0:00:02 > 0:00:04This magnificent estate is believed to be the birthplace
0:00:04 > 0:00:06of one of the most famous women in English history,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10and it was once voted the most haunted house in Britain.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13So, where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:28 > 0:00:32On today's programme, a couple of recent retirees who are set
0:00:32 > 0:00:35to turn their rural dream into reality.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39One of our properties turns into a kitchen nightmare...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- It's lovely.- But is it for you?- No.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44..but another cooks up a storm.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- This is Wendy's kitchen. - It's lovely!
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Today, I'm in Norfolk, and this is Blickling Hall,
0:00:52 > 0:00:54which sits on the estate where it's believed
0:00:54 > 0:00:57Anne Boleyn was born in the early 16th century.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Anne Boleyn had the misfortune of becoming Henry VIII's second wife,
0:01:01 > 0:01:05a marriage which was short-lived when he ordered her execution
0:01:05 > 0:01:08on May the 19th, 1536.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11More than 400 years later, on the anniversary of her death,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14it's said her headless ghost arrives here in a carriage
0:01:14 > 0:01:18driven by headless horses and a headless coachman.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Later on in the show, I'll be back here to find out what really goes on
0:01:26 > 0:01:30behind the closed doors of this beautiful and historic Norfolk home.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Situated in the east of England, Norfolk is the country's
0:01:36 > 0:01:39fifth-largest county, jutting out into the North Sea
0:01:39 > 0:01:42and bordered by Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Famous for its big skies and flat, fertile landscapes,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Norfolk's charm is remoteness.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51It's one of the few counties with no motorway.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Largely undeveloped, the entire Norfolk coastline was
0:01:54 > 0:01:58designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1968,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02characterised by wide sandy beaches and rugged
0:02:02 > 0:02:04red and white chalky cliffs.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08The northern coastline, stretching from Old Hunstanton in the west
0:02:08 > 0:02:11to Weybourne in the east, is an area of extraordinary beauty
0:02:11 > 0:02:13with a diverse range of habitats.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16It makes up the North Norfolk Heritage Coast,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20a classification that affords it special protection.
0:02:20 > 0:02:21Along this coastline,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24a mile inland is the pretty village of Cley-Next-The-Sea.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28It used to be much closer to the sea in the medieval period before
0:02:28 > 0:02:32land reclamation turned the busy harbour port into silty marshland.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Today, though, the village, its windmill
0:02:34 > 0:02:39and magnificent marshes are a haven for tourists and birdlife.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42With all this unspoiled beauty on offer, it's easy to see
0:02:42 > 0:02:44why Norfolk is such a desirable county.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49If you're thinking of your very own escape to the country,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51you might consider house-hunting in Norfolk.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54At the moment, the average price of a detached property in England
0:02:54 > 0:02:58and Wales is just over £278,000.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03But here in Norfolk, that figure drops to 228,000, making homes in
0:03:03 > 0:03:08this lovely county incredible value for those seeking a rural retreat.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Which is great news for today's buyers.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Let's meet them and find out exactly what they're looking for.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Retirees Wendy and Nigel recently sold their home in Radlett, Hertfordshire
0:03:19 > 0:03:22and moved to this rented detached property in Swinton
0:03:22 > 0:03:26near Manchester to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren
0:03:26 > 0:03:29while they look for a house in the Norfolk countryside.
0:03:29 > 0:03:31We're currently renting in Manchester,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35but it's not suitable for the long-term.
0:03:35 > 0:03:36We find it really noisy,
0:03:36 > 0:03:38really busy.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43This is a nice house, but, unfortunately, it's not for us.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Before he retired, Nigel was an art director in the advertising
0:03:48 > 0:03:51industry and Wendy worked as a school welfare officer.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55They've been married for 42 years and met at the local disco.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59We saw each other across a crowded room... Boom-boom!
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- Do you remember your suit?- Oh, the safari suit.- Yeah.- That was good.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05I liked the safari suit.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Nice bright blue safari suit and cravat - perfect!
0:04:09 > 0:04:11It was beautiful.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Wendy and Nigel now have two grown-up children -
0:04:15 > 0:04:17a son in Hertfordshire and a daughter in Manchester,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21as well as four grandchildren with whom they have close ties.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Our grandkids are the world.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Three boys and a granddaughter,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28what more can you ask for?
0:04:28 > 0:04:31It'll be a wrench leaving the family behind, but Wendy
0:04:31 > 0:04:34and Nigel have their hearts set on rural North Norfolk.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38The long-term aim has always been to move to Norfolk.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40We like the coast up there,
0:04:40 > 0:04:45all along, basically, from Hunstanton to Cromer.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46All along there.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50We know it quite well cos we've gone several times now over the years.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Wendy has family in Sheringham.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55For us, possibly THE move.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58The time is now because we're getting older.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01We don't want to be old and crotchety and not be able to get out
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and all this kind of thing. We've got to do it now.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08When they're not entertaining their visiting family,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Wendy and Nigel hope to have more time for their hobbies.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13In my spare time, I enjoy walking.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16And now I'm retired, I'll go back to doing a little bit of painting.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19In Norfolk, it's big skies
0:05:19 > 0:05:22and you could really get your teeth into something up there.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26That would be nice, do a bit of painting. And my garden.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- That's your big thing, your garden. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And while Nigel is tending to the plants, Wendy will be busy inside.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I like cooking.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40I like to cook for the kids when they come round, so I would be
0:05:40 > 0:05:44looking forward to them coming up to Norfolk so I can do loads of baking.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I'm into, at the moment, as well, ancestry.
0:05:47 > 0:05:53I've actually got an ancestor who came from the Norfolk area.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56I've yet to find out exactly where, and hopefully when I get there,
0:05:56 > 0:05:58I can find out even more.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01With their property already sold and their rented Manchester house
0:06:01 > 0:06:05a temporary arrangement, Wendy and Nigel are looking forward
0:06:05 > 0:06:08to finally settling down in the Norfolk countryside.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I think this move is very important for us now
0:06:11 > 0:06:13and I think it will give us a new lease of life.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's a big adventure and this is one moment, so bring it on.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Wendy and Nigel would like a property within driving distance
0:06:25 > 0:06:29of the thin strip of coast that makes up the North Norfolk Heritage Coastline.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31'I'm meeting up with our buyers in Norfolk
0:06:31 > 0:06:34'to go over the details of their planned move.'
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Wendy and Nigel, hello, welcome to Norfolk.- Hello, hi.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Tell us why you both want to move to this beautiful county.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Exactly that, really - it's beautiful.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45It's lovely, it's...peaceful.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49And we want to leave the hustle and bustle of where we lived before.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52We've been coming back here year upon year now, and it just
0:06:52 > 0:06:55seems a natural thing to do, for us to come here permanently.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59But, of course, this means you are moving away from family and friends.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01That is the sad part of it.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05But we're hoping very much that the children will come and visit us
0:07:05 > 0:07:07here as much as possible.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11As you say, we have the seaside, the countryside, we'll have everything.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15So we're going to have to make sure we find you somewhere that will fit the family in?
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- Yes, please. Yes, please. - You surely are.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21You are in a hurry to move cos you're living out of boxes at the moment, aren't you?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23Big time. As soon as possible!
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Now, you're both retired.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Does that mean in the day you want enough space
0:07:27 > 0:07:30so that you're not on top of each other?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I need a good garden. A decent garden.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35That's my escape, that's my therapy. And if it's not...
0:07:35 > 0:07:38the garden isn't created, I'll create one. It's not a problem.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39I'll design one.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43But a man shed, we need a man shed. Every man should have a shed.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45So Nigel's not even in the house, he's in the garden!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48He's in the garden. He loves the garden.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50I'm not allowed anywhere near the garden.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52I should ask you about the house, Wendy, shouldn't I?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54What are you looking for in terms of style?
0:07:54 > 0:07:58One thing we don't want is somewhere that's got very low ceilings,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00because, as you can see...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- I can see why.- Yeah. - You're both lovely and tall.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Other than that, probably three bedrooms, four would be fab.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I would love a big kitchen.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11A great kitchen.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14OK, my kitchen at home was quite small
0:08:14 > 0:08:18and I want space to have the grandchildren in, help doing cooking,
0:08:18 > 0:08:23and guys in as well, just to have a nice time in that kitchen area.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26So you're definitely not going to be on top of each other, if you're retired.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29If he's in the garden, you're in your kitchen, it'll all be fine!
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- This is the secret to a long marriage!- Yeah, it is.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34- 42 years.- That's why it's worked. - Not bad.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Remind me of your budget. How much have we got to spend on this house?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- 400,000 is the maximum budget. - OK.- That's the max.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44He's looked at me very sternly, with the word "maximum"!
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Yes, but, it is 400. - OK, got the message.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- £400,000 maximum budget.- Yeah. - Well, you're in luck.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54We have some lovely properties lined up for you. Are you ready to go?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- We surely are!- Oh, big time, big time!- Let's go.- Let's go!
0:08:57 > 0:09:00£400,000 is a decent budget for Norfolk,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04although the North Norfolk coast does attract premium prices
0:09:04 > 0:09:08due to its wealth of sandy beaches and strong second homes market.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11But we're hoping to find Wendy and Nigel a practical family home
0:09:11 > 0:09:13with three to four bedrooms
0:09:13 > 0:09:15for when their children and grandchildren come to stay.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Wendy would like a large kitchen
0:09:17 > 0:09:22and green-fingered Nigel wants a decent-sized garden and a man shed.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We've lined up a fine selection of available properties for Wendy
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and Nigel to view here in Norfolk, but I won't be revealing
0:09:28 > 0:09:31the price of our choices until the end of the tour.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35Our mystery house signals the end of our house search
0:09:35 > 0:09:37and will challenge our buyers' priorities.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45You didn't need to come to Norfolk, though, to escape a main road.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Initially, we were looking somewhere not too far away
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- from our place in Radlett in Hertfordshire.- Mm.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Possibly about an hour away from there
0:09:54 > 0:09:59so we could easily access our son and the grandkids.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01But we always come back to Norfolk,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03and so we can buy a nice house,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07possibly a better house than we had before.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09And enjoy a better quality of life.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14For our first offering,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17we're heading to the village of Aylmerton, just over seven miles
0:10:17 > 0:10:20from the start of the North Norfolk Heritage Coastline.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23The pretty village is characterised by country lanes
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and traditional brick and flint cottages.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Buildings of note include the parish church,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30with its distinctive round tower,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34and a rare circular pillbox built during the First World War, a time
0:10:34 > 0:10:38when Britain was perceived to be under threat from coastal invasion.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Our first house is situated in the centre of this sought-after village.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- That's quite a substantial house, that is.- That looks so lovely.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Yeah, that's quite impressive. And traditional.- Yeah.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52You say traditional... It was actually built ten years ago.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- OK.- Oh, wow!
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So, behind here, there are some converted barns, and the same person
0:10:57 > 0:11:00that converted those built this house in the same style.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- So it's got that Norfolk flint style.- OK.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Outside, I like. So far, so good.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08It's bigger than I thought it would be, that's for certain.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09It's certainly a big house.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13But to fully appreciate how much house, we need to go inside.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15'Good initial reactions
0:11:15 > 0:11:18'to our detached brick and flint family home.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22'Although the frontage has classic Norfolk pedigree, the interior
0:11:22 > 0:11:26'has a contemporary spacious feel which I think will appeal to our buyers.'
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It's a rather grand entrance, isn't it?
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's very unusual.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Staircase is wow. Look at that.
0:11:35 > 0:11:40It's over three floors, this house, and more than 3,000 square foot.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Golly gosh.- That's a lot of square foot.- Oh, that's big!
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- That is big.- OK. That's great.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50What do you think of this hallway/dining room?
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Yes, it's not what I expected.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55It's a bit unusual to have the dining room as soon as you
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- enter the front door.- You don't need to use this as a dining room.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02No, no, no. No, no, no. No, no, you can use it how you want to use it.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Like it.- Shall we go and see one of the rooms?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Yeah, please. - Into the living room first.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Oh! Is this a wood-burner? Great.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13Lovely. Like the fireplace.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- It's smashing.- Beautiful fireplace.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18A nice centrepiece to the room, and it's triple aspect,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- so lots of light. - Lots of light, I like that.- Yeah.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- That is great.- How do you feel about the style of the house inside?
0:12:25 > 0:12:28It's very modern-looking, it does reflect the time it was built, really.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Yeah, no, I don't mind that at all. I quite like the modern...
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- So is this the right size for the family? This is the main living room in the house.- Oh, gosh, yes.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Oh, this is fine.- This is lovely. Yes, should be plenty big enough.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Absolutely gorgeous. Keep going!
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Let's see if the kitchen is to your liking.- Yes, please.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46'The rest of the ground floor rooms are arranged off that'
0:12:46 > 0:12:50central hallway and include a good-sized study overlooking
0:12:50 > 0:12:53the front of the house and, at the back, the kitchen.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Aha! Uh-huh!
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Is this big enough for you?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Mm, that was going to be my question, because you don't
0:13:02 > 0:13:05seem as enthusiastic about this room as the other room.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I like it. Work surfaces, that's what I really want.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- It's quite a small island, actually, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Yeah.- There's enough work surface there, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- So you've got a utility here with all the appliances...- Lovely. - ..and the conservatory.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20I know it's got the washing machines in there, but that's
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- because the owner runs a bit of a laundry business.- Oh!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- What, from here? Based here?- Yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- So, actually, a dining room table could go in there...- Yeah, it could.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32So, size-wise, OK?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Size-wise, good. Enough room for you?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- It's enough room for me. - Enough room for you?- Yeah!
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- Shall we see if the upstairs is? - Yeah! Let's go.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46'Wendy and Nigel asked for three to four bedrooms, but they actually
0:13:46 > 0:13:51'get five in this spacious property, arranged over two floors.'
0:13:51 > 0:13:53On the second floor, off a mezzanine landing,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57are two bedrooms set in the eaves and with skylight windows.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Both have en-suite shower rooms
0:13:58 > 0:14:02and would make excellent guest accommodation for their family.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Back down on the first floor, there's a family bathroom and
0:14:06 > 0:14:11three further bedrooms, including a single and a good-sized double.
0:14:11 > 0:14:12And finally, the master.
0:14:15 > 0:14:21- Come into the master suite.- It's big.- That's nice. That's nice.- Wow.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24There's an en-suite just there and a separate dressing room.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- That's why there's no cupboards in here and it's spacious.- Ohh!
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- You don't need to worry about any of that in here.- That's great.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33And one of five bedrooms. So I know you only wanted three...
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Three to four.- Yes, five... Five is a bonus.- Five is amazing!
0:14:36 > 0:14:41So is the house too big?
0:14:41 > 0:14:43In some ways, it could be, yeah.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45In some ways, possibly, yes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Both Wendy and Nigel seem to like the house and it gives them more
0:14:49 > 0:14:53than they asked for, but I'm mindful that Nigel spends a lot of time
0:14:53 > 0:14:57in the garden, and here, he may have some work to do to make it his own.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01At the front, there's a small lawn area bordered by a fence,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03and at the back, a gravelled courtyard
0:15:03 > 0:15:06and a double garage which has obvious man shed potential.
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Now, I must confess,
0:15:09 > 0:15:12I have been nervous about showing you this space.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Because it's not really a garden. It's a courtyard.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Yes, it's fairly obviously not a garden. It is a courtyard.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23You could landscape this and turn it into a garden.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24You could landscape it.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29It's possibly a little bit small for what I really want.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32I want a bit more space around the house, to tell you the truth.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- So you've seen a lot of what is on offer.- Uh-huh.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Who'd like to guess how much this house is on the market for?
0:15:40 > 0:15:43I think it's right at the top of our budget
0:15:43 > 0:15:45and maybe it's even a little bit more.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48- Er, 410.- OK.
0:15:48 > 0:15:54OK, I think it's above. I'll go...
0:15:54 > 0:15:55420.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Because Nigel was so stern about the budget, I have stuck to it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Oh, really?!- It's actually on the market for £395,000.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- Wow!- Oh, right. So...- Dig this up!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Yes, 15,000 under. That's good.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- I know you love the house.- I like the house. Like the house a lot.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20- We have to think about this now. - We have to think about the outside space.- Yeah.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- Go and have a look at the rest of the house.- OK.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Now you know the price, you can really assess it
0:16:24 > 0:16:27- and have a think about the garden. - OK.- And I'll meet you out front.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Under budget by £5,000,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36our first property is a substantial brick and flint family home.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Located in a pretty village not far from the coast,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42it gives Wendy and Nigel more than the number of bedrooms
0:16:42 > 0:16:44they wanted, a large enough kitchen
0:16:44 > 0:16:47and a courtyard garden Nigel could put his stamp on.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Right.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52What would you do with this room?
0:16:52 > 0:16:55It's not a bad space, is it? I mean...
0:16:55 > 0:16:58To be honest, I wish that the kitchen had been extended.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00You could create a kitchen-diner.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02This could be the dining table, in here.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I like the house very much.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It's great for the family.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09I don't have to worry about... you know, guys want to
0:17:09 > 0:17:13come down for the weekend for how long, they've got a room.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15This is fabulous.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- Second floor... - Oh, wow!- ..the bedroom.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- It would be great, wouldn't it, as a guest floor.- Yeah.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22Two bedrooms, en-suite.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Yeah, no worries, they've got their own bathroom and toilet.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27I mean, that'd be fab.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I think the house is a very substantial house.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34It's a handsome house, possibly a bit too big for us.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39For me, the only one downside is the outside, which is the garden.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42I'm a very enthusiastic amateur gardener
0:17:42 > 0:17:45and I really would like to get my teeth into some space outside,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and this really doesn't fulfil that brief.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- It's a lovely house, isn't it? - It's a beautiful house.- Very nice.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- We'll just have to work on Nigel. - I know!
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Nigel spends plenty of time in the garden
0:18:03 > 0:18:06and knows a lot about horticulture, but he's probably
0:18:06 > 0:18:10never considered building a house from the mud under his feet.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Comprising clay, sand and straw, cob is an age-old building material
0:18:14 > 0:18:18first used in the British Isles in the 13th century.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Partners Kate and Charlotte are cob enthusiasts and run workshops
0:18:22 > 0:18:25in how to build your own home using raw materials from the garden.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29They're going to show our buyers that building with cob
0:18:29 > 0:18:33needn't be mud, sweat and tears.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Wendy, Nigel, hello!
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Nice to meet you, nice to meet you.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- You too. Welcome to our cob building workshop.- Thanks very much.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- How long have you been doing this for, then?- Well, we've been here about eight years
0:18:42 > 0:18:44but we've been doing it around ten.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46What made you get into cob building?
0:18:46 > 0:18:49I was a sculptor originally, and when I discovered about ten years ago
0:18:49 > 0:18:53that you could actually sculpt the house with mud, with your bare hands,
0:18:53 > 0:18:55I was like, "That's my whole life sorted. I'm doing it."
0:18:55 > 0:18:56Oh, amazing.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I met Charlotte a couple of years later...
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Yeah, I'd never heard of cob building till I met Kate, and
0:19:01 > 0:19:05it really is all she ever talks about, so now I know a lot about it.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08This is where we live. Come and have a look, we'll show you a bit more.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Oh, how lovely.- Originally, when we came here, it was just this section.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14That's 400 years old.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17It's made of wattle and daub and mud bricks - clay lumps.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- Gosh!- A traditional Norfolk building method.- Yeah.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24And then we more than doubled the house with this cob extension over here.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Built entirely with mud from the garden.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29We sculpted it with our bare hands.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Amazing! What about the roof?
0:19:31 > 0:19:33- Did you do that? - Well, I thatched it, yeah.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34No!
0:19:34 > 0:19:38Yeah. I did a short course and we got the reed from a local reed-cutter, two miles away,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and then thatched it. It was hard work, but I did it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45Cob is easily the most eco-friendly of building materials
0:19:45 > 0:19:47as it can be dug up on site.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49It's also incredibly cheap.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53Kate and Charlotte's extension only cost £10,000.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Modern cob houses have a couple of key features to ensure
0:19:56 > 0:19:58they last for generations.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02They've all got their mud walls, and then to protect that mud,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06you have an overhanging roof, you build your mud wall
0:20:06 > 0:20:09on a stem wall made of brick or stone - it keeps it off the ground -
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and then you finish the walls with a lime render.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13And if you do all those things,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16it really will last a lot longer than most conventional houses.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19So is this actually the only thing you do, building houses with cob?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21We do a lot of other things.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24We mainly teach people on this site to build houses.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26So we do four-day courses where people can come and learn
0:20:26 > 0:20:30the skills, all the skills they need to build a house.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33But we also do one-day courses in pizza ovens,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35which is what we are going to hopefully do with you today.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39While Charlotte goes off to prepare the dough for the pizzas,
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Wendy and Nigel are going to help Kate mix up the components that make the cob.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46First step, rolling up their sleeves to gather some mushy clay
0:20:46 > 0:20:48from Kate's garden pit.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50That's my bit. I got that bit!
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Whoa!
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Taking the edges off, look, look. Take the edges off.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59One bucket of finest Norfolk clay is then mixed with
0:20:59 > 0:21:01three buckets of sandy gravel from the garden.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Some people use a digger to combine the ingredients,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06but Kate has an earthier, more traditional method.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09And how are we going to make this all together?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12In days gone by, they would have used a horse or a cow to actually
0:21:12 > 0:21:15stamp on the material, partly as the heaviness of the animals,
0:21:15 > 0:21:19they'd have crushed the materials down, but we're going to stamp on it with our feet.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23And I'm going to have a little dance and mix this stuff up.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26As far as mixing goes, there's no specific technique.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Cob dancing is strictly freestyle.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36THEY LAUGH
0:21:36 > 0:21:39OK, so the third ingredient is straw,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- and it helps it...regulates the rate it dries out at.- OK.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45So we're going to add some straw and we're going to do the twist.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47OK, that'll do. Twist it up, twist it up!
0:21:49 > 0:21:53I'm not sure Chubby Checker had this in mind back in the 1950s!
0:21:53 > 0:21:57It's a shame Charlotte is missing out on all this fun,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00but the building team have already worked up a hunger.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Back outside, the cob pizza oven is ready to be built.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Kate starts off by making a mould from sand around which the
0:22:08 > 0:22:12cob will be arranged, then it's time to start adding the cob layers.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17The first layer is formed of cob bricks shaped by hand.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24A hole for the oven door is cut,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28and then a second layer of slightly wetter cob is added.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31This outer skin gives the oven its strength
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and is smoothed over for a perfect finish.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36And just press and make it beautiful.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44The final step is to remove the door
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and scrape out the sand from the inside.
0:22:48 > 0:22:49Good, yeah, keep going.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Right, Kate...- Is that the lot? - Yeah, what do you reckon?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- How does it look? It looks really nice from the inside.- Have a look.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Oh, yes! Well done, guys. Amazing. Well done.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Ohhh, thank you! Kate, I am so hungry.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05Well, the oven is up to temperature, it's a good 700 degrees.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Our pizza dough's ready - let's eat pizza!
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Wendy and Nigel's oven still needs to dry, so the pizzas
0:23:11 > 0:23:14are being cooked in Kate and Charlotte's larger cob oven.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18The thick, earthy walls absorb the heat well, and at 700 degrees,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21the wood-fired pizzas are ready in less than a minute.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- KATE: Yay, look at that! - That looks amazing.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- WENDY: Well done. Well done. - Thank you!
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Oh, this is beautiful. Oh, well done, Chef.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- Thank you.- Absolutely gorgeous. - Well done with your oven.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38It's just been fantastic, so thank you very much.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- It's been lovely to meet you both. - Thank you very much.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47For our next house, we're travelling to Fakenham,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51a 20-minute drive to the North Norfolk Heritage Coastline.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Often referred to as the gateway to the North Norfolk coast,
0:23:54 > 0:23:58the historic town is blessed with a variety of shops and services.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02There's been a weekly market here since the 13th century.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05The next property is situated just outside of the town on a quiet
0:24:05 > 0:24:09lane within an exclusive gated cul-de-sac.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- Oh, wow!- Wow.- Golly!
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- Wow!- Oh, that's different.- It's big!
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Golly gosh, it's all new, isn't it? - So it's a fairly new build?- It is.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23So the family that live here bought the plot of land
0:24:23 > 0:24:26a couple of years ago and then had it designed by an architect
0:24:26 > 0:24:29to their specification, and then had it built.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31And the restriction that they had
0:24:31 > 0:24:36- was that they needed to keep it that chalet style.- OK.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38And they are rather nice, aren't they? It's a nice area.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Lovely little area. And it's gated.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42- Can't wait to get inside.- Yeah!
0:24:42 > 0:24:46Before we go inside... Nigel, let's mention the garden.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- We can see a bit of it here. - Yes, there's definitely more here.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Mm-hm. Whether it's enough or not...
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- We'll see.- ..we'll talk about later. - Yeah, good.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- But let's go and see inside first. - Yes, please. Okey-doke.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Part of a community of properties,
0:24:59 > 0:25:04this architect-designed chalet house maximises the natural light
0:25:04 > 0:25:07with full-height windows and there's underfloor heating throughout,
0:25:07 > 0:25:11freeing up valuable wall space where there'd normally be radiators.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Oh, yes, this is nice.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18It's nice and big, it's big enough for us, it's lovely.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22I like the fact you can... You've got light there, light here.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Light three sides. - I know!- Triple aspect.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26And that's the theme about the house, they've really,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- really thought about making it as light as possible.- I like light.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- Windows everywhere.- Yeah.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33- And French doors to both sides. - Yeah, that's unusual...
0:25:33 > 0:25:36- You could open it out either way. - Yeah.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40I think you'll be even more pleased when you see the kitchen.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Oh, please!
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Ohhhh...!
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- Oh, this is nice.- Oh, this is... - How's this for a kitchen?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- Oh!- This is Wendy's kitchen.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57It's lovely.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- That's lovely.- This is smashing. It's really, really good.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- Oh, I think we've found it! - Isn't this everything you wanted?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- This is a kitchen, isn't it? - This is a proper kitchen. - This is a proper kitchen.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Bifold doors that lead you straight out in the garden...
0:26:10 > 0:26:13- Ahh, bifold doors! - I know it's not a huge garden,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16but this is a usable garden cos it's right on the same...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18That's usable space out there.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- Isn't this gorgeous? Haven't they done it beautifully?- Yeah.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25As a family, this is where you'd be a lot of the time.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29And you look straight out into the garden. For me, that's a bonus.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- Not it's just the upstairs to show you - the bedrooms.- Let's go!
0:26:35 > 0:26:37The kitchen has struck a chord with Wendy.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40In addition, there's a spacious utility room to hide the white goods
0:26:40 > 0:26:44and access to a large double garage at the front of the house.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Across the hallway, there's a decent-sized study and a cloakroom.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Upstairs, there are four bedrooms all set into the roof space,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54with large windows
0:26:54 > 0:26:58and built-in cupboards along with a family bath and shower room.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04So this is the master, which has got an en-suite
0:27:04 > 0:27:07and lots of built-in cupboard space.
0:27:07 > 0:27:08Whoa!
0:27:08 > 0:27:12- And this is the main part of it. - Oh, my word! I love it.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13- Oh, my God!- Wow.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- This is enormous. Got a lot of ceiling height.- Oh, I like this!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19We're not used to that, are we?
0:27:19 > 0:27:24- Oh, isn't it nice?- You'll like this. - I like it!- I know.- What about you?
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- Do you like it?- Yeah, I like the whole package.- Really?- Yeah, yeah.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Because we said when we were looking for a house,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- we didn't know what kind of style of house.- No.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39So it could be old, it could be new, and this kind of new really
0:27:39 > 0:27:41appeals to me and it appeals to Wendy as well.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- That modern design? - Oh, I don't like it at all(!)
0:27:43 > 0:27:45Yeah, clean and crisp and...
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- That's why you're crying - you hate it!- I hate this place(!)
0:27:48 > 0:27:50But it's a big enough house for us
0:27:50 > 0:27:52and it's a big enough house for when the family come.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Shall we go outside and discuss how much you think this might cost?
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- Oh, strewth! Yeah, yeah.- OK? Yeah.- Let's do it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Before we talk money, Nigel needs to see more of that garden,
0:28:05 > 0:28:10which wraps itself around the entire house and is largely laid to lawn,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13with a selection of mature trees and bordered by a wall and fencing.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- Ooh!- Now I want your opinion on the garden, Nigel.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19The garden's pleasantly bigger than I thought was going to be
0:28:19 > 0:28:22when we first arrived, because we came down that side there,
0:28:22 > 0:28:23which is fairly narrow.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27And I thought this back position was going to be the same again.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29But it's... No, it's good.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32It's a wraparound garden, but a wraparound garden,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34we could do lots of things with.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37And we've got trees. We love trees. Trees are good.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- Beautiful trees. Lovely chestnut at the front.- Yeah.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44Let's just have a pleasant think about how much this house is on the market for.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Yeah, exactly, yeah.- Are you going first?- You can go first this time.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48Oh, darn!
0:28:48 > 0:28:52I love it. I think it's a gorgeous place, and I'm going to go for...
0:28:54 > 0:28:55..420.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01- OK?- Same again.- I'm going to be very optimistic...- Ooh!
0:29:01 > 0:29:03..and say 395.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- WENDY GASPS - OK.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- You wish.- I wish.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- He DOES wish.- Yeah.
0:29:09 > 0:29:14It is actually currently on the market for 415,000.
0:29:14 > 0:29:16- So I have gone a little over budget. - Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21It was on the market for £450,000, so it's been reduced already,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26and I had a word with the owner and she said that she is willing
0:29:26 > 0:29:29to have a chat about maybe taking it nearer your budget.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32This is a nice house. I like it very much.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Why don't you go and have a look at the rest of the house,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38think about it now that you know the price and I'll meet you out front.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- OK, thanks.- Thank you.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Nothing negative! Nothing negative!
0:29:46 > 0:29:48It's brilliant. This could be it.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50This could be it!
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Over budget by £15,000,
0:29:53 > 0:29:57the owner of this stylish modern chalet house is open to offers.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00The light and spacious accommodation includes an open-plan
0:30:00 > 0:30:04kitchen-diner for Wendy, four good-sized bedrooms for when
0:30:04 > 0:30:07the family come to stay, and a wraparound garden for Nigel.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11Ohhh!
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Oh, wow, this is big. - Got the ceiling again.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16This is like a second master.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19I LOVE this house.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24Everything about it, so far, is ticking the boxes.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29I was concerned when Nigel saw the garden from the side view
0:30:29 > 0:30:33and I thought, "Uh-oh! This is going to be no deal."
0:30:33 > 0:30:36But having come through this gorgeous kitchen,
0:30:36 > 0:30:42out into the back of the garden, I think...it's sold.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44You have to have an emotional contact with a place
0:30:44 > 0:30:49as soon as you go into somewhere, and we both had that connection.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53I got emotional, basically, because the kitchen I would love...
0:30:56 > 0:30:57Erm, yeah.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03I see our family here, great times together,
0:31:03 > 0:31:06and it's a kitchen I can work in. It's fabulous.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Well, now you've seen everything, do you both still love it?
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- Yes, we do.- Yeah, lovely house. - Could it be the one?- Possibly.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Could well be!- Being very cautious.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Well, lots to discuss and we've got more properties to see tomorrow.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Okey-dokes.- It's been a good day, hasn't it?- Very good. Very productive.- Thank you.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35It's the second day of our property search,
0:31:35 > 0:31:39and with a budget of £400,000, we're helping recent retirees Wendy
0:31:39 > 0:31:42and Nigel, originally from Radlett in Hertfordshire,
0:31:42 > 0:31:44find a rural haven in Norfolk.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Coming up, two more properties, including the mystery house,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50which involves making tracks to get there.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- I love steam trains.- We like trains.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Big or small, I love them.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58And I meet the team dusting down our national treasures to look their best.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- Some very intricate dusting going on there.- Yes, very intricate.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09We're heading south with our next property to the
0:32:09 > 0:32:14village of Stanfield, half an hour's drive from the Heritage Coastline.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17The nearby village of Litcham has a wide range of amenities,
0:32:17 > 0:32:21including a 17th-century coaching inn and a convenience store.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24As well as venturing away from the coast,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26we're going back in time a little with our third house, which is
0:32:26 > 0:32:29located on the edge of the smaller village of Stanfield,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33surrounded by agricultural land and set back from the quiet road.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39So, at the end of this lane is the cottage I want to show you.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Oh, right!- Whoa!- Looks promising.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45- It's a big cottage. - It's been extended.- Ah!
0:32:45 > 0:32:46Now, the front door is actually there
0:32:46 > 0:32:49but I'm going to take you in the back entrance.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50Okey-doke. Fine, lovely.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57Now, from the back, I think you can just see the house better.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00You get a better idea of the style of the house.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02It looks more substantial from this side.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05And Nigel, it also means I can give you a little
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- teasy look at the garden. - A little tease of the garden.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- It obviously goes on a little bit more.- Exactly.- Which is good.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- Yeah.- I like the look of that house. - Let's go inside.- OK.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Originally built around 200 years ago,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21this is a house of two halves, with a more modern extension
0:33:21 > 0:33:25added in the 1980s which has effectively doubled its size.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- So they use the back door to come straight into the kitchen-diner.- OK.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35Which was part of one of the extensions that was done, really.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Because the original cottage comes up to there.- Ah! Okey-dokes.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42But the current owners have actually put the kitchen in,
0:33:42 > 0:33:44so that's newer than the extension itself.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Size-wise, how is this kitchen for you?
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- That's what I was a bit... - Small.- It's a bit on the small side.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- It's lovely for what it is, it's lovely.- But is it for you?- No.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- Not the size of the kitchen. - Right.- No.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- I see there's a range...- Exactly. How do you feel about range cookers?
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- Not good.- I've never seen that face. Most people love them!- No, I know.
0:34:07 > 0:34:12- I'm weird. You know, I like the normal, conventional cooker.- Right.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14And...that would fox me.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16- Let's try the rest of the house. - Yes, please.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- Two reception rooms, the biggest one's here.- Lovely.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Wow! This is a big room.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28That's striking. That's definitely striking.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- The colour.- Yeah, those red walls hit you as you come in.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32They surely do.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34And the ceiling's a nice height.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Although it's got beams, beamed ceiling, it feels -
0:34:37 > 0:34:41cos we're quite tall - it doesn't feel oppressive. It's a nice room.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- There's also a utility room just across the way there.- Oh, right!
0:34:44 > 0:34:46And something they use as a bedroom, but actually,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49you could use as a study...
0:34:49 > 0:34:52a dining room... They've got another spare room.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- And then...there's another reception room.- Okey-doke.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Oh, wow!- Mind your head here.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Oh!- I don't need to duck, but you will have to.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Yeah, that's different. Yeah, that's low.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10So you can see this is the original cottage.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- Yeah, my head's nearly on the ceiling.- Mm.- That's low.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17The front door actually comes in to a little hallway just outside.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- Oh, OK.- And there's also a downstairs shower room.- Yeah.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24So what are you thinking so far? You've seen a lot of the downstairs already.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- I'm not feeling it. - You're not feeling it?- No, I'm not.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- So the staircase is just there.- OK.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- Let's go up and see what's on offer up there.- Lovely.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35'Oh, dear. It started off quite well,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38'but I fear we'd been levelled by the low beams.'
0:35:38 > 0:35:41In addition to the downstairs bedroom, upstairs,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45there are four further bedrooms, all doubles, so plenty of space
0:35:45 > 0:35:49for the visiting family, and a recently renovated main bathroom.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52I think Wendy and Nigel will be impressed with the size of the master.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Oh, my goodness!
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- Ah!- Well, that's a surprise.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Yes, that's much bigger than I thought.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05The master bedroom is over that extended living room,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08so that's why it's a bit of a surprise.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11- Yeah.- Yeah.- En-suite. - That's a bonus.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13I was just going to say, fitted wardrobes, but...da-da!
0:36:15 > 0:36:16They're behind you!
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- I wasn't expecting that, that's for certain.- Whoa!
0:36:19 > 0:36:22How are you feeling about the house overall,
0:36:22 > 0:36:24now that you've seen the main bedroom?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26If I was to do it in numbers...
0:36:26 > 0:36:3060 for, 40 against.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34Now, the main thing about this house, aside, obviously,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- from the property itself, is the garden.- Right.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42So, let's go and see that and see if that changes your mind.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Okey-dokes. Let's go.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Although Nigel's had a sneak peak already,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51there's actually more garden than he realises.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55At the rear, the gravel driveway leads onto a large formal lawn
0:36:55 > 0:36:58with a variety of trees and shrubs offering seclusion,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01peace and just the sound of birdsong.
0:37:01 > 0:37:06- Nigel, it's a big garden.- Yes, this is a man-sized garden, this is.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09- This is what I've been looking for. - It's lovely.- 0.4 acres.- Perfect.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- More than you've been looking for. - More than I've been looking for.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- No, it's good, because I did ask for a quarter of an acre, didn't I? - Yes, you did.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17This is good, and it's not straightforward, either.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- It's higgledy-piggledy.- It's a bit higgledy-piggledy, which I like.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24And a man shed. Oh, yes, every garden should have a man shed.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Wouldn't be complete without one!
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- And the double garage at the end of that drive.- Double garage. Yeah, it's good.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Who would like to guess the price of the property first?
0:37:33 > 0:37:38- Can I?- OK, sure.- I'm going to say...
0:37:38 > 0:37:44- 395.- OK.- Oh, I was going to say that. OK, then.- Not your usual 420?
0:37:44 > 0:37:46No, I'm not going to do 420, no, no! No!
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Er, we're a bit further away from the coast now, say, half an hour?
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- Half an hour, that's right. - So I'm going to say...
0:37:54 > 0:37:59- 385.- OK. You've changed your mind... - I did, yes.- ..after Wendy's guess.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- Have I done it? - You are closer, Wendy.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- Hey!- It's on for 400.- Whooo!
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Your budget, on the nose. - Right on the nose. OK.- OK!
0:38:07 > 0:38:10Well, it's a substantial house. I mean, there's no doubt about that.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15A substantial garden as well. It's the biggest plot we've seen so far.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19But the lovely substantial garden, is that enough to sway you?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22No. We need to... We'd to agree on the house.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24- Doesn't override on the kitchen.- Yes.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- 60-40.- No, lovely garden.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29We can't play that garden versus kitchen game?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- It's going to be both of them! - No, no.- No.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33The garden is beautiful.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37So, I think, have a proper look around, enjoy it while you're here.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Yeah, it's lovely. Thanks.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- And I'll meet you at the house. - OK, see you later.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45Bang on budget,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48this extended period cottage is a substantial family home,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51offering Wendy and Nigel a variety of entertaining rooms
0:38:51 > 0:38:56downstairs and up to five bedrooms, one more than they asked for.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59The garden is secluded, spacious and south-facing.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- I've noticed down here, look at this...squash.- Squashes.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- That'd be great, wouldn't it, having some of those.- Plenty of fruit trees.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- Yeah, look at these apples.- Aren't they gorgeous?- Amazing, aren't they?
0:39:09 > 0:39:11What do you reckon, are they cookers?
0:39:11 > 0:39:15It's good to go and see a traditional property like this.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17This is what you expect to see in Norfolk.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21So, it's good, it's just that when you get on the inside,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23the reality comes home to you.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26The more I went round that bottom section,
0:39:26 > 0:39:30especially that very low main beam, that would be a step too far for me.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32I'd be for ever hitting my head on that.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36The overall package, I think, was a realisation for us
0:39:36 > 0:39:41that maybe a traditional house isn't exactly what we're looking for.
0:39:41 > 0:39:46I think the cottage is absolutely gorgeous, for the right person.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48And that right person is not me.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53Nigel would love this garden. I know he loves this garden.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It's quirky, it's got all kinds of different areas,
0:39:56 > 0:39:58but you don't live in a garden.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01He may, but I'm not!
0:40:02 > 0:40:07- It was worth seeing, this place, right?- Very much so.- Oh, yeah, yeah. Lovely garden.
0:40:07 > 0:40:13- But not the house for you?- Not the house, no. Garden and the cottage...
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- No, it's not enough.- Not enough. - It's not enough, no.- That's OK.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21- We've still got the mystery house to go to.- Lovely!- Let's go to that. - Thank you.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Now what can I tell you about the mystery house?
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Well, with the other homes, we've tried to accommodate the family
0:40:30 > 0:40:32that they're going to be leaving behind.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34But the mystery house, well,
0:40:34 > 0:40:37that's really more of a property just for Wendy and Nigel.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42For our final offering,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44we're heading to the town of Wells-next-the-Sea,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48right in the middle of the North Norfolk Heritage Coastline.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52But our journey to the mystery house is beginning slightly differently than normal.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Now, we can, of course, drive to the mystery house,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- but I thought it would be more fun...- No, this is brilliant! - ..to take the train!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Afternoon. Would you like to sit yourselves down?
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Yeah, this way?- Lovely!
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Thank you very much. - This is brilliant!
0:41:04 > 0:41:06WHISTLE BLOWS
0:41:08 > 0:41:11'The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway is a Heritage line
0:41:11 > 0:41:15'running between the coastal town of Wells and the inland village
0:41:15 > 0:41:19'of Walsingham, along the track bed of a former standard gauge line.'
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- A mystery ride to the mystery house. - The magical mystery tour!
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- A big kid's love affair with trains. - Yeah.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- I love steam trains.- We like trains. - Big or small, I love them.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- I didn't know that, but now I do!- You're magic.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36Has it given you any ideas of what the mystery property might be?
0:41:36 > 0:41:41- Old railway station, perhaps? - OK...- Ohhh! Could it be...?
0:41:42 > 0:41:47- We'll have to wait and see!- OK, OK.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50We're getting off four miles down the track at the village
0:41:50 > 0:41:52of Little Walsingham.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- That was lovely.- Our mystery house awaits. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- Thank you.- Thank you much! - That was fabulous. Thank you.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05The medieval village has changed little over the centuries,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10with pretty age-old timber frame buildings lining the narrow streets.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13Walsingham is affectionately known as England's Nazareth due to its
0:42:13 > 0:42:18religious shrines in honour of the Virgin Mary, housed in both Anglican
0:42:18 > 0:42:22and Catholic churches, attracting pilgrims from around the world.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25As well as spiritual refreshment, the village has a number
0:42:25 > 0:42:28of cafes and restaurants and a popular farm shop.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35So that train has taken us straight to the mystery house,
0:42:35 > 0:42:36because there it is.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38THEY LAUGH
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- Oh, wow! Literally there to there? - Yeah.- Amazing!
0:42:42 > 0:42:45That's why I thought the train would be a good idea.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47It was built by the railway company
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- for the level crossing guard in 1865.- Oh, right.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55- So it's an old railwayman's cottage. - 1865?- Mm-hm.- Oh, my word!
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- Well, it doesn't look it. It's been...- It has been modernised.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Only a couple of years ago, actually. What do you think of it?
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- I think it's really pretty. - Yeah, it is.- It looks very nice.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09And we are very close to the sea. We're four miles...
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- Oh, that's good. - That's lovely.- That's good.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13- Shall we go in?- Yes, please.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17This property is the closest to the Heritage Coastline we've seen,
0:43:17 > 0:43:20but homes here attract a premium, so the former railway signal cottage
0:43:20 > 0:43:24is the smallest of the houses I'm showing our buyers.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26There's more than enough room for Nigel and Wendy,
0:43:26 > 0:43:29but visiting family might have to get the camp beds out.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35- So you come straight into the living room.- OK.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- What kind of "OK" is that? - OK...small.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- Yeah, this was the old cottage. - Yeah.- This was it.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- A lovely new wood-burner there. - Beautiful wood-burner.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48This looks like it's two rooms...
0:43:48 > 0:43:52- It was originally two rooms, I'm sure...- Knocked into one.- Mm.
0:43:52 > 0:43:53This lounge is small.
0:43:53 > 0:43:57This house, I felt, would be more something for the two of you.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01Yes, there's room for family, but it is a smaller house.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04And the advantage of having the smaller house is that we've
0:44:04 > 0:44:07been able to show you something a lot closer to the sea,
0:44:07 > 0:44:10- which you were quite keen on. - Yes, we are.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13We are very keen on being near the sea.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16So this was the old cottage, which means that's the extension.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- OK, right.- Let's go and see the kitchen.- Lovely.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22To maximise space, the cottage has been built onto at the back,
0:44:22 > 0:44:25and the rest of the ground-floor rooms are located
0:44:25 > 0:44:27in a one-storey timber extension.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30Oh, wow! OK...
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- As you can see, a very modern kitchen.- Oh, yeah, very modern.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- You can tell it's been done recently.- Yeah. Very nice.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40I think they've done really well with the way they've used the space,
0:44:40 > 0:44:43because it could have been this very narrow kitchen,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46but actually, they've arranged it well.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48No, it's beautiful. I like it.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51- And then you've got the sort of breakfast/dining area here.- Space...
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- Which looks straight out onto that patio area.- That's nice.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57I like that. That's lovely.
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- So, bathroom... Is that the bathroom?- Yeah, just through.
0:45:00 > 0:45:02Exactly. Through the kitchen is a bathroom.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04- And, actually, a bedroom.- OK.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08You could use it as something else - a study - but, at the moment,
0:45:08 > 0:45:12- they use it as a bedroom because this is a three-bedroom cottage.- OK.
0:45:12 > 0:45:14It's cosy, it's nice. I like it.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I'm not feeling it's big enough at the moment.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19- But let's...see the rest.- OK.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23As well as the ground-floor bedroom,
0:45:23 > 0:45:26there are two further double bedrooms in the upstairs of the old
0:45:26 > 0:45:30cottage, both cosy doubles, plus there's also a small shower room.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38I think this would probably be your master,
0:45:38 > 0:45:41but all three bedrooms are about the same size.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45- Right.- I know what that "right" means. "It's too small, Sonali!"
0:45:45 > 0:45:50- That's small. It's very pretty.- It's beautiful.- Yes, beautifully done.
0:45:50 > 0:45:55- And quite a sizeable terrace out that way.- Oh, right.- Oh, wow!- OK.
0:45:55 > 0:45:59Golly. Wow! That's nice.
0:45:59 > 0:46:01So my pitch - do you want something for just you two? -
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- I think that's a resounding no, isn't it?- That's possibly a no-no.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Yeah. We want more space.
0:46:07 > 0:46:10It was always going to be a gamble bringing our buyers here,
0:46:10 > 0:46:13but in the list of priorities, clearly, space for visiting family
0:46:13 > 0:46:16comes before proximity to the sea.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19I have one last play, and that's the garden,
0:46:19 > 0:46:22which is surprisingly large, laid to lawn and enclosed,
0:46:22 > 0:46:24with both a summerhouse and man shed.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- Whoa!- It's a nice-sized garden.
0:46:29 > 0:46:30- It's a big-sized garden.- Yeah.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33I never expected to see so much garden.
0:46:33 > 0:46:38So, from here, you can really see the extension and the old cottage.
0:46:38 > 0:46:39- Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41Sort of the best view of it, really.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43It's very clever, how they did the extension of the kitchen
0:46:43 > 0:46:45and the bedroom and bathroom.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- Because you can't see it from the front.- No, you can't tell.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50- It's quite secluded. - So it does look like that cottage.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54- No, it's very well done. - How much would it cost you?
0:46:54 > 0:46:57- I'm not going first! - Shall I go first?- You go first.
0:46:57 > 0:47:03- Three bedrooms...- Mm.- ..on a decent-sized plot, I suppose...
0:47:03 > 0:47:07- The garden is nice, isn't it?- Yes, the garden, a blank canvas, really.
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Er...340.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- OK.- Whoa, I think that's optimistic!
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Yeah. I'm going to go...375.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18- Wendy's very close.- Really? - Oh, God, I did it!
0:47:18 > 0:47:21379,950, it's on the market for.
0:47:21 > 0:47:27- Hey, hey.- Right.- So you would have 20,000 from your budget.- We would.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31- But judging by your face, Nigel, that's not enough.- Nowhere near.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34No. Do you want to go in and look at the rooms you haven't seen?
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- OK.- Thank you.- And I'll meet you at the front.- All right.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39- By the train station!- OK.
0:47:40 > 0:47:43Under budget by £20,000,
0:47:43 > 0:47:46our mystery house is a former railwayman's cottage which
0:47:46 > 0:47:50has been extended to the rear and finished to a high spec throughout.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53There are three bedrooms, including a downstairs guest room,
0:47:53 > 0:47:56and a spacious garden, and it's just four miles
0:47:56 > 0:47:59from the stunning North Norfolk Heritage Coastline.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03- It's pretty.- This is nice.- Yeah.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06And this is probably a bigger bedroom than the two upstairs.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08- The finish is fantastic. - It's beautiful.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10They've really done it well, haven't they?
0:48:10 > 0:48:12It's lovely. It's too small.
0:48:12 > 0:48:14It's a beautiful cottage, I have to say.
0:48:14 > 0:48:18Beautifully done, but it's too small. It is too small.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Beautiful little village down the road.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24Great, four miles from the sea.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27I'm beginning to think, "Are we mad?" You know?
0:48:27 > 0:48:32It came over as a very, very nice holiday home in a good location,
0:48:32 > 0:48:36but I didn't get the feeling you'd come to live here as a family home.
0:48:36 > 0:48:40I think you'd come to live here for a short period of time.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43That's just the overall impression you get from the house.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50- Well, we've seen all the houses. - Yep!
0:48:50 > 0:48:52I think I know which is your favourite!
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- Yes!- But are you going to go for it?
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- Let's find somewhere warm to discuss.- Yes, please.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05Set in the tranquil Norfolk countryside is a magnificent
0:49:05 > 0:49:07redbrick mansion,
0:49:07 > 0:49:11just one of a number of fine stately homes to be found in the county.
0:49:11 > 0:49:13Surrounded by ancient yew hedges,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16Blickling Hall has a history stemming back several centuries.
0:49:16 > 0:49:20The current house was built in the mid-17th century,
0:49:20 > 0:49:23but there's a record of a Manor of Blickling in the Domesday Book.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27During its long life, the estate has been home to a number of distinguished residents,
0:49:27 > 0:49:31including a medieval monarch and a Tudor Queen of England.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33But it's now in the care of the National Trust.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36I've come to find out more about the property's past
0:49:36 > 0:49:40but also about its present, and how on a daily basis the Trust
0:49:40 > 0:49:43goes about preparing its treasures for the public.
0:49:43 > 0:49:44'It's an hour before the doors open
0:49:44 > 0:49:47'and I'm meeting house manager, Jan Brookes-Bullen.'
0:49:47 > 0:49:49Jan, what a magnificent estate.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51Isn't it? Yes.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55And over the years, I understand lots of illustrious people have lived here?
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Yes, illustrious, infamous, famous...
0:49:57 > 0:50:00There's been activity on this site for about 2,000 years.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04King Harold owned the estate and, of course, the Boleyns had the estate.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06So they're probably the best-known.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09- And was Anne Boleyn definitely born here?- Oh, yes, yes.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12There's been many sort of myths and legends about her birthplace
0:50:12 > 0:50:16but research has now shown that the birthplace is here
0:50:16 > 0:50:17and not Hever Castle.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19How long did she spend here with her family?
0:50:19 > 0:50:24I would say, possibly, she'd be seven or eight before they moved off to Hever Castle.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- And now, this all belongs to the National Trust.- It does.
0:50:27 > 0:50:32It was bequested by the 11th Marquess of Lothian in 1940, who actually
0:50:32 > 0:50:35instigated the country house schemes whereby you could
0:50:35 > 0:50:39leave your property to the nation in lieu of death duties.
0:50:39 > 0:50:41We are so thankful he did - a very visionary man.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46- And how many visitors do you get here?- About 150,000.- A year?
0:50:46 > 0:50:49- Ever-increasing, yes.- Is it hard to get it ready for them every day?
0:50:49 > 0:50:52Erm, yes, it is. The girls start very early.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56But they're already under way, so if you want to see how we get going...
0:50:56 > 0:50:58- Of course.- Let's go and have a look. - Yeah.
0:50:58 > 0:51:02Since it was built, the Grade I listed mansion has been updated,
0:51:02 > 0:51:05most extensively during the 18th century,
0:51:05 > 0:51:09which saw the addition of grand staircases and opulent staterooms.
0:51:09 > 0:51:13To maintain Blickling's historical integrity, every morning,
0:51:13 > 0:51:17a team of up to nine conservation assistants have just three hours
0:51:17 > 0:51:20to prepare 25 spaces for the public.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24Daily jobs include vacuuming the 48 treads on the main staircase
0:51:24 > 0:51:26and brushing precious artefacts to remove
0:51:26 > 0:51:30the property's biggest enemy - dust.
0:51:30 > 0:51:33Here we are in the Brown Drawing Room, where Louise is actually busy
0:51:33 > 0:51:35- getting the furniture ready for today.- Oh, yeah!
0:51:35 > 0:51:39- Some very intricate dusting going on there.- Yes, very intricate.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42- Hi, Louise.- Hi.- I love these tools.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44Yes, my brushes that I've got here,
0:51:44 > 0:51:46although I've not using too many of them today.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49This is one of our really soft brushes. Do you want to have a feel?
0:51:49 > 0:51:51Oh, yeah. And what's this good for?
0:51:51 > 0:51:54This is good for our really quite delicate surfaces.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57So I've been using it just on the metal edges there,
0:51:57 > 0:51:59looked a little bit dusty.
0:51:59 > 0:52:02And would you be doing this every day?
0:52:02 > 0:52:05There must be some things you only do every week or every month?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Yeah, absolutely. And sometimes even every five to ten years.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12- That's probably a big tapestry or something like that.- Yes, yes.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14Yeah, or some of the paintings, the canvases, on those.
0:52:14 > 0:52:18You're preparing these rooms for the visitors themselves,
0:52:18 > 0:52:20but presumably they're ones bringing in some of the dirt?
0:52:20 > 0:52:22Yes, we all bring in dust.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24Even those that work here bring in their own dust.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28But it's strange - people laugh when we talk about dust so much.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31I've even been to a dust conference, would you believe?
0:52:31 > 0:52:33But it's the biggest impact on furniture and furnishings.
0:52:33 > 0:52:37As well as looking unsightly, dust can cause physical damage and,
0:52:37 > 0:52:42if left to build up, becomes sticky, binding itself to an artefact.
0:52:42 > 0:52:46Another potential hazard is light, both natural and artificial.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49The fading effect on precious paintings is well-known,
0:52:49 > 0:52:52but light can even fade ebony and damage textiles.
0:52:52 > 0:52:57When the property is closed, rooms are kept in almost total darkness.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00By opening time, 91 blinds across the house must be raised,
0:53:00 > 0:53:02such as in the Great Library,
0:53:02 > 0:53:05with its rare collection of 13,000 books and manuscripts.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08- As you can see, there are a lot of blinds down here.- A lot of blinds.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12- So we'll start with this one, and there's tricks to it.- OK.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15Now, because we're south-facing, we only really want to take up
0:53:15 > 0:53:19the blue blinds today, because it's very bright.
0:53:19 > 0:53:21'The library's blue blinds act as blackouts,
0:53:21 > 0:53:24'whereas the cream blinds, which Jan is leaving down this morning,
0:53:24 > 0:53:28'reduce the light intensity to a safe level for the books.
0:53:28 > 0:53:29'A special film on the windows
0:53:29 > 0:53:32'filters out harmful ultraviolet light.'
0:53:32 > 0:53:35Sometimes it's quite gloomy, you can take them up quite a lot higher
0:53:35 > 0:53:37and you can take the cream ones up as well.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40But, today, no, we've got sunshine, which is great.
0:53:40 > 0:53:42And it's that balance, isn't it, of being able to see
0:53:42 > 0:53:46the collections and also not letting too much light in.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50When people were living here, would they have been letting too much light in at that time?
0:53:50 > 0:53:54Possibly not. If you've paid a lot of money for your silks and fabrics,
0:53:54 > 0:53:58- you're not going to let the sun fade them, are you?- No.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01So we're just carrying on that really historic housekeeping.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05As well as cleaning and lighting, part of the housekeeping duties
0:54:05 > 0:54:09includes decorating the public rooms with seasonal flowers.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13I'm helping staff member Jo Pipe with a final floral flourish.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16The arrangement takes pride of place beneath the man who had
0:54:16 > 0:54:20quite an impact on Blickling's most famous resident.
0:54:22 > 0:54:26- Henry looks pleased.- He does. And I think our visitors will be too.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Opening time, but in less than 24 hours,
0:54:29 > 0:54:33Jan and her cleaning team will be doing it all over again.
0:54:36 > 0:54:38Over the past couple of days,
0:54:38 > 0:54:40Wendy and Nigel seem to have agreed on most things.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44So, the question is, are they on the same page about the next move?
0:54:47 > 0:54:50- Wendy and Nigel, you know what I'm going to ask.- Mm.
0:54:50 > 0:54:52What are you going to do next?
0:54:52 > 0:54:56Well, I think it's fairly obvious from the journey we've just had
0:54:56 > 0:54:58through the various houses,
0:54:58 > 0:55:01there's one in particular that stands out for both of us.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03Yes, really does stand out.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06- That modern chalet.- Yeah. - Modern chalet, yes.- Love it.
0:55:06 > 0:55:10It kind of ticked all of the boxes that we had in our mind.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12The house itself was fantastic.
0:55:12 > 0:55:17Possibly be more room than we would need, but plenty and plenty of room.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20Kitchen... Great kitchen.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21That's what won it for you?
0:55:21 > 0:55:24It's a very nice house indeed.
0:55:24 > 0:55:25A very nice house.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29- It sounds like it really could be the house.- A great contender.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32Realistically, we need to have a good look around the town
0:55:32 > 0:55:35and see what it has to offer us in terms of amenities, which is
0:55:35 > 0:55:37- an important part of the process. - Mm.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40And if that turns out OK, well,
0:55:40 > 0:55:44maybe we'll look to be doing a second viewing.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46- It's all very positive. - Very, very positive.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48But I think it's a process we need to go through.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53You're being more cautious, I think, than Wendy. Is that fair to say?
0:55:53 > 0:55:57- Yeah.- I think you like the house that little bit more.
0:55:57 > 0:55:59- There we go, the sensible guy.- Mm.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02If it was down to you, would you be already talking to the agent?
0:56:02 > 0:56:06- I bought it. Boom-boom. - Oh, you'd say that?
0:56:06 > 0:56:10Wendy's is more an emotional response, which is understandable.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Mine is just a little bit more measured. It's just how I am.
0:56:13 > 0:56:18Well, if Wendy's plan goes to plan, you'll be buying the modern chalet.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22So will you give me a call when he has come round to your way of thinking...
0:56:22 > 0:56:26- Oh, sure!- ..and you've moved in and then we can celebrate?
0:56:26 > 0:56:29- That'd be great.- Fantastic. We will do that, for sure.
0:56:29 > 0:56:30I'll let you know.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33Because I have a feeling, Nigel, it's going to go Wendy's way.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35I'm going to get dragged into this, aren't I?
0:56:35 > 0:56:38- Thank you for the experience. It's been amazing.- It's been brilliant.
0:56:38 > 0:56:42It's been great fun and we've learned a hell of a lot too.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47If Wendy had her way,
0:56:47 > 0:56:49she would have already made a move on the modern chalet.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52It really was the perfect home for them and the family.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54It had everything they asked for.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57It's understandable Nigel is a little more cautious,
0:56:57 > 0:57:00and even though he needs some time, I don't think it's going to be long
0:57:00 > 0:57:02before they both make Norfolk their home
0:57:02 > 0:57:05and can unpack those boxes for good.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08See you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11Wendy and Nigel did go back to see the chalet house
0:57:11 > 0:57:14and made an offer which I'm delighted to say was accepted.
0:57:14 > 0:57:18So we wish them the best of luck with their Norfolk move.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21If you'd like to escape to the country in England,
0:57:21 > 0:57:24Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and would like our help,
0:57:24 > 0:57:26you can apply online at...