0:00:02 > 0:00:03Well, welcome to what for me
0:00:03 > 0:00:05is a very exciting start to Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09This beautifully preserved de Havilland Sea Vixen first entered
0:00:09 > 0:00:12service with the Royal Navy back in 1960
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and it forms just part of a fascinating
0:00:14 > 0:00:17collection of aircraft that is now based on what was once
0:00:17 > 0:00:20one of the RAF's most illustrious airfields.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23A base which, in itself, was also home to a man who many
0:00:23 > 0:00:27regard as perhaps the RAF's most famous of pilots.
0:00:27 > 0:00:28But where are we?
0:00:28 > 0:00:31Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51'Today's buyers are hoping to turn their backs on city life
0:00:51 > 0:00:53'and embrace the wonder of the countryside.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Jennifer, you wanted views.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Oh-ho-ho! That's what I want.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03'And there are plenty of gems out there to get them excited.'
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- You're doing very well, Jules. - Hurrah!
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Well, today we are in West Sussex
0:01:11 > 0:01:14and this is the rather splendid collection of aircraft
0:01:14 > 0:01:16at the former RAF Tangmere,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19an airfield that played such a crucial role during the summer
0:01:19 > 0:01:22of 1940, defending the skies above southern Britain
0:01:22 > 0:01:23during the Battle of Britain.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25But in 1941 it was also home to
0:01:25 > 0:01:29the RAF's legendary fighter pilot Douglas Bader.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Now, the collection today houses aircraft that date not just
0:01:32 > 0:01:35from the Second World War but also from pretty much every period
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and every conflict that Britain has been involved in since,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40including the Falklands.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44But Tangmere as a whole has also evolved post-war.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47On the other side of the airfield an enormous and very modern hi-tech
0:01:47 > 0:01:50family business are busy producing something
0:01:50 > 0:01:53which I think most of us will be enjoying this summer,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55something which I hope I'm going to get a real taste for
0:01:55 > 0:01:57later on in the show.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02West Sussex is a peaceful part of the British Isles,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04located on the south coast of England.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08It was established as a county in its own right in 1974
0:02:08 > 0:02:13and today is home to approximately 780,000 people.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16At its heart are the magnificent South Downs,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20over 600 square miles of stunning national parkland.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24And, boasting one of the mildest climates in the UK, West Sussex
0:02:24 > 0:02:26is a rich agricultural region.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30At the last count there were over 125,000 sheep
0:02:30 > 0:02:32on the South Downs alone.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35The county also offers historic and cultural centres,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38such as the cathedral city of Chichester.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41The county's enviable position also means it's home
0:02:41 > 0:02:44to miles of impressive and award-winning coastline.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48One of its popular seaside towns is Bognor Regis, the first resort to be
0:02:48 > 0:02:50developed for bathing,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54and referred to fondly by Queen Victoria as "dear little Bognor".
0:02:54 > 0:02:56If shopping for antiques is your thing,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00head inland to the attractive market town of Petworth.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02A former winner of Antiques Town of the Year,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05there are rumoured to be upwards of 30 different dealers selling
0:03:05 > 0:03:08a variety of interesting collectables.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13This attractive and varied slice of Britain offers an appealing package
0:03:13 > 0:03:16for those seeking a not-so-remote rural escape.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Well, with heaps of coastal charm, beautiful landscapes,
0:03:20 > 0:03:21a fabulous property market
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and excellent transport links into central London, West Sussex
0:03:25 > 0:03:28certainly makes an attractive county in which to set up home.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30But, of course, all of that is reflected
0:03:30 > 0:03:32in the property prices here.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37The average price of a detached home is currently £420,000.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41That's a whopping 136,000 above the national figure.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46So why have today's buyers decided that this county is for them?
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:48 > 0:03:53Retired tour operator Jennifer and her husband, travel journalist Peter,
0:03:53 > 0:03:57have been married for 11 years after first meeting at a business lunch.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Jennifer tasted the wine at lunch
0:04:00 > 0:04:04and very bravely said she thought that it was corked.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08As I had already passed the wine, there was some consternation,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11but actually she was absolutely right.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14So my respect for her started at that moment.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18He's very conscientious in his work but he's also very
0:04:18 > 0:04:21affectionate and very thoughtful and a lovely person to be with.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27The couple have lived together in central London for the past 13 years.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31They own a Grade II listed home, built back in 1827,
0:04:31 > 0:04:34which is located close to the River Thames.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38When the Jubilee was on we had a big party in the house
0:04:38 > 0:04:40because obviously we could see the boats
0:04:40 > 0:04:42and we had lots of wine and eats
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and a jolly good day with friends and family.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48We certainly had a better day than poor Prince Philip,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50who got a urinary infection.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55They are extremely fond of their period property
0:04:55 > 0:04:58but the older they get, the more difficult the house is to manage,
0:04:58 > 0:05:00as is city living.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03So now that Peter has decided to wind down towards retirement,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07they've set their sights on a more peaceful lifestyle.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09It's going to be quite difficult because I've lived here
0:05:09 > 0:05:11for nearly 50 years.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15So certainly the cultural side of London I shall miss.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19What I won't miss is the traffic, the congestion, the expense,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21just the number of people.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I will certainly miss all the amenities
0:05:24 > 0:05:27but I won't miss the pollution.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I'm looking forward to some really lovely countryside air
0:05:30 > 0:05:34and being able to go out and enjoy the countryside.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Peter's had a long and illustrious career but when he's not
0:05:39 > 0:05:42jet-setting around the world the couple share a common interest.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45We both enjoy cooking, Peter especially,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47it's one of his big hobbies.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50With a larger kitchen and more time on his hands,
0:05:50 > 0:05:52he could really enjoy himself in the kitchen.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55We have a little difficulty working together in the kitchen
0:05:55 > 0:05:59but perhaps in a larger kitchen that might disappear.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02Peter has three daughters from a previous marriage,
0:06:02 > 0:06:03two of whom have their own families.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07They both live in Surrey, the neighbouring county to West Sussex,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10which is just one of the reasons why Jennifer and Peter
0:06:10 > 0:06:11have chosen the area.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14I feel it will bring us together.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19I think it'll help us enjoy doing things together, going out
0:06:19 > 0:06:23together more, excursions, just being more involved with each other.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26So now that their house is on the market, Jennifer and Peter
0:06:26 > 0:06:30feel it's the perfect time to begin their search.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35I think that we need to do it now so that we can enjoy our next house.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39If we leave it much longer it'll be too late.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Jennifer and Peter are used to having a vast range of theatres,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48cinemas and museums on their doorstep,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50so to quench their cultural thirst
0:06:50 > 0:06:52the couple would like to be located within
0:06:52 > 0:06:55a half-hour's drive of Chichester, which boasts one of the most
0:06:55 > 0:06:59respected theatres outside of London's West End.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02But, before we start our search, I'm meeting them down
0:07:02 > 0:07:07in West Sussex to learn more about what they want from their new home.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Well, Peter and Jennifer, welcome to West Sussex
0:07:10 > 0:07:13and Escape To The Country and I hope a week of beautiful weather
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- and some beautiful properties for you.- I can't wait.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19What's interesting for me, Peter, is that you are leaving
0:07:19 > 0:07:23a beautiful riverside home in London which many people would die for.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Why the move now?
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Because it's in London.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29Fair enough.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33It is a lovely house but it is slightly impractical for us now
0:07:33 > 0:07:36and we both actually genuinely want to go back to the country
0:07:36 > 0:07:41because we both have roots, in our own ways, in the country.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Give us a rough idea of what your new home should have in it to make
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- it work for you.- Well, I would love wonderful views, countryside views.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I like Georgian period homes, or perhaps Victorian,
0:07:53 > 0:07:57but it's that Georgian feel of high ceilings, big rooms.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59The garden, not too large, we're not gardeners,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02something I can just sit out and enjoy the sun.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04How many bedrooms do we need?
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Minimum three but I think preferably four
0:08:06 > 0:08:09but the important thing for me would be three bathrooms.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- We need one each and one for the guests.- One each?!
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Gosh, that's rather flash, isn't it? I like the idea of that.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And in terms of space, living space, you know,
0:08:18 > 0:08:22paint a picture of what you're going to indulge yourselves with.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25Well, I think it's the old thing that everybody wants,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27a nice kitchen/breakfast room, I'd say,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- because we'd like a separate dining room.- Yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32And also I'd like to be on maximum two floors.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We currently live in a four-storey house,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37which, years coming along, is just too much.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39And a huge study for Peter.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Well, I was just going to come on to the study, Peter,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44because that's very much your domain.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Many people say, "We want a study, we want a bit of a home office,"
0:08:46 > 0:08:49- but actually for you this is a genuine place of work.- It is.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52I write and intend to continue writing,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54if anybody will still buy the stuff.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57I'll buy it, I'll read it, don't you worry!
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Now, as you probably know,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01West Sussex is not the cheapest part of the country.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03So how big is the budget?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Well, the budget is 900,000,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09which could be...extended slightly.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13- If you find us a fabulous place, we could go up to 950.- Wow.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16That's a pretty good budget! I'm no longer worried!
0:09:16 > 0:09:18I'm no longer worried at all.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20That opens up the horizon here beautifully.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23We've got some gorgeous weather, we've got the property market
0:09:23 > 0:09:26here in West Sussex at our disposal, along with its countryside
0:09:26 > 0:09:30and your very generous £900,000-950,000.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Let's see what we can find. - Thank you.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Peter and Jennifer have a very healthy budget and they're
0:09:37 > 0:09:41looking for a property that's easy to manage with a maximum of two floors.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Ideally, the home will have...
0:09:51 > 0:09:54In a perfect world, well, Jennifer would like to be within
0:09:54 > 0:09:58walking distance of local amenities.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01We've picked out a winning selection of properties that vary in style
0:10:01 > 0:10:05but which deliver the character and charm our buyers are looking for.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07We won't reveal the price of each home
0:10:07 > 0:10:10until they've had a good look around and we'll be building up to
0:10:10 > 0:10:14the mystery house, which could level the competition.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19And how do your friends
0:10:19 > 0:10:24and family feel about you moving out of salubrious central London?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Well, my friends think we're bonkers,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29leaving all that sort of culture behind.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- That's a very stereotypical London-centric view, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35They might be pleasantly surprised that actually,
0:10:35 > 0:10:39life in Hicksville is quite rich and with a vibrant cultural scene
0:10:39 > 0:10:41on your doorstep in the form of Chichester.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45Well, we'll obviously book theatre tickets before they arrive.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49You'll be laying it on thick, just to make the point that it's good.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Absolutely, yep.- For a show that's about to transfer to London.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Yes, exactly.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00We're beginning our house-hunt in South Mundham,
0:11:00 > 0:11:04which is less than a 15-minute drive from Chichester.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Historically part of the parish of Pagham,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09South Mundham was annexed in 1897
0:11:09 > 0:11:12and joined up with North Mundham.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It's a quiet agricultural hamlet where Peter and Jennifer
0:11:15 > 0:11:18could live out their country dream in style.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20And adjacent to lush farmland
0:11:20 > 0:11:23is the first property that I'm going to show them.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Well, we thought we'd kick off our search with this one,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32which in fairness you can't see all of from here.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34It's quite a difficult one to describe, really,
0:11:34 > 0:11:37but it is hard to get a sense of the overall geography of it.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40But as you can see, it's built from very traditional local materials.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Uh, looks fairly cottagey.- Yes.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48But it does look as though it's been looked after and is well maintained.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51I think it's probably a place that you can't judge from outside.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- No.- I would agree with you.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55I think this is one we need to kind of get into and explore.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Good, let's get inside and see what you think.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Parts of this four-bedroom farmhouse date back to the 16th century
0:12:02 > 0:12:05and it's been renovated and extended over the years.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09The building was originally thatched but after a fire in 2008,
0:12:09 > 0:12:13the current owners decided to add a loft conversion and a tiled roof.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The first room we're heading for is the all-important kitchen.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Wow. That's certainly a lot bigger than we've got at home now.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23Nice and light, which I like.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Yeah, a nice contemporary feel, actually. Very crisp.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- And with nice tops. - I think it's a nice kitchen.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Very nice kitchen.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33There is a separate utility room as well at the other
0:12:33 > 0:12:35end of the house for all the rest of it -
0:12:35 > 0:12:36- washing machine and so on.- Right.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Well, the dining room is through here.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- It does flow quite nicely, actually, from the kitchen.- Wow.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- That's very nice and bright, isn't it?- Very nice room.- Lovely.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49You've got the wood burner in there, which is rather nice.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Yes, and I think the beams... - Not too cottagey?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- No, they don't, they actually belong.- And a decent height.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Yeah, really attractive, out to the garden there.- Yeah, I like that.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Well, in many ways, this room is kind of mirrored next door
0:13:01 > 0:13:03because this is your main living room, as it were.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04Do you see what I mean?
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Proportionally, I think this is very similar to the dining room.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10But, of course, it's got the addition of that garden room extension
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- going through there.- That's great, that makes a big difference.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16If it was just this room, I'd say forget it, but having that
0:13:16 > 0:13:20extension takes it right into the garden and makes it really nice.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24We were wondering if that might make an interesting study area for you,
0:13:24 > 0:13:26looking out over the garden.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29There is a separate study already but as a place to work...
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I think it would be a waste. You've got two living rooms.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34You've got one for the evening, which is this,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38which is quite dark and cosy, and then you've got that,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40which is a light and lovely sort of morning room.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43It's rather nice, the terms we're giving to these rooms.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Rather elegant 18th-century, 19th-century slice of life
0:13:45 > 0:13:47with morning rooms and day rooms.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- I think we just need a bell system for you to call staff in.- I wish!
0:13:51 > 0:13:56Now, bedroom-wise, we've got four for you, and three bathrooms.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Whoa.- You see? We've listened. We've listened to some of it, anyway.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Come and have a look through here.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07When it comes to the bedrooms, three of them are on the ground floor.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11One is a good-sized double with direct access to a large
0:14:11 > 0:14:15elegant family bathroom equipped with Victorian-style roll-top bath.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Opposite is another large, light and airy double,
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and there's also a double-aspect smaller bedroom that is
0:14:21 > 0:14:24currently being used as a study - perfect for Peter.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27There's also a refurbished shower room that completes
0:14:27 > 0:14:29the downstairs accommodation.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33So next I'm taking our couple up into the eaves for a closer
0:14:33 > 0:14:36look at the master bedroom with its own en-suite.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38Now, you'd better duck.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43This is the route to your rooftop eyrie.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46This could make a hunchback out of me, I think.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Now, in there you've got a shower room and loo.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55And then this - ha-ha! - is what we are describing as the master bedroom.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58It's a bit like being underground and upstairs, isn't it?
0:15:00 > 0:15:02This is the kind of cottagey issue which I think you've
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- probably highlighted. - It could make a nice study.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Oh, I hadn't thought of that.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09What does the writer think?
0:15:09 > 0:15:14You try and put a bookshelf on a wall that shape.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Very true. But, you know, how much fun would it be writing out there?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- That would be quite nice, wouldn't it?- Yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20No, that would be really pleasant.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Let's go out to the garden and talk about the price, shall we?- OK.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Because that might also help inform your decision.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28The gardens that surround the property
0:15:28 > 0:15:32have been tastefully landscaped and are mainly laid to lawn.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34There are well-established borders,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37a greenhouse for growing fruit and veg and even a hot tub.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39But this isn't included in the asking price
0:15:39 > 0:15:42and would need to be negotiated for separately.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43I know you didn't want a huge garden.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45You've got three pockets of garden here.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47This is the more formal, I suppose.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49The property itself forms this little courtyard -
0:15:49 > 0:15:51they've got a little hot tub in it at the moment -
0:15:51 > 0:15:54and then at the far end you've got what the owner calls
0:15:54 > 0:15:57the business end of things, which is greenhouse, garage and so on.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00I think this end of it is my favourite bit, to be honest.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Yeah, this would be my sun trap. - So, that's it, property number one.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The house tour is pretty much over
0:16:05 > 0:16:08and we've just got to talk about the price, of course.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12I think in the region of 800,000,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14perhaps 825,000.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Jennifer?- Well, I must say I was thinking about 800,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20but I am concerned that that might be a bit low
0:16:20 > 0:16:23because of its proximity to Chichester.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Your instincts are right. However, there is some good news.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Despite proximity to Chichester,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32you could have this one for £750,000.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34That's a surprise, I have to say.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38That has saved you 200,000 from what you thought you might have to spend.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I mean, I know you don't want to retire, Peter,
0:16:40 > 0:16:43but you are retired, Jennifer, and, you know, 200 grand goes a long way.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Holiday money.- Three days' work.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48JULES LAUGHS Yeah, if only! If only.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Go and have another look around.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52In particular, have a look at those downstairs bedrooms.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56I think one of those might make a better master bedroom, if I'm honest.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- But it's a great property. Go and explore it.- Let's go.- OK.- Off you go.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03£200,000 would be an astonishing saving,
0:17:03 > 0:17:05especially as this old farmhouse
0:17:05 > 0:17:07meets many of Jennifer
0:17:07 > 0:17:08and Peter's requirements.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10The property is an interesting mix
0:17:10 > 0:17:12of period features
0:17:12 > 0:17:13with modern extensions.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15It delivers the desired number
0:17:15 > 0:17:16of bedrooms and bathrooms
0:17:16 > 0:17:18as well as plenty of room
0:17:18 > 0:17:20for Peter to set up a study.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Ah.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25These raised beds are nice and I could use that one for my herbs.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26That would be lovely.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28It's very much a working garden here
0:17:28 > 0:17:30and a leisure garden there, isn't it?
0:17:30 > 0:17:31Yeah, two separate gardens.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33I'm cut out for the leisure garden.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36One's first impression,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39it looks a bit like a village hall or an old school.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Inside, the house is quite different.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45It's very airy, it has a very nice feel to it.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48The dining room was one of my favourite rooms.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49It was lovely and bright,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52the sort of place I'd like to entertain in very much.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Oh, it's not a bad room. If I was a guest, I'd be very happy here.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59You've got the bathroom there.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02And it's a jolly good size, and decent wardrobe in it too.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- Almost too good for guests.- Yes!
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I'm personally not wild about the bedroom layout.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13I'd prefer to go upstairs to the master bedroom and I think that the
0:18:13 > 0:18:16best bedroom is the one downstairs, which is a very nice guest bedroom.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20If I was a guest and ended up in that bedroom I would be very happy.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25You know, I do love gardens that are fun and I love a bit of garden art.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Look at this lovely oak owl.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Do you think this knows something we don't?
0:18:30 > 0:18:33I suspect it knows quite a lot.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- Good. Happy? - Yes, very happy.- Yes, very.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Well, then, it's lunchtime. Come on. - Great, thanks.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Found on the upper reaches of the River Arun is another
0:18:47 > 0:18:49West Sussex gem.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Horsham is a historic trading post that we've sent our food-loving
0:18:52 > 0:18:56couple to in search of a special tasting.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59They're visiting the Horsham Museum
0:18:59 > 0:19:02and meeting up with curator Jeremy Knight.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Jeremy has offered to shed some light on the town's history.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Horsham was actually created in 947 for trade
0:19:09 > 0:19:13and the market trade was so popular that we had over four fairs a year,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16and five days a year there were markets
0:19:16 > 0:19:18at various times in the town.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20Horsham had developed a number of specialties
0:19:20 > 0:19:24and it became well known for gingerbread in the 19th century,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26with over 17 gingerbread sellers in the town.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Wow.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Horsham gingerbread was clearly in demand
0:19:30 > 0:19:34and when Jeremy was looking through some of the museum's archives
0:19:34 > 0:19:38he discovered that the delicacy had a very famous fan.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41The poet Shelley, who was one of the world's great poets,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45his very first letter he ever wrote was about gingerbread.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48We actually have a copy of the letter in a book that was
0:19:48 > 0:19:49published and written by his cousin.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53"Tell the bearer not to forget to bring me a fairing,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55"which is some gingerbread, sweetmeats,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58"hunting-nuts and a pocket-book."
0:19:58 > 0:20:02So historically Horsham gingerbread went all over the country.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04We know that Horsham gingerbread was sold in London,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06we know it was sold in Brighton, in Lewes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It was sold, as far as we can tell, far and wide.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15In 2009, Jeremy acquired an old cookbook, which included
0:20:15 > 0:20:19a recipe for Horsham gingerbread written by one of Shelley's aunts.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22So the next step on their heritage gastro tour is to meet
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Lesley Ward, a local food historian who's been working with
0:20:25 > 0:20:29the museum, trying to reproduce the original recipe.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Hi, Peter.- Lesley, hello.- Jennifer.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37And after a year of trials, she perfected the mix of ginger powder,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41black treacle, butter, wholemeal flour, mixed peel, oats and sugar.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48Sugar used to be imported, obviously, in this form.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Wow, that's heavy. - It's quite weighty.
0:20:52 > 0:20:53It's very weighty.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54In Regency England,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58you would have cracked off a lump of sugar probably with a hammer
0:20:58 > 0:21:01and smashed a piece off, and then you would be using
0:21:01 > 0:21:05these sugar nippers to break up the pieces into smaller pieces
0:21:05 > 0:21:08before you pounded them down in a pestle and mortar.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10OK, so let's start cooking.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13I've got some black treacle here, Peter.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14So if you can be in charge of that.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16If you can put that on the cooker.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18You need to add butter.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- That's a lot of butter.- Well, you need the butter for the flavour.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Whilst Peter melts the treacle, butter and sugar,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Lesley gets Jennifer to mix up the rest of the ingredients.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32It's thought Indian ginger was first exported to Europe
0:21:32 > 0:21:35as early as the 1st century AD.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38But as world trade boomed in the 19th century,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41spices like ginger became more readily available.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Indian ginger powder is what the original Horsham bakers used
0:21:44 > 0:21:49over 200 years ago because it's mild and aromatic.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Lesley, too, uses powdered rather that fresh ginger
0:21:52 > 0:21:56but she's given the recipe a new addition to make it her own.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59By adding the oats, I kind of stabilised it.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Every gingerbread maker added different things
0:22:01 > 0:22:04and I felt happy that I'd added my own.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- So, how are we doing? - Now, this is boiling.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11What you need to do is pour it into the dry mix
0:22:11 > 0:22:13and Jennifer can mix it all up.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Ooh, that looks gooey.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17It's tough going when it gets mixed.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19A large quantity is quite hard work, actually.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I think that's just about ready now.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23The mix is poured into trays...
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- It's getting quite solid, isn't it? - Yes, it cools down.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31..smoothed out and popped into a hot oven.
0:22:31 > 0:22:3420 minutes later the gingerbread is ready.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36They look fantastic.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- They smell good too, don't they? - Look at that.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Lesley lets the gingerbread sit for ten minutes
0:22:41 > 0:22:45and then uses traditional square cutters to divide up the portions.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49It's time for the cooks to head into the garden
0:22:49 > 0:22:52for that all-important tasting.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54It's really quite fruity.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59I can taste the lemon and the orange and,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01gosh, it's much stronger than I anticipated.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03It's the ginger.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06It's quite subtle and then it comes through...gives it real heat.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It's the ginger from India that does it.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It doesn't hit you in the face like some of the hotter gingers.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- No.- It's delicious. Thank you.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Yes, fantastic, Lesley, thank you so much.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Well, that taste of Horsham may have spiced things up a bit,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22but now it's time to get back to our property search.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31For our next stop, we're making our way to the desirable village
0:23:31 > 0:23:33of Bosham on the banks of Chichester Harbour.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38The area is particularly popular with sailing enthusiasts
0:23:38 > 0:23:41and this quaint waterside residence has a rich history.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46It was once inhabited by Romans and is featured on the Bayeux Tapestry.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Bosham itself is served by a good selection of quality pubs
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and tearooms and the village has a strong sense of community.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57The next home I'm showing them is less than a five-minute drive
0:23:57 > 0:23:59inland towards Chichester.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02It's one of two impressively converted detached barns
0:24:02 > 0:24:04that were completed in 2011.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09In you come.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Right, well, we've come up with this converted beauty.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15Built originally about 1750, many of the original beams survive,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18but it was all done up four years ago.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22Looks big and it looks as though it might be quite bright,
0:24:22 > 0:24:23there's a lot of glass there.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27And it's got lots of bathrooms. And a huge kitchen. How about that?!
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Come and have a look.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33'The internal footprint of this barn covers over 3,000 square feet
0:24:33 > 0:24:35'and the ground floor is open-plan,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38'split into three modern living areas.'
0:24:39 > 0:24:44Now then, Jennifer, come on in, because I think this is remarkable.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Wow!
0:24:46 > 0:24:47Speechless!
0:24:47 > 0:24:52Speechless. It's enormous and it's such a nice, clean space.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55It's so beautifully done.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59I mean, just the colour. I love the simplicity of the colour.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- The wood and the... - They've done this really well.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Of course, it's only four years old,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06so it's built to all modern building regulations and standards.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Very efficient to heat, very well insulated.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10It really sells itself.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I don't really need to say an awful lot here, I don't think.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15There's a little mezzanine there.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Is that where it goes round the corner?
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Ah, well, no, you have got two sets of stairs here,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21one there and one there.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25They both lead up to two bedrooms each, of the four that are on offer.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- It does appeal. - I certainly wouldn't rule it out.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30I think it's an exciting building.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Come and have a look at the kitchen, look at this. Again, not small.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- Funky, young, slick.- Ohh!
0:25:35 > 0:25:38That's amazing!
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- It's got everything. Space...- Yep.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45- Island.- ..fantastic marble tops.- Yep.
0:25:45 > 0:25:46..and room to...
0:25:46 > 0:25:48I'm not sure that I like that layout
0:25:48 > 0:25:51but it could be made cosy and...
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I think I'd go for something which was more of a kitchen/living room.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- A nice breakfast...living... - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- That door goes through to the utility room.- Right.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02You've got built-in, integrated washer-dryers and all the rest of it.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Currently, I sometimes don't see Peter from morning till night
0:26:05 > 0:26:08because he's downstairs in the basement working
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and I've got three floors to play with, so...
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Here you'd see nothing else BUT me.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15You would trip over each other, that's the thing.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Well, if you think about it, it is only two rooms, really.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20We'd have to find our own little corners.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24So, where shall we go next? We've got two staircases to choose from.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Er... Let's go up this one.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31Running from left to right along the back of the building
0:26:31 > 0:26:34is a half landing that links the ground and first floors.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37We're accessing the first floor via this landing,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39from the staircase at the kitchen end.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Here we find two shower rooms
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and stairs that serve the upstairs bedrooms.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48These two bedrooms are lofty and well-proportioned doubles,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50with exposed beams that add character.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Now, technically, this is used as a guest room.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- A guest room!- It's not bad, is it?
0:26:57 > 0:27:00This is one of the two en-suites that are here.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02The en-suites have showers.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04So this is mirrored, effectively, next door.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07That staircase we've just come up from the kitchen would
0:27:07 > 0:27:09offer you a, sort of, guest wing.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- I like that. - As a room, I think it's lovely.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- It's the wardrobe space worries me.- Really?- Yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17So you couldn't imagine anything freestanding,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- adding to what's already here? - Not enough.- Wow!
0:27:20 > 0:27:23How much are you bringing with you? SHE LAUGHS
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Is this not time for a clear-out, I'm beginning to think?
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Look, before we go outside and talk about the price, let's go
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and look at the bedroom they've given over as a study.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Because you do need somewhere to work.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36You're a very accomplished writer, Peter, and I don't want you to
0:27:36 > 0:27:40be without, so let's go and find you somewhere of your very own.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44'We're making our way back downstairs
0:27:44 > 0:27:47'and heading for the northern end of the barn.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51'Here the half-landing consists of a relaxing mezzanine
0:27:51 > 0:27:54'and a high-spec family bathroom.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57'Once again, there are two separate staircases
0:27:57 > 0:27:59'leading up to the remaining bedrooms.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02'The smaller bedroom is being used as a study,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06'giving the master bedroom sole access to the family bathroom.'
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Now, it's hard to judge but I suppose this is probably fractionally
0:28:12 > 0:28:16the smallest of the bedrooms, but they've got it set up as a study.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19It's an area where you can be quiet and concentrate.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22No problem with anything colour-wise.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24Right then, let's see if you love the price.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25We'll talk about that now.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30Jennifer was originally wowed by this converted barn
0:28:30 > 0:28:33but I'm finding it hard to gauge just how they're feeling now.
0:28:33 > 0:28:37They asked for a manageable garden and, although there are no views from
0:28:37 > 0:28:42the main living area, it does afford some overlooking nearby fields.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46By the main entrance, there's another lawn garden with well-stocked borders
0:28:46 > 0:28:49and a nicely designed patio for outdoor dining.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52All that remains is to find out just how much
0:28:52 > 0:28:55they think this place is on the market for.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- So then...- Ha-ha!
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- What's coming next, Jennifer? - Oh, gosh.- Yes.- How much?
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- And I'm first. - You're going to go first, yeah.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04How much is it on the market for?
0:29:04 > 0:29:09I think because of the quality and the position, 925.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11925, yeah. Peter?
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- 850.- 850, no nonsense there.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Straight in with a very cheeky 850.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Well, you've sort of straddled it, actually!
0:29:20 > 0:29:24This is on the market for 895.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Ah.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30It was over nine, but they've reduced it. All right, so 895.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31Have a look around.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Go and enjoy it and I'll catch up with you a little bit later on.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Great.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39This impeccably finished converted barn could be
0:29:39 > 0:29:44bought for £55,000 under the top end of Peter and Jennifer's budget.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47It offers exactly the number of bedrooms
0:29:47 > 0:29:50and bathrooms they wanted and is conveniently located
0:29:50 > 0:29:54less than a 15-minute drive from the cultural hot spot that is Chichester.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Good room for parties but it's not intimate.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03It looks so huge because of that glass panelling there, but it's...
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I don't know, a bit too open, maybe.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10When I got inside, it really exceeded expectations.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13I love the way that they've used the old beams,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16there's some lovely brackets and things like that.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19So the inside was stunning.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- Gosh, wardrobe.- A wardrobe.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- It's not a bad room.- No.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30It's a magnificent space but the property is all about the property,
0:30:30 > 0:30:35whereas I really want to come to the country to enjoy
0:30:35 > 0:30:39the country from my garden and I haven't got a view.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Well...- All done?
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- Yes, thank you. Some place. - Well, very interesting day.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47If nothing else, I think we've learned that you do quite like
0:30:47 > 0:30:51- a barn conversion.- I must say, it had a lot going for it.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55Well, let's see if we can find you another one tomorrow. Come on.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05'It's day two of our property search in West Sussex
0:31:05 > 0:31:09'and with a maximum budget of 950,000,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12'married couple Peter and Jennifer
0:31:12 > 0:31:14'have decided to sell their central-London pad
0:31:14 > 0:31:16'and start a new life in the countryside.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19'Coming up, we've got our mystery house to show them...'
0:31:19 > 0:31:22This is your main living space.
0:31:22 > 0:31:23This is a bit special.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28'..and I visit one of Europe's largest nurseries here on home soil
0:31:28 > 0:31:31'and risk being mauled for the sake of pest control.'
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- Is this going to bite or anything? - No, they don't.- What's in it?
0:31:34 > 0:31:36Oh, you're joking! They're like little fleas.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Well, it's our final day of house-hunting here in West Sussex
0:31:41 > 0:31:44with two very discerning buyers in the form of Jennifer and Peter.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46Coming up, we have two more properties,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49last but not least, of course, our mystery house,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52something which I don't really think they'd have looked at on paper
0:31:52 > 0:31:56but, looking ahead to their future, I think it could really work.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Is my hunch right? Well, we'll have to wait and see.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03But before we get to that we have our penultimate property to show them.
0:32:03 > 0:32:04Now, Jennifer has been very clear,
0:32:04 > 0:32:06she wants something that's peaceful, that's quiet,
0:32:06 > 0:32:10with far-reaching countryside views, but which also gives them
0:32:10 > 0:32:13access on foot to local amenities.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16That, in my experience, is a very difficult combination to find.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19But on this occasion, well, we might just have done it.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24Our next home is located in the South Downs National Park,
0:32:24 > 0:32:29a 25-minute drive north-east of Chichester in sought-after Amberley.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33This scenic parish is a real jewel in West Sussex's crown.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Recorded in the Domesday Book as having just 17 villagers
0:32:37 > 0:32:40living here, Amberley also has a castle that proudly stands
0:32:40 > 0:32:42in the northern part of the village
0:32:42 > 0:32:45and dates back to the early 1100s.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47The River Arun runs through the parish,
0:32:47 > 0:32:49which has a good variety of amenities
0:32:49 > 0:32:53and a direct train to central London taking an hour and 20 minutes.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Less than a ten-minute walk from Amberley Castle is our next
0:32:56 > 0:33:00property, which has an attractive timber and render frontage.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03But the real selling point is its location.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05At the back of it are the kind of views that I think
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Peter and Jennifer are after.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- Now, Jennifer, you wanted views. - Oh-ho-ho!
0:33:11 > 0:33:13- You've done it!- Yeah?
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Yeah, that's what I want.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- Peaceful, quiet...- That's gorgeous.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22..uninterrupted views right across that flood plain known
0:33:22 > 0:33:24locally as the Amberley Wild Brooks.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27So you've got this lovely elevated position
0:33:27 > 0:33:28here in the heart of Amberley.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32- I think this is a really good spot, location-wise.- Yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35That's the property. What do you think?
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Oh, it looks sensational.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41It started out life in about 1860 as a pub.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46It was then converted into a home about 1960, so 100 years later.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50It has four bedrooms, one of which is in a one-bedroom annexe over there.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Great.- Great.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56I'm thinking that the annexe might make a great writing studio for you.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57Right, yes.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59The garden is quite extensive.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02You've got this flat area here and then it's terraced down the hill.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- That is ours, is it? - Yeah, towards the meadow.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Oh, I was afraid that was our neighbour's.- No, that's all yours.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Wow, sensational. Let's get in!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Yeah, come on then. This way, let's start with the kitchen.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16'Well, I was confident the wonderful outlook would hit the mark
0:34:16 > 0:34:18'and I'm delighted at Jennifer's enthusiasm
0:34:18 > 0:34:20'to view the rest of this period property.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24'I'm just hoping the stylish kitchen has the same impact.'
0:34:24 > 0:34:25There we are, what do you reckon?
0:34:25 > 0:34:29That's terrific. Look at the views as well.
0:34:29 > 0:34:30That works.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- Yeah.- Yeah. - Well, look at the view through there.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36That used to be the pub kitchen but they've opened it all up.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Round the corner you can see that leaded window -
0:34:38 > 0:34:41that was the old serving hatch back in 1860.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42Wonderful.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44It's really nice. I think you've got a nice mixture
0:34:44 > 0:34:47of the modern country kitchen, as it were,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51but a nice bit of more elegant dining through there.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- You're doing very well, Jules. - Hurrah!
0:34:54 > 0:34:57We're finally getting there, edging our way forward to a solution.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Now, through that door there you've got access to the annexe,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02which I'm going to let you two explore on your own
0:35:02 > 0:35:03a little later on.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- But in the meantime let's continue this way.- OK.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09'We're making our way into the spacious hallway
0:35:09 > 0:35:10'past a good-sized study with
0:35:10 > 0:35:14'fitted wardrobes, shelves and desk space.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16'But our next stop is a beautiful room,
0:35:16 > 0:35:21'where I imagine our couple will do most of their unwinding.'
0:35:21 > 0:35:23Now, this is the main living room.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Hmm.- Right, hmm.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27It's nice having the dual-aspect windows.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30It's possibly a little smaller than I might have liked.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35Next door they've got a study set up but you could, in theory,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- open that up.- Yes.- Right...
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Which would give you perhaps a bit more living space,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42if you didn't want to have that as a separate study
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- because you've got so many options outside for that.- Yeah.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- It's ticking a lot of boxes.- Good. I'm working hard on this one.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49I love it, I think this village works for you,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51I think this property can work for you.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54I think the village is a huge attraction and I like...
0:35:54 > 0:35:56I think the house is...
0:35:56 > 0:36:01It's a good old traditional family English house.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- Exactly right, sir.- Yeah.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06OK, now, let's have a look upstairs and see what you make of that.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10'It's good to hear they're keeping an open mind but, of course,
0:36:10 > 0:36:14'any structural alterations may be subject to planning permission.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17'We're making our way upstairs to the first floor,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19'where there are three bedrooms.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22'Two are good-sized doubles with more fitted wardrobes,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26'one of which has a sloping ceiling and exposed beams.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29'These rooms all share a well-appointed family bathroom
0:36:29 > 0:36:32'but I want to show Jennifer and Peter the master.'
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- This is yours, with built-in storage, Jennifer.- Oh, wow.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40THEY LAUGH You see?
0:36:40 > 0:36:42Yes.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44They've got a chest of drawers, which we've got.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Plenty of room for that there.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49And it's also got en-suite with shower and bath,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51all quite nicely done.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- That's good.- Yeah. - I think this looks very promising.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57It's just about manageable, I think.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Funnily enough, I think I'd put the bed here. But anyway, that's...
0:37:00 > 0:37:03Ah, well, it's all good, you see?
0:37:03 > 0:37:06You've slipped into that moment when you're planning your layout.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- This is all revealing stuff.- Yeah.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10Right, then. Well, let's go out to the garden
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- and take in those views again, shall we?- Oh, yeah.- Great.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Our buyers have responded really well to this intriguing house.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21I know they like the terraced garden with its summer house,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24fruit and veg patch, as well as the wonderful views,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27but I'm now keen to see what they really think of the price.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31Just gorgeous out there.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34- It's wonderful, it's just what I asked for.- It is what you asked for,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38but it's the property we really want you to focus on now, and its value.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- I would say 925-935.- 925-935, yeah.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44Jennifer?
0:37:44 > 0:37:49Well, I'd have to go, I think, with an optimistic something like 895.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52An optimistic 895.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55You're a bit more realistic, sir.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59It's on the market currently for 950.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04- Hmm.- However, I think it is probably open to some sensible offers,
0:38:04 > 0:38:09and in my experience, sensible offers tend to get sensible answers,
0:38:09 > 0:38:13which might reflect those things that need a little bit of tweaking.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17No, there's a huge amount going for it. It's a serious prospect.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19- A serious contender.- Yeah.- Good.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Well, have another look around. In particular,
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- go and explore the annexe - you haven't really seen that yet.- No.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28And I will find you somewhere a little bit later on.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- Thank you very much.- Thanks. - Good, off you go.
0:38:30 > 0:38:31There you are.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36Well, we have managed to spend pretty much all of Peter
0:38:36 > 0:38:40and Jennifer's budget but what a property and what a location.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42I really do think this could work,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46but of course, at the end of the day, it's got to work for them.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51This house is at the top of their budget
0:38:51 > 0:38:54but I think it's their favourite property yet.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55It offers them character,
0:38:55 > 0:38:57the living space they wanted,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00good local amenities and magnificent views,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02as well as the added bonus of a separate annexe
0:39:02 > 0:39:04for Peter to write in.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10This is a surprise.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Well, a bedroom up there, presumably.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16I think it's a really attractive guest room.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19I mean, terrific independence someone would have here
0:39:19 > 0:39:20and they'd love it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Yeah, and they'd have great views out onto the terrace
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- and total independence.- Yeah, yeah.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30The position of the property is what I particularly liked about it.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35It's in a quiet road in a lovely village with that sensational view.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40When we walked up the drive and into the garden, then I was
0:39:40 > 0:39:45totally taken aback and I thought all my dreams had come true at once.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48The view was so sensational, I just fell in love with it.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56This is the wall that could come down to extend the sitting room
0:39:56 > 0:40:00- into here...- That would be nice. - And then you get the window as well.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Yeah, but then you're stuck for study space.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- Well, we'll have to think about that.- Yeah.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Thinking about this house compared to the other houses we've seen,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I would say this probably comes top of the list.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17But there are concerns about the money we'd have to spend on it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20Ah, just wondering where you had got to. We've got to go.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24- A lot to think about.- It's a really interesting proposition.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26I hope it is a serious contender.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28It is, without a doubt.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32I mean, food for thought - this is a FEAST for thought, I think.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Well, can we top up your appetite with our mystery house, I wonder?
0:40:35 > 0:40:36Come on.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46So, one more property to come - our mystery house.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49Any ideas as to what it might be?
0:40:49 > 0:40:53Well, I think have shown us such a range of houses the only thing
0:40:53 > 0:40:58I can think left is a caravan, which we could tow from view to view.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01For your budget, it would be a pretty extensive caravan,
0:41:01 > 0:41:02wouldn't it, really?
0:41:02 > 0:41:04You don't know what we'd tow it with.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Oh, there we are, yeah.
0:41:06 > 0:41:11Well, I think it's a really interesting property, but I suspect
0:41:11 > 0:41:15that on paper it's probably something you wouldn't have looked at.
0:41:15 > 0:41:16Ah.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17That's intriguing.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23Our mystery house is located 20 miles further west in another sleepy
0:41:23 > 0:41:26South Downs village, Stoughton.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31The surrounding golden rape-seed fields frame this peaceful place.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Stoughton may have a remote feel and only one public house but it's
0:41:36 > 0:41:41barely a 20-minute drive from the cultural activity in Chichester.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Tucked away among the fields
0:41:43 > 0:41:46and accessed via a country lane is our mystery house.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Peter and Jennifer are used to four-storey living
0:41:50 > 0:41:52so we're taking it down a level or two
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and there's nothing more rural then an agricultural conversion.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01Well, at long last I can reveal the mystery house.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03There it is. What do you think?
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Well, it's certainly a mystery. It's very difficult to tell quite...
0:42:06 > 0:42:09well, what it WAS, let alone what it is now.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- Is it all of it?- It's all of it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Everything you can see is yours.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16The word bungalow comes to mind.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18I knew... I knew that was going to surface.
0:42:18 > 0:42:23I'm going to call it a single-storey cowshed conversion.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- I always wanted to live in a cowshed.- You see!
0:42:26 > 0:42:28Well, I use the word cowshed specifically
0:42:28 > 0:42:29because that is what it was.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It's not your classic two-storey great big Sussex barn.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36Let's call it a barn conversion, you know, for want of argument.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38Let's be realistic and practical about this.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42I want this home, your future home, to work for you for, you know,
0:42:42 > 0:42:46a long time to come, and I think this is a property that you'd never
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- have to leave, to be honest with you. - Mm.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51- So let's not use the bungalow word any more.- OK, agreed.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54'The original building was constructed in the 1800s
0:42:54 > 0:42:57'from brick and flint and it's awash with timber beams.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01'It was converted into a home in the 1970s
0:43:01 > 0:43:04'and further alterations have been made ever since.'
0:43:04 > 0:43:06So...
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Dining room there, we'll talk about that a little more in a moment.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14This is your main living space.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17- This is a bit special. - Do you like it?
0:43:17 > 0:43:20I'm not sure yet but I find it very attractive.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22Something catches your eye everywhere you look.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- Oh, it's moving you, I think. - Yeah, yeah.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Is it moving Peter?
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Yeah, I like the beams and all those trusses
0:43:29 > 0:43:34and I like that big brick chimneybreast, that's great.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37I love the windows. I like the fact that you could open that up
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- and bring the outside inside. - Absolutely, yeah, imagine it.
0:43:40 > 0:43:43I think you could have a nice dining area here, say,
0:43:43 > 0:43:46making the best use of the views out that way.
0:43:46 > 0:43:51- Maybe the dining room as it stands could become your study.- Yes.- Yes.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54Come and have a look through here. This is the kitchen.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01There we are. Not enormous, to be fair,
0:44:01 > 0:44:05but beautifully formed, one might say.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09Nice worktops but, yes, just a little on the small side.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11That's the little dining space they've got at the moment.
0:44:11 > 0:44:12That's fine for breakfast.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15And there's a utility room through that door over there.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18I think this would operate very much as a functional kitchen.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21I don't think this would be a focal point of life in the house.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24If you think this is a little disappointing, do not worry,
0:44:24 > 0:44:28because I am going to more than make up for it with the master bedroom.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30Oh, yes, come and look at this.
0:44:32 > 0:44:36Including the master, our mystery barn has five bedrooms.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39One is dual-aspect with enough space for a double bed,
0:44:39 > 0:44:42another is being used as a cosy guest room,
0:44:42 > 0:44:45and the smallest space is currently set up as a study
0:44:45 > 0:44:48with doors leading out onto the garden.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51They all share a family bathroom with walk-in shower
0:44:51 > 0:44:53but the master bedroom is en-suite
0:44:53 > 0:44:57and has access to a studio that is being used as a further study.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02So, finally, at the end of the corridor, this is what's on offer
0:45:02 > 0:45:06and I'm hoping it will not disappoint you.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09Isn't that astonishing? Can't help looking up all the time.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11It's lovely, isn't it?
0:45:11 > 0:45:12Now, there's a glorious room.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15- And, look, it's got loads of storage. - Wardrobes.- Hurrah!
0:45:15 > 0:45:17Lots of built-in storage.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Now, if you look ahead, you've got two doors there.
0:45:20 > 0:45:24On the left, that's currently your en-suite bathroom with bath.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28On the right, a bigger room that they're using as a study
0:45:28 > 0:45:30but I'm thinking you probably wouldn't want to walk through
0:45:30 > 0:45:33the bedroom to go to work, Peter.
0:45:33 > 0:45:36In which case, you could, because you've got the plumbing next door,
0:45:36 > 0:45:38make that another en-suite
0:45:38 > 0:45:41but perhaps with a dressing area as well because it's bigger.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44And then you could fight over which one you each have.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- That would work very well. - Yeah. This is a beautiful room.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49Actually, a really stunning room.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53- Right then, shall we go outside and talk about the price?- Hmm.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56That, I'm sure, will have a bearing on things.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00The garden is a peaceful space with a terrace to sit out on,
0:46:00 > 0:46:05a lawn to stroll around in and a fishpond to encourage wildlife.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08But it's the glorious countryside setting that I'm hoping
0:46:08 > 0:46:10will really excite our buyers.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15The garden, I think, is big enough for what you want to be worried about
0:46:15 > 0:46:17and certainly manageable enough.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Now you know what's on offer, let's wrap it all up...
0:46:21 > 0:46:25- with the difficult bit, the nitty-gritty, the money.- The money.
0:46:25 > 0:46:29I suspect this is going to be over our basic budget, so I'm going
0:46:29 > 0:46:32to pitch on...920.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34920. Peter?
0:46:34 > 0:46:37Well, I'm astonished by that
0:46:37 > 0:46:39because I'm going to go quite the other direction.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41I'm going to say 825.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43- 825?- Yeah.- Wow.
0:46:43 > 0:46:48The scales of optimism have shifted between you today!
0:46:48 > 0:46:51Well, it's 875.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53What do you think about that?
0:46:53 > 0:46:56Well, it does give us a bit of room to spend
0:46:56 > 0:46:59- on a few alterations that we might like to do.- Absolutely.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Go and have another look around
0:47:01 > 0:47:03- and I'll find you a little bit later on.- OK.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10Our mystery barn is another property we've found that's under budget.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Peter and Jennifer have loved the character it offers,
0:47:13 > 0:47:16its manageable garden and countryside location,
0:47:16 > 0:47:20plus that extra bedroom means there are options for Peter's study.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Hmm. This is a nice, bright room,
0:47:24 > 0:47:27but it is a bit on the small side for guests, I think.
0:47:27 > 0:47:28- A little, yes.- Yep.- Yep.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32Jules brought us up this lane and
0:47:32 > 0:47:35ahead of us was this wonderful scenery.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39Then we turned into the gateway, into a very pretty little garden
0:47:39 > 0:47:41which was surrounded by an eight-foot wall,
0:47:41 > 0:47:43which was, again, a nice wall,
0:47:43 > 0:47:45but it cut the view off.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50I think Jules's idea, actually, is a good one -
0:47:50 > 0:47:53to make this into a bathroom. It would be a very nice bathroom.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57- Well, it would be a very nice dressing-bathroom for you.- Yes.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02My favourite room in the house is undoubtedly the master bedroom,
0:48:02 > 0:48:04I think it's a stunning room.
0:48:04 > 0:48:08But this house doesn't really offer
0:48:08 > 0:48:10a natural room for a study, I think.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15West Sussex in the sunshine, it's like being in the Bahamas here.
0:48:15 > 0:48:18Hey, here we go! I hope you didn't rush for me,
0:48:18 > 0:48:22- I'm enjoying it out here. - Not at all, every nook and cranny.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25Good. Well, I think we've given you lots to think about this week.
0:48:25 > 0:48:28Wow, maybe you're a bit bamboozled but you are about to spend a fortune
0:48:28 > 0:48:30so you do need to think about it.
0:48:30 > 0:48:34- Fancy a beer? - Now you're talking.- Come on!
0:48:39 > 0:48:42Towards the southern end of the county
0:48:42 > 0:48:44is the former RAF base at Tangmere.
0:48:44 > 0:48:49It was established after the First World War but closed in 1970.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52However, 18 years later, new life was breathed into the site
0:48:52 > 0:48:55when Dutchman Dirk Houweling bought the land
0:48:55 > 0:48:58and established a family business producing peppers.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01I'm meeting up with general manager Gerard Vonk to find out
0:49:01 > 0:49:05more about Tangmere's 21st-century successes.
0:49:05 > 0:49:06- Gerard.- Jules.
0:49:06 > 0:49:10- Welcome to Tangmere Food Nurseries. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:49:10 > 0:49:13Gerard, nobody serving on this airfield during the Second World War
0:49:13 > 0:49:17could have ever imagined that it would find a new life
0:49:17 > 0:49:21as the centre of the UK's pepper production 70-odd years later.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24- It's an astonishing place, this. - Thank you very much.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27We've got over 75 acres of greenhouse
0:49:27 > 0:49:30growing red, green, yellow, and orange peppers.
0:49:30 > 0:49:34How many peppers do you get out of 75 acres of greenhouse?
0:49:34 > 0:49:37- About 65 million.- 65 million!
0:49:37 > 0:49:40In terms of our consumption as a country, how does that
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- equate as a percentage? - It's about 30%.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46What persuaded you to bring your operation here
0:49:46 > 0:49:49to West Sussex and Tangmere?
0:49:49 > 0:49:52We are a family business and we came over from Holland
0:49:52 > 0:49:55to be closer to the consumer, the market,
0:49:55 > 0:49:59and this part of Sussex is very nice, warm and sunny -
0:49:59 > 0:50:02exactly what a pepper plant needs.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04You've got a couple of bikes here, I've noticed, Gerard.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Is that the best way to get around your 75-acre site?
0:50:07 > 0:50:09That's right, and even a healthy one.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11- Do you want to come along? - Absolutely, yeah! Great.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13- Have this bike.- Thank you very much.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16It's not just the cycling that's healthy here.
0:50:16 > 0:50:21Gerard and his team concentrate on producing sweet, or bell, peppers.
0:50:21 > 0:50:24They're all very low in cholesterol and saturated fat,
0:50:24 > 0:50:28as well as rich in vitamins such as vitamin K, that helps with healing,
0:50:28 > 0:50:32and B6, that reduces fatigue.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34This is absolutely astonishing.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36- How many acres is this greenhouse? - 26 acres.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39- How many pepper plants have you got?- About a quarter of a million.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41- A quarter of a million?!- Yep.
0:50:41 > 0:50:44I notice they're all growing up these strings.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46Are they all planted and strung by hand?
0:50:46 > 0:50:48All individually.
0:50:48 > 0:50:50Where are these plants in their life cycle?
0:50:50 > 0:50:52At the moment they're halfway.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55I mean, at the end of the year they will be roughly about four metres.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59- So they will, kind of, double that, going right up to the top?- Yeah.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01Now, what are you planting them in? Cos this isn't soil, is it?
0:51:01 > 0:51:03No, this is rock wool, which is
0:51:03 > 0:51:07a growing media which can hold all of the roots and water.
0:51:07 > 0:51:10I mean, most of us would associate that with roofing insulation.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14It's actually a similar material, although it's very uniform.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17A very sustainable way of retaining water
0:51:17 > 0:51:20and giving the plant exactly what it wants.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24Peppers originated in South America,
0:51:24 > 0:51:28with wild varieties dating back as far as 5000BC.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32It only takes 30 days for a bud to grow into a fully-formed fruit.
0:51:32 > 0:51:36However, at this stage it's green and still considered immature.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39It takes a further three weeks for the pepper to reach full maturity
0:51:39 > 0:51:41and change its colour.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44- I'm dying to try one. What about that yellow one there?- Yeah, no problem.
0:51:44 > 0:51:46- Is that ready to go?- Yeah.
0:51:46 > 0:51:51Fabulous, look at that. Beautiful, beautiful pepper. Absolutely perfect.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54Now, I must confess, Gerard, that when I buy peppers
0:51:54 > 0:51:57I don't really ascribe a particular taste to any of the colours.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00- I mean, is there really much of a difference?- Definitely there is.
0:52:00 > 0:52:03Green is an immature pepper. That's the most tangy -
0:52:03 > 0:52:05bitter, some people might say.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07So what's the sweetest pepper?
0:52:07 > 0:52:11- Sweetest, I would like to think orange.- Really?!- Yes.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13Red is also a very tasty one.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16What about insects and bugs and things?
0:52:16 > 0:52:17Things that might destroy the plants.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20There are millions of it, but I can show you.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22I've got something for you.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25Gerard's taking me to the company's hi-tech research
0:52:25 > 0:52:27and development area, where they test different techniques
0:52:27 > 0:52:31for producing the perfect product, including pest control.
0:52:32 > 0:52:37The four main problems we've got are aphids, red spider mite,
0:52:37 > 0:52:40- caterpillar and thrips. - What's a thrip?
0:52:40 > 0:52:43A thrip is like a kind of thunderbug.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45How damaging could these pests be? What will they do to the plant?
0:52:45 > 0:52:49They can be very damaging. Look over here, there's been scuff marks
0:52:49 > 0:52:52- and it actually deforms a leaf. - Gosh, it does, actually, doesn't it?
0:52:52 > 0:52:57Potentially, the thrips can actually give a virus to the plant.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59What have you got in there?
0:52:59 > 0:53:02We've got over here a predator called orius
0:53:02 > 0:53:04and they actually eat the thrips.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08- Is this going to bite or anything? - No, they don't. Look.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11- You're joking, like little fleas. - That's right, that's right.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15That's astonishing. They are like little fleas, they're jumping around.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17- What are those? - That's where they actually stay.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- What do we want to do, get them on the leaves?- Pop on a leaf over here.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24- Ah! I can feel them on my...- Yep, yep.- There we are.- There you go.
0:53:24 > 0:53:25Off you go, fellas.
0:53:25 > 0:53:28Gerard, you say this is your research and development greenhouse.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31- What are you particularly looking at for the future?- For example, LEDs.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34Maybe you can see them already in the distance in the crop.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37- Those little, yeah, purple, red... - Red and blue, yes.- Yeah.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41Yes, now, we try to get a little bit more light in the crop.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44And it going to improve the size of peppers further down the plant?
0:53:44 > 0:53:48That's right, maybe more peppers throughout the plant.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50You know, I think we all tend to take the pepper for granted
0:53:50 > 0:53:53when we pick it up off the supermarket shelf.
0:53:53 > 0:53:55There's much more to a pepper than you think.
0:53:55 > 0:53:58There is so much more to it than I could ever have thought.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00- Gerard, thank you very much, mate. - You're welcome.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04So, from planes to peppers, this part of West Sussex still plays
0:54:04 > 0:54:07a significant role in the county's heritage.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13Well, it's been a week of high hopes and high numbers
0:54:13 > 0:54:17but have our efforts for Peter and Jennifer been successful?
0:54:17 > 0:54:18I wonder.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24- Hello, how are you doing? - Hello. Fine, thank you.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26- The perfect spot.- Got yours in.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28Ah, thank you very much indeed.
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Well, it's been quite a week, hasn't it?
0:54:30 > 0:54:34We've had some lovely weather, gorgeous houses,
0:54:34 > 0:54:37but have we managed to find you a home that you can move into?
0:54:37 > 0:54:41- Peter? - I think you've come very close.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45The house in Amberley is very close to...
0:54:45 > 0:54:48and that view is sensational.
0:54:48 > 0:54:52The garden is lovely and the house could be good.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54We'd just want to do a little bit to it.
0:54:54 > 0:54:57And at the price that it's on at at the moment,
0:54:57 > 0:55:00I just don't think it gives us quite enough room to do it.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Yes, it was offers in excess of £950,000.
0:55:04 > 0:55:06It's been on the market for a couple of months -
0:55:06 > 0:55:09it may be one to watch.
0:55:09 > 0:55:10I suspect that's your favourite too.
0:55:10 > 0:55:14Most definitely. I mean, I just fell in love with the view
0:55:14 > 0:55:16and the garden there and the terrace.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19I mean, it took the sun most of the day.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22And I think the village itself offered you everything that you were
0:55:22 > 0:55:25- looking for.- Yeah, the fact that you could walk to a shop...
0:55:25 > 0:55:27The pub and the tearoom and all those other lovely things
0:55:27 > 0:55:29- that Amberley has.- And the station.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31And, of course, the station links back to London.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34So I can take some heart in the fact that we found you the right
0:55:34 > 0:55:38- property but just not for the right price.- Yes.- Most definitely.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40OK, so the search goes on.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43What have you really taken away from this experience?
0:55:43 > 0:55:45Has it helped refine what you're after?
0:55:45 > 0:55:48I think it's helped me realise that perhaps I'm expecting
0:55:48 > 0:55:51a bit too much for our money, in this area anyway.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54What about West Sussex itself, Peter, for you?
0:55:54 > 0:55:58I think West Sussex is a lovely place to live and I would like to
0:55:58 > 0:56:03persevere and give it a bit longer and look at some other places.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07I really hope we can find one little patch of West Sussex that
0:56:07 > 0:56:11gives us what we're looking for, for slightly less money.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13Well, it's been an awful lot of fun.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16I'm glad to hear you haven't been put off this gorgeous county.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19Your search will continue. Let us know how you get on.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21It's been a great deal of fun. Very best of luck.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25- And, as ever, keep us informed as to how you get on. Cheers.- Cheers.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33You know, I love coming to West Sussex.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36This gorgeous landscape filled with pretty villages and sumptuous houses
0:56:36 > 0:56:40means that wherever you look there is something beautiful to see.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43So you can imagine my surprise when I thought,
0:56:43 > 0:56:46having come here with a lovely couple armed with £1 million,
0:56:46 > 0:56:49we would have a pretty successful house-hunt.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52Sadly, this week it just wasn't to be.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55But I do think Peter and Jennifer are taking away two really
0:56:55 > 0:56:58important things. Firstly, a much sharper focus
0:56:58 > 0:57:01on what their new home needs to be, and, secondly,
0:57:01 > 0:57:04an invigorated determination to finally make this county
0:57:04 > 0:57:06their new home.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08Hopefully sooner rather than later.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10I'll see you next time.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13If you'd like to escape to the country
0:57:13 > 0:57:16in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:57:16 > 0:57:18and would like our help, you can apply online at...