0:00:02 > 0:00:04This 19th-century windmill is known locally as Jill
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and just behind the trees there is her partner Jack.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Together, they stand proud over the local landscape. But where am I?
0:00:10 > 0:00:12Find out in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Today, a couple who crave quiet in the countryside,
0:00:35 > 0:00:37away from the noise of next door.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38At one of our properties,
0:00:38 > 0:00:41the neighbours are the least of our worries.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43We're not really great fans of brick.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45There's going to be a lot of vacuuming I'll have to do.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48But at another house, we get it right.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50Oh, this is lovely.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52I think this has got almost everything we want.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Today, we're in West Sussex.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58And I'm in the village of Clayton
0:00:58 > 0:01:01in the heart of the South Downs National Park.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02The village's two windmills
0:01:02 > 0:01:04are thought to have been named Jack and Jill
0:01:04 > 0:01:07by day-trippers to Brighton in the 1920s.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Today, only Jill here is a working mill,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13lovingly cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17who've been meeting here every Saturday since 1978.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Thanks to their hard work,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Jill has been fully restored and occasionally, when the wind blows,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26is used to grind locally-grown wheat to make wholemeal flour,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30providing us with just a taste of what this county has to offer.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33West Sussex lies in the heart of the South East,
0:01:33 > 0:01:35tucked in between the English Channel
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and the counties of Hampshire, Surrey and East Sussex.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Despite being just a short hop from the capital,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43parts of the county feel like a step back in time,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48with historic architectural delights and quiet country lanes aplenty.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50In the east, the rolling hills of the Weald,
0:01:50 > 0:01:51once an ancient forest,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54are interrupted by the Ouse Valley viaduct,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56one of the country's finest.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59An imposing example of Victorian engineering.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Stretching across the county from east to west
0:02:01 > 0:02:03is the South Downs National Park,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06which became a protected area in 2011.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08These chalk hills are considered
0:02:08 > 0:02:11one of the most important rural landscapes in southern England.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Nearby, the charming market town of Arundel
0:02:14 > 0:02:16boasts a beautifully preserved castle,
0:02:16 > 0:02:18which dates back to the 11th century.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Today, it makes an impressive sight,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24towering above the banks of the River Arun.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27With its easy access to both the coast and the capital,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29West Sussex is a much sought-after county
0:02:29 > 0:02:33for those after of a not-too-remote slice of rural England.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39But property buyers beware.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42With its proximity to the capital and unspoilt countryside,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45houses in West Sussex don't come cheap.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48In fact, the average price of a detached property here
0:02:48 > 0:02:51is about 45% more than the national average
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and would cost you around £400,000.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57Commuter territory always comes at a premium,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59but prices are more reasonable
0:02:59 > 0:03:01the further south you go away from the capital.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Apart from the coast, of course.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So what are today's buyers hoping to find in this beautiful county?
0:03:06 > 0:03:09Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Ben and Kim have been married for almost 40 years
0:03:12 > 0:03:14and live in the Surrey town of Hawley.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16For the last two decades,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19the family home has been this four-bedroom detached house.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22But with two grown-up children having flown the nest,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24they're not only looking to downsize,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26but to find a quieter setting
0:03:26 > 0:03:29away from the town Ben has lived in most of his life.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32I've lived here for probably about 50 years now.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36And when I moved here it was fantastic. It was like countryside.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40We used to go to the river, where there's lots of fields.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- It was great fun. - It was a village, wasn't it?
0:03:42 > 0:03:46- It was a little village, yeah. - Now, there's a lot more housing.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50But they haven't sort of improved the town to cope with it, really.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52And the road's got very busy now.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53We like peace and quiet.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Ben has worked in IT for 40 years and Kim is a school secretary.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00They're not giving up their jobs or their friends,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02so they've set their sights south
0:04:02 > 0:04:05on the neighbouring county of West Sussex.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07We'd really like to move to West Sussex.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09We've got friends in that area.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14We'd really like to be kind of within 25 miles' radius of Horsham,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17because then we could carry on visiting our friends.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20We do see them quite a lot. You know, they come over for dinner.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22And if we're too far away, that would take that away from us,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25you know, and we really do enjoy that type of thing.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30As well as entertaining, Ben and Kim hope to add to the family.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33What draws us really to the country life is the peace and quiet
0:04:33 > 0:04:35and the fact that, you know,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38when Kim gets her dog - finally gets her dog -
0:04:38 > 0:04:40which I promised her when we move,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43she'll just be able to walk out the house, down the country lane.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46There won't be traffic zooming past us all the time.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48Be able to let it off the lead and off it'll go.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50When they're not walking their new dog,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Ben wants to hit the West Sussex roads in his classic car.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56The MG Midget that I've got in the garage,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Kim and I bought that in 1979.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02And all through our married life she's been saying,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05"We've got to sell that car to pay for something."
0:05:05 > 0:05:07But somehow, I've managed to hang onto it.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09And when we get into the countryside,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I'm going to get it back on the road,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14drive it out to a little country pub with the hood down.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I may even take Kim with me, as well, if she's lucky.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20But it sounds like Kim will be more than occupied with her new garden.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23We'd like to have a smaller garden. Not too small.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24Because I do enjoy gardening
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and I get very carried away at the garden centre
0:05:27 > 0:05:29buying plants and shrubs and trees.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31But something that will be a bit easier to manage.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34Hopefully, with room for a small greenhouse.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36And after a busy day outside,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39what better way to relax than in front of the fire.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42I don't know why, I've always loved wood burners
0:05:42 > 0:05:44and everything that goes with them.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47It'll be really, really cold and we'll light up the wood burner
0:05:47 > 0:05:49and get in front of it,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52nice glass of red wine - or white wine Kim prefers -
0:05:52 > 0:05:54and get some music on.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56And, you know, you just can't beat it.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00We really want to be able to either have a wood burner in the new house
0:06:00 > 0:06:03or certainly be able to put one in, if possible.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06But although our buyers clearly yearn for rural rapture,
0:06:06 > 0:06:09the sociable couple have some fears
0:06:09 > 0:06:11about being too cut-off from the rest of the world.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13I think our main concern, if we moved too far,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16is we'll be moving away from our friends.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18We know we've got to do it. We've got to get away.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21But, you know, when you're so familiar with something,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23it is going to be a big shock.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25But we desperately want to do it.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27You know, if we don't do it now...
0:06:27 > 0:06:28Kim keeps saying to me,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30"Why don't we wait until we go into an old people's home?"
0:06:30 > 0:06:33I think, "No. That will be after this move."
0:06:33 > 0:06:34So we've got to do it now.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Ben and Kim want us to concentrate our property search
0:06:39 > 0:06:42within a 25-mile radius of Horsham,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44so Kim can continue working
0:06:44 > 0:06:46and so they're not too far from their friends in Surrey.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I'm meeting up with our buyers in West Sussex
0:06:49 > 0:06:51to find out more about their planned move.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Ben and Kim, lovely to meet you both.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Now, this is why you want to move to West Sussex, isn't it?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59- The peace and quiet.- It is indeed.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00It's just amazing here, isn't it?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03You've both lived in Surrey for most of your lives.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06So are you ready for the change?
0:07:06 > 0:07:07It's going to be quite a change,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10because we have lived in Surrey for, well, 50 years
0:07:10 > 0:07:13and we'll be starting again, really.
0:07:13 > 0:07:14It'll be a new life.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Tell us about the house you're looking for.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Well, ideally, three bedrooms.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20We're downsizing a bit.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24- Kim would like an en suite, wouldn't you?- Yes.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Don't mind about the style or the age, particularly.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28Probably not too old.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- No. We don't want a project.- No.- No.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- So something fairly ready to move into?- Yes.- Yes.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Modern would be great, wouldn't it?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Because I do a lot of work around the house,
0:07:38 > 0:07:40a lot of central heating stuff, electrics.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43But I'd like to put that behind me and have it all done for me, really.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Anything else that's really important for you both?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Ben would like a wood burner or be able to put one in.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51I've got to have a wood burner, yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54So if it doesn't have one in, you'd be doing that job, wouldn't you?
0:07:54 > 0:07:57I would be doing that job. That's fine. Yeah, it would be good.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59And, really, it does need to have broadband as well,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01because I'm into computers quite a bit
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and I don't want to be cut off from the internet.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07Most places nowadays, actually... You can check the companies.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Yeah, and you can always get satellite put in now. Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11What are the big no-nos for you?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Neighbours is a really, really big no-no.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17We want to be somewhere where, whatever the neighbours do,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19they're not going to affect us.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21And whatever we do, we won't affect them.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26We spend a lot of time in the garden, you know, sunbathing and...
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Gardening.- And gardening. - Sitting out with a glass of wine.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Yeah, glass of wine. Got a chiminea outside, wood burner indoors.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- So you must have a nice garden? - Yes. Yes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37Size doesn't matter too much
0:08:37 > 0:08:39because, at the moment, we've got a big garden
0:08:39 > 0:08:42and we'd like to get something smaller.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44But we don't mind if it's got fields around it, something like that.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Yeah, a view would be fantastic.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Or a garden that's maybe got a little area
0:08:48 > 0:08:51that's more cultivated with grass and shrubs and things around
0:08:51 > 0:08:53that doesn't need too much work.
0:08:53 > 0:08:54Remind us of your budget.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- The budget is 625,000.- OK.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01Now, in most parts of the country, that would be a fantastic budget.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- But you know how popular West Sussex is.- Yes, we do know.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05So it might be difficult
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- to get absolutely everything on your wish list.- Yes.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- But we've got some great properties lined up.- Fantastic.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14And hopefully, you'll find something in them that you're looking for.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Yeah, we're really looking forward to it.- Thank you.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Ben and Kim have an ambitious wish list for their £625,000.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25But we hope to find them a detached property
0:09:25 > 0:09:30with a minimum of three bedrooms and at least one en-suite bathroom.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33They're not too concerned about a particular age or style,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36but would like a wood burner or the potential to install one
0:09:36 > 0:09:38and a manageable garden.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40But of greatest importance is the position.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43They don't want to be disturbed by neighbouring properties.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47We've lined up a worthy selection of West Sussex wonders
0:09:47 > 0:09:49for Ben and Kim to ponder.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53But I won't by revealing the price tag of their potential purchase
0:09:53 > 0:09:54until the end of the tour.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59Our Mystery House challenges our buyers to embrace shared living.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05How do you think the process will go?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Who do you think will make the final decision?
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Well, I think it's going to be a joint decision, really.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12So I'm really looking forward to it. I'm really excited.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15And I'm really excited to be going to the first house
0:10:15 > 0:10:17because we've been looking for a long time
0:10:17 > 0:10:19and haven't been able to find what we want.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Our first house is in the village of Nutbourne,
0:10:24 > 0:10:26around 12 miles from Horsham.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Surrounded by pleasing countryside,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30the attractive farming village
0:10:30 > 0:10:33is centred on an award-winning 16th-century pub
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and is close to a local vineyard
0:10:35 > 0:10:39situated on gentle slopes overlooking the South Downs.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Our first house is located not far from the pub,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44in the heart of the peaceful village.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- Well...- Oh, amazing.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Fantastic.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- It's very unusual. - It is unusual, isn't it?
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- It is an unusual property. So this used to be a millhouse.- OK.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Built in 1750. And then it was converted 25 years ago.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- So you can see all the original stone.- Yeah.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04And then it's got the tiled roof.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07It is amazing. It's so quiet here.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- And that is the big plus point with this property.- Yeah.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15The peace and quiet that you have requested in a huge way is here.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Definitely. That is our number one priority.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20You can hear the birds singing. And that's the only disturbance.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22We love the birds singing.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- But what do you think? - I think it's amazing at first sight.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29Yes. Little bit concerned about the proximity...
0:11:29 > 0:11:31I guess these are other people, are they, here?
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Yes, your neighbours are right here.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36This used to be the bakery, the shop, basically.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39If they had kind of a family of children, you know,
0:11:39 > 0:11:41and they're playing ball and they've got a trampoline in there,
0:11:41 > 0:11:44that would, you know, be a no-no for me,
0:11:44 > 0:11:46because we've got that already.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50We've got neighbours already. But to start with, yeah, it looks amazing.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- Let's hope the inside is as good as the outside.- Let's go and see.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Ben seems a little concerned about potential noise pollution.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01But hopefully, the charm of our converted mill
0:12:01 > 0:12:03will dilute those fears.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06They front of the property overlooks the old millpond.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09The waterwheel itself has been replaced in recent years,
0:12:09 > 0:12:11although serves only an aesthetic purpose.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Inside, though, it's the real deal.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20I thought we'd start with the kitchen first.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21Because I think it shows off
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- some of the nice original features of the millhouse.- Yes.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- Now, we've not really talked about size of kitchen.- No.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33At the moment, we've got quite a large kitchen-diner.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- But this is OK. It's not too small.- It is.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- And who spends most of the time in the kitchen?- You.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Yes, I'll be doing most of the cooking.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42It looks good to me for cooking in, yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44You're both fairly quiet about it, though.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- We're not really great fans of brick.- Are you not?
0:12:46 > 0:12:48I thought that was a real feature.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50That was one of my favourite bits, the exposed wall.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Yeah, it does it for some people. - Oh, really?
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Yeah, we should have mentioned it maybe earlier.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58No, listen, this is something you can always plaster over.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- Of course.- It's just most people think that's a nice feature.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I don't dislike it in the kitchen.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04It's in bedrooms and things I'm not so keen on it.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Where it's just brick everywhere, yeah.- A little bit's all right.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- Is that OK?- Let's see if you could see yourselves
0:13:10 > 0:13:11sitting in the living room.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Thank you.- Lead the way. Just through the hall...
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Now, Ben, this living room has the wood burner that you requested.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Oh, that is fantastic. I love that wood burner.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Yeah, it's not the normal kind of wood burner, is it?
0:13:28 > 0:13:30It's actually built-in. It looks really nice.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Yeah, it sort of integrated into the wall.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But actually, this house doesn't need one,
0:13:35 > 0:13:40because they have got underfloor heating throughout the ground floor.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44So the kitchen and this room makes up most of the downstairs.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46There's a downstairs loo, which is also a bathroom.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49You'll see that later. It's got a lovely bath in it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52But do you think it might be a little bit too small for you,
0:13:52 > 0:13:53what you've seen so far?
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- I think so, probably. - Yeah, you know.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- It's got character. - It's certainly got character, yeah.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03Because you both said you didn't mind what style of house.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07So I thought I'd introduce you first to a lot of character.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09There is a lot of character.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Yes, maybe a bit of character overload, perhaps.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Do you think too much for you? - Maybe.- It is for me, yes.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Yes, but, you know, we're open-minded.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21And perhaps we'd get to love this type of place.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Some reservations, then, about the ground floor arrangements.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27But I'm hoping upstairs will get us back on track,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29because there's lots more to see.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31It gives Ben and Kim the three bedrooms
0:14:31 > 0:14:33they wanted across two floors.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36The first floor is home to two bedrooms, a single and a double
0:14:36 > 0:14:37with its own en suite
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and the master bedroom is found on the top floor.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48So the house is over three floors. And this is the top floor.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52And this actually used to be the lounge, the living room.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53But the family that live here
0:14:53 > 0:14:55converted it into their master bedroom
0:14:55 > 0:14:57and made an en suite just through there.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00And the reason why they liked this space
0:15:00 > 0:15:03is they felt this was the lightest, airiest part of the house.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06And the view is of the millpond. What are your thoughts?
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Kim, you've been quite quiet.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12It's a bit small, I think.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13Looking at all those steps there,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16there's going to be a lot of vacuuming I'll have to do.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19And, of course, our knees aren't getting any younger,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21like the rest of our bodies.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23But the location is lovely.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25'Let's remind ourselves of the surroundings
0:15:25 > 0:15:27'by heading back down to the garden.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31'Outside, a lawn wraps itself around two sides of the property
0:15:31 > 0:15:34'and there's a decked seating area for summer entertaining,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37'although that's hard to imagine on a day like today.'
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I'd love to get your thoughts on the garden.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41I like the garden, yeah.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- Yes.- It's a bit secluded.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It's got lots of tall trees. It's secluded but maybe a bit dark.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48Yeah. Maybe a bit dark.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52Well, it's not the brightest day to see a garden, is it?
0:15:52 > 0:15:54No, it isn't. No, that's true.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58How much do you think the property and the garden is on the market for?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Well, I think it's quite small,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04but it's got a real kind of quirky value.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I reckon 595,000.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08I would say 550,000.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13It's actually on the market for £625,000.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15We've gone right to the top of your budget.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Remember where we are! You've chosen an expensive county.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19Yeah, we have. That's true.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Do you want to go and have another look around, a final look around?
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- And then I'll meet you out front in a bit.- Thank you very much.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34The price of the first property, which is bang on budget,
0:16:34 > 0:16:36comes as a bit of a shock to Ben and Kim.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38But this is a unique former watermill
0:16:38 > 0:16:41in a sought-after West Sussex village.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43It gives them the three bedrooms they asked for,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45two with en suite bathrooms,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48the all-important wood burner and a manageable garden.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- It's not really us, is it?- No, I do think it's us at all, really.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- I don't like the rustic beams. - No. No.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- It seems very closed in.- Yeah.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02When we first arrived, I looked at the house and I thought,
0:17:02 > 0:17:04"Yeah, this house looks amazing."
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I looked at the view, the lake
0:17:06 > 0:17:09and it's just to die for, that view.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13But I was rather disappointed at the location of the neighbours.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15They're very, very close.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19Once we got inside, I realised that it wasn't really my sort of house.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21It feels quite enclosed.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Although I love the location,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25the house doesn't do it for me, I'm afraid.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- It's definitely not for you, is it? - No, afraid not.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31At least we know more about style and size.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Yes, and even this weather
0:17:33 > 0:17:36hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for the next house.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- Well, we've got plenty more to show you.- Fantastic.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44With its rich rural landscape,
0:17:44 > 0:17:47it's easy to forget that West Sussex is only a 30-mile drive
0:17:47 > 0:17:49from the suburbs of Greater London.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Just south of Horsham is Knepp Castle Estate,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54which dates back to the Middle Ages
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and was one of King John's hunting parks.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00For the last 200 years, it's been owned by the Burrell family
0:18:00 > 0:18:04who, until recently, managed it as agricultural land.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07But 15 years ago, they embarked on a visionary project
0:18:07 > 0:18:09to return the land to its natural state
0:18:09 > 0:18:12by introducing a variety of grazing animals,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14a process known as rewilding.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Since both Kim and Ben are keen
0:18:16 > 0:18:18to embrace the countryside and all it has to offer,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22we sent them to find out more from the current landowner, Sir Charlie Burrell.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Hi, there.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Well, it's an amazing place. It really is.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28What is the history behind it?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Well, this castle is a modern one. It was built in 1806.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34But it's sort of on a ground which is a bit more interesting than that.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37We've enclosed large areas of the estate,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41about 1,000 hectares, in large enclosures.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43And we've then released
0:18:43 > 0:18:46a whole load of free-roaming animals into those areas.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48So we've got Exmoor ponies, longhorn cattle
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and three species of deer
0:18:50 > 0:18:53roaming freely in these large enclosures.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56And that can kind of control the land, can it?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Well, these are considered drivers for biodiversity.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02The way they eat and the way they behave
0:19:02 > 0:19:07and the way they damage and rootle and all the things they do naturally,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09that is considered to be a driver of the system.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11So we're creating the right habitat
0:19:11 > 0:19:13for lots of different species of animals.
0:19:13 > 0:19:14It's about letting go.
0:19:14 > 0:19:18It's about allowing the land to have a free will.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20It's about seeing what happens if you do this.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23And what we've had is a huge success with lots of different species.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26We've got 2% of the nightingale population of the UK here.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29We have one of the biggest populations of purple emperors,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31which is a butterfly which is quite rare.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33We've got interesting bat species.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36We've got a whole load of things going on
0:19:36 > 0:19:38which have been because of what we've done and how we've done it,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40have come back to this land.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43The best way to explore Knepp's range of grazing animals
0:19:43 > 0:19:47and the role they play in rewilding the land is to take a safari trip.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Hi, there. Lovely to meet you. If you'd like to get on.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Today's guide is ecologist Amy Nightingale.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56And it's not long before they come across
0:19:56 > 0:19:58some of the estate's resident roamers.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00So these are our longhorn cattle.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04They've been brought onto the estate to browse and graze
0:20:04 > 0:20:07and manage the habitat themselves naturally.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09What's a browser?
0:20:09 > 0:20:13So browsing means that, instead of just eating grass, which is a grazer,
0:20:13 > 0:20:15they're actually going up into the bushes
0:20:15 > 0:20:17and eating through the hedgerows,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19they're eating all the sort of thorny scrub
0:20:19 > 0:20:21that we've got on the estate here.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25So will they keep the grass down or do you have to manage it as well?
0:20:25 > 0:20:28There's no management on the estate at all.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32No land management whatsoever. The animals manage to do it themselves.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It's entirely natural processes.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36Are they quite hardy
0:20:36 > 0:20:38or do you have to get the vet in quite a lot for them?
0:20:38 > 0:20:40No, they are very hardy animals.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44Yeah, they give birth quite easily on their own without much management.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47They live out all year round with no problems.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50They grow a really thick winter woolly coat.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53And they'll eat through the whole of the estate.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56You know, they'll go through each bit at different times of the year.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59They have a big impact on the estate.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Other animals with a right to roam include fallow deer,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06who make fantastic grazers and enjoy foraging in open grassland.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09The herd here are considered to be among the top six in Europe.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12The estate is also home to the rarer red deer,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15although they're proving elusive on this morning's safari.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18So, we've been driving around 20 minutes or so now
0:21:18 > 0:21:20and we haven't seen any of the red deer.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23But what we've got over here at the moment is the deer rutting season.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25And as you can see, there's two males fighting up ahead.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Oh, God, yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30So during this time of year, sort of end of October,
0:21:30 > 0:21:35the males will all sort of start fighting for territories now.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38And as you can see, these two are having a really good battle.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Usually, they start off parallel walking.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43So they'll walk dead in-line with each other
0:21:43 > 0:21:47and then, all of a sudden, they'll turn in and fight.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50As well as creating new habitats for important species,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53the grazing animals at Knepp generate an income,
0:21:53 > 0:21:54as some are sold for their meat,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56which also helps to control the population
0:21:56 > 0:21:58in the absence of predators.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01The project has been so successful
0:22:01 > 0:22:03there are plans to extend it across the rest of the estate,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07returning this beautiful part of the West Sussex landscape
0:22:07 > 0:22:09to the way nature intended it.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Our next offering is in the village of West Chiltington,
0:22:15 > 0:22:1712 miles from Horsham.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Situated on the South Downs,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22the tranquil village is characterised by winding lanes
0:22:22 > 0:22:24with rows of idyllic cottages,
0:22:24 > 0:22:27some with hung tiles and a village shop,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29which doubles up as a post office.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31The church, dating back to the 12th century,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34features an oak-shingled spire and is tiled in Horsham stone,
0:22:34 > 0:22:38a traditional roofing material found throughout the region.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Positioned on a quiet road on the edge of the village,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44the next property sits in a peaceful, secluded garden
0:22:44 > 0:22:46offering natural privacy.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50What do you think of the chalet?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- I like it.- Yeah, I like it as well.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56A lot more promising than the last one, I think, so far. Yep.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Yes, after finding out what you didn't like about the old millhouse,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04I do think this will suit you better.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- Yes, it's got a garage. - Yes, it's got a garage.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It's more conventional, isn't it?
0:23:08 > 0:23:12It's got the traditional driveway, the garage, the nice front garden.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Less of the quirk and character of the millhouse,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19which I think, as we've now established, isn't for both of you.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21It wasn't, no. That's right.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24This looks very promising.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- I see you've still got neighbours, but...- Not too near.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- Shall we go inside?- Yes, please. - Let's get out of this rain.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35'Built in the 1950s, it's a classic chalet-style home.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37'I just hope Ben can leave his fears
0:23:37 > 0:23:39'about proximity to neighbouring houses at the front door
0:23:39 > 0:23:41'as we embark on our tour.'
0:23:41 > 0:23:44We'll go into the living room first.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48Oh, this is lovely.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- It is, isn't it? - Much more our style.- It is.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- Yeah, it's so much more promising, it really is.- Lovely big windows.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- Yes.- Triple aspect.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Yeah, that's why it's so light. And big.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04- There's enough space for a sizeable dining table just over there.- Yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- Yeah, it's good. - And there's a fireplace.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11There is a fireplace, but that's not a real fire.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15But you can take that out and put in a real fireplace.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17- There is a chimney up there? - There is, exactly.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Oh, that's fantastic, then.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21So you will have to do a little bit of work if you move in.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25I don't mind. I just feel so much more comfortable already,
0:24:25 > 0:24:27just walking in here.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Yes, so we can just move straight in.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31In fact, we might not go home.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Perfect.- Yes.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- Everyone's happy, then. - So far.- So far.- Yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- One room down, a few more to go. - That's good.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- With the next one, we are looking after your knees.- Oh, that's good.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46'Because in this property,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49'you don't need to climb the stairs to get into bed.'
0:24:51 > 0:24:55You were worried about climbing too many stairs as you got older.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- This house would mean you just live on the ground floor.- It's lovely.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02It is nice, yeah. It really is. It's a good-sized room.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Yeah, it is. Lots of wardrobe space. - Yes.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- And an en suite. - Kim really wanted an en suite, yes.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11I think this has got almost everything we want.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- So would it bother you to have the master on the ground floor?- No.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- No, not at all.- I really like this. - Yeah, I like it.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20I just feel, you know, comfortable in here.
0:25:20 > 0:25:21It just feels home from home.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25So let's see if the kitchen is the right size
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- for you to watch Ben cook in. - Yes.- Yes.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32'As well as the master, the ground floor features another bedroom
0:25:32 > 0:25:36'the current owners use as a study, as well as a family bathroom.'
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Now, what's lovely about the kitchen is really that view of the garden.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- Yeah.- That's lovely.- That is great.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47I can see myself standing at that sink, washing up,
0:25:47 > 0:25:49looking out into the garden.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Yeah, Kim will be sitting out there with a wine, I expect.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Watching you wash up.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Watching me wash up, yes.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58How's the size for you?
0:25:58 > 0:26:00Yeah, no, because we are downsizing.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02You know, so this would be just right.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- It is a nice-sized kitchen, isn't it, yeah.- I like the units.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08It's that breakfast room, though, that gives it that feeling of space.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09- Yeah.- Lovely and light.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Because it is a big kitchen, if you count that.- Yeah.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Yes, it is.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16'Great reactions to the practical set-up of the ground floor.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19'Upstairs, there are two further bedrooms, both doubles,
0:26:19 > 0:26:23'as well as a smaller boxroom and a cloakroom with wash basin.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27'Outside, the lawned garden wraps itself around the house
0:26:27 > 0:26:29'and amounts to about a third of an acre.'
0:26:29 > 0:26:33I think this garden is a wonderful space for entertaining.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Yes, it is, isn't it? Yeah.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Barbecues, summer parties.- Yep.- Yes.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40- Possible wedding for one of your children.- No!
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- Grandkids running around. - Yeah, yeah.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46- It's the forever home, isn't it? - It is, yeah.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Talk about the elephant in the room, the neighbours.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Are they still bothering you as much?
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- Yes, they are bothering me just as much.- Really?
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Even after seeing what's, effectively, your dream home?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00You haven't really had a negative about the house,
0:27:00 > 0:27:02unless you're holding back.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04The only holding back I've been doing
0:27:04 > 0:27:06is about the neighbours, yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Nice high hedge. Dense hedge.- Yeah.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11They're not too close. Can't even really see that one.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13This is part of her persuasion campaign.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15It is part of it, definitely, yeah.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Shall we guess the price
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- and then maybe that might add to your campaign.- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25I think, really, this has got to be more than the last one,
0:27:25 > 0:27:26because it's so lovely.
0:27:26 > 0:27:32So I'm going to go 5,000 above my range.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- 630,000.- 630,000, you think? - Yeah, 630,000.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- Kim?- Well, I would say 650,000,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40just because I think it's so much better than the other one.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43It's actually on the market for £600,000.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44- Wow!- Oh, that is good.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- Well within your budget. - That is excellent. How can it be?
0:27:47 > 0:27:49How do you feel about those neighbours now?
0:27:49 > 0:27:53I'll have to have a little ponder about that, yeah.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- Do you think you can persuade him, Kim?- I might, yes.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58I think, yeah, we're on the right track.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I think tonight we'll get a bottle of champagne out, you know,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04get it chilled down and have a good think about that.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06- I think you should have another look around.- Yeah, definitely.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- I want to, yeah.- Go ahead.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12- I'll see you soon.- Thank you.
0:28:14 > 0:28:15Come on...
0:28:15 > 0:28:18This is the dream house within budget.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22Kim needs to put the hard work in now and persuade Ben.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29Under budget by £25,000, this 1950s detached chalet home
0:28:29 > 0:28:32has hit the nail on the head, in terms of style and layout.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35It gives Ben and Kim one more bedroom than they asked for,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39a working fireplace to house a wood burner and a manageable garden,
0:28:39 > 0:28:42offering the seclusion and privacy they wanted.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44I absolutely love this house.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46I can't believe we've actually found something
0:28:46 > 0:28:48that I like as much as I do.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50It's like home from home.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It's really nice. I love the location.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56The garden's perfect. Everything about it is just wonderful.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58I love the kitchen.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00The lounge is just like ours at home.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03And the log burner, of course, will go down very well with Ben.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Yeah, when we came up the drive,
0:29:05 > 0:29:08I got out of the car and I listened and it was just so peaceful.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11I looked at the house and I thought, "Yeah, this is a really nice house."
0:29:11 > 0:29:16My only slight reservation is the neighbours again.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18Because there is neighbours all around.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21And although it's peaceful in the garden at the moment,
0:29:21 > 0:29:23if you, you know, had a noisy family out there,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26that could be a disturbance.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29But apart from that, you know, it is great.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31I know Ben's concerned about the neighbours.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35But from what I can see, the neighbours here aren't that close.
0:29:36 > 0:29:37It's very quiet.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40We've been out in the garden and it's very, very quiet here.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41They've got a greenhouse
0:29:41 > 0:29:44so, hopefully, they're maybe retired like us.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46And it'll be nice and quiet and peaceful.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Smiles all round. It's made for you, isn't it?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It is. Really perfect. Love it.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55Perfect?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58It is very, very, very nearly perfect.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Which means you can't let it go, Ben.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02I think you're probably right, yeah.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05That is music to my ears.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Well, it's been a long day, lots of action, exciting action.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- Let's go and get a glass of wine and chill.- That sounds perfect.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26'It's the second day of our property search in West Sussex
0:30:26 > 0:30:29'and armed with a budget of £625,000,
0:30:29 > 0:30:31'we're helping Ben and Kim from Hawley in Surrey
0:30:31 > 0:30:34'find a quiet countryside property
0:30:34 > 0:30:37'out of sight and out of sound from neighbouring homes.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39'Coming up, two more properties,
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'including a Mystery House of seemingly stately proportions.'
0:30:43 > 0:30:45You weren't expecting this for the Mystery House, were you?
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- We weren't, no.- Not at all. No. - Let's take the grand tour.
0:30:49 > 0:30:50And it's full steam ahead
0:30:50 > 0:30:53at one of the oldest heritage lines in the country.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00We had two extreme reactions to yesterday's houses,
0:31:00 > 0:31:04confirming exactly what Ben and Kim want from their country escape.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07A fairly modern property that's ready to move into.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10It's also become very clear that having neighbours
0:31:10 > 0:31:12is a big problem for Ben.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14So I'm hoping the property I'm showing them this morning
0:31:14 > 0:31:16is rural enough for him.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Then comes the Mystery House, though,
0:31:18 > 0:31:20which is a very grand proposition.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22But will Ben be willing to share it?
0:31:27 > 0:31:30For our next offering, we're heading south towards the coast
0:31:30 > 0:31:34to the village of Angmering, around 20 miles from Horsham.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37The village is home to a number of historic properties,
0:31:37 > 0:31:39some dating to the 1600s,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42and retains a quaint rural charm.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45At its centre is a well-preserved village square,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47hosting a range of useful shops and services.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Our next property is on the edge of the village,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52on a quiet country lane,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55surrounded by farmland and out of sight of the nearest neighbour.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- Can't see any neighbours. - No, can't see any neighbours here.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03You might have come up trumps this time, yeah.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05It's big. It's huge!
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- It is. It's a big property. - It's not a semi, is it?
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- Absolutely not a semi.- Oh, that's good. Oh, that looks lovely.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- I love the style of it. The wood, yeah.- Interesting.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17Well, yesterday we realised how much you liked modern.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Well, this is very modern.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22So there's been a house here for a long time but,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26basically, this is a complete rebuild just two years ago.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29Yeah, yeah, I like the sound of that. And I can see logs.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32Those logs must be for a log burner. I hope.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- You're very observant this morning, aren't you?- No, it's good.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Very good indeed.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40First impressions, great. So far, so good. Definitely.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- Let's get in.- Thank you.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45So it's a thumbs up from Ben on location
0:32:45 > 0:32:48and I'm sure he'll appreciate the modern touches inside.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52But for Kim, we'll need to better yesterday's chalet house.
0:32:53 > 0:32:57- We've got to do the kitchen first. - Yeah, it's one kitchen, isn't it?
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- It's huge.- That really is a kitchen.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- Real open-plan living.- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05With those bifold doors that look out onto their wonderful views.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Oh, that is a wonderful view.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Yeah, you're right.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11You can't get more rural than that.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14You can't get more rural than that, can you, no. That is great.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17This is really the entertaining room, isn't it?
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- Yes, it's nice.- It is. It is, yeah.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21You can eat your breakfast here, you can eat lunch here,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23have your friends over for dinner here.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25The other thing this kitchen has is a utility room
0:33:25 > 0:33:29that runs all the way along this side of the house, with a door that goes outside.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- So great for a dog.- That's good.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- They've really thought about the way you live as well.- Yes.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37'I think Ben is sold on the modern feel
0:33:37 > 0:33:40'and practical layout of the ranch house.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'That contemporary ambience continues in the living room.'
0:33:43 > 0:33:47So the kitchen really connects with the living room.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48Oh, it does, doesn't it, yeah.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Wood burner.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- And a wood burner.- Oh...
0:33:52 > 0:33:56But it also heats the hot water and the underfloor heating.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58That is an excellent idea,
0:33:58 > 0:34:01because normally you get so much wastage from a wood burner.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04You know, and that is just going to be so much more efficient.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- They've made sure they use that energy.- Yeah, that is excellent.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09Now, would this be enough of a living room for you?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I like the fact it connects to the kitchen, but you have to like it.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15For me, it's definitely enough of a living room. For me.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Are you happy with the size of it? - Yes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Kim, you haven't said as much as Ben about this house.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22At the moment, I'm not sure.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27Do you think it's too modern, too industrial-looking in parts for you?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Certainly the kitchen, yes. I don't like that.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- But that's all freestanding. - That could all be changed easily.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Is there anything else about it that's made you a bit hesitant?
0:34:36 > 0:34:39I just really liked the other house.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42It was more like our house we've got at the moment.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- But Ben didn't like the neighbours being there.- I know.- I know.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49And I really like that kitchen.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52You know, it'll be a fight whether we keep that or not, actually.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Because I really like that. And I like this room, too.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57We can make this house like the other house, if we wanted to.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00But we can never make the other house like this house,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02because we can't move away the neighbours.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- Yeah, you two have got some chatting to do, haven't you?- Yeah, we have.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07- Let's go and see the bedrooms. - OK. Thank you.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12'So, differing opinions on our new-build ranch house.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14'It seems we're yet to win over Kim.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17'Also on the ground floor, a long spacious study,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20'a large family bath and shower room
0:35:20 > 0:35:22'and two of the five bedrooms in the property,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24'including a single and a larger double,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26'which is currently used as the master.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29'Upstairs, accessed from a large landing,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31'are three further bedrooms,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33'including two that can be made into one large one
0:35:33 > 0:35:36'by opening a partition. and another sizeable double.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39'There's also another spacious family bathroom up there.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42'But we're continuing our tour with the ground floor master.'
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- So the master bedroom is actually on the ground floor.- Uh-huh.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53But, of course, you don't have to use this as the master.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56But I think the couple that live here just really like the views.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58It's not a problem for me being on the ground floor at all.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- It's lovely being open to the garden.- It is.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Yeah, just walk straight out there.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05There are two family bathrooms.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07We just passed one on the ground floor. There's one upstairs.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10So there's no en suite.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13But there is a walk-in wardrobe.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16I don't know if that's your thing, Ben or Kim.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Room for all my clothes.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- Oh, that is good, isn't it?- So what do you think?- I think it's great.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- What do you think, Kim? - Yes, I'd like to see a bit more.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26But, yes, promising.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- Always a but.- Always a but.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33I really want to show you the land around the property.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- So let's do that. Let's go back into the kitchen.- Thanks.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Outside, the gardens are to the front and rear.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43At the front, there's space for parking and a garage.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46At the back, the garden is mainly lawn.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48But there are options to lease further garden space
0:36:48 > 0:36:51from the neighbouring stable owners.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55So the garden that comes with this property just goes to this fence.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56OK.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59So the bit beyond that with the vegetable patches
0:36:59 > 0:37:03is rented from the stable owners next door for next to nothing.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Yeah, I think we'd definitely want to rent that bit as well
0:37:06 > 0:37:08- and take down the fence. - And grow some vegetables.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Exactly, you can have your own vegetable garden.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16- The dog needs a bit more space.- Need to fence it in more for the dog.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Yeah, that's true. But that's not a problem.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20It depends on the price of the house, really.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- Which is something we absolutely should talk about.- Yes.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Who'd like to guess the price of the house first?
0:37:25 > 0:37:26I will.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I think it's going to be the top end of our budget.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- So I would say 650,000.- OK.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Well, I'm going to be wildly different to that, Kim.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Because there's not a lot of land.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40You know, I know we've got the advantage of a lot of land,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42but there's not much land.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47And looking around, I'm going to go for 595,000.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48You're almost spot on.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52It is on for £599,950.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- Oh...- So just shy of £600,000. - Yeah, yeah.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56That is good.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Does that make you like the house a little bit more, that price?
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Yeah, definitely.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03I love it. I do. I love it, Kim.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- You loved it before you knew the price.- I did.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Why don't you both have a chat as you look around?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- Because Kim's not so keen on this house as much as you.- Yeah.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- So I think you two need to go off and have a natter.- OK.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- And I'll meet you out the front. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Well, I think this is a case
0:38:24 > 0:38:26of who is going to be the one to compromise,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28because Kim really likes the chalet house
0:38:28 > 0:38:30and Ben really likes this house.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33So it's about who will win over who.
0:38:33 > 0:38:37But I have a feeling Ben is going to win the battle.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39£25,000 below budget,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42this modern ranch-style property impresses Ben,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45thanks to the lack of immediate neighbouring houses,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48but its contemporary feel isn't Kim's cup of tea.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50It gives them a large kitchen-diner,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52two more bedrooms than they asked for
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and a stylish and practical wood burner.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- This is nice.- It is nice.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59One big bedroom or two single bedrooms.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- Oh, this is two, is it?- Sliding doors, I imagine, yes.- Oh, OK.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06I love this house. I really do.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09The location is perfect.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12As perfect as you can get. It really is.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14You know, it's got a small garden,
0:39:14 > 0:39:19but the views extending out of the back of the garden and to the sides are fantastic.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24We want to be rural and it's almost like exciting again.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26You know, it's such a young, vibrant house, really.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30I don't think Kim's going to be quite as enthusiastic as me.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32But I think I can bring her round, probably.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34I hope we're on the same page.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36But sometimes I think we're not even in the same book.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40The other house, as soon as we walked in, I felt at home.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42I really liked it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45This one, I'm just not so sure, really.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Something about it isn't quite me.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50The kitchen area, I will definitely want to change.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Then that might persuade me.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56I guess, if Ben really likes it, then we'll probably go for it.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00I know you've both got mixed feelings about this house
0:40:00 > 0:40:04and I'm going to confuse the issue further with the Mystery House.
0:40:04 > 0:40:05- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Our final house choice is located close to the village of Duncton
0:40:16 > 0:40:21in the heart of the South Downs and around 20 miles from Horsham.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Nearby Petworth, a 10-minute drive away,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26offers the best range of local services.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28The pretty market town has a strong reputation
0:40:28 > 0:40:30as a leading antiques centre
0:40:30 > 0:40:32and an abundance of cafes and eateries
0:40:32 > 0:40:34line its attractive cobbled streets,
0:40:34 > 0:40:38with the parish church of St Mary dominating the skyline.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Our Mystery House is truly one-of-a-kind,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44set in parkland not far from the village of Duncton.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47The stately driveway should give Ben and Kim a clue
0:40:47 > 0:40:49to the property's pedigree.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Ben said he didn't want close neighbours.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55He gets them here, but not in the way he probably imagined.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58That is amazing. It really is.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Now, you both actually could live in a house like this.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I'd love to live in a house like this.
0:41:03 > 0:41:04I'd love to own a house like this.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Well, you can own a part of a house like this.- That would probably do.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Have a wing each. - Yeah, a wing each, yeah. OK.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14This is a Grade I-listed Georgian mansion.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17And inside there are apartments.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19And one of them is up for sale.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21With our name on it.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25What do you think about the prospect of shared accommodation?
0:41:25 > 0:41:29Where not only do you have neighbours, but you're fairly close.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32Yeah, I'm not a great one for shared accommodation.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34I like solitude, really, and rural.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36And I know this is in a rural setting.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39This is an amazing setting, though. Imagine living here.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41But, you know, think of all the people.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44- How many apartments are there here? - There are nine apartments.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47But most of them are people's second homes.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50People are only here for weekends or every month.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- This is not a noisy building. - Oh, OK.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56You're not going to have screaming kids with footballs
0:41:56 > 0:42:01annoying you night and day, which I know is your big bugbear.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02It is, yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Kim, how do you feel about this style of accommodation?
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I'd certainly give it a thought. I think it's just amazing.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12- The grounds are just wonderful.- So, let's have a look, see what happens.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15You weren't expecting this for the Mystery House, were you?
0:42:15 > 0:42:16- No, we weren't.- Not at all, no.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Let's take the grand tour.- OK.- OK.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23This magnificent Georgian Grade I-listed manor house
0:42:23 > 0:42:26was built in the 1830s as a private residence
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and later became a girls' school,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31before being converted into luxury apartments.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32Oh...!
0:42:34 > 0:42:36- How grand is this? - Look at that staircase!
0:42:36 > 0:42:38It is something else, isn't it?
0:42:38 > 0:42:40- This could be yours.- Yeah.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- As long as I don't have to do the dusting.- Yeah!
0:42:43 > 0:42:44You'd need a big ladder.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Kim needn't worry.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49For an annual service charge of £5,000,
0:42:49 > 0:42:51cleaners will take care of communal areas,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53such as the grand hallway,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55and gardeners will tend to the landscaped gardens,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58as well as the 140 acres of parkland.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Kim and Ben's apartment is a garden flat arranged over two floors
0:43:03 > 0:43:05and accessed by its own private entrance,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07through a two-tier patio space.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11We're starting our tour on the lower ground level.
0:43:11 > 0:43:16So you come straight into the kitchen, really, in this apartment.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18This is a great apartment. Yeah.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21- I like the kitchen. - I like the kitchen.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23This is ultramodern living.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27And this is the proposition, this sort of grand mansion
0:43:27 > 0:43:31and you get to have a small part of it in a very modern way.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33I love this ultramodern. I really do.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Yeah. It is good.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39- Good size, as well.- It's not a small pokey kitchen, is it?- No, it's not.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43I thought it could have been smaller than this, but it is amazing.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- Let's go to the living room.- OK.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48'As far as mod cons go,
0:43:48 > 0:43:51'nothing has been spared in this stylishly modern apartment,
0:43:51 > 0:43:53'from underfloor heating
0:43:53 > 0:43:55'to top-of-the-range kitchen appliances.'
0:43:56 > 0:44:00So the owners decided to go with a Moroccan theme for this room.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03But all of that is very cosmetic.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05So, easily changed.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- It's just the soft furnishings, really.- Moroccan's great.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11That ceiling...
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- It's like being in a cave. - That is really clever.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16This apartment is over two floors
0:44:16 > 0:44:19and all of this is the lower ground bit.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23And this is what they use as their main living room.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26But that wall is actually a stud wall and next door is a room
0:44:26 > 0:44:29that they haven't really decided what to do with it.
0:44:29 > 0:44:30It has all the plumbing to be a bathroom.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32It's bigger than this space.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34But what you could do is just knock it all through
0:44:34 > 0:44:37and have one lovely big living room.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- You still need to see more?- Yes.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42- Yeah, I need to see more. - You're not saying much.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44No, it's very small.
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- Do you feel?- Yes. And no window.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50Well, this part of the house doesn't.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52- Let's go to the bedroom, where there are windows.- OK.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56The subterranean living space darkens the mood a little,
0:44:56 > 0:45:00but I'm hopeful the sunlit master will lift the spirits.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05You can see why the couple use this as the master bedroom.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07This is lovely. I really like that.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10- Very light and airy.- It is. Lovely.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13Door straight out onto the terraced patio area.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15A little courtyard garden.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- This is just what you like, isn't it?- Yes, clean.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21- Really clean.- Nice clean lines. Yeah, this is lovely.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24This is more my sort of house again.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26Yeah, it is, yes, definitely.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28After seeing the bedroom.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31Now, there's no en suite, but there's a lovely shower room
0:45:31 > 0:45:33just on the other side of the kitchen.
0:45:33 > 0:45:34So that's what the couple use.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36How many bedrooms has it got?
0:45:36 > 0:45:38So it's a two-bedroom apartment.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40The other bedroom is being used as a study
0:45:40 > 0:45:43and that's on the ground floor, so the level above this.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45But I thing that makes a lovely study
0:45:45 > 0:45:48and I think, for you guys, you can use it as a study
0:45:48 > 0:45:52and then when people come round, you turn it into a bedroom, really.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54Yeah, sounds good.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- So you've seen a lot of the apartment now.- Yes.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01Is now the time to ask you whether it would ever be a realistic option?
0:46:01 > 0:46:05I think it's lovely. I'm not sure about whether I could live here.
0:46:05 > 0:46:07For me, it is a fantastic place.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09As a second house, it would be amazing.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12But I honestly think I'd be bored here.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14The countryside around looks amazing.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16The thought of getting up in the morning to that view,
0:46:16 > 0:46:20taking the dog for a walk, yes, I could definitely be tempted by that.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Well, I am going to try and tempt you with that. I haven't given up.
0:46:23 > 0:46:27- Let's go out into the garden. - OK.- OK.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31As well as Ben and Kim's private patio area,
0:46:31 > 0:46:34they also have access to the communal grounds,
0:46:34 > 0:46:37which include a stunning formal landscaped garden.
0:46:38 > 0:46:45So this Georgian manor house comes with 140 acres of gardens.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- Lots of room for my dog. - You don't seem surprised any more.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51Well, it's just so...
0:46:51 > 0:46:53You know, you can't grasp it, can you?
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- No, it's a little bit unreal, isn't it?- Yeah, it's just so amazing.
0:46:56 > 0:47:00- Your own medieval church, tennis courts.- Yeah, yeah.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03How much would it cost you? Who'd like to go first?
0:47:04 > 0:47:06600,000?
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- She's gone straight in there. - She has, hasn't she? Yeah.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12It's just such a hard house to gauge, this one.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14I think it's 619,000.
0:47:14 > 0:47:18OK, that's a very precise 19 there.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- You're trying to win this game, aren't you?- I want to win, yes.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- This time the winner is Kim. She's closer.- That's good.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28It's on for £595,000.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31- That is surprising, isn't it?- It is.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34You don't want to miss out on these stunning gardens.
0:47:34 > 0:47:36Have a look around. Go back and see the apartment.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- And then we'll get a cup of tea and have a chat.- That sounds fantastic.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41See you soon.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Under budget by £30,000, our stately Mystery House
0:47:49 > 0:47:52offers Ben and Kim a share of a splendid Georgian manor.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55Stylishly kitted out with modern facilities,
0:47:55 > 0:47:57it features a top-of-the-range kitchen,
0:47:57 > 0:48:00a cavernous living space and two bedrooms.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03But the real selling point is the grounds.
0:48:03 > 0:48:08140 acres of communal parkland, including formal landscaped gardens.
0:48:09 > 0:48:12When we came down the long one-mile drive
0:48:12 > 0:48:16and saw the front of the building with the sun on it, I just thought,
0:48:16 > 0:48:18you know, it's got to be almost a joke.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21It's like a film set. It's like a film star's house.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24And I can imagine that the neighbours here
0:48:24 > 0:48:27are going to be, you know, like Kim and I, quiet.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29But I don't think it's for me,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31because I just don't know what I'd do all day.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34I've got a garage, I've got an old car I'm restoring,
0:48:34 > 0:48:36I've got all my computers.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38I wouldn't be able to have any of that here.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41I think the house would make a lovely second home.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44If we won the lottery and could afford it, that would be perfect.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48But as a main home, it's just too small for us.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53- You've both got a lot to think about, haven't you?- We have.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- But not about this one. - No, that's your second home.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57I mean about your primary residence.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59Let's go and get a cup of tea.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06With its cottages and village greens,
0:49:06 > 0:49:09there's something of an old England feel about Sussex.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11And carving its way through the landscape here
0:49:11 > 0:49:13is another reminder of a bygone era.
0:49:13 > 0:49:16The Bluebell Line is the UK's first preserved
0:49:16 > 0:49:19standard-gauge heritage steam railway,
0:49:19 > 0:49:23which reopened part of the old Lewis to East Grinstead track in 1960.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28Since then, it's developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex,
0:49:28 > 0:49:31mainly run by a dedicated team of volunteers.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34And I'm hopping on to meet one of the longest serving, Mick Blackburn.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36- Hi, Mick.- Hi, Sonali.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39- Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42So, Mick, tell us how the Bluebell Railway came about.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46It was opened in 1882 by the London to Brighton South Coast Rail.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48But it closed in 1958.
0:49:48 > 0:49:52And a group of students, four students, thought,
0:49:52 > 0:49:53"We don't want this to close."
0:49:53 > 0:49:56So in 1959, they formed the Bluebell Rail Preservation Society.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59And the line reopened again in August 1960.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03So, really, it's here because of a group of train enthusiasts.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05It was four students, train enthusiasts,
0:50:05 > 0:50:07who really didn't want to see it close.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09And when did you start volunteering?
0:50:09 > 0:50:12I came here in 1960, when I was a schoolboy.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15I couldn't afford the five shillings to join. I was here on opening day.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18I helped on the station, I helped in the car park.
0:50:18 > 0:50:23In March 1961, I managed to find five shillings and I joined the railway.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26- It was myself and four friends from school.- Wow.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29And myself and one of the friends are still here.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32And you've been coming every week since?
0:50:32 > 0:50:35- Well, not every week. When I can, yes.- When you can.- When I can, yeah.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37It's quite a sweet name, the Bluebell.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40Why is it called the Bluebell Railway?
0:50:40 > 0:50:43The press really dubbed it the Bluebell Railway before it closed,
0:50:43 > 0:50:46because there used to be lots of bluebells and still is along the lineside.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50And they used to say the trains ran so slow that you could get out and pick them
0:50:50 > 0:50:52and get back in again which, of course, wasn't true.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54And that's how the Bluebell Railway got its name.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56Mick has worked his way up the food chain
0:50:56 > 0:50:59to driving trains on the Bluebell Line.
0:50:59 > 0:51:01The society has seven working steam engines
0:51:01 > 0:51:05and runs a daily service from March through to October.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08But old engines need some TLC to keep them going.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11And that's where the maintenance team, based at Sheffield Park, step in.
0:51:11 > 0:51:14I'm meeting engineer Andy Sabin,
0:51:14 > 0:51:17who's currently warming up a restored 323 engine,
0:51:17 > 0:51:19which was built in 1910.
0:51:19 > 0:51:20So what are we going to do here?
0:51:20 > 0:51:23- What we're going to do, we're going to give her a warming-up fire.- OK.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25This is because the engine's out tomorrow
0:51:25 > 0:51:28and we need to be kind to the boiler.
0:51:28 > 0:51:29So we're going to put some warmth in it
0:51:29 > 0:51:31and it won't stress the boiler so much.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34- It's boiler maintenance, basically. - Boiler maintenance. It's good care.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37So the first thing, the most important thing we need to do
0:51:37 > 0:51:40- is just make sure that we've got water in the boiler.- OK.
0:51:40 > 0:51:44- So what we're going to do now, is if I give you this stick...- OK.- Right?
0:51:44 > 0:51:47We need a rag and that's covered in paraffin.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50- You can probably smell that, can you?- Yeah, definitely.
0:51:50 > 0:51:51Lighter.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54- Essential tool.- Essential.- OK.
0:51:54 > 0:51:56What we're going to do is you light the rag
0:51:56 > 0:51:58and you throw it on the wood in there.
0:51:58 > 0:51:59- Can you see the wood?- Yeah.- Right.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02There you go.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05That's it. You see the fire in there burning?
0:52:05 > 0:52:07- We will add coal to it now.- OK.
0:52:07 > 0:52:09When we add coal to it, the coal will burn through
0:52:09 > 0:52:11and it will take a few hours
0:52:11 > 0:52:13and then overnight it will just sit there by itself,
0:52:13 > 0:52:15it won't create any steam
0:52:15 > 0:52:17and that'll be it, ready for them in the morning.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19But engines are only half the story.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22Old rolling stock also needs to be maintained
0:52:22 > 0:52:25but, more importantly, protected from the elements.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28The society is hoping to raise money to put the most at-risk carriages
0:52:28 > 0:52:32under shelter at their depot in Horsted Keynes.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36- Where did you get all your carriages from?- Well, various places.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39British Railways. People's seaside bungalows, all that sort of thing.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43People used to buy them, put a roof over them and live in them, yes.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Oh, wow. You've got so many here, though. How many have you got?
0:52:45 > 0:52:48I haven't counted for a long time. Probably 50 or 60.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50Something like that. All awaiting restoration.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52- That's a lot of restoration. - That's a lot of restoration.
0:52:52 > 0:52:53A lot of work, yeah.
0:52:53 > 0:52:55At the moment, we have an appeal out
0:52:55 > 0:52:58to try and get some of these carriages, at least 20 of them, under cover.
0:52:58 > 0:53:00Because you don't want to do them up and then...
0:53:00 > 0:53:03The problem we've got, we spend lots of time, money, energy
0:53:03 > 0:53:05doing them all up and then stand them back in the open again.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08They start to deteriorate straightaway.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11- Best of luck with the campaign. - Thank you very much. - I hope you get the money you need.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15- Thank you for showing me around today.- That's quite all right. - It's been brilliant.- Jolly good.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18The Bluebell Railway And Preservation Society
0:53:18 > 0:53:22has been operating this heritage line for over 50 years.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25And with the passion and dedication of volunteers like Mick,
0:53:25 > 0:53:28thankfully, it seems there's little sign of it running out of steam.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34Ben and Kim were in total agreement about the Mystery House.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37But that hasn't necessarily been the case with all the properties.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39On their budget,
0:53:39 > 0:53:42it is unrealistic to get everything on their wish list.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45So which one of them is willing to make the compromise?
0:53:50 > 0:53:54So, Kim and Ben, what are you both going to do next?
0:53:54 > 0:53:58I'd like to go and have a second look at the chalet house.
0:53:58 > 0:54:00Have a look around the neighbourhood,
0:54:00 > 0:54:03see what it's like, how close the neighbours really are.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07Get a feel for it there. Because I really loved that house.
0:54:07 > 0:54:08What about you, Ben?
0:54:08 > 0:54:12I would like to go and have a second look at the wooden house, ranch.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14Because I really liked that.
0:54:14 > 0:54:16What are we going to do, really?
0:54:16 > 0:54:18Because you both like different houses.
0:54:18 > 0:54:22Kim, if you want to go back and look at the chalet,
0:54:22 > 0:54:25Ben, would you be willing to compromise on the neighbour issue?
0:54:25 > 0:54:27I know that's the reason you came into this process,
0:54:27 > 0:54:31but it is Kim's dream home.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33I can see that Kim just loved that house.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36And, you know, don't get me wrong, I loved that house as well.
0:54:36 > 0:54:40And, yeah, maybe the neighbours are not going to be a problem.
0:54:40 > 0:54:44But we started back in April house-hunting
0:54:44 > 0:54:48and the number one priority was we would not have any neighbours.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51So, I could compromise.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54And I wouldn't mind making that compromise,
0:54:54 > 0:54:58but I just feel as though it's not what we really both want.
0:54:58 > 0:55:02I mean, it sounded like a no, the answer to my question,
0:55:02 > 0:55:05would you be wanting to make a compromise? It did sound like a no.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Yes, I was like a politician, wasn't I? The answer is a no.
0:55:08 > 0:55:11- Is it really a no? - It is really a no.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13So therefore there's no point Kim
0:55:13 > 0:55:16going back for a second viewing, is there?
0:55:16 > 0:55:17Oh, I suppose not, really, no.
0:55:17 > 0:55:19How do you feel about that, Kim?
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Disappointed.
0:55:21 > 0:55:22Really?
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Yes.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28But then I can't really see me living in the ranch house.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30The things that you didn't like about the house,
0:55:30 > 0:55:33- I really feel you could change. - I could fix.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37Unless you both really think that, over time,
0:55:37 > 0:55:39you can find something that is perfect inside for you
0:55:39 > 0:55:43and perfect outside for you, in your budget.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45I mean, that's the crucial factor.
0:55:45 > 0:55:50Yes, I actually do think that, you know, if we keep looking,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53we will find something that we both really like.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56I think that is the crux of the matter,
0:55:56 > 0:55:57we've both got to really love it.
0:55:57 > 0:55:58So are you both OK
0:55:58 > 0:56:02about not going to see your favourite houses, really, again?
0:56:02 > 0:56:08Yeah. I think Kim has made a bigger sacrifice than I have, actually.
0:56:08 > 0:56:14Because I think she loved that house more than I loved the wooden house.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16So at least you know exactly what you're looking for.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18I feel I know exactly what you're looking for.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21It's the chalet house on the land of the ranch house, isn't it?
0:56:21 > 0:56:23You've got it, yes.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- So you just need to go out and find that now.- Yes. Yes.
0:56:26 > 0:56:31Well, thank you for taking me along on your search. It's been fun.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Well, thank you for guiding us. It has been wonderful, it really has.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35Really enjoyed it.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38- Good luck and let us know how you get on.- Thank you.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41- You must call me. - We will, definitely. Thank you.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47Well, it turns out neither Ben nor Kim were willing to compromise
0:56:47 > 0:56:51in order to secure one of the two houses so right for each of them.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53So their search continues.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56They believe the perfect property for the both of them
0:56:56 > 0:56:58is out there and within budget.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01Let's hope they're right, because it would be lovely to see them both
0:57:01 > 0:57:05starting their new life in the country sooner rather than later.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07See you next time.
0:57:07 > 0:57:09If you'd like to escape to the country
0:57:09 > 0:57:12in either England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland
0:57:12 > 0:57:19and would like our help, then please apply online at...