0:00:02 > 0:00:08- Welcome to Rutland, the smallest county in England.- Today, the UK's biggest property show is in town.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Get ready to ride in on the crest of a wave.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15Whilst we impart an entire reservoir of property know-how.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- Is big best, Jonnie?- Well, yeah, but equally, small can be beautiful.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32Happily, we have the best of both worlds today -
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- small county, big show.- Agreed.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38And the tried and tested formula of three properties.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41One of which you try before you buy.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45Now we just need to find someone that's looking to buy a house.
0:00:45 > 0:00:52- 'Will this pair do?- I don't see why not. This is Kate and Rory. This couple are love's young dream.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56'They have been seeing each other for just six months.
0:00:56 > 0:01:02'Kate lives in Oakham with her two children, James and Lenny, from a previous relationship.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05'She works from home as an auditor, is studying for an MA
0:01:05 > 0:01:09'and she also practises reiki, likes pottery and painting.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13'Rory has just enjoyed 12 months of leisure time.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18'After taking redundancy from the IT game, he has plans to buy his very own shop.
0:01:18 > 0:01:24'And we're going to be shopping around for their next home together. Shall we go and meet them?'
0:01:24 > 0:01:30Kate, I understand that today, Simon and I are after providing you with a fresh start.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- Is that right?- Yes.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- Are we moving far afield? - No, fairly locally.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39My children go to the local school. I'd like to stay that way.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42- Rory, you're along for moral support?- I am, yes.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Decision-making.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Ah! You've given something away there.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53Is Kate an indecisive kind of person or can't she make her mind up about that?
0:01:53 > 0:01:58- It's just a case of not seeing anything that's perfect yet. - So you have been looking?
0:01:58 > 0:02:02I have been. I'm probably not looking at the right thing.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06I'm looking at houses I like that aren't suitable family houses.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10What have been the houses that you like, but aren't suitable?
0:02:10 > 0:02:16I really like older properties and they tend to have very small courtyard gardens
0:02:16 > 0:02:18and quite small bedrooms.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23If, say, we found a property which we thought was good for the family,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27but not the lovely, chocolate-box, period property you're after,
0:02:27 > 0:02:33- are you becoming more open-minded because you've not found what you wanted?- I think so.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35LAUGHTER
0:02:35 > 0:02:38Right, I think we should just go home now, mate.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44Rory, I'll put you on the spot as Kate won't make her mind up.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Location - where would she like to be, do you think?
0:02:48 > 0:02:53Certainly still in Oakham. She wants everything sort of on her doorstep,
0:02:53 > 0:02:58not far to the children's school, not far to the childminder.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- It's a lovely town. - It is. I really like it here.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05What might you compromise on and what are your must-haves?
0:03:05 > 0:03:09I would say two-bedroom. I think we differ on this one.
0:03:09 > 0:03:15As long as they're big enough to take bunk beds. But you think I'm better off sticking with three.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- It's got to be three. - I am with Rory on this one.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And I work from home, so I need some office space.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Any other rooms that spring to mind?
0:03:24 > 0:03:29No. Part of my problem is I don't have a fixed idea about what I want.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33If I did, searching would be easier. I just don't really know.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- I take it a garden is essential for the boys?- It is, yeah.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42Right. And how far away from the schools are you prepared to go? What's the radius?
0:03:42 > 0:03:45I've been thinking about six miles.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51In the morning when it's rush hour, I'd be able to get the kids to school without too much problem.
0:03:51 > 0:03:57You seem fairly open-minded and fairly easy to please. You don't have lots of criteria, do you?
0:03:57 > 0:04:02I just get a feel for somewhere when I look round it. That's the frustrating bit.
0:04:02 > 0:04:08Maybe we're looking for the X-factor that we can't predict. You walk through the door and get this feel.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- That's going to be difficult to find.- It is. It depends how much money we've got.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16Let's talk turkey. How much?
0:04:16 > 0:04:18- 240.- Right.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23- This is where you come in, Simon. - This is where I go, "Could we push you any more than that?"
0:04:23 > 0:04:29- I don't want to go more than that. - For someone who's indecisive... - I'm very decisive about that.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35- I'm going to make a decision right now.- That's going outside?- It is. See you later.- See you later.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39Now, I can see that Kate is a fairly indecisive person.
0:04:39 > 0:04:46- I'm not so sure now.- But I think we can help her. They definitely want three bedrooms.- Maybe. Maybe not.
0:04:46 > 0:04:52We also know that they like modern facilities of a property, but also maybe a touch of traditional.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58- Do you think so? I'm not so sure. - You're not getting indecisive now? - I don't know.- Give me strength!
0:04:59 > 0:05:03'OK, so, Oakham, the county town of Rutland.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07'Rutland is small, but it hasn't stopped it having a momentous past.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11'Like when it lost its county status and became part of Leicestershire?
0:05:11 > 0:05:17'Yes, but happier days were ahead when, in 1997, Rutland's county status was restored.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19'It's small, but perfectly formed.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23'Rutland Water is the largest man-made reservoir in Europe.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27'Tim Appleton has worked here since its creation in the '70s.'
0:05:27 > 0:05:32Tim, first question, do you remember this landscape before the water was here?
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Yeah, absolutely, it was green. It was full of beautiful old houses.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Wonderful valleys - two valleys linked together.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43And now it's transformed to this massive great area of water.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- How many households were here? - It wasn't as bad as everyone seems to think.
0:05:48 > 0:05:55- You think of lovely old villages submerged, bells ringing... - People running to the high ground!
0:05:55 > 0:05:58That wasn't the case. It was about 14, 15 houses.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03What sort of activities can you get up to around the area now?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06It's brilliant. It's transformed the whole environment.
0:06:06 > 0:06:11There's obvious things like sailing and fishing that go on on most reservoirs.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15There's fantastic cycling. It's one of the greenest counties I know.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20You can cycle round the whole 27 miles. And, of course, bird-watching.
0:06:20 > 0:06:27The Wildlife Trust here has built up a fantastic nature reserve of international importance.
0:06:27 > 0:06:34- I guess Rutland Water now makes this a very desirable area to live?- Yes, the price of houses has just soared.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Anything that overlooks the water is an arm and a leg job for a start.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43But generally speaking, it has had a massive impact on the local economy.
0:06:43 > 0:06:48Over 1,000 people around the area are connected in some way to tourism.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52- 'So Rutland could cost a pretty penny, Simon.- That it might, Jonnie.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58- 'I wonder though?- What?- What can you get for £240,000 in the rest of the country?- Let's find out.
0:06:58 > 0:07:04'If living in the Border Country is your thing, this place might also be your thing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07'Lower Westwood is a chunk of Westwood House.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10'This chunk has three beds, two receptions,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15'all on the ground floor of this high-spec conversion.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20'Just a matter of 445 miles to get yourself from the Borders to Plympton near Plymouth
0:07:20 > 0:07:24'to find this four-bed, detached family home.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29'What about glorious views of Herefordshire?
0:07:29 > 0:07:35'They can be found in this three-bed period house in Malvern,
0:07:35 > 0:07:40'close to local shops and all the glory of the Malvern Hills.'
0:07:40 > 0:07:46If you fancy a change in your working environment, then why not think about working from home?
0:07:46 > 0:07:50In 2008, 3% of the UK's workforce worked from home
0:07:50 > 0:07:53with 7% doing so at least once a week.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59But there are a few things to bear in mind before starting your own home business.
0:07:59 > 0:08:04The same health and safety legislation applies whether it's a home office...
0:08:04 > 0:08:06..or an actual office.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- PHONE RINGS - Hello. Can I help you?
0:08:09 > 0:08:15If you work from home or use part of it for commercial purposes, you may have to tell your mortgage provider.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19And your insurance company as it may affect your premium.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24On the upside, you may be able to charge some of your utility bills back against your business tax.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30You may also be charged business rates, so check with the Valuation Office Agency.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36The To Buy Or Not To Buy office has been on the hunt with Jonnie and I for the perfect property for Kate.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- How have we got on?- Pretty well.
0:08:38 > 0:08:43This is modern, but I reckon it's got all the bedrooms they wanted,
0:08:43 > 0:08:46it's got the outside space, close to the school.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It's just a stone's throw away from where they live.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55- You're thinking practically.- I am. - I have gone pure romance. How about that for a period property?
0:08:55 > 0:09:0116th century, no less. It is right on the edge of Kate's search area, but I still think she will love it.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- That's property two. Now, the wild card.- Look at that - she's wild!
0:09:06 > 0:09:12- This may look a bit small from the front, but this property just keeps on giving.- That's the wild card.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18- Shall we make another decision? - I'm not sure.- Shall we start the property tours?- Could do.- Where?
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Number 1.- Yeah, your choice.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26'Near Oakham town centre is this beauty.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30'There's a quiet cul-de-sac for the kids and a play park over the road.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36'It also has everything Kate wants from a property - four beds, detached, en-suite and a garage.'
0:09:36 > 0:09:40So, Kate and Rory, property one. I hope you're very excited.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- What do you think?- Looks good. - I like it.- Do you know this area?
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- Yeah. We walk up this way to school every week.- Jonnie's given you a modern property.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- How do you feel with that, Kate? - I'm not sure at the moment.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58I agree with you. I'm not sure about this at all.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Listen, ignore this indecision.
0:10:01 > 0:10:06You've got loads of bedrooms in here, you've got nice spaces for the boys.
0:10:06 > 0:10:12I think this is a very practical option and practicality should be at the heart of your property search.
0:10:12 > 0:10:18- So keep this practical thought in mind and have a look.- All right. - In you go.- Help her out.- Will do.
0:10:18 > 0:10:23- I'm being positive now. How are you feeling?- I don't know. What shall we do now?
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- We'll listen to them like this house.- Like it.- Come on.
0:10:28 > 0:10:33- So far, so good.- Yeah, I like the hallway.- Yeah, nice, big hallway. - It is.- Dining room.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39And I do like the way this door opens into the hall,
0:10:39 > 0:10:45- so when you're in the dining room... - It doesn't seem too small. - ..you don't feel claustrophobic.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- Even though it's smallish, it's opened up, isn't it?- That's true.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55I think my only slight concern would be the distance from the kitchen with the kids.
0:10:55 > 0:11:02It would be useful if we could put a table in the kitchen, then this room could be a playroom or an office.
0:11:02 > 0:11:08- They don't necessarily need a playroom.- Yes, they do cos it all comes downstairs.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13You need a room where you can say to the kids, "That's your room, this is our room.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16"We're not having toys all over the living area."
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- This is a good-sized room.- It is.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22And it opens out to the garden as well.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- That's nice for the kids, isn't it? I like that.- Very nice.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31- A bit too much gardening for me.- I'm not sure I could do that justice.
0:11:31 > 0:11:37- It is a lovely garden.- The boys would "manicure" that garden. They'd turn it into a massive play area.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- Good.- They have got a table in here.- Perfect.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46In that case, I wouldn't have that room as a dining room. I think I'd change it.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I'm not a big fan of fitted kitchens,
0:11:49 > 0:11:54although everywhere that I look has a fitted kitchen. I might be inclined to change the sink.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Yeah.- Have my butler sink back in.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01This kitchen is a fantastic dining kitchen for a young family.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05You have the boys at the table doing their homework while you cook their evening meal.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- You're right, this is the living space. This is where you spend 90% of your time.- Yeah.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17I like the stairs at the top here, the way they come into the middle of the landing.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22- Yeah. And everything shoots off from the centre, doesn't it? - Yeah, it's quite light.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Yeah...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29It gives presence to the upstairs, rather than shooting straight into a bedroom.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32The bathroom...
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- Oh, good, it's got a shower as well.- Yes.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42And a positive aspect of this is it's the bathroom that's over the garage.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47When you have the bedrooms over the garage, they tend to be quite cold.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- That's true.- Above the empty space.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55A lot of old barns kept the cows on the ground floor and the living accommodation on the first floor,
0:12:55 > 0:13:01so the heat from the cows would heat the first floor. It still happens in the Tyrol region of Austria.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08- OK, this is a good size... - Yeah, they've got a double in, haven't they?
0:13:08 > 0:13:14They've got a double in. It's hopefully not the master bedroom or main bedroom.
0:13:14 > 0:13:19- Built-in cupboards. It'd be a good child's bedroom.- There'd be a fight amongst the boys.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25- Will there be a fight, Jonnie? - Not necessarily. It depends how they configure the first floor.
0:13:25 > 0:13:31This has got four bedrooms, so, actually, I could keep this as the office,
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- which means the downstairs dining room could be a playroom. - Perfect.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- And a view of the rolling hills. It would be a lovely place to do some work.- Yeah.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Is this the main bedroom?
0:13:45 > 0:13:49No, I don't think so. Another good-sized room, though.
0:13:49 > 0:13:55- The boys wouldn't be fighting over who gets the bigger bedroom. - No, cos they're quite similar sizes.
0:13:55 > 0:14:02- Very similar.- In both rooms, if you got a single along the side here, it leaves quite a lot of play space.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Hmm. Yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Yeah, good size.- Yeah, excellent.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Let's have a look at the last room then.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19This is nice, the master bedroom.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Nice views.
0:14:22 > 0:14:29- Yeah.- Yeah?- I think I like the master bedroom at the back of the house, if I had a choice.- Yeah.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's a bit more private, but yeah, a nice view.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37The master bedroom I'm hoping goes from being practical to being a real positive.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- A-ha, en-suite!- Yes.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Excellent.- Big shower, brilliant. - Oh, yes, I do like this.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49They were certainly correct in saying this is a very practical house.
0:14:49 > 0:14:56- Yes.- I think this is exactly what you're looking for, practicality-wise.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00I'm surprised, a big four-bedroom down here, overlooking the park.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04I don't think it can be in my price range.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10So, for the first property, how did I do?
0:15:10 > 0:15:12- It was OK.- Oh!
0:15:12 > 0:15:16Sounds like my school report. "Could do better", was it?
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- It was quite practical.- As you said. - That is my middle name!- It just didn't excite me particularly.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27I was hoping the en-suite upstairs might have turned your head a bit?
0:15:27 > 0:15:29No, obviously not!
0:15:29 > 0:15:34- Jonnie, I'm going to jump to your defence here.- Thank you, Simon.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40- This is everything you need. This is a detached property.- Yeah. - On your budget, that's a find.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45The boys get their own double bedroom. Office upstairs...
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Have I succeeded?- You have done that, yes, and I'm surprised
0:15:49 > 0:15:54that my budget would allow for a new build, quite a big house, four-bedroom,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57but I don't know, I can't explain why.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- Rory, what did you think about this place?- It is very, very practical.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08It ticks all the boxes, everything that she asked for, except there's no soul to the property.
0:16:08 > 0:16:13There's no character. When you walk in, there's just no... You don't feel anything.
0:16:13 > 0:16:20We're giving you a hard time about being indecisive, but maybe you just haven't got that right feel.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25I tell you what might win you over. We've got to be very decisive now.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28It's "guess the price" time. Who's going to go first?
0:16:28 > 0:16:33Your budget is £240,000 maximum. You were very specific about that.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- Yeah.- Are you going to jump in at the deep end, Kate? - I think it's going to be more.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- Go on.- 249,950.- OK.
0:16:43 > 0:16:48I'm going to go for 259,950.
0:16:48 > 0:16:54That sounds like you were both impressed with the property and what it gave you.
0:16:54 > 0:17:00- You are spot-on, right on the money. - Oh!- 249,950. Well done. - That's amazing. Fantastic.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02So what are your feelings now?
0:17:02 > 0:17:07- SHE SIGHS - Well, you're smiling.- That's because I got the answer right!
0:17:07 > 0:17:10LAUGHTER
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I tell you what - you're not the only person that likes it.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17It's come to the market just below the stamp-duty threshold.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23A four-bedroomed house below the stamp threshold is attractive to a lot of families.
0:17:23 > 0:17:29There's already someone else quite interested in it, so you've not got much time, which leads us on to...
0:17:29 > 0:17:35I haven't made up my mind about anything today, but now it's time for my property, which is this way.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37No, it's this way. Come on.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44In Greetham, a few miles from Oakham, is this stone-built cottage.
0:17:44 > 0:17:51Kate mentioned character and this place has it in abundance, along with all the other essentials -
0:17:51 > 0:17:57four beds, en-suite, two receptions. Kate will be bowled over when she has a gander in here.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01OK, folks, property two today is my choice.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07I've been at sixes and sevens today, except when it came to picking this one. First impressions, please?
0:18:07 > 0:18:12- I think it's a really attractive house.- Lots of character.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17- You did say perhaps the problem with Jonnie's you had was it lacked a bit of soul.- Yeah.
0:18:17 > 0:18:23I guarantee this place is full of it. 16th century, this dates back from.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Lovely.- On the downside of that,
0:18:26 > 0:18:32we did struggle on your budget, we'll be quite frank, to find the detached, characterful property.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- This one's terraced. What do you think of that?- I don't know yet. - Come on.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43- Speak your mind.- It depends how nice it is on the inside.- I'll also point out one other thing.
0:18:43 > 0:18:50If you're worried about noise from the neighbours, the walls in this place are built from the local stone
0:18:50 > 0:18:54and they are 30 centimetres, that's 12 inches in old money, thick.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- The current vendors say they don't hear each other.- What do you think about the location?
0:18:59 > 0:19:05You're prepared to go out six or so miles. We're still within that radius. It's quite a nice village.
0:19:05 > 0:19:11- Do you know Greetham at all? - Vaguely. I drive through it and I really like it.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- But- I- really like it. I don't know how suitable it is for the kids.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18It's got a real community spirit.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22It's got its own post office, shop, three pubs. There's lots going on.
0:19:22 > 0:19:27It's not one of those dormitory villages where people come home and close the curtains.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33- So I think there'll be plenty for the kids to do here.- OK. - You clearly like the look of this.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- Go inside. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so eat up.- OK.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42I'm impressed, mate. You've become very decisive with this one.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47- Do you know what we're going to do now?- What?- Listen to the headphones. Come on!
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- This is more like it. - Wow, I like this!- Really good.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Yeah, I like the feel of it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Nice, wide hallway. - It is, yeah. I like the beam.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- Oh, that's lovely!- Oh, wow!
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Fantastic.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11This is the best room in the house. It's a real "wow" room, isn't it?
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- It's a bit different, not just a square room. Working fireplace?- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20It's a bit '80s maybe?
0:20:20 > 0:20:25- I might be inclined to change the surround.- Yeah.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28I like these little nooks and crannies in here.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31A couple of other things to point out -
0:20:31 > 0:20:35at the back, there are two little alcoves, one on the rear wall.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41That's the old rear window because when this place was built, that was the back wall.
0:20:41 > 0:20:47- Like two up, two down?- Tiny little cottage. And there's an alcove next to the fireplace - bread oven.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Oh, good job I'm not too tall.
0:20:51 > 0:20:57- Again there's similar sort of little built-in...- Quirky little alcoves.- Shelves, yeah.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02- Oh, right, is that...?- Ah!
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Oh, yes.- That is lovely. - It is, isn't it?
0:21:05 > 0:21:08I like the flooring.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Again I like the little shelf in the wall.
0:21:11 > 0:21:17- And a great fireplace. - We could probably put a fireplace back in there, couldn't we?- Yeah.
0:21:17 > 0:21:23I like these little shelves, but I think you might be able to take this middle section out
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- and have little shelves that go all the way through.- You could...
0:21:27 > 0:21:31This is all stud wall, so you could take the whole of that wall out
0:21:31 > 0:21:37- and have an open kitchen-diner... - Beautiful.- ..which would be a lot better and brighter.- It would.- Yes.
0:21:37 > 0:21:43I would normally have concerns about people coming to a period property and knocking walls down,
0:21:43 > 0:21:49but this is the one part that anyone could knock through. It's only a stud partition.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50Absolutely.
0:21:51 > 0:21:58- The utility bit. They've got everything in here. - Shall we move on?- Yeah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Aha! Box room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13It's quite a small room. It's got quite a big window, but...
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- It's ideal for an office.- Yeah.
0:22:16 > 0:22:23- Exactly what it's being used for. - As an office, it's fine, but I think it's a third bedroom.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Oh, do you think that, Kate?
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- That's much better in size.- Yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- High ceilings, aren't they, in these old houses?- Yeah.
0:22:38 > 0:22:44- High ceilings for a cottage of this age. You don't normally see this. - We're up into the roof space.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- It's got a nice feel to it. - It has. I like it.- I do.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- Next one. - ..Another double bedroom.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- A quite similar size to the other one.- Yeah.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01This is good, though. Those two rooms are practically identical.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- For the two boys... - So they won't argue.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- Room sizes.- Who gets what.- Yes.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14I think Kate's been pretty lucky so far. She's getting houses that give her boys separate rooms.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17That's pretty good in her budget.
0:23:17 > 0:23:22- Oh, there's secrets. - Is there?- Oh, wow.- What? Oh, gosh.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Wow!- Oh, wow. Gosh.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- So is this the master bedroom? - Well, I'm not sure.
0:23:29 > 0:23:35- It's handy.- It is very handy. - Unless it's the only bathroom.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- No, surely.- You never know. - That's true.
0:23:38 > 0:23:45- Imagine being a young boy and having your own en suite. Luxury.- It's not going to happen.- No way, Jose.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Another secret room now? - Just an airing cupboard.- OK.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Good stuff.
0:23:56 > 0:24:02- Ah, so this is the bathroom. - This is the...- So it has got a proper main bathroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06It's really nice. Doesn't have a mounted shower.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- It doesn't.- But there is a shower cubicle in the other bedroom.- Yes.
0:24:10 > 0:24:17I would use the space from the airing cupboard, bring it into the bathroom, free-standing shower.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- That would be very nice. - Oh, yes, I like this.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- I like this, too.- Nice big room.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26Bright, airy, back of the house.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- I like the master bedroom at the back.- No road noise or anything.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35And two windows keeps it really light.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39That's a beautiful view out the window. I really like that.
0:24:39 > 0:24:44- You get a lot of space. - You do get a lot.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47It's quite a big bedroom and there's four bedrooms.
0:24:47 > 0:24:53- I could have my office up here. And the lounge is quite big.- Good size. Straight out to the back garden.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- I like this one.- I like the layout.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I'm feeling quite pleased with myself. That seemed to go very well.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08- It did. I really like it.- There's just a really nice feeling to it.
0:25:08 > 0:25:14- There is. It's calm and peaceful and has got a really nice feel. - Rory, would you agree?
0:25:14 > 0:25:19You've hit it spot on. Practical, has character, space. Perfect.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25I was explaining to Jonnie that his mistake was listening to what you wanted and needed.
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- I just picked a house I liked. - Similar taste in houses and coats!
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Exactly. There you go.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36But from the front door you were making all the right noises.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42- Everything you said positive about the house was everything you could see.- Definitely.
0:25:42 > 0:25:49Right. That's the inside. And out back here, one of your requirements was a nice garden.
0:25:49 > 0:25:56- We've got this lovely garden here. What do we think?- There's a gate. What's it for?- Good question.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01That is to give you access across next door's garden to the rear of your property.
0:26:01 > 0:26:07It's a one-way thing. They don't have access into your garden.
0:26:07 > 0:26:14OK, it's price time. You guessed very well for the modern property, mine, that we showed you.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Who would like to guess the price first?- My turn.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22Just under budget. Maybe £50 under budget.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- £239,995.- OK.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30- 950.- Done. - What's 45 quid among friends?
0:26:30 > 0:26:35- OK, so £239,950 for Rory. Kate?- I think it's going to be more.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39I think it's going to be more like £255,950.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Mm, you do? I've got to make a decision with my maths.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47You are very good at this, you two. And it's one-all.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- Wow!- Because you were £50 out.
0:26:50 > 0:26:56- It's actually bang on the money, nice round numbers, £240,000. - Wow.
0:26:56 > 0:27:01- There you go.- That surprises me. - Good. We're glad about that, too.
0:27:01 > 0:27:07- It's a good surprise.- It is. - Do you want another good surprise? - Yeah, go on.- Jonnie?
0:27:07 > 0:27:12- Is it time for the Wild Card? - It is! Let's this way!
0:27:14 > 0:27:21- Now then, it's Wild Card time and it's a belter.- The house is in the rural village of Wing.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- I've got a feeling Kate will really like it.- I think she will.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31- It ticks all Kate's boxes, but with a twist.- I wouldn't expect anything else from a Wild Card.
0:27:31 > 0:27:38So, in precis, two beds, two receptions, charm a-plenty and an amazing garden set-up.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42So everybody's favourite part of the show is the Wild Card.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Now, is it wild? Is it good?
0:27:45 > 0:27:50It doesn't look very wild. It's not detached, but that's OK.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53I love the road. I love it up here.
0:27:53 > 0:28:01- Explain. We're in the village of Wing.- One of my favourite villages. We spent last weekend up here.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Oh, right. We're very close to Rutland Water. Is that good?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08Really good. We go to the sailing club.
0:28:08 > 0:28:15- Rory, what are you thinking? - I'm thinking it looks quite small. - Practical. That's why you're here.
0:28:15 > 0:28:22OK, you will discover whether it is or not as you wander round. It's the Wild Card - it has surprises.
0:28:22 > 0:28:29The term that Jonnie and I came up with, separately, was that this place is sweet. It really is.
0:28:29 > 0:28:35It's got the character you asked for. This is built somewhere around 1860, 1865.
0:28:35 > 0:28:41So you've got the period features. Let's hope you've got some bigger dimensions.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44Off you go. See you in a bit.
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Oh!
0:28:51 > 0:28:56- Well, this is quirky. - Different!
0:28:56 > 0:29:01Yeah, it is. The kitchen feels like a sort of outdoor area.
0:29:01 > 0:29:09- It's like a conservatory. - We used the word sweet. They said quirky. Quirky's probably more apt.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Yeah, it is quirky.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15You wouldn't get another table in. It's where the sink is.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Yeah.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I like the flooring. Oh, a little office area here.
0:29:22 > 0:29:27That's handy. Not sure I'd get all my work things in there.
0:29:27 > 0:29:34- It's nice and light. I like it. - Different. It's not a standard fitted kitchen.- Absolutely.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35Right.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40I guess this would have been the dining room. That's nice.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42I like the woodburner.
0:29:42 > 0:29:48- I don't know. I think it's a bit small.- It is quite small. And just really unusual.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- It has character, though.- It has.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Likeable. - And it's just really different.
0:29:54 > 0:30:00- The set-up is really unusual. - This house doesn't have that newly-refurbished feel to it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05It has the earthy, stylish, dare I say it, shabby chic feel.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- Bohemian would have been a better term.- Indeed.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16- Oh, that's really sweet. I really like that chimney.- Yeah.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22- Front door comes straight into the lounge.- Yes.- They don't use it.
0:30:22 > 0:30:30- Is that front door an issue?- I don't know. It doesn't bother me in terms of the kids going round the back.
0:30:30 > 0:30:36But it might bother me when people come to the house and knock on it. If I'm sitting here...
0:30:37 > 0:30:43- I think with the two young boys in here, it could get a bit... - Yeah. Stifling!
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Claustrophobic.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50Nice to not be overlooked at all, though. I like the view.
0:30:50 > 0:30:51Yeah.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56I think you can hear that they both appreciate the style of this place,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59but I'm not hearing that brightness.
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- Beautiful.- That is very nice. - I really like that.
0:31:12 > 0:31:17- Well, they've got a bunk in here, so it's...- Yeah.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20You're not impressed.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23What's in this cupboard?
0:31:23 > 0:31:27- Storage.- Right. Toy cupboard. that's quite useful.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- Again, I like the flooring. - Yeah, I do. I like the floor.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37You could easily get, as they have done, the same arrangement.
0:31:37 > 0:31:44From this point, my powers of deduction say this is only two-bed.
0:31:48 > 0:31:53Now this is a nice room. I like this.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57The master bedroom is lovely, but Rory's gone very, very quiet.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04Beautiful view out of the window.
0:32:04 > 0:32:08- Not overlooked at all. Isn't that nice?- It is very nice.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Ah, now, this will be the bathroom off this main bedroom.
0:32:12 > 0:32:18- So if the boys need the toilet in the night, they'd come through... - If there is one downside,
0:32:18 > 0:32:26- whoever's in the other bedroom has to come through there.- I totally agree. First thing I thought of.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30Actually, nice bathroom. I like the separate shower.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34It bothers me that it's off the main bedroom.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39- It's quirky. It's...- I like where it is. Really, really nice outside.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44And I like the village, but it's just too small.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Shall we see what the boys say?
0:32:47 > 0:32:52- OK, Jonnie, here they come. - This is a strange set-up.- It is.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57This must be next door's garden. And this is next door, isn't it?
0:32:57 > 0:33:03- Yeah.- So you have to come into next door's garden to come into your own. - It's just shared access.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Keep coming down the path. - Keep going?- Stay positive.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11Hopefully, it will get better. Keep walking.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Oh!- Ah!
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Office, look.- Yeah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- Aha!- They're using this as an office.- Yeah.
0:33:25 > 0:33:29It'd be very peaceful. Free from distraction.
0:33:29 > 0:33:34Also got power in here. I'd get my desk and everything in.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- Oh, well. Extra space, isn't it? - It is.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- There's more yet. - Another one!
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Oh, wow. This is a big space.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- This is bigger than the lounge! - It is, isn't it?
0:33:51 > 0:33:58I might be inclined to make this the office. There's more space. I could have my books in here.
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- It feels warm in here, so it's obviously...- Well insulated.- Yeah.
0:34:03 > 0:34:10- Shall we move on? I spotted some slides and things at the side here. - A bit more garden? Let's look.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Oh, my God! Another shed!
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Fantastic!
0:34:21 > 0:34:26What's in there? It looks like a house! Oh, wow! And goats!
0:34:26 > 0:34:28- And goats!- Hello!
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- It's like a house in itself! - Isn't it?- That's incredible.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40A little kitchen.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46- Oh, my goodness. It's got a cooker and everything. And a sink. - Once again, not a fitted kitchen.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- No!- Wow.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50That's incredible.
0:34:52 > 0:34:58- I wasn't expecting this at all.- No. - A really nice room. And stairs! Oh, my goodness, me.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Is that safe? I'm not going up there!
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Am I?- Yeah, go on.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06After you.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- What's up there? - Well, there is a bed.
0:35:12 > 0:35:18- A little bedroom.- Yeah. - And a toilet. A little bathroom.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19Wow.
0:35:22 > 0:35:28Now the property itself, you were spot on when you said it looked a bit small.
0:35:28 > 0:35:34- But once you get outside, it did give you a bit more. - A lot more.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37- Enough more? - Don't ask them that yet!
0:35:37 > 0:35:44- Don't spoil it! - When you think of it, that is almost another living space.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49It's lovely, but I don't know how I would use the space.
0:35:49 > 0:35:55- With the boys being so young, I wouldn't leave them on their own. - Plenty to think about?- Oh, yes.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58And now it's guess the price.
0:35:58 > 0:36:04- It's one-all, at the moment. - This is really hard. I really just don't know.
0:36:04 > 0:36:10Kate, you were spot-on with the first property. Rory, you were spot-on with the second.
0:36:10 > 0:36:17- Third property - who goes first? Ladies first.- I'm going to go with what I thought first. That's 215.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20OK. Rory?
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- I think this is considerably lower than that.- Do you?
0:36:24 > 0:36:31- Just based on the house itself without thinking of everything else, I'm going to say 185.- 185.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33It's 199,950.
0:36:33 > 0:36:40- So you're both on the button, but we have to go with the 185. - 185 is closer by £50!
0:36:40 > 0:36:42It's 50 quid closer! I'm sorry.
0:36:42 > 0:36:48- Two-one to Rory. What's your reaction to that?- Eh...yeah.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50I'm quite surprised it's as low.
0:36:50 > 0:36:57- It's a beautiful location.- It is. - And so close to Rutland Water. It really adds a premium.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01And there's so few other properties around. It's so quiet.
0:37:01 > 0:37:08- Anyway, we've now shown you three very different properties. Which one will you test drive?- I don't know.
0:37:08 > 0:37:14- Well, you've got to go and decide. Put your heads together. She needs practical help, Rory.- OK, yes.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16- Thank you.- Good luck!
0:37:16 > 0:37:19And whilst they're off doing that...
0:37:19 > 0:37:25Here's a reminder for you folks back at home of today's indecisive/decisive house tour.
0:37:26 > 0:37:34Is Property One in the hot seat? Well, if she wants plenty of living space and a great place for kids,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36it should be a safe bet on my pick.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39All this modern living for...
0:37:39 > 0:37:46Or if her love of character properties sways her, there's this stone-built cottage.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Only a madman would turn it down.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53Plus a nifty 240 grand price tag makes it a sane choice.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57But you would have to be bonkers not to fall for the Wild Card.
0:37:57 > 0:38:02It has quirk, charm, that lived-in feeling and three timber cabins.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04All that for...
0:38:09 > 0:38:13So here we are, Property Number Two. Not so much, "Well done, Simon,"
0:38:13 > 0:38:17- but you've chosen his favourite property.- What was it about this?
0:38:17 > 0:38:22It had a really nice feel to it. I really liked all the room sizes.
0:38:22 > 0:38:27I thought it was going to be quite small, but there's living space.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31There's equal size for the young boys in the bedrooms. Fantastic.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- There you go.- Good news. - Well, is it good news?
0:38:35 > 0:38:39Our eagle-eyed surveyor has given this place the once over.
0:38:39 > 0:38:45Bear in mind that it's four centuries old. He came up with a few interesting points.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52It's not a legally binding survey, so get all your surveys and searches done. You know that.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58This window has been widened, but at the time or at some time afterwards,
0:38:58 > 0:39:05there's been some movement. The top two windows look as if they're dipping slightly.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10Our surveyor's recommendation is to get a structural surveyor in, but while he's here...
0:39:10 > 0:39:15Get him to go inside as well and look at the beam in the lounge.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19A beautiful old beam, but it's been spliced.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24It's got that supporting bar, the iron supporting bar.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30What would actually support the weight much better is to have two fishplates either side.
0:39:30 > 0:39:36That way, you support the structure above much better than having something underneath the bow.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40So just something for him to check out and give recommendations.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43But it's been here 400 years.
0:39:43 > 0:39:49- Go on! Get in and enjoy it.- We will. - What shall we do?- Perhaps just enjoy this beautiful area
0:39:49 > 0:39:54and maybe go for a romantic stroll. Or just a walk. Come on.
0:39:58 > 0:40:05As they've wisely chosen my place, I'll start. What have these two got planned for this property?
0:40:05 > 0:40:12- Well, as we previously discussed, this wall's got to go.- Got to go. - It has got to go.
0:40:12 > 0:40:19- And it's going to open this all up completely. Lots lighter. - You could put a big table in here.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24- And have comfy seats round the edge. - Yeah.- A couple of armchairs.
0:40:24 > 0:40:31No messing about there, then! When Kate's made up her mind, she really knows what she wants.
0:40:31 > 0:40:37There might be some disagreements between the boys about the bedrooms with one having an en suite.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42I'm just wondering if we could close the door off to the en suite
0:40:42 > 0:40:47and put a door in this corridor. Then the boys have that bathroom.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53Then I could put a little door at the top of these stairs and have that as my space up there.
0:40:53 > 0:41:00- Fantastic idea. - It IS a fantastic idea and one that even I didn't think of!
0:41:00 > 0:41:05Good to see it's not all work. A bit of R and R never hurt anyone.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08Looks like hard work to me!
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Yay!
0:41:10 > 0:41:15- Roar! You're a tiger, Rory! - Tiger?! I'm getting out of here.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19The test drive is a rare privilege, really.
0:41:19 > 0:41:26It is. We've had time to have a look at the walls and try to work out what we would change.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30I'm dying to find out, but I think Simon should ask the big question.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34Oh, can I? Go on, then. To buy or not to buy?
0:41:34 > 0:41:36To buy.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Fantastic news! Brilliant!
0:41:39 > 0:41:45- It's been a pleasure showing you round...- Hold on a minute. Was that actually a decision?
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- Yeah.- YOU look surprised. - I'm very surprised.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- "I'm not sure... No, got it!" - Absolutely fabulous.
0:41:54 > 0:42:01We hope by showing you three very different houses it did help you come to a very decisive decision.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07It was a really good way of doing it. It separated out what I've been mixing up.
0:42:07 > 0:42:12I don't like modern properties and I've realised that today.
0:42:12 > 0:42:19- I much prefer this age of property. To find one with this much space is unusual.- With Rory's help.
0:42:19 > 0:42:25- Of course.- The practicality that you've brought to the table has been absolutely flawless.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29- You've helped a decision to be made. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- Shall I make a decision now? - I think you're up to it.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38- We're going. See you later and good luck.- Thank you.- Bye!
0:42:51 > 0:42:53Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd