0:00:02 > 0:00:03For over 800 years,
0:00:03 > 0:00:05the Great Hall behind me has been witness to all manner of human
0:00:05 > 0:00:07imperfections and emotions.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09So, where exactly am I?
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Find out in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31Today's house-hunters are birds of a feather,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33seeking a new place together.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36I think it's a nice nest.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- A nest? See, that sounds good, you know, that sounds like a home.- Yeah!
0:00:40 > 0:00:44But will any of our three houses rule the roost?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47This is dangerously good.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Whoa, OK, we're hitting the heady heights now.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59Today, I'm in the East Midlands, in the Rutland market town of Oakham,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01and behind me is Oakham Castle.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06Not only is it one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10but it's also the longest running seat of justice in England.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Originally a manor house,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15records of a law court held here go back as far as 1208.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18The castle is still in use to this very day,
0:01:18 > 0:01:21with a Crown Court held here every two years.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26The East Midlands region is made up of six separate English counties,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28with a coastline looking out over the North Sea.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33The low-lying county of Lincolnshire is largely agricultural,
0:01:33 > 0:01:38and dedicated to arable crops, from potatoes to wheat.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42This eastern part of the region also includes areas of the Fens,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45a marshy landscape, mostly lying a few metres from sea-level,
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and is a haven for birdlife.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Lincolnshire also has some great architectural hotspots,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54notably in the town of Stamford,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58home to many 17th and 18th-century stone buildings.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01As well as showcasing the local limestone and ironstone,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05houses often feature Collyweston stone slate roofs.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Rutland may be the smallest county in England,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11but you'll find one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe here.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15Rutland Water is a well-known site for watersports, hiking and cycling,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17as well as being a nature reserve.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19The 82 arches of the Welland Viaduct
0:02:19 > 0:02:23span a valley linking Rutland and Northamptonshire.
0:02:23 > 0:02:24Completed in 1878,
0:02:24 > 0:02:27it is the longest masonry viaduct in Britain,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31constructed from an estimated 20 million bricks.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35So, from impressive natural landscapes to magnificent man-made feats,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39the East Midlands has a lot to offer country escapees.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44I come from this part of the world, so I may be biased,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47but I think the East Midlands offers excellent value for money,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50when you consider its varied landscape and great transport links to the
0:02:50 > 0:02:52rest of the UK, and beyond.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Take the average price of a detached property.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Here, across the six counties of the East Midlands,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01it stands at under £250,000.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05That's a massive 27% below the English average.
0:03:05 > 0:03:10But, be warned, those prices climb rapidly in the county of Rutland,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14that has recently been voted one of the most desirable rural places to
0:03:14 > 0:03:16live in the UK.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20So, why are today's buyers looking to relocate to this part of the world?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26Husband and wife Richard and Mary met through their jobs in the motor industry.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Three decades later, they're now retired,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and have spent the last few years living in North Wales,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33caring for Mary's mother.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Sadly, she has now passed away.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39Although they regard their current location as fairly rural,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43it certainly doesn't give them the country lifestyle they've dreamt of.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48Running through the village is a main road, which is becoming very,
0:03:48 > 0:03:49very heavy traffic.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53In the summertime, it's coaches upon coaches upon coaches,
0:03:53 > 0:03:59so the tranquillity of the village is dying.
0:03:59 > 0:04:00Most importantly,
0:04:00 > 0:04:04we want this sort of cosy feeling of living in the country.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08More importantly, they'd also like to be nearer to family.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12We have five children.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Five children, nine grandchildren.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16MARY LAUGHS
0:04:16 > 0:04:19At the moment, we're too far away,
0:04:19 > 0:04:23and there is a general feeling that we need, as a family, to be closer.
0:04:25 > 0:04:31Our children, Mary's children and my eldest son, live in the Midlands.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35They've said, "You're in your late 70s, come near to us,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- "but not too near." - THEY LAUGH
0:04:39 > 0:04:42So, they've decided to sell up and move to the region that offers them
0:04:42 > 0:04:45just what they're looking for, the East Midlands.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50We feel we will come to an area somewhere near Rutland,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54where we will settle down and enjoy that community.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00What we want to do is enter into the life of a rural environment,
0:05:00 > 0:05:06but with some access to canals or lakes or reservoirs,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09where we can see and enjoy water.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13And also you've got the Fens as well, which we've never been on,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15which we want to go onto.
0:05:15 > 0:05:21What I'm really looking forward to is having more contact with the
0:05:21 > 0:05:22children as they're growing up.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26We will see them and get to do more things with them.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32And there's another member of the family who they think will appreciate the move.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36We have a dog, a border collie, and her name is Caddie.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38And particularly in that area,
0:05:38 > 0:05:42there are great areas of farming land you can walk over.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44She will enjoy it, and I will enjoy it.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47So, having earmarked their location,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51it all comes down to the tricky job of finding the right house.
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Wahey!
0:05:52 > 0:05:57What we're looking forward to is finding our
0:05:57 > 0:06:02forever home, and knowing that it's our forever home.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It will be a nest that we will enjoy for the rest of our lives.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Richard and Mary would like to focus the house-hunt around the county of
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Rutland, but before I show them any properties,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22we're meeting up in their chosen search area to discuss what elements they want to see in their new home.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Welcome, both of you, to the East Midlands.
0:06:24 > 0:06:25Now, family and, most importantly,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28grandchildren are at the heart of this relocation.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31- Exactly.- How close would you like to be?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Three quarters of an hour.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Right.- Yeah, we don't need to be next door.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- No.- We understand that's a bad thing.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42So, it seems, even though I suppose you'd be prepared to live anywhere in the East Midlands,
0:06:42 > 0:06:45Rutland is a pretty central position for you.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48The trouble is, Rutland,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50not a cheap place to live, is it?
0:06:50 > 0:06:55I take it you don't want a sprawling load of property to have to look after, do you?
0:06:55 > 0:06:57You don't want a big garden,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00you don't want a very big garden, because everything grows!
0:07:00 > 0:07:01THEY LAUGH
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- Yes, quite!- But as gardening is part of my enjoyment,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08I like to have a good-sized garden.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Well, that's, see, there's the balance. You want to go travelling,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14and so you've got this maintenance issue going on.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17We have, so there'll have to be a very good cheap gardener about.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20OK. Let's talk about this house.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24We would like a house, if possible, built of the local stone.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- OK.- We would like a very big farmhouse kitchen.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30So you want that nice hub with a home, I get that. OK.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34But I suppose you'd like the grandchildren to stay overnight, as well, wouldn't you, on occasion?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Oh, exactly.- So, how big does this house need to be?
0:07:37 > 0:07:42We would like three usable bedrooms, no more.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Getting to our age, we do need to downsize this time,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48so there's going to be no argument about big houses.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49- I tell you...- You're talking to me,
0:07:49 > 0:07:53and I know that conversation is supposed to be going over here, isn't it?
0:07:53 > 0:07:54THEY LAUGH
0:07:54 > 0:07:56What about the position of the house?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Where would you like it to be?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00We would like to be in a larger village,
0:08:00 > 0:08:05where you have facilities of perhaps a shop, and a local pub.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Lots of dog walking with your collie around the area,
0:08:08 > 0:08:10another opportunity to meet people.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Let's talk budget.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14How much are you looking to spend?
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Our budget is, maximum, £450,000.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Right.- And we're working with the objective of downsizing.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25- I'll switch the record off! - THEY LAUGH
0:08:27 > 0:08:29- Ready to go?- Yes.- Ready to go. - Let's go.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35For a maximum budget of £450,000,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37Richard and Mary would like their property to be built
0:08:37 > 0:08:38from local stone,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41with a large farmhouse-style kitchen as a central hub
0:08:41 > 0:08:42for visiting family.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44They'd like at least three bedrooms,
0:08:44 > 0:08:47and Mary would like a generous amount of garden.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49It should be located in a village with amenities,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51close to countryside walks.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54We've got three wonderful options to show them,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57all with their requirements in mind.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00After each viewing, they'll be guessing the price before I reveal it.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03The final property is our Mystery offering,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05which may not be quite what they asked for,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07but could well be just what they need.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17We're starting our East Midlands search in Lincolnshire,
0:09:17 > 0:09:19in the small village of Hanthorpe.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Lying on the western edge of the Fens, half a mile away,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27facilities in the larger village of Morton include a post office and shop,
0:09:27 > 0:09:28as well as a pub.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33Morton's parish church has been described as a miniature cathedral,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36which is really enhanced by its rural setting,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40and local footpaths here make it a lovely area for enjoyable country rambles.
0:09:41 > 0:09:42Back in Hanthorpe,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44the property we've come to see is next to a farm,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46and located on the edge of the village.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52So, property number one is this house here.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57I hadn't reckoned on a three-storey house.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02- No.- I'm not sure about carrying a hoover up from the bottom to the top,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05but I love the stonework and the colouring.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- Anyway, he's going to carry the hoover.- Yes!
0:10:07 > 0:10:11I think it's a nice stone house,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and plenty of room to park a car.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16We sound very positive about this, so far.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17- Yes, indeed.- Yes.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Let's go inside.- Right, thank you. - Let's go.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Built from local limestone within the last decade,
0:10:23 > 0:10:28this three-storey property may be modern, but has Georgian-like features,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31starting with a grand stone pillared entrance into a hall,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34which then opens into the first reception room.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37- Ah.- Yes.
0:10:38 > 0:10:39- Reasonable size.- Yes.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I like the doors and out into the garden.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- Yes.- If there's only going to be two of us here most of the time, this'd be adequate.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50Yes. It feels pleasant, and there's good light in here.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Just through the other side of the hallway, you've got a very small snug.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57That's where we will spend most of our time when we're on our own.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01It starts to sound like its lending itself towards your downsize life over here.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- Yes.- Well, that's right, now we're talking snug, then that, for me,
0:11:06 > 0:11:08brings the cosy influence in.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10OK, starts making it less of a house, more of a home?
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Yes, exactly.- Yes.- All right.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18So, the little and large flexibility of the rooms has got us off to a good start.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19On our way to the kitchen,
0:11:19 > 0:11:24there are more examples of how the interior of this property has been well thought through.
0:11:25 > 0:11:26You've got a utility.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Mmm.
0:11:28 > 0:11:29- A larder.- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33Leading then into this kitchen area here.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35You don't have a larder in many houses, these days.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Not any more.- Very unusual.- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Where do you stand on that, would you like one?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Oh, definitely. - Keep everything cool.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- Yes. I love the colours... - Excellent.- ..of the paintwork.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52I like the range cooker, and the work surfaces look hard-wearing timber.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Yeah. And whilst you do have a separate dining room,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58it is just off the kitchen.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02It is a good solution, because somebody can be talking quite easily,
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- you don't have to have a trolley to take it in there. - THEY LAUGH
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- I'm building a wonderful picture in my mind now!- Yeah!- "Dinner's here!" LAUGHTER
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Onward and upward, then, let's go and have a look at some of the bedrooms.- Thank you.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20Reached by a staircase in the hall,
0:12:20 > 0:12:24the six-bedroom accommodation is arranged over two further floors.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28On the top floor, two good-sized guest bedrooms are set into the eaves,
0:12:28 > 0:12:32and both benefit from dormer windows and skylights.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34One is currently used for storage,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38but has plenty of space for a double or even twin beds.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40This floor also includes a WC.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Whilst below, on the middle floor, are four further bedrooms.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49To the front of the home, there's a guest double, with a shower room,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54which can act as an en suite or be accessed from the landing.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57There's also a family bathroom, with roll-top bath,
0:12:57 > 0:13:01and a guest bedroom which looks out over the rear garden,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05as well as a further guest bedroom facing the front.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07That leaves bedroom number six,
0:13:07 > 0:13:09the largest on offer, at the back of the house.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- This is your master. - This is lovely!- En suite as well.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- Yes. It's got a wardrobe.- Love the vaulted ceiling.- Mmm.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19- Looks nice.- I love the lighting too.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- Yes.- Very original.- And bright and light.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- Outside, I think, for you, Mary, isn't it?- I reckon it is.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26- Come on then!- Thank you.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32A good reaction to the versatile layout on the inside,
0:13:32 > 0:13:35and outside, their requested south-facing garden
0:13:35 > 0:13:37is surrounded by a high brick wall,
0:13:37 > 0:13:42giving safe play areas for their collie dog or visiting grandchildren.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Although it's low-maintenance,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47the question is whether Mary's willing to prioritise practicalities over
0:13:47 > 0:13:48her love of gardening.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This I find is a very neat and tidy and very manageable garden,
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- but unfortunately I see this as being a little small.- Mm-hmm.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02I'm sure that Mary could easily come to like it because,
0:14:02 > 0:14:08as we travel so much, it's something we could leave quite easily.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12OK, then, how much do we think this house is on the market for?
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I think it would be about 405,000.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- OK, Richard?- I would say about 425. - OK.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26This house is on the market for offers above £399,995.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27Mmm.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30I spoke to the owner in person this morning.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33They've had a few offers on it and he said he'll be looking for something
0:14:33 > 0:14:36actually in excess of £390,000.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Well, I think this has been a very good start.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Why don't you go back into the house now,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42as this is your first foray into this part of the world.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44So, I'll catch you, if you like,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- out at the front of the house in half an hour or so.- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50Well, a pretty solid start.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54I think we're starting to learn that practicalities are very important to
0:14:54 > 0:14:59Richard, but the garden is extremely important to Mary.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04On the market for £50,000 under their top budget,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07this recently built three-storey detached stone house
0:15:07 > 0:15:10offers a country kitchen and three further reception rooms.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14There is flexible accommodation and a total of six bedrooms,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18plus a south-facing garden and an edge of village location.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22When we first approached it, it looked very lovely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Made of stone.
0:15:23 > 0:15:28It was obviously new and the whole house feels warm.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31It's a very adaptable house.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Its rooms can be used for practically anything and can be extended into
0:15:36 > 0:15:39bedrooms, if you so wish.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42We could move into it straight away,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44which is a big plus point.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48All done inside and out, both of you?
0:15:48 > 0:15:50It was all excellent, thank you very much.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53All excellent? I'll take the rest of the day off then, shall I?
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- You want to see more houses, though, don't you?- Definitely.- Definitely. - Come with me.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06The fertile landscape of the East Midlands makes it an attractive region
0:16:06 > 0:16:08for both farmers and wildlife,
0:16:08 > 0:16:14but agriculture and native flora and fauna can have competing interests.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Over the past 25 years,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20loss of natural habitats has seen woodland bird populations drop by 20%.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26So, fifth-generation fenland farmer Nicholas Watts decided to make the
0:16:26 > 0:16:28interests of native birds his own
0:16:28 > 0:16:32and is now the largest producer of wild bird seed in the country.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37Richard and Mary are keen to learn more about the natural environment in this part of the world,
0:16:37 > 0:16:41so we've sent them to meet Nicholas on his 2,500-acre farm.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Well, welcome, Mary, welcome, Richard, to Vine House Farm.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Where did your interest in birds and wildlife stem from?
0:16:50 > 0:16:55Well, my interest really stems back from when I was a toddler and I was
0:16:55 > 0:16:56interested in birds then.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59And in the late '70s,
0:16:59 > 0:17:02I was helping the Lincolnshire Bird Club and the British Trust for Ornithology
0:17:02 > 0:17:07to survey our breeding birds in Lincolnshire and around,
0:17:07 > 0:17:12but by 1992 I realised there'd been a big drop in numbers and that worried me.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15So I started doing things for wildlife.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18We started feeding the birds in the farmyards
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and we had so many come, it was a spectacle.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26So, I organised an Open Day for people to come and see this spectacle.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Up to 800 finches and buntings in the farmyard at any one time.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And at that Open Day, people asked me if I could sell them some bird food.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38So there we were, selling bird food without even trying.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42We now grow about 400 acres of seed for feeding wild birds.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Are you seeing a growth in the number of birds you see on your farm?
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Yes, we are. We've had success with barn owls, whitethroats,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54reed warblers and tree sparrows, especially.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Nicholas's work for the wild birds of the Fens is on-going.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03As well as providing a source of seed, he creates nesting sites,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06putting up over 100 nest boxes for tree sparrows alone,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09all of which are regularly inspected.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12So, in this bird box, what do we have?
0:18:14 > 0:18:18Well, this is a tree sparrow that's on its fourth brood and we're
0:18:18 > 0:18:19expecting them to fly any day.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26The chicks typically fledge 16 days after hatching and the diet the
0:18:26 > 0:18:29parents are able to provide in that time is vital.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35Every bird must take its young moist food and that moist food is either
0:18:35 > 0:18:37unripe seeds or insects.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39As soon as they come out of the nest,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42they can go and eat dry seeds and then go for a drink,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45but they can't go for a drink in the nest, of course.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48To encourage the all-important insect life,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52Nicholas provides ponds and leaves wide field margins.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It's all part of an environmentally-aware approach,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57known as extensive farming.
0:18:57 > 0:19:03So, do you think there's a viable interaction between the wildlife and farming?
0:19:03 > 0:19:07Well, intensive farming is bad for wildlife.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09Extensive farming is good for wildlife.
0:19:09 > 0:19:15But unfortunately in the UK, we practise intensive farming.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19A favourite with the tree sparrows is red millet,
0:19:19 > 0:19:20but the farm also grows white millet,
0:19:20 > 0:19:23canary seed and naked oats.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27However the most popular food, by far, are the black sunflower seeds.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31With around 10,000 plants per acre, spanning 100 acres,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Nicholas estimates there are one million flowers now in bloom.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39So, what makes the sunflower seed so attractive to the birds?
0:19:39 > 0:19:43Because it's so rich in oil and protein, just as simple as that.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47You know, if you're going to fly like they do and have the energy that they do,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50you've got to have some good food to produce that energy.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54Are all birds interested in sunflower seeds?
0:19:54 > 0:19:57No. One notable bird is the yellow hammer.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- No, thank you?- It likes wheat. - Really?- And millet.- Yes.- Yes.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04So, the majority of birds, nine out of ten like sunflower?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Yes.- And that's why you do it.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12It's heartening to see such efforts being made here to support local bird life,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15but it's time to return to our search for a suitable nest for
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Richard and Mary here in the East Midlands countryside.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29We're moving into Rutland and the village of Langham.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34A couple of miles away, the town of Oakham has a wide range of shops and amenities,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38as well as a twice-weekly market held close to the old butter cross,
0:20:38 > 0:20:42an open octagonal building historically used for selling dairy produce.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48Back in Langham, the village has not one, but two pubs, located opposite each other.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52Its church is a wonderful example of medieval architecture in the Gothic style.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Now, Richard and Mary have asked to be within a community,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59so they should be pleased to discover that the village hall,
0:20:59 > 0:21:01hosting a variety of clubs and events,
0:21:01 > 0:21:05is located right on the doorstep of the house we've come to see.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- First impressions, Mary? - Yeah, I like it.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12- Do you?- I really like it.
0:21:12 > 0:21:15Yes. It's got a bit of character about it.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I think it's a nice nest.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21A nest? See, that sounds good, you know, that sounds like a home.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- We're told some of it may well have dated back to the 1600s...- I see.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30..with much more modern extensions, and one of those modern extensions
0:21:30 > 0:21:32is where I want to take you first. Come with me.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37A great response to the exterior of this heart-of-village home,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41but the property has recently been tenanted and it's currently vacant,
0:21:41 > 0:21:45so I'm hoping Richard and Mary will be inspired to use their imaginations,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48as we start our tour in the kitchen and living space,
0:21:48 > 0:21:50that has been added to the rear of the home.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56I love the double doors out and the range, of course. Big plus.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01I can see our eight-seater table going over there.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04I like the vaulted ceiling, gives a feeling of space.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- They've given you your sort of dining farmhouse kitchen that you're after.- Definitely.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12And I think you'd probably spend a lot of time in this room,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15especially in the mornings, open those double doors out.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- And eat outside.- Yeah.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- We could live in here quite comfortably.- Mmm.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Well, you'll be pleased to hear there are other parts of the house you can live in as well.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- Really?- Yeah, honestly, this, it's got rooms and everything. Let me show you.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31At the far end of the kitchen, there's also a useful pantry and utility area.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Whilst at the other end is a dining room.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37Then back through a large entrance hall we find a further reception room.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Is that a wood burning stove I see? - It is.- It is indeed.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45We like wood burning stoves. Looks very good. That'll be very nice.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47Keep the house warm at night.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48We do need a study.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Oh, look no further, Mary. Through that door there. That's your study.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55- Oh, yes!- That would make a good study.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57Well, I'm glad this is going so well.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- This could be a rather nice home, couldn't it?- Yes. Yes.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- Good. Let's go upstairs, I'll show you the bedrooms.- Thank you.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09Well, a positive reaction to the potential offered by this currently unfurnished home.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And upstairs there are four bedrooms served by a family bathroom and an
0:23:12 > 0:23:14additional shower room.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Once again, this floor requires some creative thinking.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Whilst none of the bedrooms currently offer an en suite,
0:23:21 > 0:23:24the largest to the front of the home has scope to be remodelled to
0:23:24 > 0:23:26incorporate that shower room,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28giving Mary and Richard their ideal master.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- What do you think, then? - Yes, it's a possible and I'm glad the ceilings are high.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36And it's quiet.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Isn't it just? Bear in mind you're right in the centre of the village.- Yup.- Yes.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46One thing that maybe house number one didn't stack up to was the need for a bigger garden.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49And I think this place has one just the right size. Let me show you that now.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56They seem really fired up about how they could adapt this property to make it work for them.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58Outside there is a garage,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00as well as gardens to the front and back.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05The rear garden is enclosed and includes a brick outbuilding and timber shed,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09and offers Mary plenty of scope to make her mark.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15Now, garden size-wise,
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- there's room for a bit of growing, isn't there, if you want to?- Yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20A lot could be done with this garden.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Length-wise, it's fine.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- Excellent.- Yes. - Apart from one thing.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26We haven't discussed price yet, have we?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28We have not discussed price.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30How much do you think this house is on the market for, then, Richard?
0:24:30 > 0:24:34My guess is, as it stands, about 380.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37I would say £400,000.
0:24:37 > 0:24:42Mmm. Well, I'm afraid this will be an education for you both.
0:24:42 > 0:24:47This place is on the market for offers above £450,000.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51The agents are telling us there's a deal to be done here.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- Yes? Mmm.- I think my wife likes it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:59- Excellent!- And if she likes it, I will like it.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01This is good news! Well, look,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03you need to go back into the house.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Take your time here and I will meet you whenever you are done.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- Thank you very much. - See you in a mo.- See you.- Good.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12This has gone very, very well.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Whoever buys this house will have to spend a bit of money on it,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18but it is a glorious house in a fantastic village location.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19It could be the one for them.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22Sitting at the top of their budget,
0:25:22 > 0:25:27this detached period cottage comes with a large kitchen-diner and three
0:25:27 > 0:25:28further reception rooms.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32There are four bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a good-sized garden,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35all in the centre of a pretty Rutland village.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39This is a nice sunny room.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43I think it's going to make a nice study.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49This house is a typical cottage house in a village
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and is exactly what we are looking for.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55I was quite surprise when I came in the house.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57I did like it from the outside,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01but it is rather like the Tardis and when we were shown into the kitchen
0:26:01 > 0:26:06here, with its vaulted roof, this is a girl's dream, isn't it?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I could see myself living here and Richard, too.
0:26:09 > 0:26:15It will make a lovely home and I think we will enjoy living here.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Well, Mary, I think that's gone all very well, hasn't it?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19I really enjoyed that.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Yeah. Excellent. Something maybe to consider over a glass of wine tonight, then,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Richard?- Definitely.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25If you're paying.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27I was going to say I thought you'd never ask!
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Come on, I'll take you back. - Let's go!
0:26:38 > 0:26:39I'm in the East Midlands
0:26:39 > 0:26:41helping Richard and Mary, from Conwy in Wales,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43find their dream home,
0:26:43 > 0:26:48closer to family for their budget of £450,000.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50We've already seen two great options,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52but there's still the Mystery House to come,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55which could lead to a shocking reaction.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58I could work and live in this tonight.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59Oh!
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Plus I'm checking out a revolutionary waterway
0:27:02 > 0:27:05on my home turf in Leicestershire.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06That's it!
0:27:06 > 0:27:10- Oh, hello, a bit more hard work. - That one's slightly heavy,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12because it's got water behind it.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Well, it looks like house number two is the property to beat.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Now, that is a challenge for today's Mystery House.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25For Mary and Richard, I think the real challenge for them with this
0:27:25 > 0:27:29property is its configuration, both inside and out,
0:27:29 > 0:27:31but if they are able to see through this,
0:27:31 > 0:27:36they'll be rewarded with a property in a fantastic thriving community.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44So the Mystery House is on the menu this morning.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47We like to hear all about this Mystery House.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Well, guess what, I'm not going to tell you anything about it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- It's a prefab!- Ha-ha, is that what you want?
0:27:54 > 0:27:55You want a prefab to go to now?
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Well, this could be your lucky day, Richard.
0:27:58 > 0:27:59It could be!
0:28:05 > 0:28:06Our final property is in Middleton,
0:28:06 > 0:28:11a Northamptonshire village close to the border with Leicestershire.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14It's just a five-minute walk to the neighbouring village of Cottingham,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17where I want to introduce Richard and Mary to the community they can
0:28:17 > 0:28:18expect to find here.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23We stopped here because I thought this was a fantastic place to walk
0:28:23 > 0:28:26up to, with a dog, every morning and get a fresh cup of coffee.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30It's a community-owned shop and apart from two part-time staff
0:28:30 > 0:28:33who do the papers in the morning, everybody here is a volunteer.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38For volunteering work, I wouldn't mind popping in there for a few hours.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Excellent! A good way of getting to know the locals.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- People.- It's a pub, nearly.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45It has the community function that a pub used to have.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Although there's a pub just up the hill there that has just been
0:28:48 > 0:28:52refurnished, and in Middleton, the village where your house is,
0:28:52 > 0:28:54which is just a few hundred metres that way,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- there's also a pub there as well. - Sounds good.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01So, the location offers Mary and Richard those village connections
0:29:01 > 0:29:04they're after and it's a short stroll to Middleton,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06where I can reveal today's mystery offering.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12So, we were guessing what the Mystery House might look like in the car.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Guess no more! Here we are.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- What do you think? I- love the colourings.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20It's a very nice-looking building.
0:29:20 > 0:29:21It is.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- Yes, I like it.- So, first impressions, we rather like this?
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I do indeed. Yes.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26- Shall we look inside?- Let's go.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Built around 15 years ago from local limestone and slate,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36the main living accommodation of the Mystery House sits above garaging
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and storage and is reached using external stairs.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44A lobby leads round into a large kitchen and living space at the front of
0:29:44 > 0:29:46the home, which also opens into a garden room.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Of all the kitchens, I think this is probably the most suitable for you,
0:29:52 > 0:29:53Mary.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58I could work and live in this tonight.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- Oh!- You don't often hear Mary say that.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Wow!
0:30:02 > 0:30:05No. Very, very interesting.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08- I like it.- You're moving to this part of the world because you want
0:30:08 > 0:30:11the ability to entertain your family and friends.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14You have that here, don't you? BOTH: Yes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16We can expand anybody around here.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19We wouldn't have to adapt anything.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- Right.- It's all here.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24What a lovely view out of the washing-up area.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26And I like the flooring.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28- Good!- Easy to keep.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31This has gone down very well. I know you do want a separate living area
0:30:31 > 0:30:34or snug. Let me show you what we've got in mind. Thank you, sir.
0:30:36 > 0:30:40I think this is perfect size for a snug.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41What do you say, Richard?
0:30:41 > 0:30:45This is dangerously good.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Whoa! OK! The heady heights now!
0:30:48 > 0:30:49"Dangerously good."
0:30:49 > 0:30:50This is sleeping country.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- Yes.- Not to be in here before half-past seven in the evening, I tell you.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Oh, really?- No. Going to have a notice on there, like, No Entry.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Is that because you'll be in here, snoozing away?
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Yeah, right.- Again, we could walk in here,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07it's beautifully decorated and to our taste.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12So far, so good. Let me take you upstairs and show you the bedrooms on offer. Come with me.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16A great response to those living areas, and completing this floor is
0:31:16 > 0:31:19something of a bonus - a self-contained suite,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22comprising additional open-plan living space.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25This includes a kitchenette, plus a double bedroom.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27The first of four in this property,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29which comes with its own walk-in shower room.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33This could be a great facility for guests.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But the remainder of the bedrooms are on the upper floor.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Along a corridor, complete with built-in wardrobes,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40the first bedroom is a well-proportioned double,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43with dormer window.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47Next to this is a similarly configured guest double.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Whilst at the end of the corridor, there's a family bathroom,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53with twin basins, offering pleasant country views.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58This sits besides bedroom number four, their potential master.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00I can't decide, Richard,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03whether you dislike this room so much you're scared to come in.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07I'm not worried about it.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09What I like, it's quiet.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10No problem at all, here.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12You could walk into this property.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- Nothing to do.- You can adapt as the months go on, can't you?
0:32:16 > 0:32:21- But there's nothing unsavoury that would hit your sight...- Yeah, yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23..and say, "I've got to change that today."
0:32:23 > 0:32:25OK, that's good.
0:32:25 > 0:32:26Let's go out to the garden,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29because I know you're always keen to see what outside space is available.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35So far, the layout and finish of the Mystery House are getting pleasing
0:32:35 > 0:32:39responses. On the ground level, there are double garages and a
0:32:39 > 0:32:42gravel driveway, providing plenty of parking.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45But it's time to reveal just why this is today's Mystery House.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48The rear garden here is compact.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52However, it is south-facing and provides raised beds along with an area of
0:32:52 > 0:32:53lawn and a patio.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06Now, of course Mystery Houses often come with a compromise.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08The compromise here is Mary's in particular,
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I think, and that's the size of garden.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15Yes. But this space has been utilised well,
0:33:15 > 0:33:20but it doesn't give you very far to throw a ball for a dog.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Much smaller than we would actually like,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26but maybe we have to compromise in some way.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29OK, let's guess the price of this Mystery House.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32How much do you think this property's on the market for?
0:33:32 > 0:33:39I would put it somewhere between £390,000 and £410,000.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- OK.- I would go higher than that.
0:33:41 > 0:33:46I'd go up to £420,000.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48OK.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53Well, the owners are currently seeking offers around £445,000.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55I'm not surprised.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00I've spoken to the owners of this place and met them in person and they say a deal can be done.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02So I think you should spend a bit of time here,
0:34:02 > 0:34:06have a walk around all the other rooms and I'll meet you whenever you've finished. All right?
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Catch you in a moment.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Interesting, isn't it?
0:34:13 > 0:34:16There's a small compromise of the garden and I suppose if you're retired,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19you're going to spend a lot of time here,
0:34:19 > 0:34:24but the way they've reacted to this house, I think this could edge property number two. We'll see.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Coming in under budget, our mystery stone and slate house
0:34:28 > 0:34:31offers visitor-friendly accommodation,
0:34:31 > 0:34:35with a large open-plan kitchen and living room with an additional snug.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39As well as three double bedrooms, there's also a one-bedroom annexe.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41What's more, it's in a village,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45so they have community facilities and country walks on their doorstep.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48The Mystery House was a pleasant surprise.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I feel very comfortable in the house.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53It felt a nice nest.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56It had the type of rooms we were looking for.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02A large kitchen, breakfast room or dining area, linked together.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04We enjoy the colours.
0:35:04 > 0:35:10We enjoy the snug that you can have in addition to the dining-kitchen.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Very light and bright.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15The garden has been very well laid out.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It's a lot smaller than I would have liked.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22But there's plenty to do as far as gardening is concerned.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27If the price was right, we would be very keen to make an offer.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Well, that's it.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31No more houses. I've run out of properties, Richard.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- You haven't!- I'm afraid so.
0:35:33 > 0:35:35You're going to have to make your mind up now.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39So, how about I find you somewhere to have a bit of a chinwag and we'll catch up after that?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- Very good idea.- It's a good idea. - Come on, then.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Much of the East Midlands terrain is given over to farming,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53but it also has strong links to the Industrial Revolution,
0:35:53 > 0:35:55being home to the world's first factory -
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Derbyshire's Arkwright Mill.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59To fuel the growth in manufacturing,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03ferrying coal from the collieries of Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire
0:36:03 > 0:36:04became a priority,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09so canal networks were developed as key transportation corridors.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12The Grand Union Canal, linking Birmingham and London,
0:36:12 > 0:36:14is the longest in the country,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18showcasing impressive feats of engineering.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21One fine example is in Foxton, Leicestershire,
0:36:21 > 0:36:23where I'm meeting local historian Mike Beech,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27who's going to tell me about Britain's longest set of staircase locks.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Lovely spot. A place I've been before,
0:36:30 > 0:36:32but I don't know a great deal of history about Foxton Locks.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34When was it all built, then?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Starting in the late 1700s,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40they started to build the canal in this direction.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45It was 1814 by the time these finally opened.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48And this formed the final link going off to London.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51It was the internet of the day, really.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53That's a way of looking at it.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55It's also, of course, the motorway system of that era.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59Tried various routes, you know, imagine wandering around on a horse,
0:36:59 > 0:37:01looking for the best place to put a canal,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03they got to this hill and decided
0:37:03 > 0:37:06that one flight of locks here, climbing...75ft,
0:37:06 > 0:37:11ten locks, big ponds at the side to conserve the water.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17It's a fantastic system that in its 19th-century heyday served around 40
0:37:17 > 0:37:21boats a day, each laden with around 20 tonnes of coal.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26But with the advent of the railways, canal cargo went into decline.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30Fortunately, by the time the last commercial boats worked this route
0:37:30 > 0:37:34in the 1960s, narrow boating was a burgeoning leisure activity.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37It continues to this day.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Volunteer lock keeper Robin Tomlinson
0:37:39 > 0:37:42helps the boats pass through this stack of locks.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46There's a real need to preserve the water going up and down these flights
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- of locks, isn't there?- Absolutely.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- Talk me through that.- So, on each lock,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54we have a red paddle and a white paddle, and what the red paddle does
0:37:54 > 0:37:57will draw water out of that side pound into the lock here,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00- so effectively bringing the water level up.- Yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02And then when we open the white paddle,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05it's opening the water out of there back into that same pound.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- Can we have a go at that now? - Absolutely.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Right, so what you need here is your windlass, which is this here.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14- Yeah.- Place the smallest pole on to the spindle there.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Make sure this is on here, which is sort of a safety catch,
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- it's called a pull.- Yeah.- Wind that paddle all the way up.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Opening the red paddle draws water from the side pond.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30This water will now be replaced when another lock is emptied.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Now we can open the white paddle.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Oh, hello, it's a bit more hard work for this.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38That one's slightly heavy because it's got water behind it.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43What sort of volume are we talking about?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46It's about 35,000 gallons in each lock.
0:38:46 > 0:38:4835,000 gallons, goodness me!
0:38:48 > 0:38:50So, when you're moving through the ten locks, you will have
0:38:50 > 0:38:55moved 350,000 gallons of water, but when you're bringing a boat down,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58because you're effectively replacing it each time,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01you only use the equivalent of one lock full of water.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05What strikes me is whenever I'm lucky enough to get involved with anything
0:39:05 > 0:39:07that was built around the Industrial Revolution,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and how well it works and operates even today...
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- Absolutely!- That felt so slick,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16because I suppose they were engineered to be serviceable as well.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Of course. This was a working site.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21So these were... Commercially they had to work.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25But the actual way it operates is exactly the same as it did 200 years
0:39:25 > 0:39:27ago. This was an industrial site.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28It wasn't what it is now.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32It takes around 45 minutes to pass through the flight of locks
0:39:32 > 0:39:37in either direction. But queueing can be a different story.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40On a busy bank holiday, the wait can be up to five hours.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Still, with surroundings this pleasant,
0:39:42 > 0:39:46hanging about is all part of the enjoyment.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50The one thing about canal boating for me is - I've done it a couple of times -
0:39:50 > 0:39:53you can go on a canal a mile from your house and you're in a completely
0:39:53 > 0:39:57different environment. It can be a different part of the world almost,
0:39:57 > 0:39:58- can't you?- Very much so.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01I love doing it. You wake up, you're looking at a cow through the window.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04And there's loads of pubs along the canals as well. It's a lovely weekend away.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Which helps.- Yeah. It looks like you've got plenty of traffic going.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11- Can we help some more people today? - Absolutely! Yep, right.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Well, what a perfect way to unwind in my old stomping ground
0:40:14 > 0:40:15of the East Midlands.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19And now time to find out if any of the houses we viewed here
0:40:19 > 0:40:21float Richard and Mary's boat.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Well, I think for Richard and Mary
0:40:25 > 0:40:28house number one is out of the running.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30But for the life of me, I can't decide which of the last two
0:40:30 > 0:40:33properties we showed them will be coming out on top.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35So, let's meet up with them and find out their thoughts.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Well, I think it's fair to say we've had some fun these past couple of
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- days, haven't we?- We've enjoyed your company very much indeed.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Well, that's a first. Normally at this part,
0:40:48 > 0:40:52I've got a fair idea of which of the properties I've showed you is your
0:40:52 > 0:40:55favourite. But I really have no clue, so put me out of my misery, Mary.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Of the three properties, the last one, the Mystery House,
0:40:59 > 0:41:03you really came up trumps because yes, it was a stone house.
0:41:03 > 0:41:08Yes, it had the right number of bedrooms and it had a lovely area
0:41:08 > 0:41:10which we could use as a kitchen-diner.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Those points made it most appealing.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18The only thing that was slightly negative was the size of the garden,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but the garden itself was very well laid out.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Can you get your head around the fact it doesn't have a big garden, Mary?
0:41:24 > 0:41:28I think I might be able to talk myself into it.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32We are getting older, so therefore why would we want a large garden?
0:41:32 > 0:41:38So, yes, I think a compromise could be made.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Well, this is very positive.
0:41:40 > 0:41:41What happens next?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45I have a feeling that Mary and I will need to make a second visit,
0:41:45 > 0:41:51which will then cement our thoughts and from then we will start to talk
0:41:51 > 0:41:55to the estate agents and we'll see how we go from there.
0:41:55 > 0:41:56Well, very exciting.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Let me wish you the very best of luck and please let us know what happens next,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- won't you?- We will.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Promise we'll do that.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05- Very best of luck.- Thank you for all your help.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08- It's been great.- It's been fun, hasn't it?- It has.
0:42:12 > 0:42:13Right at the very start of this,
0:42:13 > 0:42:17one of the big priorities was the need for a big garden.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19It's funny, isn't it, when we got to the Mystery House,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22once they'd seen all the facets of their search being satisfied,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25like that big dining-kitchen,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28they weren't too unimpressed with that small garden.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31I'm certainly looking forward to finding out what they decide on doing next.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I wish them all the very best of luck.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38Richard and Mary had their second viewing of the Mystery House,
0:42:38 > 0:42:43but after much consideration decided factors including the small garden
0:42:43 > 0:42:45meant it was not the house for them.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48We wish them well with their continued search.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54Scotland or Northern Ireland and need our help,
0:42:54 > 0:42:55you can apply online at...