0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Hello, and welcome.- Today we're in my home county of Northamptonshire.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10- Along the cusp of Oxfordshire. - And crossing over into Warwickshire. Erm, we've got to go that way!
0:00:10 > 0:00:13- But you said... - Yeah, I know, but it's...
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- This isn't the place. Why are we stopping? - Because, Jonny, a little bird
0:00:26 > 0:00:29from the mystery To Buy Or Not To Buy property team
0:00:29 > 0:00:32tells me that today's buyers are would-be eco-warriors.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37So, with that in mind, we are ditching four wheels
0:00:37 > 0:00:42and taking to two to help reduce our carbon footprint.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46When do you come up with these ideas and at what stage were you going to tell me?
0:00:46 > 0:00:51- I'm not exactly dressed for cycling. - You look fine.- Is this just until we get to their house?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Well, no, because they have similar bikes,
0:00:53 > 0:00:58so it's a case of eight wheels looking for three houses...
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- Giving them one unique chance.. - To try one...- Before they buy one.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Yep. So, come on, grab that and get on your bike.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12'And our budding eco-warriors in the making are Paul and Debra Cuncannon.'
0:01:12 > 0:01:15'They've just accepted an offer on their family-sized,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18'detached modern dwelling on the outskirts of Banbury.'
0:01:18 > 0:01:21'They moved there ten years ago to be closer to school for their children,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24'Tom, Pete and Camilla.'
0:01:24 > 0:01:28'Now, fast forward ten years and the kids are no longer kids
0:01:28 > 0:01:33'and, with the exception of Tom, who is studying at home, are all away living at university.'
0:01:33 > 0:01:36'So that leaves the outskirts of Banbury surplus to requirements,
0:01:36 > 0:01:40'meaning Mum and Dad can finally put themselves first.'
0:01:40 > 0:01:44'Both green-fingered and keen runners, Paul and Debra want to move somewhere
0:01:44 > 0:01:48'where they can continue to keep fit and get back to the good life with a huge veggie patch.'
0:01:48 > 0:01:52'I've heard that our opening location is key to the impending property search.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'Hands up if you know the answer! Too slow, Jonny.'
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- Miss! Question Miss! Miss, Miss, Miss!- Yes, O'Brien?
0:01:59 > 0:02:02Tell us about this search. It's all about this school, isn't it?
0:02:02 > 0:02:05It is, yes. This is where I work.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08And I like my school. I think my school is a lovely school.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12So when we thought about moving away, we decided that I would stay here,
0:02:12 > 0:02:17we'll stay put in this area until I retire, basically.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22What a lovely area it is. South Northamptonshire is spectacular countryside.
0:02:22 > 0:02:28- It is, it's beautiful. We like it. - And you're ready to proceed, you're sold and good to go. Is that right?
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- Yeah, we sold about a month ago. - Why are you moving now? What's brought on this process?
0:02:33 > 0:02:37We want to move back out in the countryside, that's the key thing.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We moved from the countryside, we miss our garden,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44- we miss the views, we miss being away from the town.- Country living.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46We always like to ask, "what's the dream?"
0:02:46 > 0:02:51When you close your eyes and imagine the property you want to buy into next, what does it look like?
0:02:51 > 0:02:58That's easy. It's stone and it's pretty and it's chocolate-boxy.
0:02:58 > 0:03:04OK. It's got roses round the back door and a lovely big garden looking over fields and sheep and things.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08I'm from Northampton myself, so I know we're fortunate in Northamptonshire
0:03:08 > 0:03:13to have a lot of stone-built properties, all these beautiful villages surrounding us.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17What kind of radius are you looking within and are there any particular villages you like?
0:03:17 > 0:03:21I think we've decided on a radius of about 20 miles
0:03:21 > 0:03:25because we're quite happy to travel a little bit of distance
0:03:25 > 0:03:28because we want to find the right village and the right property.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Give me some names, some idea of where you want to go?
0:03:32 > 0:03:38- There's...- Chacombe. - Chacombe, Weedon Lois,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- erm, Weston... - I didn't realise it was a test!
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Come on, you're the teacher here. - No cheating, no conferring, please!
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- I'm trying to think. - A 20-mile radius works.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54There's a lot of beautiful villages in that area. You'd be happy in any of them?
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Yeah. We'd prefer somewhere smaller rather than a big village.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03- It'd be nice if it had a pub. - Yeah.- We'd prefer somewhere small.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08It's really hard to find that balance between a place that has enough amenities
0:04:08 > 0:04:11but without it being too big and sprawling.
0:04:11 > 0:04:16- Yeah.- Conversely, you don't want to be too isolated either, do you?- No.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Anything else that springs to mind?
0:04:18 > 0:04:25I think another key thing is a garden. We're fairly keen to get back to growing our own.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29We'd like a reasonable-sized garden. We're both environmental scientists.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35We knew our degrees would come in useful some time! But we've always been very keen on the environment
0:04:35 > 0:04:40and now is our opportunity to do something a bit more and grow our own.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43You seem fairly handy, Paul. Are you up for doing a bit of a project?
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- If you do an eco-home, you're going to get your hands dirty. - Yeah, we'd absolutely love to.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Right, then! First one to put their hand up.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53THEY LAUGH
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- Budget?- Hm. We said up to 370.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- Right.- And that's got to be fairly strict, hasn't it?
0:05:01 > 0:05:03- We've got homework to do. - Yeah, can we go, Miss?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- Excused?- Yes, OK.- Thanks, Miss.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09THEY LAUGH
0:05:09 > 0:05:12You're always showing off. Teacher's pet, putting your hand up first.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Let me tell you something, Mr O'Brien. This is my neck of the woods,
0:05:16 > 0:05:20which means today, I am going to be top of the class.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25You think so, do you? What you're forgetting is that whenever I develop a property,
0:05:25 > 0:05:30I do it in the most environmentally-friendly way possible, so I'll get the gold star.
0:05:30 > 0:05:36'Anyway, all today's properties will be just a hop, skip and a jump from the tiny village of Aston le Walls.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:40'Very good. Villages and pretty hamlets are the order of today, and as I well know,
0:05:40 > 0:05:45- 'there is no shortage of those here.' - 'Chipping Warden, Lower Boddington, Priors Marsden,
0:05:45 > 0:05:50'Farnborough and Hanwell, to name but a few, all offering a country-living lifestyle
0:05:50 > 0:05:54'but are only a stone's throw away from two large towns, Banbury and Daventry,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57'and the all-important, Aston le Walls.'
0:05:57 > 0:06:03'Aston le Walls is a small village in South Northamptonshire, close to the border with Oxfordshire.'
0:06:03 > 0:06:08'It has a population of just over 330, no shops or pub.'
0:06:08 > 0:06:14'Just a beautiful church, a primary school, and a village hall. You don't get that in many parts these days.'
0:06:14 > 0:06:18'So, all in all, an extremely popular part of the UK to live,
0:06:18 > 0:06:23'as commuting to the two biggest cities, London and Birmingham, are both just over an hour away
0:06:23 > 0:06:25'on the trusty M40 or the train.'
0:06:26 > 0:06:33'Where else in this glorious country could our buyers go to find their environmentally-friendly dream?'
0:06:33 > 0:06:36'First up is this eco-house in Canterbury,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38'stunningly clad with cedar,
0:06:38 > 0:06:43'complete with solar panels and rain water harvesting for £625,000.'
0:06:43 > 0:06:48'Or down in Essex on the outskirts of Harlow, there's this eco detached villa.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53'Your utility bills would be a snip due to its large glazed areas and solar collectors fitted to the roof.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58'And the price is a snip, too. On for £399,995.'
0:06:58 > 0:07:01'Finally, down in St Ives, we've this state of the art eco-pad.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05'It has heating and hot water from ground source heat exchanges
0:07:05 > 0:07:08'and it's finished to the highest specification.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11'All that style for only £299,950.'
0:07:11 > 0:07:14'But before we carry on with our property search,
0:07:14 > 0:07:17'here's a few eco hints for you at home.'
0:07:18 > 0:07:24A few years ago, the government announced that all new-build homes will be zero carbon-rated by 2016.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29Quite a mean feat, but if like Paul and Debra, you're not interested in living in a new build
0:07:29 > 0:07:31but would still like a more eco-friendly existence,
0:07:31 > 0:07:36there are big and small changes you can make to your property with some very eco-friendly products.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Let's talk insulation. Over 50 percent of the heat from our homes
0:07:40 > 0:07:42is lost through the walls and ceilings.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45The very latest product to combat this is called Hemcrete.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49It's made from natural stuff, lime bound together with hemp.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52You can get it in block form, you can use it to fill cavities,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54or you can even get it to spray on like a render,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58and the best thing about it is by using a plant-based product,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00you actually lock carbon into the walls.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05We've all got a woolly jumper tucked away in our wardrobes for those cold, bitter nights,
0:08:05 > 0:08:08but I bet you've never considered using wool to insulate your home.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12Sheep's wool insulation might not seem like the most glamorous product,
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and at over £7 a metre, it's not the cheapest,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17but it is fabulous to work with and by using it,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21you'll also be supporting the good old British farmer.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24There are more obvious things you can do.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Most homes have these foam-lagged water tanks,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30but if yours isn't, for about £12, you can buy an insulating jacket.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Why not buy two? You can't insulate these things enough.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37You'll be surprised how much you'll save on hot water.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40If you can't find the timber you need for an extension or loft conversion
0:08:40 > 0:08:44from your local reclamation yard, then make sure it is FSC certified.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47By using Forest Stewardship Council approved wood,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51you're saying no to the destruction of our wild woods and rainforests
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and saying yes to sustainable sources of wood. It's not that hard to find now, either.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Most DIY superstores now stock it.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01You can even give the interior of your home an eco-finish.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06There are clay paints available that don't contain any harmful chemicals and allow your walls to breathe.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11And, with 108 colours available, unlike Simon, you won't have to compromise on style.
0:09:12 > 0:09:17I don't know about saving energy, but looking at these houses today, I've certainly burnt a bit.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Speak for yourself. I'm a young buck. Didn't even phase me.- Oh, you liar!
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- How have you got on?- Not too bad. This is my neck of the woods
0:09:23 > 0:09:28and I think I've picked the winner with property number one. It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33From the outside, it doesn't look too big, so they'll be pleasantly surprised when they go in.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37The finish is of the highest standard. I think they'll love it. I'm confident. That's my choice.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42OK. As long as they like a semi-detached, that'll be great. Mine is well and truly detached.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48It's in plenty of land. Apart from that, it is absolutely nothing to do with what they wanted.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51But I know Paul and Debra have the imagination and vision
0:09:51 > 0:09:55to make this place the perfect environmentally-friendly home.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- My choice, property two. The wild card, please.- OK.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02Today's wild card is a picture-perfect, chocolate-box property
0:10:02 > 0:10:07that combines elements of both of our properties. From the outside, it's absolutely gorgeous,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09traditional cottage, but on the inside...
0:10:09 > 0:10:14It needs a bit of work doing. But we know that our buyers aren't scared of that kind of stuff.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- That's why we picked it. It's gorgeous.- Indeed.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19If they can make the inside look half as good as the outside,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22they'll be left with a property anybody would want.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- Back on these!- Oh, the bikes. Right, my choice, property one.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31'I really don't like exercise, do I?
0:10:31 > 0:10:36'Now, if my property was a box of chocolates, it would be smooth and dark on the outside...'
0:10:36 > 0:10:39'There you go, fattening things. That's why we need exercise!'
0:10:39 > 0:10:43OK, guys, we're kicking off with my choice, property number one.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48When you think about life in a village and that chocolate-box cottage charm
0:10:48 > 0:10:51you probably envisage a house with exposed beams,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- a bit of exposed stonework, maybe traditional fireplaces?- Yeah.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57We've got none of that here, unfortunately.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I'm joking, it's lovely. It's been refinished to a very high standard
0:11:00 > 0:11:04so you won't have to worry too much about doing any work in there.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- How does it strike you from the outside?- It looks good.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- It's a pretty cottage.- It looks pretty. It does look pretty.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17- There seem to be some reservations there?- I can't see it! - It looks quite small.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21- It's very difficult to see. - This hedge helps a degree of privacy, let's just say that.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- Yes, it certainly is. - Enough of the outside, enough of the surroundings. Jonny?
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Get inside and have a look around. - Enjoy!
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- Wow!- Oh, this is a lovely room.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34It is, isn't it? It's bigger than you think, isn't it?
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- It is, actually. - Outside, it looks tiny.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Deceptively spacious is a term I would use.- It is an estate agent term you would use.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Is that a proper fireplace? Yeah, it's got logs.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Looks all connected up. That's quite good.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It's a good impression. I quite like the room.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- Do you like it?- Yes I do.- OK. Good.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Let's move on, see what else we've got.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00OK, this way. Ooh!
0:12:00 > 0:12:02This is nice, isn't it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:07This is quite a big kitchen and there's lots of rooms off there.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Oh, that's a lovely dining room.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- It's bigger than you think from the outside, isn't it?- It is bigger. It goes back, doesn't it?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- It's quite deep. - This is the kitchen area.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It's long and narrow, but there's a table in there.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I like the work surfaces. I like the granite.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- It is a nice size, isn't it? - It's a lovely kitchen.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30It's not huge but it's big enough and it's got a table to eat.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Well, that's fine. It's not huge but it's big enough.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36It's only going to be two of them most of the time.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Right, so, dining room.- It looks really oldy-worldy, doesn't it?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42It's very cottagey, I think.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Nothing behind there. - Yeah, it looks good.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Oh, and there's another sitting area which is really good because it's...
0:12:51 > 0:12:57Yeah, I thought it was a bit strange coming straight off the front door into the lounge.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01This is a nice area to sit, isn't it?
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- This is where you realise how big this house is.- Yeah.
0:13:03 > 0:13:08It looks like a tiny two-up, two-down from the front. But it steps back a long way.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10That's lovely, as well.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- It looks private. The garden, looks really private, which is nice. - And that's important.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19Even though this house is tucked in amongst lots of other properties,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- we're not overlooked here at all. - No, total privacy.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27- Ah!- That's a nice big toilet! Nice big downstairs loo.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Now, that is lovely.- You could have a party in here.- I like that.- Yeah.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- Now who's the teacher's pet, eh? - I told you, this is my neck of the woods, sunshine.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39You are such a teacher's crawly-crawly pet-pet-pet-pet.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Right, let's go and have a look upstairs.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46Well, this is a nice stairway.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Shall we go round to the left, see what's in here.- OK.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Ooh, that's lovely!- I like it.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55I like the floors. Have you seen these?
0:13:55 > 0:14:02What's so good is, all the decoration and everything is all beautiful, isn't it?
0:14:02 > 0:14:05It's all, sort of, our taste.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- It is, isn't it? Even the furniture. - Yeah, it's beautiful.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11- Have you seen the floor? - Yes.- It's really good.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- That bedroom has lovely, wide floorboards. - Ah! Let's talk green issues.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19The original boards in the main part of the bedroom are elm,
0:14:19 > 0:14:23but in the little dressing area, they're actually reclaimed oak,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26cos you can't get elm these days. All the elm trees have gone from the UK.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31But by using reclaimed oak, it's seamless. They really fit very well.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36New boards would never have matched up as well, and you've saved cutting a tree down.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Nice views out over the garden.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Yeah, it's lovely. It's a really lovely room.- It is.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- I really like it. - Yep, I like it a lot.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- It's really good.- Let's go and see...- Let's see what else there is.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51A-ha! It's a bathroom.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Oh, that's quite nice, isn't it?
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- It's lovely.- I like the tiles. - Yes, I like the tiles.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01Yes. Very good. It's good.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- Lovely.- Again, quite bright. - It's nice and light. I like all the spots.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09That's surprising, considering it's a cottage and they can feel quite dark.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11A-ha.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Obviously, very pink.
0:15:14 > 0:15:20- It's lovely.- It's a decent size.- And it's light. It's light and bright.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Right.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- Have you seen these windows? They're pretty, aren't they?- They're lovely.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Along the landing and in a few of the bedrooms,
0:15:29 > 0:15:34they've got gorgeous conservation skylights with the cast iron frame, they're perfect.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38We are in a conservation area. They're very strict about what skylight you can use.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Oh. Oh, that's quite small, isn't it?
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- This is a dinky room, isn't it? - It is, yeah.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46That's a tiny little bed.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50It's like... What does it remind me of?
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Like Goldilocks' bed, isn't it?
0:15:53 > 0:15:57It is a small bedroom, but you did say you only really needed three rooms,
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- so that could be reserved for a spare or a little bit of a office. - A very small visitor.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05This has a double bed in.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Oh, this is lovely, as well. - Oh, that is nice.
0:16:09 > 0:16:14- Looking out over the garden. - Not too much wardrobe space or storage space.- No.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- So would this be...- This would be the spare room.- A guest room.- Yeah.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Come on, look at the positives, not the negatives.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25A spare bedroom for when your kids visit, you don't need wardrobe space.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28So, what's your impression overall?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31I like it a lot. I'm surprised, actually.
0:16:31 > 0:16:37I'm pleasantly surprised, cos I wasn't expecting, when we pulled up, to like it as much as I do.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41I thought it looked small from the outside, but it's much better when you get in.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- Seems like you quite liked that property.- Yeah, it was great.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51It surprised us, really. On the outside, it looked really small,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53but it's got bigger and bigger.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57You've seen the main garden, we've just travelled through that, but this is the area
0:16:57 > 0:17:00that will hopefully appeal to you and Debra.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- The vendors previously used this as their vegetable plot, their allotment.- OK.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09So I thought this would be an ideal space for you to grow your own organic veg.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Definitely. It's about the right size. Pretty perfect.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- Excellent! So this place has got potential for you.- Yep.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19It's guess the price time. Let's see if we can keep this on course. Follow me.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23We'll move on to guess the price. Your budget is £370,000.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26How much for this beautiful old house that Jonny has found you?
0:17:26 > 0:17:29Ladies first, Debra.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32I'm really, really not sure,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35but I'm going to go...
0:17:36 > 0:17:38..385.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43I'd probably say a little bit more, maybe.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46390, 395.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49OK, well, I'll pleasantly surprise you, but don't get too carried away.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53It's offers in excess of £375,000.
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- Right.- So, really, that's probably the minimum they're looking for.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01However, your position would probably swing it for these reasons.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06This place was sold last year. However, they lost their sale because the chain collapsed.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11So, because you are in a position where you can get going quite quickly, that will have some value.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17Furthermore, just how the market has shifted, last year this was on for £450,000.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- So you wouldn't have even considered it then.- Mm.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- So, something to think about, yeah? - Definitely.- Right.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25I think we've started very well. Can I beat that?
0:18:25 > 0:18:30I think I'll take you in a completely different direction which will be this way. Come on!
0:18:33 > 0:18:37'Never mind a new direction, I think you're leading them up the garden path.'
0:18:37 > 0:18:42'Shush now, Jonny, it might not be chocolate-box, but it's choc full of potential and they will love it.'
0:18:42 > 0:18:46OK, folks, do come and join me at property two.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52Now then, I'm going to call this place Simon's own personal wild card.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56It's wild for a couple of reasons. First of all, the village.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58I guess you know this village quite well.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04In fact, I guess, also, you probably know every single person who lives in the houses around us.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08- Almost.- Yeah. Because your school is just the other side of that.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Yep.- So let's talk about that.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17We want to reduce our carbon footprint. Let's cut out the commute altogether! Let's walk to work!
0:19:17 > 0:19:21- Or cycle.- You don't need to cycle, it's that close.- Brilliant.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26So the location's gone down well. The house might be a bit more challenging.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- What do you think?- Not keen on bungalows generally.- Fair enough.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Let's have a chat about it. This property is very much a shell, OK?
0:19:35 > 0:19:39You're going to have to open up your imagination. That's what we want to be hearing.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Because it's literally a blank canvas.
0:19:42 > 0:19:45And as it is, it's not really going to be quite big enough,
0:19:45 > 0:19:48so think about how you could develop the property.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52Paul, you said earlier you're quite up for a challenge. Simon has taken you at your word.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Go and let your imaginations go. On your bikes.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Away you go.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00See what Simon's found us.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Well, this is... This is different.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- Mm. Empty. - The furniture's better than ours.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11- I don't think I'm going to get the same reception as we did for your place.- No.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14This looks like the lounge.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19If you want a project, it's just bare, isn't it?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It's just imagining what you could do.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27It certainly doesn't compare to the last place, which was pretty well finished.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- We could've just moved in. - This will need a huge amount of work, which is not a problem.
0:20:31 > 0:20:37- Looks very... - Not a bad size, but we'd have to find ways of creating space.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42This is a bungalow, so we've got to find a way of going up.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44OK, they want to think about ways to create extra space.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48You could go into the loft. Or use some of the outside space?
0:20:48 > 0:20:52There's a lot of outside space, but I don't want to touch that. I'll explain later.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54OK, so...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56I assume this is a bedroom.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- I don't know.- It probably is.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01It's small. It's difficult, isn't it?
0:21:01 > 0:21:05It makes it a lot harder to imagine what it would be like with furniture in.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09I'm trying to imagine a single bed in here. You've got a bit of room...
0:21:09 > 0:21:12I think you've got to almost look at starting again with this.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Do you know what? I love Paul and Debra, because I was really scared showing them this place
0:21:17 > 0:21:20after seeing your perfect chocolate-box place.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- The bar was set pretty high. - It was. And I thought they might go, "Oh, no!"
0:21:24 > 0:21:26I can hear brightness. They're not scared.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31- OK.- Right, OK.- Definitely kitchen.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Not so much of a kitchen.- No.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38Again, space-wise,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42we've just got a find a way of creating a load more space.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45Once again, the kitchen is quite a small size.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Despite the fact that we can go up into the roof for the bedrooms,
0:21:48 > 0:21:53I think you would need to increase the overall size. A downstairs extension would be required.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58OK, I'll give you a tiny bit of space at the back to extend the kitchen, but no more.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00I want this outside space for something.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- It's...- It's got loads of potential. - It has.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08I think you've just got to have the vision to see what could be possible.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- Yep, I can...- Put those heat exchange pumps in there.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- All right, Paul has confused you by mentioning heat exchange pumps.- Yep.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21I know what he's talking about, you don't. Let's play to your strengths.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Bungalows, from an estate agent's point of view, talk to me.- OK.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Bungalows hold their value incredibly well.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Oh, this is the bathroom.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Tiny little bathroom.- Is there enough room in there for two?
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- There's a bath in there. - Just needs...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- Needs a little bit of work on it. - Yeah.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40OK, that's fine.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45A lot of people buy into bungalows for the fact that you can develop a first floor.
0:22:45 > 0:22:50All the accommodation is on one storey, which means you've got a really large footprint.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53If you then replicate that by going up a floor,
0:22:53 > 0:22:57you've got a much bigger property than you could've hoped to have purchased.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00I assume this is another bedroom.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- OK.- Or was.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Erm, OK. - Erm, what do you think about size?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07It's probably not a bad size for a bedroom,
0:23:07 > 0:23:12but we've just got to get our head round the bungalow cos we'd need to build up
0:23:12 > 0:23:15and try and put the bedrooms upstairs.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20Talking of bungalows, a lot of people do have fantastic imagination when it comes to converting them.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23One of the best I ever saw, as you came in the front door,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27you had a staircase that swept up almost into a gallery landing to the upstairs.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29The downstairs was completely open-plan.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34The most contemporary property I've ever seen, but from the outside, completely unassuming.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Another similar size room.- It is.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41So there are two bedrooms that are the same kind of size
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- and then the smaller the other side. - Yeah.- So it's three.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48But it's the size of the overall place that we've got to have a look at.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51One of the strengths that this property's got over mine,
0:23:51 > 0:23:55despite how aesthetically pleasing mine was, is that this is detached.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- It sits in its own plot, and that's a real bonus out here.- Thanks!
0:23:59 > 0:24:04- It's got scope. - Yeah, it has, it's just it's...
0:24:04 > 0:24:08- It's obviously a major bit of work. - Yeah, it is and it depends...
0:24:08 > 0:24:12That's fine, cos we could put all the environmental stuff in there.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- Depends what they're asking for it, how much we could do.- Yeah.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22Now, before we go any further, Paul or Debra,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26could you please explain to Mr Benarr, what's a heat exchange pump,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30which links into why I didn't want to extend this place outside into the garden.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34OK, well, the simplest way of explaining it is...
0:24:34 > 0:24:40- Do go with simple.- It's a bit like a fridge. A fridge works by taking heat out of the food space
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and the back of the fridge is really hot.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46It's taking the heat out and it's all in the back of the fridge.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49We do the same on a piece of land like this, put pipes underneath
0:24:49 > 0:24:54and take the natural heat of the ground and put it into the house.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57And the heat exchange pumps can heat the house, hot water,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- for most of the year without having to tap into electricity, so it's very efficient.- Incredible.
0:25:02 > 0:25:08That's the science behind it. Let's talk practical. You can now get grants to do this of up to £1,200.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11It costs a lot more than that,
0:25:11 > 0:25:17but the main thing is, it can save you 75 percent of heating your house.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- So that's geothermal heat? - Yeah, it's all around.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25So all you need is... You wouldn't even need a piece this big, half this lawn would do that size house.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29Other options here, the main ones, we've got an east-facing roof,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33a west-facing roof and a small south-facing roof. Solar power.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38Photovoltaic for electricity and passive for hot water are possibilities.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41And the other one, of course, the big one which everyone forgets
0:25:41 > 0:25:44because it's not sexy, insulation.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50- Yeah.- If you're going to rip a place like this to bits, you get the chance to bring it right up to spec.
0:25:50 > 0:25:56- You could run this place on next to nothing if you put those three simple methods in.- Absolutely.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Sounds good.- It's the house that keeps on giving.- It is!
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- Now it's time for the house to take. - Ooh.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09Everything we've talked about there doesn't come cheap, does it?
0:26:09 > 0:26:14- With or without grants.- Right, it's 1-0 to you, isn't it?- Mm-hm.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17So the maximum budget is £370,000.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20How much do you think for this project that Simon's provided,
0:26:20 > 0:26:23- or Simon's wild card, as it's now been dubbed?- Yes.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25- The price of this as it stands now? - Yep.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30I'm hoping it's going to be 250.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- 250, OK. Debra?- I think less.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35210, 220 maximum.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Not too bad. It's one-all.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- OK.- But it is still way under-budget. I still think there's plenty to play with here.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46It's on the market for £285,000.
0:26:46 > 0:26:4985 grand under your budget. Right.
0:26:49 > 0:26:54And with stamp duty in place, the way you guys are, because you're sold,
0:26:54 > 0:27:00you could probably look to swing a deal back towards that 250-mark. So not a bad prospect.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02- Yep.- Something to think about?
0:27:02 > 0:27:07- Yeah.- Let's go to property three, the proper wild card. It's this way. Mind the tree.
0:27:09 > 0:27:14'I really should look where I'm going. OK, here we are at our third and final property.'
0:27:14 > 0:27:19- 'Sorry, what? I was just thinking, "Simon's wild card".'- 'Let it go, it's never going to happen.'
0:27:19 > 0:27:22OK, Paul, Debra, here we are at the actual wild card.
0:27:22 > 0:27:27- Look at this place.- Wow. - I don't want to wax lyrical about it. What do you think?
0:27:27 > 0:27:31It's beautiful. Absolutely. Thatched cottage, eh?
0:27:31 > 0:27:36- I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at.- You wanted this chocolate-box, picture-perfect property.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- That has got to be right up there. - It's everything that's thatched.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- Looks good. - It looks like there's two front doors.- It's got two front doors.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48- But it is one property.- OK. - It was previously two buildings.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- So now you know what you're looking at, what are you thinking? - It looks lovely.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- Absolutely beautiful, isn't it? - Yeah.- It's good.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Now then, why is it the wild card? I'll give you some clues about what's inside.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02You wanted that chocolate-box house. It is that.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07But you also weren't scared of getting stuck into a project. It is that, as well.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12Let's put it this way - this place was modernised in 1739.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- That's a fact. - Just after half-past five.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Is there running water? - We think it's been around since the 14th century.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22But it was definitely modernised in 1739, all right?
0:28:22 > 0:28:25And it shows. It's really updated in there.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29It's the bits from the 14th, 15th century that are a bit old-fashioned.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33Right, that's the outside. Honestly, go and enjoy yourself in there,
0:28:33 > 0:28:38let your imaginations run wild and see if you can get the shape of this place in your heads.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- All right?- It's going to be an adventure for you.- OK.- Enjoy.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- Shall we ditch the helmets and don the headphones?- Yes.- Let's do that.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Ooh, right, OK. We're straight into the kitchen.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- Wow. I think that looks great. - This is different, isn't it?- It is.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58Right, here we go. We are off. Straight into the kitchen.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01That is the room that definitely needs work straight away.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05The whole place does, but Paul and Debra have the imagination for this place.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10I think it's a great space for a kitchen, isn't it? What would you do to update it?
0:29:10 > 0:29:14- What do you think we need to do? Everything?- New units.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Yeah, just something in keeping with the character of the cottage,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21It's obviously very old and I think it needs
0:29:21 > 0:29:25something that would suit the character.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- I'm quite keen to go and explore more.- OK. Let's have a look.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- Shall we have a wander up here? - See what's up here.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- OK. Gosh.- Wow. Right.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38Do you think this is the main living room?
0:29:38 > 0:29:41I think it must be, yeah.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45It's lovely. It's got loads of character. I love that fireplace. It's beautiful.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48It's going to need a fair bit of work.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Modernising but keeping in character.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55I like that, though. Paul says it needs work, but he doesn't say it with any fear.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00No. There's no reservation. It's like, "This will be an excellent challenge."
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- Right, let's go and have a look in here. Wow.- OK.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- Look at this. I wasn't expecting to find stairs there, were you?- No.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10I thought it was back down to the kitchen.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- Oh.- What have we got in here?
0:30:13 > 0:30:15It's a bedroom and en suite.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Oh, we've got a tiny bath.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- I've never seen a bath like that before.- No, nor me.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25It is, also, one of the quirkiest en suites you'll ever see.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27The quirkiest en suite I've ever seen.
0:30:27 > 0:30:33And the vendors also said there is the scope to get a toilet under those stairs to make it a full en suite.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37Wow. Let's have a look in... Cupboard space.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Gosh, everything... I'd love to know how old it is, cos it's really...
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Yeah, with the windows, I bet it gets a bit draughty,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49but it probably keeps the heat because of the thick walls.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54Paul's worried about this place being a bit draughty and losing heat. But don't worry.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58In actual fact, thatch compares with any modern equivalent
0:30:58 > 0:31:00when it comes to insulation. It is brilliant stuff.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- What do you think?- I think it's unlike anything else I've ever seen.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09- Yeah. That was only halfway up the stairs. - Are we going to go further up?
0:31:09 > 0:31:15- I think we will. - Oh, OK. Oh, this is a nice space.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- It's great.- This is lovely.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Now, that looks good. - Yeah.- Look at this.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24- Looks a bit worrying, the way that's bowing there.- Yeah.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28It's stood there for hundreds of years, I'm sure it's not going to fall down now.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32That is... It's an absolutely wild place.
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- It's like going round a museum. - It's incredible.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37I think we'd need to update it.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- The master of the understatement, Paul. "It might need updating." - Little bit.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Mind your head. - What are you thinking so far?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47You're finding it a bit overwhelming, aren't you?
0:31:47 > 0:31:51It's...very, very different.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53Very different.
0:31:53 > 0:31:59- OK, so...- Okey dokey.- Kitchen number two.- Kitchen number two.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02Is this kitchen for you and that kitchen's for me?
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Because you've got two kitchens and two staircases,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- this place actually feels smaller than it is.- Yeah.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11It just basically needs someone starting again on the inside.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- Oh!- Oh, the other front door.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- The other front door. - His and hers front doors.
0:32:17 > 0:32:18- OK. And...- Ah!
0:32:18 > 0:32:22There is a toilet. I was a bit worried there'd be a bucket in the garden.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25In the downstairs loo, the cistern should be listed!
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- Yeah.- Wooden box, lead-lined, must be over 100 years old.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Oh, right, this is a little...conservatory.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- Oh.- It's nice and bright.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- It is nice and bright. And that leads out into the... - Good use of space.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47That looks like a well, is it? That's one of my dreams, getting a water supply.
0:32:47 > 0:32:53Now, in actual fact, even though that well is filled in, it still serves a very practical function.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56It does, indeed. Because it's a thatched roof, there's no guttering,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59so as the water runs away, it can be soaked away using that well.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- Do you think that's the stairs? - I think that's the second stairs.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- Oh.- Mind your head.- You need a map to get round this place.
0:33:07 > 0:33:12- It's full of surprises.- It is. - Oh, gosh, and we've got another living room.- Oh, yeah.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- I wasn't expecting that. I was expecting bedrooms.- Nor me.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20- This is mad. So we've got another living space.- Yeah.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25Debra is just completely confused now. Absolutely blown away.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28I wonder why it's not a bedroom.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Maybe a couple of people live in the place and this is one space
0:33:32 > 0:33:37and the other person lives over the other side. I don't know. Shall we go on through here?
0:33:37 > 0:33:40- And another little bit.- Hey, no bed.
0:33:40 > 0:33:46- Oh, what's up there? - Oh, goodness. It's a rope ladder for more space up there.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- Perhaps there's a bed up there. - This is blowing my mind, this.
0:33:50 > 0:33:56- Even me.- I think this is just... - Wild.- ..exceptionally crazy.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59Exceptionally crazy by any standards.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03The layout of this place is so confusing. What you want to do with this
0:34:03 > 0:34:08is just forget everything you see in front of you, just rip it up and start again on the interior.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11It's not listed. The outside is, but do what you want in there.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16And a bathroom in here. So this is the only bathroom. This is the main bathroom.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21- We had that funny bath.- Unless you've got a...- A very short person.
0:34:21 > 0:34:26So, compared to the other two properties we saw earlier, what do you think? How are you feeling?
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- How am I feeling? Bewildered. - With this one?- Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- Totally bewildered.- Yeah.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- It's just completely different. It's just...- It is, isn't it?
0:34:36 > 0:34:39It's ancient and it's...
0:34:39 > 0:34:43But is it chocolate-box, which is what we asked the guys to find.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47I mean, it is that, picture-postcard stuff.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51It's definitely chocolate-boxy, but it's very unconventional.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53It's a bit too quirky for you, isn't it? I can tell.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00I think you'll agree the term wild card certainly fits, especially Debra.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Oh, yes, definitely.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Shell-shocked was the term you used.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- I certainly was.- Paul's at the opposite end of the scale.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10You got in there and you were like a kid in a candy shop.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13It was great. A bit like living in a museum.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It's odd, because you both had the vision when we looked at the bungalow.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19You could see that. But it was the layout here.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23It's the space, how you'd use it. The space is there, but it's disjointed.
0:35:23 > 0:35:28That is the point about this place, you'd have to remove the layout that is there now from your mind,
0:35:28 > 0:35:33rip it up and start again. Only the outside is listed, so you could do whatever you wanted in there
0:35:33 > 0:35:36to try and make a functioning, three-bedroom house.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- But that would cost a few bob. - Yeah, definitely.
0:35:39 > 0:35:45Talking of money, I'll tell you what else doesn't come cheap with your chocolate-box cottage - that thatch.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49The good news is, it's only just been done. There are 35 years left in that old thing.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52But when it does need replacing, it doesn't come cheap.
0:35:52 > 0:35:5525, 30 grand at today's prices.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- Yeah.- That's something you take on with this dream. - That wouldn't put us off.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02- No, because it's 35 years.- Yeah.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Plenty of time to save. THEY LAUGH
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Save straw.- Exactly, yeah. The other great thing about this property
0:36:08 > 0:36:10is its location within the village.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14The lawn we find ourselves on some would see as a potential building plot,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17as they would with this meadow over here.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21But they are protected. There are covenants which mean they can never be built on.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26- It is so rarely that we come across a property where the view is guaranteed.- Mm-hm.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28That's the case here. So there you go.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31So, how much for a view like this?
0:36:31 > 0:36:34It is one-all in guess the price. Everything to play for.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39Who's going to get the gold star? Maximum budget, £370,000.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Ladies first. What do you think? It's going to be a tricky one.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46I'll go for 380.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48380. Now, do I do 379 or 381?
0:36:48 > 0:36:51- THEY LAUGH - Erm... 380?
0:36:51 > 0:36:54I reckon 365.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56Well, teacher, put your dunce's cap on.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- Ooh!- Paul wins. You're not far off at all, mate.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04But you'll be pleasantly surprised to know I can save you five grand on that.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07It's on the market for £360,000. Still quite close to the budget, though.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Yeah.- It needs a bit of work, as well.- It does.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13And if we're honest, there's not much room for negotiation.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17Because they spent so much money last year getting that roof done,
0:37:17 > 0:37:22we talked about how much money it cost to do it, they're not prepared to deviate too far.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- Plenty to think about. - Yep.- Absolutely.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29We've shown you three very different properties which, it's fair to say, have utterly confused you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- Yep.- Yep! Well, you've got to get your heads together now
0:37:33 > 0:37:39- and decide which one you'd like to spend more time in. Go and do that, we'll see you in a bit.- OK.
0:37:39 > 0:37:45It's going to be a tight one today. It could go either way. While they make their decision, here's a recap.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48'Well, Simon, I think they were pretty taken with my choice.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53'This chocolate-box house was absolutely full of character, had room for an allotment out back
0:37:53 > 0:37:56'and is on the market for offers in excess of £375,000.'
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- 'They really seemed to see the potential in Simon's wild card!' - 'Stop calling it that!'
0:38:01 > 0:38:05'Oh, OK. Loads of room to install all their environmental gadgets
0:38:05 > 0:38:07'and on for 285K.'
0:38:07 > 0:38:10'And then, of course, there's the real wild card.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- 'It's thatched, has two front doors.' - 'Two kitchens, two staircases.'
0:38:13 > 0:38:19'And even its own well. And on the market for only £360,000.'
0:38:21 > 0:38:27Say it with me, Jonny. The wild card, the wild card, everyone loves Simon's wildcard. Eh?
0:38:27 > 0:38:31New part of the show on the way, my friend! That was a surprise.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And even more of a surprise, Camilla's joined us.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39- Yes, I have.- Right, then, before we talk about why you chose this place, Camilla, what do you think?
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- Erm, it looks a bit small. It's a bungalow.- It's got potential.
0:38:43 > 0:38:48- Maybe potential.- It's home. - Yeah, maybe. We'll see.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52Now then, our eagle-eyed surveyor has given this place the once-over.
0:38:52 > 0:38:58As we always say, it's not a legally binding survey and if you proceed with this place or any place,
0:38:58 > 0:39:02get all your full surveys and searches done. He came up with some interesting stuff.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05First of all, he's found a couple of cracks.
0:39:05 > 0:39:11He does strongly recommend getting a structural survey done. You'll see them as you go round.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- But, all in all, not too bad. - He thinks it could just be historical settlement cracks,
0:39:15 > 0:39:21which you'd expect in this age of property. The one thing we were trying to push is to increase
0:39:21 > 0:39:23the living space, you do need to go up into that roof
0:39:23 > 0:39:28to put your bedrooms up there, so downstairs is purely for entertaining.
0:39:28 > 0:39:34However, due to the proximity of your neighbours, you may be restricted with windows. Dormers might be out.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38You could have some skylights. But during the planning process,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- they will tell you what you can and can't have.- Before you go in,
0:39:41 > 0:39:47it's all very well putting in heat exchange pumps and solar power and all those fancy bits and pieces,
0:39:47 > 0:39:53but what this place does is give you the opportunity to really update its insulation.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Loft space, wall space, cavities, even floor space.
0:39:56 > 0:40:01If you're going to pull the place to bits, that is the thing to focus on. But you know that.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06Right, we've talked insulation. Get in there and see if Camilla warms to the place as much as you did.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- In you go. Enjoy.- Thank you.- Don't forget your watering can, Camilla.
0:40:10 > 0:40:15- There you go. - And your trowel. Excellent. Look at that green-fingered family.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- What shall we do?- Go on a bike ride? - Yeah! Back on the bikes!
0:40:22 > 0:40:27'And speaking of green fingers, Paul is straight into gardening mode. Good for you.'
0:40:27 > 0:40:31'Whilst Mum shows Camilla around the house.'
0:40:32 > 0:40:36'I think Camilla's giving Debra some food for thought on the old interior design,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38'but she's a pretty stylish girl.'
0:40:38 > 0:40:44'How's green-fingered Dad getting on outside? Actually, they're blue fingers, but despite that,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47'this eco-living really does have a "fuchsia." Look, there's one.'
0:40:49 > 0:40:53'Once all those pretty plants have been potted, it's off for a jog around the village itself.'
0:40:53 > 0:40:56'How healthy is this? We had a bike ride, they had a run.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59'Time to meet back and discuss how it all felt.'
0:40:59 > 0:41:04Well, Paul and Debra, before I get your reactions to having spent a bit more time here,
0:41:04 > 0:41:08Camilla, you met this property with a lukewarm reception.
0:41:08 > 0:41:13Having spent a bit more time here with your watering can and your parents, do you think it's OK?
0:41:13 > 0:41:18Yeah. I was a little bit apprehensive, but there's scope, there's potential,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21knock a few walls down...
0:41:21 > 0:41:26Chip off the old block, you are. I like that. You're completely unfazed, as you two were.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30A lot of people, if we showed them this place, would've gone, "This is not what we asked for,
0:41:30 > 0:41:33"we wanted the chocolate box." It certainly isn't that.
0:41:33 > 0:41:37No, it's not. I think we...
0:41:37 > 0:41:42Our vision is very open-ended. We're kind of...
0:41:42 > 0:41:46I said chocolate box. That would be kind of like the dream home.
0:41:46 > 0:41:51But, actually, I'm open to all suggestions. Everything's possible.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Yeah, and there is potential, cos it's a big plot
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and we can get the environmental stuff maybe, so...
0:41:57 > 0:42:01OK, well, it's big question time for you guys. To buy or not to buy?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Well...
0:42:04 > 0:42:07We wouldn't... It's a definite maybe.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- THEY LAUGH - I see!
0:42:10 > 0:42:14We won't say, "Yes, we'd buy" because there's too many questions to be answered.
0:42:14 > 0:42:18- Yep.- So we need to be sure we can go out that way
0:42:18 > 0:42:23- and the full dormers across, the foundations will hold it.- Yep.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- And costs.- And within the budget.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29So there's a few questions we need to answer.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- So, Miss, you've got plenty of homework to do.- I have, yes.
0:42:32 > 0:42:38But I think, just before you two go off, I've got something to give to Simon.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40- Hang about!- Ahhh!
0:42:40 > 0:42:44HE LAUGHS Oh, look, I'm getting out of here! I'm on my bike.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- Good luck with everything, you guys. - Thanks, Miss! Thanks, Miss! Bye!