0:00:02 > 0:00:05These flat, fertile plains were once an ancient woodland,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07surrounded by water, until, that is,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09they were drained for farming in the 17th century.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13So, where am I? And which one
0:00:13 > 0:00:16of the nation's favourite vegetables is produced
0:00:16 > 0:00:19in these very fields? I'll tell you in just a moment.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40'Today, our house search makes a discovery that's picture perfect.'
0:00:40 > 0:00:44Very pretty, isn't it? If you were going to draw a house, that's how
0:00:44 > 0:00:47you would draw it! Symmetrical, isn't it?
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- It appeals to my mathematical bent.- Does it?- Yeah.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54'But I may have to call time on an area of dispute.'
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Where is the brewing going to take place?
0:00:56 > 0:01:01- I think the Wendy house.- No! - The Wendy house is now the pub
0:01:01 > 0:01:03at the end of the garden. That's good.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Very creative thinking!
0:01:07 > 0:01:11Today, we're in Cambridgeshire, in the heart of the Fens.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14This once-waterlogged fenland is now home to one
0:01:14 > 0:01:17of the richest agricultural lands in the whole
0:01:17 > 0:01:19of Britain, with some of the largest producers
0:01:19 > 0:01:22of potatoes in the country. Later on in the show,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25I'll be meeting a farmer whose family have been
0:01:25 > 0:01:30cultivating the humble spud here in Cambridgeshire for over 200 years.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Cambridgeshire is a landlocked county in East Anglia,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37bordered by seven counties,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41including Northamptonshire to the west and Essex to the south.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Although cut off from the coast, water plays an important part
0:01:44 > 0:01:47in the county's landscape and history.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50The River Cam starts in the university city
0:01:50 > 0:01:53of Cambridge and runs 14-and-a-half miles north
0:01:53 > 0:01:55to the Ouse. Punting was introduced here
0:01:55 > 0:01:58at the beginning of the 20th century and is now
0:01:58 > 0:02:01a firm Cambridge tradition and a great way to view
0:02:01 > 0:02:03the historic colleges of one of the most famous
0:02:03 > 0:02:06universities in the world.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09Much of the county is flat and low-lying, including
0:02:09 > 0:02:12the lowest point of the UK, at nine feet below sea level.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15To the north are the distinct landscapes
0:02:15 > 0:02:18of the Fens, marshy areas reclaimed from
0:02:18 > 0:02:20the sea in a process of drainage started several
0:02:20 > 0:02:24centuries ago. Before the successful
0:02:24 > 0:02:26reclamation of the land, the few hills of the area
0:02:26 > 0:02:29once acted as islands, often providing
0:02:29 > 0:02:33sites for places of worship. One such isle was Anglesey.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37A priory was built here at the time of Henry I,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40being later converted to a country house in the 16th century
0:02:40 > 0:02:44and renamed Anglesey Abbey.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Another former isle, Ely, is the site of a cathedral
0:02:47 > 0:02:49first founded in the 11th century.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Six centuries later, the town became home to Oliver Cromwell,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56once Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00His former residence is open to the public, where his 17th century
0:03:00 > 0:03:04family life has been imaginatively recreated.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06So, whether it's scholarly architecture,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09unusual rural landscapes or historic homes you're interested in,
0:03:09 > 0:03:15Cambridgeshire is a fascinating and rewarding county to escape to.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Given that London is only around an hour's drive from Cambridgeshire,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23it comes as no big surprise that property prices here
0:03:23 > 0:03:25are above the national average,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28but not by as much as you may expect.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33£328,000 is the typical price of a detached property
0:03:33 > 0:03:35here in the county, which is only
0:03:35 > 0:03:39around 9% above the rest of England and Wales.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41What's more, if it's the wildlife you're after,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44then this may be the county for you,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47because Cambridgeshire is home to some of the most
0:03:47 > 0:03:50important nature reserves in the whole of the UK,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53including one of the oldest, Wicken Fen.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what
0:03:56 > 0:04:00kind of lifestyle they're hoping to find here.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02When Dick and Louise chose their Chislehurst semi
0:04:02 > 0:04:04to the south-east of the capital, it was in
0:04:04 > 0:04:07a perfect, peaceful location. But as the years
0:04:07 > 0:04:10have gone by, they've felt city life closing in.
0:04:10 > 0:04:15It's a lot busier here than it used to be. When we first moved here
0:04:15 > 0:04:1930 years ago, it was relatively quiet. You notice there's
0:04:19 > 0:04:21a lot more traffic, and I think that applies
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- throughout London, not just here. - And, of course,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26now we've got the bus coming down the street,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30which is something that happened seven or eight years ago.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Dick has retired from his job
0:04:32 > 0:04:35in insurance and their two daughters have moved away.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38They'd like to escape the increasing bustle of London
0:04:38 > 0:04:42for a quiet life within easy reach of family.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47We've now got a grandchild, who lives in Loughborough.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52And it's currently a two and a half hour journey up there.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57And we're trying to reduce that journey, hopefully, by about half,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59so that we don't spend so much time in the car.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01We've been going up to
0:05:01 > 0:05:03Loughborough for a good ten years now,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06because the kids were at university, and the
0:05:06 > 0:05:11notion of moving really started with those journeys.
0:05:11 > 0:05:17So, probably about a couple of years ago, we started playing these games,
0:05:17 > 0:05:19as to where we might like to stop.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And when it comes to where they'd like to stop,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25the couple have settled on Cambridgeshire.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We quite like the countryside and we're members of the
0:05:28 > 0:05:33National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35so we're hoping that will initially get
0:05:35 > 0:05:37us out and about, looking at some of the places.
0:05:37 > 0:05:44So, we're fairly confident that we can find somewhere in that area.
0:05:44 > 0:05:49And I think also, for me, you're also near to some larger towns,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52which, I think, having spent all my life in London,
0:05:52 > 0:05:57I think I would miss if they weren't within easy reach.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02As well as the culture shock of country life, Louise has some nerves
0:06:02 > 0:06:05over leaving the family home.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09I think I'm more nervous about the move than Dick is,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13because I didn't work when I had the children and,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17as such, the home has become very much my domain.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19That's my office space, if you like.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And yeah, it would be very, very weird.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27But she's hoping the move will give them more time, not only to
0:06:27 > 0:06:30see family, but to spend on their hobbies.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32The thing about moving nearer to our daughter
0:06:32 > 0:06:34would probably mean that there would be less
0:06:34 > 0:06:37overnight stops, so we would have more time on
0:06:37 > 0:06:42our hands. I do some card crafting for
0:06:42 > 0:06:47families and friends. That's my little hobby, which means
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- I can get out of Dick's hair.- Mm. - If he had any!
0:06:50 > 0:06:58I enjoy making beer, making wine - anything alcoholic! Anything that
0:06:58 > 0:07:01involves a fermentation process, so I'm quite good
0:07:01 > 0:07:04at making bread now. And when I have a bit more
0:07:04 > 0:07:08time on my hands, I'll be doing a bit of vegetable gardening.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13They're all the, I suppose, fairly standard men crafts!
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Most of all, though, it's about starting over in fresh surroundings.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Hopefully, it will be really exciting, a new chapter.
0:07:21 > 0:07:23If everything's going to be new, I suppose it'd be
0:07:23 > 0:07:25like having a honeymoon all over again!
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- You'll be after a new kitchen, for a start!- Yes.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Dick and Louise are open to living anywhere in the county with access
0:07:37 > 0:07:40to road links to their family in Loughborough,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42but before we start looking at houses,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45we're meeting in Cambridgeshire, to discover more about
0:07:45 > 0:07:47what they're hoping to find.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Well, Dick and Louise, welcome to Cambridgeshire.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54It's a little bit damp, so I've brought you under this gazebo,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57to keep us dry. But we're looking for a new home,
0:07:57 > 0:07:58it's not going to deter us.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02So, making this move to the country is all about changing the way you live your lives.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Being close to family, making new friends,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- getting the balance right. - I think so. Very much so.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12We've got a grandchild now and that makes all the difference
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and, yeah, we want to get involved in the community and, you know,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17sort of, make some new friends, hopefully.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22We don't really have much to do with our community where we are,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25because the kids have left home. Now, I'm looking forward to
0:08:25 > 0:08:27doing something entirely different.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Tell me about the house that, ideally, you're after.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34It's got to be light and airy. Three good-sized
0:08:34 > 0:08:37bedrooms. And I do crafts, so I want a craft room.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- Dick likes his office.- Large kitchen?- Large kitchen would be
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- lovely.- And, Dick, how important is the garden?
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Yeah, a good-sized garden. I probably want to do
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- a little bit of veg growing. - And also, you're a bread-maker,
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- I understand?- Well, anything to do with yeast, really.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00I'm into all sorts of fermentation and bread is one of them.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- So it's a polite way to say he likes brewing beer!- Yes.- I see!
0:09:04 > 0:09:07This is quite a big property. You're not downsizing, you two.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- No.- We don't intend to downsize. When we're at home together,
0:09:10 > 0:09:11we need a bit of space!
0:09:13 > 0:09:15OK! All right. What are the things that you have to have
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and what could you live without?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21It's really difficult to answer that, really, because I
0:09:21 > 0:09:24think often you fall in love with a place and it might not necessarily
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- be quite the spec.- Very true. Right, well, let's talk money
0:09:28 > 0:09:31and remind ourselves of your top budget.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Well, the top budget's 600,000.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38If you really pushed us and the place was perfect,
0:09:38 > 0:09:41maybe 625. But we wouldn't mind if it was
0:09:41 > 0:09:47- a little bit lower!- So, £625,000 for that dream,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- perfect home.- Mm-hm. - OK. All right. Well, are we ready?
0:09:50 > 0:09:53We've got some splendid properties to show you. Shall we get going?
0:09:53 > 0:09:54- Yes.- Yes.- Come on.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03For an absolute maximum of £625,000, Dick and Louise's
0:10:03 > 0:10:05dream Cambridgeshire home would have...
0:10:16 > 0:10:19We've lined up a tempting selection of houses with their wish list
0:10:19 > 0:10:22in mind, and at each, they'll be asked to guess the price
0:10:22 > 0:10:25before I reveal it. The final one, of course,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28is our Mystery House, where our search may be taking on
0:10:28 > 0:10:31a surprisingly Continental flavour.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36But before that, we are heading to house number one.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41Dick, tell me about this new hobby of yours.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45A brewer and a baker. How much space are you going to need?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47DICK LAUGHS
0:10:47 > 0:10:51I've actually been brewing for quite a long time.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Ever since I left university, actually.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58But the baking is a fairly new hobby.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05But the latest idea is to try and do some all-grain brewing.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08So, I need some rather big pots and kettles and things.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13So, if there's a utility room, that would be very handy.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16A utility room or perhaps even a cellar?
0:11:16 > 0:11:17A cellar would be ideal.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Or a shed, even, with a water supply.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22It sounds a great hobby.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Brewing and baking, that's perfect, isn't it?- Yeah!
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Drink, eat and be merry.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Our search is starting near to the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire
0:11:32 > 0:11:36border, in the village of Gamlingay. As well as providing
0:11:36 > 0:11:40a good range of shops and services, including a grocer's and pharmacy,
0:11:40 > 0:11:44there are fascinating reminders of Gamlingay's medieval origins.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Most of the houses here were once owned by colleges of Cambridge
0:11:47 > 0:11:49and Oxford universities.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53Located along the main coaching route from London to Cambridge,
0:11:53 > 0:11:56you could once find in excess of 30 pubs in the parish,
0:11:56 > 0:12:00with some accounts even claiming a total of 54.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Just two now remain. The Cock Inn, dating from at least 1588,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08and The Wheatsheaf, originally built in 1798.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10And located in the core of historic Gamlingay,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13on a corner of the central crossroads,
0:12:13 > 0:12:18our first house has a brew-serving story of its own.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21So, we thought we'd start off our property search
0:12:21 > 0:12:25with an older property. And here it is.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26- Mm.- That looks interesting.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Quite quirky.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31With you a bit of a brewer, that used to be a pub, Dick.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Wow.- Did it really? - It did. The Rose and Crown.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Yeah. Is that a sign, I wonder?!
0:12:36 > 0:12:37Could well be!
0:12:37 > 0:12:39Now, it is semidetached,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41but it is a substantial property.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- So, what's going through your mind? - The only thing I wonder about
0:12:45 > 0:12:47is how light it's going to be inside.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51- The windows aren't enormous. - I'm just intrigued by the size.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- Ready to take a look around?- Yeah, I can't wait to get inside the pub!
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Last orders! Come on!
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Thank you!
0:12:59 > 0:13:02'Dating from the late 17th century, with 19th century renovations,
0:13:02 > 0:13:07'this Grade II listed building is known to have been a pub from 1864.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11'The solid oak door leads via a lobby into the sitting room,
0:13:11 > 0:13:13'where the character and charm of this historic home
0:13:13 > 0:13:15'have been lovingly retained.'
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Beautiful fireplace.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20It's a decent size, I think.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21I'd put it at bigger than a snug.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25It's actually lighter inside than I thought it was going to be.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26It's quite light.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Yeah, and you can see the age, if you look at the woodwork behind,
0:13:29 > 0:13:30- with the fireplace. - It is beautiful, that.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- You've got your burner there, as well.- Yeah.
0:13:33 > 0:13:34It's a lovely room.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Now, you might have noticed there's a door there.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Where do you think that leads to? - Got to be a cellar.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40- Look at that smile. - It's got to be a cellar.- Look!
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- He's now interested. Quite a large cellar.- Mm-hmm.- Oh.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Obviously, just used for storage at the moment,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- but could be perfect for your brewing.- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- It does look lovely. It is beautiful.- Excellent.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56All right, let's see what you make of next door.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58Now, I'm sure when this property was built,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- they didn't have a kitchen like this.- No.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Oof.- They've done it up lovely.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05I'm not too sure it's quite big enough for me.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Behind us is the larder...- Ah.- Ah.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09..with a huge fridge-freezer as well,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- so you've got additional...- That might make a big difference, then.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- And, obviously, you've got the outlook into the garden.- The garden.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18So, 50-50 on the kitchen?
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- I think so, yeah. - Yeah, probably 50-50.- All right.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- A bit early to make our minds up, I think.- Yeah?
0:14:23 > 0:14:24- Mm-hmm.- OK, all right, then,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27let's head upstairs and see what you make of that.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30'Despite plenty of original features,
0:14:30 > 0:14:32'Dick and Louise are reserving judgment.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33'On the ground floor,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37'there's also a dining room with dual-aspect period leaded windows.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40'Then, at the back in the sitting room, stairs lead to
0:14:40 > 0:14:44'a split-level landing, and the family bathroom with a roll-top tub.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48'The staircase continues up to the three-bedroomed accommodation.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50'We're starting in the largest of the rooms.'
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- This is the master. - I'm not too sure it's big enough.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- It's slightly intriguing.- I'm not too sure about the wardrobe space.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58And what's through there?
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- So, that's a little area for storage.- Mm-hmm.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03You've got a wardrobe behind you.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06You also have two other bedrooms -
0:15:06 > 0:15:09another double and a very large single,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11which actually can take a double bed quite easily in it.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- But you've also got a separate WC, as well, up here.- OK.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18This is a house that has been beautifully done up.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19- It has, yeah. - It is a lovely house.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- It is a really lovely house. - The attention to detail...
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I don't know, I get the feeling of it being very clean, very homey...
0:15:25 > 0:15:26Oh, very much so. Yeah.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28I think it'd be wonderful if it was just the two of us
0:15:28 > 0:15:29- moving here, but we...- It is.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- We still incorporate our family into what we are doing.- Yeah.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35How would you feel, though, about moving to a house,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39having this much charm and age to it?
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Whether I'm ready to live in a house with this much character,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I don't know.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45I'm not entirely convinced,
0:15:45 > 0:15:48but I might be nearer to being convinced.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- It's beautiful, though. - Yeah, it is. It's wonderful.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55'Well, perhaps what's on offer outside will convince them.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58'As well as a couple of Grade II-listed outbuildings,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01'there's a carport and a very large detached workshop that could
0:16:01 > 0:16:04'provide a spacious crafts room for Louise.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08'The private, south-facing rear garden extends to 160 feet
0:16:08 > 0:16:11'and is mainly laid to lawn.'
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- I think the garden is the perfect size.- Yeah.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Perfect.- It's, sort of, high-impact but not too high-maintenance.
0:16:17 > 0:16:18- No, no.- Mm-hmm, Just right.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22So, what's the final part that we have to discuss?
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- The price.- The price.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27How much do you think this property's on the market for?
0:16:27 > 0:16:32I'm going to guess 565.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I'll probably go slightly lower.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36Maybe 550.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38OK, well, you were both out.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- It's actually below that.- Oh.- Oh.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43The asking price is £525,000.
0:16:44 > 0:16:45Right.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46- That's good to know.- OK, yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49So, we're all pleasantly surprised with that asking price, aren't we?
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Yeah.- Mm-hmm.- I wonder if that's going to change your minds at all.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- It's worth another look around, isn't it?- And the cellar!
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- And the cellar.- And the cellar. Go on, Mr Brewer.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59- Go and have another look, why don't you?- All right.- OK.
0:16:59 > 0:17:00- Thank you.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Quite a surprise.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I mean, they do seem to want an enormous house for
0:17:06 > 0:17:10just the two of them, but, in a way, I think it's the character and the
0:17:10 > 0:17:14charm of this property that, funnily enough, might have put them off.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17I think they're a little bit overawed by it, but who knows?
0:17:17 > 0:17:20The second viewing, could it seal the deal?
0:17:20 > 0:17:21We'll have to wait and see.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26Very comfortably below budget by £100,000,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29this Grade II-listed former public house
0:17:29 > 0:17:33has two characterful reception rooms, three bedrooms,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36a cellar and a selection of outbuildings, including a workshop.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40This is another nice room, isn't it?
0:17:40 > 0:17:41- Mmm, look at that piano. - Beautiful.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Not too sure it's quite big enough, though.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I don't think our dresser would go in here.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- It's certainly not big enough for Christmas, either.- No, no.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50It's a really charming house.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53The fireplace was wonderful.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58The range is wonderful, and it really has got a country feel to it.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03I think, inside, it is an awful lot lighter than I expected it to be,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05given the age of the property.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09This house has bags of character, both downstairs and upstairs,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12and even outside, with the sheds and so on.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16I think you've found a house that really challenges our thinking.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Even got a cellar.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23It's another charming room, isn't it?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25It's a beautiful cottage, but...
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Mmm. Probably not quite big enough for us, though, is it?
0:18:28 > 0:18:29No, I don't think so.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33We wouldn't really want to downsize,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37and I think it's too small for when all of the family come to stay.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Well, that's it - our first house done.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45Dick, if you can get the door?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- There we are. - Right, let's keep going.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58Keeping water at bay to provide land for crops such as wheat
0:18:58 > 0:19:01dominated agriculture for much of Cambridgeshire's history,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04but, when it came to turning that wheat into flour,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08water power was positively embraced via the technology of the mill.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11And we've arranged for Louise and keen home baker Dick
0:19:11 > 0:19:13to see that power in action,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16with a visit to the water mill at Anglesey Abbey.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Now in the care of the National Trust,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23volunteer Roy Smith is on hand to show them how this historic building
0:19:23 > 0:19:27continues to produce wholemeal flour the traditional way.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- Hi, hello.- OK, welcome to Lode Mill.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31- And welcome to you.- Thank you.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33So, Roy, why is the mill so special?
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Because it's been here for 270 years.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39It was built in 1745, still running today,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42very much as it did on day one.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45There's been milling in this country since Roman times.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48It tended to be water mills in the early days,
0:19:48 > 0:19:53- and windmills came onto the scene in the late 12th century.- Hmm.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So what's the benefit of a water mill over a windmill?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Windmills are subject to the vagaries
0:19:59 > 0:20:01of the English climate, really.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06And, er, sometimes the wind is too strong, or not strong enough.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Water lets us run every day of the year.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12Last autumn, we had about ten days when we couldn't actually run,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15because the water level was quite low,
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- but most of the time, we've got plenty of water.- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20So I've just recently got into bread-making.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23It'd be lovely to get inside and see how the flour's made.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Once grinding out 20 tonnes of flour a week,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28the mill was converted for cement-making
0:20:28 > 0:20:30at the beginning of the 20th century.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Fully restored to its original use in the 1980s,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37it now produces a modest ten tonnes of flour a year.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41That's enough to allow visitors to see the flour-making process
0:20:41 > 0:20:43without too much wear and tear,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and that process starts with the opening of the sluice gates.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48OK, Dick, every schoolboy's dream now.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- I'm going to let you turn the wheel on, so... OK?- Lovely, thanks.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Blimey!- Oh, dear.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Just one turn of the sluice gate wheel
0:20:59 > 0:21:04and the water stored in the mill pond flows at ten tonnes per minute,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07filling buckets on the water wheel and causing it to turn.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Now we can go upstairs and see the stones in action, OK?- OK.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18As grains of wheat pour down, the power of the water wheel is used
0:21:18 > 0:21:20to turn the millstones producing flour.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Today, the gears are set at 60 turns per minute,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26but, in its heyday, the mill would've worked the stones
0:21:26 > 0:21:29up to 150 turns per minute,
0:21:29 > 0:21:31which would've been even noisier.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34So I'm surprised how quickly that turns it into flour.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Yeah, no, it's instantaneous, really.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Once the grain starts dropping down into the gap between the stones,
0:21:40 > 0:21:45the wheat is crushed and flour starts dropping down the chute
0:21:45 > 0:21:48and is collected in the sack underneath.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- It's an instantaneous process, really.- Yeah, very quick.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Today's wheat is brought in from Hertfordshire.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57The traditional Derbyshire grit millstones
0:21:57 > 0:22:00have also been swapped for much hardier millstones
0:22:00 > 0:22:02imported from a disused mill in Portugal
0:22:02 > 0:22:04which are much better suited
0:22:04 > 0:22:06to grinding today's softer-grained wheat.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11OK, so this is the flour that we've just produced.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- It's a lovely, stone-ground... - Lovely.- ..wholemeal flour.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Lovely, soft. Have a feel.
0:22:16 > 0:22:17- Oh, yeah.- Oh, yeah!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- We don't add anything. We don't take anything away.- Mm-hm.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25So it's pure, unadulterated flour from organic wheat,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27so we like to think it's actually better quality
0:22:27 > 0:22:29than you can buy in supermarkets.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31I've got a bag of flour here, Dick.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- I know you're into your bread-making.- Yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- So I'd like to present it to you. - Lovely.- Thank you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Go away and use it wisely and, er,
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- enjoy the rest of your explorations, OK?- Thanks very much.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Well, Dick's bread baking will have to wait,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46because it's time to turn our attention back to
0:22:46 > 0:22:50our property search here in the Cambridgeshire countryside.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Our property search is heading to the market town of Chatteris.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Situated in the Fens, there's been a settlement here
0:23:01 > 0:23:02since the Neolithic period,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and it's claimed to have been a refuge
0:23:05 > 0:23:07for Boadicea fleeing from the Romans.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11A church has been on the site of St Peter & St Paul since at least
0:23:11 > 0:23:14the 12th century, although the oldest remaining part of the
0:23:14 > 0:23:19current building is the tower, dating from 1352.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Facilities include places to eat and drink, a bank
0:23:23 > 0:23:28and a hairdresser's that hints at the local sense of humour.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31The property we've come to view is located in the southern
0:23:31 > 0:23:33part of the town centre, with a rather grand
0:23:33 > 0:23:36aspect onto its south-facing rear garden.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Well, I've brought you into the garden to start off,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43because I want you to take a look at your
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- property from this angle. - Wow. That's
0:23:45 > 0:23:47beautiful. This is absolutely stunning from
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- the outside.- Just those windows, there's so
0:23:49 > 0:23:51much light going in there, isn't there?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- And I like the shutters up the top.- So, good start.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- Can you believe that it used to be a farmhouse?- No, no.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I think we should look inside. Shall we?
0:24:01 > 0:24:04Let's do that, please.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Built from brick and dating to the
0:24:06 > 0:24:08middle of the 19th century, at the front of
0:24:08 > 0:24:11this grand former farmhouse, the impressive elegance
0:24:11 > 0:24:14continues through an imposing entrance hall
0:24:14 > 0:24:16and into the front reception room.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21So, impressed with the outside. Let's see what
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- we think about the inside. - It's enormous. It's beautiful.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- It's a good size, isn't it? - It's lovely.- That is period.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Yeah.
0:24:29 > 0:24:35Now, you both said that you want a large house, an entertaining house.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37- Is it delivering on that side? - It is.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- I'm just wondering whether it's too big. I don't know.- No!
0:24:41 > 0:24:44You can't say that it's too big.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48You have a very large, very elegant home here.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- Mmm.- Mm-hmm.- Have I scared you?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- It looks quite grand, doesn't it? - I don't know yet.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55I think we'll reserve judgment until we see the rest of it.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- It does look very grand.- Impressive.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00It's an impressive property.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02So, you have this as one of your drawing rooms.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05You've got the same size again next door.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06You talked about escaping
0:25:06 > 0:25:08from each other in your property - you've got
0:25:08 > 0:25:10plenty of room here. And you've got a study
0:25:10 > 0:25:14across the way with a downstairs cloakroom.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Let's see what you think of the kitchen.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18If you'd like to follow me...
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Now, I think this is one of the most important rooms in the whole
0:25:24 > 0:25:26house, the kitchen.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30It's lovely. Really nice. Nice, big space for the table.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32And look at that sink.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- Have you ever seen a sink like that? - No.- No, not with feet like that.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41The owner thinks it's an original, so about 160, 170 years old.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44You do have access outside, the side door. If you look
0:25:44 > 0:25:47through, we've got some windows leading out into the garden,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50but you've also got a massive conservatory, which they're using as
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- a games room at the moment. - We could use it
0:25:52 > 0:25:54for anything, really.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59This beautifully presented period home also boasts a sizeable
0:25:59 > 0:26:01cellar, perfect for home-brewer Dick.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04And completing this floor is a hobby room, which
0:26:04 > 0:26:07could be put to use as a ground-floor guest room,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09but I suspect they'll find more than enough
0:26:09 > 0:26:12accommodation upstairs, where there are no fewer
0:26:12 > 0:26:14than six bedrooms.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15A large family bathroom
0:26:15 > 0:26:18with roll-top bath and separate shower serves
0:26:18 > 0:26:21all of the rooms, along with an additional cloakroom.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23To the front of the property, a large
0:26:23 > 0:26:26double has interlinking doors through two
0:26:26 > 0:26:28smaller rooms, one of which currently sits
0:26:28 > 0:26:31empty and the other features a bay window.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35Behind these lies a further double.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37Yet another double is reached via its own
0:26:37 > 0:26:39small flight of stairs, and then there's
0:26:39 > 0:26:42bedroom number six, which I think Dick and
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Louise could turn into their master.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- It's a lovely-sized room. - Yeah, lovely.- Not only does it
0:26:48 > 0:26:51have an ample size, but, through this wall,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53there are some stairs on the other side.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57You could easily open it up, sacrifice a bedroom and
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- make it an en-suite...- OK.
0:27:00 > 0:27:05..which might be quite nice for the two of you, because this house has
0:27:05 > 0:27:07six bedrooms in total.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10So, you see, you've got enough space up here if you want to do your
0:27:10 > 0:27:12crafts and your card-making.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Loads of light coming through the windows, which, as an artist,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- is important to you.- Yeah.- Mm-hmm.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18You could easily sacrifice another bedroom.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- All of them are large, and why not use them?- Yeah.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26I guarantee, if you decided to buy this house, within six months,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29you'd be like, "How did we cope without all these rooms?"
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- You just use them, don't you?- Yeah.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35You just use them, and also it encourages people to come and stay.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- Is that good? - Is that a good thing?
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- You haven't met my family. - There's a big kitchen.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Oh, I tell you what, your granddaughter's going to love
0:27:41 > 0:27:43running around this property, isn't she?
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Yeah, yeah.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I'm thinking it might be too big.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Really?- I don't know. - See, you set us a challenge!
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- I know!- Right. Well, I think we should head
0:27:52 > 0:27:55back downstairs, then we can talk about what sort
0:27:55 > 0:27:57of price you think it's on the market for.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00- Dick, you lead the way, please.- OK. - Thank you!- Thank you.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04Dick and Louise seem somewhat intimidated by the sheer scale
0:28:04 > 0:28:08of what's on offer here, which is a shame, because there's
0:28:08 > 0:28:10a lot more outside.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15This former farmhouse comes with a range of period outbuildings,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19including garages, workshops and the old apple store.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- All of this is included.- Honestly?
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Yes. Honestly. So, for your craft, you could
0:28:26 > 0:28:29have a whole area. We could have a
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- microbrewery for you, Dick! - Yeah! We could!
0:28:33 > 0:28:37And ample parking for you and all the family and all your friends.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39We could probably live in there!
0:28:41 > 0:28:44In the substantial walled front garden,
0:28:44 > 0:28:46there are alfresco seating areas and a
0:28:46 > 0:28:51veranda from which to admire the mature shrubs and trees.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55A large garden. Sunshine all afternoon on a good day.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- Good-sized garden.- Manageable? - I think so.- Yes. Most certainly.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:29:00 > 0:29:04So, how does this house make you both feel?
0:29:04 > 0:29:05I think it's beautiful.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08It's got that, sort of, colonial feel to it.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11There's a degree of upsizing, rather than...
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Not downsizing, to this, yeah.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Well, let's see if you can afford this property.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Can you put a price on this magnificent home?
0:29:19 > 0:29:24- I think it's got to start with a six. Let's say 625.- OK.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- So right at the top of your budget. - I think it's over budget.
0:29:28 > 0:29:36- I think it's 650. - OK. Well, the asking price is...
0:29:36 > 0:29:39£635,000.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42However, we've spoken to the owner,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44and she assured me that she's happy to
0:29:44 > 0:29:46talk in the region of your top budget.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- Definitely food for thought. - Yeah!- Yeah.- Have that
0:29:49 > 0:29:52in your minds and go and have another look around.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53- So much to look at! - And in about three hours
0:29:53 > 0:29:55I think I'll come and find you!
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- Be my guest.- OK.- Thank you.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00It's interesting, isn't it?
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Because this property, you know, does give them
0:30:02 > 0:30:05what they asked for. Really high ceilings,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08beautiful, airy spaces, this wonderful garden.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10And the thing which I think is so appealing
0:30:10 > 0:30:14is where it's situated - in a market town.
0:30:14 > 0:30:15When you're used to living in the city,
0:30:15 > 0:30:19it can be a huge adjustment to move to the country.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Here, they have the best of both worlds.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Pushing their top budget at £635,000,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30this substantial former Victorian farmhouse
0:30:30 > 0:30:33has two very large reception rooms, a kitchen/diner,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36six bedrooms and a range of brick outbuildings.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40I absolutely love the house.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I think it's gorgeous. I love the style,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46the large rooms, the big ceilings.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49The little quirky little nooks and crannies.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51It's just...just stunning.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53This would be a perfect Christmas house,
0:30:53 > 0:30:58and plenty of room for dining and kids running round,
0:30:58 > 0:31:01and entertaining the whole family.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Seeing the house, I thought, "Wow!"
0:31:04 > 0:31:09It looked huge to me. The garden is just right.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11There's so much to like about this place.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14Another big room.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17Well, that's exactly what we asked for - two reception rooms.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Yeah, but we've got a lot more besides.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22I think if I have any concerns about it,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26it's that it's top of the budget, and I think it still needs
0:31:26 > 0:31:28a little bit of work done to it,
0:31:28 > 0:31:31so I think the jury's out on this one.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34There's a tiny bit of me that would like to buy this house,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37just because it is so beautiful,
0:31:37 > 0:31:42but I wonder whether it's too big for us at our age.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44I wish I was 30 years younger.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49So which one's going to be your brewery, then?
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- Well, it's got...- This one? - It's got to be that one there.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- And then you've still got all these left.- I know, well...
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- Have you got plans for all these outbuildings, have you?- No!
0:31:57 > 0:32:00That's it now. Tour over. Shall we hit the road?
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- OK.- OK.- Let's go. - All right, then.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17We're helping retirees Dick and Louise swap life in London
0:32:17 > 0:32:19for a home in the Cambridgeshire countryside.
0:32:19 > 0:32:23With a budget of up to £625,000,
0:32:23 > 0:32:25we've already shown them some wonderful property,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27but there's more to see,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29including our Mystery House,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33which might just prove more of a puzzle than we bargained for.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35- What is it?- I don't know!
0:32:36 > 0:32:38I've heard lots of comments in the past.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41I don't think I've ever heard that one.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Plus I visit a local potato farm for a snack break
0:32:44 > 0:32:47that's a real taste of home.
0:32:47 > 0:32:48- Can I smell it?- Yeah, please do.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- Oh!- Smells of sausages, doesn't it?
0:32:52 > 0:32:55It does! It smells of my mother's cooking!
0:32:55 > 0:32:59We've got two fabulous properties to show Dick and Louise,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01but I'm hoping we can tempt them today
0:33:01 > 0:33:06with our Mystery House, which has a certain je ne sais quoi about it.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Watch this space and all will be revealed.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12In the meantime, do wish me "bon chance"
0:33:12 > 0:33:14as I'm hoping at least one of our properties
0:33:14 > 0:33:15that we're going to show them
0:33:15 > 0:33:19will have Dick and Louise reaching for their cheque-book.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28The village of Warboys is the location of our first house today.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Amenities here include a pub, post office and store
0:33:32 > 0:33:33and a chemist.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37Just an eight-minute drive away is the small market town of Ramsey,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39where the remains of a Benedictine abbey,
0:33:39 > 0:33:43the origins of the settlement, can still be seen.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Back in Warboys, our next house enjoys a historic position
0:33:46 > 0:33:47on the village high street.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So, new day, new property.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56It looks like a cottage, but, in actual fact, quite a large house.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00- Is it?- Ah! It's very charming.- It looks lovely from the front.- Yeah.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- It looks in very good condition. - Yeah.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Very pretty, isn't it?- Yeah, very. - If you're going to draw a house,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06that's how you would draw it.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Symmetrical, isn't it? - Yes, yes.- Yeah, it is.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Yeah, it's lovely.- It appeals to my mathematical bent.- Does it?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- Yeah.- I think it looks charming.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17It looks as if it goes quite a long way back, as well.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I was expecting you to say, "Oh, I'm not sure how big it is,"
0:34:19 > 0:34:21cos you're right, there, you've spotted it.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23It is quite a substantial home,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- which is what the two of you are after, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28OK. Well, shall we step inside and take a look around?
0:34:28 > 0:34:29- Love to.- Lovely.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Dating back to 1801, this Grade II-listed property
0:34:34 > 0:34:37was once a bakery, with its former bakehouse located to the rear,
0:34:37 > 0:34:41meaning that, whilst the frontage may look symmetrical,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43the footprint is a little more unusual.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46An entrance to the side leads via a lobby and hall
0:34:46 > 0:34:49to the kitchen/diner at the heart of the home.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- This is lovely. A really nice-sized kitchen.- Yes, a super size.- Yeah.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56- Plenty of storage.- Cos kitchens are close to your heart, aren't they?
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- You want the right kitchen. - Mm-hm, yeah, it looks good.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00I think it's very nice.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- It's large enough to take a huge dining table for the family.- Yeah.
0:35:03 > 0:35:04- I like the kitchen.- Yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- Very good start.- So far, so good. - So far, so good.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11So let's keep going through, see what you make of the next room.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Off the kitchen, there is a utility room
0:35:13 > 0:35:16and, to the front of the property, the first of
0:35:16 > 0:35:19the generously-proportioned reception rooms.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23So, here is our sitting-room.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Or your drawing-room. Whichever you prefer.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- That's not a bad size.- I think it's a good size, actually, yeah.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- Yeah.- Impressive wood burner.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34I like wood burners and, er, I'm quite used to cleaning them as well.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- Are you?- We'd be very comfortable in here.- Yeah, homely?
0:35:38 > 0:35:39Definitely homely.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43That, actually, is your front door. They never use the front door.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45- Mm-hmm.- People just don't, do they?- Don't? No.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47But, if you wanted to, you could.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49This could be a nice little snug for us.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52All we need is four bedrooms upstairs and you've, er...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- you've got us sorted. - Four bedrooms!
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Ooh, can I deliver on that for you?
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Look, I'm smiling, I'm giving too much away! Let's go and have a look.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Next to this reception room is another, currently used as a study.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06To the rear of the property,
0:36:06 > 0:36:10the former bakehouse provides yet another even larger reception,
0:36:10 > 0:36:12as well as a cloakroom.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Not only that, upstairs,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17this property trumps the four bedrooms Dick's hoping for
0:36:17 > 0:36:19by offering five.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Situated to the front, there's a good-sized guest double,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25next to which is a single and a further double.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29Behind this is the fourth and smallest of the guest rooms.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32These are all served by a family bathroom.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Lastly, to the rear of the home,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36is a spacious master en suite.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39This is good space.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40Lovely wardrobes. Plenty of wardrobes.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- It is very good.- And if you notice, there is a door behind us,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- you've actually got a shower. - Bonus.- Yeah?- Yeah, yeah.
0:36:46 > 0:36:47More than you're after?
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- Yeah.- Yeah.- Two reception rooms. - Yeah, just a little bit.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51- Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53I know you two want space.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- So plenty for the children, friends come to stay.- Yeah.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59- But also for your own hobbies and crafts.- Mm-hm.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- Hmm, we're warming to this.- Yeah?
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Well, there is more to show you outside,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- so, Dick, if you wouldn't mind leading the way.- OK.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11It seems this period property goes the extra mile
0:37:11 > 0:37:14when it comes to delivering what Dick and Louise have asked for,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17and the outside is no exception.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19There's ample hard standing for several cars,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22plus a large barn-style garage and workshop.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24A fully-enclosed rear garden,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27with planted beds and well-maintained lawn,
0:37:27 > 0:37:29includes a glasshouse and a little summerhouse.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33So you actually have quite a substantial amount of land
0:37:33 > 0:37:35from that back door.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- This looks manageable, though. - Yeah?- Mm-hm.
0:37:38 > 0:37:39And that greenhouse looks wonderful.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43- I think it is a recipe to get my green fingers out again.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Where is the brewing going to take place? That's what I want to know.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- I think the, er, the Wendy house. - No!- That'll be good.
0:37:49 > 0:37:54The Wendy house is now the pub at the end of the garden!
0:37:54 > 0:37:56That's very creative thinking.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Well, we've seen the house. We've seen the garden.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03We've now got to decide what it's on the market for.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06You're looking at me with dread in your eyes!
0:38:06 > 0:38:12- I'm going to be optimistic and say 595.- OK.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14I think I'd go a little bit lower than that.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- I'd probably go about 570.- OK.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Well, you're both out.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21The owner's asking offers in excess
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- of £500,000.- Oh!- Ooh!
0:38:25 > 0:38:27It just demonstrates, if you look around,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- you can get quite a lot for your money.- For your money.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- It's going to give you something to think about.- Definitely.
0:38:32 > 0:38:33- Now you know that price...- Mm-hm.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35..reacquaint yourself with the property.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38Houses always look different when they're under budget,
0:38:38 > 0:38:39and I'll catch up with you when you're ready.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Thanks.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43I love this garden.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46It feels so secluded, even though we're in the heart of a village.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Interestingly enough,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I thought they were going to bite my hand off at this property.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55They've been wowed with the size. It is beautifully done.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57There's something about me that feels that Louise's heart
0:38:57 > 0:39:01just isn't in it, and I'm not talking about the house,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I'm actually referring to the move itself.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06Hey, I'll give them some time on their own.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12Below budget at an incredible £125,000,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15this Grade II-listed former bakery has a kitchen/diner
0:39:15 > 0:39:18and three additional reception rooms.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19There are five bedrooms,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21including a master en suite,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23a large garage and workshop,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26as well as a low-maintenance garden with a glasshouse.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30This is a lovely, spacious house.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33It's got, er, so many rooms, it's unbelievable.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36I think it's very easy to imagine yourself living here.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39The kitchen I like as well, which is an added bonus,
0:39:39 > 0:39:43so I don't think we'd need to, sort of, touch anything for some time.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45There's lots of things to like about this property.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50It's got a good balance of rooms, both downstairs and upstairs.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53I think it's a strong possibility, this place.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56I think it gives us all the options we need,
0:39:56 > 0:40:01and it's all within budget, so I'm quite excited.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02Even bigger than the other one.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04There's a lot of space downstairs -
0:40:04 > 0:40:05lots of things that you could do with it.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- Perhaps leave this more for entertaining, yeah.- Yeah.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Dick probably feels that this has got a lot of potential, and he's
0:40:12 > 0:40:17probably working out where he can have his little mini-microbrewery.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22I haven't really made my mind up yet whether this is it.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25We need to explore some other possibilities first, I think.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I wonder if a second look around, knowing that price,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30has warmed them up a bit.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Well, they're taking their time, so that could be a good sign.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36- All finished?- Yes.- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:40:36 > 0:40:40- Seen everything?- Yes, thank you. - Happy?- Yup.- Right, let's go.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Much of the current farmland of Cambridgeshire
0:40:47 > 0:40:50was once covered by sea water and bog oak.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53Attempts to drain it began in earnest in the 1600s,
0:40:53 > 0:40:55taking over two centuries of effort
0:40:55 > 0:40:59before the rich soil, known as the black gold, emerged.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Ross Taylor's family have worked the earth here
0:41:02 > 0:41:05at Willow Farm near Ely since 1860.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Their 500 acres produce prize-winning potatoes
0:41:08 > 0:41:10along with other root vegetables.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12But the last decade has also seen them setting up
0:41:12 > 0:41:16their very own crisp factory and Ross has agreed to tell me why.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18- Hi, Ross.- Hi, Nicki.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Now, I've never seen soil like this before.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24But what's so special about this area?
0:41:24 > 0:41:27The reason why we can produce these potatoes
0:41:27 > 0:41:30is down to our beautiful black, peaty soil.
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Now, you say it's peaty.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34So why is it like this?
0:41:34 > 0:41:40Um, thousands of years of, um, organic material and bog oak
0:41:40 > 0:41:44and, er, we've been left with this beautiful soil
0:41:44 > 0:41:46for our beautiful potatoes.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48You talk about bog oak - is this it here?
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Yeah, yeah. This is...
0:41:49 > 0:41:51This is the famous bog oak.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55This is probably between 8,000 and 4,000 years old.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58So, Ross, are you still finding this bog oak today?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Yeah, we still plough it up every year.- OK.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02There's still huge trees, 40 feet long.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- We're finding it all the time, still.- My goodness.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07So this region is renowned for its potatoes, which...
0:42:07 > 0:42:08I've got one here.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11So why did you decide to diversify and go into crisps?
0:42:11 > 0:42:14The recession came along in 2008
0:42:14 > 0:42:19and we decided we couldn't carry the farm on any longer, um,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22relying on the markets that we'd always traded with,
0:42:22 > 0:42:25so we needed to do something with the product ourselves.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27So, really, was it that tough for you as a farmer?
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Oh, it was terrible! We'd lost our Irish market,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33which we supplied all my father's career.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37It was... It was either do something different or give the farm up.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39So the crisp came to the rescue?
0:42:39 > 0:42:42Yeah, we'd never tried crisps before with our product
0:42:42 > 0:42:45and, er, we took them to a crisp expert
0:42:45 > 0:42:47and they tried them and they couldn't believe
0:42:47 > 0:42:49the quality of our product.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53And, er, so we decided that was the way forward for us in the future.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55So all your potatoes converted into crisps
0:42:55 > 0:42:57come from the land that we can see around us?
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Yeah, indeed, literally from 100 yards of our factory.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- Is that your factory there?- It is. - I think you know where I'm going -
0:43:02 > 0:43:04to see where these crisps are produced.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06- Ross, thank you so much. - It's a pleasure.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08I'll leave you with your spuds. I'll let you carry that.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14The farm's factory is where the potatoes are washed, sliced,
0:43:14 > 0:43:20cooked and flavoured before being bagged and boxed.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24It's a speedy process that turns the crop in the field into crisps
0:43:24 > 0:43:27that are ready to leave in an average of just 40 minutes.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31The farm currently makes seven flavours of potato crisps
0:43:31 > 0:43:33and three varieties of vegetable ones,
0:43:33 > 0:43:37but today the plan is to add another to the slate.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Ross's friend and fellow crisp entrepreneur Rod Garnham
0:43:40 > 0:43:44has developed a new flavour for us to try.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Now, talking about flavours, when I was growing up,
0:43:46 > 0:43:48I think there were only two available -
0:43:48 > 0:43:50cheese and onion and salt and vinegar.
0:43:50 > 0:43:54Yes, there's more and more demand for more adventurous flavours
0:43:54 > 0:43:58so that's what we've been developing as a company.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00We go out to Ely and Cambridge,
0:44:00 > 0:44:01our local cities,
0:44:01 > 0:44:05and we'll stand in the middle of the square and ask, you know,
0:44:05 > 0:44:07"What, sort of, tickles your taste buds, really?"
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- So the people of Cambridgeshire decide what the rest of us are going to eat?- Exactly, yeah.
0:44:11 > 0:44:13Well, when we were talking about actually coming here,
0:44:13 > 0:44:15they said if you could come up with any variety,
0:44:15 > 0:44:17what would it be? What would be your taste?
0:44:17 > 0:44:19And I said - because I'm a classy bird -
0:44:19 > 0:44:21"Bangers and mash."
0:44:21 > 0:44:23- Yeah.- Is that a good or a bad one? - No, I think that's a good one.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26It's funny you should say that, because we developed this,
0:44:26 > 0:44:28- which is a bangers and mash flavour. - Can I smell it?
0:44:28 > 0:44:29Please do.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- Oh.- It smells of sausages, doesn't it?
0:44:34 > 0:44:36It does. It smells of my mother's cooking.
0:44:36 > 0:44:39'The flavours are made to order by a specialist nearby company
0:44:39 > 0:44:42'using natural local ingredients where possible
0:44:42 > 0:44:44'before being added to the crisps at the factory.'
0:44:44 > 0:44:48OK, I think we're ready for a taste.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50- Here we go. Ready?- Yeah.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- Ooh!- That's pretty good, actually. - That is good.
0:44:55 > 0:44:58- That is good. - That reminds me of home cooking,
0:44:58 > 0:45:00but there's something else in there. What have you added?
0:45:00 > 0:45:03Put a little bit of mustard in there because, in my mind,
0:45:03 > 0:45:05if you're going to have bangers and mash,
0:45:05 > 0:45:07- you're going to have a bit of mustard.- Gives it a little kick.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- Can you taste it?- You can.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11- It's good, eh? - I might have to try one more.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15- Listen to that crunch! - It's good, isn't it?
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- Oh, that is delicious. - We might have to launch that.
0:45:18 > 0:45:19What would we call it, though?
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- Chappers' Bangers And Mash. - That sounds good.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24Chappers' Bangers And Mash.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26'Who would have thought an economic crisis
0:45:26 > 0:45:29'would turn some humble Cambridgeshire spuds
0:45:29 > 0:45:30'into a gourmet crisp?
0:45:30 > 0:45:33'And, if I ever fancy a taste of Mum's cooking,
0:45:33 > 0:45:34'well, who knows?
0:45:34 > 0:45:37'I may just be able to eat a packet soon.'
0:45:37 > 0:45:39One more. It would be rude not to.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41You'd better take those away from me.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43I'll eat the whole lot.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53So, we're on our way to our Mystery House.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58Now, are your hearts filled with hope or dread?
0:45:58 > 0:46:02Erm, I think it's quite difficult to know what you're going to show us.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06- The houses you've shown us so far have been so different...- Yeah.
0:46:06 > 0:46:08..that I'm not too sure what's left.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11I mean, what would you...?
0:46:11 > 0:46:14You can be honest. What would you hate to be shown?
0:46:14 > 0:46:19Probably a modern house anywhere near a modern estate.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21OK. Yup. Dick?
0:46:21 > 0:46:24Certainly something that's, let's say,
0:46:24 > 0:46:27ten miles from anywhere in the country.
0:46:27 > 0:46:28- Yeah. Too rural.- Erm, so...
0:46:28 > 0:46:31But, otherwise, I'm probably up for anything.
0:46:31 > 0:46:33You've both got to love this property,
0:46:33 > 0:46:35but let's see how we get on.
0:46:35 > 0:46:36Yes.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39Our mystery offering is located close to
0:46:39 > 0:46:41the village of Pondersbridge.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44Facilities are found in the nearby ancient fenland market town
0:46:44 > 0:46:49of Whittlesey and include butchers and pubs.
0:46:49 > 0:46:53At the centre of the marketplace is a 17th-century covered butter cross,
0:46:53 > 0:46:56where local dairy produce was once bought and sold.
0:46:56 > 0:46:59Fresh eggs, milk and butter would have been laid out for display
0:46:59 > 0:47:02on the stepped bases of the cross.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05This structure was considered useless in the 19th century
0:47:05 > 0:47:08and only saved from demolition when a local businessman
0:47:08 > 0:47:10donated slate tiles for the roof.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Before the fens were drained in the 18th and 19th century,
0:47:15 > 0:47:19this settlement was effectively an island surrounded by water.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21It's now an eight-minute drive across dry land
0:47:21 > 0:47:26to our mystery property in the midst of open countryside.
0:47:27 > 0:47:32So, our final offering is the most unusual one.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35Welcome to your Mystery House.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37- What is it?- I don't...
0:47:37 > 0:47:40I've had lots of comments in the past -
0:47:40 > 0:47:42I don't think I've ever had that one!
0:47:42 > 0:47:44It is a house. Next door, the chimney
0:47:44 > 0:47:48that you can actually see was the old pumping station
0:47:48 > 0:47:50which has been converted into another property.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52It's not actually attached to this.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54This is your Mystery House.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57It's not only a very unusual property inside
0:47:57 > 0:47:59but also it's the most rural location,
0:47:59 > 0:48:02surrounded by fields,
0:48:02 > 0:48:04so I'm not going to lie...
0:48:04 > 0:48:06No shops, no amenities on your doorstep...
0:48:06 > 0:48:09- OK.- ..with the Mystery House.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11It looks very impressive from the outside.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14- I've probably got an open mind until I get inside.- Have you?
0:48:14 > 0:48:16I wouldn't necessarily say
0:48:16 > 0:48:18it's the most attractive building I've seen,
0:48:18 > 0:48:21but space-wise, I suspect it's there.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23- Ready to get inside? - Yeah, indeed.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24Let's go this way.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28'Our unique Mystery House was built in 2004,
0:48:28 > 0:48:31'inspired by a pair of arched glass doors
0:48:31 > 0:48:33'from a chateaux in the Loire Valley.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36'The solid oak entrance door is also from France,
0:48:36 > 0:48:39'and the Continental ambience continues through
0:48:39 > 0:48:42'into the professionally designed interior.'
0:48:42 > 0:48:44I don't think you're going to have seen anything like it.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47Definitely not! This is enormous.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49How high are these ceilings?
0:48:49 > 0:48:51Have a guess how high that ceiling is.
0:48:51 > 0:48:5215 feet?
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Not bad. 12.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57You do get the feeling you're in a French chateau, don't you?
0:48:57 > 0:49:01- With those doors. - And the curtains, actually, yeah.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Not what you'd expect in Cambridgeshire.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05- No.- No, I don't think you would.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09And look at that fabulous fireplace. 17th-century.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11That came from France as well.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14I'm just blown away by the size, really. I mean, it's vast.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16- It is vast.- Isn't it? - We'd have to bend our minds
0:49:16 > 0:49:18as to what we do with it.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Rather than have two or three sitting rooms,
0:49:21 > 0:49:23you've just got this one open space,
0:49:23 > 0:49:27and then just leading off here is the kitchen.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31'Also off this large central reception room is an orangery.
0:49:31 > 0:49:34'Featuring those inspirational Loire Valley doors,
0:49:34 > 0:49:39'it's currently used as a music room.'
0:49:39 > 0:49:41So, we have a separate kitchen
0:49:41 > 0:49:45but it still contains that open-plan feel.
0:49:45 > 0:49:47It's a bit galley-ish to me.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50Yeah. So although what they've done is beautifully fitted -
0:49:50 > 0:49:53and you've actually got this trough sink...
0:49:53 > 0:49:55- Yeah, which is quite useful.- Yeah.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Yeah, lovely beams up top.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00I'm not too sure it's really big enough.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02It isn't huge - I can't lie -
0:50:02 > 0:50:05but what you do have is a utility room next door.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07You've got your white goods in there.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11And then, through there, you actually have a wet room.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13So, on this floor, you've also, unusually,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15got the master bedroom as well.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17- Downstairs? - Downstairs. Shall we take a look?
0:50:17 > 0:50:19- Yes.- Let's go through the kitchen this way.
0:50:19 > 0:50:22'A mixed response to the living space
0:50:22 > 0:50:25'of this quirky recent build
0:50:25 > 0:50:27'which offers a total of four bedrooms.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29'A guest single is also found off the entrance hall
0:50:29 > 0:50:33'on the ground floor, while spiral stairs in the reception room
0:50:33 > 0:50:36'lead to a landing and two large guest doubles,
0:50:36 > 0:50:41'both with skylight windows and one with an en-suite shower room.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46'Then, back on the ground floor, is the impressive master en suite.'
0:50:46 > 0:50:49Another splendid room.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52- This must be the master.- Yes. - It's huge.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Beautiful large en suite.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57- Yes.- This, I'm thinking, would be yours.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00It's a lovely, lovely light, spacious room.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02I'm quite keen to take you back outside.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04A little bit more to show you.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06- And, for the last time, I'm going to ask you...- The price.
0:51:06 > 0:51:08..yes, to put a price on it.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- Oh, don't look so worried! - Your favourite part(!)
0:51:13 > 0:51:15'Dick and Louise have asked for space
0:51:15 > 0:51:18'and the Mystery House certainly delivers it in spades,
0:51:18 > 0:51:20'both inside and out.
0:51:20 > 0:51:22'With a plot of almost three quarters of an acre,
0:51:22 > 0:51:24'the wraparound decking provides somewhere
0:51:24 > 0:51:27'to enjoy the very peaceful surroundings.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30'There is a greenhouse in need of some TLC,
0:51:30 > 0:51:33'as well as a massive barn which has both power and water,
0:51:33 > 0:51:36'and could brew Dick's interests.'
0:51:36 > 0:51:41- So, I'm thinking workshops, brewery...- Yeah, possibly, possibly.
0:51:41 > 0:51:42- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45- Have we surprised you?- Yes.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Yes, I'm a bit speechless, I think, really.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50It's certainly challenged us.
0:51:50 > 0:51:55It's not something we'd ever dreamed of looking at.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58- No.- It's a fair proposition.
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Let's just talk the finances, shall we?
0:52:01 > 0:52:05What do you think the current asking price is?
0:52:05 > 0:52:08I don't know. I'll go for about 525, I think.
0:52:08 > 0:52:12- Louise?- I'm not too sure, really.
0:52:12 > 0:52:13It's got a lot of land.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16I think I might go higher than Dick,
0:52:16 > 0:52:18so I'll probably say 550.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20Oh. Well, you're actually the closest,
0:52:20 > 0:52:26because it's on the market for £554,950.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28- OK.- Yeah, I'm not surprised.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30It is a unique property.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32- Do you fancy having another look around?- Yes, please.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34- On your own? - Yeah, we'll have a look around.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36It's the last time I'm going to say it.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39- OK.- Go and have a wander around the Mystery House once more.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41- OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49With an asking price £70,000 below budget,
0:52:49 > 0:52:51this chateau-inspired new build
0:52:51 > 0:52:54features a large open-plan living space,
0:52:54 > 0:52:56four bedrooms, including two en suites,
0:52:56 > 0:52:59and almost three-quarters of an acre of grounds
0:52:59 > 0:53:01in very rural surroundings.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04I think it's an extraordinary property.
0:53:04 > 0:53:06It's got some beautiful features.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09Lovely bit upstairs for the family and so on.
0:53:09 > 0:53:11- Wonderful bedroom.- Yep.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14And you'd lose yourself in the bathroom, wouldn't you?
0:53:14 > 0:53:16I think it's been quite interesting seeing this,
0:53:16 > 0:53:20because I suppose it's so much out of what we would envisage.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24This room is absolutely amazing, isn't it?
0:53:24 > 0:53:26With the 17th-century fireplace,
0:53:26 > 0:53:30the open windows, the high ceilings...
0:53:30 > 0:53:34Very versatile in terms of how you can use it.
0:53:34 > 0:53:39The open-plan-ness is something that doesn't quite work for us,
0:53:39 > 0:53:43even though I think it's perhaps opened our minds a little bit to it.
0:53:43 > 0:53:46Don't necessarily want to be this far out in the country, do we?
0:53:46 > 0:53:48No, maybe not.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50It has helped concentrate our minds on what we like
0:53:50 > 0:53:52and what we don't like.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00That is it - the end of all our house tours.
0:54:00 > 0:54:04- Enjoyed it?- Very much so. - Yeah?- Very much so.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Do you want some time to have a think amongst yourselves,
0:54:06 > 0:54:09what your next move's going to be?
0:54:09 > 0:54:11- Yep.- OK, come on.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22So, out of all the properties we showed Dick and Louise,
0:54:22 > 0:54:25I think one of them stands a fighting chance
0:54:25 > 0:54:27of a revisit,
0:54:27 > 0:54:30but I'm just wondering whether Cambridgeshire as a county
0:54:30 > 0:54:32is going to get a second viewing.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34Let's find out.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Well, Dick and Louise,
0:54:41 > 0:54:44we've certainly travelled around this county, haven't we?
0:54:44 > 0:54:47So, let's talk about the actual houses that you've seen,
0:54:47 > 0:54:49and, for me, there's one that stands out.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51I think it was that very old property
0:54:51 > 0:54:53with the bakery at the back.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55- Would I be right? - You would be.
0:54:55 > 0:54:56Ah, good.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59So, Dick, what was it about that property that so appealed to you?
0:54:59 > 0:55:02It was the one that was nearest to what we really wanted
0:55:02 > 0:55:06in terms of blueprint, footprint, whatever you want to call it.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09You know, it has a nice bit of character to it
0:55:09 > 0:55:11and it had a combination of rooms that we still haven't worked out
0:55:11 > 0:55:14exactly what we'd like to do with,
0:55:14 > 0:55:16but it sort of covers all occasions.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18So probably the most important question...
0:55:18 > 0:55:20Do you think you'll go back for a second viewing?
0:55:20 > 0:55:23I would certainly like to go back and have a look.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25- I think so.- Yeah.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28Louise, I'm going to ask you a question.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30You've loved living in London.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Born and bred in London.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Have you come to terms with the idea of actually
0:55:35 > 0:55:37leaving the city and moving away?
0:55:37 > 0:55:39I think so.
0:55:39 > 0:55:41I mean, I suppose the proof of the pudding
0:55:41 > 0:55:44will be when you make the decision on the house,
0:55:44 > 0:55:47but, yeah, it's going to be a big wrench.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49Do you think we can put a timeframe on this move,
0:55:49 > 0:55:51wherever you decide to go?
0:55:51 > 0:55:53I just wondered if, in your minds, you were thinking...
0:55:53 > 0:55:56two months, six months, a year?
0:55:56 > 0:55:57Oh, we'd like... Well, I don't know.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00- Well, I think we'd like to be gone within a year.- Yeah.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03I'd like to think we wouldn't still be looking in a year.
0:56:03 > 0:56:06- At Christmas, you'll be in your new home?- Yeah.
0:56:06 > 0:56:07Well, all the very best,
0:56:07 > 0:56:11and I expect to hear an update on where you're at very soon.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14- Thank you both so much.- Thank you. - Many thanks, Nicki.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20Now, if I'm honest,
0:56:20 > 0:56:23it's not the easiest thing in the world showing a couple a county
0:56:23 > 0:56:26which, well, they really don't know very well.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29But I think what we've achieved over the last few days
0:56:29 > 0:56:32is a fantastic cross-section of properties
0:56:32 > 0:56:33to tempt Dick and Louise.
0:56:33 > 0:56:38Now, personally, I really do hope they go for that second viewing
0:56:38 > 0:56:41of that splendid house with the old bakery at the back,
0:56:41 > 0:56:43because what it will give them
0:56:43 > 0:56:45is the community they're going to need,
0:56:45 > 0:56:48the space they say they require...
0:56:48 > 0:56:51and at a price that will give them the scope to make those adjustments
0:56:51 > 0:56:54so they can have their perfect home.
0:56:54 > 0:56:56Whatever they decide to do,
0:56:56 > 0:56:58we wish them all the very best of luck,
0:56:58 > 0:57:02and I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06If you would like to escape to the country
0:57:06 > 0:57:08in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England,
0:57:08 > 0:57:10and need our help,
0:57:10 > 0:57:15please apply online at...