0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape to the Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:05The airfield that stretches out behind me played
0:00:05 > 0:00:07a key role during the Battle of Britain,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09and was also once home to one of
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Britain's most famous fighter pilots,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13but who was he, and where are we?
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38On today's show, we meet a couple of newlyweds after a home with
0:00:38 > 0:00:42space and quirks, but one property could be a step too far.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45Erm, it's unusual.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Erm, it's not my favourite.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52But, luckily, we've got more that seems to be a perfect fit.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Wow.- This is very impressive.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58This is stylish, sophisticated, just like me.
0:00:58 > 0:00:59THEY LAUGH
0:00:59 > 0:01:00If you say so yourself!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Well, today we are in Cambridgeshire,
0:01:05 > 0:01:06and this was once RAF Duxford.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10It is now the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, and houses
0:01:10 > 0:01:14one of the finest collections of aircraft and militaria in Europe.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17But during 1940 and the Battle of Britain,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20the pilots and aircraft that flew from here were tasked with
0:01:20 > 0:01:22the job of protecting the Midlands,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26the south-east and London from the might of the German air force.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29They were led at that time by group Captain Douglas Bader,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33a man credited with having shot down 20 German aircraft.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Later on in the show, I'll be back here exploring Duxford's history,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41its collections and revealing why, for me, it is my favourite museum.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Covering some 1,300 square miles,
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Cambridgeshire lies in the heart of East Anglia,
0:01:48 > 0:01:53and shares seven county boundaries, including Norfolk and Suffolk.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Primarily an agricultural county,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00ancient footpaths and chalk streams crisscross the fields,
0:02:00 > 0:02:05and lead to attractive settlements, the largest of which is Cambridge.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Granted city status in 1951,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10it's world-renowned for the University,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14impressive alumni and outstanding landmarks,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18particularly the late Gothic King's College Chapel,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20founded in 1441 by Henry VI.
0:02:21 > 0:02:22Away from the city,
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Grantchester is a place which typifies village life in the county.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29With picturesque cottages and watering holes,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33it was once home to war poet Rupert Brooke, and today claims to
0:02:33 > 0:02:37have the highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41Fine stately homes are also a feature in Cambridgeshire's
0:02:41 > 0:02:44rural scenery, including the 18th-century Wimpole Hall...
0:02:46 > 0:02:48..and the 16th century Madingley Hall.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52So, with this fascinating medley of architecture,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54countryside and academia,
0:02:54 > 0:02:57it's no wonder people flock to Cambridgeshire to set up home.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Now, when it comes to property prices, the average cost of a
0:03:07 > 0:03:11detached home here in Cambridgeshire is currently £317,000.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16That is some 10% above the national figure. And the reason is simple.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18Cambridgeshire's close proximity to London,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and excellent transport links into the capital,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24mean that large swathes of this county are now commuter belt.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28In the south, you will have to pay more than you will in the north,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31so my advice is to head that way, towards the Fenland.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Your budget will go considerably further.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35But what about today's buyers?
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Well, let's meet them and find out why they think Cambridgeshire
0:03:38 > 0:03:39is for them.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44When management consultant Zubin and theatre manager Louisa first
0:03:44 > 0:03:49laid eyes on one another, they soon found they'd each met their match.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I went to join a badminton club, cos I was trying to get fit,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and went along and Zubin was already there,
0:03:55 > 0:04:00and we just hit it off and became friends, started dating.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Things progressed quickly. I moved in!
0:04:02 > 0:04:04THEY LAUGH
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Next thing we knew is she's been round here for the last two and a half years.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10Married for just six months,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13they've decided to leave their current two-bedroom flat in
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The Big Smoke, and start a new country life together.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20At the moment, we're living in London. We do have a beautiful flat.
0:04:20 > 0:04:21It's very noisy.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23SHE LAUGHS
0:04:23 > 0:04:26There's always a lot of people shouting and screaming at
0:04:26 > 0:04:27Waterloo station.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We live next door to it, a stone's throw away.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We've trains going past, buses.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35We've got a bus stop literally just outside the window,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37so it's very noisy.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40And it's constant, even at night.
0:04:40 > 0:04:44We've got the roundabout behind us, which is... It never stops.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Louisa's no stranger to the countryside.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50She was born in Norfolk, and raised in Norwich.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52But for Zubin, this is a big move.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54He's spent his whole life in a metropolis.
0:04:54 > 0:04:59Growing up in Mumbai and living in London is very, very busy.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03It will be a big change for me, but, at the same time,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07I like when I come home to unwind and relax.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09I like the ability to kind of sit down and...
0:05:10 > 0:05:12And being quiet.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It will be nice and relaxing to move somewhere that doesn't have
0:05:15 > 0:05:18that hustle and bustle around it all the time.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23So, they've set their sights on a more peaceful pace of life
0:05:23 > 0:05:24by moving to Cambridgeshire.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Zubin's family's in London, my family's still in Norfolk,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32so we're looking for somewhere that was in between both of them.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34It's also a very beautiful place.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38I've been a few times, and really enjoyed the lifestyle there.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42It would be lovely to be able to go see some greenery,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45go for a little walk where you don't have to be worried about
0:05:45 > 0:05:47getting run over by an angry cyclist.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48LOUISA LAUGHS
0:05:49 > 0:05:52They both enjoy hunting for antiques,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and look forward to discovering more collectables in the country.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Zubin and I absolutely love going to different, sort of, markets,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02finding bits of old jewellery, and different types of furniture.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06It's really, it's a great time to spend together, but also to find
0:06:06 > 0:06:09a treasure or something to bring home, and have a story behind it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15The relocation will also involve exploring different pastimes,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18particularly Zubin's new-found passion for cooking.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23We love our food. We do eat out a lot, and I have tried to cook.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I started learning how to cook a lot.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30Louisa kindly got me some lovely cookbooks to try and follow a recipe.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31We'd love to have a larger kitchen.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- You'd love to have a larger entertaining space.- Yes.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Whilst this move is about more space, and a more tranquil location,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43it will also mark the beginning of a brand-new chapter for our newlyweds.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47We're looking to start a family.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51We want to just have that time to be able to create a home,
0:06:51 > 0:06:52and have a bit more space.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55We've done a lot in three years,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57and we're just looking to the future.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58Yeah, the next step.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04Zubin and Louisa have chosen Cambridgeshire,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07as it's midway between both sets of their parents,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09who live in Norfolk and North London.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12And they're happy to consider properties anywhere within
0:07:12 > 0:07:14a reasonable commute of the city.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17We're all meeting up to find out more about the specifics of
0:07:17 > 0:07:19their ideal country home.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25- Well, Louisa, Zubin, welcome to Cambridgeshire.- Thank you very much. - Thank you for having us.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Now, Louisa, give us a picture of the kind of property that you've been imagining.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30I think we're looking for about four bedrooms.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34We do have friends who live all over the world, so when they do come and stay, it's not overnight.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36It tends to be for a few weeks at a time.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- Zubin adores cooking, I don't, so that's a great mix for us.- Hey!
0:07:41 > 0:07:46So, definitely for Zubin, he would love a big kitchen. I think that would be a definite must for you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Yeah, um, for Louisa, it would be really nice if she had a nice...
0:07:51 > 0:07:57a closet room or a walk-in closet of some sort that can she have handbags and shoes sprawled around,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59- and I'd get some closet space back. - JULES LAUGHS
0:07:59 > 0:08:02But that would be really nice. And, oh, something quirky.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07- We both are big fans of something quirky.- I think we both like character in the building.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09And what about outside space?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13A little bit of outside space would be really lovely,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15because we don't have that now, being in the heart of the city.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18So, on the face of it, a nice four-bedroom family home with
0:08:18 > 0:08:21a great big farmhouse kitchen, a manageable garden.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Is there a catch? Am I missing something?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28We'd love a little annexe or a room downstairs with, you know,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31an en-suite and maybe a little sitting area for our parents.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- So, let's talk about the budget then.- The top budget is 800,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Erm... But if...
0:08:38 > 0:08:43That would be with no work needed at all, because we're not very handy with a hammer and nails,
0:08:43 > 0:08:44and things like that.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45We're in a really interesting county.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48There's some lovely property here to look at.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51And you've brought £800,000 for us to play with. How exciting!
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Absolutely!- Right then. Let's go hunting, come on.- Let's go.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02So, with a budget of £800,000,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05our buyers are looking for a character full, quirky home
0:09:05 > 0:09:09that has four bedrooms as well as the potential for a self-contained
0:09:09 > 0:09:13annexe, and a large kitchen diner is a must for Zubin.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15They're after a modest, manageable garden
0:09:15 > 0:09:18to suit a family in the future, and the location
0:09:18 > 0:09:22should be no more than an hour and a half's commute to London.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We've got some fantastic houses lined up to present to them,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28but I won't be revealing the attached price tags until
0:09:28 > 0:09:30right at the end of each tour.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Our final property is the mystery house, which I think might
0:09:34 > 0:09:37put to the test their desire for something out of the ordinary.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45We're kicking off our house tour in the south-east of the county
0:09:45 > 0:09:47in the village of West Wratting,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51and the nearest train station to London is just four miles away.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53West Wratting is a picturesque place, perched on
0:09:53 > 0:09:58a ridge that lays claim to being the highest village in Cambridgeshire.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00In the neighbouring village of Balsham,
0:10:00 > 0:10:01there's a local shop and butcher,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05but in West Wratting itself, there's a popular pub which is just
0:10:05 > 0:10:07a short stroll away from our first house.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Now...- Oh, wow.- Wow.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- What about this one?- Wow.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16- Come in.- That's quite amazing. - That's beautiful, yeah.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- It's pretty, isn't it? - It's beautiful.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Now that we are looking, as well, I love even the driveway,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- and the little house on the side. - Oh, I can see that.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Yeah, you've got a very, very luxurious workshop double-garage
0:10:28 > 0:10:30over there, with a studio above it.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- Oh, wow.- Oh, wow.- Yeah.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34But that's the main proposition -
0:10:34 > 0:10:36originally three little cottages,
0:10:36 > 0:10:39brought together with an extension at this end.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41What do you think, Zubin?
0:10:41 > 0:10:44It's very picturesque. It's like out of a postcard.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- It was on a village postcard. - Oh.- No?- Yeah.- Oh, that's brilliant.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48I can't wait to go inside.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50Let's get in. We've got three doors to choose from.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52To avoid confusion, they've got a little sign here
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- that says "entrance". - It's very helpful.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56We're going to go around the back and into the kitchen.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- Brilliant.- Brilliant.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01With roots in the 17th century,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05this impressive Grade II listed cottage is packed to the brim
0:11:05 > 0:11:07with period features.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09It was sympathetically extended in the 1980s,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13and now offers a flexible layout that could appeal to our
0:11:13 > 0:11:16couple's need to cater for family and friends.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- Nice to get out of the rain. - Yes, it is.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- And what a greeting - look at this! - Oh, wow.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24It has very much a farmhouse kitchen feel to it, doesn't it?
0:11:24 > 0:11:28It is, it is, and it's quite nice and homely.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- What's curious is that this is the newer extension.- Oh, OK.- OK.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Yeah, the space is great.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33It's big enough, though, I think,
0:11:33 > 0:11:36for your creative talents in the kitchen.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Definitely enough room for pots and pans and decoration space.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40I'd need a little bit more modernising,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42with some gadgets for me to cook around with,
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- but it's a great space.- Yeah. LAUGHTER
0:11:44 > 0:11:47But, bizarrely, with this one, we've also got another kitchen
0:11:47 > 0:11:50at the far end of the property, so you've got two to choose from.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- We've got options. - Come this way.- OK.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57The modern kitchen extension also benefits from a utility room,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00as well as a boot room, and flows straight into the original
0:12:00 > 0:12:01part of the house.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Passing through a breakfast area that houses the main staircase,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08you come to the first of two sitting-rooms.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Oh, wow.- Wow.- Look at that place.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16This is a classic bit of East Anglian 17th-century architecture -
0:12:16 > 0:12:18this great big central chimney stack,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20which gives you an inglenook on this side,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22and on the other side as well.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- It's very different from our flat in London.- Yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- It is, slightly.- I'll bet it is. LAUGHTER
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This is what I envisaged moving to the country would be like -
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- quite picturesque and postcardy. - Yeah. It feels very homely.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35'Just off this cosy sitting-room,
0:12:35 > 0:12:39'a small study sits neatly under a second staircase.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41'Then, continuing further into the cottage,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44'we pass through a large formal dining room,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47'before we arrive at the largest of the reception rooms.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50'This adjoins a second kitchen and downstairs bathroom,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53'so could be utilised as a separate wing or annexe.'
0:12:56 > 0:12:59So, this would be the guest end.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02This feels lovely. It's a lot lighter than the other two rooms,
0:13:02 > 0:13:04- I suppose because the ceiling is higher.- Yes.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Oh, and I love this door.- Yeah. - It's ever so sweet.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- It's lovely, isn't it? - That's like a little hobbit door.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's unusual, this, because it's got two kitchens.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14If you took this one out, you'd have living room,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18bedroom, and then downstairs bathroom, beyond.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21'With the potential of a separate wing for visiting parents sorted,
0:13:21 > 0:13:26'it's time to take a look at the main sleeping quarters upstairs.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29'Back along the cottage and up the central staircase,
0:13:29 > 0:13:32'we find a compact shower room and three double bedrooms,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35'all oozing with authentic vintage charm,
0:13:35 > 0:13:40'featuring exposed raw timbers and sloped ceilings.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43'One of these bedrooms has its own separate staircase,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46accessed from the downstairs dining room,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50'but the room designated as the master lies in the newer wing.'
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- And then, finally, this is your bit.- Oh, OK.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58So, this is certainly bigger than the other rooms that we've seen.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00Well, this is above the modern kitchen extension.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- En-suite round the corner.- OK.- OK?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05No, it's nice. It's definitely got space and...
0:14:05 > 0:14:08It's got space. Erm, our existing bed might not fit in there.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Really? How big is that?
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- Wow!- Well, we've got a four-poster. That's the problem.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Ah, I see the problem, yeah. The roof may not...
0:14:16 > 0:14:19The roof coming in a bit, but that's fine, we can change the bed.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21It definitely has potential.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24'Seeing the possibilities of this property is a positive sign,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26'and I just hope the garden will also deliver
0:14:26 > 0:14:29'on suitability and size.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33'At just over half an acre, it's a lovely, unfussy space,
0:14:33 > 0:14:36'mostly laid to lawn and bordered by box hedges,
0:14:36 > 0:14:39'with some mature trees and a large pond.'
0:14:41 > 0:14:43This, obviously, is the main family garden.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- Bags of room for kids to run around in.- I think it's a great space.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50It's not too big to worry about maintaining it, erm,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53to pristine condition, but it's enough space to,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55like you say, have kids running around,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57or just enough space to be outside for a bit.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00It gives me my outside space and it's a lovely space as well.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Let's have your best estimates as to what this property
0:15:03 > 0:15:05is on the market for.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I'm going to go 695.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- Ooh.- Ooh.- Ooh!- Yeah, ooh, that's a bit low, I thought.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- Oh.- OK.- I was actually going to go slightly lower than that.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15I'd say 685.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19685 plays 695. HE INHALES
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Not done too well.- We've not done well - I can tell by your face!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24LAUGHTER You haven't done brilliantly,
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- but all is not lost.- OK.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31This is on the market for offers in excess of £750,000.
0:15:31 > 0:15:32- Oh, OK.- Oh, wow.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36I think because the inside, erm, potentially,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- we'd want to look to update it slightly...- Yeah.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41..that's probably where, maybe, a bit of our budget would go.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Well, go and have a think about what you'd get for offers over 750,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46and I will come and find you a little bit later.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- Perfect. Thank you.- Off you go.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58£50,000 under budget, this classic, historic, thatched cottage
0:15:58 > 0:16:01could give our buyers all the options they're looking for.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04It has three double bedrooms upstairs, with the potential for
0:16:04 > 0:16:09a fourth in a separate self-catered wing down on the ground floor.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11There's also a generous country kitchen,
0:16:11 > 0:16:14alongside a range of reception rooms,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and the whole lot lies in a large, easy-to-maintain garden,
0:16:17 > 0:16:20within a popular and pretty village.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24The house could fit perfectly on a postcard.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26It's beautiful to look at from outside.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29The fireplace is absolutely stunning.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31The size of the rooms are quite generous.
0:16:31 > 0:16:33The kitchen is a great size for Zubin,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35to be creative in the kitchen,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and I think it has a lot of potential.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Well, that's it - property number one is done.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43I think a really good start,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and an interesting option that I wouldn't dismiss just yet.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Not at all. It's definitely given us food for thought,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and it definitely has potential.
0:16:50 > 0:16:51All right. Come on, let's go.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Running through the heart of Cambridge is the stretch of
0:17:00 > 0:17:04the River Cam now commonly associated with punts,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and with Zubin and Luisa keen to explore different activities
0:17:07 > 0:17:10when they move, we've arranged for them to learn more about
0:17:10 > 0:17:12the river's history and its punting pioneer.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18They're meeting customer experience manager Grace Williams.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Hello.- Hello, how are you doing? - Nice to meet you.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- How are you?- Good. So, tell me a bit about punting.- OK.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Leisure punting was first introduced to Cambridge
0:17:26 > 0:17:31in the very early 19th century by a gentleman called Jack Scudamore.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35To begin with, the river was predominantly used for cargo,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38because it was a very, sort of, strong merchant town,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41and the river was a big trade link.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45And around the mid 1800s, railways were introduced,
0:17:45 > 0:17:49and it meant that transport by the river was less popular,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52and this gentleman Jack Scudamore took the opportunity to
0:17:52 > 0:17:53purchase these two stations -
0:17:53 > 0:17:58so, here at Mill Lane, and at Quayside at the other end -
0:17:58 > 0:18:03and turned to the river into more of a leisure facility than,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05sort of, a functional area.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07So, I've arranged for you to go on a tour with one of my colleagues.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Oh, thanks.- And if you'd like to head to the office, there,
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- they'll get you on a boat. - Brilliant. Thank you so much.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Thank you so much. - You're welcome. Have a good day.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18Punts were originally made and used in the shallow waters of the county
0:18:18 > 0:18:21for catching fowl and fish.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Flat-bottomed and without a keel,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26they were crafted from wood and moved using a long pole.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Perfect for use on the river,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30they're now predominantly used for pleasure,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and make an excellent vessel for a guided tour
0:18:32 > 0:18:36with assistant station manager Cameron Miller.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39And it's just past the King's Bridge,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42which provides us with probably the most famous sight in Cambridge,
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- which is King's College Chapel. - Oh, it's beautiful.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48It is absolutely stunning.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53King's College was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI.
0:18:53 > 0:19:00The chapel itself was not actually completed until 1536.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02One of the most famous sights here in Cambridge
0:19:02 > 0:19:04besides King's College Chapel,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- and that is this bridge - the Bridge of Sighs.- Oh, wow.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1831 by Henry Hutchinson.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14It's not actually called the Bridge of Sighs, though.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Its real name is the New Bridge.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20The Bridge of Sighs is a nickname given to it
0:19:20 > 0:19:23by a lady called Queen Victoria.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26She visited the city many, many times.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28She stated this was her favourite bridge,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31and it looked just like the original, which is in Venice.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34In Venice, yes - the Bridge of Sighs in Venice.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Winding its way past further colleges of repute,
0:19:37 > 0:19:40the tour comes to an end, and Cameron leaves our couple
0:19:40 > 0:19:43to make their own way back on the return journey.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Oh, I like this. Keep going.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- Do you need to push off? - SHE LAUGHS
0:19:49 > 0:19:51It's all right. I've got it. I've got it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Mind your head...
0:19:53 > 0:19:56All part and parcel of the fun.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00And after all that messing about on the river, this is where
0:20:00 > 0:20:04we leave our buyers until the house-hunt gears up in the morning.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13'It's the start of our second day here in Cambridgeshire,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16'with newlyweds Zubin and Luisa from central London.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19'Armed with an £800,000 budget,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22'they're looking for character, space and flexibility
0:20:22 > 0:20:24'in a calm, rural location,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27'away from the crowds and commotion of the city.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31'Still to come, our much anticipated and unique Mystery House
0:20:31 > 0:20:34'proves that silence is golden.'
0:20:34 > 0:20:36It is so quiet.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Just, you can't hear a thing.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41It's idyllic, and the space...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44'And I revisit a favourite old haunt,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'where I get up close and personal with some military legends.'
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Here we are surrounded by, you know, a Spitfire and a Lancaster-
0:20:51 > 0:20:56two of the most iconic aircraft that the RAF have ever flown.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Now, an issue common to many house searches is the need to
0:20:58 > 0:21:01try and find the space demanded by modern living,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05yet set within an old and characterful property.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07Regardless of your budget,
0:21:07 > 0:21:10it's more an architectural dilemma than it is a financial one.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14That is certainly what I think Zubin and Louisa have found this week
0:21:14 > 0:21:16so far, so what can we do today,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19our final day of house-hunting, to try and resolve it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Well, we have two more properties to come,
0:21:21 > 0:21:23including of course our mystery house.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26It is a day of something old and something new,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29but space is top of the agenda.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33We are continuing our Cambridgeshire house search
0:21:33 > 0:21:37and our destination is the village of Gamlingay.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Once an ancient coaching route from London, Gamlingay was home
0:21:40 > 0:21:43to many inns, some of which still exist today.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48In addition, there are also a number of local shops and a primary school.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52The nearest train station for Zubin is about four miles away,
0:21:52 > 0:21:56with a service to London which takes just over 45 minutes.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58And right on the edge of the village,
0:21:58 > 0:22:00we come to our next property.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Well, guys, this is perhaps the most bizarre start to a house tour I have
0:22:04 > 0:22:07ever done, because you can't really see what I'm about to describe.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11It is one of eight brand-new conversions on this
0:22:11 > 0:22:13redevelopment of an old farm complex.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15I think we're both intrigued, aren't we?
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- We're you both intrigued. We love conversions.- Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21It sounds like it might be right for us.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Well, let's see if we're right. Come on, then.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Eight barns have been converted in total,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29and have been given Grade II listed status,
0:22:29 > 0:22:34as the buildings were originally built in the early 1700s.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37The one we're showing was completed just three months ago,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41and comes with no less than three of the dedicated parking spaces
0:22:41 > 0:22:42within the carport.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Well, this is the obvious place to start.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- This amazing central hallway. - Wow.- Wow.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51This is very impressive.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54It's light, it's airy,
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- it's fantastic.- This is me. - It's you, it's very you.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01This is brilliant. This is stylish, sophisticated, just like me!
0:23:01 > 0:23:03If you say so yourself!
0:23:03 > 0:23:05THEY LAUGH
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I do think it's you. I think it's you two to a T.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11Come on, let's have a look at the kitchen-diner.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I mean, this is an enormous space.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Very echoey, because there's nothing in it to absorb the sound.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20There's the kitchen. Brand-new.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23You could have a telly of over here with a bit of a sofa as well,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26the dining table, and of course access out to the garden
0:23:26 > 0:23:28through two double doors.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It sells itself, this one, really.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It is a lovely space. I can see myself hosting family.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35Well, talking about family,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38because one of the issues we have struggled with
0:23:38 > 0:23:41is living room space to accommodate these big family gatherings.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45This, I think, will work. Come and have a look at the living room.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- There you go.- Wow.- Wow.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Oh, gosh, that's great. What a fantastic size.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- The old beam adds a little bit of character.- Yes.- It does.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04- Open. Two doors to look out into the garden.- You've done well.- Hurrah.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Well, we've got four bedrooms for you to look at,
0:24:06 > 0:24:09but let's deal with the main event, the master.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11That's through here.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14So some very encouraging responses to this sleek,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16contemporary conversion so far.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Also down here, there's a separate study,
0:24:19 > 0:24:23a handy utility room and finally a ground floor bedroom suite.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Again, this is a great-sized room.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28So, this would be the master bedroom?
0:24:28 > 0:24:29This is the master bedroom,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32because it's the only one with the en-suite. Have a look in there.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36That's what it is. Again, all brand-new, which is rather nice.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39So, I'm thinking that, day to day, this is probably you,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42but when your family come over from India, say,
0:24:42 > 0:24:45you could relocate upstairs and use the family bathroom
0:24:45 > 0:24:48for as long as they're here for, and then it's all on one level.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- And finally, a bedroom that can hold my four-poster bed.- Yes. Exactly.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- Exactly, yeah.- I really like it. I really like.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00And there are cupboards for all my clothes as well so, yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- You've done really, really well. - Good. Let's see if it keeps going.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Come on.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Upstairs, there are three further bedrooms,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10all of which are large enough to fit double beds,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and there's also a fully tiled high-spec bathroom.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Heading outside, I'm keen to see what they make of the garden.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Well, at last you can see it. - Yes, you can.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Because you couldn't when we arrived, of course.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27You know what's on the inside.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- That's what it looks like from the outside.- It's lovely.
0:25:31 > 0:25:36- It really, really is lovely.- I'm finding it hard to find fault now.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Well, the garden is pretty plain, obviously. It's brand-new.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42You've also got this paddock, which you could potentially
0:25:42 > 0:25:45introduce some apple trees or something, turn it into an orchard.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's lovely. The garden as well, it's the perfect size.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51So, let's think about the price, then. Louisa?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- I'm going to go 750.- 750? Zubin?
0:25:54 > 0:25:58I think this has ticked off everything we've asked for.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00I think it would be 815.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03So, it would be worth it to you for £815,000?
0:26:03 > 0:26:05It might just be.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10It would be worth it to me if it was £725,000.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Wow.- Wow.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15That's... That's great.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Often, people's estimates are a real reflection of how much they want it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And I think you've just given the game away, mate.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27This clearly works a treat, as I thought it would.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Right, then, go and have a wander round and I will come
0:26:30 > 0:26:34- and find you a little bit later on. - OK.- Off you go. Brilliant.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36Well, that was an easy sell.
0:26:38 > 0:26:43Considerably below budget at £725,000, it's been a delight
0:26:43 > 0:26:47to present our buyers with this Grade II listed barn conversion.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51It has four bedrooms, one of which is a ground-floor en suite,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54with plenty of wardrobe space for Louisa.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57It also comes of course with a large kitchen-diner for Zubin,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00and an open, level garden, as well as a paddock,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03all surrounded by wonderful countryside views.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04I love this house.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07It's got everything that we've been looking for.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It has the character of an older property,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14but it has the modern-day space that we really are looking for.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16It's got a lovely large kitchen,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18and ticked off everything we've asked for.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- After you.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24One thing I forgot to tell you is that the whole thing comes
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- with a two-year guarantee as well. - That's not bad.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- That's not bad at all, is it? - It's not too bad at all.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Well, we have one more to see, of course, our mystery house.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Will that change your minds, I wonder. Come on.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43A little over 70 years ago, the level landscape of Cambridgeshire
0:27:43 > 0:27:48found itself on the front line of the fight against Germany.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51One of the county's airfields, RAF Duxford,
0:27:51 > 0:27:54played a key rule in defending Britain in the Second World War,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58and the actions of its pilots were decisive in helping to win
0:27:58 > 0:28:00the Battle of Britain.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Now a leading aviation museum, Duxford is one of my
0:28:03 > 0:28:05favourite museums of all time,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08and I've been coming here since I was seven years old.
0:28:08 > 0:28:09For today's visit,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12information manager Carl Warner is showing me around.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15For anybody not familiar with Duxford's history,
0:28:15 > 0:28:17just give as a quick run through.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19The story goes back to the First World War.
0:28:19 > 0:28:20It was used in the Second World War,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22both during the Battle of Britain
0:28:22 > 0:28:24and the great air offensive against Germany,
0:28:24 > 0:28:26and it was even used in the Cold War,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29so it's got that history running right the way
0:28:29 > 0:28:31from 1918 all the way through to the 1960s.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Well, let's fast-forward to the Second World War and 1940,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37when Duxford really comes into its own.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40So, in 1940, what you would have seen here are squadrons of
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Hurricanes, with Spitfires just down the road at our satellite airfield.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45And what the pilots were doing was essentially,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48they were responsible for defending the Midlands
0:28:48 > 0:28:49but also helping out with defence of London,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53so in that great defensive air battle, Duxford is playing its role.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56The sense of history here, Carl, is palpable.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58You can virtually touch it. You can almost taste it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01I've always felt that, for anybody coming here for the first time,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04the best place to start is up there, in the AirSpace Hangar.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- Shall we go and take another look? - Let's go.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Within the hangar, over 200 aircraft are on display,
0:29:12 > 0:29:15at least 30 of which tell the story of British and
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Commonwealth aviation and aircraft development.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21It also houses some of the most memorable planes to hit the skies,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26such as Concorde, alongside earlier 20th-century examples.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31You know, Carl, I never, ever tire of coming in here.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- There is just so much to see. - What would your favourite be?
0:29:35 > 0:29:37I don't know. The Sunderland is an old favourite, you know?
0:29:37 > 0:29:40I would have loved to have travelled the world in one of those.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44But here we are, surrounded by a Spitfire and a Lancaster,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47two of the most iconic aircraft the RAF have ever flown.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49I don't know. What's your favourite?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51Something else that's really interesting is the TSR-2.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Absolutely, yeah, there it is.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Sadly, an aircraft that never was a commercial success.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59It's also one of the rarest. There are only two in existence.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02But of course, once we get them, they need to be looked after,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05they need to be conserved, and that's also what we do here.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09The Conservation in Action hangar is where a team of expert conservators
0:30:09 > 0:30:13work on preserving the museum's most significant exhibits.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17I'm heading there next to meet conservation assistant Rob Claydon.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- Hello, Rob.- Hello, Jules. - Nice to see you again.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Nice to see you again.- What have you been tinkering with here?
0:30:24 > 0:30:28Jules, this is a Pucara, which is from the Falklands War.
0:30:28 > 0:30:34It was captured back down there in 1982, and is back here.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Now we are just in the process of doing some conservation work.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And as you're taking these aircraft apart, though,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44are you getting into the mind of the people who built them,
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- I mean, some of them, 70, 80 years ago?- Very much so.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52You often think, especially working on equipment or objects from
0:30:52 > 0:30:54World War II, you think,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58"I may be the only person that's ever touched that
0:30:58 > 0:30:59"since that was built."
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- So, in a way, you're opening a time capsule, aren't you?- You are.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06But your work here at Duxford covers the entire range of the
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Imperial War Museum's collection, doesn't it? Not just aircraft.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15No, we cover tanks, guns, vehicles, anything.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17And what is the latest arrival, then?
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- Ah, well, would you like to come and see this, Jules?- After you.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Well, what have we got here, then?
0:31:24 > 0:31:27This is a Husky from Afghan, 2012.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- And what happened to it? - Well, unfortunately,
0:31:30 > 0:31:34it hit an IED and completely destroyed the front of the vehicle.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- Do we know what happened to the crew?- The crew were safe.
0:31:37 > 0:31:39- So, it did its job?- It did its job.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42And I presume this is something you are simply going to conserve
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- and keep it as it is? - Very much so.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50Kept as it is, in conservation. This shows what war is all about.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- It tells the story, doesn't it? - It certainly does.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57Fortunately, aviation enthusiasts like Rob,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00with the dedication and mechanical know-how,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03are passionately safeguarding these machines along with their legacy
0:32:03 > 0:32:08as a captivating and poignant reminder for future generations.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19Well, guys, from one successful house tour to, I hope, another.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Our final property has its work cut out,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25but it's the mystery house, so anything can happen.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28I'm looking forward to it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Our final property stop takes us north of Cambridge to the
0:32:35 > 0:32:40village of Holywell, six miles from the nearest train station to London.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Taking its name from a water well in the local churchyard, the village
0:32:44 > 0:32:48is full of thick-thatch cottages, and sits beside the River Ouse.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52There's a local shop, a primary school and a pub.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Tucked away in the centre, we find our mystery house,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58which should deliver on Zubin and Louisa's quirky request
0:32:58 > 0:33:01but with a modern twist.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Right, then, here it is.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- Our mystery house. What you think of that?- Wow.- Wow.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- Um...- It's very different.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14It's very different to anything we've shown you so far this week.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It's by far the youngest property we've shown you, in many respects.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21It is a house with a basement, really,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24but the basement is chock-a-block with rooms, a games room...
0:33:24 > 0:33:28There's a bit of fun to be had with it. What do you think?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30It's unusual.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33It's not my favourite.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35So I'm intrigued to see what's inside.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39This house will have to sell itself from the inside out.
0:33:39 > 0:33:46- Yeah.- And it might, because it's just enormous. Come and have a look.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51First impressions for this unusual 1970s mystery house have
0:33:51 > 0:33:55garnered at a rather lukewarm response.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58As we head inside, I'm optimistic that the layout and generous
0:33:58 > 0:34:01proportions will change their minds.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05We're starting off on the top level, where we find a key room for Zubin.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07Well, it has space!
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- Which is a good thing. - It's not what I was envisaging.
0:34:12 > 0:34:13THEY LAUGH
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Yeah, it's definitely not what I thought it would be.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19But I could find myself working in this kitchen, definitely.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21What would you change?
0:34:21 > 0:34:24I think just to make it a bit more uniform, do you think?
0:34:24 > 0:34:26I think I'd make it more uniform, yes.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28There is a bit of mix and match,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31the colour is a little bit brighter than I would like, but...
0:34:31 > 0:34:37- Cosmetic.- Yes. Absolutely.- There is nothing that's not cosmetic.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40What's nice about it, it does sort of flow through to those doors
0:34:40 > 0:34:44out there, which get you out to a little veranda arrangement.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47To be honest, even if it had nothing else, this is a great space.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51But the living area is enormous. Come and look.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59There, look at all this.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04- Yeah.- Yes, definitely a lot of space. Wow.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08- Wood-burner there. - Oh, gosh.- Oh.- That's lovely.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11This is a lovely space.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14And it is so quiet.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17You can't hear a thing. It's idyllic.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18And the space.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22It definitely has the space but it feels very snug as well.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Can you see yourself living here?
0:35:25 > 0:35:26Starting to.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29I wasn't sure from outside but now you're inside
0:35:29 > 0:35:31it definitely feels very homely.
0:35:31 > 0:35:32- So...- I'd say, "yes."
0:35:32 > 0:35:34THEY LAUGH
0:35:35 > 0:35:36It's very quirky.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40'Leaving the kitchen and living rooms behind,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42'and heading out into a corridor,
0:35:42 > 0:35:45'this top floor also has a bathroom and four of the property's
0:35:45 > 0:35:49'five bedroom, arranged off the central hallway.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51'The first comes with its own en suite,
0:35:51 > 0:35:54'next to which is a family bathroom.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58'The second and third bedrooms are both big enough to fit double beds.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00'At the end is the master.'
0:36:01 > 0:36:07This is yours with en suite and dressing room through there.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- Our new dressing room.- Mmm. And look at all that built-in storage.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- And all that storage.- Somehow I think you've got her attention now.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I like the sound of that.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Again, it's a nice space room and feels quite light and airy, as well.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23There's a bit more to see in the basement.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24And what's in the basement?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26It's good fun, it's really good fun.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28JULES CHUCKLES Come and have a look.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34'As I hoped, the upper level of the Mystery House has made
0:36:34 > 0:36:37'a great impression on our newlyweds and there's even more to take
0:36:37 > 0:36:40'in downstairs on the lower ground floor.'
0:36:40 > 0:36:41There...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43LAUGHTER
0:36:43 > 0:36:45It's home from home.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Yeah?- Well, you wondered where you were going to put your pool table.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- Now we've found a spot.- It's there.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53I might have to make room for two now, though.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- It's great, isn't it? - It's great fun.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58To describe this as a basement is to undersell it, really,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02because you've got, not only this area, there's a room through
0:37:02 > 0:37:05here which they've currently got set up as a music studio.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07That door goes into what is currently
0:37:07 > 0:37:11a sort of book store-cum-libary. It could be a study, whatever.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16And then in the corner, another en-suite bedroom.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So I'm thinking for your guests that would work a treat.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23- Gosh, I just didn't expect this. - It's a very deceptive property.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26It has abundance of space.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30'This house by far the biggest footprint of our property
0:37:30 > 0:37:33'line-up at just under 3,000 square feet.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37'Back upstairs and through double doors out to a raised balcony,
0:37:37 > 0:37:40'we arrive at the perfect vantage point to take in the acre of
0:37:40 > 0:37:42'mature garden.'
0:37:42 > 0:37:44You can see where we started down there with that lovely
0:37:44 > 0:37:48weeping willow and you've got a nice mixture of apple trees here.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50I like it, I like the space outside and, again,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52we don't have to do very much to it!
0:37:52 > 0:37:57The space, up, down, everywhere you look around, there's plenty to see.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Let's get down to the numbers, shall we? Off you go, sir.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I would say this is top end of our budget...
0:38:03 > 0:38:07- 795.- 795, yeah.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12I think, it's private, it's secluded and it has a lot of space,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15I'm going to go on the nose, 800.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18You have learnt well this week.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20- It is 795.- Oh!
0:38:20 > 0:38:22THEY LAUGH
0:38:22 > 0:38:23Sorry.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- 795.- Wow! On the nose.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27Your instincts were absolutely spot on.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30I think we should give you plenty of time on this one to wander
0:38:30 > 0:38:35around, immerse yourself in it and see if it would actually work.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- Go on, off you go.- Thank you.- We'll find you a little bit later on.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46'£5,000 under budget, this Mystery House has definitely hit the spot.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49'And whilst it may not boast historic character,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52'the modern style and proportions certainly make up for it.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56'Featuring generous living areas, there's lots of storage space
0:38:56 > 0:38:59'for Louisa but a large kitchen/diner for Zubin.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02'And a whole separate floor could be ideal for
0:39:02 > 0:39:05'a number of visiting friends and relatives with plenty to
0:39:05 > 0:39:08'entertain them in the form of a games' room.'
0:39:08 > 0:39:11Um, the Mystery House was really interesting.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16It was a right curveball and it had abundance of space,
0:39:16 > 0:39:19nooks and crannies that you had to go digging through.
0:39:19 > 0:39:25I hate to say when I first saw it, um, I think I wasn't very enamoured.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29Having come inside the house, I have changed my mind.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33I think it's a great space and it has a lot of potential for us
0:39:33 > 0:39:36to make into a family home.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Well, I think this has all gone quite well this week.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- Thank you very much.- That's all right.- Thank you.- My pleasure.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Well, that's it, I'm afraid. The house tours are now over.- Gosh.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- It flies by, doesn't it?- It does. There's a lot to think about.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- I think there is a lot to think about. Off you go.- Thank you.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Let's go think.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Well, I'm satisfied that we have done our job this week, but have our
0:40:03 > 0:40:07properties done theirs in reassuring Zubin and Louisa that
0:40:07 > 0:40:09Cambridgeshire is for them?
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Well, let's go and ask them.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- Ahh, look at this, relaxing after a busy week.- Absolutely!
0:40:20 > 0:40:23Er, well guys, it's been good fun, hasn't it?
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- It has, it's been great fun. - It's been fantastic.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28And having spent a bit more time out of London, are you still sure
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- that Cambridgeshire is where you want to be?- Yes, definitely.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It's lovely to have fresh air, see greenery!
0:40:34 > 0:40:37And just to see the properties and the space that they have,
0:40:37 > 0:40:39it really has been an eye-opener.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Are there any that may be contenders?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45We think we've narrowed it down to two.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48And which two would they be, Louisa? As if we didn't know!
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- The barn conversion and also the mystery property.- Yes, now then...
0:40:52 > 0:40:57You can buy only one despite your £800,000 budget!
0:40:57 > 0:41:00So which one might it be?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Having talked about it, I think for now
0:41:03 > 0:41:07the barn conversion is definitely winning over the mystery property.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10The mystery property is probably a project and the right project
0:41:10 > 0:41:12but probably at the wrong time.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16But I do think that barn conversion just lit you up like
0:41:16 > 0:41:18a Christmas tree. I mean, it's such an interesting building.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22You can make the move without any real stress, or hassle,
0:41:22 > 0:41:23and move straight in.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I think that's where we are now with our lives,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27still commuting to London at the moment.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Um, we don't want to be thinking about projects in the future.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I think just to move straight in and start living our lives there
0:41:34 > 0:41:37is what we want and the barn conversion offers us that.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40So what are you going to do next?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43We need to view the property again with family to come and have
0:41:43 > 0:41:48a look at it and once they've seen it and we've had their opinion,
0:41:48 > 0:41:50then potentially we'll be putting an offer in.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52It might be as early as tomorrow.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Wow!
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Well, I shall keep my phone on because if you are able to do
0:41:57 > 0:42:00it, guys, it would be just terrific to see you make this move.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- We can certainly put our mark on it, I think.- Definitely.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05So that's a very exciting prospect.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08And it's the only one that could host my four-poster bed.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11There you go, there you go. Reason enough to want to buy it.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Well, guys, it's been an absolute treat, an awful lot of fun.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18- So thank you very much, indeed, and best of luck.- Thank you.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Well, Cambridgeshire is, of course,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29an ancient county with a famous seat of learning at its centre but
0:42:29 > 0:42:32I think it's fair to say we've all learnt something this week,
0:42:32 > 0:42:34not least Zubin and Louisa.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38They still, of course, have much left to discuss and agree upon
0:42:38 > 0:42:42but they might do well to bear in mind Cambridgeshire's county motto,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45"With one heart, let us be wise."
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Now there's some advice, I'll see you next time.
0:42:49 > 0:42:52'Louisa and Zubin revisited the modern barn conversion a few
0:42:52 > 0:42:57'more times and even put in an offer but have since decided against it.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59'So their search for their perfect home continues.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02'If you'd like to escape to the country in
0:43:02 > 0:43:06'Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England and need our help,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10'then please apply online at...'