0:00:02 > 0:00:07I'm in a county that's tremendously important if you're interested in producing this - water cress.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13This little peppery leaf has more Vitamin C in it than oranges and more iron than spinach,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16which makes this a very healthy county.
0:00:28 > 0:00:34'In today's show I'll be helping a couple from the southeast go in search of their dream home
0:00:34 > 0:00:38'as the move from the commuter belt to the green belt.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41'We'll be viewing some great properties.'
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- This is... - Didn't expect this at all, actually.
0:00:45 > 0:00:53- 'And the mystery house comes up trumps.'- This is fantastic. - Yeah, I like this. I really like it.
0:00:55 > 0:01:01I'm in Hampshire, where for 34 years Roger has harvested water cress.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Obviously not solidly! They do use machines now.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11It's the mineral-rich spring water from under the chalk downs here is so essential to this green crop.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Hampshire produces 1,500 tons of this superfood every year,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21but it's not the only super thing about this county.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26Situated in the south of England, Hampshire covers an area of 1,500 square miles.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30It's one of the largest shire counties in England.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Over time, the county's economy has largely been reliant on agriculture.
0:01:34 > 0:01:41The chalk slopes of the South and North Downs have been populated with sheep for over 12,000 years.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46To the west of the county is the New Forest
0:01:46 > 0:01:50where the ancient system of woodland management continues today
0:01:50 > 0:01:54and ponies are left to roam freely, naturally maintaining the habitat.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Hampshire also has a fine selection of thatched cottages.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04As this county is famoed for its cereal production, thatching straw has always been readily available.
0:02:04 > 0:02:10Along with historic market towns such as Winchester, Hampshire has it all,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14making it the perfect place to stage an escape to.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22As you'd expect in a county with such rural beauty, with only a 1.5-hour commute to London,
0:02:22 > 0:02:28property prices are not cheap. They clock in at about 35% above the national average,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32which is, for a detached house, £357,000.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36But our buyers today are moving from equally-expensive Surrey
0:02:36 > 0:02:42so hopefully the house prices won't be too much of a shock for them.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47Today's property hunters are Ralph and Deborah from Walton on Thames.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51They currently live in a five-bedroom 1930s detached house.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55After 15 years of running their own decorating business,
0:02:55 > 0:03:01and with two children about to flee the nest, they want a gear change.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05The reason for moving to the country is basically a slower pace of life.
0:03:05 > 0:03:11We're getting very close to retirement with a view to spending a lot more quality time together.
0:03:11 > 0:03:17- Yeah. And we're looking forward to a more rural location.- Yeah.
0:03:17 > 0:03:22- And just more "us" time, really. - Us time. That's a good word.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26So what is it about Hampshire that attracts them?
0:03:26 > 0:03:29It's one of our favourite areas.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33There are several reasons for the move. Ralph fly fishes.
0:03:33 > 0:03:41- It's within striking distance of a lot of local fisheries. - A lot of fisheries down there.
0:03:41 > 0:03:47Deborah and Ralph also have a property in Montana, USA and hope to spend more time there.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51It makes sense to be within striking distance of Gatwick and Heathrow.
0:03:51 > 0:03:58- We plan to do a lot more travelling back and forth.- Yeah, we'd like a fair bit of time out there.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03With the location sorted out, what are they looking for property-wise?
0:04:03 > 0:04:07We'd be looking at quite contemporary,
0:04:07 > 0:04:13we do want to downsize, but we're still looking for an open-plan ground floor layout.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18- Kitchen/diner would be really useful for us.- Yeah.- We do need a study.
0:04:18 > 0:04:25- Garden space is quite important. - It doesn't have to be as big as this one.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Perhaps start a vegetable patch and just enjoy our time outside.
0:04:29 > 0:04:36That all sounds perfectly reasonable, but there is one slightly unusual request.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42Our son is 6'5" and barely makes it through these doors. Ceiling height is very important to us.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48So to get the ball rolling we've invited round an estate agent for a valuation on their house.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53This is a beautifully presented, five-bedroom detached house over three floors.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Within easy walking distance of the train station.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01I would therefore value the property at 650,000.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06So how much do they have to spend on their new property?
0:05:06 > 0:05:13We're looking to set our kids up, give them a helping hand on the property ladder,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17so our maximum budget would be £450,000.
0:05:18 > 0:05:25Ralph and Deborah are downsizing, so they want something smaller, three bedrooms, big kitchen/diner.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29They don't want too big a garden. They'll often be in Montana.
0:05:29 > 0:05:35But I know for a fact that Ralph wants to be close to some good fishing.
0:05:35 > 0:05:41Location-wise, Ralph and Deborah have specified the countryside of northeast Hampshire,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45so we're focusing our search around Winchester and Basingstoke.
0:05:45 > 0:05:51I'll take them to see some great properties with plenty to chew over,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55but, as ever, I won't be revealing the prices until after each viewing.
0:05:55 > 0:06:03And the final stop will be the mystery house, offering something entirely different.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08We have found a good handful of properties for Deborah and Ralph,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10but their criteria are quite narrow.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13If you're thinking of buying in Hampshire,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17there are plenty of properties out there in lots of different price ranges.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21This beautiful 17th century, four-bedroomed house near Newbury
0:06:21 > 0:06:24is on the market for just under £1.5 million.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Inside, period beams give it plenty of charm,
0:06:27 > 0:06:32outside, there's a converted barn, mature garden and paddock.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Though I don't think the Shetlands come with the price.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Situated in a pretty village near Andover,
0:06:39 > 0:06:45this pair of timber-framed cottages are on the market for a tidy 0.5 million pounds.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50They are Grade II listed and retain their original features
0:06:50 > 0:06:53with exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Or at £350,000, this three-bedroomed
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Georgian farmhouse in Hayling Island
0:07:00 > 0:07:02definitely gives you value for money.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Contemporary touches marry the old and new,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07making for some stylish period living.
0:07:09 > 0:07:15- Welcome to Hampshire, guys. - Thank you.- I grew up here - not that that swayed anyone.
0:07:15 > 0:07:21It's a lovely county. It's not the cheapest area, but what's your budget?
0:07:21 > 0:07:23We've got a maximum of 450.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28- So between 400 and 450. - Right. Preferably under 450.- Yes.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33We've got a nice handful of houses, including a mystery house.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Shall we get going and see them?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37In you get.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Ralph and Deborah have a budget of £450,000
0:07:44 > 0:07:49and are looking to downsize from their current five-bedroom house to a three-bedroom property.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51They would like:
0:08:09 > 0:08:15- The countryside here can't be that different from Surrey. - I think it is quite different.
0:08:15 > 0:08:21- It's a lot more open, obviously less crowded. Don't you think so?- I do, yeah.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- It's great fishing here, isn't it? - It is some of the best.
0:08:25 > 0:08:33You've got the three main chalk streams - the Itchen, the Test and the Avon.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- And do you fish, Deborah? - I don't, but I enjoy reading.
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- So best of both worlds.- While he's out fishing, you can read.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Exactly.- Perfect.
0:08:50 > 0:08:56Our first property is in Sutton Scotney, a small village seven miles north of Winchester.
0:08:56 > 0:09:03At the heart of the village is a traditional country pub which dates back to 1762.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09There's also a village hall that holds many events and a small shop,
0:09:09 > 0:09:14making it a sociable village with a strong community spirit.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- This is the property.- Lovely.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20This is an old agricultural workers' village.
0:09:20 > 0:09:28These were estate workers' cottages. End of terrace. It was owned by Lord Rank of Pinewood Studios fame.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32It's got a good Hollywood heritage!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36The owners have been here three years and have done everything inside.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- Shall we go in?- Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46Come on in. An ocean of cream carpet is nice.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I like that. This is the front room.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54It's very contemporary. They really did it up to a very high standard.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59They've also reclaimed bricks here from the garden. Working fireplace.
0:09:59 > 0:10:06- Is it to your taste?- It is. - I like the way it works into the kitchen. If you're entertaining,
0:10:06 > 0:10:13- you can talk while you're cooking. - And it's light and bright. - Nice entrance to the garden.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Let's look at the kitchen. That's important to you.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19What do you think?
0:10:20 > 0:10:27It's lovely. It is smaller. We were looking to have a table in the kitchen.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32If there is another reception, that would work as a dining room.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Lovely doors out to the garden. We'll look at that later.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40You've also got a sizeable utility room.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42And a loo. All very nicely done.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Oh, there's a cat exit! An emergency bolt hole for the cat.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- Yes, it's lovely.- I think this could work. I really do.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- This is fine.- It works even better than we've got already.- Yep.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02You're so easy to please! This will be a walk in the park!
0:11:02 > 0:11:09- Let's look at the other reception room, which they use as a formal dining room.- A perfect sitting room.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Just reverse the rooms. It'll be ideal.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17A formal dining room in a smaller house seems a waste of space.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22- Yeah.- To be honest, you only use it at Christmas!- Right.
0:11:22 > 0:11:29- I like it.- This is all the downstairs space. Is this going to be enough for you?- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34I think so. We're hoping to spend a lot of our time outside.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- In the garden or just out and about.- Yeah.
0:11:39 > 0:11:45It's nice if you're locking up and going to America that you have neighbours to watch over it.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- That's a good thought.- You don't want to be too remote in that instance.
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- Not really.- So far, this fits the bill.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Good. Let's take a look upstairs.
0:11:57 > 0:12:05'Either Ralph and Deborah are just being polite or they really like it. I haven't got the measure of them.
0:12:05 > 0:12:11'Upstairs, there are three bedrooms. The first two are compact with original pine floors.
0:12:11 > 0:12:17- 'There's also a tidy family bathroom, which leads us into the master bedroom.'- It's lovely.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- It's good.- A really good size.- It is.
0:12:20 > 0:12:27And finished throughout with this lovely oak. They've used oak throughout, with pine floorboards.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32- These doors are bespoke, made in Wales.- They are nice quality.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- A key latch. - Old English latch.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41Lots of storage, cupboards. And...ta-dah! An en suite with a shower.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Perfect. This is lovely.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- Are you shower types or bath? - Shower. So this works really well.
0:12:49 > 0:12:56- Most luxurious of all, underfloor heating in here and the bathroom. - That's good.- Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- This is ideal.- I think so. - Are you looking for a huge garden?
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Not really.- No. - Oops. Let's have a look.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11'Inside, this house delivers almost everything they've asked for.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15'What's a bit of extra garden between friends?'
0:13:15 > 0:13:20It's surprisingly big. It's in two parts. This used to be out houses.
0:13:20 > 0:13:26The gamekeeper used to live here so all the dogs used to live in out houses here.
0:13:26 > 0:13:33The present owners knocked these down and turned it all into this patioed area.
0:13:33 > 0:13:40There's still remnants - the old mill stone from the local mill and this was the fireplace.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- It works. You could have a little fire there. - That would be quite good.
0:13:45 > 0:13:52This is very well maintained with sleeper beds. Let's walk up the garden a bit.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55There's a big area of lawn here at the back.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00You could almost sell it for redevelopment!
0:14:00 > 0:14:05We were looking at having a vegetable plot and it's ideal.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- A big vegetable plot!- I know! - Almost a farm!
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- You could put a hedge here. - It's great.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- What do you think about the size? - It's a lovely garden.- Perfect.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21We didn't want a huge garden and this is pretty...enormous.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26It's pretty low maintenance. Mow the lawn, then there's nothing.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- No.- But it really is nice. A lovely house.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- It's a lovely aspect from the back. - It is.
0:14:35 > 0:14:42In terms of budget, ie what it's going to cost you, have you any idea what it might cost?
0:14:42 > 0:14:47Bearing in mind that Sutton Scotney is very well placed for commuting.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52I would have said in the region of...445.
0:14:52 > 0:14:58In the present climate, it's very difficult to put a figure on anything.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02I'd say around 425. Something like that.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07You'll be pleased to know it's on the market for 389.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- That's reasonable for a very well-presented good quality property.- It is.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17I think that's quite a good price. It's only been on a few months.
0:15:17 > 0:15:24I'd like you to take a stroll through it and discuss whether it really is what you're looking for
0:15:24 > 0:15:29- or if you're just being polite. I'll meet you out the front.- OK.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Off you go.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38Wow. First property - quids in! They seem to really like it.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44It is actually, standing here in the garden, a really beautifully presented property
0:15:44 > 0:15:50and it would save them so much money, which is always nice when you're downsizing.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12It's early days in our search, but could this be the one?
0:16:12 > 0:16:16I like it. The whole house would work well for us.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20And also the ceiling heights for when Toby came to stay.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23I was really pleasantly surprised.
0:16:23 > 0:16:29It's got a really good feel about it and I can see we'd be very happy living here.
0:16:29 > 0:16:34The quality of what they've done is really good. Impressive.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40This house would really fit the bill. It looks quite secure and we'd have no problems leaving it
0:16:40 > 0:16:43for weeks at a time.
0:16:43 > 0:16:50- I love the patio. It's beautiful. - It really is.- And that wall... - There's herbs over there.
0:16:50 > 0:16:57It's quite a lot larger than we were looking for, the garden, but we could make it work for us.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Guys, I have to pull you away. Hampshire awaits.- Great.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10When Ralph and Deborah have been to Hampshire in the past,
0:17:10 > 0:17:14they usually fish on one of the great rivers,
0:17:14 > 0:17:21but Deborah has managed to drag Ralph away to take in the sights of the cathedral city Winchester.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25There's been a settlement here since 150BC
0:17:25 > 0:17:31and during Saxon times Winchester was crowned the capital of England by King Alfred.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36- I think the whole area is lovely. - It is. Quite pretty, yeah.
0:17:37 > 0:17:44Nowadays Winchester is an unspoilt tourist stop. Streets are lined with medieval timber-framed buildings
0:17:44 > 0:17:48housing a good selection of shops and restaurants.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53At the heart of the city is Winchester Cathedral.
0:17:53 > 0:18:00- Dating back to 1079, it's one of the largest cathedrals in England. - It's just beautiful, isn't it?
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Quite stunning.- So much history.
0:18:04 > 0:18:10- Just look at all the detail up there. It's amazing. - The timberwork and carvings.
0:18:10 > 0:18:17The cathedral also houses the tomb of Jane Austen, who moved here for her last few years.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26Another must-see in Winchester is the city mill, a restored ancient water mill
0:18:26 > 0:18:28on the banks of the River Itchen.
0:18:28 > 0:18:33It's now run by the National Trust and is a working museum
0:18:33 > 0:18:40- to watch flour being milled and you can even take some home. - That was fascinating.- It was.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- It's a beautiful spot.- It is. Just sit and relax with the sound of water.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- And forget your worries.- This is what moving to the country's about.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06For our next property, we are travelling west to the outskirts of Stockbridge,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09eight miles from Winchester.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14The River Test runs right through its centre which is perfect for Ralph who's a keen fisherman.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19Originally a stop-off for Welsh sheep drovers who used it as a resting place for their flocks
0:19:19 > 0:19:22as they travelled to markets in the south-east,
0:19:22 > 0:19:28today Stockbridge is a vibrant market town with good amenities and a number of pubs and eateries.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33The property we are going to see is just a ten-minute walk from the centre.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35This is the house I want to show you.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40It's about 200 years old, we're not entirely sure how old it is.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43It's mentioned in the 1814 census.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It was actually two cottages, but it's been one cottage for a long time.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52The present owners have been here for a while and have done a lot of remodelling inside.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57You've got great fishing here. The Test.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00You can hear the Test, The mill house is just across the way.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02You can hear the Test running,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05in the winter when there is no trees, you can see the Test running.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Don't say we don't think of your fishing needs.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11You've got me in mind.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20Come on in. Shut the door behind you.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24Here we have a kitchen/diner already knocked through.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26There was a dividing wall in the original cottage.
0:20:26 > 0:20:32So, you've got oak floor, hardwood here in the centre, Corian over there.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It's a mix of different surfaces.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- You've got a little pantry in there which is always nice.- OK.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40What are your impressions on the inside?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- It's nicely done. - It's very nicely done.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Yeah.- It seemed a bit small from outside...
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- It's a lovely kitchen.- It's nice.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54I think it works quite well, this kitchen area.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58I do like this, it's really fitted nicely.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Nice units.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02'You see, I'm not sure if they're just being polite.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05'Cos I'm struggling to put my finger on exactly what they're after.'
0:21:05 > 0:21:10It's quite a big space here, the hall.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13This used to be the entrance porch,
0:21:13 > 0:21:16it was put on as an extension a few owners back.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19They've turned it into a, sort of office.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22You've also got the downstairs toilet there
0:21:22 > 0:21:25and lots of cupboards all round off this hallway.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- Yeah, works quite well there. - Use that as a study or office.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Next door we've got the sitting room.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35It's not a vast space,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38the whole house, as you pointed out, is compact.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Quite compact.- Is that a problem? Do you think it's too small?
0:21:43 > 0:21:49It would need a fair period of adjustment, after living in large-ish houses
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- to come down to quite this small. - It is a lovely room,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but I feel quite claustrophobic in this one.
0:21:56 > 0:22:01I can't imagine living in this room.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07No, I agree. Do you think we might argue?
0:22:07 > 0:22:08It's good to know if this is too small.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- We have several houses to look at. - Mm-mm.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Shall we take a look upstairs? - Yes, of course.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20This is possibly too much of a downsize for Ralph and Deborah.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24But I feel like I am finally getting a solid opinion.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27This is the family bathroom.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Again, not massive.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- That's a good size.- Not bad at all, actually.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- It's nicely fitted.- It is. It's nicely done.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39We've got three bedrooms.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42The first two are small,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46but perfectly adequate for when their children come to visit.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47Then there's the master.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- It's a nice, bright room. - It is a nice room.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54It is bright. The windows downstairs are all the original wooden ones.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Upstairs they've been replaced with PVC ones.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01When they were taking out the windows,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04they found a farthing from 1841. So we know that at least...
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It's that old. Hmm.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Would you want to turn one of the bedrooms into a study?
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- I think we'd be happy with what's downstairs.- Yeah.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- Yeah, we'd need to utilise that. - We'd need the bedrooms as bedrooms.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20That's all of the interior space.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23It doesn't add up to as much as the last property.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28- No, it doesn't. It's not as spacious.- No.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31It'll be interesting to see what the outside space is like.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Let's go and look.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37'With just an unusual garden left on our tour,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39'I wonder what they'll make of it.'
0:23:39 > 0:23:41The geography of the garden is slightly odd.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47It's cut out of this quite steep bank into terraces.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51But it's also quite restrained cos I know you don't want a huge garden.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53However you do look over the road.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- What do you feel about that? - Um...
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Hardly the sort of place you would sit out
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- and have an evening meal if it was fine weather.- No.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09- Or barbecue or...- No. It's a nice little area but...
0:24:09 > 0:24:11There's a courtyard at the back which they've got as storage
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- then more garden the other side. - Oh, right.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17This side is a bit more private. You've got a hedge.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21There is some space to eat. It's not a great deal of work.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- You do have some rhubarb patch. - Oh, yeah.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29You can see the house.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- It is pretty.- It is a pretty house.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- It is nice.- It is a pretty cottage. - It is very pretty.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38How much do you think the property's worth?
0:24:38 > 0:24:40I'm going to be a little more...
0:24:43 > 0:24:44..realistic this time.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47I think I'll go down a little bit and say 365.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Yeah, I'd say you're not far out. 375, I would say.
0:24:51 > 0:24:52You're spot on.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55375. It's been on the market for a month
0:24:55 > 0:24:58so whether that's realistic or not, we're not sure.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02At 375, it's considerably under your budget.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04We thought it would be interesting
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- to show you something that was under your budget.- Oh, yeah.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11And to see what you get. Why don't you have a walk around.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12It sounds like it's not ideal for you,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16but it's good to hear feedback on what you don't like as much as what you do like.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- It's not that we don't like, it's scale and size.- Yeah.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22OK, let's go and have another look.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24So diplomatic. It's very sweet.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28They refuse to say what they don't like, just in terms of what they might prefer.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33It is a small property, it's beautifully built and I love the flint.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Perhaps it is not ideal and it's a shame about the road.
0:25:36 > 0:25:41This 19th century, detached property is on the market for £375,000
0:25:41 > 0:25:43which is well under their budget.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46On paper it delivers everything they're after.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It has:
0:25:57 > 0:26:00But will that be enough to convince them?
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- It is quite a workable space.- Yeah, cos you'd be more compact.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06You would certainly have to keep it tidy. Which is good.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I'd rather that than lose a bedroom.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13On walking in, I really liked the kitchen and the dining area.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16It was really pleasant. It's a lovely house.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20It's full of charm and I really did like it.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24When we walked into the house, the kitchen-dining area was lovely.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Really well fitted, and had a nice feel about it.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29You'd be surprised what you can get in here.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33- You have to see past what's in here now.- Yeah.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36Possibly, you'd get a small double bed in there.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40It's a lovely house, but just too small for us.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Two houses in one day, that's quite enough.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Thank you very much.- Let's do something different.
0:26:54 > 0:27:01'With Ralph and Deborah's move, they also want a change of lifestyle, with more time playing.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06'And the ancient sport of archery is something they've always fancied.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11'We've come to meet Peter Turner, President of the Black Arrows,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14'to discover if we've got what it takes to be modern-day Robin Hoods.'
0:27:14 > 0:27:19We're doing field archery today. What is the difference?
0:27:19 > 0:27:24Target archery is what you see in the playing fields. You go up and down collecting your arrows.
0:27:24 > 0:27:30Field archery comes from hunting training, which is why we go around and amongst undergrowth
0:27:30 > 0:27:34and up and down the slopes. OK, let's set you up.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38'It's important to wear an arm guard to protect yourself from the bow strings.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42'And then there are a few things every beginner needs to master -
0:27:42 > 0:27:47'a relaxed stance and firm wrist. Don't grip the bow too tightly,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51'and then aim your arrow at the target and hope for the best.'
0:27:51 > 0:27:55Good. You now know roughly what's going to happen.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01What a shot!
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- Very good. - 'Field archery is like golf.
0:28:09 > 0:28:15'It's a great excuse to soak in the open countryside. And we're on Watership Down.
0:28:15 > 0:28:21'The British author Richard Adams was trying to protect this landscape
0:28:21 > 0:28:25'when he wrote his famous fantasy about a group of heroic rabbits.'
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Remember where you were aiming.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- What a shot! - Take your standing place there.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40Oh!
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Yes! That's good.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50Let go when you're ready.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Yes!
0:28:52 > 0:28:54'Deborah's pretty good at this. She's putting us boys to shame.'
0:28:54 > 0:29:01Now Alistair. Take it down. About there. Yeah. And let go.
0:29:02 > 0:29:07- Very good one! That's the shot! - 'At least I hit the target!
0:29:07 > 0:29:11'Maybe I'll wait a little longer before buying green tights!'
0:29:11 > 0:29:16- That was really great. Got the bug? - Hope you enjoyed yourselves.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20It's a small trial of the day. Hopefully we'll see you again.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24Once we've moved up here, you won't keep us away!
0:29:27 > 0:29:30That's the end of day one of our property hunt.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35It's been a promising start and heading back to the hotel, Deborah and Ralph had plenty to discuss.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- It's been a really good day today, hasn't it?- It was interesting.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45What did you think of the house in Sutton Scotney?
0:29:45 > 0:29:48I liked a lot about it, and certainly the quality of the way it was done.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51My first impression was, "Ooh.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56"Is this going to be too small?" But, actually, it was perfect size.
0:29:56 > 0:30:01- The kitchen was superb, wasn't it? - It was. Good kitchen. Good quality.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- And Stockbridge? - Yeah, I love Stockbridge.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09You've got he Test running through the high street, which is unusual.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11But the house isn't the one for us.
0:30:11 > 0:30:19It was a lovely little cottage but just a little too small for what we were looking for, isn't it?
0:30:19 > 0:30:20Certainly at the moment.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23All in all, we've had a fantastic day.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- Properties were interesting, weren't they?- Yep.
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- So really looking forward to tomorrow.- Yes.- Can't wait to see what unfolds there.
0:30:31 > 0:30:36- If it's as good as today, it'll be a great time.- Yeah.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47'Deborah and Ralph are looking to downsize and de-stress.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53'They have their heart set on finding a peaceful rural retreat for their budget of £450,000.
0:30:53 > 0:31:00'So far they've seen two properties, but coming up is an unexpected twist.'
0:31:00 > 0:31:04We wouldn't have given it a second glance.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08'And they learn that things aren't always what they seem.'
0:31:08 > 0:31:12I can see us living here quite happily, which is quite a surprise.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20So many couples want to downsize, but actually want nothing of the sort.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24They want the same number of bedrooms and space for less money.
0:31:24 > 0:31:30However, Ralph and Deborah really have made the leap. They're quite prepared to make compromises
0:31:30 > 0:31:38and are very open-minded, so today we'll push the boat out and try some different things.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47Our next property is in Old Basing, three miles east of Basingstoke.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Thatched and timber properties line the streets.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57During the English Civil War, Cromwell besieged Basing House
0:31:57 > 0:32:03and legend has it he kept his horses in the village church at St Mary's, which is still in use today.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08There's a local pub, too, but the village is surrounded by countryside,
0:32:08 > 0:32:12making it the perfect place for some peace and quiet.
0:32:12 > 0:32:18This is the house I want to show you. An old weaver's cottage, 300 years old. It's listed.
0:32:18 > 0:32:24- What do you think?- Very pretty. - It is pretty.- Nice.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- Let's take a look inside.- OK. - 'This could be a gamble.
0:32:28 > 0:32:34'They did specify they were after a contemporary feel and this property is anything but that.'
0:32:34 > 0:32:40- Come on in and mind your head.- OK. - This is an old property and includes old beams.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44This is the front room, the original part.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48There has been an extension.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53It is a very old property with a lot of original features, including this lovely hearth.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58That would be beautiful on a winter's day.
0:32:58 > 0:33:05- What do you think of a period property like this?- We've never lived in anything as old as this,
0:33:05 > 0:33:10- but it's got a nice feel about it. - It has, definitely.- Very attractive.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- It is beautiful.- Lovely room.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- Lovely.- And the low beams?
0:33:15 > 0:33:19I don't mind the beams, but our son would!
0:33:19 > 0:33:25- He's 6'5". So he'd have a permanent hunch. - He'd come in on his knees.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- That is the problem with older cottages. But in terms of size? - It's good.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Nice. It's a good size.
0:33:33 > 0:33:39We've got one more reception room through here. Mind your head. This is the snug.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42And it is, indeed, snug.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- Very snug.- It is, but it's perfect. You wouldn't need any bigger. - Not at all.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's ideal for TV and reading.
0:33:50 > 0:33:56- It's lovely.- And the fire works. You can curl up with a good book. - I like it.
0:33:56 > 0:34:02- It's a bit taller, this one.- Yeah. - You can stand in here. You could banish me to this room.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07Right, let's look at the all-important kitchen/dining room.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- This is pleasant.- Yes, lovely. - Really nice.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19This is part of the extension. Most of it is upstairs.
0:34:19 > 0:34:24You've got a lot more space here. They've opened up this space
0:34:24 > 0:34:31and turned a separate room here into a sort of flow-through dining/kitchen space.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- And they've joined it all up with these quarry tiles.- Works well.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40- I think so. - So come through into the kitchen.
0:34:40 > 0:34:47- It's a little small. I thought it might be too small for you. - I don't think so.
0:34:47 > 0:34:52- A nice double gas range. A real treat for cooking.- Perfect size.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57It's not what I had in mind, but it works really well.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Good. Let's look upstairs. That's also important.- OK.
0:35:03 > 0:35:09'We could be onto a winner here, regardless of the beams. Let's see what they make of the upstairs.'
0:35:09 > 0:35:14You don't have to stoop upstairs. They've taken the ceiling space out.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19Lovely family bathroom here. This is in the modern part.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- You've got this lovely skylight. Very high ceilings.- Yeah.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27A nice surprise, isn't it? Spacious - I like it.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- This is the new part, the extension. - Oh, this is sweet.
0:35:32 > 0:35:37- The little boy's room. - They've done it well. - It's really pretty upstairs.
0:35:37 > 0:35:43- I really like it. - Quite taken aback by it. - Yeah, it's quite an eye opener.
0:35:43 > 0:35:50- We wouldn't have given it a second glance.- This is too old? - Yeah, possibly.- Possibly.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54It wouldn't be what we would have thought of in the first place.
0:35:54 > 0:36:00- But I'm really glad that we've seen it because it is beautiful. - 'I love that about property hunting.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05'It can often take you unawares and throw up surprising favourites.
0:36:05 > 0:36:11'The middle bedroom also benefits from those high ceilings and I'm saving the best room for last.'
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- Come on into the master. - Well, this is gorgeous.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- Fantastic. This is... - Didn't expect this at all.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Beautiful.- It's a great space, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29It is a surprise. The rest of the rooms are quite high-ceilinged,
0:36:29 > 0:36:35- but this is really...bam!- It's quite stunning.- Fantastic. And so light.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- The fireplace is a real feature. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:36:39 > 0:36:45Lots of storage, which is again quite unusual in these properties to have so much cupboard space.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48And, an extra treat...
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- You've got an en suite with a shower.- Oh.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55That's perfect.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- Really pleased with this one. It's beautiful.- It's nice.
0:36:59 > 0:37:05- This is the icing on the cake, this room.- It's a treat. - Fantastic.- It really is.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09You definitely saved the best till last. It's beautiful.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- And you wouldn't have looked at it from the details?- No.- No.
0:37:13 > 0:37:19We would have discounted this one straight away, which just goes to show that you shouldn't.
0:37:19 > 0:37:25- Shouldn't close your mind to anything.- No.- It's a big change of gear.- Yeah.- Oh, yeah.- It is.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30But I can see us living in here quite happily, which is a surprise.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34- That's what we like to hear. Let's look at the garden.- OK.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- It's a very compact garden, but that's good for you.- It is.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- It would suit us.- Lovely size. - Nice size.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52A little bit of gravel here, a lawn and a veggie patch.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56I want to show you this bit at the side first.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01An unusual feature of this house
0:38:01 > 0:38:05is a spring that rises below the dining room.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- How unusual.- It comes out and flows down into the river.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- That is lovely, isn't it? - Unusual.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17- Totally unexpected.- It used to be a basket weaver who lived here.
0:38:17 > 0:38:24There was a trap door and he would keep all his willow canes in the water to keep them soft.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29- That's lovely.- Let's take a look at the bottom of the garden.- OK.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- A great old apple tree here. - A fine old tree.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- It's a lovely little garden.- It is.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42Your veggie beds here, laid out with sleepers.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- It works really well.- It does.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47How much do you think it is worth?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I'd say...
0:38:49 > 0:38:52405, 410.
0:38:53 > 0:38:59I'm going to go a bit higher just because...and go for 415.
0:38:59 > 0:39:05Well, you're in for a surprise. This property, with its location and everything else going for it
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- is on the market for 475.- Wow.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14- We're that much closer to London. - Yeah.- It's a very desirable village.
0:39:14 > 0:39:20- And those things add up. - It's such a stunning place. - I'm glad we saw it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24Have a look around and chew over the money side.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- And I'll see you out front. - Thank you.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39It's £25,000 over budget, but that doesn't seem to have put them off.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43They seem to have fallen for it, not surprisingly.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57I was absolutely bowled over by the master bedroom.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00It was a beautiful room, well done.
0:40:00 > 0:40:07- This fireplace is so pretty. - Very, very pretty. - Perfect feature of the room.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- For a master bedroom, it's perfect.- Ideal.
0:40:10 > 0:40:17The only concern I would have is the front room's low ceiling. It could be a challenge for Ralph.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21But the house itself is beautiful. It has a really good feel.
0:40:21 > 0:40:28- Outside space - excellent. - I could imagine Deborah out there, pottering about.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31And me just watching!
0:40:31 > 0:40:33It was a lovely, lovely house.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39- Hey, hello. Let's press on.- Thank you.
0:40:44 > 0:40:51'The whole idea behind Deborah and Ralph's move to the country is so they can do things together.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54'And photography is something both of them are interested in.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58'It's also a great way to get to know their surroundings.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02'So they've gone to meet local photographer Julia Conway,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04'who's kindly offered to get them started.'
0:41:04 > 0:41:07There you go. First lesson... Carrying a heavy bag!
0:41:07 > 0:41:10OK, let's go.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16Where are we starting from today? What do you already know about photography?
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Starting from scratch.- We are. We're quite basic level of...
0:41:19 > 0:41:23We enjoy what we do, but we don't know a lot about it.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27'Julia's brought with her three types of lens.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29'Zoom, great for beginners as it's so versatile,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32'a wide angle, for panoramic views,
0:41:32 > 0:41:38'and telephoto, which allows you to focus in on the detail of a scene from a long way away.'
0:41:38 > 0:41:40OK. Remember, this is digital,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43so don't be precious about how many pictures you take.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Take as many as you feel like.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Till you get comfortable with holding the camera, and then moving it around.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Eventually, as you become better photographers,
0:41:51 > 0:41:53you'll find you have to take less pictures.
0:41:53 > 0:41:58And with digital, what happens to a lot of people is that they become snap-happy.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01They can take as many as it's not costing them any money.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Actually, it's quite nice to take a little bit of a breath
0:42:04 > 0:42:07and think about what you're taking a picture of before you take it.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11So take a few, I'll have a look, and then I'll talk about how to make the shots better.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14It sounds silly, but you view through there?
0:42:14 > 0:42:17Yes! This is a brilliant question.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20SLR cameras, you're going to be photographers. Use your viewfinder.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21- Right.- OK.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Try and get closer. Try using those railings as foreground.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Go quite low down. Tilt your camera up.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39'Just as Deborah and Ralph are getting to grips with the basics,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41'they stumble across a prize photo opportunity.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46'Luckily for them, this magnificent charlet bull is feeling quite laid back,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49'so they get plenty of shots.'
0:42:49 > 0:42:50Lean on the wall... That's it.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54Can you see how his head's framed between the bracken and the wall?
0:42:54 > 0:42:56How did you find that, then?
0:42:56 > 0:42:58It was fantastic, wasn't it?
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- Got the bug?- Definitely.
0:43:00 > 0:43:05'With their best efforts in the can, Julia is going to select some to print
0:43:05 > 0:43:07'and meet them in a cafe for a viewing.'
0:43:07 > 0:43:11OK, guys, do you want to have a look at what you achieved today?
0:43:11 > 0:43:12Looking forward to it.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15This is a contact sheet of the best shots that you did.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17There's some nice ones on there. You did really well.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20These are my personal favourites. That one there.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25It works really well in black and white. The texture of the leaves works.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- And then this one...- It's gorgeous.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30The triangular shape works really well in a composition.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32The colours are great. Really autumnal.
0:43:32 > 0:43:36And then this one. A very dramatic sky.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39Considering the light wasn't that brilliant for us today,
0:43:39 > 0:43:40I think you got some nice shots.
0:43:40 > 0:43:44- And there you go, there's your favourite.- Awww!
0:43:44 > 0:43:47He's framed really well. You thought about the composition.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50The light on him is beautiful. It works really well.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53It does, because he's such a ferocious beast, almost,
0:43:53 > 0:43:56- he looks very...- Docile. - ..very gentle.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00- Well done.- Thanks very much. - You're welcome.
0:44:14 > 0:44:18Ralph and Deborah really seemed to like the old property,
0:44:18 > 0:44:24but it puts a question mark over the mystery house, which is anything but old.
0:44:26 > 0:44:32- What do you think the mystery house might be?- It could be a modern property,
0:44:32 > 0:44:38because we've seen old properties so far, so...
0:44:38 > 0:44:42Yep, it could well be modern. Perhaps a barn conversion.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44A nice surprise, I'm sure.
0:44:49 > 0:44:55The mystery house is on the outskirts of the village of Bramley, seven miles from Basingstoke.
0:44:55 > 0:45:00This is in a rural setting and surrounded by arable farmland.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03There's a pub and village store for milk and papers.
0:45:03 > 0:45:11'The property we're going to see is two miles from the village centre and quite different from the others.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16'I can't wait to see what Ralph and Deborah make of it.'
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- This is the property. - Mm, lovely.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- Already I like it.- You do? There are five properties here.
0:45:26 > 0:45:31Lots of neighbours. It's oak-clad.
0:45:31 > 0:45:36It was only built four years ago. It's quite green, but not a massive property.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40- Mm-hm.- Just warning you.- OK.
0:45:47 > 0:45:49Here we have the kitchen.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55It's a big change of gear from the 300-year-old cottage.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00Granite throughout and these Italian-style designed units.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03Halogen hob, double oven.
0:46:03 > 0:46:08- And these incredibly polished tiles on the floor.- This is fantastic.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11I like this. I really like it.
0:46:11 > 0:46:17- This is my ideal, actually. Everything I would want.- Crikey.
0:46:17 > 0:46:23- Slightly minimalistic. Really like it.- Really?- This is exactly what I had in mind.- Really?
0:46:23 > 0:46:29- Gosh. You've been very polite, but this is what you wanted. - Truly, yeah.
0:46:29 > 0:46:36- I really like this. Modern living in the country. - It's certainly that.
0:46:36 > 0:46:40- I can't wait to see the rest. - There's not an awful lot more!
0:46:40 > 0:46:44It's all very ship-shape. They've used every inch.
0:46:44 > 0:46:48- Here you can see all the white goods.- Perfect.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50Great.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53That takes us into the main room.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55Hmm.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- Yeah.- It's a good size.- Lovely.
0:47:00 > 0:47:06You've got the nice softwood frames. Doors that go out into the back garden.
0:47:06 > 0:47:10Laminate floor throughout, which is very practical.
0:47:10 > 0:47:15I was thinking very much in terms of your lock up and leave lifestyle.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18Yeah, we could probably cope with this.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22- it's definitely snug. - It doesn't seem small.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26It's so modern and your son can stand up here.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- Take a look upstairs?- Yes.
0:47:29 > 0:47:34'I thought after the last house they would be convinced about period property,
0:47:34 > 0:47:39'but it appears they love ultra-modern, too. Broad tastes!'
0:47:39 > 0:47:44- This is one of the bedrooms being used as a study.- Perfect.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48That's what we'd use it for, isn't it?
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- Great.- Use it as a study. - High ceilings.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54- Lots and lots of storage.- Hmm.
0:47:54 > 0:47:59You could re-insert a bed here if you wanted to. A single.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02This works really well.
0:48:02 > 0:48:08- You can feel how well insulated this house is. It's really warm. - It is warm.
0:48:08 > 0:48:13And all the sun comes in. There's another small bedroom here.
0:48:14 > 0:48:20Have a look in here. This is the second bedroom. Not so much to see.
0:48:20 > 0:48:26- Hm, this is perfect, though. We could get a bed in here, couldn't we?- Yeah.
0:48:26 > 0:48:28There's a family bathroom as well.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34- The bathroom there. - Yeah.- Very standard.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36Fine, yeah.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Works well.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40And through into here.
0:48:40 > 0:48:44- This will be your room, I guess. - It is lovely.
0:48:44 > 0:48:49- It's really bright. I like it. - A nice little Juliet balcony
0:48:49 > 0:48:53to greet the morning every day in your nightie.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56Or in your pyjamas.
0:48:58 > 0:48:59And...
0:48:59 > 0:49:04- the great point is this lovely big en suite.- Mm. Yep.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08- That's a good en suite. - Great. Just what we need.
0:49:08 > 0:49:12- Nicely finished.- Perfect. - Very light and bright.
0:49:12 > 0:49:16I have been counting up. You haven't said "not nice".
0:49:16 > 0:49:21- It's really perfect, I think, for us.- I think it is.
0:49:21 > 0:49:28- So you like the inside?- Yeah. - I think the inside is plenty big enough for what we're looking for.
0:49:28 > 0:49:32You're out in the middle of nowhere, but you're not remote.
0:49:32 > 0:49:38- Yeah, that's even better. - People look out for you as we would other people.
0:49:38 > 0:49:42- No, it's great.- Let's have a quick peek in the garden. It's pretty small.
0:49:42 > 0:49:49'This house has been a success from top to bottom. Can the garden crown it off?'
0:49:49 > 0:49:51Welcome to the garden.
0:49:51 > 0:49:55As I say, it's pretty small.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58- Yeah.- It's perfect for what we're looking for.
0:49:58 > 0:50:04- Nice size.- It's a very friendly compound. You have to get on with all your neighbours
0:50:04 > 0:50:08- very well!- Yes.- We're quiet.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12- I like it.- The actual farm buildings have also been developed.
0:50:12 > 0:50:17And they do art classes in there. It's a little community centre.
0:50:17 > 0:50:22- That's great.- So this is your little bit of the complex.
0:50:22 > 0:50:27- How much do you think it costs? - I'd say about 410.
0:50:27 > 0:50:29I'd say about 380.
0:50:29 > 0:50:33Well, somewhere in between. It's actually on at 399.
0:50:33 > 0:50:41- Not bad.- It's been on for a while, so...all things considered... - Not bad at all.
0:50:41 > 0:50:45- I really like it.- I do.- Great. Why don't you go in?
0:50:45 > 0:50:51Don't stay too long - it's not massive - but wow! We've been wasting our time.
0:50:51 > 0:50:55This is what they wanted! Hooray!
0:50:55 > 0:51:01This barn-style property built four years ago is on the market for £399,000.
0:51:08 > 0:51:14I get the distinct impression Ralph and Deborah see themselves living here.
0:51:14 > 0:51:21Walked up to the house and I really liked the outside. I loved the grey oak.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24Very fresh and clean looking.
0:51:24 > 0:51:29On entering the house, the first thing was the kitchen - stunning.
0:51:29 > 0:51:35- That's a good view to... - Wake up to.- Look straight out.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39I didn't know what to expect. It did take me by surprise.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43I was very taken with it. Very taken. Very nice.
0:51:43 > 0:51:49As the mystery property, this one was perfect. We've seen older-style properties.
0:51:49 > 0:51:55I was hoping for a new build, barn conversion or something along those lines.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58So perfect mystery for me.
0:51:59 > 0:52:03So that's the mystery house. Time to put your thinking caps on.
0:52:03 > 0:52:08- You've given us something to think about.- It's going to be interesting.
0:52:08 > 0:52:15- It's an interesting discussion. - That's what we want. Come on. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:52:18 > 0:52:23It's been a successful property search with strong contenders.
0:52:23 > 0:52:29I've left Ralph and Deborah alone to see if they can reach a decision.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36It's quite difficult to know which property they'll go for.
0:52:36 > 0:52:43They've been all shades of enthusiastic. Possibly Deborah was most struck with the mystery house,
0:52:43 > 0:52:50but Ralph might be able to sway her around to the first cottage in Sutton Scotney. Let's find out.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01- You've had a busy few days.- Indeed.
0:53:01 > 0:53:05Let's go through the houses one by one.
0:53:05 > 0:53:11First was the lovely workers' cottage in Sutton Scotney. How do you feel about that now?
0:53:11 > 0:53:17It was good, bigger than I thought it would be. Really light and bright, lovely garden.
0:53:17 > 0:53:23It was a nice house, finished to a very good standard.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26The kitchen area was rather nice.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30The second property was on a main road near Stockbridge,
0:53:30 > 0:53:33very nice market town. It was a smaller property.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36What are your thoughts on that now, with a bit of hindsight?
0:53:36 > 0:53:39It definitely had a nice feel inside,
0:53:39 > 0:53:43but the outside space really didn't suit us.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47The longer I spent in the house, the cosier it felt.
0:53:47 > 0:53:51But, same as Ralph, the outside area wouldn't suit us.
0:53:51 > 0:53:57The next property I showed you was in Old Basing. A lovely, very old property.
0:53:57 > 0:54:02This again seemed a bit of a wild card. You didn't want old property.
0:54:02 > 0:54:07- But you reacted quite favourably. - Yeah, that was a real surprise.
0:54:07 > 0:54:09The garden was perfect.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12And the master bedroom was spectacular.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16The only downside at all would be the low beams.
0:54:16 > 0:54:21Nothing else. The sitting area was very, very good.
0:54:21 > 0:54:28I could just see myself sitting there on a cold winter's night, dreaming and drifting off to sleep.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32- It was a superb room. - The mystery house had no fire,
0:54:32 > 0:54:38- but you still seemed to like it a lot.- Mm, it was lovely.
0:54:38 > 0:54:45- It was really clean and bright. - As we walked up to the house, the outside was rather stunning.
0:54:45 > 0:54:50Perhaps not quite as big as we would have wished for
0:54:50 > 0:54:52but pretty near to it.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54Now you've had time to reflect,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56which of these properties might you proceed on?
0:54:56 > 0:55:01If it was totally down to me, I'd go with Sutton Scotney.
0:55:01 > 0:55:05- The very first property.- Yeah. - But it's not totally down to you.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07It's not.
0:55:07 > 0:55:12- We have to live together and I agree with Deborah.- Really?- Yes, I do.
0:55:12 > 0:55:18- Was there a close contender? - Yes, definitely. The conversion.- The mystery house.
0:55:18 > 0:55:23- The mystery house.- And for you, too. - Yep, that was our second choice.
0:55:23 > 0:55:27What swayed you towards Sutton Scotney?
0:55:27 > 0:55:30Location was perfect, wasn't it?
0:55:30 > 0:55:35And if we have visitors, we would like our friends to come to see us.
0:55:35 > 0:55:41There was just that little bit more there to be able to put them up, show them things.
0:55:41 > 0:55:48- What happens next?- I think we're planning to make a return visit to Sutton Scotney.- Yes.
0:55:48 > 0:55:53Hopefully, once we've sold our house, we can move further on this one.
0:55:53 > 0:56:00It does sound like you're the couple who are most in tune with this idea of downsizing.
0:56:00 > 0:56:06You really do seem ready to make that leap and to start a new chapter.
0:56:06 > 0:56:13- I really hope it goes well. - Thanks very much for your help. - Thanks for showing us round.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16- It's been great.- Enjoy Hampshire.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19- Thank you.- My home county.
0:56:23 > 0:56:30I was very impressed with how decisive they were. They decided, despite liking the mystery house,
0:56:30 > 0:56:36to go for Sutton Scotney. All it needs now is for someone else to buy their house,
0:56:36 > 0:56:42which is not always so easy. Still, if you were inspired by Hampshire to escape to the country,
0:56:42 > 0:56:47make sure you tune in next time.
0:56:47 > 0:56:53Or if you'd like to escape to the country yourself and need our help, contact us through our website:
0:57:12 > 0:57:16Subtitles by for Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:16 > 0:57:20Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk