0:00:03 > 0:00:05These flat, fertile plains were once an ancient
0:00:05 > 0:00:09woodland, surrounded by water, until, that is,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11they were drained for farming in the 17th century.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15So, where am I? And which one of
0:00:15 > 0:00:17the nation's favourite vegetables is produced
0:00:17 > 0:00:21in these very fields? I'll tell you in just a moment.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40'Today, our house search makes a discovery
0:00:40 > 0:00:42'that's picture perfect.'
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Very pretty, isn't it? If you were going to draw a house, that's how
0:00:46 > 0:00:49you would draw it! Symmetrical, isn't it? It appeals to
0:00:49 > 0:00:51my mathematical bent. Does it? Yeah.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55'But I may have to call time on an area of dispute.'
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Where is the brewing going to take place? I think
0:00:59 > 0:01:03the Wendy house. No! The Wendy house is now the pub
0:01:03 > 0:01:05at the end of the garden. That's good. Very
0:01:05 > 0:01:09creative thinking!
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Today, we're in Cambridgeshire, in the heart of the Fens.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16This once-waterlogged fenland is now home to one of
0:01:16 > 0:01:18the richest agricultural lands in the whole of
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Britain, with some of the largest producers of
0:01:21 > 0:01:24potatoes in the country. Later on in the show, I'll
0:01:24 > 0:01:27be meeting a farmer whose family have been
0:01:27 > 0:01:32cultivating the humble spud here in Cambridgeshire for over 200 years.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36Cambridgeshire is a landlocked county in
0:01:36 > 0:01:38East Anglia bordered by seven counties,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42including Northamptonshire to the west and Essex to the south.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46Although cut off from the coast, water plays an important part
0:01:46 > 0:01:49in the county's landscape and history.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51The River Cam starts in the university city of
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Cambridge and runs 14-and-a-half miles north
0:01:54 > 0:01:57to the Ouse. Punting was introduced here at the
0:01:57 > 0:02:00beginning of the 20th century and is now a
0:02:00 > 0:02:03firm Cambridge tradition and a great way to view
0:02:03 > 0:02:05the historic colleges of one of the most famous
0:02:05 > 0:02:07universities in the world.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Much of the county is flat and low-lying, including the
0:02:11 > 0:02:14lowest point of the UK, at nine feet below sea level.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17To the north are the distinct landscapes
0:02:17 > 0:02:20of the Fens, marshy areas reclaimed from
0:02:20 > 0:02:22the sea in a process of drainage started several
0:02:22 > 0:02:25centuries ago. Before the successful
0:02:25 > 0:02:28reclamation of the land, the few hills of the
0:02:28 > 0:02:31area once acted as islands, often providing
0:02:31 > 0:02:34sites for places of worship. One such isle
0:02:34 > 0:02:37was Anglesey. A priory was built here at the
0:02:37 > 0:02:40time of Henry I, being later converted to a
0:02:40 > 0:02:44country house in the 16th century and renamed Anglesey Abbey.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48So, whether it's scholarly architecture,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52unusual rural landscapes or historic homes you're interested in,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Cambridgeshire is a fascinating and
0:02:54 > 0:02:56rewarding county to escape to.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Given that London is only around an hour's drive from
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Cambridgeshire, it comes as no big surprise that
0:03:02 > 0:03:05property prices here are above the national
0:03:05 > 0:03:09average, but not by as much as you may expect.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13?328,000 is the typical price of a detached
0:03:13 > 0:03:16property here in the county, which is only
0:03:16 > 0:03:20around 9% above the rest of England and Wales.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22What's more, if it's the wildlife you're
0:03:22 > 0:03:25after, then this may be the county for you, because
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Cambridgeshire is home to some of the most
0:03:28 > 0:03:30important nature reserves in the whole of
0:03:30 > 0:03:34the UK, including one of the oldest, Wicken Fen.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what
0:03:37 > 0:03:40kind of lifestyle they're hoping to find here.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43When Dick and Louise chose their Chislehurst
0:03:43 > 0:03:45semi to the south-east of the capital, it was
0:03:45 > 0:03:48in a perfect, peaceful location. But as the
0:03:48 > 0:03:50years have gone by, they've felt city life
0:03:50 > 0:03:53closing in. It's a lot busier here than it used
0:03:53 > 0:03:57to be. When we first moved here 30 years ago,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00it was relatively quiet. You notice there's a
0:04:00 > 0:04:02lot more traffic, and I think that applies
0:04:02 > 0:04:04throughout London, not just here. And, of course, now
0:04:04 > 0:04:07we've got the bus coming down the street, which
0:04:07 > 0:04:11is something that happened seven or eight years ago.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Dick has retired from his job in
0:04:13 > 0:04:16insurance and their two daughters have moved
0:04:16 > 0:04:18away. They'd like to escape the increasing
0:04:18 > 0:04:21bustle of London for a quiet life within easy
0:04:21 > 0:04:24reach of family. We've been going up to
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Loughborough for a good ten years now because
0:04:27 > 0:04:29the kids were at university, and the
0:04:29 > 0:04:33notion of moving really started with those
0:04:33 > 0:04:37journeys. So, probably about a couple of years
0:04:37 > 0:04:41ago, we started playing these games as to where
0:04:41 > 0:04:43we might like to stop. And when it comes to
0:04:43 > 0:04:45where they'd like to stop, the couple have
0:04:45 > 0:04:48settled on Cambridgeshire.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51We quite like the countryside, and we're members of the
0:04:51 > 0:04:56National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58so we're hoping that will initially get
0:04:58 > 0:05:00us out and about, looking at some of the
0:05:00 > 0:05:05places. So we're fairly confident that we can
0:05:05 > 0:05:08find somewhere in that area. And I think also, for
0:05:08 > 0:05:12me, you're also near to some larger towns,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14which, I think, having spent all my life in
0:05:14 > 0:05:17London, I think I would miss if they weren't
0:05:17 > 0:05:20within easy reach.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25As well as the culture shock of country life, Louise has some nerves
0:05:25 > 0:05:29over leaving the family home. I think I'm more
0:05:29 > 0:05:33nervous about the move than Dick is, because I
0:05:33 > 0:05:36didn't work when I had the children, and, as
0:05:36 > 0:05:40such, the home has become very much my domain.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42That's my office space, if you like.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46And yeah, it would be very, very weird.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49But she's hoping the move will give them more time, not only to
0:05:49 > 0:05:53see family but to spend on their hobbies.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55The thing about moving nearer to our daughter
0:05:55 > 0:05:57would probably mean that there would be less
0:05:57 > 0:06:00overnight stops, so we would have more time on
0:06:00 > 0:06:05our hands. I do some card crafting for
0:06:05 > 0:06:07families and friends. That's my
0:06:07 > 0:06:12little hobby, which means I can get out of Dick's hair.
0:06:12 > 0:06:14If he had any!
0:06:14 > 0:06:21I enjoy making beer, making wine, anything alcoholic! Anything that
0:06:21 > 0:06:24involves a fermentation process, so I'm quite good
0:06:24 > 0:06:27at making bread now. And when I have a bit more
0:06:27 > 0:06:31time on my hands, I'll be doing a bit of vegetable gardening.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36They're all the, I suppose, fairly standard men crafts!
0:06:36 > 0:06:40Most of all, though, it's about starting over in fresh surroundings.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Hopefully, it will be really exciting, a new chapter.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46If everything's going to be new, I suppose it'd be
0:06:46 > 0:06:48like having a honeymoon all over again!
0:06:48 > 0:06:52You'll be after a new kitchen, for a start! Yes.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Dick and Louise are open to living anywhere in the county with access
0:07:00 > 0:07:03to road links to their family in Loughborough,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05but before we start looking at houses, we're
0:07:05 > 0:07:07meeting in Cambridgeshire to
0:07:07 > 0:07:10discover more about what they're hoping to find.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Well, Dick and Louise, welcome to Cambridgeshire. It's
0:07:14 > 0:07:16a little bit damp, so I've brought you under this
0:07:16 > 0:07:19gazebo to keep us dry. But we're looking for a
0:07:19 > 0:07:22new home, it's not going to deter us. Tell me
0:07:22 > 0:07:25about the house that, ideally, you're after.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29It's got to be light and airy, three good-sized
0:07:29 > 0:07:32bedrooms, and I do crafts, so I want a craft room.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Dick likes his office. Large kitchen? Large kitchen would be
0:07:35 > 0:07:39lovely. And, Dick, how important is the garden? Yeah, a
0:07:39 > 0:07:42good-sized garden. I probably want to do a
0:07:42 > 0:07:46little bit of veg growing. And also you're
0:07:46 > 0:07:48a bread-maker, I understand? Well, anything
0:07:48 > 0:07:51to do with yeast, really. I'm into all
0:07:51 > 0:07:54sorts of fermentation, and bread is one of
0:07:54 > 0:07:58them. So it's a polite way to say he likes brewing beer! I see, I see.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01This is quite a big property. You're not downsizing, you two, are
0:08:01 > 0:08:04you? No. Don't intend to downsize. When we're at
0:08:04 > 0:08:07home together, we need a bit of space!
0:08:07 > 0:08:10OK! All right. What are things that you have to have
0:08:10 > 0:08:11and what could you live without?
0:08:11 > 0:08:15It's really difficult to answer that, really, because I
0:08:15 > 0:08:19think often you fall in love with a place and it might not necessarily
0:08:19 > 0:08:22meet the spec. Very true. Right, well, let's talk
0:08:22 > 0:08:25money and remind ourselves of your top
0:08:25 > 0:08:29budget. Well, the top budget's 600,000.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32If you really pushed us and the place was perfect,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35maybe 625. But we wouldn't mind if it was
0:08:35 > 0:08:41a little bit lower! So, ?625,000 for that dream,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44perfect home. Mm-hm. OK. All right. Well, are we
0:08:44 > 0:08:46ready? We've got some splendid properties to
0:08:46 > 0:08:49show you. Shall we get going? Yes. Yes. Come on.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57For an absolute maximum of ?625,000, Dick and Louise's
0:08:57 > 0:09:00dream Cambridgeshire home would have:
0:09:10 > 0:09:12We've lined up a tempting selection of
0:09:12 > 0:09:15houses with their wish list in mind, and at
0:09:15 > 0:09:16each, they'll be asked to guess the price
0:09:16 > 0:09:20before I reveal it. The final one, of course, is
0:09:20 > 0:09:22our Mystery House, where our search may be taking on
0:09:22 > 0:09:25a surprisingly Continental flavour.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Our property search is heading to the market
0:09:34 > 0:09:36town of Chatteris. Situated in the Fens, there's
0:09:36 > 0:09:38been a settlement here since the Neolithic period,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and it's claimed to have been a refuge
0:09:41 > 0:09:43for Boadicea fleeing from the Romans.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Facilities include places to eat and drink, a bank
0:09:49 > 0:09:53and a hairdresser's that hints at the local sense of humour.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57The property we've come to view is located in the southern
0:09:57 > 0:09:59part of the town centre, with a rather grand
0:09:59 > 0:10:02aspect onto its south-facing rear garden.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Well, I've brought you into the garden to start off,
0:10:06 > 0:10:08because I want you to take a look at your
0:10:08 > 0:10:10property from this angle. Wow. That's
0:10:10 > 0:10:12beautiful. This is absolutely stunning from
0:10:12 > 0:10:15the outside. Just those windows, there's so
0:10:15 > 0:10:16much light going in there, isn't there?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19And I like the shutters up the top. So, good start. Can
0:10:19 > 0:10:23you believe that it used to be a farmhouse? No,
0:10:23 > 0:10:27no. I think we should look inside. Shall we?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Let's do that, please.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Built from brick and dating to the
0:10:31 > 0:10:33middle of the 19th century, at the front of
0:10:33 > 0:10:36this grand former farmhouse, the impressive elegance
0:10:36 > 0:10:39continues through an imposing entrance hall
0:10:39 > 0:10:42and into the front reception room.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46So, impressed with the outside. Let's see what
0:10:46 > 0:10:49we think about the inside. It's enormous. It's beautiful.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53It's a good size, isn't it? It's lovely. That is period.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It does look very grand. Impressive.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59It's an impressive property. So, you have this
0:10:59 > 0:11:01as one of your drawing rooms. You've got the same
0:11:01 > 0:11:05size again next door. You talked about escaping
0:11:05 > 0:11:06from each other in your property - you've got
0:11:06 > 0:11:09plenty of room here. And you've got a study
0:11:09 > 0:11:12across the way with a downstairs cloakroom.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Let's see what you think of the kitchen.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16If you'd like to follow me...
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Now, I think this is one of the most important rooms in the whole
0:11:22 > 0:11:25house, the kitchen. It's lovely. Really
0:11:25 > 0:11:30nice. Nice, big space for the table. And look at that sink.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34Have you ever seen a sink like that? No. No, not with feet like that.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39The owner thinks it's an original, so about 160, 170 years old.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42You do have access outside, the side door. If you look
0:11:42 > 0:11:45through, we've got some windows leading out into the garden,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48but you've also got a massive conservatory, which they're using as
0:11:48 > 0:11:50a games room at the moment. We could use it
0:11:50 > 0:11:52for anything, really.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57This beautifully presented period home also boasts a sizeable
0:11:57 > 0:11:59cellar, perfect for home-brewer Dick.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02And completing this floor is a hobby room, which
0:12:02 > 0:12:04could be put to use as a ground-floor guest room,
0:12:04 > 0:12:05but I suspect they'll find more than enough
0:12:05 > 0:12:08accommodation upstairs, where there are no fewer
0:12:08 > 0:12:10than six bedrooms.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12A large family bathroom
0:12:12 > 0:12:14with roll-top bath and separate shower serves
0:12:14 > 0:12:16all of the rooms, along with an additional cloakroom.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22To the front of the property, a large
0:12:22 > 0:12:24double has interlinking doors through two
0:12:24 > 0:12:26smaller rooms, one of which currently sits
0:12:26 > 0:12:29empty and the other features a bay window.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Behind these lies a further double.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35Yet another double is reached via its own
0:12:35 > 0:12:37small flight of stairs, and then there's
0:12:37 > 0:12:40bedroom number six, which I think Dick and
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Louise could turn into their master.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46It's a lovely-size room. Yeah, lovely. Not only does it
0:12:46 > 0:12:49have an ample size, but, through this wall, there
0:12:49 > 0:12:51are some stairs on the other side.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55You could easily open it up, sacrifice a bedroom and
0:12:55 > 0:12:58make it an en-suite... OK.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03..which might be quite nice for the two of you, because this house has
0:13:03 > 0:13:08six bedrooms in total. I'm thinking it might be too
0:13:08 > 0:13:11big. Really? I don't know. See, you set us a
0:13:11 > 0:13:14challenge! I know! Right. Well, I think we should head
0:13:14 > 0:13:16back downstairs, then we can talk about what sort
0:13:16 > 0:13:18of price you think it's on the market for.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Dick, you lead the way, please. OK. Thank you! Thank you.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26Dick and Louise seem somewhat intimidated by the sheer scale
0:13:26 > 0:13:29of what's on offer here, which is a shame, because there's
0:13:29 > 0:13:32a lot more outside.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37This former farmhouse comes with a range of period outbuildings,
0:13:37 > 0:13:41including garages, workshops and the old apple store.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44All of this is included. Honestly?
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Yes. Honestly. So, for your craft, you could
0:13:48 > 0:13:50have a whole area. We could have a
0:13:50 > 0:13:55microbrewery for you, Dick! Yeah! We could! And ample
0:13:55 > 0:13:58parking for you and all the family and all your friends.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01We could probably live in there!
0:14:03 > 0:14:06In the substantial walled front garden,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08there are alfresco seating areas and a
0:14:08 > 0:14:12veranda from which to admire the mature shrubs and trees.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16A large garden. Sunshine all afternoon on a good day.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21Good-sized garden. Manageable? I think so. Yes. Most certainly.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24Well, let's see if you can afford this property.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Can you put a price on this magnificent home?
0:14:27 > 0:14:32I think it's got to start with a six. Let's say 625. OK.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37So right at the top of your budget. I think it's over budget.
0:14:37 > 0:14:44I think it's 650. OK. Well, the asking price is...
0:14:44 > 0:14:49?635,000. However, we've spoken to the
0:14:49 > 0:14:52owner, and she assured me that she's happy to
0:14:52 > 0:14:54talk in the region of your top budget.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Definitely food for thought. Yeah! Yeah. Have that
0:14:57 > 0:14:59in your minds and go and have another look
0:14:59 > 0:15:02around. And in about three hours I think I'll
0:15:02 > 0:15:05come and find you! Be my guest. OK. Thank you.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08It's interesting, isn't it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Because this property, you know, does give them
0:15:10 > 0:15:13what they asked for. Really high ceilings,
0:15:13 > 0:15:17beautiful, airy spaces, this wonderful garden.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19And the thing which I think is so appealing
0:15:19 > 0:15:22is where it's situated - in a market town.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23When you're used to living in the city,
0:15:23 > 0:15:27it can be a huge adjustment to move to the country.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Here, they have the best of both worlds.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Pushing their top budget at ?635,000,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38this substantial former Victorian farmhouse
0:15:38 > 0:15:42has two very large reception rooms, a kitchen/diner,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44six bedrooms and a range of brick outbuildings.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I absolutely love the house.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I think it's gorgeous. I love the style,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54the large rooms, the big ceilings.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Seeing the house, I thought, "Wow!"
0:15:57 > 0:16:02It looked huge to me. The garden is just right.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05There's so much to like about this place.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07So which one's going to be your brewery, then?
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Well, it's got... This one? It's got to be that one there.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13And then you've still got all these left. I know, well...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Have you got plans for all these outbuildings, have you? No!
0:16:16 > 0:16:19That's it now. Tour over. Shall we hit the road?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21OK. OK. Let's go. All right, then.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Keeping water at bay to provide land for crops such as wheat
0:16:30 > 0:16:34dominated agriculture for much of Cambridgeshire's history.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36But when it came to turning that wheat into flour,
0:16:36 > 0:16:41water power was positively embraced via the technology of the mill.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44And we've arranged for Louise and keen home baker Dick
0:16:44 > 0:16:45to see that power in action,
0:16:45 > 0:16:49with a visit to the water mill at Anglesey Abbey.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Now in the care of the National Trust,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55volunteer Roy Smith is on hand to show them how this historic building
0:16:55 > 0:16:59continues to produce wholemeal flour the traditional way.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Hi, hello. OK, welcome to Lode Mill.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03And welcome to you. Thank you.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06So, Roy, why is the mill so special?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Because it's been here for 270 years.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12It was built in 1745, still running today,
0:17:12 > 0:17:14very much as it did on day one.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17There's been milling in this country since Roman times.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20It tended to be water mills in the early days,
0:17:20 > 0:17:25and windmills came onto the scene in the late 12th century. Hmm.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29So what's the benefit of a water mill over a windmill?
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Windmills are subject to the vagaries
0:17:31 > 0:17:34of the English climate, really.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38And, er, sometimes the wind is too strong, not strong enough.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Water lets us run every day of the year.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45Last autumn, we had about ten days when we couldn't actually run,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47because the water level was quite low,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50but most of the time, we've got plenty of water. Yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52So I've just recently got into bread-making.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55It'd be lovely to get inside and see how the flour's made.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Once grinding out 20 tonnes of flour a week,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01the mill was converted for cement making
0:18:01 > 0:18:03at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Fully restored to its original use in the 1980s,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10it now produces a modest ten tonnes of flour a year.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13That's enough to allow visitors to see the flour-making process
0:18:13 > 0:18:15without too much wear and tear.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18And that process starts with the opening of the sluice gates.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21OK, Dick, every schoolboy's dream now.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I'm going to let you turn the wheel on, so... OK? Lovely, thanks.
0:18:27 > 0:18:28Blimey! Oh, dear.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32Just one turn of the sluice gate wheel
0:18:32 > 0:18:36and the water stored in the mill pond flows at ten tonnes per minute,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39filling buckets on the water wheel and causing it to turn.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Now we can go upstairs and see the stones in action, OK? OK.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50As grains of wheat pour down, the power of the water wheel is used
0:18:50 > 0:18:53to turn the millstones producing flour.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Today, the gears are set at 60 turns per minute,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58but in its heyday, the mill would've worked the stones
0:18:58 > 0:19:01up to 150 turns per minute,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03which would've been even noisier.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So I'm surprised how quickly that turns it into flour.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Yeah, no, it's instantaneous, really.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Once the grain starts dropping down into the gap between the stones,
0:19:12 > 0:19:17the wheat is crushed and flour starts dropping down the chute
0:19:17 > 0:19:20and is collected in the sack underneath.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24It's an instantaneous process, really. Yeah, very quick.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Today's wheat is brought in from Hertfordshire.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30The traditional Derbyshire grit millstones
0:19:30 > 0:19:32have also been swapped for much hardier millstones
0:19:32 > 0:19:35imported from a disused mill in Portugal
0:19:35 > 0:19:36which are much better suited
0:19:36 > 0:19:39to grinding today's softer-grained wheat.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43OK, so this is the flour that we've just produced.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's a lovely, stone-ground... Lovely. ..wholemeal flour.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Lovely, soft. Have a feel.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah!
0:19:50 > 0:19:53We don't add anything. We don't take anything away. Mm-hm.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57So it's pure, unadulterated flour from organic wheat,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00so we like to think it's actually better quality
0:20:00 > 0:20:01than you can buy in supermarkets.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I've got a bag of flour here, Dick.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05I know you're into your bread-making. Yeah.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08So I'd like to present it to you. Lovely. Thank you.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Go away and use it wisely and, er,
0:20:10 > 0:20:14enjoy the rest of your explorations, OK? Thanks very much.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Well, Dick's bread baking will have to wait,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20because our search for their Cambridgeshire country home
0:20:20 > 0:20:21resumes tomorrow.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34We're helping retirees Dick and Louise swap life in London
0:20:34 > 0:20:37for a home in the Cambridgeshire countryside.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40With a budget of up to ?625,000,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43we've already shown them some wonderful property.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44But there's more to see,
0:20:44 > 0:20:46including our mystery house,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50which might just prove more of a puzzle than we bargained for.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52What is it? I don't know!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56I've heard lots of comments in the past.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I don't think I've ever heard that one.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Plus I visit a local potato farm for a snack break
0:21:01 > 0:21:04that's a real taste of home.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Can I smell it? Yeah, please do.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Oh! Smells of sausages, doesn't it?
0:21:10 > 0:21:12It does! It smells of my mother's cooking!
0:21:12 > 0:21:16We've got two fabulous properties to show Dick and Louise,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18but I'm hoping we can tempt them today
0:21:18 > 0:21:23with our mystery house, which has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Watch this space and all will be revealed.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29In the meantime, do wish me "bon chance"
0:21:29 > 0:21:31as I'm hoping at least one of our properties
0:21:31 > 0:21:33that we're going to show them
0:21:33 > 0:21:36will have Dick and Louise reaching for their cheque-book.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45The village of Warboys is the location of our first house today.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Amenities here include a pub, post office and store
0:21:49 > 0:21:50and a chemist.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54Just an eight-minute drive away is the small market town of Ramsey,
0:21:54 > 0:21:56where the remains of a Benedictine abbey,
0:21:56 > 0:22:00the origins of the settlement, can still be seen.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Back in Warboys, our next house enjoys a historic position
0:22:03 > 0:22:05on the village high street.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09So, new day, new property.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13It looks like a cottage, but in actual fact, quite a large house.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Is it? Ah! It's very charming. It looks lovely from the front. Yeah.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19It looks in very good condition. Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Very pretty, isn't it? Yeah, very. If you're going to draw a house,
0:22:22 > 0:22:24that's how you would draw it.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Symmetrical, isn't it? Yes, yes. Yeah, it is.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Yeah, it's lovely. It appeals to my mathematical bent. Does it?
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Yeah. OK. Well, shall we step inside and take a look around?
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Love to. Lovely.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Dating back to 1801, this Grade II-listed property
0:22:37 > 0:22:41was once a bakery, with its former bakehouse located to the rear,
0:22:41 > 0:22:45meaning that, whilst the frontage may look symmetrical,
0:22:45 > 0:22:47the footprint is a little more unusual.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50An entrance to the side leads via a lobby and hall
0:22:50 > 0:22:53to the kitchen/diner at the heart of the home.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57This is lovely. A really nice-sized kitchen. Yes, a super size. Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Plenty of storage. Cos kitchens are close to your heart, aren't they?
0:23:00 > 0:23:01You want the right kitchen.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Mm-hm, yeah, it looks good. I think it's very nice.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07It's large enough to take a huge dining table for the family. Yeah.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I like the kitchen. Yeah.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Very good start. So far, so good. So far, so good.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15So let's keep going through, see what you make of the next room.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Off the kitchen, there is a utility room
0:23:17 > 0:23:19and, to the front of the property,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23the first of the generously-proportioned reception rooms.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27So, here is our sitting-room.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Or your drawing-room. Whichever you prefer.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32That's not a bad size. I think it's a good size, actually, yeah.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Yeah. Impressive wood burner.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38I like wood burners and, er, I'm quite used to cleaning them as well.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Are you? We'd be very comfortable in here. Yeah, homely?
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Definitely homely. This could be a nice little snug for us.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48All we need is four bedrooms upstairs and you've, er...
0:23:48 > 0:23:50you've got us sorted. Four bedrooms!
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Ooh, can I deliver on that for you?
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Look, I'm smiling, I'm giving too much away! Let's go and have a look.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01Next to this reception room is another, currently used as a study.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02To the rear of the property,
0:24:02 > 0:24:06the former bakehouse provides yet another even larger reception,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08as well as a cloakroom.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Not only that, upstairs,
0:24:10 > 0:24:13this property trumps the four bedrooms Dick's hoping for
0:24:13 > 0:24:15by offering five.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18Situated to the front, there's a good-sized guest double,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21next to which is a single and a further double.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25Behind this is the fourth and smallest of the guest rooms.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28These are all served by a family bathroom.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30Lastly, to the rear of the home,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32is a spacious master en-suite.
0:24:33 > 0:24:34This is good space.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Lovely wardrobes. Plenty of wardrobes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It is very good. And if you notice, there is a door behind us,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42you've actually got a shower. Bonus. Yeah? Yeah, yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43More than you're after?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Yeah. Yeah. Two reception rooms. Yeah, just a little bit.
0:24:46 > 0:24:47Yeah. Mm-hm.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49I know you two want space.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52So plenty for the children, friends come to stay. Yeah.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55But also for your own hobbies and crafts. Mm-hm.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Hmm, we're warming to this. Yeah?
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Well, there is more to show you outside,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02so, Dick, if you wouldn't mind leading the way. OK.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07It seems this period property goes the extra mile
0:25:07 > 0:25:10when it comes to delivering what Dick and Louise have asked for,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13and the outside is no exception.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15There's ample hard standing for several cars,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18plus a large barn-style garage and workshop.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20A fully-enclosed rear garden,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23with planted beds and well-maintained lawn,
0:25:23 > 0:25:25includes a glasshouse and a little summerhouse.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30So you actually have quite a substantial amount of land
0:25:30 > 0:25:31from that back door.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34This looks manageable, though. Yeah? Mm-hm.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35And that greenhouse looks wonderful.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38I think it is a recipe to get my green fingers out again. Yeah? Yeah.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42Where is the brewing going to take place? That's what I want to know.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45I think the, er, the Wendy house. No! That'll be good.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50The Wendy house is now the pub at the end of the garden!
0:25:50 > 0:25:52That's very creative thinking.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55Well, we've seen the house, we've seen the garden.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59We've now got to decide what it's on the market for.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02You're looking at me with dread in your eyes!
0:26:02 > 0:26:08I'm going to be optimistic and say 595. OK.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I think I'd go a little bit lower than that.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12I'd probably go about 570. OK.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Well, you're both out.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17The owner's asking offers in excess
0:26:17 > 0:26:21of ?500,000. Oh! Ooh!
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It just demonstrates, if you look around,
0:26:23 > 0:26:25you can get quite a lot for your money. For your money.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28It's going to give you something to think about. Definitely.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Now you know that price... Mm-hm. ..reacquaint yourself with the property.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Houses always look different when they're under budget,
0:26:33 > 0:26:35and I'll catch up with you when you're ready.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Thanks. Thank you. Thank you.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Below budget at an incredible ?125,000,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48this Grade II-listed former bakery has a kitchen/diner
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and three additional reception rooms.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52There are five bedrooms,
0:26:52 > 0:26:53including a master en-suite,
0:26:53 > 0:26:55a large garage and workshop,
0:26:55 > 0:26:59as well as a low-maintenance garden with a glasshouse.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02This is a lovely, spacious house.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05It's got, er, so many rooms, it's unbelievable.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I think it's very easy to imagine yourself living here.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12The kitchen I like as well, which is an added bonus,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15so I don't think we'd need to sort of touch anything for some time.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18There's lots of things to like about this property.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22It's got a good balance of rooms, both downstairs and upstairs.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26I think it's a strong possibility, this place.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I wonder if a second look around, knowing that price,
0:27:29 > 0:27:30has warmed them up a bit.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34Well, they're taking their time, so that could be a good sign.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37All finished? Yes. Yeah. Yeah?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40Seen everything? Yes, thank you. Happy? Yup. Right, let's go.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Much of the current farmland of Cambridgeshire
0:27:49 > 0:27:52was once covered by sea water and bog oak.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Attempts to drain it began in earnest in the 1600s,
0:27:55 > 0:27:57taking over two centuries of effort
0:27:57 > 0:28:01before the rich soil, known as the black gold, emerged.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Ross Taylor's family have worked the earth here
0:28:03 > 0:28:06at Willow Farm near Ely since 1860.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Their 500 acres produce prize-winning potatoes
0:28:10 > 0:28:12along with other root vegetables.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14But the last decade has also seen them setting up
0:28:14 > 0:28:18their very own crisp factory and Ross has agreed to tell me why.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Hi, Ross. Hi, Nicki.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Now, I've never seen soil like this before.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26But what's so special about this area?
0:28:26 > 0:28:29The reason why we can produce these potatoes
0:28:29 > 0:28:31is down to our beautiful black, peaty soil.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Now, you say it's peaty.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35So why is it like this?
0:28:35 > 0:28:42Um, thousands of years of, um, organic material and bog oak
0:28:42 > 0:28:46and, er, we've been left with this beautiful soil
0:28:46 > 0:28:49for our beautiful potatoes to grow in. I love that.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51"Beautiful soil, beautiful spuds!"
0:28:51 > 0:28:54So this region is renowned for its potatoes, which...
0:28:54 > 0:28:55I've got one here.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58So why did you decide to diversify and go into crisps?
0:28:58 > 0:29:01The recession came along in 2008
0:29:01 > 0:29:06and we decided we couldn't carry the farm on any longer, um,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08relying on the markets that we'd always traded with,
0:29:08 > 0:29:12so we needed to do something with the product ourselves.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14So, really, was it that tough for you as a farmer?
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Oh, it was terrible! We'd lost our Irish market,
0:29:17 > 0:29:20which we supplied all my father's career.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24It was... It was either do something different or give the farm up.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26So the crisp came to the rescue?
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Yeah, we never tried crisps before with our product
0:29:29 > 0:29:32and, er, we took them to a crisp expert
0:29:32 > 0:29:34and they tried them and they couldn't believe
0:29:34 > 0:29:36the quality of our product.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40And, er, so we decided that was the way forward for us in the future.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42So all your potatoes converted into crisps
0:29:42 > 0:29:44come from the land that we can see around us?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Yeah, indeed, literally from 100 yards of our factory.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Is that your factory there? It is. I think you know when I'm going -
0:29:49 > 0:29:51to see where these crisps are produced.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52Ross, thank you so much. It's a pleasure.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I'll leave you with your spuds. I'll let you carry that.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57OK, thank you. Thank you.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01The farm's factory is where the potatoes are washed, sliced,
0:30:01 > 0:30:07cooked and flavoured before being bagged and boxed.
0:30:07 > 0:30:11It's a speedy process that turns the crop in the field into crisps
0:30:11 > 0:30:14that are ready to leave in an average of just 40 minutes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17The farm currently makes seven flavours of potato crisps
0:30:17 > 0:30:19and three varieties of vegetable ones.
0:30:19 > 0:30:23But today the plan is to add another to the slate.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Ross's friend and fellow crisp entrepreneur Rod Garnham
0:30:27 > 0:30:31has developed a new flavour for us to try.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Now, talking about flavours, when I was growing up,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I think there were only two available -
0:30:35 > 0:30:37cheese and onion and salt and vinegar.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41Yes, there's more and more demand for more adventurous flavours
0:30:41 > 0:30:45so that's what we've been developing as a company.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46We go out to Ely and Cambridge,
0:30:46 > 0:30:48our local cities,
0:30:48 > 0:30:52and we'll stand in the middle of the square and ask, you know,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54"What sort of tickles your taste buds, really?"
0:30:54 > 0:30:57So the people of Cambridgeshire decide what the rest of us are going to eat? Exactly, yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Well, when we were talking about actually coming here,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02they said if you could come up with any variety,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04what would it be? What would be your taste?
0:31:04 > 0:31:06And I said - because I'm a classy bird -
0:31:06 > 0:31:07"Bangers and mash."
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Yeah. Is that a good or a bad one? No, I think that's a good one.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13It's funny you should say that, because we developed this,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15which is a bangers and mash flavour. Can I smell it?
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Please do.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Oh. It smells of sausages, doesn't it?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23It does. It smells of my mother's cooking.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'The flavours are made to order by a specialist nearby company
0:31:26 > 0:31:29'using natural local ingredients where possible
0:31:29 > 0:31:31'before being added to the crisps at the factory.'
0:31:31 > 0:31:35OK, I think we're ready for a taste.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Here we go. Ready? Yeah.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Ooh! That's pretty good, actually. That is good.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45That is good. That reminds me of home cooking,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47but there's something else in there. What have you added?
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Put a little bit of mustard in there because, in my mind,
0:31:50 > 0:31:51if you're going to have bangers and mash,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54you're going to have a bit of mustard. Gives it a little kick.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Can you taste it? You can.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It's good, eh? I might have to try one more.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Listen to that crunch! It's good, isn't it?
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Oh, that is delicious. We might have to launch that.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06What would we call it, though?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Chappers' Bangers And Mash. That sounds good.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Chappers' Bangers And Mash.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13'Who would have thought an economic crisis
0:32:13 > 0:32:15'would turn some humble Cambridgeshire spuds
0:32:15 > 0:32:17'into a gourmet crisp?
0:32:17 > 0:32:20'And, if I ever fancy a taste of Mum's cooking,
0:32:20 > 0:32:21'well, who knows?
0:32:21 > 0:32:24'I may just be able to eat a packet soon.'
0:32:24 > 0:32:26One more. It would be rude not to.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28You'd better take those away from me.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I'll eat the whole lot.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41Our mystery offering is located close to the village of Pondersbridge.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45Facilities are found in the nearby ancient fenland market town of Whittlesey
0:32:45 > 0:32:47and include butchers and pubs.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51But the centre of the marketplace is a 17th-century covered butter cross
0:32:51 > 0:32:56where local dairy produce was once bought and sold.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59Fresh eggs, milk and butter would have been laid out for display
0:32:59 > 0:33:01on the stepped bases of the cross.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05This structure was considered useless in the 19th century
0:33:05 > 0:33:08and only saved from demolition when a local businessman
0:33:08 > 0:33:09donated slate tiles for the roof.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Before the fens were drained in the 18th and 19th century,
0:33:15 > 0:33:17this settlement was effectively an island
0:33:17 > 0:33:19surrounded by water.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21It's now an eight-minute drive across dry land
0:33:21 > 0:33:25to our mystery property in the midst of open countryside.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32So, our final offering is the most unusual one.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Welcome to your Mystery House.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37What is it? I don't...
0:33:37 > 0:33:40I've had lots of comments in the past -
0:33:40 > 0:33:42I don't think I've ever had that one!
0:33:42 > 0:33:44It is a house. Next door, the chimney
0:33:44 > 0:33:47that you can actually see was the old pumping station
0:33:47 > 0:33:50which has been converted into another property.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52It's not actually attached to this.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54This is your Mystery House.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57It's not only a very unusual property inside
0:33:57 > 0:33:59but also it's the most rural location,
0:33:59 > 0:34:01surrounded by fields,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03so I'm not going to lie...
0:34:03 > 0:34:06No shops, no amenities on your doorstep...
0:34:06 > 0:34:08OK. ..with the Mystery House.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10It looks very impressive from the outside.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13I've probably got an open mind until I get inside. Have you?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I wouldn't necessarily say
0:34:16 > 0:34:18it's the most attractive building I've seen,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20but space-wise, I suspect it's there.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Ready to get inside? Yeah, indeed.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Let's go this way.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27'Our unique Mystery House was built in 2004,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30'inspired by a pair of arched glass doors
0:34:30 > 0:34:32'from a chateaux in the Loire Valley.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35'The solid oak entrance door is also from France,
0:34:35 > 0:34:39'and the Continental ambience continues through
0:34:39 > 0:34:41'into the professionally designed interior.'
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I don't think you're going to have seen anything like it.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Definitely not! This is enormous.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49How high are these ceilings?
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Have a guess how high that ceiling is.
0:34:51 > 0:34:5215 feet?
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Not bad. 12.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56You do get the feeling you're in a French chateau, don't you?
0:34:56 > 0:35:00With those doors. And the curtains, actually, yeah.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Not what you'd expect in Cambridgeshire.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04No. No, I don't think you would.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08And look at that fabulous fireplace. 17th-century.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10That came from France as well.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14I'm just blown away by the size, really. I mean, it's vast.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It is vast. Isn't it? We'd have to bend our minds
0:35:16 > 0:35:18as to what we do with it.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Rather than have two or three sitting rooms,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23you've just got this one open space,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27and then just leading off here is the kitchen.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31'Also off this large central reception room is an orangery.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34'Featuring those inspirational Loire Valley doors,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38'it's currently used as a music room.'
0:35:38 > 0:35:41So, we have a separate kitchen
0:35:41 > 0:35:45but it still contains that open-plan feel.
0:35:45 > 0:35:46It's a bit galley-ish to me.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Yeah. So although what they've done is beautifully fitted -
0:35:50 > 0:35:52and you've actually got this trough sink...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Yeah, which is quite useful. Yeah.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Yeah, lovely beams up top.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00I'm not too sure it's really big enough.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03It isn't huge, - I can't lie -
0:36:03 > 0:36:05but what you do have is a utility room next door.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07You've got your white goods in there.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10And then, through there, you actually have a wet room.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13So, on this floor, you've also, unusually,
0:36:13 > 0:36:15got the master bedroom as well.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Downstairs? Downstairs. Shall we take a look?
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Yes. Let's go through the kitchen this way.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22'A mixed response to the living space
0:36:22 > 0:36:24'of this quirky recent build
0:36:24 > 0:36:26'which offers a total of four bedrooms.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29'A guest single is also found off the entrance hall
0:36:29 > 0:36:33'on the ground floor, while spiral stairs in the reception room
0:36:33 > 0:36:36'lead to a landing and two large guest doubles,
0:36:36 > 0:36:41'both with skylight windows and one with an en-suite shower room.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46'Then, back on the ground floor, is the impressive master en-suite.'
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Another splendid room.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52This must be the master. Yes. It's huge.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Beautiful large en-suite.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Yes. This, I'm thinking, would be yours.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00It's a lovely, lovely light, spacious room.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02I'm quite keen to take you back outside.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03A little bit more to show you.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08And, for the last time, I'm going to ask you... The price. ..yes, to put a price on it.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Oh, don't look so worried! Your favourite part(!)
0:37:13 > 0:37:15'Dick and Louise have asked for space
0:37:15 > 0:37:18'and the mystery house certainly delivers it in spades,
0:37:18 > 0:37:19'both inside and out.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22'With a plot of almost three quarters of an acre,
0:37:22 > 0:37:24'the wraparound decking provides somewhere
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'to enjoy the very peaceful surroundings.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29'There is a greenhouse in need of some TLC
0:37:29 > 0:37:33'as well as a massive barn which has both power and water,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36'and could brew Dick's interests.'
0:37:36 > 0:37:40So, I'm thinking workshops, brewery... Yeah, possibly, possibly.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Yeah? Yeah.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Have we surprised you? Yes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Yes, I'm a bit speechless, I think, really.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50It's certainly challenged us.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55It's not something we'd ever dreamed of looking at.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58No. It's a fair proposition.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01Let's just talk the finances, shall we?
0:38:01 > 0:38:05What do you think the current asking price is?
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I don't know. I'll go for about 525, I think.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Louise? I'm not too sure, really.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13It's got a lot of land.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15I think I might go higher than Dick,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18so I'll probably say 550.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Oh. Well, you're actually the closest,
0:38:20 > 0:38:26because it's on the market for ?554,950.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27OK. Yeah, not surprised.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29It is a unique property.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Do you fancy having another look around? Yes, please.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33On your own? Yeah, we'll have a look around.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36It's the last time I'm going to say it.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39OK. Go and have a wander around the Mystery House once more.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40OK, thank you. Thank you.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49With an asking price ?70,000 below budget,
0:38:49 > 0:38:51this chateau-inspired new build
0:38:51 > 0:38:53features a large open-plan living space,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56four bedrooms, including two ensuites,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58and almost three-quarters of an acre of grounds
0:38:58 > 0:39:01in very rural surroundings.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03I think it's an extraordinary property.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It's got some beautiful features.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Lovely bit upstairs for the family and so on.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Wonderful bedroom. Yep.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13And you'd lose yourself in the bathroom, wouldn't you?
0:39:13 > 0:39:16I think it's been quite interesting seeing this,
0:39:16 > 0:39:20because I suppose it's so much out of what we would envisage.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23This room is absolutely amazing, isn't it?
0:39:23 > 0:39:26With the 17th-century fireplace,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29the open windows, the high ceilings...
0:39:29 > 0:39:33Very versatile in terms of how you can use it.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36The open plan-ness is something
0:39:36 > 0:39:39that doesn't quite work for us even though
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I think it's perhaps opened our minds a little bit to it.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Don't necessarily want to be this far out in the country, do we?
0:39:45 > 0:39:47No, maybe not.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50It has helped concentrate our minds on what we like
0:39:50 > 0:39:54and what we don't like.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00That is it. The end of all our house tours.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Enjoyed it? Very much so. Yeah? Very much so.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Do you want some time to have a think amongst yourselves,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09what your next move's going to be? Yep.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11OK, come on.
0:40:18 > 0:40:22So, out of all the properties we showed Dick and Louise,
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I think one of them stands a fighting chance
0:40:25 > 0:40:27of a revisit.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30But I'm just wondering whether Cambridgeshire as a county
0:40:30 > 0:40:33is going to get a second viewing. Let's find out.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Well, Dick and Louise,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44we've certainly travelled around this county, haven't we?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46So, let's talk about the actual houses that you've seen,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49and, for me, there's one that stands out.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51I think it was that very old property
0:40:51 > 0:40:52with the bakery at the back.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55Would I be right? You would be.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56Ah, good.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59So, Dick, what was it about that property that so appealed to you?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02It was the one that was nearest to what we really wanted
0:41:02 > 0:41:05in terms of blueprint, footprint, what ever you want to call it.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08You know, it has a nice bit of character to it
0:41:08 > 0:41:11and it had a combination of rooms that we still haven't worked out
0:41:11 > 0:41:13exactly what we'd like to do with,
0:41:13 > 0:41:15but it sort of covers all occasions.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18So probably the most important question...
0:41:18 > 0:41:20Do you think you'll go back for a second viewing?
0:41:20 > 0:41:23I would certainly like to go back and have a look.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I think so. Yeah.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Louise, I'm going to ask you a question.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30You've loved living in London.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Born and bred in London.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Have you come to terms with the idea of actually leaving the city
0:41:36 > 0:41:37and moving away?
0:41:37 > 0:41:39I think so.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41I mean, I suppose the proof of the pudding
0:41:41 > 0:41:44will be when you make the decision on the house.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47But, yeah, it's going to be a big wrench.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Do you think we can put a timeframe on this move,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51wherever you decide to go?
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I just wondered if, in your minds, you were thinking...
0:41:54 > 0:41:55two months, six months, a year?
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Oh, we'd like... Well, I don't know.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00Well, I think we'd like to be gone within a year. Yeah.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I'd like to think we wouldn't still be looking in a year.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05At Christmas, you'll be in your new home? Yeah.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Well, all the very best,
0:42:07 > 0:42:11and I expect to hear an update on where you're at very soon.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Thank you both so much. Thank you. Many thanks, Nicki.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Now, if I'm honest,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22it's not the easiest thing in the world showing a couple a county
0:42:22 > 0:42:26which, well, they really don't know very well.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29But I think what we've achieved over the last few days
0:42:29 > 0:42:31is a fantastic cross-section of properties
0:42:31 > 0:42:33to tempt Dick and Louise.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Now, personally, I really do hope they go for that second viewing
0:42:37 > 0:42:40of that splendid house with the old bakery at the back,
0:42:40 > 0:42:42because what it will give them
0:42:42 > 0:42:45is the community they're going to need,
0:42:45 > 0:42:47the space they say they require...
0:42:47 > 0:42:51and at a price that will give them the scope to make those adjustments
0:42:51 > 0:42:54so they can have their perfect home.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Whatever they decide to do,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58we wish them all the very best of luck,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01and I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:05 > 0:43:08in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:43:08 > 0:43:09and need our help,
0:43:09 > 0:43:15please apply online at...
0:43:46 > 0:43:47Need a medic.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49# We are weightless... #
0:43:49 > 0:43:50Humanitarian mission.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52# We are invincible... #
0:43:52 > 0:43:53On the Somali border.
0:43:53 > 0:43:55# Nothing like this... #
0:43:55 > 0:43:56I hope you told them where to stick it.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59# Flying like cannonballs... #