0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy. - I am very excited about today's show.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09Yes. We have a very, very special programme today.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13I can confirm, ladies and gentlemen, that today's budget
0:00:13 > 0:00:16is the biggest budget ever dealt with on To Buy Or Not To Buy.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18- Really?- It's a record!
0:00:18 > 0:00:21- Even the Queen's watching! - Honestly?- Morning, ma'am.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34I can't wait to get stuck in today, Jonnie.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37I'm thinking, because today's budget is so large,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40it's such an important show, this will require an extra-special effort
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- from you and I. - My experience tells me
0:00:42 > 0:00:46that big budget means big houses, big rooms. We will be very busy!
0:00:46 > 0:00:49You look pretty busy. You've dressed for the occasion. Nice one!
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- You've spruced up well yourself. - Have you got a job interview later?
0:00:55 > 0:00:59'Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy, our grand budget provides grand visions.'
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Now, they do say an Englishman's home is his castle.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04How do you fancy a bit of a castle?
0:01:04 > 0:01:07We reveal a staircase that has to be seen to be believed,
0:01:07 > 0:01:10and we discover a big-budget wild card
0:01:10 > 0:01:14that delivers surprise after surprise.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Is that a tennis court at the end?
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Today's buyers are Alison and Simon Lillystone from North London.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28The couple met at their local church choir 24 years ago,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30and have shared a passion for music ever since.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34After working most of their lives in high-flying careers,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38they now feel that a quieter, gentler pace of life in the country is beckoning.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41And, as we delve into the Lillystone family album,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43we meet their three children. Piers is the eldest
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and is living away at university. Next there's Miranda,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50who will shortly be heading off to further her studies, too.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53And then there's Aidan. He's the youngest of the children,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and from what we hear, he's very excited about a move to the country.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Hello, on this lovely sunny day! How are you?
0:02:00 > 0:02:03- Hello.- Very well, thank you. - Now, very exciting day for us all.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06You're leaving London, so we understand.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10It's been fantastic, but we've been there 25 years,
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- and it's time for a change. - We thought many times about moving.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18Children are moving to university, to new schools.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21It's probably about time we enjoyed the country life.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24So it was one of those natural junctions in life, really?
0:02:24 > 0:02:28It is, and our youngest son, who's going to be still at school,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32is moving school. But actually he loves walking, dogs,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36land, forest, that sort of thing, so it all fits, really.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38But I'm now even more daunted, Jonnie,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42because we know we'll be looking at some substantial properties today,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46- but if you've been in one house for how long...?- 20 years.
0:02:46 > 0:02:4920 years! This is a big move!
0:02:49 > 0:02:51I think we're just ready for a change,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54and we, too, like walking and the countryside.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57We don't want to be absolutely in the country.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59We want to still enjoy the country pub.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- Right. Most important, really. - We also have quite a full house,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04even though it's a large one.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Explain. - I have quite a collection of music -
0:03:07 > 0:03:09sheet music, that is,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13vocal music, instrumental music,
0:03:13 > 0:03:15and we need a bit more area
0:03:15 > 0:03:17to house this music.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Every corner of the house is full of it at the moment,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22so it would be nice to have somewhere to put it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25- Are we looking at a music library? - Yes, a very big one.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28OK, then. Right! Let's start talking about this house, then.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Let's see if you are singing off the same hymn sheet.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- Is this going to be a theme all day? - Yes. I've got it in my head now.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39- OK.- Verse two. - Let's see if we can tune in on...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42So we want somewhere for the music library.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45What else do we want? Start with you, Alison.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48We want, probably, still five bedrooms at least,
0:03:48 > 0:03:54um, and we want about three or four, probably four, reception rooms.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58A tennis court would come in handy, I think, at the property.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- OK. Like a bit of tennis myself. - Er, a nice garden,
0:04:01 > 0:04:06some outbuildings for the library and a music-performance facility.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- How big a garden, Alison?- Well...
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I think at least a third of an acre.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14It sounds like, bizarrely,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17we're going to be concentrating on the house,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- maybe, rather than the location? - As far as location's concerned,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24it's important to be in a village, so there is a community,
0:04:24 > 0:04:29a pub, church, and also be still in striking distance of London,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31and near a school for our son.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- What style of property do you like? - Basically older style.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- Older property.- So you're looking for a place with the ambience,
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- with the original features?- Yeah. Good-sized rooms, tall ceilings.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45Why Oxfordshire?
0:04:45 > 0:04:49- We like Oxford.- I suppose links... - Yeah. Links with Oxford.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53Oxford's a very musical city and a very beautiful city,
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- and cultural.- And around it there are lots of beautiful towns...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- Yep.- ..market towns.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I think we're beating around the bush here.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05I've been dying to ask this question.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07Look at us! We're all smart, we're all ready.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10We've been told it's a very good budget.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13You want to live in Oxfordshire, buy a beautiful period property.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17It's going to come at a price. Crude question -
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- that's why Simon's going to ask it. - Oh, am I? Oh, thanks! Very good. OK.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- THEY LAUGH - How old are you both?
0:05:23 > 0:05:26No. Um, what IS the budget?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28- It's one and a half million, about. - About.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30About?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33What do you mean, "about"?
0:05:33 > 0:05:34I think that we are...
0:05:34 > 0:05:38We're after a certain type of property,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41so we don't want to be too rigid about...
0:05:41 > 0:05:43We don't necessarily need to spend up to that
0:05:43 > 0:05:46if there's a property that comes in below that.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49We're not trying to necessarily spend the money.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Absolutely. Fair enough. We've got our work cut out here, Jonnie.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55It's a great budget, but we're looking for a lot of things
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- within it. So we'd better get on. - Right. See you later!
0:05:58 > 0:06:00We'll see you later.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Right, then! A house with history. - Yeah, and on this budget,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- no pressure on us here today. - I think we've got to work together,
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- at least for once. - Let's conduct ourselves properly.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12How about this - you find us some excellent properties,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and I will find out everything I can about them.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19That sounds like a fair allocation of duties. I'm up for that.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21'And so to Oxford to investigate.'
0:06:21 > 0:06:25It's how old? OK, I'll have a look at that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:26Thanks.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Some of these are older than Simon!
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Ah! The roof of one of our properties today
0:06:33 > 0:06:36was used during the Second World War by the Home Guard
0:06:36 > 0:06:39to spot incoming bombers during the Blitz.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Yeah. I need somewhere with loads of character.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Yeah.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Mmm! One house that's caught our eye was remodelled in the 1970s
0:06:51 > 0:06:53by master builder Norman Collinson.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55He used influences from the Mediterranean.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59We've got one and a half million quid here, so we're expecting good things.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02You think so? Well, excellent. Good.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Well, if Simon and Alison like history, how about this?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09One of our choices today has a gateway
0:07:09 > 0:07:12which is over 700 years old.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16But what will 1.5 million buy you in other shires?
0:07:16 > 0:07:20This beautifully presented five-bed detached family home
0:07:20 > 0:07:23in Hertfordshire comes with a separate two-bed cottage -
0:07:23 > 0:07:26perfect for visitors or working from home -
0:07:26 > 0:07:30all nestled within 0.6 of an acre and on the market for 1.5 million.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32How about this six-bed converted miller's house
0:07:32 > 0:07:35on the banks of the River Bran in Perthshire?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38With 4.5 acres, this place even has its own woodland -
0:07:38 > 0:07:40again, one and a half big ones.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Well, this gorgeous country residence in Cheshire
0:07:43 > 0:07:46also has acres of land - well, 11, to be precise,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48but also included in your 1.5 million
0:07:48 > 0:07:52are all the facilities an equestrian's heart desires.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Mr O'Brien, my learned friend! - There you are. I was just pondering,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59when you look for a property on this kind of budget,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02it's how posh the brochures are. Look at them!
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I'm going to keep that as a table mat.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07They're gorgeous! They cost a fortune in themselves.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09I'll get us going, shall I? Property 1 today -
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Simon and Alison said they wanted history. How about a property
0:08:13 > 0:08:17that has been touched by two wars - one which tore our country apart,
0:08:17 > 0:08:20the other which tore the world apart. But the property itself
0:08:20 > 0:08:23fits together beautifully. You will not beat it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26It'll be the high point, in more ways than one, of today's search.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29It might be touched by history, but YOU'D be touched
0:08:29 > 0:08:32if you think you can beat mine. Look! It's two different houses, almost.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Dating back to 1745, it's got loads of grounds.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39The history inside the property just speaks volumes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41You are going to love it. You really are.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45One word - staircase. That's all I'm saying. Staircase.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48OK. Staircase! Right. That's got us on the right foot, has it?
0:08:48 > 0:08:51The wild card today... Shall I tell 'em about the wild card?
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Don't tell them too much. - I won't tell you too much.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58We will say this much. Simon and Alison asked for a particular period of property.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03Well, a bit of this house is, but the other is another period,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06which they didn't ask for, but that's why it's the wild card.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- But, tennis courts - we do give 'em that.- We certainly do.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13- Shall we get going?- Let's get yours out the way and focus on mine.
0:09:13 > 0:09:14HE LAUGHS Property 1!
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Property 1 is my choice, and I really feel we'll be starting
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- on a high note here.- Oh, here we go!
0:09:24 > 0:09:27But I suppose you're right, as the roof of this property
0:09:27 > 0:09:29is one of the highest points in Oxfordshire.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33No wonder, then, the Home Guard used to station themselves up there.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Exactly. On a clear day, you can see five counties from said rooftop.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39But will this seven-bedroom property hit the right note
0:09:39 > 0:09:42with Alison and Simon?
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Alison and Simon, property 1 today is my choice.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48Now, they do say an Englishman's home is his castle.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50How do you fancy a bit of a castle?
0:09:50 > 0:09:53It's a beautifully crenellated tower house.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56We're on the edge of Souldern, a lovely village.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Let's get the important things out of the way first.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01The local pub is just a mile down the road.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04You've got the church there. But enough of me waxing lyrical!
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- What do you think about this place? - Well, pretty unique, I'd say!
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Looks like it's got a lot of history to it.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15It's... Well, it's steeped in history, is how I'd describe it.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It's two different eras.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21The majority's 17th century. There is a Victorian extension,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24but it flows so beautifully, doesn't it?
0:10:24 > 0:10:28Now, if you want period, you're period a-go-go, as some might say.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Do you like the look of it? - I do.- Absolutely.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33There's a little bit of '50s up there
0:10:33 > 0:10:36which we can just put some tiles on.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38As if this property wasn't big enough,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42they extend it upwards. What will you do with all these rooms?
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- How big are some of those rooms? - There's only one way to find out -
0:10:45 > 0:10:49to go and enjoy this place. You say you like walking.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51I hope you like climbing. Got a lot of stairs.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54But they are well worth the climb, I promise you.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- Well worn, I imagine.- Absolutely. We'll see you in a moment.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- We'll look forward to it. - Off you go.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- There you go!- This show is all going to be about the house.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07The location's all well and good. It's all about the house.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11But we won't know where they are, it's so big! Have you got a map?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- We need a map and some headphones. - Where are they?- That way.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19OK.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Gosh!
0:11:20 > 0:11:25There's the first lance up there. Oh, there's a flagpole.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Dining room.- Lovely!- Good-size room.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Nice double aspect to it. - Fit our dining table perfectly.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Yeah, perfect. Let's have a look at the view.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- That's nice, isn't it? - See the fountain?- Yeah.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Lovely!
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- Oh, I love this room.- Wow! - This is my sort of room, this is.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48Gosh! So this is obviously an older part of the house.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Mmm. Reminds me of my granny. - It's a good size.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53This is a great, cosy room. Aidan would love this.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Mm-hm!- Cosy.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Look, there's a little... minstrel's gallery up there.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01Uh-huh? Oh!
0:12:01 > 0:12:06- That would be good for entertaining. - Someone can play. Yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- You know they're into singing. - Yeah.- What room have you selected
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- for their practice?- I think it could possibly be the formal dining room,
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- with the nice high ceilings. - Outbuildings? Any potential there?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20There are stables, but you should never sing in stables.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- It'll make you "horse". - Oh, goodness me!
0:12:23 > 0:12:27And what... Oh, right! The kitchen. Oh, this is a good size.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Mm, very good size. Very nice. Again, cosy.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- Mm-hm. It's a good layout, as well. - Yeah, I know. This is nice, too.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Again, nice view out of the, er, the building.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Do you think this is the old part of the house?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Um, I think it must be. Look at this!
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- We've got, er... - It doesn't feel Victorian, somehow.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Yeah.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Oh, right! A sort of snug. - Yeah.- And it is.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Very snug.- Yeah.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Again, the fire, which is keeping the place warm.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- It looks very comfy, doesn't it? - Yes. Yeah.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I could imagine Aidan doing computer games, DVDs, in here.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08I don't think you should allow DVDs in this house. It's above DVDs.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12You should have dramatic arts and games of charades, with an open fire burning.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Oh, it's a little study! Wow!
0:13:15 > 0:13:17Oh, that's good.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- This is where you can do your music transcription.- Yes, yes.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25You're not allowed in here, then. And there's a... See the...?
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Er, there's a horse.- Is it a horse?
0:13:27 > 0:13:32I'm not sure. It looks a bit small. Its ears... It looks like a donkey!
0:13:32 > 0:13:34THEY LAUGH
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Doesn't it? I don't know. - It's a horse, Simon.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Alison, maybe we should live in town.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44You won't fit in if you can't tell the difference between a donkey and a horse.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- You need to crib up on your equines. - These townies!
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Lots of, er... From a bygone era.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55We should be in a battle.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- Very nice bathroom.- Yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Feminine.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Yeah. It's not my taste.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I think we'd probably refurbish this.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- You mean redecorate. - Redecorate. Sorry, yes.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- Well, I'm happy with it. - Are you? Yes.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Ah! This is one bedroom. Very nice and bright.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Again, south-facing and looking on the garden. Very nice.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22I'm not going to make any predictions
0:14:22 > 0:14:26about what's the master bedroom, but this is quite a cosy bedroom.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Through here. - Watch your head!- Oh, yeah.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32And even further down. Another bathroom.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- I think this is a kids' bathroom. - Yeah. That's good.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Two bathrooms. That's a lot, with one bedroom.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Here's that minstrel's gallery. - Right.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Are you thinking what was there before? I guess a staircase.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47I think it must be. That was the front door
0:14:47 > 0:14:50before they had the old building - the new building.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Yeah. So that would have come directly up into here,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- which looks like a...- Wow!
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Very nice. This is a nice-size room. - This is very elegant.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- They're modest-sized rooms. - It's a good size, though.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06Ah, nice bathroom! Big bathroom. Mmm.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Ah, very nice!- How many... Oh, right! This is another bedroom.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- Yes. How many...- We've got three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19And this looks like... would you say the main bedroom?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22It's a good-sized bedroom. Absolutely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Just to get the proportions of this place in your head,
0:15:25 > 0:15:29that looks like a standard double bed. It's not, is it?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32No. It's massive, that bed. It's about the size of Milton Keynes.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36It is at least six foot, two metres, across.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39- Gosh!- This is where the children should be, maybe.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44Oh, that's to go up to the...roof terrace.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- Right.- Fantastic.- All right!
0:15:46 > 0:15:49- Wow!- Oh, right! - Here's the artist's studio.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Oh, look! And it's a blank canvas, as well,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54so we can do whatever we want with it.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- This is beautiful, isn't it? - We've come to the top of the house.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01How on earth are we going to guess how much it's worth?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I know, because it's a very unique property, isn't it?
0:16:04 > 0:16:06- No. Just "unique". - Oh, not even "very"...
0:16:06 > 0:16:08It's just unique.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- There you are! Do come and join us. - Found you!
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Yes, indeed!
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Before we start talking about the outside space,
0:16:18 > 0:16:21shall we refer to it at the moment,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24the house! Kind of got mixed signals there.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Yes. Well, we very much liked some of the rooms.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31The living room and dining room were lovely. The kitchen was great.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35And, um, I think the bedrooms were possibly...
0:16:35 > 0:16:39There weren't any really large ones, which we like sometimes.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Having said that, the master bedroom, the bed in there
0:16:42 > 0:16:44was more or less the size of Oxford.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48We could get the whole family in that. We don't need the rest.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50So, if you put an ordinary bed in there,
0:16:50 > 0:16:54- that's a very big master bedroom. - Yes, and fabulous views.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Right. That's enough about the property.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Any other questions? - We're wondering about the land.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04Obviously it's got a very nice, well looked-after garden.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Yeah.- But I think we're standing on some more land.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10You've got just under six acres.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14That Lipizzaner stallion doesn't come with the property. It's not a donkey, either.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- THEY LAUGH - Don't start!
0:17:16 > 0:17:19But you said you didn't want lots of land.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I certainly wouldn't recommend selling it off,
0:17:22 > 0:17:25because if you ever came to sell, it would be of interest
0:17:25 > 0:17:27to equestrian-type people anyway.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31But you've got neighbours here who have expressed interest
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- in renting land off you. - Right.- So you've got an end user.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Right! So, with all that information...
0:17:37 > 0:17:39It's a very important time of the show,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43because it's all on you now. It's guess-the-price time.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Simon, you crossed your arms. You worried?
0:17:46 > 0:17:50No, I'm not worried. Obviously, as you say, it's a unique property.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Um, I'm guessing...
0:17:53 > 0:17:59- something like 1.1 million, 1.2. - Final answer, Simon?
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Yeah. 1,250?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05- It's going up! Quick, stop! - 1.1,250, I think.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- OK.- I'd go rather higher than that.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10I'd say about, er...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- 1.35?- OK!
0:18:12 > 0:18:14Well,
0:18:14 > 0:18:19I think, Alison, you've been a bit foxed by the land and everything.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21You, however, sir, are very good at this.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Yes?
0:18:23 > 0:18:26It's actually on the market, this gorgeous tower,
0:18:26 > 0:18:31highest point in Oxfordshire, all this land - £1.1 million.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34THEY ALL CHATTER AND LAUGH
0:18:34 > 0:18:37You just didn't look too happy about that.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- That's my poker face. - So we could build the extension
0:18:40 > 0:18:42- for the concert venue.- Exactly.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Concert venue?! This has changed a bit. What's going on here?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48You did mention an auditorium at some point.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52But maybe there's a project somewhere else we haven't seen yet.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- That could be property 2. Follow me! - Come on.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Property 2 is my choice.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03This six-bedroom house is believed to have been built
0:19:03 > 0:19:06for the owner of Kencot Manor during the 18th century,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09and I suspect many of these features are original.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14I can imagine great artistic minds of the time getting inspiration
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- from this house and grounds. - Check you out! Steady on!
0:19:17 > 0:19:20It's just the effect this place has on me, dear boy.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Let's hope my property also inspires Alison and Simon's creative minds.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Now, then - property number 2, quite a different affair.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32We haven't got turrets. We've got the need for a lot of imagination,
0:19:32 > 0:19:37but we have something of ridiculous beauty inside, I think.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- What do you think of the outside? - Very lovely.- I'm pretty impressed.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Gorgeous.- What an amazing entrance! Walled garden...
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- You feel very grand, don't you? - Look at the lawns!
0:19:47 > 0:19:50And this is the back entrance, you know.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- The front entrance is absolutely beautiful...- Wow!
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- ..out on the road there. - It's fantastic.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Now, what is available you can see pretty much,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02with the exception of the land. The main house is there, obviously,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05but you've also got these amazing outbuildings.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- The house itself dates back to 1745. - Wow!- You wanted history.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13It's taken on many guises. We've heard that some of the house
0:20:13 > 0:20:16used to maybe be part of a monastery.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Perhaps even the monks lived in that building there.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24There's a clock. There's a still a bell and a cord attached to the bell.
0:20:24 > 0:20:29I mean, if that doesn't say "choristers" to you,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32I don't know if anything will. I mean, that is there for you.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36If you buy that, you also get an amazing house for free.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40There's so many rooms in that house. What do you think of how it looks?
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Beautiful. Lovely. Absolutely super. - When you go into this house,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48when you go inside, there's so many things to be impressed by.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50There's also quite a lot to be daunted by.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53This hasn't been lived in for quite some time.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57You said you like original features. You are in for a treat.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- Fantastic!- You truly, truly are. - I can't wait!
0:21:00 > 0:21:03That is exactly what I was like.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05When you walk through this door,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08you'll know why we wanted to show you this property.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12I'll need some sales particulars. I'm going to lose you in there.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Go for it and tell us what you think.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17The way in is down this path here, then if you turn left
0:21:17 > 0:21:20and go through the 13th-century gateway...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- Right.- ..the original part, and then you're away.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- In you go.- Marvellous. Thank you.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28Shall we get lost this...this...this way?
0:21:28 > 0:21:30You can get lost any way. I'm going this way.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Push.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Oh, yes. Oh, wow!
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Right! This is such a vivid colour! - Stone floor.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49Look at that fireplace, Simon.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Heavens!- Very nice. - Yeah, it's a good size.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55This is vivid!
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Gosh! Living room. Again, nice fireplace.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That's a gas fireplace.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- That's where the children come in and out.- Yeah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07We'd probably just put them in the cupboard and leave them there.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12Mmm. Um, what do you think this room was? I'm not very -
0:22:12 > 0:22:16- A sort of snug, probably? - Look at these door handles
0:22:16 > 0:22:20- and this brass work. - A curved door! Look at that!
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Goodness!
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- Wow!- My goodness!- Look at that!
0:22:26 > 0:22:28That is quite impressive.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- See these features here?- Gosh!
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I've never seen a house with a staircase like this
0:22:33 > 0:22:36in the middle of it before. The hall curved, again.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- All these curves.- Right!
0:22:39 > 0:22:42It is an amazing staircase. I could just see you...
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I'm waiting for you at the bottom, to take you out,
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- and there you are with your flowing ball gown, gorgeous and radiant.- Eh?
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Lovely!
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Marble fireplace. Wonderful! - This is a very good -
0:22:55 > 0:22:57This could be a dining room, a music room.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- It could be a music room, definitely.- Sitting room...
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I suppose it depends what else is in the house.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- Yes.- It looks like there's lots.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07Whoa, look at this!
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- Great big room. - Another major room!- Fantastic.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Another very nice fireplace.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Yeah. Probably not original.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- So, not original.- Very, very nice.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23If you thought that was the dining room, what about this?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26This would be a living room.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- Yep. - A living room with a conservatory.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30Yeah.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33That's the summer entertaining room,
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- because it opens out onto the conservatory.- Oh, I like it! Yeah!
0:23:37 > 0:23:39What sort of entertaining? Tap-dancing?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- HE LAUGHS - No, no, no. Maybe a bit of salsa.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Ah, here's the kitchen. Right.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- This is a good size.- Good size, yes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- Yeah.- Could do with a few more units, I would think.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- Yeah. - There's some wall space not used.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59And that's the front of the property there, isn't it, I believe.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- I mean the real front of it. - I think so.- Out onto the road.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- What's here? Ah! It's the blue room. - Oh, I see!
0:24:06 > 0:24:10Ah! Right. OK, then. So that would be the dining room.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- I think that's the main road. - But I think we've been in here.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16We have! Oh, right. Here's the loo.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20There's a bathroom in there,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22and...
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- ..another bathroom.- Oh, right!
0:24:26 > 0:24:29- And then another bathroom. - Hold on. It's all one bathroom.
0:24:29 > 0:24:34- There are two...- Oh, I see. Right. - ..into the same bathroom.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- Well, we could maybe rearrange that. - There must have been a wall there.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- We've got two bathrooms right next door to each other here.- Yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44His... Hers.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Although, because they're in the choir, perhaps it's hymn and her.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- Here's the single bedroom.- Ooh! - Although it could be a double.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57Yeah. Well, it's not my decor.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00No, but that again is going to be changed.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Gosh...
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Right.- This is actually... Not sure about the carpet.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Well, I think we've now gone through the spectrum of colours.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Yes. Purple. We haven't had purple yet.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Sort of. We've had mauve, haven't we?
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- Oh!- Oh, wow.- En suite!
0:25:17 > 0:25:19En-suite bathroom. Yeah.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- We'd probably just take this out, wouldn't we?- No!
0:25:22 > 0:25:26We'd just make it a nicer bath, maybe a corner bath.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Although in terms of the light in the room, you wouldn't need -
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Just put a screen here, a Chinese screen.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35You could just put the wall back, couldn't you?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I would say just a Chinese screen,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40something like you had in your hotel room in Brazil.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Let's not go into that.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47It's very, um... It's a very public en suite, isn't it?
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- It is indeed!- "Pass the soap, dear." "I'm sleeping!"
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- Yeah, it's...- My goodness!
0:25:53 > 0:25:55- Wow!- More curves! Wow! - Hey, look at this!
0:25:55 > 0:25:59I mean, again, it's all a bit sort of dilapidated,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- but it's a great room. - Fabulous room.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Good size, and all these curves! - Look at that.- Yeah!
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- It's regal, almost.- Quite. Amazing.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12The architect of this place was on something, I think.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13THEY LAUGH
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I was worried we might never see you again.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22It's easier to find you in the garden than the house.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- And it's a big garden, as well. - It's like a labyrinth in there,
0:26:25 > 0:26:29- lots of little corridors and curves. - A very elegant labyrinth.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32"Elegance" is exactly the right word for this place, Jonnie.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37- Eloquently put!- It's extraordinary. - It has great potential.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Well, I'm glad you said the P-word. THEY LAUGH
0:26:39 > 0:26:44- I described it as a project, and - - It's a few.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47It's quite a few projects. But what you've got here is...
0:26:47 > 0:26:53This is, maybe, a slice of... almost aristocracy living, isn't it?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56You've got no less than eight acres, a paddock at the back there,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- a stream I've yet to find, a pond... - Wow!
0:26:59 > 0:27:03There's an amazing, a truly amazing, kitchen walled garden
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- behind that yew hedge.- Fantastic!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09And, just over the road, there is also your own copse.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Have your own two acres of woodland! Why not?
0:27:12 > 0:27:15- That's just thrown in! - He's provided that for you.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19- That's just a special present from Simon.- All these extras!
0:27:19 > 0:27:21So, there's so much here.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23- Are you daunted?- Yes.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25That's going to cost quite a bit to do up.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- What do you think?- Absolutely. - I'm not exactly daunted, actually.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33- I think that it's manageable. - Let's bring the family into this.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37No matter where they go to university and end up living with work,
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- they're going to want to come back here. What an amazing place!- It is.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45- And this says "tennis court" all day long, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- And croquet.- And... Ooh! - I do like a game of croquet.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52I will pop down and play a game of croquet if you go for this.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55But are you going to go for this place?
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Because, after all, everything comes down to...
0:27:57 > 0:28:03- Bottom line. It's one-nil at the moment to you, Simon.- Yes.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- You were very good on the last one. - Thank you.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Come on, Alison. Let's start feeling our feet now.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Your budget, £1.5 million.
0:28:10 > 0:28:16How much for a beautiful piece of Regency architecture?
0:28:16 > 0:28:19OK. Well, as we've said, there's a lot of work to do, a lot to spend,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23so I'll go for 1.25.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- 1.25?- Right.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Simon?
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Well, I think I would say about 1.3.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35He's pretty good, isn't he? He's pretty good!
0:28:35 > 0:28:39You win. You're closest. Well done, Simon.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44It's on the market for £1.4 million. I've spoken to the agents,
0:28:44 > 0:28:47and they've said there is some room to make an offer.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Mm-hm.- Enough to think about there, with two properties,
0:28:51 > 0:28:55but what are we going to give you for £1.5 million for a wild card?
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- Shall we go and find out? - I'm looking forward to it.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59- Come on!- Let's go.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06The wild card - and, like all good musical performances,
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- this house has two halves. - Indeed it has.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11There's a Victorian base to this six-bedroom property,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14then there's an ensemble of 1970s colour.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18Intriguing! Although it might seem as though we're in a housing estate,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21there's much more to this place than meets the eye.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25This is a big-budget wild card, but truly has many hidden gems.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Our wild card today... Now, what shall we tell you about it?
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- Jonnie, not much, I don't think. - What was the one period of property you wanted?
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Um...- Victorian?- Victorian!
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- Well, there you go! It's a Victorian property.- Mostly.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Right.- Don't say any more! Don't say any more!
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- First impressions?- Looks nice. - A lot of it looks like it's hidden.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50And you are right.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It is the most secluded of all the properties to date.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- That's what you'll find there. - It's so secluded,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58I've heard that David Beckham's looking at it.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- THEY LAUGH - So what else are we thinking?
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Why would this be the wild card, then?
0:30:04 > 0:30:06I must say, we're a bit foxed on that one.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- Are you?- Good. - There's only one way to find out,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12and that's by having a good look around, hopefully aghast
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- at how amazing it is. Or otherwise! - Get in there and enjoy.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Yes, it is intriguing. - What's going to be more intriguing
0:30:19 > 0:30:23- is keeping track of where they are. - It's another labyrinth, isn't it?
0:30:23 > 0:30:24- Got a plan?- Yeah. Come on.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Ooh! Nice.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Shall we start off in here?
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Yeah. Let's do that.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38So, this is the office.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- At the moment. - Ah, right! Very nice floor.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- Look at that.- Oh, yes!
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- Marble-tiled floor. - Oh, gosh, this is rather nice.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Very nice! All the cornicing here still.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54Very large. What do you think we could have here?
0:30:54 > 0:30:56- Piano?- The grand piano, yeah?
0:30:57 > 0:30:59Now...
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Look at the, er, nice garden.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Yeah! That's, um, quite a lot of lawn there.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Very nice. Ooh, is that a tennis court at the end? Gosh!
0:31:08 > 0:31:11I'm sure that's not a Victorian window over there.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- No. - HE LAUGHS
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- Right, so... Yes. - Lots of windows been put in.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- Yeah. A big room, isn't it? - It's lovely. Yeah, very nice.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22You could have two different areas here.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Good place for singing.- Yeah. Yep.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I mean, I like the column,
0:31:28 > 0:31:30but I'm not terribly sure about whether...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33I mean, maybe it has to stay, or something has to be there,
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- just to keep that beam up. - Shall we see if the piano's in tune?
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- It might be locked.- No.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44- Baby grand. Very baby grand. - Oh, there's something on the...
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- SHE PLAYS MELODY Whoa!- Oh, this is music to my ears.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- SHE PLAYS TINNY NOTES - Blimey! Honky-tonk!- Oh, dear me.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56Has Les Dawson turned up?
0:31:56 > 0:31:59Have you been watching some Harry Lime film or something?
0:31:59 > 0:32:02- That's Bali Ha'i. - Oh, is it Bali Ha'i? Oh, sorry!
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- Um, from Carousel? No?- No.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09- South Pacific.- Oh, South Pacific. I knew it was one of the two.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14- I knew that was Bali Ha'i. It was on the tip of my tongue. - I thought it was Ballykissangel.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- Oh, gosh! - HE LAUGHS
0:32:16 > 0:32:17Now...
0:32:17 > 0:32:19this is rather peculiar.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- Mm. - We've got, sort of, more columns.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26More columns. Oh, yes. And a lovely view of the garden.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- And we've got a pond! - Oh, yes. And there are fish in it.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Oh, yeah.- Ah, right!- Gosh.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Aha, the kitchen!
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- Mm. Well... - HE LAUGHS
0:32:38 > 0:32:42- What?- Well, again, it's - - It can be replaced.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Yes, yes.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47And a wooden ceiling. It's very Swiss chalet.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49It is, yes.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52It's not what they wanted, but it could be. Could be, could be.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55It could be, and they must bear in mind,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58there is a certain quality of build here
0:32:58 > 0:33:01that you didn't always get during the '70s.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Wow!
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Lovely big bedroom! Oh, very nice.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09I mean, forget the decor, but apart from that -
0:33:09 > 0:33:12I can almost feel a shag-pile carpet here.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14It's a lovely big bedroom.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Yes! Oh, this is great.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19Could make two bedrooms out of this.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Oh, gosh! It's a dressing area.
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- Cupboards?- So don't need to put your wardrobes there.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- Oh, look. That's a good size. - Good size, yeah.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Built-in wardrobes. Just need refashioning a bit.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40I mean, again, the redecoration of these things
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- is quite superficial, in a way. - Not trivial cost-wise.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45No, no. That's right.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48Thank you, Simon! That's exactly our point, isn't it?
0:33:48 > 0:33:50OK, the decor might not be to everyone's taste.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55The quality of the build, the quality of the remodelling, cannot be questioned.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- Another bathroom.- Yeah.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58Good size again.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Needs some, um... - Again, a little project.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Mm. Definitely need to count up those projects, I suppose.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Wow! Do you know something, Simon? When I was about 16,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13this was the sort of colour scheme I chose for my bedroom.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Not all over the walls, but on the carpet.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- It's a nice little room! - In the eaves.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21I can imagine Aidan in here. And a bathroom!
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- He gets his own bathroom. - Which is very good.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25No, I think this is ideal.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Oh, look what we've found! Before we talk about this space,
0:34:33 > 0:34:36there's one thing we would like to point out to you
0:34:36 > 0:34:39that we really enjoyed about that tour. What you spotted
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- was the quality of the place. - Mm.- OK, the decor
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- might need a touch of, um... - Updating.- Yes.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48THEY LAUGH
0:34:48 > 0:34:52But come on. Now let's get back to your original desires.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Alison, I believe you asked for a tennis court.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- I know! A tennis court. Fantastic! - Lo and behold...
0:34:58 > 0:35:01You didn't ask for a sculpture garden. You've got one.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- Or a rose garden.- I never promised you the rose garden.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07- Or some glasshouses. - Or three glasshouses.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- Swimming pool? Did we mention the swimming pool?- That would be nice.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13And, all in all,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17you've got 1.6 acres of gardens, just gardens.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- I mean, it's very private here.- Yes.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23The style of the property, you could have very different kinds of parties!
0:35:23 > 0:35:27- THEY LAUGH - He's been talking about Hugh Hefner.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- THEY LAUGH - Let's not go there.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31Let's go to guess-the-price, shall we?
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- Yes. Remind us of the score, Simon. - The score is, er...- Oh, don't.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- I'll remind Simon of the score. Two-nil to Simon.- Is it really?
0:35:38 > 0:35:42But we've not been far away. These have been very different properties.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Now, who wants to go first for the last time?
0:35:46 > 0:35:50- You're playing for pride, Alison. - But I'm not competitive.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- THEY LAUGH - Right, cos you're losing.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55I bet you're more competitive at tennis.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Why don't you blaze a trail here, Simon?
0:35:58 > 0:36:03How much is this house, with all of its grounds, on the market for?
0:36:03 > 0:36:06Right.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08About 1.5,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- I think.- 1.5.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- Yeah.- OK. Alison?
0:36:13 > 0:36:17I think... Obviously it needs a lot of updating.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21But I would actually put it a bit higher, at 1.6.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24You're rubbish! THEY LAUGH
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Thanks so much!
0:36:26 > 0:36:28THEY LAUGH
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- It's three-nil to Simon. - I was just thinking,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34when you went higher, I thought, "Oh, she's got this one."
0:36:34 > 0:36:36You kind of started on the right lines.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40You said it needs a bit of reworking, all that kind of stuff.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42We wouldn't overspend for you.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46It's actually on the market at this moment for 1.35.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48- Is it really? - Oh, right. OK.- Amazing.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51I just thought, sort of, the location, and...
0:36:51 > 0:36:55I think you'll agree we've shown you three very different properties
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- for your budget.- Absolutely.- Yeah!
0:36:57 > 0:37:00A real big mix there. You've now got to decide which one
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- you'd like to spend a bit more time in.- Right.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Tricky decision, I'm sure.- Yeah. - Go and put your heads together,
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- and we'll see you in a moment. - Right.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Normally in this part of the programme, we give you a reminder
0:37:13 > 0:37:17of all three properties, but because they're so big, it could take time.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- So make yourselves comfy.- Here we go.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23Will my property hit the right note? Castellation and countryside
0:37:23 > 0:37:25for £1.1 million.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Or will my property strike a chord with our choristers?
0:37:29 > 0:37:34Their very own slice of history for £1.4 million.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Or will it be the wild card that is called upon for an encore?
0:37:37 > 0:37:41All this could be theirs to the tune of £1.35 million.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Surprise, surprise - you've chosen to test-drive the wild card!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- We have.- Yes. Yeah.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Tell us more. What was it about this place?
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Well, that wonderful bedroom, which really blew me away.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Fantastic. This one has the space inside and out.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04There are things we'd like to change here.
0:38:04 > 0:38:08There's some features we need to bring to our own satisfaction.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13Now, then - our eagle-eyed surveyor has given this place the onceover,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16and he's come up with some interesting points.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20It is not a legally binding survey, and if you proceed with any property
0:38:20 > 0:38:23get all your surveys and searches done. You know that.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27The old chestnut that often comes out is the flat roofs.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Not too many of them, but they have a finite life.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32This place was converted in the 1960s.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36They've got a bit of age to them. They'll need replacing fairly soon.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39So you'd probably need to build that into any purchase price.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Right.- A little bird tells me
0:38:42 > 0:38:47you're not that struck with the eyelid dormers up there in the roof.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50No. We'd like to try and recreate a bit of Victorian feel
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- to the property.- OK.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56So, a suggestion - while you're altering those,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59you may want to replace all the other windows, as well.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02They are getting towards the end of their life span,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05and they're all single glazed, so while you're doing that,
0:39:05 > 0:39:09get double-glazed units, nice wooden frames from a sustainable source,
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- add some value to this property. - It's fantastically built.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15The surveyor himself agreed with all of us.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19We all noticed the workmanship there. It's been done very well.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21The guy that did it was a master builder.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24But all in all, a gorgeous, substantial property,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27very private, very secluded, so make it your own.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Go on. Enjoy! See you later. - We will.- We will do.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- See you.- Bye-bye.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34What shall we do - the Italian garden? Swimming pool?
0:39:34 > 0:39:37- Tennis? Tennis!- Tennis.- Tennis.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43So now Simon and Alison's friend David has arrived,
0:39:43 > 0:39:45our trio of choristers is complete.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49And before a tour of the grounds, they feel a rehearsal coming on.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53Enough of this chat! Let's allow the singing to do the talking.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Couldn't agree more.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56THEY ALL SING
0:39:56 > 0:39:58# When the embers leave
0:39:58 > 0:40:01# When the embers leave to glow
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- # And the owl cries - # Tu-whit tu-who, tu-whit tu-who
0:40:05 > 0:40:06# Tu-whit tu-who, tu
0:40:06 > 0:40:09# Tu-whit tu-whit tu-whit tu-who
0:40:09 > 0:40:10# When crickets do sing
0:40:10 > 0:40:13# And mice roam about
0:40:13 > 0:40:15# When midnight bells ring
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- # Ring-ring - # Ring-ring
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- # Ring-ring - # Ring-ring
0:40:19 > 0:40:23# To call the devout #
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Now, then, Alison and Simon, we've heard singing.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29- THEY LAUGH - Yes!
0:40:29 > 0:40:33Is it a musical house? Is it a house that could be a home for you guys?
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Yes. I think... This is a lovely room here,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39and the hall is another great area,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42and from a singing point of view, it's very pleasant.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- Garden fabulous - - The acoustics OK, are they?
0:40:44 > 0:40:48I think they have been. Maybe you should judge that.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50- THEY LAUGH - It sounded all right to us!
0:40:50 > 0:40:54What about... There's so many bedrooms I've almost lost count.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Did you choose a master bedroom? - I think Alison has.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00Without question. The room above here is absolutely fabulous.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04- That's top bedroom of the whole - - A walk-in wardrobe
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- going into the en-suite bathroom. - Absolutely.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09And the size of the room, the triple aspect -
0:41:09 > 0:41:13just imagine the table and chairs, looking over the garden,
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- reading the Sunday newspaper... - And the garden itself...
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I think we really nailed it there,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23because I did get the feeling with the other two properties,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27there was almost too much land, if you can have such a thing.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29Yes. I think this is manageable.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- Sounds like you've had a great time here.- Yes.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34So we're leading into the big question.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37- Simon, get stretched off. - OK, here we go.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- HE SINGS PART OF A SCALE - To buy or not to buy?
0:41:40 > 0:41:45Our feeling at the moment is, this great house, great gardens,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49but it's not quite our dream house. There's two different styles here,
0:41:49 > 0:41:51but fantastic wild card.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I'm not sure whether we could live with that...
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- two styles, the modern part of it, ourselves.- OK.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01So it's not our dream house, but it's definitely on the list.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04- So as of today... - Not to buy.- Not to buy.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07A rational argument and an honest point, I think, there.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10Yeah. This is, you know...
0:42:10 > 0:42:13In anyone's bank, this is a huge chunk of money,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15so I guess it has to be absolutely right.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- It does.- Yeah.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19I wish you the very best of luck. Keep in touch.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22You might have second thoughts about this place.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26I need to go. I've got to get a mortgage and buy property number 2.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- See you later.- See you later. - Bye.- Thank you.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34I tell you what, Simon - this place is special.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37And one day, Jonnie, perhaps all this could be yours.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Actually, I'd prefer property 2. That was a bit more my bag.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44You did mention that. But all truly aspirational homes.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46It's another lifestyle, something else.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49If you're aspiring to your next home...
0:42:49 > 0:42:51No matter how big or small your budget, get in touch.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53- We would love to help you. - See you then.
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- Can you, er, lend me 1.4 million?- No!
0:42:56 > 0:43:00Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:00 > 0:43:04E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk