Skipton To Buy or Not to Buy


Skipton

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Transcript


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Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today for another episode

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of probably the best daytime property programme on television, at this very moment.

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But we don't need any divine inspiration to help us through.

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Our property genius will be more than enough today.

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Jonnie, and you viewers at home, no other programme on television

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gives its contestants a chance to view three properties.

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And then allows them to try their favourite property before perhaps buying their favourite property.

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The deal is ludicrously monumental.

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It's almost biblical in proportions.

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-Shall we meet today's contributors?

-Yeah.

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And for their first telly appearance, here is Ed and Chris Mitchell.

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Ed is the vicar of Mortomley, High Green, Chris is a primary school teacher,

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but they're both soon to be retired.

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The end of work may be upon them but I can't see them slowing down any day soon. Oh, no.

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They're into all sorts - walking, photography, textiles and embroidery.

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Not to mention Fair Trade work in Uganda.

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Have they got time to move house?

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Well, I certainly hope so, Ed, but there's only one way to find out for sure.

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Ed and Chris, we've just heard a list of all the things that you do.

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I'm surprised you even need to bother with a house

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-because I can't imagine you've got any time to be in a house.

-True.

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How have you got time for all of this? You seem busy.

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Well, we just are, but life has to go on and in a couple of years' time,

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I fall off the edge in terms of having to get a pension.

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Into the big wide world - they kick me out of my house.

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-This is unbelievable.

-This is part of the fact why I live in a vicarage.

-Uh-huh.

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Vicarages have to be lived in by the vicar who is serving at the time.

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Can't you carry on for a bit longer?

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Well, I am, actually. I'm 65 this year and I'm staying on a couple more years, and so on.

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-When do you want to buy this new place? Are we looking to buy now as well?

-We're looking now.

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We have a house which we want to sell.

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And we had a buyer and it fell through, but we're hoping for that.

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-What's the location we're looking for?

-Well, Skipton,

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North Yorkshire, a town where there's maybe a few shops and so on,

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nice place to go and walk and take pictures.

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And Chris is into lots of sewing and stuff.

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Yes. I need a house to store my stuff, basically.

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Yes. You're my main concern here, I'll be honest, Chris.

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How much stuff do you need to store or to have?

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Well, we know we've got to downsize.

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-And we know we've got to get rid of a load of stuff.

-What are essentials, then?

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We're going to crop a lot of your possessions but you will be taking a lot with you, let's face it.

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How big does this new house have to be?

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-Well, three bedrooms.

-Ideally, three bedrooms, although I'd quite like one to use as, like, a workshop.

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See, we've started already. So that's four bedrooms.

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-Oh, no. Three.

-Three.

-Yeah.

-You accept three.

-Three minimum but four would be lovely.

-Four.

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-So you do want four but you want a minimum of three?

-Yeah.

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-Do you have a style of house that you like? Do you like open-plan? Do you cook?

-Oh, he cooks.

-I cook.

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-I used to be a chef.

-Oh, really.

-Yeah.

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So you're the cook of the property.

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What is your speciality dish?

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Don't have a speciality. I just go across the board.

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-Oh, really.

-Yes. I worked at the Dorchester and I was at the time the first commis tournant,

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-which meant I worked in whichever department of the kitchen I was needed.

-Yeah.

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-Like a minister without a portfolio - could be wherever you wanted to be.

-Yeah.

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-Have you cooked for anyone posh at the Dorchester?

-Her Majesty.

-Oh, really.

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I washed lettuce with Prince Charles once. I did.

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Can I ask, how did that... Was he walking past you, and here you go?

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-We were at college, Ed was theological college.

-Right.

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And it was a new building and Prince Charles came to open it

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and Ed did a big fancy ham with the "Ich dien" white feathers

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and I washed lettuce.

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-So we're looking for a big kitchen then.

-Yeah. A working kitchen.

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-Yeah.

-It doesn't have to be enormous but it has to be practical.

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-Don't want a postage stamp with a couple of cupboards.

-So what about style of house?

-Like character.

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Somewhere with, you know, somewhere you walk into and think, "Oh, yes, that's really nice."

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-The wow factor bit.

-So you're after a feeling, a "you'll know when you see it"?

-That's it.

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What are you going to do with this house in between now and you completely retiring?

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-Hopefully let it.

-So what, holiday lets or long-term lets?

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Depends where it is, you know. If it's in a place where people want holiday lets, yes, holiday lets.

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Church - obviously got to be a big factor here.

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Have you got areas where you think, "I'd like to go to that church.

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"That could be my new local one." A church is a major factor here.

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-Yeah. I mean, I don't want something that's totally boring.

-Right.

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It's somewhere that, you know, we obviously when we retire, we don't stop being Christians.

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-Of course.

-So we've got to be somewhere we feel comfortable.

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It hasn't got to be even a Church of England church, just somewhere we feel that, you know...

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-You can go and get involved in.

-Yeah. That's it. Yeah.

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So what's your budget?

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-210.

-Now, come on, Ed's going to push you here.

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Would you look at stuff maybe above and haggle back?

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-Yes. We're good at haggling.

-Good. What can I nudge you up toward?

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-Maybe 220, 225.

-230.

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-We're good at haggling.

-OK.

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I'll haggle you to 230, but we want to haggle back to around 210. That's the plan.

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-Yeah.

-That's the plan. Yeah. So we've got a 20 grand haggle zone.

-OK.

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-Wish us luck. Can we do it?

-Do you think you need it?

-I don't know.

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-We've got more than luck on our side today.

-Well, hopefully.

-Well, yes.

-Hopefully you have.

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-I've had a word with upstairs.

-And it's all boding well for us?

-I don't know. He didn't answer.

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Right. We'll see you later.

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What a busy couple they must be.

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-They're the best connected couple I've ever met.

-That's a fact.

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-They've met Prince Charles.

-They've washed his lettuce.

-Which is something else.

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And they're well connected with the above,

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the Almighty is on their side, so hopefully, He's on our side.

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Skipton is today's parish and is known as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

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The Dales cover an area of just over 1,700 square kilometres,

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and in 1954, it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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It's a haven for wildlife, not to mention excellent walking country.

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Skipton itself is an old market town, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times,

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and its name literally means "sheep town."

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No sheep here though as the High Street has recently been voted the best spot for shopping in the UK.

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And the cobbled street with its independent shops, vibrant market,

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historic buildings and community feel, make the area a very popular destination.

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And fully-deserving it is, too. But what of house prices around here?

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Well, the average price for a semi in Skipton is around 186 grand.

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And on average, a house will take 249 days to sell.

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Whereas the national average is just 67 days on the market.

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So Skipton's a buyer's paradise then, Jonnie.

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It seems that way, but what else can you get in the UK for 230 grand?

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I'm sure a man of the cloth would find this place more than suitable. It's an old church.

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He'd feel right at home in the St John the Baptist church here in this hamlet in Pembrokeshire.

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It's grade-two listed and needs planning to turn it into a residential property

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but it screams potential.

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How much is this ecclesiastical masterpiece going for, I ask you?

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The price would be 130 grand.

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Well, if you want to up sticks and relocate to Lincolnshire then this might just sway you.

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-It's only a blooming windmill.

-It's got five storeys, circular rooms,

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a bespoke kitchen, 360 degree views from the Mill Tower and a domed roof.

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All that for the bargain-basement price of £249,950.

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If that's not their cup of tea then maybe this will float their boat.

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It's not a boat. It's an old school house in South Yorkshire and it has three receptions,

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three bedrooms, en suite, separate shower, snug, and a whole bunch of loveliness.

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I'll tell you what, that is lovely.

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-What's that, Jonnie?

-The price.

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A very attractive 219,950.

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As my old schoolmaster used to say to me, buying your last house is just as important as getting your first home.

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Because there's still plenty of stuff you need to consider.

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-Number one.

-Pick the right type of property for you.

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Bear in mind your needs now and in the future.

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If you are giving up work, look at a property

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that will better suit activities you want to pursue during your retirement.

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-Number two.

-Location.

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Whatever type of property you decide upon, make sure it's in the right location.

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You'll want to feel part of the local community and be a short walking distance from amenities.

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Number three.

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Condition of the property is vital.

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You don't want to shell out for costly repairs in your retirement.

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So pick a house that's in good condition now and won't need any major repairs further down the line.

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-How's the house hunting going for you?

-I feel I've been touched from the Almighty.

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-Really.

-I'm positive about my selection.

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My selection I think is brilliant.

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Mine could actually be a church, over four floors. It has four bedrooms.

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It's got a room downstairs. It could be for textiles or for woodworking.

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It is lovely. Quite simply, game over at this one. Just a quick look. There you go.

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-Look at that.

-I feel quite threatened with that.

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-You should be.

-It's massive. However, size isn't always that important,

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so I've gone for something they're going to love in their retirement.

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-What do you want to do in your retirement?

-Nothing.

-Exactly.

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Nothing while sitting in your garden, which this lovely house has.

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OK. The wild card. Everyone does love the wild card. I mean, look at that.

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Not the whole thing, but a bit of the thing.

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It's modern living, relaxed modern living with a downside.

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-There's no garden.

-But the upside, it's got a lift.

-It has.

-Up and down. No stairs.

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-Perfect property.

-Where shall we start?

-Property number one.

-The massive one.

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Let the fun and games commence at my choice, property one.

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This stunning four-bed Victorian bay-fronted terrace set over

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four floors is just a few minutes from Skipton town centre.

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What more could Ed and Chris want?

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Chris and Ed, welcome to what I think

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is more of a house than you could ever have imagined.

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You could possibly turn this into a church if you wanted to.

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It is so big. How many floors do you think it's got?

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-At first look, three. But four, actually. Four floors.

-Wow.

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I don't want to spoil it for you but remember, you said three

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minimum bedrooms, four maybe, if you could get it. Yeah.

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-Great.

-I want to know what you think. Is this too much of a house?

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-Do you like the area of Skipton which is where we are?

-Lovely. Yeah.

-Absolutely wonderful. Yes.

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OK. We've just been chatting to some of the neighbours already.

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And they're very nice.

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Good. So a community spirit.

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Do you know the churches round here?

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We've been in a couple of them.

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-Yeah.

-OK. So they're good as well?

-Yeah.

-So far.

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A great point for you guys as well, if you did buy this house and didn't want to move in

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straight away, Skipton is a great tourist area, so you could let this out no problem at all.

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-Very good. Yes.

-Fantastic.

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-Are you ready?

-Oh, yes.

-Three. Two. One. Get in to that house.

-Thank you.

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Ed, I can see why you're positive about this house. It's massive. They wanted as much room as possible.

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Let's just hope they don't like gardening.

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-Nice and light.

-Yeah.

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Ooh, there's a nice fireplace.

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-Nice family room.

-That's a good size bay window.

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I like the ceiling rose.

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-That fits the building.

-It does.

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Yes. And cornicing, too.

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-A nice space.

-It gives you plenty of room for settees and things.

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It's got a good cosy feel to it, hasn't it?

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There's alcoves you could fill with a fish tank and so on.

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-Got to have a fish tank.

-Yeah.

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Great.

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Sometimes when people say the word "cosy" on housing programmes, they mean it feels small.

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And I think, with four storeys, you could never accuse it of being small.

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Good dining room space.

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-Good size for a good table.

-Yes.

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-It is.

-Yep.

-Serving hatch.

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Oh, right into the kitchen. Yes. Very good.

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Now, see, this dining room.

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I was thinking they're quite keen on cooking, they've obviously served up to Prince Charles.

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-She's washed his lettuce.

-She's washed his lettuce. Service hatch.

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-How very posh is that?

-Excellent.

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Again, there's room.

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How shelves would fit nicely into...

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-They would. Yes.

-..into the alcove there.

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Yeah.

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Features of the house that haven't really highly modernised it.

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No. You've got room to...

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It looks right.

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They like original features,

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the ceiling rose, the cornicing.

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-It's quite impressive.

-Everyone does.

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OK. Into the kitchen.

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Oh, nice units. Nice and light, cos it's not a big space but that makes it not feel too enclosed.

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-What do you think of the coloured tiles?

-Yeah. They're all right.

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All right. A bit bright.

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Well, yeah.

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-OK.

-I think, initially, they're seeing something.

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-It's not that big, and instantly forgiving it.

-Yes.

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It's not that big but we can work.

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Oh, another door.

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Oh, a cellar.

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-Shall we have a look?

-Yes.

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-Great.

-Do you want to go first?

-Go on then.

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Right.

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The cellar isn't just any old cellar.

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-This is a cellar that I think will one day become Chris's tinkering room for her textiles.

-Yeah.

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Or Ed's woodworking room.

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-Oh, wow.

-Nice little room.

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-Isn't that great?

-This could be...

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-..workroom.

-Yeah. That'd be good.

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Or it could be woodwork type stuff or your sewing type stuff.

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Depending on what's easiest.

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What I like about that room of yours is that it's got a separate door. It's self-contained.

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So they could almost have it as a little shop.

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Selling their wares.

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Oh, there's no window or anything on the landing.

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That might have been nice.

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And this is the bathroom.

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Nice basin, I like that.

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Oh, I like the tiles, too.

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You've got one of those shaped baths you like.

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Oh, I do, with a nice shower.

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-With a shower. Yes.

-I love the tiles.

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That's great. And the floor tiles.

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See, obviously, they said they wanted character,

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but they also like modern.

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-It is.

-You've done well here.

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-I've done brilliantly.

-It's nice and light, isn't it?

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-It is. Yes.

-Room for a wardrobe.

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-More alcoves, of course, with the fire.

-That's all right.

-Yeah.

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That's quite a good space. It's about as big as our bed, isn't it?

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-That's one thing we are going to bring with us.

-King size. Yes.

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It is a nice light space.

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Little bit of indirect lighting.

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So this is the front bedroom.

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This has obviously been somebody's single room.

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Maybe a child.

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It's a nice size.

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-It's not much different in size, is it?

-Not really.

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More conventional shape.

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You could have the choice.

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-You've certainly got room to fit a double bed against that chimney breast.

-Yeah.

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OK. Let's go into here.

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Another small bedroom here.

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This could be your workroom, maybe.

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-It could be. Yes. It could be.

-Yes.

-There's another door.

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Just to the right here there's another door.

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I think might just

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be that room we saw outside. Aha.

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-Yeah. OK. Go on.

-OK.

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More room for shelves.

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The window I can see from the outside.

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Oh, yes, mind your head here.

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-It's a great space.

-Lots of storage room.

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-Actually, this would be superb for you.

-It would.

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-I can see your...

-Loads of light.

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..boxes mounting up here.

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But who's going to carry them up?

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Well, if it's my room I'll have to.

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-The light's fantastic, isn't it.

-Yes.

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Really good.

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-Very good. I like this.

-That's interesting.

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-And you've got a view through the window right across town.

-Well, I can't see that.

-Well, I can.

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Is it a...? Yes, it's a hill.

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I can see the church. I can.

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Flying a flag. I can see that awful Skipton building society building

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that Prince Charles does not like.

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No. I think I'll have this. This is great.

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You can have the basement.

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-You are kind.

-I'll let you.

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I'm starting to see that this is not so much a house tour,

0:16:430:16:46

it's a house tour with a need of an office or a library.

0:16:460:16:49

-Got that covered.

-A workspace both of them.

0:16:490:16:52

-I've got that covered.

-This house gives it all.

-Everything's covered.

0:16:520:16:56

You seem positive about this place. How are you feeling about it?

0:16:590:17:02

Well, it has its possibilities.

0:17:020:17:04

We could go with it. I like the big

0:17:040:17:07

room upstairs, that's got lots of stuff.

0:17:070:17:09

And I like... We've been chatting to the neighbours. A bit of community.

0:17:090:17:15

Yeah. Real community spirit.

0:17:150:17:17

Lovely scenery. You can see the town.

0:17:170:17:19

You're very close to the town which is a plus.

0:17:190:17:21

It ticks one of the boxes that we had problems with in our existing house.

0:17:210:17:26

Doesn't tick the other one though. We want a bit of garden. No garden.

0:17:260:17:30

That was the Achilles heel.

0:17:300:17:31

Yeah. Absolutely. Listen, right. Let's not focus on that.

0:17:310:17:35

because we can play Guess The Price, the fun part of the programme.

0:17:370:17:40

But maybe I've factored that in.

0:17:400:17:42

Well, you get a lot of bricks and mortar here for your money.

0:17:420:17:45

I mean, Ed's done very well. In a really good community.

0:17:450:17:48

And also, let's not forget because it's in Skipton,

0:17:480:17:51

when you're not living here, you can let it out to tourists.

0:17:510:17:54

-That's a real big favour this house gives you.

-Sure.

0:17:540:17:57

So how much would you pay for this house?

0:17:570:18:00

So who's going first?

0:18:000:18:02

Go on then. I'll go first. 189.

0:18:020:18:04

-OK.

-Right.

0:18:040:18:06

Come on, Ed.

0:18:060:18:08

Well, I think this is Skipton and Skipton's possibly a bit more expensive than that.

0:18:080:18:13

So I'm going to go 195.

0:18:130:18:16

Right. The maximum budget was... We wanted to haggle, don't we?

0:18:160:18:20

You only want to spend £210,000.

0:18:200:18:23

-I do.

-I've spent less than that.

0:18:230:18:25

-Right.

-Very good. Ed is the winner.

0:18:250:18:27

-Oh, OK.

-The actual price is 198,500.

0:18:270:18:30

-Not far off, was I?

-Congratulations.

0:18:300:18:33

Very good. Very nice area.

0:18:330:18:35

And obviously, I don't want to say it, but there's deals to be done, potentially here, as well.

0:18:350:18:40

-Yeah. So, that's the benchmark for today, so far.

-OK.

0:18:400:18:42

We like it. Do you want to go to Jonnie's one?

0:18:420:18:44

Yeah. Yes.

0:18:440:18:46

-Of course you want to come to mine cos my one is completely different and hopefully, better.

-Of course.

0:18:460:18:52

-We'll find out.

-Yes. OK. Very good.

0:18:520:18:55

Property One is just a distant memory. Property Two is so now.

0:18:570:19:02

This three-bed semi in Oxenhope

0:19:020:19:04

has plenty of original features, all sorts of nooks and crannies and planning in place for an extension.

0:19:040:19:09

Ed, I think the question, "what more could they want?" is appropriate here.

0:19:090:19:13

We will see, Jonnie.

0:19:130:19:14

So, guys, my offering to you.

0:19:140:19:16

let's start with the obvious.

0:19:160:19:18

-The road.

-Yes.

-Now.

0:19:180:19:19

A lot of traffic, Jonnie.

0:19:190:19:21

A bit of traffic but good transport links, ten minutes to Hebden Bridge.

0:19:210:19:25

-Have you been to Hebden Bridge?

-We've passed through it.

-A nice little town.

-OK.

0:19:250:19:28

So, you can get in and out.

0:19:280:19:30

What do we think of what we see here?

0:19:300:19:32

-I think it looks nice.

-Yes.

0:19:320:19:33

Bit of style to those windows.

0:19:330:19:35

Nice big, solid, square-looking house.

0:19:350:19:38

I like this area here. Looks as if you might be able to park a car.

0:19:380:19:42

You can cos you've got the drop kerb there.

0:19:420:19:44

How many floors has this house got, do you think?

0:19:440:19:47

I can see two.

0:19:470:19:49

It looks like two. Is there a cellar?

0:19:490:19:51

There is no cellar. I think the real "seller" to this place is

0:19:510:19:54

that you don't have to keep going up stairs.

0:19:540:19:57

-Right.

-Two-storey, with the magical P-word, potential.

0:19:570:20:01

-Right.

-OK.

-Does that mean work? Does it need work?

-Wait and see.

0:20:010:20:05

You might think it's ready to move into or might think you want

0:20:050:20:08

-more space, in which case, I've got a contingency plan for you.

-OK.

0:20:080:20:12

-All right.

-Are you ready to go in?

-Yes.

0:20:120:20:15

-Thank you.

-Let's go.

0:20:150:20:17

-OK.

-Nice entrance.

0:20:240:20:26

That's nice. Yes.

0:20:260:20:27

Dark red. I like the walls.

0:20:270:20:29

Bright red. Similar colour to home.

0:20:290:20:31

-That's a nice fireplace.

-It is indeed.

0:20:310:20:34

And they've got a fish tank.

0:20:340:20:36

Nice dresser.

0:20:360:20:38

Very classically done.

0:20:380:20:40

-Yeah. I like that.

-In the flat, there was no windows, too. Nice touch, isn't it.

-Yes.

0:20:400:20:45

Although what's the sound like from the road? Is it busy?

0:20:450:20:51

-Yeah. No double-glazing, is there?

-No.

0:20:510:20:53

-Double-glazing would ruin this house.

-Yeah.

0:20:530:20:55

You've got beautiful leaded windows.

0:20:550:20:57

This is the living. Oh, another nice fireplace,

0:20:570:21:02

with a big multi-fuel burner. Lovely.

0:21:020:21:05

-And again, quite big windows, plenty of light.

-Yes.

0:21:050:21:09

-Good big settees which means we could get good stuff in there.

-Certainly.

0:21:090:21:12

Yeah. Good seating in there. Yeah.

0:21:120:21:14

Again, nice stained-glass windows which look as if they're original to the house.

0:21:140:21:20

I knew they'd like the stained-glass window.

0:21:200:21:23

It's home from home, isn't it, being in a church, and it's a good size again.

0:21:230:21:27

-This has definitely got a style to it.

-Yeah.

0:21:270:21:30

-OK. So are we going next door?

-OK.

0:21:300:21:33

Well, they seem subdued.

0:21:330:21:35

Almost like you've taken them down a note by showing them this house.

0:21:350:21:38

OK. Kitchen.

0:21:380:21:41

-Small kitchen.

-Tiny kitchen.

0:21:410:21:42

-Tiny kitchen.

-That's a good pantry.

0:21:420:21:46

-Excellent.

-Ideal for the microwave. Plenty of shelving.

-Yes. Yes.

0:21:470:21:51

I've heard the word plenty.

0:21:510:21:53

-I don't think you can fit two people in that kitchen at one time.

-There's storage which could be a larder.

0:21:530:21:58

-This is embarrassing.

-Come on. Give it a chance. Come on.

0:21:580:22:01

Good use of this space, but not a lot of it.

0:22:010:22:04

-Yes, indeed.

-I wonder if there's somewhere where they've got things like a washing machine.

0:22:040:22:09

Lovely style.

0:22:090:22:11

But a little small.

0:22:110:22:14

But Jonnie said he had an idea, so we'll see what he's thinking.

0:22:140:22:17

OK. We'll see what he's thinking.

0:22:170:22:19

It is a hurdle, this kitchen, I know it is, but if you can adapt,

0:22:190:22:23

this house has a lot of plus points.

0:22:230:22:25

-There's a downstairs loo. Excellent.

-I see. Very good.

0:22:250:22:29

There's some exposed stonework there. Oh, here we are. Washing machine.

0:22:290:22:32

I see. That's the lean-to we could see from the kitchen.

0:22:320:22:35

Yes.

0:22:350:22:37

Let's explain where they are at the moment. The utility room.

0:22:370:22:40

Here.

0:22:400:22:42

So how would you do it, Ed?

0:22:420:22:43

How would I do it? I would move into my property. I wouldn't come here.

0:22:430:22:47

-No door on the loo, which is interesting.

-Well...

0:22:470:22:50

OK. So are we going upstairs?

0:22:500:22:52

-OK.

-Off we go.

-Off I go.

0:22:520:22:54

There's a lovely view.

0:22:560:22:58

-And a lovely garden.

-Yeah.

0:22:580:23:00

-It's beautiful.

-I like it. Yes.

0:23:000:23:04

This is a nice bathroom, Ed.

0:23:040:23:06

Yeah. Yeah. Good quality fittings.

0:23:060:23:09

Yeah. Nice modern loo.

0:23:090:23:12

I'm not sure about a carpet. Think I might change that.

0:23:120:23:15

-Yes. Very nice.

-Very nice.

0:23:170:23:18

What's happened in here is an appreciation of the bathroom, but not a falling in love with the bathroom.

0:23:180:23:24

Mine was, "oh, I love those tiles, look at that shower, I love that shower."

0:23:240:23:28

I think they've already seen this bathroom before in your house.

0:23:280:23:32

That's why they're not surprised.

0:23:320:23:34

It's not as good. Not really as good, is it.

0:23:340:23:36

I'm not saying it's bad. It's not as good.

0:23:360:23:39

-I think you're just being negative, Ed.

-Maybe I am.

0:23:390:23:41

Smaller bedroom.

0:23:410:23:43

-Actually, just room for a double bed, isn't there?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:23:460:23:51

And a little cupboard in the corner. Is that a wardrobe?

0:23:510:23:55

Another real fireplace.

0:23:550:23:58

Another fire. Little neat one.

0:23:580:24:00

OK. Rooms are small.

0:24:000:24:02

Yeah. Yeah.

0:24:020:24:04

But lots of character to it.

0:24:040:24:07

I don't think these bedrooms are smaller.

0:24:070:24:09

The doubles are about the same sort of size, I think, as your house.

0:24:090:24:12

But there's not enough of them.

0:24:120:24:14

I think already you've spoilt them.

0:24:140:24:16

They're expecting four bedrooms now.

0:24:160:24:18

-Not going to happen.

-Not in this house.

0:24:180:24:20

Oh, this is nice.

0:24:200:24:23

-More space in here.

-Quite a smallish room.

0:24:230:24:26

Yeah, but it takes the wardrobe well, doesn't it?

0:24:260:24:29

They've got a big wardrobe so we could... Yes.

0:24:290:24:31

And our bed's about that big, isn't it?

0:24:310:24:33

Again, lots of lovely light coming in.

0:24:330:24:36

Beautiful, up into the moors over there. That's nice.

0:24:360:24:41

I could wake up to that.

0:24:410:24:42

There is a lot of natural light up there. It's set up on this hill.

0:24:420:24:45

-It isn't overlooked by houses.

-No.

0:24:450:24:48

I think it offers a viable alternative to the monster, the castle, that was your house, Ed.

0:24:480:24:53

-Small bedroom.

-Yeah.

0:24:530:24:55

-It would take a single bed, wouldn't it?

-Yes. It would.

0:24:550:24:58

Quite easily. So lovely.

0:24:580:25:01

It's a good room. Little bit darker.

0:25:010:25:03

So the third bedroom. it was never going to be a galaxy, was it?

0:25:030:25:06

It's going to be a spare bed. Maybe for the future grandchildren?

0:25:060:25:10

Certainly. Crossing our fingers.

0:25:100:25:12

No. Good size room.

0:25:120:25:14

That's great. OK.

0:25:140:25:15

So, have I let you down?

0:25:180:25:20

I told you I didn't want a kitchen with a postage stamp and a couple of cupboards, didn't I?

0:25:200:25:24

Yeah. I know, and it's played into Ed's hands.

0:25:240:25:28

Listen, I just want everyone to be happy today.

0:25:280:25:31

I want everyone to be happy.

0:25:310:25:33

Let's start at the biggest hurdle. That is the kitchen.

0:25:330:25:36

The kitchen also leads out to perhaps the best thing about this house, this beautiful garden.

0:25:360:25:41

It is, isn't it? I think it might have sold this to me, at the moment.

0:25:410:25:45

OK. Well, keep thinking about this garden, but also, look next door.

0:25:450:25:50

Next door have put a big extension on there.

0:25:500:25:53

-Right.

-Now, I'm not exactly...

-That's expensive.

0:25:530:25:55

I'm not suggesting that, but what we've got in planning terms is an established precedent.

0:25:550:26:00

-Yes.

-OK.

-Right.

-Which helped the owners of this house

0:26:000:26:03

get planning consent approved for an extension of that size.

0:26:030:26:06

So they've got that, have they?

0:26:060:26:08

But you don't have to do an extension of that size.

0:26:080:26:11

-What I would recommend is a single-storey extension.

-Right.

0:26:110:26:14

Perhaps with a flat roof, whereby you'd be able to triple,

0:26:140:26:17

-if not quadruple the size of the kitchen out to here.

-Right.

0:26:170:26:21

But dig footings deep enough so you could go upstairs.

0:26:210:26:23

-Exactly. Someone else could...

-Yeah.

0:26:230:26:25

-Yes. OK.

-Now, we had a maximum budget.

0:26:250:26:28

-We bullied you up to £230,000.

-You did. Yes.

0:26:280:26:31

You don't really want to spend much more.

0:26:310:26:34

-We said 210, didn't we?

-Yeah. But we're playing with 230 as our thing.

0:26:340:26:38

What do we think the price of thing is going to be now?

0:26:380:26:41

-Who went first last time?

-Chris did.

-Think it was me.

0:26:410:26:43

-Would you like to go first or second? Ed is in the lead.

-I'll go first.

-Go on.

0:26:430:26:47

I think I'm going to go higher than the last one

0:26:470:26:50

because I think it's a nicer house on the whole.

0:26:500:26:55

Perhaps, 205,000.

0:26:550:27:00

-So it's £205,000.

-Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

0:27:000:27:02

-OK, Chris. Well explained.

-OK.

-Ed.

0:27:020:27:04

I think I'm going to go above.

0:27:040:27:06

I'm going to go 210.

0:27:060:27:07

210. So maximum budget of what you wish to spend.

0:27:070:27:12

Yeah. Right. Well, hopefully.

0:27:120:27:15

Hopefully it's less cos you've talked extensions. The rooms are smaller.

0:27:150:27:19

-Procrastinate no more, people.

-OK.

0:27:190:27:23

You are indeed the winner again.

0:27:230:27:24

-Oh, right.

-This house is on the market for 209,950.

-Right.

0:27:240:27:28

But I think, for that price, we're all winners, aren't we?

0:27:280:27:30

We do have the wild card. And what do I always say?

0:27:300:27:33

It's the best. The best is yet to come.

0:27:330:27:36

Everybody likes the wild card.

0:27:360:27:38

-Everyone loves the wild card.

-Loves the wild card.

0:27:380:27:40

-Shall we go to it?

-We shall.

-OK.

0:27:400:27:43

-This way, I think.

-Take that way.

-OK. Thank you.

0:27:430:27:45

We like the wild card.

0:27:480:27:51

Always have, always will. And today's no exception.

0:27:510:27:53

It's a belter and one that will make Ed and Chris think long and hard.

0:27:530:27:57

It's a duplex apartment. It has a mezzanine and a balcony and it's an old mill.

0:27:570:28:01

They're going to love it, no question.

0:28:010:28:04

Ed and Chris, join me if you will in the chorus of the wild card, the wild card that everyone loves.

0:28:040:28:08

-The wild card.

-Correct.

-And here it is.

0:28:080:28:11

Obviously, it is not the entire building.

0:28:110:28:14

-None of us have got the money for that.

-Shame.

0:28:140:28:16

It would be a pain to clean though.

0:28:160:28:19

-True.

-It is true.

-But that doesn't have to concern you cos you've only got to clean some windows.

0:28:190:28:24

It is an old mill. But it's a new mill inside.

0:28:240:28:27

And it's not even a mill inside. It's fancy flats. And it's fancy flats with a lift.

0:28:270:28:32

It's future-proof, this place.

0:28:320:28:35

I don't want to spoil it but what do you think? Life in a mill.

0:28:350:28:38

-It's lovely.

-Yes.

0:28:380:28:40

-Lovely setting.

-The setting's got to be it.

0:28:400:28:42

This is retirement living personified. You've got a cricket pitch there.

0:28:420:28:46

Look at that, canal boats going past.

0:28:460:28:49

Beautiful walks. Shop at the end of your road.

0:28:490:28:51

And also at the end of the road, a church.

0:28:510:28:54

-And a bus went past.

-And a bus route.

0:28:540:28:55

I mean, what more do you want?

0:28:550:28:57

OK. This is everyone's favourite part.

0:28:570:29:00

-Don't let them down. Are you ready?

-We are.

0:29:000:29:02

We'll see you on the other side.

0:29:020:29:04

-Thank you.

-Excellent.

0:29:040:29:06

I think our team were blessed when they found this place.

0:29:060:29:08

They really were. Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy yourselves.

0:29:080:29:11

It's a vicar and his wife looking round a mill.

0:29:110:29:13

-Interesting.

-Interesting.

0:29:210:29:23

This looks nice.

0:29:230:29:26

Jonnie and I have not used the stairway to heaven to get up here onto the balcony.

0:29:260:29:32

We used the lift.

0:29:320:29:33

Beautiful floor.

0:29:330:29:35

Oh, yeah. Wow. Yes. It is a wow.

0:29:350:29:39

I am impressed.

0:29:390:29:41

Nice tops. Wine...

0:29:410:29:43

-Other things.

-Yeah.

0:29:430:29:46

-This is beautiful.

-I like the Mackintosh mirror.

0:29:460:29:49

Yes. I saw that. Yeah.

0:29:490:29:51

And the wendy house.

0:29:510:29:53

Television.

0:29:530:29:55

-Plenty of room for a telly.

-Yes.

0:29:550:29:57

Look at the ceiling, Ed. Look. Oh, wow. Look up there.

0:29:570:29:59

Gordon Bennett.

0:29:590:30:01

That is good.

0:30:010:30:03

Is Gordon Bennett in there?

0:30:030:30:05

Gordon Bennett. Is that what he said? Well, vicar...

0:30:050:30:07

You use Gordon Bennett a lot.

0:30:070:30:09

You've not got many exclamations you can say.

0:30:090:30:11

See this view.

0:30:110:30:14

Oh, fantastic.

0:30:140:30:16

You've got the road, the railway.

0:30:160:30:18

You've got the canal.

0:30:180:30:20

-This is gorgeous.

-Yeah.

0:30:200:30:23

Yes. I could settle nicely in here.

0:30:230:30:26

I know they like my house, but the wild card is really living up to expectations.

0:30:260:30:30

These reactions are fantastic.

0:30:300:30:32

It's a very potent force.

0:30:320:30:34

OK. What's this? A bathroom. Right.

0:30:340:30:36

-It's nice. Small.

-Very good. It is.

0:30:360:30:40

There's no shower curtain.

0:30:400:30:43

I'm sure you could put one there.

0:30:430:30:46

-Nice little towel.

-Very neat.

0:30:460:30:48

-Towel radiator.

-Small but compact.

0:30:480:30:52

They've got luxury here, an en suite which we'll see later

0:30:520:30:54

but this is the family bathroom.

0:30:540:30:56

It's beautifully fitted out, this place.

0:30:560:30:59

OK. Where are you going?

0:30:590:31:00

Small bedroom.

0:31:020:31:04

Will take a single bed.

0:31:040:31:06

-Yes.

-It's a cot at the moment.

0:31:060:31:08

You wouldn't have to do much to it.

0:31:080:31:10

-No. No. It's all beautiful.

-It is excellent.

0:31:100:31:12

Right.

0:31:120:31:14

-This is a living room.

-This is a pleasant room, isn't it?

-Yeah.

0:31:140:31:17

-OK.

-And a balcony.

0:31:170:31:19

So you've got a lovely big window.

0:31:190:31:21

-Yes.

-And lots of...

0:31:210:31:23

-It goes up high.

-Yes.

0:31:230:31:25

It's a good space, those are.

0:31:250:31:28

-Right. Yes.

-Good use of the space.

0:31:280:31:31

Yes. I wonder if they come with it. I doubt it but we'd have to find out.

0:31:310:31:34

Excellent.

0:31:340:31:36

Everything's negotiable in any house purchase, so if you like part

0:31:360:31:39

of the fixtures and fittings, put it in your price.

0:31:390:31:42

I expect this is going to be the balcony that we saw from the kitchen.

0:31:420:31:46

Yes.

0:31:460:31:47

Lovely entertaining sort of area.

0:31:490:31:51

Isn't it beautiful?

0:31:510:31:53

It gives it a big feeling of space, because even though they're quite

0:31:530:31:58

small areas, you've got all this height which is going to give you a good feel.

0:31:580:32:04

But no, you've got a small area for dining.

0:32:040:32:07

And then you've got some cupboard space, I presume, back there.

0:32:070:32:12

-I like it.

-Yes. I like it very much.

0:32:120:32:15

Who wouldn't want a mezzanine? I bet Mick Hucknall's got one.

0:32:150:32:18

I bet he's got more than that.

0:32:180:32:20

I bet he's got a lovely mezzanine.

0:32:200:32:23

Who wouldn't want to live like Mick Hucknall?

0:32:230:32:26

Down and up again!

0:32:260:32:29

-Up and down.

-It's the vat shape.

0:32:290:32:32

-A choice of stairs. What house has that?

-Well, this one.

0:32:320:32:35

What have we got here?

0:32:350:32:37

-This is nice, isn't it?

-How lovely.

-You'd need

0:32:410:32:44

to be very careful with your use of furniture, but this is beautiful.

0:32:440:32:48

We'd have to have quite a low bed. Couldn't have a high bed.

0:32:480:32:52

-But even then, I think that clears your head, that beam.

-Yes.

0:32:520:32:55

Wait until they see what's behind that door in the master bedroom.

0:32:550:32:59

What's this? Oh, yes. Lovely.

0:33:000:33:02

En suite. Very good.

0:33:020:33:04

A lovely shower. Wow.

0:33:040:33:07

Ah, yes.

0:33:070:33:08

You perhaps wouldn't need your downstairs shower.

0:33:100:33:14

-If you got this one.

-Right.

0:33:140:33:16

So the curtain becomes irrelevant.

0:33:160:33:18

Isn't that nice?

0:33:180:33:19

-Yeah.

-See up through here?

0:33:190:33:22

-What can we see? The sky.

-Just sky.

0:33:220:33:24

Well, how lovely, standing in the shower and see the sky.

0:33:240:33:27

Chris loves it.

0:33:270:33:29

-That is a fact.

-Chris is a contemporary lady, isn't she?

0:33:290:33:32

She likes the modern touch.

0:33:320:33:34

Good. I like it.

0:33:340:33:35

Yes.

0:33:350:33:37

Yes. I think we're beginning to form our minds, here.

0:33:390:33:43

So, Chris and Ed, the wild card.

0:33:460:33:49

Was it as good as it sounded on those headphones?

0:33:490:33:51

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Excellent.

-Very nice.

0:33:510:33:53

But we realise there's no garden.

0:33:530:33:56

We thought we wouldn't tell you that at the start,

0:33:560:33:58

so you could possibly fall in love with the idea of the place.

0:33:580:34:02

-Yeah.

-You're surrounded.

0:34:020:34:04

I mean, there is no garden.

0:34:040:34:06

But you are surrounded by lovely fields, lovely parks, lovely walks.

0:34:060:34:10

You've got the canal down there, as well.

0:34:100:34:12

-Is a garden quite a fundamental?

-It feels like city living in the middle of the country, which is kind of odd.

0:34:120:34:19

Yeah. I'd want a bit of garden.

0:34:190:34:21

-Really?

-Somewhere to sit for coffee.

0:34:210:34:23

You've got the patio. That cricket ground.

0:34:230:34:25

But I suppose if you'd kind of bought into the idea of this

0:34:250:34:29

and liked it, we thought it was worth showing.

0:34:290:34:31

-Yeah.

-And I don't know if you were surprised at how much you liked it inside?

0:34:310:34:35

It's lovely. Absolutely lovely. Stunning.

0:34:350:34:37

A lot of imagination put into it.

0:34:370:34:41

-Looks good artistically. Yeah.

-It's got a nice feel, hasn't it?

0:34:410:34:45

A good use of quite a small space.

0:34:450:34:47

The thing is, we like it, it's got no garden, but how much does it cost?

0:34:470:34:51

-Now, at the moment, Chris...

-Yes.

0:34:510:34:53

-I know.

-..you've lost this, but there could be some pride in

0:34:530:34:57

either getting all of them wrong or trying to rob the hat-trick from Ed.

0:34:570:35:00

-Yes.

-So, do you want to go first or second?

-He can go first this time.

0:35:000:35:04

OK. Ed, the maximum budget we were playing with was 230 but we wanted to haggle back.

0:35:040:35:08

230. You want to haggle back. Well, I'm going to go for the 230, I think.

0:35:080:35:12

-Really?

-Yes, and hope to haggle back, but I think that's probably what they're asking.

0:35:120:35:17

-Chris, you don't have to go miles away from this price.

-No.

0:35:170:35:20

You could beat him by being a bit sneaky here.

0:35:200:35:22

I'll go for 229.

0:35:220:35:24

229. You said 230. OK.

0:35:240:35:27

-Do you know what?

-It's split the camp.

0:35:290:35:32

-The price is...a dead heat between you two guys at 229,500.

-OK.

0:35:320:35:39

So you've still won, Ed.

0:35:390:35:42

Two and a half to half, I'd say.

0:35:420:35:44

Yes. And valiantly played. Well done.

0:35:440:35:47

You've now seen all three properties.

0:35:470:35:49

You've got to go away and decide which one you wish to test-drive.

0:35:490:35:54

-We can't help you with that. So good luck.

-Thank you.

0:35:540:35:57

-And I've got no idea what you're going to pick.

-Nor have we.

0:35:570:36:00

Head off that way and we'll see you outside your chosen vehicle. Good luck.

0:36:000:36:05

Well, while Ed and Chris decide on their future, here's a reminder for

0:36:050:36:09

you guys at home of the epic journey that was today's three properties.

0:36:090:36:14

So, will this pair of retirees pick my property?

0:36:140:36:17

Four storeys, four beds, four minutes from a town centre.

0:36:170:36:20

Possibly, and a very reasonable 198,500 quid.

0:36:200:36:25

Or will they opt for my choice?

0:36:250:36:27

This period semi in the delightful village of Oxenhope has everything that Chris and Ed want,

0:36:270:36:31

plus a chance to add a bit more. All this for...

0:36:310:36:34

Or will the wild card do its usual magic and win them over?

0:36:360:36:39

This duplex apartment in Bradley was once the local mill.

0:36:390:36:41

But now it offers upmarket living and a semi-rural location.

0:36:410:36:47

And a price-tag bang on budget.

0:36:470:36:49

Well, Ed, will you look at that? The wild card wins yet again.

0:36:540:36:58

Well, I don't know. It is pretty impressive, isn't it?

0:36:580:37:01

-It is good.

-I'm just looking forward to looking inside.

-Before you start test-driving -

0:37:010:37:05

it really wasn't going to be my property today, was it?

0:37:050:37:08

-It's between Jonnie's one and the wild card.

-Yeah. I think so.

0:37:080:37:11

What swayed you in this decision?

0:37:110:37:13

I think the unusualness of it.

0:37:130:37:15

It's just so appealing, so different, with a lovely outside, a stream.

0:37:150:37:20

And the gorgeous views. I think, yeah...

0:37:200:37:24

-Does it say retirement property to you, a little bit more than the previous two houses?

-Don't know.

0:37:240:37:30

I think I need to get a little bit of activity in my retirement.

0:37:300:37:33

Small problem here, there's no place to do some woodwork and so on, but...

0:37:330:37:39

But then we've got this fantastic, you know,

0:37:390:37:41

countryside on the doorstep, all the walking we could want.

0:37:410:37:44

Places to go. Maybe retirement will give us new things to do.

0:37:440:37:48

-Absolutely.

-That's what a test-drive is all about, really.

0:37:480:37:52

Because it's a special episode, we've had the mysterious To Buy Or Not To Buy surveyor come round.

0:37:520:37:57

He's been in, looked round. It's not legally binding so if you did wish to buy it, you'd have to

0:37:570:38:02

get your own survey done, but it's a good heads-up about what you're walking into.

0:38:020:38:06

-He struggled.

-He was puzzled to find any fault with this place because it's pretty much brand new.

0:38:060:38:11

It's got seven years remaining of the guarantee

0:38:110:38:14

-which means any major fault you find is covered.

-Right.

-OK.

0:38:140:38:17

He did find one problem.

0:38:170:38:20

-And he had to look really hard for it. The fire strips on the doors.

-Yeah.

0:38:200:38:25

One of them is missing. Shock horror.

0:38:250:38:27

And it would cost you probably pence to fix. That's it.

0:38:270:38:30

So that's going to trouble your mortgage!

0:38:300:38:34

You're also in a great spot.

0:38:340:38:35

Near the fire exit, so if anything terrible happens, you're first out,

0:38:350:38:39

-And other than that, he just said it was great.

-Yeah.

0:38:390:38:43

-So that's it. Are you ready?

-We are.

0:38:430:38:46

-We are.

-Well, test-drive away to you.

-OK.

0:38:460:38:48

-Three. Two. One. Enter the house.

-OK.

0:38:480:38:50

Well, this is the point where there's nothing for us to do.

0:38:500:38:54

All we can do is maybe do some of the activities that they might like doing.

0:38:540:38:58

There's a cricket pitch over there. Bat?

0:38:580:39:00

I've got one in the car. See you later.

0:39:000:39:02

No messing with this pair.

0:39:060:39:08

Up on the mezzanine and it's arts and crafts a go-go.

0:39:080:39:13

Chris is wasting no time. Those bags won't make themselves.

0:39:130:39:16

As I look outside here, it's lots of places to go but there's nowhere outside that's distinctly ours.

0:39:160:39:23

There's so much around us.

0:39:230:39:25

Walking out and you'd have a definite feeling of open space, which is great.

0:39:250:39:31

-I'm really quite looking forward to walking along the canal.

-Yeah.

0:39:310:39:35

Taking a few pictures and things.

0:39:350:39:37

-Just look at that.

-I know.

0:39:370:39:39

Vicar Ed keeps talking about taking photos

0:39:390:39:42

so it's about time we saw this learned David Bailey in action.

0:39:420:39:45

-Quick, Ed. Duck.

-What do you mean, duck?

0:39:450:39:49

-No. There's a duck.

-Ah, nice shot. He's not bad.

0:39:490:39:52

David Bailey, eat your heart out.

0:39:520:39:55

Ed, look at those sticks.

0:40:020:40:04

It doesn't look like Nordic skiing terrain to me.

0:40:040:40:07

Well, let's hope their mood's not gone downhill, Jonnie.

0:40:070:40:10

Good walking? Hello.

0:40:100:40:13

-Very good.

-Very good. Yes. Come in.

0:40:130:40:14

What's the deal with these things here?

0:40:140:40:17

They're good. I've not had them long but they help you walking and they're good exercise.

0:40:170:40:21

I'm going to get a pair myself. I like the look of them.

0:40:210:40:24

I look forward to lots of walks in this area.

0:40:240:40:26

You're halfway towards skiing.

0:40:260:40:28

So how has the whole experience been, the test-drive? Is it too modern?

0:40:280:40:32

Did it feel all right? What was the overall impression?

0:40:320:40:35

It's really nice. It's not too modern and the inside is lovely.

0:40:350:40:38

The outside is lovely, but you get the old factor.

0:40:380:40:42

But no, this is a great place. I love it.

0:40:420:40:45

-OK. Ed, what do you reckon?

-Well, I still need a bit of garden,

0:40:450:40:49

I think. It really is very nice and I've maybe got to think about what I'll do when I retire.

0:40:500:40:56

Will I really want to do as much physical work as I'm planning? I don't know.

0:40:560:41:00

-Something to think about.

-It's a practical option.

0:41:000:41:03

With the elevator, and you can only live on one floor.

0:41:030:41:06

And all this beautiful countryside.

0:41:060:41:08

-Clearly getting into that.

-Absolutely.

0:41:080:41:11

-Yeah.

-So it leads me to the big question.

0:41:110:41:14

To buy or not to buy?

0:41:140:41:17

Well, we think probably not this house.

0:41:170:41:22

-Right.

-But we love the complex.

-OK.

0:41:220:41:25

And we're just looking around at some of the others here which have got a garden, so we're going to keep

0:41:250:41:31

our eye out and see if something comes up for sale with a garden.

0:41:310:41:36

-Oh, brilliant.

-And we'll be back.

0:41:360:41:38

So, at the end of all of this,

0:41:380:41:40

could you ever have imagined the programme would end with you looking at something like this?

0:41:400:41:44

-No.

-No. Not at all. No.

0:41:440:41:46

I think it would be beyond my expectations, to be honest.

0:41:460:41:49

Somewhere I would love to live but never thought it might be possible.

0:41:490:41:53

It's been an education for us all.

0:41:530:41:54

You've got two years in which to kind of achieve this.

0:41:540:41:57

If you go with something like that, you don't need to do any work.

0:41:570:42:00

But I mean, it's just lovely, so we're really pleased.

0:42:000:42:04

We've almost done it. Found the location.

0:42:040:42:06

-We've almost found you the block that you want to find your final home in, your retirement home.

-Yeah.

0:42:060:42:12

It's been a pleasure. Have you enjoyed it?

0:42:120:42:14

-I have. Yes.

-Absolutely.

0:42:140:42:16

-Let us know if you do find a place in here.

-We will. Yeah.

0:42:160:42:19

-And one day, we might come back.

-Right.

0:42:190:42:21

-You can borrow my sticks.

-I would love to.

0:42:210:42:23

I'm going to go to a shop now and buy those sticks.

0:42:230:42:26

-See you later on.

-OK. Thanks.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye.

0:42:260:42:28

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0:42:450:42:48

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