0:00:02 > 0:00:05This windmill behind me first started producing flour over 180 years ago
0:00:05 > 0:00:09and, today, also helps make rather a good pint.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Find out how and exactly where I am in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Today's house hunters are ready to move to pastures new
0:00:34 > 0:00:37in the countryside, closer to family.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Our properties offer rooms with views that leave them startled.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Ooh, wow.- Oh, that's amazing. - That is really surprising.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Did not expect this.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And we've also found spaces that leave them dumbfounded.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Oh, that's absolutely fabulous.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Gosh.- I'm speechless.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Today, I'm in Lincolnshire and behind me is Heckington Windmill,
0:01:00 > 0:01:05the last remaining eight-sailed working windmill in the country.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10Originally constructed in 1830, the tower has recently been refurbished
0:01:10 > 0:01:14and now not only mills wheat, but also barley for an on-site brewery.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Later on in the show,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20I'll be finding out more about this rather unique enterprise.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25Lying on England's east coast, Lincolnshire covers a vast area
0:01:25 > 0:01:27of over 2,000 square miles.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31The county shares borders with Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire,
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Nottinghamshire and England's smallest county, Rutland.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38In north-east Lincolnshire lie the Wolds,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42a landscape of rolling hills, valleys and chalk streams.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46The Wolds feature some of the most attractive countryside in the east
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and have been protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:01:50 > 0:01:52for over 40 years.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56Further south, marshy fenland was drained several centuries ago
0:01:56 > 0:01:59to reveal low-lying, nutrient-rich agricultural land,
0:01:59 > 0:02:04which generates more fresh produce than anywhere else in the country.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06At the heart of the region is the city of Lincoln,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11whose magnificent cathedral rises up out of the historic city centre.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14With roots in the 11th century, it was once the tallest building in
0:02:14 > 0:02:16all of Europe.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18When it comes to setting up home,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22the town of Stamford is one of the most desirable centres in the county.
0:02:22 > 0:02:24Here, the architecturally rich streets are lined
0:02:24 > 0:02:26with stunning Georgian facades
0:02:26 > 0:02:31and over 600 listed buildings made from local mellow limestone.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Lincolnshire also happens to be one of the most sparsely populated
0:02:34 > 0:02:38counties in England and so makes for an attractive option
0:02:38 > 0:02:41for those seeking a truly rural escape.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46As it stands, the average price of a detached house here in Lincolnshire
0:02:46 > 0:02:51currently comes in at £176,000, which is around £100,000 below
0:02:51 > 0:02:55the national figure, which represents a pretty good proposition
0:02:55 > 0:02:59for those seeking their very own escape to the country.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Now, the beautiful city of Lincoln itself and some of the villages
0:03:02 > 0:03:04to the north are slightly more expensive,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07but heading east towards Boston...
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Well, areas like that haven't seen price rises for quite some time,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13so these represent even more value for money.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16Time to catch up with today's buyers, then, and find out why
0:03:16 > 0:03:20they're looking in this beautiful and reasonably priced part of the world.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Peter and Melanie met whilst working as teachers in the same school
0:03:24 > 0:03:28and have now been married for 25 years.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30She's a very strong lady.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Good sense of humour. Very loyal and very, very popular.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Peter...
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Very good with words,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41irritating cos he always corrects me, but he's brilliant.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Based in Locks Heath, between Southampton and Portsmouth,
0:03:45 > 0:03:48they live with their two dogs and two cats.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Peter and Melanie have three children between them
0:03:50 > 0:03:52from previous relationships,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55all of whom have moved away with their own families.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Now, our buyers feel it's their turn to try somewhere new.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59'We've been here 23 years.'
0:03:59 > 0:04:04When we first moved here, it was strawberry fields,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07but recently all the housing development around us is new,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11so gradually, from open fields and areas to walk the dogs,
0:04:11 > 0:04:13we're now surrounded by houses.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Peter is retired, but dedicated head of science Melanie
0:04:17 > 0:04:19is finding it harder to cut ties as she approaches
0:04:19 > 0:04:22the end of her working career.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I don't want to retire but I've got to. They've appointed my successor.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I've got to move on and there is no way
0:04:28 > 0:04:30I'd still be wanting to live in this house
0:04:30 > 0:04:33knowing that my work was just down the road,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35so I'd really like to move.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37And the ideal base for them would be
0:04:37 > 0:04:39somewhere within easy reach of their narrow boat,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41docked in the East Midlands,
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and their five grandchildren who live in London and Yorkshire.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46We'd love to be closer to family
0:04:46 > 0:04:49and it seems that Lincolnshire will offer exactly that,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52and Lincoln, as a city, I thought, was beautiful.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55So equidistant between children and grandchildren
0:04:55 > 0:04:56and boat would be ideal.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59And we actually managed to take the canal boat through Lincoln
0:04:59 > 0:05:02last summer and it was absolutely beautiful,
0:05:02 > 0:05:05so Lincolnshire is where we'd like to head.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Narrow-boat enthusiasts for over 30 years,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Peter and Melanie plan to enjoy their new-found free time
0:05:11 > 0:05:15by spending the summer months of the year exploring Britain's waterways.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18The lovely thing about narrow boating is you can get out
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and you're just away from everywhere.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24The boat is usually in the middle of nowhere and you can just walk.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27You can enjoy the space.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29You meet a whole variety of people.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32You can go to places you never dream of. It's lovely.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35And on dry land, during the winter months,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Melanie's passion for education means she is considering
0:05:38 > 0:05:40starting back at school.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41I love teaching.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46I think helping in a school would give me
0:05:46 > 0:05:49a way into becoming part of the community.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52It's just been part of my life for so long, I'm not quite ready
0:05:52 > 0:05:55to give it up yet.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59As for Peter, he's looking forward to spending as much time as he can
0:05:59 > 0:06:02tending his garden, and they're both relishing the thought
0:06:02 > 0:06:05of entering this next phase of their lives together.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08We're going to have more time to do the things we like doing
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and do new things as well.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12Yeah, he can go to museums
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- and I'll go riding or something... - And I promise not to join a choir.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18..cos I hate museums, and he can't sing.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20At all.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Peter and Melanie are excited to learn about
0:06:24 > 0:06:26what the Lincolnshire countryside can offer them,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29so they're flexible about where in the county they'd like to settle,
0:06:29 > 0:06:32as long as they're within an hour-and-a-half's drive
0:06:32 > 0:06:35of their narrow boat, which is moored in Derbyshire.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I'm meeting up with them to get a better idea of what might
0:06:38 > 0:06:42float their boat when it comes to finding their perfect property.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Well, good morning, Mel and Peter. - Hello.- Good morning.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- Welcome to Lincolnshire. - Gorgeous day. Beautiful weather.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52You're looking down the barrel of retirement, aren't you?
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I am, yes, I have one term left at school.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59HE WHISTLES So, is that the reason why you're looking to relocate now, then?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Yes, because I don't want to be living just down the road from work,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04thinking, "I'd like to be at work."
0:07:04 > 0:07:08So, we're going to move house so I can't possibly be at work any more.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Well, you want to be living, not down the road from work,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- but down the road from the boat. - Yup.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- And closer to family.- Yeah. Where are the family again?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- Just south of Doncaster. North London.- Yeah.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20But this part of the world - we don't know at all,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22so it'll be lovely to do something totally new.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25You could have picked anywhere. Come on, why have you chosen Lincolnshire?
0:07:25 > 0:07:29I used to live at Waddington, so I've got a grounding here.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32I used to live on the RAF station at Waddington.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We wanted a county that was different to all the other counties
0:07:35 > 0:07:37that we'd been to.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Now, the boat's the all-important thing, isn't it?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42How much time do you plan on spending on this boat in your retirement?
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Well, perhaps five months a year, something like that.- Oh, right.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Not all in one block. There's something lovely about going to the boat
0:07:48 > 0:07:52and there's something lovely about coming home. You have the best of both worlds
0:07:52 > 0:07:53and we're fortunate that we can do both.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I take it, then, you want the commute time to be as small as possible?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59At the moment, it's about three hours to drive up.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02If we could cut that to an hour, an hour and a half, it would be ideal.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05OK, well, let's talk about the house.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07What do you need from this house, then, Mel?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10It's got to have three bedrooms.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14I'd like a kitchen which has got a dining area in it.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16It doesn't have to be...
0:08:16 > 0:08:19We could have a formal dining room as well. I'm not worried about that.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22It can be a bungalow, it can be a standard house.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24It has to have a garden, though.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- Who's the big gardener out of both of you?- Oh, him.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29It doesn't have to be big. It just has to have a feeling of space.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32We're looking in a part of the world where you get a lot for your money.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35That must be one of the main drivers why you're looking here.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38Yes. I suppose you could say we are downsizing
0:08:38 > 0:08:40to something the same size, but it's cheaper.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43Well, that makes perfect sense, Mel.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- And we're also homeless cos we've sold our house.- Yes.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50You know what, though? That actually is music to my ears
0:08:50 > 0:08:52because it means that you're committed now.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56You're committed to this move. So, let's talk about budgets.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58How much have you got to spend, then?
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Well, 350 but perhaps 400 if it's something absolutely beautiful.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- Have you got a favourite style? - We don't mind...
0:09:05 > 0:09:09When you walk into the house, we'll know whether we like it or not.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- Great. All right, well, it's a beautiful day.- It's gorgeous.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Let's get started. Come with me.- Thank you.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19With a maximum budget of £400,000,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22Peter and Mel have a fairly concise brief.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26They want a three-bed property with a country-style kitchen/diner
0:09:26 > 0:09:28and a sizeable garden,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32all in a location within reasonable reach of their narrow boat.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35We've come up with a fine selection of Lincolnshire properties
0:09:35 > 0:09:37with which to tempt our buyers,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39but we'll be keeping the price tag under wraps
0:09:39 > 0:09:41until the end of each house tour.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Our last destination is the Mystery House,
0:09:44 > 0:09:47where classic style meets 21st-century technology
0:09:47 > 0:09:51and could literally bring the retirement dream to the front door.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Living in this Lincolnshire countryside, how well do you know it?
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Not very well at all. When I was a child, we lived at Waddington
0:10:02 > 0:10:05with the Vulcan bombers, but haven't really had any experience
0:10:05 > 0:10:11- outside the RAF station. - I know you've discovered a lot of
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Britain by the waterways, but this is your chance to discover
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- a whole a new area...almost above ground, isn't it?- Yes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21A couple of summers ago, we went in to Lincoln on the boat
0:10:21 > 0:10:25and moored in Lincoln and walked up to the cathedral
0:10:25 > 0:10:29and had a superb cake halfway up the hill, because we were all so tired.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31So basically, what you're telling me is - you've chosen to move
0:10:31 > 0:10:34to Lincolnshire cos you had some nice cake here once.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- HE LAUGHS - Yes!
0:10:36 > 0:10:39I think that's one of the best reasons I've ever heard!
0:10:40 > 0:10:43We're starting our property search in the sought-after village
0:10:43 > 0:10:45of Ropsley, an hour and 15 minutes' drive
0:10:45 > 0:10:48from our buyers' boat in Willington.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51In the quiet village centre are a host of period cottages
0:10:51 > 0:10:53alongside a post office and a pub.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56There's also a primary school, which could present rewarding
0:10:56 > 0:10:59opportunities for Mel as a volunteer.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01And there are a number of footpaths in the area,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04which should make for some enjoyable dog walking.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Located on the edge of the village is our first offering.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13So, option number one is this.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- It looks good.- It does, doesn't it?
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- Yeah, it looks very good.- It looks super.- It looks a good size.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Interesting bits of architecture as well.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24It has a sort of Mediterranean feel, this end piece.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28The original part of the property, that side, the front,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- was two-up, two-down, 16th-century. - Oh, that's why the...
0:11:31 > 0:11:34- That's why that angle. - Yes, correct.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36You can turn round on the front drive.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Actually, you've got an in-and-out drive - even better.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Now we're living!- Yeah, we don't like having to reverse onto a road.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Her reversing is not good. - You can say that - I can't.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- So, first impressions, these are good, right?- Yeah.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Well, let's go inside, shall we? - Yes.- Lovely. After you.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53'Dating all the way back to 1590,'
0:11:53 > 0:11:57this attractive stone property has accommodation over three floors.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00It has been hugely extended over the years,
0:12:00 > 0:12:05building on the original character to create a unique country home.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08So, let's start with this split-level living room. What do you think?
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- Brilliant.- Oh, it's lovely. - Interesting, yeah.- Not too big,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15but gives that lovely feeling of space,
0:12:15 > 0:12:16and it's beautifully light!
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Well, being such an old property, an old two-up, two-down,
0:12:19 > 0:12:21you'd never have this sort of space.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24This apparently is a conversion of an old barn
0:12:24 > 0:12:27and, with a conservatory beyond, it really brings that outside in.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30It stretches it beautifully. That's very nice.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31And you've got a wood burner as well.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Yeah.- And a big hearth.- Lovely. I like the fireplace.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38This is brilliant and I like this room. I'd like to see
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- how it progresses from there. - It's got a really good feel.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- Good.- Good feel. I like the textures.
0:12:43 > 0:12:48Well, this exposed stonework, this timberwork, it works, doesn't it?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50You don't have to decorate, that's why.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51HE SNIGGERS
0:12:51 > 0:12:53But you will have to dust the beams.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Job allocation, I like it. - Absolutely. Sorted.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Well, let's go to the kitchen and see what you think of that. Follow me.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02'Heading into the oldest part of the house, I'm hoping Mel and Peter
0:13:02 > 0:13:06'will continue to be impressed by what the kitchen offers.'
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Oh, that is fascinating.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10Kind of galley-style, just walking straight through.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Yeah, but it's not really too constricted, is it?- No.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15There's enough space to feel right.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Through there you've got a door going into a really handy utility -
0:13:19 > 0:13:21- downstairs loo.- Right.- OK.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24Now, there's two rooms the other side of this wall -
0:13:24 > 0:13:26a dining room straight off it
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- and then you've got another snug that side, as well.- Wow.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- We could walk around all day and miss each other.- We could.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- Sounds ideal. - Perfect retirement.- Yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Your choices are these - you could refurb this kitchen as is,
0:13:37 > 0:13:39maybe incorporate some of that rear space,
0:13:39 > 0:13:43OR use an entirely different room for the kitchen.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Oh, that sounds intriguing.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- Let's keep looking. - Yes, let's have a look.
0:13:50 > 0:13:55- Now, see this room...- Oh, this is a fabulous room.- Ooh. Wow.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- Oh, that's amazing.- That is really surprising. I did not expect that.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01And this is where you thought the kitchen could come?
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Yeah. Well, look, this wall here...
0:14:03 > 0:14:05HE KNOCKS ON THE WALL ..it's only stud partition,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08so you could bring this room right back to that stone wall.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10That has got huge potential, hasn't it?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13And if you're going to redo the kitchen,
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- you might just as well...- You are cleverer than you look, you know.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18That's the first time that's ever been said!
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Look, I know you said you didn't want a project,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23this house works absolutely fine, there's nothing to do
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- that needs doing...- No.- But as and when, as years go by...
0:14:26 > 0:14:28It would make an absolutely brilliant kitchen.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- That's got a lot of possibilities. - I like it.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33This feel definitely continues.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Let's hope so. Even more upstairs. Come with me.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36Oh, that would be lovely.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39With some expert input,
0:14:39 > 0:14:43this could make an incredible kitchen with impressive rural views.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45Next, we're off to explore upstairs.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48There are five bedrooms here and a family bathroom.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Up on the second floor, in the eaves, is a large double bedroom
0:14:53 > 0:14:56and the other bedrooms are all on the first floor,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00including two cosy but well-presented doubles,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03as well as a small single.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06But we're stopping off at the rather generous master suite.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08So, en-suite,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- dressing room. - Oh, I've got a dressing room.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- I've got somewhere to put all my clothes.- Yeah. Now...
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- Good size, isn't it?- Yep. It's a very, very good size.- Dual aspect.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- The view is lovely.- This is something I've never seen before.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Some of the things in this house are completely different
0:15:23 > 0:15:26and it would be absolutely fascinating to just
0:15:26 > 0:15:28walk around later on and get a feel for where the other rooms are.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31The meld between the new and the old is interesting
0:15:31 > 0:15:33and that's been done quite well, I think.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36This modern extension, two-storey modern extension,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39it completely changes the whole house.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Let's go outside and talk about price.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- That will be difficult. - It will indeed.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48The garden here, of just under half an acre, is mostly lawned
0:15:48 > 0:15:52and blessed with stunning, uninterrupted views over open fields.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- So, cracking outlook.- Certainly.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Now, the house, you can see now, it looks a lot bigger from this side
0:16:00 > 0:16:01than the front, doesn't it?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- It's very big.- It is.- Lots of rooms.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08Well, OK, all this must come at a cost. Let's guess the price.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- You can go first.- Thank you.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17Well, I would guess they would be asking a little shy of 400,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19knowing what our budget is.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20- 395?- All right.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23375.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Well, as it stands, this property is on the market
0:16:26 > 0:16:29for offers around £435,000.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Having spoken to the owner, they said they would be prepared to negotiate
0:16:32 > 0:16:35down towards the top end of your budget.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Well, that's something to think about.- Intriguing, that.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41- It's a first option. It's a big one. - Yes.- It is.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44I think your job is to discuss amongst yourselves
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- whether it's too big and then we can go from there.- Yep.- Yes.- All right?
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- OK.- Yep.- Catch you in a mo. - OK.- Thank you.- See you later.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55Over budget by £35,000 but open to offers,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58this spacious, detached, period property with five bedrooms
0:16:58 > 0:17:01benefits from gorgeous country views
0:17:01 > 0:17:04in an enviable edge-of-village location.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- Gosh, it's another room.- Wow.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- It's enormous.- It's a long room.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12This is an interesting feature, isn't it?
0:17:12 > 0:17:15This raised plinth all the way along.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17It would be great if you had a railway, a model railway.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- It would.- Ideal.- Great place for grandchildren, though.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23When we first saw the property, I thought it looked really good.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I loved the stonework of the house
0:17:25 > 0:17:27and it looked very neat, tidy and together.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31When we came in, this room, particularly,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33I felt very comfortable with.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37I love the conservatory added on. It gave you a nice, cosy sitting area,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39yet a feeling of space.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42When we came to the newer part of the property,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45it didn't have the comfortable feel and that...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49To me, it didn't match with the rest of the house.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51I think it's the proportions that are nice.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55But having said that, we have to look very carefully at downsizing
0:17:55 > 0:17:56to somewhere not too big.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00There's an awful lot of space and I'm not sure what we'd use
0:18:00 > 0:18:01all the space for.
0:18:03 > 0:18:04- That was good.- Yeah.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- So, you didn't get lost inside? - No, we found all...
0:18:06 > 0:18:09- Well, we think we found all the rooms.- Well, hopefully.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- There are lots.- There are lots.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Maybe too many, but that's something to discuss maybe later on.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17- Shall we keep going?- Lovely.- Yeah. - Let's go.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26When they make their move, our buyers, particularly Peter,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28can't wait to get to grips with the Lincolnshire soil
0:18:28 > 0:18:31to landscape their new garden.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33With this in mind, we've arranged for them to visit
0:18:33 > 0:18:38Easton Walled Gardens, known as the "lost gardens" of Lincolnshire.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41Formerly the site of Easton Manor,
0:18:41 > 0:18:45the estate has belonged to the Cholmeley family since 1592.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47The manor house itself has not survived,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50but after 50 years of neglect,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Lady Ursula Cholmeley has worked to restore the natural beauty
0:18:53 > 0:18:57of the site and opened the gardens to the public.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- Hello.- Hello and welcome to Easton Wall Gardens.- Thank you.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- It is absolutely gorgeous. - Yeah, it is quite a vista, isn't it?
0:19:04 > 0:19:05It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08The house must have been able to look out onto that.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11The gardens were really important to the house
0:19:11 > 0:19:14and they had this fantastic 270-degree view,
0:19:14 > 0:19:16and it was one of the reasons I decided to restore them.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19A lot of the design that was here, we've replaced
0:19:19 > 0:19:22because we have photographs from about 100 years ago.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24The last two years have been really exciting
0:19:24 > 0:19:27cos instead of me saying to people, "Well, here's a field
0:19:27 > 0:19:30"and this is what it's going to look like", I now am able to say,
0:19:30 > 0:19:33"This is what we've done and what we've achieved." So that's been really exciting.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36That must have been a major decision, though, wasn't it?
0:19:36 > 0:19:37It was a really stupid decision!
0:19:37 > 0:19:40I'd have said brave, but you said stupid!
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Lady Cholmeley and her team have restored ten of the 12 acres
0:19:43 > 0:19:48of garden here, which is now divided into two distinct sections.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Within the remaining Tudor walls,
0:19:50 > 0:19:54the main garden echoes the one previously planted here.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Modern additions include a yew tunnel,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00created from 200-year-old yew trees, and a traditional white garden.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03The second section was planted to inspire visitors.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07It has a vegetable plot, a pickery and a cottage garden.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10So, this is where the house was and you can see over there,
0:20:10 > 0:20:12that's where the conservatory was.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- A fantastic view looking out over the gardens.- It must have been beautiful.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18When we came here, one of the challenges was that
0:20:18 > 0:20:21we're in a very cold site, and the soil's very poor,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24but it's very free-draining. One thing that grows very well here
0:20:24 > 0:20:28are bulbs. So, our spring bulbs are something that we plant thousands of every year.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Trying to encourage ecological diversity
0:20:31 > 0:20:35is something that I'm really keen on, so we do have a lot of meadows
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and obviously a lot of bulbs have single flowers,
0:20:37 > 0:20:39which are excellent for insects.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42So, the planting is thought about carefully in terms of the ecology?
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- Very much so.- That must be an interesting part of your job.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46Yeah, really interesting.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49When we first came here, we were in a period of destruction
0:20:49 > 0:20:51so we had heavy machinery, bonfires,
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and we really wanted to do some actual horticulture
0:20:54 > 0:20:57as soon as possible, so we started growing sweet peas
0:20:57 > 0:21:01and we got a bit obsessed with them, and we now grow 100 varieties.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Sweet peas were introduced to the UK from Sicily
0:21:05 > 0:21:06at the end of the 17th century.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11However, it was some 200 years later in the 1900s
0:21:11 > 0:21:13when many of the varieties we find today
0:21:13 > 0:21:17were cultivated by botanist Henry Eckford.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20He experimented with the native Sicilian species
0:21:20 > 0:21:24to create a broader range of colours and sizes.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Lady Ursula is taking Mel and Peter to the pickery,
0:21:27 > 0:21:29where they can get a bit more hands-on
0:21:29 > 0:21:31and plant some of their own.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34The first thing to do is fill the pot with the compost.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- You can do the heavy bit. Don't drop it on the flowers.- You can guide it.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39You want me to get muddy?
0:21:39 > 0:21:41So, sweet peas need a good deep base
0:21:41 > 0:21:45and we're going to add some slow-release fertiliser,
0:21:45 > 0:21:46something that's high in potash.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- They're high-feeders, then, are they?- Yes, they are.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51We're just going to sprinkle a bit of that in there.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Now, the important thing about training sweet peas
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- is, you know, they have tendrils on them?- Yes.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57So this has got nice, rough texture.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- What is it?- It's a dogwood.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02The most important thing is to have lots going on on the top
0:22:02 > 0:22:05because a sweet pea is narrowest at its base
0:22:05 > 0:22:06and it gets wider as it goes up.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Now, the key to good sweet peas are good roots,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12so we're going to tap this out...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- ..and there you can see. - Beautiful root structure.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19These are heritage variety, so they don't grow as tall,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21so we thought that it'd be nice for you to have this
0:22:21 > 0:22:25because then they might be a better size on the canal boat.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- That's a lovely thought!- They'll get to about four to five feet tall.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Thank you. We've had a lovely time, we've learned a great deal.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33That was very kind of you.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36And I've got sweet peas at last cos you never grow sweet peas!
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- Heritage sweet peas.- They will look beautiful on the front of the boat.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Peter and Mel may have been impressed by the landscaped grounds
0:22:45 > 0:22:49here at Easton, but might have to scale back THEIR grand garden plans
0:22:49 > 0:22:51when it comes to our next property.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55And to get there, we're travelling south
0:22:55 > 0:22:57and out of the county to Tickencote in Rutland,
0:22:57 > 0:23:01which is an hour and a half drive from their narrow boat.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04With its attractive traditional stone houses,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Tickencote is in a quiet conservation area
0:23:07 > 0:23:11and the River Gwash meanders around the outskirts of the village.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13On its doorstep is Rutland Round,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16a circular walk which has long attracted ramblers
0:23:16 > 0:23:20and is bound to be a hit with Mel and Peter.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24Located in the heart of the village is our next property.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28OK, option number two - a very different option.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32- As you can see, we're semidetached. - I've got no objection to that.- Good.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34This place, we're thinking, is your lock-up-and-leave
0:23:34 > 0:23:37for when you spend your five months on your boat.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39This garden, I think you could
0:23:39 > 0:23:41do something better with it for your needs.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44What you see is what you get - that is the compromise with this house.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48- Right. - Have you any idea where you are?- No.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Well, you are only five miles from Stamford
0:23:51 > 0:23:55and, if you haven't been, you should go. It is absolutely beautiful.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57And that's basically your local town,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59a lovely area for you to discover.
0:23:59 > 0:24:04This is a base more than a home where you spend 365 days of the year.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- All right.- Right?- We look forward to seeing it.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Well, come with me.- Thank you.
0:24:08 > 0:24:13This characterful period cottage was originally constructed in 1860.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Though it has a well-kept and modern interior,
0:24:16 > 0:24:18it retains many original features.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22However, I'm interested to see if our buyers are really ready
0:24:22 > 0:24:25to face the reality of downsizing.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- It's beautiful, though. - It's lovely. It is smaller.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- There's only two of us to sit down, dear.- That is true.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33This room is a very comfortable room.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I don't need an enormous living room. This is very comfortable.
0:24:36 > 0:24:37I love this.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40The owners think that this panelling came out of the Norman church
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- just over the road. It looks lovely, doesn't it?- It does look good.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- And it suits the room. - I love the fireplace.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51That natural stone just sets the room off beautifully.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Now, you said, in your own words, making sense from it,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57you were downsizing, in a way.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59This genuinely is downsizing
0:24:59 > 0:25:02and you both seem to have warmed to it straight away.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Yes. I could quite happily be sitting in this room.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08When do you think you'd spend most of your time in your...
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Winter.- Winter.- ..brick house? - Winter.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- This is going to be really cosy in the winter, isn't it?- I think so.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- I like this room. - All right, great reactions.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Let's keep looking round.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Let me just squeeze through the middle here.- Yes, of course.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25It's a lovely kitchen, though.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Am I benefiting from people that spend a lot of time on narrow boats?
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Cos it's not the biggest kitchen, but...
0:25:30 > 0:25:32- It's bigger than my one on the narrow boat.- Exactly!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34But it's been well done.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38So, could you see yourselves living, not full-time,
0:25:38 > 0:25:41but more of the time in a house with these proportions?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I personally could see myself in the house.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47It's the outside space that might be a compromise too far.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I get the feeling it's a little bit too tight.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54A reason why there's less outside space than you'd normally imagine
0:25:54 > 0:25:57with these cottages is because they've built an annexe out the back.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Oh, right.- A pretty much one-up, one-down annexe,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04which I thought for visiting children and grandchildren...
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- Is that part of this property? - Part of this place.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Oh, that might be different. - That makes a difference.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Oh, you thought that was a neighbour.- Yes.- No.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I'm going to let you loose on the annexe later on.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17The master, I think you'd still use the one upstairs here.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Let me show you that.- OK, thank you.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Outside to the rear of the property,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24the two-storey annexe has a small but comfy living room
0:26:24 > 0:26:26and sleeping quarters.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29'But we're heading back through the entrance hall to check out
0:26:29 > 0:26:32'the upstairs in the main house.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34'As well as a three-piece family bathroom,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36'there are three bedrooms on offer.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38'One is a small but bright, airy double,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41'another a single with handy built-in cupboards.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44'And that just leaves the largest bedroom.'
0:26:44 > 0:26:47So the master bedroom faces out over that beautiful church.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- Lovely, isn't it?- Lovely window, good size for a bedroom.
0:26:51 > 0:26:57- Much bigger than I expected from downstairs.- I like it.- It is good.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- You do, don't you?- Yeah. - Are you surprised you like it?
0:27:00 > 0:27:02No, because I'm quite happy to downsize.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I'm not sure he's got his head around downsizing yet.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06- Inside or out, Peter?- Both.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Both!
0:27:09 > 0:27:15- Was that a prompt?- No.- Surely not. No, this room isn't too small.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- He says, "I need more space." - The sitting room felt right.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22The kitchen is a touch small. Outside might make the difference.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Let's go back outside to the garden,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26cos I think that could be the sticking point,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- and we'll talk it through. - Yeah.- We'll see.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34The only patch of garden here is at the front of the house
0:27:34 > 0:27:37and features a tidy lawn with mature planted borders,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41which, on a day like today, makes for a beautiful sunny spot.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44However, given Peter's thoughts on the property so far,
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I'm a little unsure whether the outside space here
0:27:47 > 0:27:49will be enough for him.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Would you consider maybe turfing over that gravel
0:27:52 > 0:27:54and getting more garden?
0:27:54 > 0:27:57No, I don't think so. I think that works well as it is.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00We need somewhere for the car. I think I'd be happy with this.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02If we were downsizing, this would be it.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Mel, you seem to have warmed to this.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06I like the idea of a smaller property
0:28:06 > 0:28:10and this is very well-presented, it's very comfortable.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I like the amount of space. I don't need a great big garden.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16OK, well, let's talk about the price.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:28:18 > 0:28:21It's your turn first, I'm pleased to say.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25It's semidetached and it's an awful lot smaller.
0:28:25 > 0:28:31- I'd probably go for 310. - Right, then, Peter.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37I think I'd probably go slightly lower - 295.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- Right, OK, I was trying...- You're going to shock us now.- I am, yeah.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44This place is on the market for £350,000.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- You're five miles from Stamford. - Yeah, it is beautiful.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Well, look, go back into the house, but also go into that annexe,
0:28:50 > 0:28:54have a good look at it and then I'll meet you outside when you're ready.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57In fact, I'm going to be sat on that lovely bench, basking in the sun.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- Good sunbathing spot. - Enjoy, see you in a mo.- Thanks.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06£50,000 under the top
0:29:06 > 0:29:07of our buyers' budget,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09this three-bed semidetached cottage
0:29:09 > 0:29:12is beautifully presented throughout.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14With an annexe handy for visiting family,
0:29:14 > 0:29:16it's located in the centre
0:29:16 > 0:29:18of a desirable Rutland village.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22When we came in to the house, it immediately felt like a home.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25I love the way the rooms flow.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29Not many of them, but they actually work as you move around the house.
0:29:29 > 0:29:30It felt right.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Inside, the rooms generally were pretty good,
0:29:33 > 0:29:35much smaller, perhaps, than we're used to.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39But I think, probably, I've got to get used to downsizing.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43Well, this is a good space.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- Very comfy.- You can have your office out here, darling...
0:29:47 > 0:29:49- I don't need an office. - SHE CHUCKLES
0:29:49 > 0:29:53I just need somewhere to escape. I was amazed about the annexe.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56It gave a great deal more life to my feelings about the property.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58The garden is lovely.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Realistically, it's far too small for what I envisaged,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04but having to rethink it in terms of downsizing
0:30:04 > 0:30:08and looking at a smaller property, it's the sensible option.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13This house feels as though we could move into it and enjoy living here.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Winter, when it's cold, it's wet and it's raining,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18I can imagine just sort of lighting the fire
0:30:18 > 0:30:21and really settling down here.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- I was nodding off then.- Sunbathing. - You're nearly awake!
0:30:28 > 0:30:34- What do you think?- It's lovely. It's true downsizing.- Yes, it is.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36And I like it BECAUSE it's true downsizing.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40- Well, that's something for you both to argue over dinner about.- We will.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- Argue? Surely not!- Discuss, then. - Debate.- All right, let's go.- Good.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Peter and Melanie from Southampton have a budget of up to £400,000
0:30:58 > 0:31:00and they're longing to start a new life
0:31:00 > 0:31:04closer to their children, grandchildren and their narrow boat,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06by moving to the Lincolnshire countryside.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12- Coming up, we might have just struck lucky with our mystery property.- Oh!
0:31:12 > 0:31:15It gets better and better. What a kitchen!
0:31:15 > 0:31:18And I get to experience sailing - of a sort - as I take a step
0:31:18 > 0:31:22back in time to power up one of Lincolnshire's historic landmarks.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- You are on the throttle, you're driving it.- I'm driving a windmill!
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Well, we've got two quite different properties lined up for Mel and Peter today.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Looking forward, the Mystery House, well,
0:31:33 > 0:31:35short of showing them an actual boat,
0:31:35 > 0:31:38they couldn't get much closer to the water.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41But in order to get their hands on this Holy Grail, if you like,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45they'll have something nearby that often splits the camp.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Some people love them, some people loathe them.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51And we'll find out Peter and Mel's thoughts after we've seen
0:31:51 > 0:31:54my next offering, which out of all four houses
0:31:54 > 0:31:57has the best garden, in my opinion, so let's see what they think.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Our house hunt continues back in Lincolnshire,
0:32:02 > 0:32:03in the village of Coleby,
0:32:03 > 0:32:06which is about an hour and 25 minutes' drive
0:32:06 > 0:32:08from our buyers' boat in Derbyshire.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12A handful of homes here are clustered along quiet, country lanes.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Apart from the pretty church,
0:32:14 > 0:32:17there's also a pub and a primary school.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20The village has a small but thriving community
0:32:20 > 0:32:22and is surrounded by countryside.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Along with the potential to help out at the local school,
0:32:25 > 0:32:28there's also a choice of dog walking options.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Sitting at the edge of the village is our next property.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Right, how about this, then?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37That stone front looks lovely, really neat, very tidy.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41If you'd come here 100 years ago, you'd see a really, really tall
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- windmill at the back. - We've definitely escaped to the
0:32:44 > 0:32:45- country here.- You think?- Yes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49- Do you feel remote? - At the moment, yes.- Yes.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53- It depends what the house does... - OK.- ..cos that changes the feel.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- I think so. Let's get inside and have a look.- OK.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00This 18th-century former miller's cottage
0:33:00 > 0:33:03once stood at the base of a windmill, which was in operation
0:33:03 > 0:33:06until 1942, but it was demolished as it was in the flight path
0:33:06 > 0:33:09of aircraft returning to nearby RAF Waddington.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Righty-ho, then, so straight in to the kitchen.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Your reaction as to...shape and form?
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Yeah, nicely done. It's certainly a good size.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- Looks in lovely condition.- This kitchen is just over ten years old,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- which...- Gosh. - It's worn well, hasn't it?
0:33:27 > 0:33:29- Looks much better than that, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33I love the granite worktops going into the windowsill like that.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36I like the window, as well, nice and light, cos sometimes
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- in kitchens you have a small window...- Uh-hm.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- We'll end up in the living room... - Right.- ..but I want to show you
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- the dining room first, so come with me.- OK.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Just off the kitchen is an elegant, formal dining room,
0:33:47 > 0:33:51which could be great for entertaining visiting friends and family.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53So, you finish here in the living room.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- Oh, this is bigger than I expected. - Yes!
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Look where the fire is placed.- Yeah. - See, the wall would have been there
0:33:59 > 0:34:02and then you'd have a scullery at the back there going
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- into the back of the kitchen. - Which is why the fire's off-centre. - Correct.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09You haven't got a wood burner, you've got an open fire.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- It's a nice, comfortable room. - It is lovely.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- It is downsizing, with that space... - Yes.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Let's go upstairs and take a look at the bedrooms.- Lovely.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23all of a good size and decorated in neutral colours.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26There's also a large family bathroom and a separate WC,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29but I'm taking Mel and Peter to see the master.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Right, then, what do we think of this one?
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- Good bedroom, good size. - Yes, beautifully light.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38I was expecting small cottagey windows
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and that one's big enough to make it really light
0:34:41 > 0:34:44and, of course, decoration in these light colours makes
0:34:44 > 0:34:45- it look even better.- It does help.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48They've made a four-bedroom house into a three-bedder.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51You've got a decent-sized family bathroom.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54But then, looking around you, you've got the option of,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56"Where do we take this place? Do we make it modern?
0:34:56 > 0:34:59"Do we expose all these timbers and make it really traditional again?"
0:34:59 > 0:35:02I know it's got modern windows and it's got some modern touches,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04but I think it would spoil it to go totally modern.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- It's got character at the moment. - Buying furniture would be interesting.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- I could have a lovely time! - Sounds dreadful.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Sounds expensive. Well, let's start thinking about how much
0:35:14 > 0:35:17this place would cost. I want to show you some outbuildings
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- and gardens and we'll go from there. - Lovely.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Outside, the land extends to a third of an acre,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28which includes two large lawned areas, as well as
0:35:28 > 0:35:29a few outbuildings.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33I suspect that Peter might be in his element out here.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37Right... Now, Peter, you'll be pleased to hear...
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- you've got that patch there with beautiful views...- Yes.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- ..and that patch there.- Oh, right!
0:35:43 > 0:35:45That should keep him quiet!
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- Gives you a big space, doesn't it? - Oh, yeah.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50I'd love to know how we're going to keep the dogs in.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Dog-friendly wise...you'll need to put some fences up.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56You've got garages... An old cold store, garage and then...
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- See that UPVC door and windows? - Yeah.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01That was an office.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03- Oh, right.- So, I don't know...
0:36:03 > 0:36:05You might make it a hobby room or you could...
0:36:05 > 0:36:09You could do anything you want with it, it's all lined...
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- It's called a doghouse, isn't it? Whichever way you read it.- Or Peter's quarters!
0:36:13 > 0:36:16LAUGHTER There's no jobs, there's just ways of making it one's own.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19I think it's beautifully presented, well-decorated...
0:36:19 > 0:36:22It's a nice, square cottage, that hasn't been extended.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- And it hasn't been spoiled.- No... - It is what it is.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30And it's the better for that, I think.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32So, how much would you pay for this?
0:36:32 > 0:36:33- Who's going first?- Me.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36Um...365.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39That's very confident, all right.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- Peter, what do you think? - I think it's really difficult.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45I will go for...
0:36:45 > 0:36:47380,000.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51Oh, you just nicked it. This place is on the market
0:36:51 > 0:36:53for offers around £375,000.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- So...- Yeah, I like the house, I like the garden.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- It's got a lot going for it. - Definite consideration.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03I'd like to go and have a look at what else...
0:37:03 > 0:37:04Go and have a wander.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07All right, well, look, why don't you go and do just that?
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Go and have a look around the outbuildings, go back into
0:37:09 > 0:37:12the house, see if this place could be your new home
0:37:12 > 0:37:15- and I'll meet you whenever you're done.- Lovely.- Thanks a lot.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I feel like we're getting closer.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Outside space for Peter, comfortable house, not too big,
0:37:21 > 0:37:25for Mel. Yeah, it's gone down well, hasn't it?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38This property seems to have given
0:37:38 > 0:37:40both our couple food for thought
0:37:40 > 0:37:42when it comes to what they're after
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- from their future home. - Let's see what's in this one.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- Oh, a nice space.- Oh, it does look good.- I'm not sure
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I could use it as a gym, though. I think we'd have to find another...
0:37:51 > 0:37:52Do you not? How would we use it?
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- That's something to think about. - Yep.- It's a useful space, though.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59It is lovely, it's got a lovely feel to it, it's light, it's airy.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03Plenty of height in the rooms, upstairs as well as down.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06In some houses of this age, there is wasted space.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10This one has used every bit of the ground floor
0:38:10 > 0:38:14for something that you can actually see its use.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17When Jonnie took us into the kitchen, I was really surprised.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20It was beautifully fitted. It had a great feel to it.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24I could have imagined living in there, perhaps even working
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- in there and cooking in there. - The bedrooms are brilliant.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Nice square bedrooms.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31All double bedrooms, which is ideal.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34The ground itself and the size of the plot is probably
0:38:34 > 0:38:36just about right.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Not too large, not too small, lovely bit of land.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Possibly, the one downside with the property is that it is a little bit
0:38:42 > 0:38:46too remote. But again, that's something we'll have to go away and
0:38:46 > 0:38:50- think about.- I feel happy with the house and Peter feels happy with the land.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53So, this probably will be at the top of the list now.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59Now, for a couple that are looking to downsize,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02this seemed to be palatable for both of you.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Yes.- Absolutely.- Is it something to think about?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Definitely something to think about.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09- Good, onward and upward.- Good.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19So, the Mystery House...
0:39:19 > 0:39:21What do we think?
0:39:21 > 0:39:23What might it be?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- Could be modern.- Good or bad?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Bad, I think.- Depends on the style
0:39:27 > 0:39:31of modern. Brick modern would be bad.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Stone modern could be very interesting.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Sometimes, it's the location that can be quirky.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41In that case, it might be in the middle of a village.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Something by water?
0:39:43 > 0:39:45- What? You'd like that or...? - Erm...
0:39:45 > 0:39:49I'd like it, but we'd spend our entire time fishing the dog out
0:39:49 > 0:39:51because she likes it as well.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Our last stop is about 20 miles south to the village of Helpringham,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01which is an hour and 40 minutes' drive
0:40:01 > 0:40:03from Mel and Peter's narrow boat.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Lying on the edge of the Fens,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07St Andrew's Church is the focal point here,
0:40:07 > 0:40:09set back from the village green.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12There's also a pub, a primary school and a tea shop.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14The village lies in a conservation area
0:40:14 > 0:40:17and there are several Grade II listed local features,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21including a red brick road bridge built back in 1825.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Three miles outside of the village, in a very rural location,
0:40:25 > 0:40:27is our rather special Mystery House.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29It's surrounded by open countryside
0:40:29 > 0:40:33in sight of a wind farm as well as some water.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Now, then, before we get to the house, I want to show you this.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41My goodness! So, when does the QE2 come in?
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- Funny you should say that - this is navigable.- On a narrow boat?- Yep.
0:40:45 > 0:40:53- We've spoken to the river inspector. - You are joking!- No, I do not joke.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57That is a mooring point. This is open for six months a year.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00You go up there, turn right, get to Boston
0:41:00 > 0:41:02and it opens up the entire system to you.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05How lovely!
0:41:05 > 0:41:07Ah, now, that is incredible.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Can we wind here? - You can turn in and out.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- That's winding.- Is that what you mean?- Yeah.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15You can wind away down there, by the way!
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- Oh, how lovely!- Oh, my goodness.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21The whole gamble about this house is, first of all, it's remote.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26- We know it's remote.- Surely not(!) - But people love or loathe those.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- I personally love them.- Oh, I love them. I love them.- Do you?
0:41:30 > 0:41:31I've got nothing against them.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35So, I wanted you to see all that's here before we look at the house,
0:41:35 > 0:41:38- so let's go and have a look at it. - Oh, my word!
0:41:38 > 0:41:40'Judging by Mel and Peter's reactions,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42'they certainly weren't expecting that.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45'I'm hoping that the house is going to come up trumps too
0:41:45 > 0:41:48'and I have a sneaky suspicion that it might.'
0:41:48 > 0:41:51So, let's look at the house itself. She's a beauty.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- That's fabulous!- Beautiful! Oh, that looks gorgeous.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Very, very substantial. That is amazing!
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- Far bigger than I thought it was going to be.- It's not a small house.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- It's typically Georgian in its proportions.- Is it that old?
0:42:06 > 0:42:07It's early 1800s.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12- This hopefully combining your love of narrow boating...- The canals
0:42:12 > 0:42:14..and the water and the canal system.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Your desire for a good, good-sized garden...
0:42:17 > 0:42:21And a big enough property that you can downsize to but have lots of space in.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22I'd like to see inside.
0:42:22 > 0:42:27That's why we're here, so let's do just that. Come on, yeah.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30This 19th-century Georgian property features a style typical of its time
0:42:30 > 0:42:33and so has a striking symmetrical facade.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38It's an attractive property and, although it is rather remote,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41the generous layout on offer inside means our couple definitely
0:42:41 > 0:42:44won't have to deal with downsizing.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48So, let's start with one of the two reception rooms.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Oh, this is fabulous! Absolutely fabulous!
0:42:52 > 0:42:56- Gosh!- I'm speechless.
0:42:56 > 0:43:01- It is an incredible room.- Good-size wood burner. I know you love those.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04And then nice detailing either side of the chimney.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- The Georgian proportions you get, I've always loved.- Nice and square.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- Yes. - I can't wait to see the rest of it.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12You've got this reception room,
0:43:12 > 0:43:16another of equal size the other side of the official front door,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18but I think you're going to love the kitchen.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20Can't wait!
0:43:22 > 0:43:29- So, big enough?- Oh! - It gets better and better.
0:43:29 > 0:43:34What a kitchen! Beautiful proportions.
0:43:34 > 0:43:38- I'm going to be rendered speechless. - It's a lovely kitchen, isn't it?
0:43:38 > 0:43:40You've got a dining area there
0:43:40 > 0:43:43and then you've got almost the same size again...utility
0:43:43 > 0:43:45- the other side of that entrance hall.- Really?
0:43:45 > 0:43:49Yeah, it's massive. Imagine the wet dogs coming in from outside.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- That was my immediate thinking. "That's the dogs' house."- Yeah.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Oh, I want to see the rest of it.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- Definitely want to see the rest of it.- Yeah, quickly.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- OK, great reactions down here. Let's start looking upstairs.- OK, thanks.
0:44:02 > 0:44:05'Back through the entrance hall, we're going up to the first floor,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07where there are three spacious bedrooms.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11'All doubles, they benefit from high ceilings with large sash windows
0:44:11 > 0:44:14'that flood the traditionally square rooms with light,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18'and there's also a family bathroom.'
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Now, then, this is officially the master,
0:44:21 > 0:44:25- solely because it has an en-suite. - Yep.- OK.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27I think you could make this into a lovely master bedroom.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29I'd be very happy with this as a master.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Right at the top of your shopping list, Peter, was the garden,
0:44:32 > 0:44:34which is one of the reasons why we're here.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38So, let's go back outside, but also start thinking about price, OK?
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- What a thought!- I know, sorry.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46This garden is the largest we've shown Mel and Peter.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48At around an acre and mostly lawn,
0:44:48 > 0:44:51the land here is partially walled with established hedges
0:44:51 > 0:44:53that provide some shelter to the property
0:44:53 > 0:44:56from the winds sweeping across the Fens.
0:44:56 > 0:44:59Now, then, the man wanted gardens.
0:44:59 > 0:45:03- Big enough?- They're enormous!- Yes.
0:45:03 > 0:45:08And the view between the trees just is lovely. You can see for miles.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10All the property you see from here is yours.
0:45:10 > 0:45:15That new pantiled roof, that's all your garaging - there's four garages.
0:45:15 > 0:45:19So, you've seen a house that I think you've been surprised by.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- We have been DELIGHTED by. - AMAZED by.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26Well, surprise me by guessing the price correctly.
0:45:26 > 0:45:32- You go first.- 425. Oh!- I was going to say the same.- Hard luck.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34I'll go 430.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38OK, well, I do have a little bit of bad news cos you're wildly out.
0:45:38 > 0:45:43This place is on the market for £350,000.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48- 350?!- You are joking? You are JOKING!
0:45:48 > 0:45:50That is an amazing price.
0:45:50 > 0:45:54I am astounded, honestly, I am really astounded.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- I can't believe it. - It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01Did you ever think, Mel, that you might be considering
0:46:01 > 0:46:03living in a Georgian house like this?
0:46:03 > 0:46:08I never considered that there would be a Georgian house in the country that I could afford.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10You need to think long and hard about it.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12It's a very different environment to what you're used to,
0:46:12 > 0:46:15so go back into the house.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18You may be some time, but the sun's going down, so get a move on.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21- I'll catch you later on.- Thank you. - OK, thank you.
0:46:24 > 0:46:26£50,000 under budget,
0:46:26 > 0:46:28this detached Georgian property
0:46:28 > 0:46:29with three bedrooms
0:46:29 > 0:46:30has a huge modern kitchen,
0:46:30 > 0:46:31a large garden
0:46:31 > 0:46:33and the added bonus
0:46:33 > 0:46:35of a potential narrow-boat mooring
0:46:35 > 0:46:37located on Fen waterways.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42As we came in through the door, it exceeded expectations.
0:46:42 > 0:46:46- It was phenomenal. It just felt right.- This is spectacularly good.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49It's absolutely beautiful. It would make a wonderful home.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53It's exactly the sort of kitchen I was looking for -
0:46:53 > 0:46:57it's large, we can sit and eat in it, but at the same time,
0:46:57 > 0:46:59there's enough room to fall over the dogs.
0:46:59 > 0:47:03And they've got somewhere to be as well. Really, really good space.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06I think the position, its rural isolation,
0:47:06 > 0:47:08is something we would need to think about,
0:47:08 > 0:47:11but again, that's something I think we could probably live with.
0:47:11 > 0:47:12The house offers everything.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- All done?- Yep, I feel like Dr Who. - How so?
0:47:17 > 0:47:21You go through the door and it just gets bigger and bigger and bigger.
0:47:21 > 0:47:22Not too big, though, hopefully?
0:47:22 > 0:47:25No, no, because every bit of it is useful.
0:47:25 > 0:47:30So, is this something to compare others by and to?
0:47:30 > 0:47:33- Absolutely.- Definitely. - Well, decision time looms.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35- Let's go off and do that.- Good.
0:47:44 > 0:47:46For centuries,
0:47:46 > 0:47:49wind power has been used as a natural source of energy,
0:47:49 > 0:47:52harnessed by windmills, which are thought to have been
0:47:52 > 0:47:54introduced to the UK during the 12th century.
0:47:54 > 0:47:56At one point,
0:47:56 > 0:47:59there were estimated to be over 500 windmills in Lincolnshire alone.
0:47:59 > 0:48:05Today, there are 136 remaining in the county in various states of repair.
0:48:05 > 0:48:07But one shining example must be
0:48:07 > 0:48:11the one standing proudly in the village of Heckington.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15This mill ceased working in 1946, but, since the 1980s,
0:48:15 > 0:48:19it has been in the care of the Heckington Windmill Trust,
0:48:19 > 0:48:22who have spent the last 24 years restoring it.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28I've come to meet trust director and mill manager Jim Bailey on site
0:48:28 > 0:48:31to find out how such an iconic local landmark
0:48:31 > 0:48:33continues its longstanding legacy.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38- Jim.- Hello.- How are you doing? - I'm very well, thanks.
0:48:38 > 0:48:39Thanks so much for seeing me today.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Now, I understand this windmill hasn't always been in this guise,
0:48:43 > 0:48:46- since it was constructed in 1830. - That's right.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48No, it was after 1830, it operated for 60 years
0:48:48 > 0:48:51and then, in a huge storm, the whole of the top -
0:48:51 > 0:48:54the five sails that it had - blew down.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56That would have been the end of the windmill.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59- Did they repair it straight away? - It was repaired within two years.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02John Pocklington, who was a miller in Boston,
0:49:02 > 0:49:07he wanted to own his own windmill. There was a windmill in Boston.
0:49:07 > 0:49:11He bought it at auction - it cost £72 and ten shillings -
0:49:11 > 0:49:15demolished it, brought all of the topwork across here,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17and the bricks, and rebuilt this windmill.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19We go from five sails to eight sails.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22So, how do you get a beauty like this up and running and going?
0:49:22 > 0:49:26- I'll show you. - Lead the way, sir.- Thank you.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30Each sail has 24 shutters, making 192 in total.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33On a blustery day, they're opened and, on a calm day,
0:49:33 > 0:49:37they stay closed to harness the wind and maximise the power of the sails.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40'I'm going to try my hand at setting these sails in motion.'
0:49:42 > 0:49:44Here we are. Here's the brake. So, hand over hand and pull it down.
0:49:44 > 0:49:50And then just slowly release it and there we go, brake's off.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52So what we need to do now is close the shutters on the sails
0:49:52 > 0:49:56and she'll go. So, lean out and you're going to pull down on this.
0:49:56 > 0:49:57When you pull down on this,
0:49:57 > 0:49:59you'll see the shutters slowly begin to close.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01There, you see, it's closing now.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Hopefully there is enough wind...
0:50:04 > 0:50:06And there she goes. She's off.
0:50:06 > 0:50:08Now, you're driving it. That's fine, she'll slow down.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11- Essentially, I'm on the throttle. - You're driving it.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16- I'm driving a windmill!- Yes.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22The trust is made up of volunteers - around 200 in total.
0:50:22 > 0:50:26These enthusiasts work as guides and shop staff as well as millers.
0:50:26 > 0:50:27Spread over six floors,
0:50:27 > 0:50:32the windmill is capable of milling over five tonnes of flour a day.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34How many workers would have been inside?
0:50:34 > 0:50:37There would be a miller, possibly two young people,
0:50:37 > 0:50:40- apprentices working for him.- Uh-huh.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42And then the miller's wife, as well.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45Is this how it would have appeared hundreds of years ago?
0:50:45 > 0:50:46Yes, I think so.
0:50:46 > 0:50:51There's about half a tonne of flour around us in various bags and sacks.
0:50:51 > 0:50:52There would have been much more
0:50:52 > 0:50:54because their output would have been higher.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57We milled half a tonne of wheat at the weekend.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59We mill the barley here for the brewery.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02We are the only windmill in the country
0:51:02 > 0:51:04that's milling malted barley for a brewery.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06Well, I wouldn't be thorough
0:51:06 > 0:51:08unless I gave that brewery a good inspection,
0:51:08 > 0:51:10so I think it's a good point to leave you.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13- Thank you so much for your time. - An absolute pleasure.- See you again.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16Literally sitting in the shadows of the windmill,
0:51:16 > 0:51:19the 8 Sail Brewery has been producing beer
0:51:19 > 0:51:24since 2010, and most of its grain is grown locally, malted locally
0:51:24 > 0:51:26and milled right next door by the windmill.
0:51:26 > 0:51:30'Proprietor Tony Pygott has got me working for my liquid lunch,
0:51:30 > 0:51:34'so I'm breaking up hops in preparation for his beer making.'
0:51:34 > 0:51:38So, Tony, what would you say would be the one big advantage
0:51:38 > 0:51:41of having a windmill next door to you?
0:51:41 > 0:51:44It's two businesses that actually use the same basic ingredients.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47On one hand, grain being turned into flour.
0:51:47 > 0:51:50On the other hand, grain being turned into beer.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52We actually produce one beer on the shelf
0:51:52 > 0:51:55that is purely made from the grain made next door
0:51:55 > 0:51:58and it's named Kibbled, which is coarsely ground.
0:51:58 > 0:52:03Now, Tony, you're not going to wait for me to fill this entire bin to give me a pint, are you?
0:52:03 > 0:52:05No, probably not. Let's have a look.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08- Go on, then, I reckon that's worth a half.- I'll take you up on that.
0:52:08 > 0:52:09Go on, then.
0:52:09 > 0:52:13'It takes seven whole days to complete the brewing process,
0:52:13 > 0:52:15'including fermentation.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18'Tony has perfected a range of 13 types of beer,
0:52:18 > 0:52:20'several of which are award-winning
0:52:20 > 0:52:23'and my taste buds can't wait to sample the blonde.'
0:52:26 > 0:52:29Oh, that's good, that is. That is REALLY good.
0:52:29 > 0:52:31I wish you all the very best with your enterprises,
0:52:31 > 0:52:34not only here, but in the windmill itself. I'll see you again.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37- Thank you.- Cheers. - Excellent, nice to meet you.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41Well, as you can see,
0:52:41 > 0:52:44Mel and Peter reacted pretty well to a couple of the properties
0:52:44 > 0:52:47I showed them, but I've a sneaky suspicion the Mystery House
0:52:47 > 0:52:49might have just edged it.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51But has it done enough to warrant a second viewing?
0:52:51 > 0:52:54Let's catch up with them and find out.
0:52:59 > 0:53:04- Hi!- Now, then, tell me - do you have a favourite property?- Yes.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07Is it the one I think it is, the Mystery House?
0:53:07 > 0:53:09- Yes.- Yes.- Yes.- Why?
0:53:09 > 0:53:14It's quite rural and it's quite isolated,
0:53:14 > 0:53:17but, having said that, the house was beautiful,
0:53:17 > 0:53:21the price was unbelievable and the views were just gorgeous.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25This house seemed to have everything...
0:53:25 > 0:53:27but it was almost picked up and put somewhere
0:53:27 > 0:53:30that you'd never even considered before.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33But if you hadn't picked it up and put it somewhere else,
0:53:33 > 0:53:35it would probably be far too expensive.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38Yeah. It was still 50,000 light of your maximum figure.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40What's your thoughts on that?
0:53:40 > 0:53:44Excitement. It would leave lots of money for furnishing,
0:53:44 > 0:53:46so we could actually furnish it properly.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48When I ask how keen people are on a property,
0:53:48 > 0:53:50they normally say - if they're very keen,
0:53:50 > 0:53:52"We'd like to go back for a second viewing."
0:53:52 > 0:53:56It sounds like your second viewing is quite unique.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59It's... Run me through what you'd like to find out more about.
0:53:59 > 0:54:01Well, we're going back tomorrow morning,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04we've already arranged that, and we need to go back
0:54:04 > 0:54:07and talk about the intricacies of actually running the house.
0:54:07 > 0:54:11You move fast! Faster than your boat.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13That's one part of the second viewing.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17The other part is getting there by boat, then, by the sounds of it.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20Yes, and that, if we decided to go ahead
0:54:20 > 0:54:24- and buy it, would have to be a longer term project.- Yep.
0:54:24 > 0:54:27For once we've sold the house, completed...
0:54:27 > 0:54:29Got rid of the house down south,
0:54:29 > 0:54:31to actually come up and live on the boat
0:54:31 > 0:54:34and find somewhere that we could hire a smaller boat
0:54:34 > 0:54:38and take their advice. "Can you get a narrow boat up the drain safely?"
0:54:38 > 0:54:41It'll be a real novelty to actually step out of the house
0:54:41 > 0:54:44and find that we could put the boat outside.
0:54:44 > 0:54:46So we could load it up there and then...
0:54:46 > 0:54:49- That's a dream come true, isn't it? - It's got lots of exciting potential.
0:54:49 > 0:54:55Take the waterside location of the house away from it...
0:54:55 > 0:54:58- Would you still be interested in it? - Yes.- Yes.
0:54:58 > 0:55:00- Yes.- Yes.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03The house was absolutely beautiful.
0:55:03 > 0:55:07It's the sort of house, as I said, I've always dreamed about owning
0:55:07 > 0:55:09- that sort of house, but...- Me, too.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13We've always lived in areas where that sort of house would be far too expensive.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16And if we have to compromise on where we're living,
0:55:16 > 0:55:19to get that sort of house, then that might be the compromise we have to make.
0:55:19 > 0:55:24So, what about the county, then?
0:55:24 > 0:55:28We were able to look around the Mystery House
0:55:28 > 0:55:31primarily because it is in Lincolnshire.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33Things are cheaper here.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36Are you satisfied that you've chosen the right part of the Midlands?
0:55:36 > 0:55:37You could have chosen a few counties.
0:55:37 > 0:55:40I just thought it was the flat fenland and, in fact,
0:55:40 > 0:55:42there's some beautiful countryside.
0:55:42 > 0:55:44I'm chuffed to bits - you liked a few of the houses.
0:55:44 > 0:55:47You have a favourite, the Mystery property, that's fantastic.
0:55:47 > 0:55:52But I also feel obligated to remind you that
0:55:52 > 0:55:55it came with compromises and in your second viewing you should
0:55:55 > 0:55:58go in there with your eyes wide open to those compromises -
0:55:58 > 0:56:01looking to the future. We looked at it on a pleasant day.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04How do feel on a cold winter's night up there?
0:56:04 > 0:56:07- I wouldn't go out. I'd stay in. - Stoke the fire up,
0:56:07 > 0:56:10- turn the heating up...- Yep.- ..and just batten down the hatches.
0:56:10 > 0:56:12There you go - sold.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15Look, whatever happens tomorrow at your second viewing,
0:56:15 > 0:56:19- please let us know, won't you? - We will.- We'd love to.- Good luck.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22- Thank you ever so much, we've had a great time.- Me, too.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28Well, the fact that Peter and Mel would consider the Mystery House,
0:56:28 > 0:56:30even if it wasn't in a waterside location,
0:56:30 > 0:56:32shows just how strong a contender it actually is,
0:56:32 > 0:56:35but I'm buoyed to hear they're considering going back there
0:56:35 > 0:56:38because, yes, it's in a remote location,
0:56:38 > 0:56:41but it shows they're taking it very seriously.
0:56:41 > 0:56:42So, tomorrow morning, first thing,
0:56:42 > 0:56:44they're back there for a second viewing
0:56:44 > 0:56:46to find out a few more bits and bobs
0:56:46 > 0:56:49about what it's really like to live out there
0:56:49 > 0:56:51and I wish them both the very best of luck.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53See you next time.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56Mel and Peter did revisit the Mystery House
0:56:56 > 0:56:59and decided the location was too remote after all,
0:56:59 > 0:57:01but the good news is they've since had an offer accepted
0:57:01 > 0:57:04on a barn conversion in a Lincolnshire village
0:57:04 > 0:57:07and are due to exchange very soon.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland, Wales
0:57:10 > 0:57:14or Northern Ireland and would like our help, you can apply online at...