > 0:42:25of open-plan living, I think our time with them
0:42:25 > 0:42:27has shown them that they may need
0:42:27 > 0:42:31to make the changes to a house themselves in order to get there.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34We wish them lots of luck with their move here to Norfolk
0:42:34 > 0:42:36and I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Diane and Peter revisited both house one and the Mystery House,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45but have since decided that they'd like to live even closer
0:42:45 > 0:42:47to Cambridge than they first thought,
0:42:47 > 0:42:49so their house hunt continues.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:52 > 0:42:54in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58Wales or England and need our help, please apply online at...