0:00:04 > 0:00:07This exquisite 16th-century Elizabethan mansion was built
0:00:07 > 0:00:11back in 1590 by Sir Edward Culpepper, but today,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13these gardens are being celebrated
0:00:13 > 0:00:16for their pioneering 21st-century achievements.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20So where am I, and how is this 400-year-old estate
0:00:20 > 0:00:24making such a name for itself? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Today's country property search has moments of light and shade.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52I think it's fairly dark and it's a very bright day today.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53That would be a concern for me.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58So can we leave our home hunters looking on the bright side?
0:00:58 > 0:00:59SHE SIGHS This is amazing.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Go and fetch my bags. THEY LAUGH
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Today, I'm in West Sussex, and this is Wakehurst Place.
0:01:09 > 0:01:14Surrounded by 465 acres of beautiful country estate,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18featuring an internationally renowned collection of trees,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22shrubs, and plants, and managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27But, as well as a diverse range of mature species, in the year 2000,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30this site saw the opening of the Millennium Seed Bank,
0:01:30 > 0:01:35a conservation project aiming to conserve 25% of
0:01:35 > 0:01:39the entire world's plant species by 2020.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42It's certainly reassuring to think that here,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45in the West Sussex countryside, an integral part
0:01:45 > 0:01:50of our global heritage is being safeguarded for future generations.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54West Sussex is a county on the south coast of England,
0:01:54 > 0:01:59lying alongside the English Channel and bordered by three counties -
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Hampshire, Surrey, and East Sussex.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The county features the rolling hills of the South Downs
0:02:06 > 0:02:10National Park, the tapestry of quintessential English countryside,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14with glimpses of pretty spires, majestic castles,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16and fields of sheep.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21The varied coast is home to towns such as the once wealthy
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Victorian resort of Bognor Regis,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25and beaches ranging from sand to pebbles.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30There are also natural harbours, including the one at Chichester,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33whose sheltered waters are a popular stop for yachts.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40Market towns include Petworth, once voted antiques town of the year,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43where the cobbled streets are pounded by regular collectors
0:02:43 > 0:02:48and day-trippers alike, hoping to discover a hidden gem or two.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50One treasure that's not so hidden
0:02:50 > 0:02:53is the Ouse Valley viaduct in the east of the county.
0:02:53 > 0:02:58This impressive man-made monolith was built in 1841 and still carries
0:02:58 > 0:03:03over 100 trains per day between Brighton and London.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06Elsewhere along the River Ouse, picturesque spots include
0:03:06 > 0:03:09the village of Warninglid, named best-kept village
0:03:09 > 0:03:11three times in the last 25 years.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16So, whether it's to find glorious landscape, coastal vistas,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20or charming towns and villages, it is clear West Sussex is
0:03:20 > 0:03:23an excellent choice for a rural relocation.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29As well as impressive countryside, West Sussex also has
0:03:29 > 0:03:32some impressive property stats.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Easy access to the coast and to London has pushed
0:03:35 > 0:03:41the average detached house price up to around ?433,000.
0:03:41 > 0:03:46Now, that's over ?140,000 above the national figure, but, for something
0:03:46 > 0:03:50more affordable, try heading to the centre of the county.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Towns such as Storrington offer a good property mix,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56while villages such as Fittleworth may lack in amenities,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00but more than make up for it with the surrounding countryside.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02So, which part of this gorgeous county
0:04:02 > 0:04:04have today's buyers set their heart on?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Well, let's meet them, and find out.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Chris, an accountant, and Jackie, who makes bespoke stationery,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15had been working together in London for a few years,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18when an incident at an office party sparked a romance.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It was in the very late 90s. '99, actually.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Christmas party came around.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29It was held in an old Victorian prison.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31It was a bit like a Madame Tussaud's type thing.
0:04:31 > 0:04:37And I was looking at some pretty horrific scene, and Chris came over.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42An extremity fell off the wax thing, so it broke the ice, if you like.
0:04:42 > 0:04:43Yeah, that was the icebreaker.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49The couple went on to marry and set up home together in Clapham,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53a south-west district of the capital, but 15 years on,
0:04:53 > 0:04:57they are finding London life no longer meets their needs.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Originally, Clapham was not quite a backwater, but it was much quieter.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Nowadays, there is a lot more development going on,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04a lot more people have moved to the area,
0:05:04 > 0:05:05especially a lot of young people,
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and so the profile of the area has changed quite a lot.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11The properties have got dearer, the bars have become more numerous,
0:05:11 > 0:05:17and socialising in Clapham has really become a youngsters' sport.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20You know, we enjoy going out and having drinks and dinner,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22but we like to be able to hear what each other's saying,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26and places to go to like that are very few and far between now.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31So, with retirement on the horizon, they are looking to escape
0:05:31 > 0:05:34the hustle and bustle of the city for a calmer pace of life.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Can get very noisy in was part of the world,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39especially in the location we are here.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41My lifestyle at the moment is basically going to bed
0:05:41 > 0:05:45Sunday nights, getting up Monday morning, going to work.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I really only have a work/life balance over the weekend.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Obviously, by moving to the country, and eventually retiring,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54it will definitely change my lifestyle a lot.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58The current house doesn't provide for me the peace and quiet
0:05:58 > 0:06:01that I would like. We live in a really built-up area.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05We just want to feel we have our own space around us.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07You know, I'm attracted to the countryside, really,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11because of the views, and you sort of associate
0:06:11 > 0:06:13the peace and tranquillity with that.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17They may agree that London is no longer for them, but when it comes
0:06:17 > 0:06:21to selecting a place to move to, there's some difference of opinion.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23I would like to live near the coast.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I have a requirement for being close to the sea.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28I don't want to live in a seaside town.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33I'm erring on the countryside, as being my ideal.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36We have been thinking of places to move, and so we have
0:06:36 > 0:06:40this dichotomy of wanting little bit of coast, little bit of country,
0:06:40 > 0:06:44so West Sussex has been one of the areas we've been considering.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48Whether they settled by the sea, or further inland, the hope is a new
0:06:48 > 0:06:51rural home in Sussex will offer them the chance
0:06:51 > 0:06:53to enjoy new pastimes.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55The one thing I would really, really, really like
0:06:55 > 0:06:59to be able to do is to grow our own fruit and vegetables.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I'm a really, really keen cook,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04and to be able to grow the produce and cook it,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06that's something I dream of doing.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10Moving to the country will also afford me the opportunity to develop
0:07:10 > 0:07:13my desire to do some more walking, and also get on my bike.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And find some new different beers to drink.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Chris is a real fan of real ale,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22and actually, you should list it as one of your hobbies.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26As well as access to a nice country pub,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Chris is seeking something else from the move.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32One thing I wouldn't mind is my own, frankly, man cave.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34I don't seem to have one here at the moment. Mm.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38They're all occupied with other activities, run by Jackie.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Jackie has her dressing room, her Pilates room, her work room,
0:07:42 > 0:07:47and I have half of a bedroom to do my work from home, office work.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49You're quite lucky to have that.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52But, most of all,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55it's about a new chapter together in new surroundings.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01The new challenge, actually, that's what excites me most about the move.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04I'm really looking forward just to having new surroundings,
0:08:04 > 0:08:07new things to get involved in, the quieter way of life,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10doing things that we can't do here.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Meeting new people, you know, see what that brings,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16and opens up new horizons.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Jackie is drawn to the heart of the countryside, but Chris is keen
0:08:25 > 0:08:28to be close to the coast, with an easy commute to London,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32meaning the net is cast wide on our West Sussex house-hunt.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36But, before we set about looking at houses, we're meeting up
0:08:36 > 0:08:40in the county to hear more about the property they're hoping to find.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43Well, Chris and Jackie,
0:08:43 > 0:08:47welcome to the most gorgeous day here in West Sussex.
0:08:47 > 0:08:48Perfect. It's amazing.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51So, tell me, why do you want to make the move to the countryside?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Well, I'm coming up to retirement age, and therefore we're really
0:08:54 > 0:08:57planning for the future, and therefore moving to the country now
0:08:57 > 0:08:59is a halfway house to retirement, really.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02I'll still continue to work in the immediate future, and then,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04obviously, if you can move before that,
0:09:04 > 0:09:06you don't get two disturbances at the same time.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Good idea. Great transition. Yeah.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11What is it about the coast, then, that you love so much?
0:09:11 > 0:09:14I like the coast, primarily because I never saw it as a child.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16OK, that's a good reason.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18Jackie, why do you love the countryside so much?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20I don't know, I've always loved the countryside,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22a bit of an outdoorsy type.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Having lived in London for a number of years, and also worked in cities,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I always wanted to get back to the country, so, you know,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30it's just my ideal.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Let's talk about the actual property itself that you would like.
0:09:33 > 0:09:34Talk me through it.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Well, the property I think we'd like would be certainly detached,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39because we live in a terrace at the moment, and we'd love to look at
0:09:39 > 0:09:43a house with the normal reception room, dining room, four bedrooms,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46garage, driveway, and things like that.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47What about the style?
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Do you like old, do you like new, what's the preference?
0:09:51 > 0:09:53I think we like older properties... Yeah.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55..and some light and airy properties.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Yeah, something with a character. So something with a character?
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Yeah, exactly, character.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01And Jackie, you've got your own business, I believe.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Yes, I have, I make handmade stationery.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I suppose, really, one of the things I have to have half an eye on when
0:10:06 > 0:10:09we look at any properties is space, where I can operate out of.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11A room, basically, a craft room.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13And then, obviously, to keep it fair, Chris, were you
0:10:13 > 0:10:15looking for a man cave at all, or...?
0:10:15 > 0:10:17I would like... A man gym.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19I would like a room of my own, I don't have one at the moment.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20Do you not? OK. No.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23And location, are you looking to be part of a village community,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26or do you want to be near a market town, ideally?
0:10:26 > 0:10:27What works for the two of you?
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Erm, don't mind, personally, but we want to be near something.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33I think there has to be some access to various things,
0:10:33 > 0:10:36because obviously, as you're getting older, and we're thinking
0:10:36 > 0:10:39about retiring, you can't live in the middle of nowhere... No.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40..because you have to think longer term.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44Remind us of how much you've got to spend with this move, please.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47OK, we're looking to spend around 900,000.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51If the forever home - the ideal property - came along,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54we'd probably go up to 1.1 million.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58We do have some splendid homes to show you, in this rather gorgeous
0:10:58 > 0:11:01part of the UK, so shall we get started?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Oh, yes, please. Ready? If you'd like to follow me.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12For a maximum budget of ?1.1 million, Chris and Jackie are
0:11:12 > 0:11:16looking for a detached property with a minimum of four bedrooms.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Jackie needs space for her stationery business,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21and Chris would also like a room of his own.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25They prefer period character, as long as it's bright and airy,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28and the area needs to provide good transport links
0:11:28 > 0:11:30for Chris's commute back into London.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35We've got a selection of great homes to tempt our buyers with,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37and at each one, I'll be asking them
0:11:37 > 0:11:40to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43The final property will, of course, be our Mystery House,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46which may cause something of a stir.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Our house search is starting in the small village of Madehurst,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59two and a half miles north-west of
0:11:59 > 0:12:01the vibrant historic market town of Arundel.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05As well as a plethora of pretty and historic buildings,
0:12:05 > 0:12:10Arundel provides many useful shops, transport links, and amenities.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15The civic crest plays on the French word "Hirondelle,"
0:12:15 > 0:12:18meaning "swallow", which sounds much like the town's name.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22Located in the South Downs, along the River Arun,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26a strange local superstition holds that if you shake yourself
0:12:26 > 0:12:30on the town bridge on 1st March, you will be free of fleas
0:12:30 > 0:12:32for the rest of the year.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35The town's impressive castle was built in the 11th century
0:12:35 > 0:12:37by Roger de Montgomerie, Earl of Arundel,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40and heavily restored in Victorian times.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43It was one of the first English country houses
0:12:43 > 0:12:46to be fitted with electric lighting.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48And, two and a half miles away back in Madehurst,
0:12:48 > 0:12:53the house we're going to see has a rather quirky history of its own.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Now, if you can guess what this building was originally used for,
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I may even consider buying it for you.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03It's part of an estate, therefore it's the estate keepers house.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Ooh, thank goodness you didn't get it right, but you're close,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08you are close, because it is part of a larger estate.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12The huge manor house which was next door, this was built
0:13:12 > 0:13:15as a squash court for the estate.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19No! Yes. Wow, yeah. Yeah!
0:13:19 > 0:13:22Totally unexpected. What do you think, Chris?
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Well, my thought is I'm intrigued to go inside and see how the light
0:13:25 > 0:13:27reflects through the windows, because there aren't that many
0:13:27 > 0:13:30windows at the front at the moment, and the porch does overhang
0:13:30 > 0:13:32a little bit. No, that's a fair comment.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Well, shall we step inside and see how it goes?
0:13:34 > 0:13:35Oh, yes, please. Yes, super.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38Thought to be built around the 1930s, but converted to a home
0:13:38 > 0:13:42in the 1980s, we're taking the door from the veranda at the back
0:13:42 > 0:13:45of the property, and going straight into the kitchen/breakfast room.
0:13:48 > 0:13:54So, let's start off with our country kitchen.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55It's very stylish.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59For me, if I was completely honest, it's all feeling a little bit low.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04It's done very nicely, it's... You know, bright, modern units,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07it just feels a little bit on the cramped side.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11I would be inclined to remove the island, and open the whole thing up,
0:14:11 > 0:14:13and make it one big sort of kitchen/living space.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15It would be huge then, wouldn't it?
0:14:15 > 0:14:16Yeah, but it would be great in that format.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Let's see what you make of the next room.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Exiting the kitchen into the hall,
0:14:22 > 0:14:26the other side of the ground floor features the largest reception room.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30So, off our hallway, this is your sitting room.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32OK. It's actually a very spacious room.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Yeah, very big, it's a big room.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37OK, dare I broach the subject of the windows and the light?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41I'd think it's fairly dark, and it's a very bright day today.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43That would be a concern, for me. Right, OK.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44I agree with you.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I mean, it's a little on the dark side. OK.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Probably compared to what we're used to as well, but it is a bright day,
0:14:49 > 0:14:52so that is something, yeah. It's a concern. All right.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56Well, let's head upstairs, see what you make of that. OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02So, some doubts expressed by Chris and Jackie over the ground floor,
0:15:02 > 0:15:05but there is additional space in a separate dining room
0:15:05 > 0:15:09next to the kitchen, as well as the convenience of a downstairs toilet.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Perhaps the generous four-bedroom accommodation upstairs
0:15:14 > 0:15:15will be more to their liking.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Over the sitting room, there's a large double with pretty views
0:15:19 > 0:15:24from two aspects. Another room currently has a day bed,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27but is large enough to take a double.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30And the smallest of the bedrooms, which is presently used
0:15:30 > 0:15:34as an office. These are all served by a family bathroom,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37and that just leaves the final room.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42So here is the master bedroom, complete with en suite.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Yeah.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Oh, perfect, and this is a really much lighter room, brighter room.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50So, getting a slightly better reaction from upstairs, I think.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Yeah, it's a lovely room, and it's lighter, it's brighter,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57the ceiling is higher. Erm... Yeah, I like this room.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58Yes, definitely.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00And you've got your sunshine streaming through.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Yeah, yeah, and a beautiful view, actually.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03You do. Yeah. You do.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06You're not overlooked... No. ..which you'll see in more detail,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08because I'm going to take you outside.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14A good finish for the interior, but there's more outside,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17where this property really shines.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20With lawns and terraces, plus beautifully stocked flower beds,
0:16:20 > 0:16:25the surprise feature in the garden is a large heated pool.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Outbuildings include a barn with storage,
0:16:28 > 0:16:32and workshop that could give Chris a super-sized man den.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36And there's also a double garage. What's more, light-loving
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Chris and Jackie should warm to the garden's aspect.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41South-west facing garden,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44so you're going to get the sunlight for most of the day, aren't you?
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Yeah. Into the evening. Yeah, no, it's a stunning space.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48It's quite amazing compared to the house.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51The house normally wouldn't have a thing like this attached to it.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53No. Yeah. It's certainly a bonus, isn't it?
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Absolutely. Yeah, and adds more potential.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Let's see what it's on the market for.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00It'd be interesting to see what you two think. Mm.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05925. What about you, Jackie?
0:17:05 > 0:17:10I'd say 875. The asking price is ?975,000.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11Right. Mm-hm.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14I'm pleasantly surprised, makes a lovely property.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Well, I think this is the opportunity for you two to take
0:17:17 > 0:17:20another look on the your own this time, have a full explore.
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Must admit, with weather like this,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I'm quite happy to wait for you in the garden, if you don't mind.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26OK. Be my guests.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Significantly under their ?1.1 million top budget,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38our first property meets many of the requirements
0:17:38 > 0:17:40on Chris and Jackie's wish list.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45It's detached, with bags of individuality.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49There are four bedrooms, and there is the garage Chris asked for.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54In addition, there are good-sized grounds with entertaining spaces,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56as well as that large heated pool,
0:17:56 > 0:18:01plus it's a 90-minute commute to London from nearby Arundel station.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Well, this is a good size for a third bedroom.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Yeah, you'd have to get a double bed in here.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14I think it's got, well, potential for a couple of uses. Yeah, OK.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16I think it's an amazing property.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20The amount of land surrounding it and the gardens are just beautiful.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22I think the house itself
0:18:22 > 0:18:26may be a little bit small for our requirements.
0:18:26 > 0:18:27I don't think the house itself
0:18:27 > 0:18:29is offering as the things we are looking for.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I don't think I see myself living here,
0:18:31 > 0:18:33because this is a little too remote.
0:18:33 > 0:18:38That would be my biggest concern, is the connectivity to other places,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40is probably the biggest detractor.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42I think we'd probably have to go less rural.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47Probably I'd give it a 50-50, because the house may be so-so,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49but the garden is very much so.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57Oh, you've caught me enjoying the rays of sunshine,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and I do love this garden. It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02It's an amazing garden, yes. It is.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04So, have you seen enough of the house?
0:19:04 > 0:19:05Yes, I think we have. Yeah? Yeah.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09OK, well, that's the end of this house tour. Let's hit the road.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Wine-making was first introduced to England by the Romans,
0:19:20 > 0:19:25and as one of the sunniest spots in the country, with a similar sub-soil
0:19:25 > 0:19:28to the Champagne region of France, West Sussex is
0:19:28 > 0:19:30a wonderful location for vineyards.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34In fact, there are no fewer than 31 in the county,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38producing a selection of world-class wines.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41We've arranged for Chris and Jackie to visit one of the county's
0:19:41 > 0:19:45oldest vineyards on the very first day of this year's harvest.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47They're meeting Sam Linter,
0:19:47 > 0:19:52whose parents established the Bolney Wine Estate in 1972.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55So your parents founded this estate.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57What made them choose this area?
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Bolney has a really good microclimate.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03It actually has sandstone soils, and that soil is really good for vines.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05It keeps the vineyard warmer, which is vital, but also it's
0:20:05 > 0:20:08free-draining, as vines don't like getting wet roots.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10And how is the global perception of English wine?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Is it on the way up? It is, it really is.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15We actually export abroad now, so it's actually being really well
0:20:15 > 0:20:19accepted, but we all enter our wines into international competitions,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and we're all winning international awards.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Warmer weather at the end of the summer has meant bumper crops
0:20:25 > 0:20:29in recent years, and this is looking to be another excellent season
0:20:29 > 0:20:31for grape growing.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35It takes 75 to 100 berries to make a single glass of wine,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and with 128 million to collect
0:20:37 > 0:20:41over the next three weeks, Chris and Jackie
0:20:41 > 0:20:44are joining Aimee Knight from the estate to get the harvest started.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50So what we do is we cut off a few bunches of grapes, and take them
0:20:50 > 0:20:53down to our lab in the winery, and we are looking to measure whether
0:20:53 > 0:20:57the sugar levels are high enough, and whether the acidity levels have
0:20:57 > 0:20:58reduced that a little bit,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01so we've got a really nice balance in the fruit.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Interesting. So what makes a good bunch of grapes?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06So, what we look for is even fruit,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09so we want the berries to all be of a similar sort of size.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11And we also want them to be of a similar colour,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15so we don't want any green berries in our nice black bunch.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Several varieties of grape are grown here, but the one our couple are
0:21:20 > 0:21:24helping to harvest is called Rondo, a dark-skinned hybrid,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26developed to mature early,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30as well as cope with a slightly cooler and wetter climate.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35So, Aimee, what do these grapes taste like?
0:21:35 > 0:21:37Have a taste. See what you think.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Oh, they're actually quite sweet.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Well, shall we head down to the tasting room so you can try
0:21:43 > 0:21:47the final product? Sounds good to me. And me.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53The yield from the estate's 42,000 vines will be pressed to produce
0:21:53 > 0:21:58a juice, and sugar and yeast added to start the fermentation process.
0:21:58 > 0:21:59It will take up to four years
0:21:59 > 0:22:03before this season's harvest turns into wines that are ready to drink.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08Fortunately for Chris and Jackie, Aimee has some they made earlier.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12So, have you ever tried any English wines? No, never.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16Oh, OK. Well, let's start with our 2009 Blanc de Blancs.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20So, this is 100% Chardonnay, this wine.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It's made in the traditional method, so the same way as champagne.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It spends a minimum of two and a half years ageing, which gives it
0:22:27 > 0:22:30sort of some yeasty, honeyed, autolytic sort of flavours.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33But, because Chardonnay is quite an acidic grape, you should also get
0:22:33 > 0:22:36quite a lot of lemon, some green apple, quite a clean,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40refreshing mouth feel with this one, so cheers.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41Cheers.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46So, what do you think?
0:22:46 > 0:22:47That is lovely.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Light, very crisp.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53I'd say that I could drink this one. Yes!
0:22:53 > 0:22:56So, moving onto our white wine, the grape variety is Bacchus.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It's of Germanic origin.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01It's very floral, very fruity.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03It's ever so slightly sweeter as well.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Wow, the fruit really comes through in that.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Yeah, very fruity, very pleasant.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12And finally our red wine, so this is our Bolney Pinot Noir.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16It's a cool climate red wine, so it's very, very light.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18You'll be able to see from the colour,
0:23:18 > 0:23:19you can see through the wine.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23You get a lot of sweet, red berries on the nose, and on the palate
0:23:23 > 0:23:26you should get only a low amount of tannin in this wine.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Wow, very surprising.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33That would be lovely chilled in the summer.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Very good summer wine, I think.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Yes, I get the berries. Very light as well.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39Very reminiscent of some of the reds I like.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Yeah, a great summer wine, as you were saying.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43So, what do you think about English wine?
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Well, it's certainly opened my eyes, I can tell you.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47The wines with tasted here are fantastic.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Well, cheers! Cheers. Cheers.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57Having sampled some of the wines West Sussex has to offer,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59it's time to press on with the house-hunting.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09Our search is heading into the heart of the West Sussex countryside,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12and the tiny hamlet of Nutbourne, with the nearest shop
0:24:12 > 0:24:15a couple of miles' drive away, in the village of West Chiltington.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20The Grade I listed 12th-century church of St Mary's
0:24:20 > 0:24:24is considered an architectural highlight of West Chiltington,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26and the village also showcases
0:24:26 > 0:24:29former 17th-century correctional facilities.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Something of a hub for West Sussex wine making,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38it offers two village centres, separated by a picturesque jumble
0:24:38 > 0:24:41of country roads, and each centre has a pub
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and a post office and store.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49We're a couple of miles drive away in the hamlet of Nutbourne.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52The house we've come to see is at the end of a quiet lane,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54with a large gravel driveway.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01Let me introduce you to our Scandihus,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04which is an unusual building.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Very different, very different.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09You don't expect to see that behind the hedgerows of the countryside.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10So true.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13And the roof doesn't give it away from the road. No. No.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Do you like what you see?
0:25:15 > 0:25:17I don't dislike what I see.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18Right, OK.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21I'm intrigued to see what it's like inside, I have to say.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22OK. Shall we take a look inside?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Oh, yes, please. Yes, please.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30Built in the 1980s in Scandinavian design, an additional wing
0:25:30 > 0:25:34was added in the 1990s, to create an L-shaped home.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Inside, the nod to the Nordic continues,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40with a bright and airy entrance hall that leads us through
0:25:40 > 0:25:43into a very spacious and stylish kitchen/diner.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50So, you have a very unusual entrance there. Very modernistic, all white,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53and then you step into this huge kitchen.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56It's enormous. Huge potential.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Amazing space.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Is it you? Is it you two?
0:26:01 > 0:26:06Erm, it's a bit modern for me, but I love the space.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Yeah, it's the space you have to look at, because, obviously,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11it's people's interiors, which you can take out...
0:26:11 > 0:26:12Yeah. ..and make your own.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Very true, very true. Mmm.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16All right, well, let's continue.
0:26:16 > 0:26:17I'm going to go back through the hallway,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19and show you one of the sitting rooms.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26Off the kitchen, there's also a utilities space to the rear,
0:26:26 > 0:26:29and a snug to the front of the property.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Back through the hallway and past a large downstairs cloakroom,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36we come into the newer wing, where we find the main reception room.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44So, just mind the step, and here is your sitting-room. Mm.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Another large, big... Big room. Yeah.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Bit too modern and space-agey for me, I think.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56You know, I'm a bit more liking of period-type features,
0:26:56 > 0:26:58and sash windows, that type of thing,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01so I find the windows a little bit too stark and modern for me.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Yeah. I do think it's a great size. OK.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06All right, well, let's see what we all think of upstairs, shall we?
0:27:06 > 0:27:09If I can squeeze past you. Thank you.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16Well, Jackie and Chris have said they want airy, light-filled spaces,
0:27:16 > 0:27:18and this home has plenty.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Running off the sitting room, the ground floor also offers a study,
0:27:22 > 0:27:24as well as the first of five bedrooms,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26currently used as a music room.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30It benefits from sitting beside a shower room.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33The rest of the sleeping accommodation is on the upper floor,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36and accessed via two staircases.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38The main stairs lead up to three bedrooms,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41the first with which has its own balcony,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45whilst two further doubles both provide lovely views.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47These are all served by a family bathroom
0:27:47 > 0:27:50with a modern, freestanding bath.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54However, we're taking the second staircase from the entrance hall,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56which goes directly to the master en suite.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01So, up the spiral white staircase.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04That leads straight into your master bedroom.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06A great room.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07Great space. Yeah.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08Great view out of the windows.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Yeah, as far as the eye can see.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12No neighbours. Yeah.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16So, you've got a huge walk-in shower next door, massive, and in a way,
0:28:16 > 0:28:18it's like a Jack-and-Jill,
0:28:18 > 0:28:20because it leads into one of the other bedrooms.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24Certainly not short on space, you know, in rooms. Mm.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27All right, well, let's see what we make of outside, shall we?
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Our buyers may have reservations over the style,
0:28:35 > 0:28:39but they certainly like the sheer scale of this home.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41And the generous footprint continues outside,
0:28:41 > 0:28:45with a little over three quarters of an acre of grounds.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Mainly laid to lawn, the plot
0:28:47 > 0:28:50overlooks the gorgeous West Sussex countryside,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53and as well as more than enough room for Jackie's dream of
0:28:53 > 0:28:55home-grown fruit and veg,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59there's an extraordinary decree of privacy and seclusion.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04So, finally, we do have to talk about his garden, don't we?
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Yeah. It's, well, huge.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08A lot of space... Yeah. ..but I
0:29:08 > 0:29:10think it could have some features put into it.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Yeah, for a bit of landscape. I mean, it is a fabulous garden.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Yeah. But it's very basic at the moment, but it could be amazing.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16Yeah. Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21How much do you think this very unusual house is on the market for?
0:29:21 > 0:29:24I'm going to say 999,500.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26OK.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28I shall go 875.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30You're both over. Oh.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34It's actually on the market for ?830,000. Wow.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39Now, I know you had a few concerns.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41I wonder if that's going to change anything?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Don't answer. Go and have another look,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and at that price, see if you could perhaps make it work.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48OK. OK, let's go.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Please do.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55It is a really unusual house, that's the thing.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59First impressions - I do think you either love it,
0:29:59 > 0:30:03and are desperate to get inside, or you have reservations,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06and our couple certainly had those, but inside,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10it gives them everything they want, and it's way under their budget.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16This bright, airy and detached Scandinavian style home could leave
0:30:16 > 0:30:21Chris and Jackie almost ?200,000 to put their own stamp on things.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24There's one more bedroom than they've asked for,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27so plenty of space for Chris to have his man cave.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31Keen cook Jackie gets a large kitchen/diner and she could
0:30:31 > 0:30:35also fulfil her self-sufficiency home-grown dreams in the garden.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Plus, the property offers peace and
0:30:37 > 0:30:40seclusion at the end of a quiet country lane.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46This is the second bedroom. Yes. It's a very good size.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49It would actually make a really nice guest room.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51You've got the balcony and the outlook.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Great view over there. Over the fields again.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Yeah, yeah. It's a nice room.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01The amount of space outside and in, it is quite surprising.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06It offers lots of rooms. So it would actually, you know, suit our needs.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Sadly for me, it's probably not my style.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13For me, the spiral staircase is probably a deal-breaker.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16There was scope to do other things with the property, however, I don't
0:31:16 > 0:31:19think you could do much with the space where the spiral staircase is.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22You've come out with smiles on your face. That's looking good, yeah.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Have you seen enough? I think so, yes.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27Yeah, I think I have, thank you. Ready to hit the road?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It's Day Two of our property search with Chris and Jackie from
0:31:39 > 0:31:44Clapham, South London who have a top budget of ?1.1 million to
0:31:44 > 0:31:48buy their dream forever home in West Sussex.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52So far, we've shown them some great property, but there's more to see.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56And, our Mystery House could be just what they're looking for.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Literally walked through the door and went, "Wow."
0:31:58 > 0:32:03And I'm still saying, "Wow." So, it's all good. Yes.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07And I'm visiting somewhere in West Sussex that really rings a bell.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09BELL RINGS
0:32:09 > 0:32:11I'm a good trainee campanologist, but...
0:32:11 > 0:32:13I would love to have you as a trainee, Nicki.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20Well, it's a new day and of course it's the Mystery House day.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23This time we're going to be taking our couple further away down to the coast,
0:32:23 > 0:32:26something we know Chris adores.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30However, it will mean a longer commute back to the capital.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33But first, a property that's closer to the city but still
0:32:33 > 0:32:36has all the wonderful countryside views.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38Let's see what they make of it.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Our house-hunt is taking us further inland and across the county
0:32:43 > 0:32:46border to the Surrey village of Walliswood.
0:32:46 > 0:32:493 1/2 miles west of the village of Ockley.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Ockley Station provides a regular train service to London Victoria,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57with travel times of around an hour and a quarter.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00There's also a pretty farm shop here.
0:33:01 > 0:33:043 1/2 miles west, back in Walliswood,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06the pump on the village green has a tiled roof,
0:33:06 > 0:33:11stone pillars and carved wooden gables that typify the local style.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15The 17th-century village pub takes its name from the Scarlett family
0:33:15 > 0:33:19who once owned much of the land here and it's
0:33:19 > 0:33:22a 10 minute walk from the house we've come to see.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24What do we think of the house?
0:33:24 > 0:33:26It actually looks really interesting.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28It's lovely. It looks very large as well.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29BOTH: Yes.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33A promising start, do we feel? Yes. Quietly optimistic. Yeah?
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Wood boarded, very attractive, on a very quiet road. Mm.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Let's see what you make of the inside.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Thought to be built around the 1850s,
0:33:43 > 0:33:48this detached Victorian country home retains many period features
0:33:48 > 0:33:52including the high ceilings Chris and Jackie love.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55We're entering via a back door in the sympathetically done
0:33:55 > 0:34:00extension, which houses the big and bright kitchen/breakfast room.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04I do love it when you start a house tour with
0:34:04 > 0:34:08a really generous sized kitchen. It's really lovely.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09It's very nice, very large.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12And then you have those wonderful patio doors looking out
0:34:12 > 0:34:15onto your garden. Yeah. It's a lovely aspect. It really is.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18And I appreciate, it will be very light.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23This is my idea of a kitchen-dining space. Is it? Yeah.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Especially looking out over the garden like that. Yeah, it's perfect.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Yeah? Could you see both of you in here of the weekend?
0:34:29 > 0:34:30BOTH: Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34You'll be out there digging up the vegetables and I'll be in here cooking.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35THEY LAUGH
0:34:35 > 0:34:39Already got the roles sorted out. OK, let's keep going.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Off the kitchen we also find a utility,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48downstairs cloakroom and snug.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51Then, heading out through the main entrance hall,
0:34:51 > 0:34:52we arrive at the sitting room.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58We actually passed the front door. But we never use that, do we?
0:34:58 > 0:35:02It's a nice shaped room and, you know, it's quite good having a
0:35:02 > 0:35:05square room when it comes to laying out furniture and TVs and whatnot.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07Very true.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10And it's higher ceilings which is good. It is a nice room.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14Chris? Big fan of the fire? If someone makes it, yes.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Would you like to see a little bit more? Oh, I certainly would, yeah.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Great, I'll squeeze past you. Thank you
0:35:22 > 0:35:24They both seem to be warming to the
0:35:24 > 0:35:27character and proportions of this home so far.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30And opposite the sitting room, the similarly square-shaped,
0:35:30 > 0:35:34elegant dining room boasts another feature fireplace.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38The classic staircase leads up
0:35:38 > 0:35:40to four bedrooms all fanning
0:35:40 > 0:35:41off the landing.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45There's a good sized guest double above the dining room and two
0:35:45 > 0:35:49smaller rooms, each currently arranged with single beds.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54The compact family bathroom has both a shower and bath and then to
0:35:54 > 0:35:58the rear of this floor, there's a generously sized master en suite.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Another lovely room. Amazing ceiling. Yeah.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Now, you do have the height. We won't be ducking these beams.
0:36:07 > 0:36:08THEY LAUGH
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Behind me, good sized wardrobe. Wow, yeah.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15And then behind that, just as you walk through,
0:36:15 > 0:36:18a really good en suite bathroom with a bath. Mm.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22It's lovely. The window's actually good for the room character as well.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Looking out of those windows,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27is that what you're after, that look when you wake up every morning?
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Absolutely. Great. All right, well, let's see what we think of outside.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38What a wonderful reception for the interior of this charming home.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42Outside, in the half acre of grounds, there's
0:36:42 > 0:36:45a ready-made vegetable patch right outside the kitchen, as well as
0:36:45 > 0:36:47a pleasant terrace with seating.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52There's also a barn-style garage and tranquil country views.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55How green fingered do you want to be when you make this move?
0:36:55 > 0:36:58It's something I'm interested in doing because I want to grow herbs
0:36:58 > 0:37:02and vegetables so the area closer to the house would be perfect for that.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06You know, and your man cave could be up at the end here somewhere, under an oak tree.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07THEY LAUGH
0:37:07 > 0:37:10Well, let's see, shall we, if the price is pleasant?
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Well, I think it's probably the top end of our budget.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I would say around the 1.1 mark. OK.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Well, to be different, I'll say 1,075,000.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21OK. Well, you're both out.
0:37:21 > 0:37:27By quite a lot. The asking price is under a million pounds.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Wow. It's ?995,000.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34Oh, OK. That's surprising. Very surprising.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Well, I'm glad! That's a positive reaction with our price.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41So, now you know, I think you should go and have another look around.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Yeah, love to. I'd love to. Yeah? Good, go on, then, thank you.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Thank you.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48It does look gorgeous from standing up here,
0:37:48 > 0:37:52a slightly elevated position. This is a beautiful country home.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55It's a country home with everything you want from the country
0:37:55 > 0:38:00around you but has the convenience of going back, because Chris
0:38:00 > 0:38:04sadly has to commute nearly every day to London and this is the
0:38:04 > 0:38:06perfect location for the two of them.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Well under budget, this Victorian country residence
0:38:12 > 0:38:15has all the accommodation Chris and Jackie require.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18It comes with a large kitchen/breakfast room,
0:38:18 > 0:38:22four bedrooms, including that generous master en suite,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26a well-stocked garden with beautiful countryside on the doorstep
0:38:26 > 0:38:30and all with added convenience of London transport links nearby.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Bedroom number four. OK.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Actually, I think this would be a great office space with
0:38:37 > 0:38:40the aspect over the garden. You have your desk there,
0:38:40 > 0:38:43you're looking out. Perhaps another man cave.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47The amount of land here is phenomenal.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52And I'm actually very surprised at how big the house is as well.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55And I think it could offer us the type of accommodation we've
0:38:55 > 0:39:01been looking for. Locationally, it looks to be well situated for us.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03You know, to have this lifestyle that we're looking for.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06It offers us the period features
0:39:06 > 0:39:11that we've wanted and the character that we really wanted as well.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15It ticks a lot of the boxes in terms of the features, the space, the size...
0:39:15 > 0:39:17I mean, today, I don't really have a man cave.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I mean, obviously, one bedroom would have to be taken over.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21I could get a large shed at the end
0:39:21 > 0:39:24of the garden and use that as my study come man cave.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27It's a great house and I could see us living in it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32How are we? Impressed. Yeah?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35A very positive house tour this time in Surrey.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39Yeah. Seen enough? Yes, I think so. Yeah. OK, let's go.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51As well as the beauty of its countryside,
0:39:51 > 0:39:55West Sussex is rich in history and architectural heritage.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Located at the southwestern tip of the county,
0:39:58 > 0:40:02the cathedral city of Chichester was once a Roman settlement.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05And there is still evidence of the Roman influence to this day
0:40:05 > 0:40:10with the city wall standing as the most intact circuit of Roman town
0:40:10 > 0:40:11defences in southern England.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Elsewhere, one of the most striking sites is the cathedral which
0:40:17 > 0:40:21has stood at the heart of Chichester for 900 years.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Subsequent generations have also left their mark here,
0:40:24 > 0:40:29for it's possible to admire both exterior medieval architecture
0:40:29 > 0:40:31and interior 20th-century artworks.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36Today, I'm finding out about the history and continuing work in this
0:40:36 > 0:40:39impressive ecclesiastical building, starting with
0:40:39 > 0:40:43a welcome from the Dean of the Cathedral, Stephen Waine.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47This is my first time here at Chichester Cathedral.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51And it really is magnificent. It is a jewel in the crown of Chichester.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53It's beautiful.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It was begun in the year 1076 and although it was finished
0:40:57 > 0:41:00relatively quickly, there were a couple of disastrous fires
0:41:00 > 0:41:03which means that it was dedicated for the second time in the year 1199.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Since then, it's been added to and beautified and restored
0:41:06 > 0:41:08at various times throughout the histories.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13There's scarcely a century in which something important hasn't happened here in terms of the building.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Out of the whole of the West Sussex countryside,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18why did they decide that Chichester should be its home?
0:41:18 > 0:41:20Originally there was a cathedral in Selsey,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23but at that particular period they were bringing bishops in from
0:41:23 > 0:41:27the countryside into centres of population and the old Roman
0:41:27 > 0:41:30town of Chichester was one of the major centres of population.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34The cathedral also became a site of pilgrimage after one
0:41:34 > 0:41:38former Bishop of Chichester, Richard de Wyche, was canonised in
0:41:38 > 0:41:40the 13th century.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43The original shrine to St Richard was destroyed in
0:41:43 > 0:41:46the 16th century under the orders of Cromwell.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49But a replacement shrine continues to draw pilgrims.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53So how much do we know about St Richard?
0:41:53 > 0:41:55St Richard was reputed to be a very good man.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58He spent a lot of time walking around the streets of
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Chichester and so he built up a reputation for dealing with the
0:42:01 > 0:42:05poor, he also had quite a reputation for being tough on his clergy.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07One of the things that he couldn't stand were clergy who
0:42:07 > 0:42:11mumbled while they were saying Mass, so... Surely not you?
0:42:11 > 0:42:13No, we try not to.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17Now, standing here, you know, you can see the building in all its glory.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20I mean, what's it like trying to maintain a historic building the like this?
0:42:20 > 0:42:23It's a constant task with a building of this age.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26If you don't attend to the small things very, very quickly,
0:42:26 > 0:42:27they become large things.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Just at the moment, behind us here we've got some scaffolding.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33We're fixing a historic roof up there. Is that ongoing?
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Is that something I could perhaps take a look at?
0:42:35 > 0:42:37It is ongoing, why don't you go and have a look?
0:42:37 > 0:42:40You'll find it absolutely fascinating when you get up there.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41I'm looking forward to this. Good.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47This is certainly one building site I'm keen to look around,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and acting clerk of works, Tony Allen, has offered to show
0:42:50 > 0:42:54me the latest projects and the incredible view.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56What can we see?
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Well, over there you've got the Isle of Wight,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Portsmouth, and in the far distance, Southampton.
0:43:01 > 0:43:08A height of 274 feet to the top of the spire may offer panoramic
0:43:08 > 0:43:12views but the exposed coastal location takes its toll on
0:43:12 > 0:43:14the fabric of the building.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17I mean, we can feel the wind today.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19And where we're stood,
0:43:19 > 0:43:22we suffer predominantly from south-west winds.
0:43:22 > 0:43:24So, it comes across here,
0:43:24 > 0:43:27across the Solent and it batters all the stone, if you wish.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30So, it's eroding the stone as you look at it.
0:43:30 > 0:43:34Is this what this is, all these ridges? Correct.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36And this will all have to be repaired in time?
0:43:36 > 0:43:39In time each piece will have to be replaced.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43But it's not just the weather that has given the cathedral a battering.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45It's also suffered attack from
0:43:45 > 0:43:48political unrest and would-be foreign invaders.
0:43:48 > 0:43:52Down there you can see the copper roof which went on just after the
0:43:52 > 0:43:56war to repair the damage from the war, now that is wearing very thin.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00The wind gets underneath, drives up each panel,
0:44:00 > 0:44:03the rain drives in. We're constantly repairing it.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07This is also the only medieval cathedral with
0:44:07 > 0:44:09a separate bell tower, or campanile.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14It's a 15th-century structure that is sadly showing its age.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17That is in a very bad state of repair.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20We're going to be looking at refurbishing that in the next
0:44:20 > 0:44:23couple of years, so we'll be trying to raise funds for that.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26We're talking in the region of ?4 million
0:44:26 > 0:44:29just to restore the stonework externally.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32There are attempts to get this unique feature onto
0:44:32 > 0:44:34the World Monument Fund Watch list,
0:44:34 > 0:44:37meaning it would receive support to preserve it.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41Meanwhile, the bell tower is very much a living building.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43BELLS RING
0:44:43 > 0:44:46Offering an after-school drop-in centre as well as continuing
0:44:46 > 0:44:48to serve its original function.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51The bell-ringers, also known as campanologists, have the
0:44:51 > 0:44:55task of peeling out a ring from up to eight bells in the lantern.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58Regular ringer, Hamish, has agreed to give
0:44:58 > 0:45:00me some instruction at a practice session today.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Hello, Hamish. Hello, Nicki, welcome to Chichester. Thank you.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09Now, I'm looking forward to this because this is a first. I've never rung a bell before.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11I want you to look after me because I'm not going to end up in
0:45:11 > 0:45:14the rafters, am I? You certainly won't. OK. I'll make sure of that.
0:45:14 > 0:45:18Thank you. Right. The rope will take your hands up, keep the rope tight.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20OK.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23I'm going to put my hand on top of yours the first few times
0:45:23 > 0:45:27to make sure your hands do come down. Here we go. OK.
0:45:27 > 0:45:28I'm concentrating now.
0:45:28 > 0:45:30BELL RINGS
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Oh. That sounds amazing.
0:45:32 > 0:45:35Pull straight down. Perfect.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37That was a really good pull-down.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40I'm a good trainee campanologist, but...
0:45:40 > 0:45:43I would love to have you as a trainee, Nicki. Yeah? OK.
0:45:43 > 0:45:48Hand over the rope. Right. Take it away. Thank you. OK.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51Well, time for me to leave bell number four in the capable
0:45:51 > 0:45:53hands of the regular ringers.
0:45:53 > 0:45:55As they peel out a ring that has
0:45:55 > 0:45:58been sounded out for more than half a millennium.
0:46:09 > 0:46:13Looking back, we showed you quite a variety of properties.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15Any changes with what you want?
0:46:15 > 0:46:19The one thing that has crystallised is that we are probably not
0:46:19 > 0:46:22prepared to be too remote.
0:46:22 > 0:46:27So, we do have to start thinking of looking at houses and
0:46:27 > 0:46:31properties that are closer to town, I think. Or even market towns.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33That kind of situation.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Coming from 8 million people down to nearly no people,
0:46:36 > 0:46:37it's rather a big shock.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39Yeah.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44Our mystery proposition sees us leave behind the depths of rural
0:46:44 > 0:46:47life to tempt Chris to the coast.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49But, at the cost of a longer commute.
0:46:49 > 0:46:54We're five miles west of Brighton in the small seaside town of Southwick.
0:46:54 > 0:46:56Here, there are pretty harbours and
0:46:56 > 0:47:00marinas with views across the English Channel.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04The town has plenty of easy to reach amenities including pubs
0:47:04 > 0:47:09and a train station. Giving Chris those all-important links to London.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12Southwick's square features a selection of traditional
0:47:12 > 0:47:15shops as well as larger chains and it's just
0:47:15 > 0:47:18a five minute walk from here to our Mystery House.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25Now, I think you might have guessed why we picked this property.
0:47:25 > 0:47:29I think because it might be on the coast. It's on the coast. It's on the coast.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32It's also on a road that, you know, we have to be aware of.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35With a little bit more traffic than you might be used to in the country.
0:47:35 > 0:47:39But, yeah, we are about 15 minutes from the marina here in Southwick.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43So, on first impressions, what do we think?
0:47:43 > 0:47:45It's an impressive house.
0:47:45 > 0:47:47It's a very big, large house. Yeah, large house.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50Well, shall we step inside, see what you make of it? Yes, please.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56Despite not being in the heart of the countryside, the exterior
0:47:56 > 0:48:01appeal of our Mystery House seems to be of interest to Chris and Jackie.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04Built in the 1900s, the Edwardian home was recently extended
0:48:04 > 0:48:08by the current owners to create a very grand space with
0:48:08 > 0:48:12a large entrance hall leading into an elegant dining room.
0:48:12 > 0:48:16This isn't a small house. Certainly not.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21So here's your hallway, larger than some people's homes.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24In here, I like the way it's open.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26Dining room. Oh, this looks fantastic.
0:48:26 > 0:48:31But, then what do we make of this?
0:48:31 > 0:48:33Oh! This looks amazing. Go fetch my bags.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35THEY LAUGH
0:48:35 > 0:48:40This is fantastic, seriously. Amazing.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42It's out of a homes magazine.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45You know, one of those glossy magazines, it's fantastic.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48You've ticked boxes I didn't even have to be ticked. Really?
0:48:48 > 0:48:53Yeah, yeah. It's fantastic. And it is, it's actually my taste.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56I know you want space for entertaining friends coming to stay.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59Let's take a look at the sitting room next door.
0:49:01 > 0:49:05A well-designed utility lies off the kitchen whilst back through
0:49:05 > 0:49:08the hall the first of two sitting rooms again boast
0:49:08 > 0:49:10those Edwardian high ceilings.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14And this is just another big room. BOTH: Yeah.
0:49:14 > 0:49:18Definitely. A very comfortable sitting room, and the window
0:49:18 > 0:49:21lets in loads of light. It's so huge. That's an original fireplace.
0:49:21 > 0:49:22BOTH: Yeah.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26It certainly feels like I could live here. Yeah, yeah.
0:49:26 > 0:49:29So far, it has the wow factor. I literally walked through the door and went, "wow".
0:49:29 > 0:49:32And I'm still saying, "wow," so it's all good. Yes.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35You can keep saying it, I'll be very happy.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38Well I take it you'd like to see upstairs, then? Yes, please. OK.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Thank you.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44This impeccably presented Edwardian home
0:49:44 > 0:49:47has certainly enchanted our couple.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50The ground floor also offers the first of three bathrooms,
0:49:50 > 0:49:53plus there's the second sitting-room.
0:49:53 > 0:49:55But, there's still a lot more to see.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58A wide staircase takes us to the first of two upper floors with
0:49:58 > 0:50:00a total of five bedrooms-
0:50:00 > 0:50:03a good-sized double to the front of the house
0:50:03 > 0:50:06next to which is a slightly smaller bedroom.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10And another spacious double to the side.
0:50:11 > 0:50:14There's also a family bathroom with separate WC,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17typical of this period of home.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19And, finally, at the back of the house is
0:50:19 > 0:50:22a very large bedroom with en suite.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28Try your master bedroom out for size.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30Crikey.
0:50:30 > 0:50:31THEY LAUGH
0:50:31 > 0:50:33It's another very, very large room.
0:50:33 > 0:50:38The most beautiful en suite walk-in shower in the bathroom.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41Absolutely gorgeous. This would certainly work for us, wouldn't it?
0:50:41 > 0:50:44Certainly as a master bedroom. Certainly. Yeah, yeah.
0:50:44 > 0:50:47Lot of walk around space. We're on course, aren't we? Yep.
0:50:47 > 0:50:50But we haven't got the man den.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54How would you feel about having a man attic? I could cope with that.
0:50:54 > 0:50:58Yeah? You nearly broke into a smile there, Chris. It's very unusual.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04Because, above us they've actually gone into the loft.
0:51:04 > 0:51:08It's huge up there. Certainly food for thought. Yeah? Yeah.
0:51:08 > 0:51:13The house has far more positives than negatives. So, yeah. Super.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18Well, let's see if our Mystery House can build on those positives
0:51:18 > 0:51:21outside, where the enclosed gardens have been professionally
0:51:21 > 0:51:25landscaped whilst retaining many mature shrubs and trees.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29There are a couple of greenhouses and a shed as well as large
0:51:29 > 0:51:30areas of well maintained lawn.
0:51:32 > 0:51:37So, here we have our beautiful long garden. Very neat, very tidy.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Yeah, and it's a mature garden. Lots of interesting things to look at.
0:51:40 > 0:51:41Yeah. Yeah.
0:51:41 > 0:51:45You're looking at an hour 40mins to Victoria from here.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48And then obviously you got to get to the train station which isn't too far.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51It is walking distance, but still a little bit more on your
0:51:51 > 0:51:55journey every day and I know you work pretty long hours. Yes.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58It would certainly be a very big consideration in any decision
0:51:58 > 0:52:00to buy something like this. So, what we think?
0:52:00 > 0:52:05How much do you think it's on the market for? 950. OK.
0:52:05 > 0:52:11I think maybe 995. The asking price is bang on ?1 million. Oh.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15If it was the house for us, I would be happy to pay that.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Oh, that was quite telling. I love the house.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19That's the big question mark, isn't it?
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Well, go and have another look around and
0:52:21 > 0:52:23I'll find you in a little while.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25Thank you. Thank you.
0:52:25 > 0:52:28It is such a beautiful home.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31Exquisite garden, but I think the penny is dropping with Chris.
0:52:31 > 0:52:35I think even if I found him the most amazing house, right near
0:52:35 > 0:52:39the coast, with a very quick commute to London, I still think it would
0:52:39 > 0:52:41be too far for him.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44It makes it such a long working day and that's, I think, in their
0:52:44 > 0:52:46heads, what they've got to work out-
0:52:46 > 0:52:48where the priority is.
0:52:50 > 0:52:54This impressive Edwardian property has wowed Chris and Jackie
0:52:54 > 0:52:57and leaves them ?100,000 in their budget.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00There's a stunning kitchen/diner,
0:53:00 > 0:53:04three additional reception rooms, five bedrooms,
0:53:04 > 0:53:08including that attic room that could make a man cave and the coastal
0:53:08 > 0:53:11location is close to amenities including rail links to London.
0:53:16 > 0:53:17Wow, yes. Another large space.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20You could get your parties equipment up here,
0:53:20 > 0:53:23you could get some storage down one side. Yeah, potential.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26Huge potential to do things to it. Huge potential.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28The Mystery House is stunning.
0:53:28 > 0:53:32The high ceilings and all the other period features are exactly what I
0:53:32 > 0:53:37want to see in my next house. It's just the wow factor.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39It really has the wow factor.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42I think the Mystery House is absolutely great.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46There's the footprint, the size, the space. What I really like is the light, airy,
0:53:46 > 0:53:48spacious feel you get from walking from room to room.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51I think the commute of an hour and 40 on the train if you're
0:53:51 > 0:53:55doing 10+ hour days, it becomes untenable for a long period of time.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02So, that's it. You've seen all our properties.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05You two need to have a little bit of a chat and then we'll find
0:54:05 > 0:54:08out what your next move's going to be.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19Well, we've certainly ended on a high note here in West Sussex with
0:54:19 > 0:54:23our Mystery House, but the question is, how high?
0:54:23 > 0:54:24Let's go and ask them.
0:54:30 > 0:54:34Well, Chris and Jackie, we are desperate to get you away
0:54:34 > 0:54:37from the big smoke for a new life in the country.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39Have we got close, I wonder?
0:54:40 > 0:54:43I think you got close to a property that we really do like.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46Well, two properties that we really do like. Yeah.
0:54:46 > 0:54:51It's the location, I think is the sort of sticking point.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55Well, let's talk about the actual properties themselves.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59Put me out of my misery then. Which were the two that you loved?
0:54:59 > 0:55:05We like the house in Southwick, but we also liked the house in...
0:55:05 > 0:55:08Walliswood. Yes. Yeah, in Walliswood.
0:55:08 > 0:55:13I think they... Very different houses, themselves.
0:55:13 > 0:55:17But each had so much to offer
0:55:17 > 0:55:19and ticked an awful lot of boxes.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22You know, totally different locations in each case.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25So, that has given us a lot to think about.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29But, you know, that, I think has really now helped us to focus
0:55:29 > 0:55:33on what's important and what, perhaps, we need to look for.
0:55:33 > 0:55:37And I think we realised the coast is probably too far away to commute from.
0:55:37 > 0:55:41I think it's the commute aspect of life is the one that's really sinking...
0:55:41 > 0:55:45coming to the forefront of my mind at the moment.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48And obviously that's very key while I'm still working in the city. Mm.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52And another thing to consider as well with this remoteness, we,
0:55:52 > 0:55:56even for my line of work, we're going to be very reliant on having
0:55:56 > 0:55:58a good Internet service.
0:55:58 > 0:56:01Being in London, you have everything, don't you, in that respect?
0:56:01 > 0:56:04And it didn't occur to me, actually, that that might be an issue.
0:56:04 > 0:56:09So, it's something else that's going to have to go on that list. It's really helped us now to...
0:56:09 > 0:56:12We can see what we like and what we don't like.
0:56:12 > 0:56:14Well, I'm glad we've been able to help.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16No, I definitely think we're much closer,
0:56:16 > 0:56:19you know, than we were a few days ago even.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21You know, I feel very positive.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23It's been great, we've loved showing you around,
0:56:23 > 0:56:27so all the very best and I hope you get to move very soon, thank you.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Thank you. Thank you.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36Well, we may not have finalised our house sale with Chris and
0:56:36 > 0:56:40Jackie but what we did do is find them the perfect home.
0:56:40 > 0:56:45Just, frustratingly in the wrong location. But I think the last
0:56:45 > 0:56:48few days has really helped them fine tune what it is they want
0:56:48 > 0:56:52from this new country lifestyle that they so crave.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56They've just got to decide on the exact location and the rest will
0:56:56 > 0:57:00fall into place. We wish them all the very best wherever they end up.
0:57:00 > 0:57:03And I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:57:06 > 0:57:08If you would like to escape to the country in
0:57:08 > 0:57:12Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England and need our help,
0:57:12 > 0:57:14please apply online at: