0:00:02 > 0:00:05If I were to ask you what the most famous year was in British history,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07I bet you'd all give me the same answer.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11But what do the ruins of this old castle behind me have to do with it?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14I'll tell you what, and where I am, in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Today, we're looking for a room with a view, but will it be
0:00:36 > 0:00:38a bedside vista for her...
0:00:38 > 0:00:40- That's the dream, isn't it?- It is.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'..or a kitchen sink drama for him?'
0:00:43 > 0:00:46When Rick's doing the washing-up, he can look out and, yeah...
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I'm sure there's a dishwasher!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Today, I'm in East Sussex,
0:00:53 > 0:00:57and these walls are the ruins of Hastings Castle,
0:00:57 > 0:01:02whose origins date back to, yep, you've guessed it, 1066.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Now, just a few days before the legendary battle took place,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10William of Normandy gave orders for a castle to be built on this exact
0:01:10 > 0:01:14site just a few miles from the battlefield itself.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17There, of course, King Harold and his army were defeated
0:01:17 > 0:01:20and William of Normandy became better known
0:01:20 > 0:01:22as William the Conqueror.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25That, as they say, is history.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Nine and a half centuries of history, to be precise.
0:01:28 > 0:01:33And the town of Hastings is celebrating the 950th anniversary
0:01:33 > 0:01:36of the Battle of Hastings this very year.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41East Sussex is a county on the south coast of England facing out to the
0:01:41 > 0:01:44English Channel.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Chalk hills known as the South Downs cross the county from east to west,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51dramatically meeting the sea at Beachy Head.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55The South Downs Way is a 100-mile route running through the county and
0:01:55 > 0:02:01beyond, and can be enjoyed on foot, by bike or on horseback.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05The shingle beach at Pevensey was a landing place for the Romans,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07who built a fourth-century fort nearby.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10It was besieged by the Saxons a century later,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12with the Normans taking over
0:02:12 > 0:02:14in the 11th century.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18But as well as making the county open to invasion and attack,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22the sea has provided a livelihood for fishermen.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25And at Hastings, the largest beach-launched fishing fleet
0:02:25 > 0:02:27in Europe continues to operate.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Regional myths and legends abound.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35At Mayfield, the church owes its name to St Dunstan,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39a blacksmith said to have been visited by a beautiful temptress.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43The story goes that spotting cloven hooves beneath her dress,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47St Dunstan realised it was really the devil in disguise
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and fended off the Satanic advances with red-hot pincers.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53So, whether you enjoy a devilish tale,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57a bracing bike ride or a local fish supper,
0:02:57 > 0:03:00East Sussex is a stunning county to plan an escape to.
0:03:02 > 0:03:03In terms of property,
0:03:03 > 0:03:07if you're looking for good value for money in a county with the word
0:03:07 > 0:03:11Sussex in it, then East Sussex is definitely for you.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Because even though homes here cost around 30% more than they do in the
0:03:15 > 0:03:17rest of England and Wales,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20it's a lot cheaper than in neighbouring West Sussex.
0:03:20 > 0:03:26In fact, if you take two identical detached homes in both counties,
0:03:26 > 0:03:31the one in West Sussex will cost around £460,000,
0:03:31 > 0:03:37but the price for the same house here drops to around 390,000.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38And talking of houses,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42we've chosen three fantastic ones for today's buyers,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44so let's meet them.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Our house-hunting couple are long-time Londoners Rick,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51an IT worker, and Julia, a support teacher.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54This husband and wife have raised two children in their current house
0:03:54 > 0:03:59in Hammersmith, West London, but now they're ready for pastures new.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01I'm born and bred in this area.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03It's the place that I grew up, it's changed a lot.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07The riverside has changed dramatically since I was a child,
0:04:07 > 0:04:12and it's now getting very built-up, lots of very big,
0:04:12 > 0:04:17modern, expensive developments and it just means it's more crowded.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21And it's not just busier on the ground.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24The city skies are more crowded, too.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26The main annoying thing about living here is the aeroplane noise cos
0:04:26 > 0:04:28we're on the flight path to Heathrow.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32It can be, like, every two or three minutes, really noisy,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34aeroplane coming in to land.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37Living in the midst of urban bustle is nothing new for these two,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41but a few months ago, something happened that made them want
0:04:41 > 0:04:44to take stock sooner rather than later.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I was quite ill in September.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49Suddenly and acutely and seriously ill.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52And then we just suddenly realised we'd been talking about moving for
0:04:52 > 0:04:54years and years and years.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Rick being ill made us rethink the rest of our lives,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01and the fact that we could stay in this house, but actually,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04let's do something that's a bit more...
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- dramatic and...- Adventurous. - ..adventurous, really.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10So, with their son and daughter grown up,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13they've decided to head south to the sea.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16- East Sussex and Hastings... - Hastings, St Leonards area
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- is where we're sort of hoping to be. - Yep.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21There's some lovely parts, and there's some kind of funky,
0:05:21 > 0:05:24up-and-coming parts.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26So there's some cultural activity.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29But as well as looking for countryside and culture,
0:05:29 > 0:05:34these keen triathletes are expecting plenty of new training grounds to
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- challenge them.- I really enjoy, I suppose, endurance sports,
0:05:38 > 0:05:42which include cycling, running and swimming, and, of course, triathlon.
0:05:42 > 0:05:43We like to be active.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47And I think, actually, we're quite sort of hardy.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We're happy to go to sort of the middle of nowhere where there isn't
0:05:50 > 0:05:54anything. We don't always expect there to be a shop open
0:05:54 > 0:05:57when we need it. I think we will be able to adapt,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59because I think we're kind of...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02quite adaptable people.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Yeah, we can still get our shopping delivered if we check that out!
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Rick and Julia would like to live close to the coast,
0:06:10 > 0:06:13around the area of Hastings and St Leonards,
0:06:13 > 0:06:16with good transport links back to London.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Recent developments have made their house search more urgent than ever,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22so we're meeting in East Sussex to discuss the move.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Well, Julia and Rick, lovely to meet you both.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29I understand you've already moved here, haven't you?
0:06:29 > 0:06:30You've sold your house in London?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32That's right. We've been here a week.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35This is our seventh day in Sussex.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37And still in love with it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Absolutely, it's like being on holiday.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So, let's talk about your new home.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43What are you looking for?
0:06:43 > 0:06:45We're looking for something light and airy.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48We would like three...at least three bedrooms
0:06:48 > 0:06:51and a good living space, a good garden.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Nice big kitchen for entertaining.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- And you are outdoorsy people, aren't you?- Yeah.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57You love your hobbies, your cycling.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01Yeah, so we need space to store a number of bicycles.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05Space to keep the camper van that we have off the road.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Space for drying wet suits and things like that.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12You said light and airy, but explain a little bit more, Rick?
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Well, I mean, I would love something that was really, really modern.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Lots of glass, lots of light, but at the same time
0:07:18 > 0:07:20sort of well-insulated and easy to keep warm.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23One important thing for me is to be able to lie in bed
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and look out of the window and see some greenery and sky.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- That's important? - Very important to me, yeah.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Remind us of your top budget here, in East Sussex, please?
0:07:32 > 0:07:34So, our top budget is £700,000.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37That would be for absolutely everything - move in straightaway,
0:07:37 > 0:07:38not have to do anything.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40But, you know,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43we're sort of happy to do some work on a place if we need to.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45That's good news.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46You're already in the county,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but we're going to show you a little bit more of it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- So, shall we get started?- Lovely. - Follow me. Thank you.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57For a maximum budget of £700,000,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58Rick and Julia would like
0:07:58 > 0:07:59an individual property
0:07:59 > 0:08:00with a minimum of three
0:08:00 > 0:08:03bedrooms, including a master with
0:08:03 > 0:08:05countryside views from the bed.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06They want lots of living space,
0:08:06 > 0:08:08a kitchen with room to entertain,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10and a good-sized garden,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12plus space to store bikes,
0:08:12 > 0:08:13and parking for their camper van.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18We've got three very different homes to show them,
0:08:18 > 0:08:19with their wish list in mind.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24And at each, I'll be getting them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29The final tour is our Mystery House, which promises a few surprises.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31But first, it's time for house number one.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35So, this is really exciting, isn't it, for the two of you?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Yes, it is now, actually.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It was very stressful up until the time of the actual move.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42But we've moved ourselves,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45we've also helped our children to buy a property in London.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50I think it's gone from being terrifying to being exciting.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54And what about the R word - retirement?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57I mean, I'm still going to be working in London two days a week
0:08:57 > 0:09:00to see how it goes. Most people who live down here say,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02"Oh, you won't want to do that for long."
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Let the adventure begin!
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Yes, we are! Yes.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Our first house is in the village of Iden.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Around a 13-mile drive from Hastings,
0:09:12 > 0:09:16the settlement is first mentioned in the Domesday Book, and has a pub,
0:09:16 > 0:09:20a hall, recreation ground, and,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22thanks to the campaigning of the local community,
0:09:22 > 0:09:26retains its post office and stores.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30The artist Paul Nash was a resident in the 1920s, and his paintings,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33many inspired by the local landscape,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36now hang in the Tate Britain Gallery in London.
0:09:36 > 0:09:41As illustrator of TE Lawrence's Seven Pillars Of Wisdom,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44Nash was visited frequently at his Iden home by the man
0:09:44 > 0:09:47who was to become Lawrence of Arabia.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51And, following in those famous footsteps down a quiet country lane,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54it's that very house we've come to see.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57What do you make of our very first property we're showing you?
0:09:57 > 0:09:59I think it's really pretty.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02It sort of looks like a typical Sussex kind of house,
0:10:02 > 0:10:03but not too cottagey.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I like... The brickwork is attractive.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07And the weatherboarding is nice.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- So, yeah... - That's a jolly good start.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Shall we take a look around?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- Yeah.- Yeah, bring it!- Come on, then.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Built in the same decade that Nash lived here,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21the almost century-old cottage was extended either side by the current
0:10:21 > 0:10:23owners in recent years.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26A front door in one of these additions takes us
0:10:26 > 0:10:27into a lobby and hall,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30and through into the original part of the home,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34which showcases the surroundings that so inspired Nash.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40So, let's start off. The first room has to be, I think, the kitchen.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Yeah, yeah.- So, the first thing that dominates is...
0:10:42 > 0:10:45The window. And the view there, that's lovely, yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48When he's washing up, actually, it's going to be fantastic for him!
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- It is a good washing-up view. - And it's a good kitchen.
0:10:51 > 0:10:52It's not too huge.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55Now, this range looks scary.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59This is often the way in the country - it supplies everything.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Right.- Your hot water, your central heating as well as your cooking.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- Right, right.- But it's something to bear in mind,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07it's something different that you might not be used to.
0:11:07 > 0:11:08Wonderful, right. Well, let's keep going.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11So we've seen the kitchen. Follow me.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14Back across the lobby,
0:11:14 > 0:11:18there is a utility room and ground-floor shower room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Whilst from the kitchen, we reach an L-shape of three reception rooms,
0:11:21 > 0:11:23starting in a spacious sitting room.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Views on two sides, which is nice. - So it's light again as well.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- It is light, yeah. - Really lovely and light.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34And this is still the original part of the house, I guess, isn't it?
0:11:34 > 0:11:35- It is.- Quite often...
0:11:35 > 0:11:37That's one of the things I don't like about country cottages,
0:11:37 > 0:11:39is the tiny windows. But it is a stunning view.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42I mean, this is much bigger than the sitting room we had in London,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- isn't it?- Yes, yes.- Much bigger.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Not only does this home offer these city escapees
0:11:49 > 0:11:50its bright living space,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53there's a further reception room in the original part of the home
0:11:53 > 0:11:56that is currently used as a study.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59And, in the more recent extension, there is a large garden room,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02which also serves as a dining area.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06Upstairs, there is a family bathroom with a roll-top bath,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09next to which is the first of four bedrooms -
0:12:09 > 0:12:13big enough for a double bed and featuring windows on two sides.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17There's also a large double, then a small box bedroom.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21And finally, the room which Rick and Julia could use for themselves makes
0:12:21 > 0:12:23bedroom number four.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25So, the master bedroom...
0:12:25 > 0:12:27This is nice. You can sit in bed and...
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- That's the perfect view, yeah. - You can see the view.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32That's the dream, isn't it?
0:12:32 > 0:12:34It is. I mean, I was just noticing,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37there is no wardrobe or cupboard space here.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39But actually I quite like that.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I quite like having a bedroom that is just sort of quite simple.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Yeah, OK.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46So it is only our first property,
0:12:46 > 0:12:50but could you see yourself living somewhere like this?
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- I'm starting to. - Yeah, is it really possible?
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Maybe it is, yeah. I mean, it feels comfortable, this house.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57It's got a nice feel to it.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's not too huge, as we don't want anything that's, you know,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03got too much maintenance, too much space.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05OK, well, let's head out into the garden
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and see what you make of those views.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11So, Julia has her bed with a view,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15and we have a very positive finish for the interior accommodation
0:13:15 > 0:13:18of this former artist's home.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Sitting in a triangular half-acre plot,
0:13:20 > 0:13:23there's a gated gravel drive and car port
0:13:23 > 0:13:25for Rick and Julia's camper van.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26Whilst to the side of the property,
0:13:26 > 0:13:31ready-made raised beds provide a head start on that home-grown veg.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36There are useful storage options for bicycles and wet suits in two sheds.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38There's room for patio dining.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42But the lion's share of the garden is grassed with a level lawn.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44So, what do we think of the garden?
0:13:45 > 0:13:46I almost think it's a bit too big.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50But actually, I'm just wondering whether looking after it
0:13:50 > 0:13:54is going to be a distraction from the other things we want to do.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Sit-on mowers are a wonderful invention.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59I mean, I actually slightly disagree with him.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03- And also, just look behind you! - I know!- Yeah, that is lovely.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05So, bearing all that in mind,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09we've got to now try and put a price on our first property.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11£650,000?
0:14:11 > 0:14:12OK.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I think a bit less. I think £625,000.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18You're very good at this, very good indeed!
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Because, Rick, you're actually on the money.- Am I really?
0:14:21 > 0:14:23The asking price is £625,000.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Interesting.- So, you know, way under your budget.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Now you know you've got £75,000 to play with,
0:14:29 > 0:14:33have another look around, and I'll come and find you when you're ready.
0:14:33 > 0:14:34- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Well, it's a splendid first house.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Way under their budget.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44And I think sometimes it's just getting your head around that
0:14:44 > 0:14:48it's very rare that you find a house that gives you everything that you
0:14:48 > 0:14:49want on paper. You do have
0:14:49 > 0:14:51to sometimes do some of the work yourself.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55And with so much left in their budget, they could afford to do it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03This 1920s former artist's home comes in significantly below budget,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07and offers a country kitchen, three reception rooms,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Plus, it's set in a half-acre garden with lovely countryside views.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19I think, really, what we'd think about doing is knocking this down.
0:15:19 > 0:15:24- The kitchen goes in here, and then we've got a dining room...- Right.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- ..through here. - Yeah, that would work.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29It's in a beautiful location.
0:15:29 > 0:15:30The garden is beautiful,
0:15:30 > 0:15:35and the lightness and the brightness and the views through the window are
0:15:35 > 0:15:37fantastic. And it's a really good amount of space.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41It's sort of exactly the kind of space we are looking for.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45I do like the property, but I'm not sure if it's for us.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48We'd need to do too much to it, I think.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49It's the first house we've seen,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53and I'm not sure if it's the one that we really want.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55How are we doing?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Good.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58A good first property?
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- Yes.- Really good, yeah, very interesting.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Good, all right. Well, we've still got more to show you.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Lovely.- So we'll go.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15The fascinating coastline of East Sussex includes
0:16:15 > 0:16:17the historic harbour of Rye.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22Once a small fishing community almost entirely surrounded by water,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26the sea has retreated, creating an abundant variety of habitats.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32Since 1970, this coastal expanse has been cared for as a nature reserve.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35As Rick and Julia are keen to explore the outdoors
0:16:35 > 0:16:36by bike and foot,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39we've sent them to meet reserve manager Barry Yates,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43who's dedicated over three decades to looking after the landscape.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47How did this reserve come to be?
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Well, back in 1970,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53a partnership of organisations came together because they realised that
0:16:53 > 0:16:55the coast was coming under a lot of pressure,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57and it was threatening the wildlife.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Apart from the 4,500 species,
0:16:59 > 0:17:04there's a whole layer of history and changing coastlines.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06And, most importantly,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10there's 200 species that are nationally rare or endangered.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12And that's what we are managing it for.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15And what we're going to do today is have a cycle tour of the whole
0:17:15 > 0:17:18reserve. And we're going to go and see lots of wildlife,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- and there's a few surprises. - Oh, lovely.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23The reserve is mostly flat,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26making it relatively easy to get around by bike.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30The intrepid can venture here by the National Cycle Network.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33But bike hire is available in Rye itself.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37The reserve is noted as a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41and first stop today is one of five bird-watching hides.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43What birds can we see here?
0:17:43 > 0:17:47The birds out on these islands are a mixture of gulls and terns.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49These closest to us are black-headed gulls.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53They're sitting on their nests, and the first chicks are hatching now.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Can we see the terns from here?
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Yes, the terns are on the left-hand island.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Oh, right, OK.- There has been a fantastic increase in the numbers
0:18:00 > 0:18:03of pairs of nesting birds out here.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06So this year there's 400 pairs of sandwich terns nesting,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09which is a big increase on previous years.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Ensuring there are good nesting sites for the 90 different bird
0:18:14 > 0:18:18species that use the area is not left down to Mother Nature.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Fences deter predators, from badgers to foxes, while shingle islands -
0:18:22 > 0:18:25many man-made with managed vegetation -
0:18:25 > 0:18:28give the nests added protection.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31These current nesters have spent the winter months much further south -
0:18:31 > 0:18:33the terns in West Africa,
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and the black-headed gulls in Spain and Portugal.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42Is there a pecking order amongst them to who gets the best spot?
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Yes, the early nesting ones get the best spots.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48And the late arrivals have to make do on the edge.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51But it's not all about wildlife.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53With over 1,000 acres of terrain,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56from gravel paths to grassy pastures,
0:18:56 > 0:19:02the East Sussex shore tells a tale of invasions, both real and feared.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Henry VIII built a series of coastal forts here.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09The remains of Camber Castle is one of them, now open to the public.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Wow, it's a fantastic castle.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15It feels like it's in the middle of nowhere.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Yes, it stands about 2km from the sea now.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22Whereas when it was built, in Henry VIII's time, that's 500 years ago,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24it was overlooking the sea, it was right on the coast.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26So it's a really interesting shape.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29Is that normal for this kind of castle?
0:19:29 > 0:19:32It is. They had a fairly common plan.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34They had these big semi-circular bastions,
0:19:34 > 0:19:40really thick walls with cannons within, very difficult to attack.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43You could not creep up on this castle without being seen.
0:19:43 > 0:19:44So, what happened to the sea?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46What happened to make it move so far away?
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Shortly after the castle was built,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51the sea pushed up ridges of shingle, and so now,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55all this vast area that was once sea
0:19:55 > 0:19:59is now being farmed, and some of it is the nature reserve.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Well, they say an Englishman's home is his castle,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07so let's see if we can find suitable fortifications for Rick and Julia
0:20:07 > 0:20:09here in the county.
0:20:10 > 0:20:15Our next house is located close to the village of Burwash.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Once an important location for iron-making,
0:20:19 > 0:20:24the furnaces and forges have made way for antique shops and tea rooms.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29But the village is best known for one famous former literary resident.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Now, you know East Sussex quite well.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Have you ever visited this part of it?
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Yes, we have. We have actually been to Bateman's before.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39Now, that is Rudyard Kipling's house, isn't it?
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- That's right, yes.- Turn of the century, he could have been
0:20:41 > 0:20:43your neighbour. Do you know why?
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Because the property I'm going to show you is literally just around
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- the corner.- Really?- Yes. Not quite as grand.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Let's have a look.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55Kipling lived in this Jacobean manor house in the first part of the 20th
0:20:55 > 0:20:59century. The estate is now in the hands of the National Trust,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01and passing this down a private lane,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04we find the house we have come to see.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Quite an unusual entrance, driving past that Jacobean home,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12the Bateman's estate, but this is actually not attached to it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15This is a private road, and here is our second offering.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Quite impressive. - Obviously quite new.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Quite new. It looks huge from the outside.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22It seems that there's a lot of it, yeah.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24It is a substantial property.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Originally, in the 1960s, there was a bungalow on this spot.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31So around 2010, the current owners built this to their needs.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32It's a nice setting. Yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35All right, well, let's how we get on inside.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36OK.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40'This modern-build property sits'
0:21:40 > 0:21:44in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47The porched front door opens to a corridor running along the front
0:21:47 > 0:21:49of the home, which takes us
0:21:49 > 0:21:51to the generously proportioned kitchen/diner.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56And how is this for space?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Yeah, it's a really good, spacious kitchen.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Beautifully finished.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02You've got a wonderful utility room through that door.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Again, ample space.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07And then, behind us, you've got a dining room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:08- Yeah.- That's really nice.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10There's direct access to the outdoors as well.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12- Yeah. Brilliant. - I think that's what we're after.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Yeah, I mean, this is probably what we would have tried to make
0:22:15 > 0:22:17the other house into, I suppose.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- Yeah.- And again, the sink looking out onto the view,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25so when Rick's doing the washing-up, he can look out and, yeah...
0:22:25 > 0:22:26I'm sure there's a dishwasher.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Let's show you a little bit more and hopefully we'll keep in the same
0:22:31 > 0:22:33vein. Just down here.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Next to the utility is a ground-floor shower room,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41then opposite the kitchen is the first of the home's three bedrooms.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45And completing this ground floor is a very large reception space.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51A long hallway, which leads us to our sitting room.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It's a great size.
0:22:53 > 0:22:54It's a good entertaining space,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56cos also it's got the doors that lead out.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57Light and fresh air, yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58- Yeah.- Look at the size of it.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00I know, it's a really good space.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02What you could do, if you wanted to, is divide it up.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04So, have two sitting rooms, cos it's big enough.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Yeah. Easy to sort of change it into...
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Yeah, it's straightforward.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11There's nothing to... The design is sort of neutral,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13so you can do what you like with it.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Yeah.- I'm wondering, in the main master bedroom,
0:23:16 > 0:23:18whether we're going to have the views out of the window.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It would be hard not to get a good view, wouldn't it?
0:23:21 > 0:23:23You are selling the house to ME! I'm liking that!
0:23:23 > 0:23:24Let's have a look.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29The eaves of the house are used as features in two further bedrooms
0:23:29 > 0:23:33upstairs. The first of these is a double with dormer windows
0:23:33 > 0:23:34served by its own bathroom.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38And at the other end of this floor is an extravagantly
0:23:38 > 0:23:39proportioned suite.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Could this be the master bedroom by any chance?- This is really nice.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- This is great.- Yes, it's fantastic.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Yeah.- Light and bright.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- Yeah.- Airy and spacious...
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Yeah.- The eaves make it interesting, as well.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Yes, gives it some character.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- Interesting shapes.- The reason you haven't got cupboards is you've
0:23:57 > 0:23:58actually got your own dressing room, here.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- Oh, wow. OK. - And then, not to be outdone,
0:24:00 > 0:24:03we've obviously got to give you an en-suite as well.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Oh, right. OK.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- Yeah.- Yeah, this is a really nice room.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- This is great.- So, lying there, with your head on the pillow,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15let's take a look and see what you make of this view.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- Have a peek.- Wow. Yeah.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Would you ever get tired of that view?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27No, you wouldn't, because it would change with the seasons.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Yeah, this is really nice.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34Yes, this kind of bedroom with good storage and en suite is perfect.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37But we don't spend all our time in the bedroom.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41No? Well, let's take one final look at the bedroom.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44And then let's head outside.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Lovely, thank you.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53This house really is offering Rick and Julia everything they asked for,
0:24:53 > 0:24:55even down to that bedroom view.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59But they still need convincing it's the right house for them.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01Perhaps the garden will do the job.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05As well as its own driveway and integral garage,
0:25:05 > 0:25:07there's a pretty summerhouse,
0:25:07 > 0:25:09and the grounds are a manageable size, too.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Knowing Rick is worried about taking on too much garden,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16I'm hoping he'll be happy with this one.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- I think the garden's great. - But this is ideal for you, isn't it?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- No, this is the perfect size.- Yeah. - Cos you've got all this for free,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and we could have a small vegetable plot somewhere around,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28and it's kind of low-maintenance.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- You're done.- Are you happy? - Yeah, happy with the garden.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32And what about the surrounding area?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34You know, possible walks, bridle paths.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35- Stunning.- Absolutely stunning.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- Yeah, really good.- Yeah, it is. - Cycling.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- I mean...- Yeah, and there's a bridle path that goes right past,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42- so...- You know, it's so stunning.
0:25:42 > 0:25:47I'm not sure we're quite ready for something quite so rural.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49We do need to start to change our mind-set.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I think we're still in London mode, really.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53Let's see how we get on with the price.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57I am going to tell you it's only just gone on the market.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- Right.- Right. I think it's 700,000.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Ah, well, I think it's a little bit under.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05I think it's 695.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09OK, well, they are looking for offers between £700,000
0:26:09 > 0:26:12and £750,000.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Right. OK. It's probably more than I would want to pay, really.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I must admit, I'm quite surprised,
0:26:19 > 0:26:22cos I thought the comments were very positive going round.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- I'm still going to send you back in. Have another look.- OK.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28And it does give you an idea of what you can get for your money in these
0:26:28 > 0:26:29sorts of surroundings.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Absolutely.- Yeah.- And then, tell you what, I'll meet you at the front.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34- Please be my guests. Thank you.- All right.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Sitting at the top of their budget,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41this modern chalet bungalow offers
0:26:41 > 0:26:43everything Rick and Julie have asked
0:26:43 > 0:26:45for. There is a large kitchen/diner,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47generous reception room
0:26:47 > 0:26:48and three bedrooms,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51including a large master suite.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53It comes with a low-maintenance garden
0:26:53 > 0:26:55surrounded by countryside and is
0:26:55 > 0:26:58located close to village shops and services.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Having that view from the bedroom is really, really important.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06I think, in terms of the garden, this actually is probably fine.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11The house has been well designed for the people who live here,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14but perhaps it isn't designed for us.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18It just doesn't feel like somewhere where I really feel at home.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20It's a modern house, but it's not a modern design.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24- All right?- Yeah.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- Lovely.- Good second viewing on your own?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- Yes, thank you. - I'm still a little confused.
0:27:29 > 0:27:30But that's it for today,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33so let's hit the road because I've got more to show you tomorrow.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34- Lovely.- Thank you.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48We are in East Sussex looking for a home for Rick and Julia,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52who have recently relocated from West London.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57We've already seen two contrasting houses for their £700,000 budget,
0:27:57 > 0:28:00but the Mystery House may offer another dimension.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02- It's certainly got character. - Yeah, definitely.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06And I'm really looking forward to seeing the modern bit.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Plus, I'm on the right track for a great view of the East Sussex coast.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13You can see the fishing fleet, you can see the pier,
0:28:13 > 0:28:14you can see the whole of old Hastings.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17I certainly wouldn't want to climb it, that's for sure.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21I don't know about you,
0:28:21 > 0:28:24but I'm a little perplexed with Rick and Julia.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Yesterday, we showed them two very different homes,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and they liked some elements of the first
0:28:30 > 0:28:32and some parts of the second, so,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34ideally, with our Mystery House,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37if we combine the very old with the very new,
0:28:37 > 0:28:41chances are we could be onto a winner.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Our mystery offering is located in the village of Hooe.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49The village owes its name to the Saxons
0:28:49 > 0:28:52who invaded the Sussex coast in the fifth century
0:28:52 > 0:28:54and called it Hooe, meaning ridge.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56These invaders were heathens
0:28:56 > 0:28:59who worshipped natural objects and phenomena.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01And there is certainly plenty of nature to appreciate
0:29:01 > 0:29:04in the surroundings of this Wealden village.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07You can pick up some Sussex produce in the farm shop,
0:29:07 > 0:29:09or pop in for a drink at the pub,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12which is located a pleasant 15-minute walk along the lane
0:29:12 > 0:29:15from the house we've come to see.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19May I introduce you to your Mystery House?
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- Wow.- Looks really interesting. - It's really lovely.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- Yeah.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Old cottage, but it's got a bit of contemporary as well.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- Yeah, it looks lovely. - Really interesting.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32And that's really why we picked it.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- Yeah.- Is it a listed building?
0:29:34 > 0:29:35It's not, in actual fact.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37- OK.- It's about 17th century...
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- Right.- It used to be an old bakery.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- OK.- And then obviously, as you can see from the extension there,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45and also there's another one just behind us that was done recently.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47So, first impressions?
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- Very positive.- Really interesting, yeah. Yeah.- OK.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- I can't wait to see inside. - Good. Well, let's do exactly that.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58This side extension of this 17th-century former bakery
0:29:58 > 0:30:00has been clad in cedar-wood
0:30:00 > 0:30:04whilst a roof of terracotta tiles unites new and old.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07The front door leads directly to the main reception room,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11where period features show the history of the home.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Right, I think shoes off with the cottage.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15And come on in.
0:30:16 > 0:30:17You can see the bread oven.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Yeah.- Often when you go into properties,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22the bread ovens are about this big.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24You can see this used to be a bakery, cos it's huge.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Yeah.- It's stunning, but, I mean, it's quite light,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29despite the fact that it's an old bakery.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I'm feeling a bit nervous about all this old stuff now.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Are you?
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- It's certainly got character. - Yeah.- Definitely.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38And I'm really looking forward to seeing the modern bit.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Yeah.- If you just follow me down this step,
0:30:42 > 0:30:44there's something completely different.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Here is your contemporary.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Yeah, yeah. This is good.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50This is it. It's what we're looking for, actually.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52- Yeah.- But I want the whole house to be like this.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54This thing is, when you are looking for contemporary homes,
0:30:54 > 0:30:58they are quite difficult to find in the country,
0:30:58 > 0:31:00so at least we're giving you a little bit of a mix.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04- Yeah. Yeah.- 'Well, let's see if they can find enough contemporary styling
0:31:04 > 0:31:07'to keep Rick happy as we head back through the original part
0:31:07 > 0:31:10'of the home and into the kitchen.'
0:31:10 > 0:31:13What I am going to offer you...
0:31:13 > 0:31:15is a cottage kitchen.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Uh-huh.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- Small kitchen.- Yes!
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Yeah, yeah.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- Bijou?- Yes.- However,
0:31:22 > 0:31:27what you COULD do is actually extend this outside another five foot,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30which would make a tremendous amount of difference.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Yeah. Yeah.- I'm curious as to where you eat, as well.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35But I suppose, if you extended it, then you could make it into
0:31:35 > 0:31:37something that you could eat in as well.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Yeah. Aesthetic design is just fantastic.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- Yeah.- It's all light, so I might get to love the beams in the end.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Adding a generous helping of up-to-date design
0:31:50 > 0:31:53to the 17th-century beginnings of this former bakery
0:31:53 > 0:31:57may be convincing these long-time city dwellers
0:31:57 > 0:31:59of the merits of beams and bread ovens.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03To the rear of the recent extension is the first of three bedrooms,
0:32:03 > 0:32:05currently with a daybed.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09Next to this is a thoroughly modern ground-floor shower room,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12which also serves the two bedrooms on the upper floor.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Above the reception room, in the oldest part of the house,
0:32:15 > 0:32:19is bedroom number two, currently furnished with bunk beds.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Then we find the largest of the three bedrooms.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25I can't take my eyes away from that view,
0:32:25 > 0:32:29but I'm going to have to because I want to concentrate on the master
0:32:29 > 0:32:30bedroom. As you can see,
0:32:30 > 0:32:32the original house would have finished here,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34so you've got this part which they've just,
0:32:34 > 0:32:35well, let breathe, in a way,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37haven't they, with a feature wall behind you.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39It's such clever design.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41I think it's really a good use of space.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43It's quite stunning.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46And it's another interesting contrast
0:32:46 > 0:32:48between the old and the new.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50- Yeah.- A nice open space for a bedroom.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52So, yeah. I like it.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55But actually, although this is the master bedroom,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I actually really like the bedroom downstairs and could imagine that as
0:32:58 > 0:33:01being the master bedroom. And it's next door to the bathroom.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Do you fancy the idea of living on the ground floor?
0:33:04 > 0:33:08It does avoid navigating those stairs late at night as well!
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Yeah.- Well, there is actually more to show you accommodation-wise -
0:33:12 > 0:33:15as well as the garden - outside.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19Rick and Julia are really thinking about how they might live here.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23And outside, there's a well-stocked rear garden opening to fields,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26plus a small wooded area with ancient oak,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28but I can't wait to show them the outbuildings,
0:33:28 > 0:33:32starting with a smart and stylish cedar and glass studio.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Is it too good for bikes?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Just worried about how visible they'd be.
0:33:38 > 0:33:39I mean, maybe some blinds
0:33:39 > 0:33:41or something just to hide what's in there?
0:33:41 > 0:33:46I would use it as a writing place, a morning coffee place.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Well, further down, there's another artist's schedule on the left,
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and you've got a garage as well.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Quite a lot of space at the back.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- Permission was actually given for an annexe to be built...- Oh, right.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- ..on that foot plate there. - Oh, that sounds interesting.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Aha! That's a good sign!
0:34:02 > 0:34:05That IS a good sign. But let's see, just as importantly,
0:34:05 > 0:34:06if we can afford it,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08with all these plans and everything
0:34:08 > 0:34:10that we are discussing quite happily.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Any idea what you think this is on the market for?
0:34:13 > 0:34:15I'm going to say 650.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- OK.- Well, I think it's more.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22I think it's over our budget, so I was good to say 750.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- Ooh.- OK.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27It's on the market for £700,000.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31However, we've spoken to the owner and he's happy to have discussions
0:34:31 > 0:34:34on offers over £650,000.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Wow, OK. OK. Interesting.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Yeah, OK.- Mm.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41- Mm.- Yeah, got me thinking.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- We like the "mmms", don't we? - I like being right as well.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- Thank you so much. - Off you go. Thank you.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53This 17th-century former bake house with contemporary additions
0:34:53 > 0:34:55is a real meeting of old and new,
0:34:55 > 0:34:58offering one reception room with period beams
0:34:58 > 0:35:01and another with bi-fold doors.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04There are three bedrooms, a low-maintenance garden,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07and outbuildings, including a glass and cedar-wood studio.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Yeah, this is a lovely room.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13We could use this as our bedroom.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- I know.- It's really nice and next to the bathroom.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17Right next door.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21And it's just so nicely finished and such a nice design.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25I think it's amazing how well it is designed and how it does feel like a
0:35:25 > 0:35:29single dwelling, but it's got such huge contrasts.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33I'm surprised that I feel so positive about it.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- It could work for us, with some work.- Yeah.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40I can picture you two right here, relaxing.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42- OK.- It is the most beautiful spot, isn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- It is really beautiful.- I wonder,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47has the Mystery House performed its magic?
0:35:47 > 0:35:49You're not going to tell me, are you?
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Let's go somewhere quiet, sit down, have a chat,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and you can tell me what your next move -
0:35:53 > 0:35:55hopefully here - is going to be.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56- OK.- OK, thank you.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Nestled under steep sandstone cliffs, during the 18th century,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09the old town of Hastings became a place for the wealthy to take a
0:36:09 > 0:36:11therapeutic dip.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13And after the arrival of the railways,
0:36:13 > 0:36:17it grew to become a popular Victorian seaside resort.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19But with many prime attractions
0:36:19 > 0:36:22located atop steep cliffs above the beach,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26two cliff railways, known as funiculars, were built.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30The first, to the west, accessing the ruins of the castle,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32opened in 1891.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35Built by a private company, work overran,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37and it was not a financial success.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40So when it came to building a second,
0:36:40 > 0:36:43the council took matters into their own hands,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and it's this East Cliff line I'm visiting today.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49This is the steepest working funicular railway
0:36:49 > 0:36:51in the whole of the UK.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53Now, if you think that's 90 degrees,
0:36:53 > 0:36:58we literally are going up like this, at a 78% gradient.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59I mean, it is so steep,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03and a real feat of Victorian and Edwardian engineering.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Can you imagine what a thrill it must have been for the tourists
0:37:06 > 0:37:10of the day standing here? To climb so rapidly,
0:37:10 > 0:37:13looking out on this spectacular view,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16which I have to say is so impressive.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19There is no driver's car on this line.
0:37:19 > 0:37:24Instead, operations are managed from a clifftop control room,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27where I meeting the man with his fingers on the button,
0:37:27 > 0:37:28Kevin Bormann.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32- Hello, Nicki.- Hi, there.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34That is the most tremendous view.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- Stunning, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Best job in the council, working up here, I reckon.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40So, this is where it all happens?
0:37:40 > 0:37:41This is it. This is the control room.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42So this one's ready to go...
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It is. Push the run button.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47- There it goes. - So what is a funicular railway?
0:37:47 > 0:37:50A funicular railway is one simply worked by a cable and pulleys.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54So the one lift goes up and down, and the other one follows it round.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56As one goes up, the other goes down.
0:37:56 > 0:37:57And when was this actually built?
0:37:57 > 0:38:001902. So, it's well over 100 years old.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Obviously for tourism.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Absolutely for tourism. Hastings was a big tourist resort,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- even in those days.- As it is now. - As it is now.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11This upper station is sometimes mistaken by visitors
0:38:11 > 0:38:13as Hastings Castle,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16but it was built to house 1,200 gallons of water.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Along with a similar sized water reserve in the lower station,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23this was the original means of powering the cars up and down
0:38:23 > 0:38:27the steep incline. Using a water balance system,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30a tank below each car was filled up at the top of the hill,
0:38:30 > 0:38:33causing it to descend and, via a pulley,
0:38:33 > 0:38:35lifting the lighter cars upwards.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38The tanks would then be emptied at the bottom of the hill,
0:38:38 > 0:38:40and the cycle would start over again.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Actually, back in the '60s and '70s, you could hear the water,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45and as a kid it fascinated me.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48As the tanks emptied at the bottom, this great swishing, swirling,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51gurgling noise as the water emptied out of the tanks,
0:38:51 > 0:38:53ready for the lift to go up empty.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55The line now runs on electricity,
0:38:55 > 0:38:59but retains the feel of the original, as well as the views.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01You can see the fishing fleet, you can see the pier,
0:39:01 > 0:39:03you can see the whole of old Hastings.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06And the rumour is, and I'm told it's true, that the plans were misread,
0:39:06 > 0:39:08and that's why it's so steep.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09It shouldn't have been as steep as this.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11It's unusually steep for a funicular railway.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It is very steep indeed.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- But it's 1 in 1.3, which makes it very steep indeed.- Yeah.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Most funiculars are nothing like as steep as this.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20I certainly wouldn't want to climb it, that's for sure.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24But as well as being the best place to take in the scenery,
0:39:24 > 0:39:28the steep cliffs of Hastings have often been of strategic importance.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32During the Second World War, guns were stationed here,
0:39:32 > 0:39:36and this funicular was taken over by the military to ferry munitions.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38But for those wanting a ride
0:39:38 > 0:39:41to Hastings' most historic military site - the castle -
0:39:41 > 0:39:44the West Hill Lift is the one to take.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Now, that's unusual. It's not as steep as this one,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- but it goes through a tunnel. - So, why has Hastings got two?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Well, cos we're a great town - why shouldn't we have two?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53In the 1970s, when it was converted,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56we had horrible old fibreglass carriages.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59These are only six years old. They look very old-fashioned.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01They're based on the original Victorian design.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03But it adds to the whole experience.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Absolutely.- I feel like I have stepped back in time.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10As well as providing a taste of tradition,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14from the top it's possible to enjoy 600 acres of ancient woodland,
0:40:14 > 0:40:18heathland and grassland in the Hastings Country Park,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21as well as further incredible vantage points.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23What a terrific view.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27And let's be honest, 3.5 million visitors to Hastings every year,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30they can't be wrong, can they?
0:40:30 > 0:40:34But after that extraordinary journey up, what comes up, has to go down.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39And as the Cliff Railway descends,
0:40:39 > 0:40:44I wonder if today's buyers have been left on a high after our East Sussex
0:40:44 > 0:40:45house search.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53Well, I think we can discount house one and two for Julia and Rick,
0:40:53 > 0:40:58but our Mystery House, such positive comments from both of them.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Enough to make them want to buy it?
0:41:00 > 0:41:01I'm off to find out. Let's ask them.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Well, Julie and Rick, we've got a feast for you, here, haven't we?
0:41:11 > 0:41:12Looks lovely. Sussex tea.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Yeah. Certainly going to whet your appetite.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Do we have a house for you, though?
0:41:16 > 0:41:18That is the question.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- I'm not sure.- It's possible.
0:41:20 > 0:41:21Oh! OK. Go on.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Do you know what, I think the last one you showed us,
0:41:24 > 0:41:28the Mystery House, the modern part of it was just so stunning,
0:41:28 > 0:41:30and it's just given me a taste.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- I just realised how much I like that style of house.- Yeah.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36And the old bit didn't scare you as much as I thought it might.
0:41:36 > 0:41:37It didn't scare me as much,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40but that old bit means there's less modern bits,
0:41:40 > 0:41:44so I think you really spoiled me for the old style
0:41:44 > 0:41:47by showing me that just beautifully finished,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50designed modern extension on the Mystery House.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53So, second viewing or not?
0:41:53 > 0:41:54I think possibly.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- OK.- I think...- Yeah?- It would be worth having a second viewing.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58Well, all the best.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Thank you very much.- Have another look at that house.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03You never know. You might convince him about beams.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05But I hope it's out there, what you're looking for.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06And perhaps, if it isn't,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09you might have to get it designed and build it yourself.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13- Absolutely.- Invite us back if you do, we want to see what it's like.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14Thank you both so much.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Thank you.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26Well, even though we didn't achieve an actual house sale here,
0:42:26 > 0:42:28in East Sussex, with Rick and Julia,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31what we can confirm is a county sale.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And I must admit, I'm particularly pleased that the Mystery House,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37even though I don't think they're going to buy it,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41helped them redefine what it is they want from their new home -
0:42:41 > 0:42:46a contemporary designed building with a highly polished finish.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48Will they find it here in the county?
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Well, we're just going to have to wait and see.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51So, that's it from me,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and I'll see you again soon on Escape To The Country.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:00 > 0:43:01in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Wales or England and need our help, you can apply online at...