0:00:02 > 0:00:03In the maelstrom that is the property market...
0:00:03 > 0:00:06..everyone needs a beacon to help them navigate treacherous waters.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09And nothing screams housing beacon like the good ship that is...
0:00:09 > 0:00:14TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY!
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- Ah!- Got that out of your system, yeah?
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- Thank you. Good morning!- Morning! - We're in the north-east of England.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35There is something primal about this majestic corner of our great nation
0:00:35 > 0:00:38which makes me want to get out and enjoy the wilderness.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40I hear you. We really are the lucky ones.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Every day we get out into this gorgeous environment
0:00:43 > 0:00:47and help property hunters find not just one but three fantastic houses.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50And one of those will be test-driven by today's buyers
0:00:50 > 0:00:54as we hear the sirens in the deep wail down the wind.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58"Try before you buy!"
0:00:58 > 0:01:00That was you doing that!
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Oh.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08I'm bestowed with some glowing praise.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10The man's a genius!
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Whoa!- On that note...
0:01:13 > 0:01:15take yourselves in and enjoy!
0:01:15 > 0:01:18But sometimes Simon just can't handle the truth.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22We got your point! OK, the rooms are bigger. They just don't like it as much!
0:01:22 > 0:01:25And is there more to some properties than meets the eye?
0:01:25 > 0:01:32- It's a revelation, isn't it? Compared with outside, you'd never guess in a million years.- Never.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34But which will it be?
0:01:34 > 0:01:36To buy or not to buy?
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Enlisting our help today is Amy James,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44who works as a product manager in Newcastle for a baking company.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Amy lives in Cramlington, Northumberland,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50with husband Leon, son Oliver, and new arrival Blake.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55It's the arrival of the latest addition to the family that has sparked a need for more space
0:01:55 > 0:01:56and a house with more home to it.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00Joining Amy on today's house hunt is her father, Stewart Haddock,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03a marketing lecturer from Preston University.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07But after Amy flew the family nest, future husband Leon moved in with Stewart,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10so Dad lived with son-in-law before wife did. Get that?
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Neither did I. Shall we get on with this?
0:02:15 > 0:02:18But this does mean, Stewart, you should be qualified to know
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- what Leon wants as well as what Amy wants.- Precisely.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27- What do they want?- A four-bedroomed house, not on a main road.
0:02:27 > 0:02:33What we need is a big flat garden, because we've got two young boys who need somewhere to play.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36You need a nice enclosed piece of garden.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- Yes.- The difference that makes is unbelievable.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41You can open the door and say, "Go, go."
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- Yeah, it just needs to be safe, and all we want is flat.- Right.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49And your position at the moment... your property is on the market?
0:02:49 > 0:02:54- Yes.- How's it going?- Quite well. We've had some interest, so hopefully we'll get that sold.
0:02:54 > 0:03:00That's it. Any day, you can sell. You need to be looking at properties to get an idea of what you want.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04So when your buyers turn up, you're not holding up the chain.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- You know what you're going for. - That's the thing.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10It's been difficult to find what we're looking for,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- and for that reason... - That's why you've employed us. - That's why we're here!
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Don't you worry! It'll be OK. - Oh, no.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- This is pressure.- I'm scared now! Four bedrooms.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24- How many have you got at the moment? - Three.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- So we are now upsizing. - We need that bit more space.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32We've got the two boys. My father comes to stay and we've got family living away.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35We tend to need a guest bedroom. We need that extra space.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Paint a picture of how you envisage your house being.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We'd like a reasonable-size living area
0:03:41 > 0:03:46and a dining room that could be either part of the kitchen
0:03:46 > 0:03:50or we're happy for a separate dining and kitchen or a kitchen/diner
0:03:50 > 0:03:54which would work well with having children, the mess they create.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59- What style of property should we look for?- Style as such doesn't really matter.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- That's the answer.- Open-minded is the key to the whole thing.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- You've intimated...- It's more to do with space than it is to do with style.
0:04:07 > 0:04:13That's interesting. Four spacious bedrooms. It's very rare you'll get four big bedrooms.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Maybe three good ones and a box room.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Area-wise, where do you hope to be?
0:04:17 > 0:04:20We want to be within commutable distance.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- I work in Jesmond, my husband works in Cramlington.- Jesmond is very nice.- Very nice.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28It needs to be north Newcastle, south Northumberland,
0:04:28 > 0:04:34- so Cramlington, Whitley Bay, that sort of area.- You're familiar with this area.- I am, indeed.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- My other half is from this area. It's gorgeous coastline.- Yeah.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Lovely part of the world. Is catchment area for a school important?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- We're looking to the future here. - Yes, that is very important.
0:04:46 > 0:04:52We want good first schools, middle schools and secondary schools, because this is a permanent move.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56So we need to look as far as secondary schools as well.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01What about the boring details like off-road parking, garages, those things?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Do you require them or are they surplus?- We've both got cars.
0:05:04 > 0:05:10Preferably a garage and a driveway, but off-road parking is definitely something.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13- The ability to park two cars without any difficulty.- Right.
0:05:13 > 0:05:20We want four bedrooms, centring on the Whitley Bay area,
0:05:20 > 0:05:26- off-road parking and a fabulous guest room en-suite.- Absolutely.- OK.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30So what budget have we got to spend on this?
0:05:30 > 0:05:32£230,000.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- Is that realistic?- It should be. - Great.- I think it's realistic.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- Yeah?- Shall we go and find out? - Can we play on the beach, first? - No, we can't!
0:05:41 > 0:05:44You go for a stroll on the beach. We'll see you later. Come on!
0:05:46 > 0:05:48They certainly know what they want.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51The trick here is space and particularly the fourth bedroom.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Experience tells us that, with any property, there's always one smaller bedroom.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59With that budget, it'll be even more difficult.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03And it'll be difficult getting off these rocks before the tide comes in!
0:06:03 > 0:06:05I think it's...that way.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09OK. In that case, I'm going this way to meet the estate agent on the beach.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14Northumberland sits as the proud crown of the north-east of England
0:06:14 > 0:06:18and boasts 100 miles of golden sandy beaches,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21rolling hills and endless realms of rugged moorland.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:06:24 > 0:06:31the sweeping landscapes span more than 1,900 square miles and are home to the one and only Hadrian's Wall,
0:06:31 > 0:06:35which snakes its way for 73 miles across the north of England.
0:06:38 > 0:06:45Ordered by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122, the wall was the largest Roman building project in Britain.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48It became the most heavily fortified border of the Roman Empire,
0:06:48 > 0:06:52built to protect Britannia from the northern tribes of the Highlands.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Just over Northumberland's southern border and into Tyne and Wear,
0:06:57 > 0:07:02the seaside havens of Whitley Bay and Tynemouth have been a draw for more than a century
0:07:02 > 0:07:07and blend historical English heritage with seaside attractions to perfection.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13But away from this north-eastern paradise,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17what can Amy's budget afford her elsewhere around historic Britannia?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22At the other end of Hadrian's Wall in Carlisle, Cumbria,
0:07:22 > 0:07:25this traditional semi-detached family home
0:07:25 > 0:07:29has four bedrooms, separate lounge, dining room and a conservatory
0:07:29 > 0:07:31to enjoy the ample garden.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Down near the historic Roman baths in Bath,
0:07:36 > 0:07:41this unconventional three-bed semi has a kitchen/diner which Amy would love,
0:07:41 > 0:07:47the required off-road parking and a safe, enclosed rear garden for Oliver and Blake to enjoy.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56Finally, just outside the monolithic circles of Stonehenge in Wiltshire,
0:07:56 > 0:08:00this spacious home has three bedrooms, a kitchen/diner and south-facing garden
0:08:00 > 0:08:03for Amy and the family to enjoy.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13I don't know where Simon is, but I've found Jonathan, our estate agent. How are you?
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- Very well, thank you.- You're the local expert. I'm not familiar with the north-east.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22We're in Tynemouth. What's the area like for sales at the moment?
0:08:22 > 0:08:27It's not too bad at all. It's a popular area. People want to come to the coast.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29North of Whitley Bay is St Mary's Island
0:08:29 > 0:08:33on which you find this magnificent lighthouse built in 1898
0:08:33 > 0:08:36on the site of an old monastery
0:08:36 > 0:08:41where, once upon a time, the monks lit a sanctuary light to guide passing ships to safety.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45It was decommissioned in 1984 and is now a very popular tourist attraction.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49So no-one lives here, which is a pity, cos I fancy living in a lighthouse.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Except where would you put your corner units?
0:08:53 > 0:09:00We have £230,000 as a budget. Will that get me a four-bed house in a nice area around Whitley Bay?
0:09:00 > 0:09:05Very much so. There's a lot of semi-detached properties, 1930s,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07a few '60s, '70s builds.
0:09:07 > 0:09:12And some terraces as well. A lot of properties would be suitable.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Situated in an almost impregnable position at the mouth of the River Tyne
0:09:16 > 0:09:21and the unforgiving North Sea sits Tynemouth. I say almost impregnable
0:09:21 > 0:09:24because a 7th-century monastery which once sat here
0:09:24 > 0:09:29was sacked by Danish Viking raiders before being replaced in 1090 by this Benedictine priory.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31It's seen better days, to be honest.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I guess if it came on the market now,
0:09:33 > 0:09:38the particulars would say "Located in a marvellous position,
0:09:38 > 0:09:42"affording fabulous sea views, this historic building, in need of modernisation
0:09:42 > 0:09:44"is ripe for regeneration."
0:09:44 > 0:09:50Yeah. Conservatory here, kitchen/diner, large through lounge. Interesting.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Is land a rare quality up here, as everywhere else,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55or do you get spacious gardens with properties?
0:09:55 > 0:10:00It obviously varies on the area, but a lot of semis have a decent-sized garden.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Terraces tend to really look more towards yards.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Commanding the attention of all shipping sailing in and out of the River Tyne
0:10:08 > 0:10:14is this statue to Lord Collingwood, Nelson's second-in-command at the Battle of Trafalgar.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16After Nelson's death, it was Admiral Collingwood
0:10:16 > 0:10:20who secured the most famous victory in British naval history.
0:10:20 > 0:10:26This monument to him was erected in 1845 and is guarded by four of the original cannons
0:10:26 > 0:10:30from the Royal Sovereign, Lord Collingwood's ship at Trafalgar.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- Isn't this lovely. I could sit here all day.- We've got a job to do, so crack on.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Oh, yes. OK, yes. I have done very well indeed.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48Now, remember Stewart and Amy wanted substance over style.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53I'm glad about that, because Property One may not be everyone's choice architecturally,
0:10:53 > 0:10:58but as far as the space goes, four bedrooms, yes indeed.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Garage, yes indeed. Off-road parking, yes indeed.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06Front and back gardens, it's a winner. Beat that. And it's not very far from the sea.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08Well done. That is a real box-ticker.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11I've gone for style and substance with Property Two.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15According to the dimensions, we have some spacious rooms.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19The downstairs living space is spot on, plus the usual trappings you'd expect.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23Off-road parking, a garage. It's in fantastic condition.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24OK. That's Property One and Two.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28Now, then, the wild card. What shall we tell you?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31We're not going to tell you. Let's liken the wild card
0:11:31 > 0:11:33to the Northumberland coast
0:11:33 > 0:11:38on a wild December morn as the North Sea bashes against the rocks.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42PROPERTY ONE!
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Here we go, then.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52My splendid property is in lovely Whitley Bay.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55A welcoming 1960s four-bed family home
0:11:55 > 0:12:00with a huge through lounge, ample kitchen and picturesque garden to boot.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04A great property to kick off with and one I'm proud to champion.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10Stewart and Amy, Property One is my choice. I take responsibility for this.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I want you to take a look at that house
0:12:12 > 0:12:15and give me your honest opinion.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- Yeah, it looks a good size. It's quite an attractive house. - No work to do!
0:12:20 > 0:12:23That's the important thing. Absolute perfection.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28I think some people would look at this architectural style and go, "Hmm. Does it work?"
0:12:28 > 0:12:31But you've seen through that, as you said you would.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33You said it was about substance over style.
0:12:33 > 0:12:39I think you'll find this property looks substantial and actually is.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- Fair enough?- I agree.- Monkseaton metro station is minutes away
0:12:43 > 0:12:48or, if you fancy the drive, the coast road into the heart of Newcastle is also minutes away.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- So location-wise...- And there's lots of parking space.- Of course!
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- I like to give.- Here, there, everywhere. Perfect.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59- The man's a genius!- On that note... - Whoa!- On that note,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03take yourselves in and enjoy! Go on. We'll leave it there. See you on the other side.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13- This is good. This is a big size. - Yes, isn't it?
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- Genius, they called me, Jonny. - They're of a good size.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- What's a good size?- Your ego.
0:13:20 > 0:13:26- There we go. Oh, yes, this is a through lounge, is it? Whatever it's called.- Yeah.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- Through to the dining room. - It's good. I like that window.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32I really like the bay window. It's a really good size.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- This is a nice size.- Yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- Plenty of room for our furniture. - The views are pleasant.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42You're not looking onto anything unsightly.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It goes through. That's quite nice.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- Right.- I quite like this, the doors between.- Very nice.- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54As much as open plan is nice, people do like the option to have that separation.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56That's what you've got with those doors.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58I wish we had that here.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03The nice thing is the light that comes right through the house.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05It'll always be a nice light house.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09If you had a meal in here and had the doors open in the summer.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- That would be good.- Very good, yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Stewart and Amy are both saying nothing needs doing, Jonny.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Are they being overly polite or lazy?
0:14:19 > 0:14:24I'm always concerned on a viewing when people wax lyrical about a property.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29When you know yourself it's not perfect. It's a nice house, but there are changes to be made.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Oh, this is...- Yeah, I like this kitchen.- This is very nice.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40Yeah, this is a good size and the window's fantastic.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42I like the tiling. It's very good.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45One of the things I really like are the big windows.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49When Leon's doing the washing up, he's got a good view into the garden.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Amy's right. Leon will have a fantastic view over the fence
0:14:52 > 0:14:57- because the new school being built is an architectural delight.- It is.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- I like it so much, I'm going for another look.- Shall I just...
0:15:01 > 0:15:05It's very spacious. There's a lot of room on this landing.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09And all very practical for stair-gates as well!
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- The bathroom.- Bathroom, yes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- The bathroom looks as though it's been recently done.- Yes.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I think the whole thing's been done very tastefully.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20It needs refurbishing.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- Look at this bedroom.- Right. Is this the first bedroom?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Or the second bedroom?- I don't know.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28With the fitted wardrobes.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- Extensive fitted wardrobes. Are you a fan of those?- It depends on the age and style of the house.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- Very diplomatic.- I'm going to sit on that fence in a moment!
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Ah, another good-sized bedroom.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It's another room you don't need to do anything at all about.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50The good thing is it's very quiet.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Exactly. End of a cul-de-sac, fields beyond,
0:15:53 > 0:15:55lovely quiet spot.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58But the kids are still in class. When they're out there...
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Shh!
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Right. What have we got here?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06A children's room, I think.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11- Yeah, they've obviously painted... - Just compact. Bijou, this room, perhaps.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Right. Let's see what else we've got.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Yeah, the rest of the house. - This must be the fourth bedroom.
0:16:17 > 0:16:22- Yeah, this must be the extended part.- Right. Not a bedroom.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26- There's a mystery.- They're not using it as a bedroom.- Of course.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Oh, look at this!- Oh.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- A balcony.- Yeah.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34There's a pheasant walking across the field!
0:16:34 > 0:16:37This is a great-sized room. Obviously this is the extended part.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40The other rooms were square whereas this is longer.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- I think I would use this as a master bedroom. - Yes, because of the veranda.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- Would you use that as the master? I think I would. I agree with Amy. - Yeah.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- The balcony at the back. - It's a perfect feature.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Perhaps we need to go and find out if it's in budget!
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- Go and speak to Simon. - That's the problem.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Maybe he's not the genius we think he is!
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I feel rather pleased with myself.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08- That went well.- Very well.- Yeah.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Is there any point in seeing anything else?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Whoa, whoa, whoa!
0:17:13 > 0:17:19- Hold on. Given that this is the first house, we've got plenty more to see.- Really?- Definitely.
0:17:19 > 0:17:20I'll leave you to it.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- We've got to give Jonny a chance here!- Very decent of you(!)
0:17:24 > 0:17:28- But you didn't seem to pick any faults in this property whatsoever.- Not one.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32It feels like a good-sized house which is important. It's about space.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I like light. It feels like it flows through the house.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Big windows, which I really do like.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41You've had a chance to look at the garden. How did that fare?
0:17:41 > 0:17:46I really like the garden. There's even space to bring it out the side where the fence is.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50It's time to guess the price. You want to spend around 230K.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53How much do you think Simon's pitched in with this one?
0:17:53 > 0:17:58I think this might be slightly over budget, actually.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00I'd say maybe 239 for this house.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Stewart?- I don't think it's quite as much over budget as that.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- So I'd say 235.- OK.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Yeah, 235.- 235 and 239.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13You're right, I'm not on budget.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15I'm 5,000 under budget!
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- Ah!- 225 for this lovely property. - Right.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- See? In budget as well. Do I hear another "genius"?- Ah!
0:18:23 > 0:18:27What do you think of that? 225. You loved the house as it was.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29There's nothing to spend on the house.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32A lot of money on that plaque for Simon O'Brien!
0:18:32 > 0:18:35This has gone brilliantly. There's two more to see.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- Mine is next. This way. Property Two.- After you.- Let's go.
0:18:42 > 0:18:48My choice, Property Two, is a superb detached property in a quiet cul-de-sac.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51It has the required four bedrooms and enclosed garden
0:18:51 > 0:18:56but also has a large conservatory, a study and a master en-suite.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01In contrast to old Simon's, it's a newer property full of box-ticking potential.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04Amy and Stewart, here we are at my choice, Property Two.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08A lovely family-friendly cul-de-sac and it is a detached house.
0:19:08 > 0:19:13So follow Simon's thoughts from Property One, give me your initial impressions.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17- What do you think?- Well, younger man, younger house. Inevitable.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Yeah, nice and big. Good that it's detached.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Well set back. Quiet cul-de-sac. A good start, I'd say.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- Excellent.- Continuing on from Property One,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31I would also say this house reminds me of Jonny.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Utterly detached and the road's going nowhere, like him.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39I would say it's incredibly stylish and pretty darned attractive!
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- Have you looked at any detached properties? Is this something you'd consider?- Yeah,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46we've looked at more modern properties.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49It'll be interesting to see how it's proportioned inside
0:19:49 > 0:19:53because when they're newer, they tend to be smaller inside.
0:19:53 > 0:19:58Right. Simon's property being that bit older, I will qualify that further.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- The plot's not going to be as big. - No.- But surprisingly,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06the dimensions inside are impressive. I think you'll be quite satisfied.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10I hope you continue positively inside. See you later.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17- This is a bit smaller than the hallway at the last house.- This is.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20And first comment? The hallway's a bit small.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Fantastic.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- Oh, right. Oh, I see. - That's a surprise.
0:20:25 > 0:20:31- What they've done is turned the back of the garage into a study.- Right.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34They could use that study area like a little playroom.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37At Christmas, turn it into a grotto!
0:20:37 > 0:20:40You got all excited, then! You properly got excited!
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Right. This is interesting.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47Right. Ah, kitchen, of course.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- I suppose you would use this as a dining area.- Do you think so?
0:20:50 > 0:20:55So a lovely big kitchen family dining space in there as well. Excellent.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58It would be very handy in the morning if you were busy
0:20:58 > 0:21:01if you were with the children
0:21:01 > 0:21:04and trying to get things done in a hurry.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07You could be making something for breakfast with the children there.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- Yeah, the table there.- Yeah.
0:21:09 > 0:21:15Yeah. I'm not... The windows look out to the front, which I'm not as keen on, in the kitchen.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19I quite like kitchens that look onto the back.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- They didn't look in, but there's a downstairs toilet - handy for kids.- Absolutely.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Right. What have we got here?
0:21:25 > 0:21:29My word, this is a surprise. I didn't expect it to be this big!
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- This is...- That's very nice. Look at it.- Yeah.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36It goes the whole length, or is it the width, of the house.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- It must do. It's a surprise. - I like the fireplace.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40That's very smart.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Yeah.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- The good...- The bay window works very well.- And onto the garden.
0:21:45 > 0:21:52It's a real box bay window looking onto this lovely enclosed garden. Safe for children and pets alike.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Right. The conservatory.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58This has got the roof on the conservatory that you like, when it rains!
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- You can hear the rain. - Right. You can here the rain.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05I like that. When you're camping and you can hear the rain outside.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Sleeping bag in the conservatory. Just like going away, only never leaving home!
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- Right.- Not very practical for stair gates.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- We'd have to figure that out, I suppose.- Yes.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Let's have a look at this room.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24This is a good-sized room. A nice square room.
0:22:24 > 0:22:30It's quite easy to fit furniture. Children's furniture would be good in here.
0:22:32 > 0:22:39- Quite small windows.- They are. The windows in the kitchen were quite small as well.- Yes, quite small.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42But it's still fairly bright.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47They're not being as positive as they were with yours, unfortunately. I'd hoped this was a winner.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52But the master bedroom with en-suite, I'm hoping for something good. Come on.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Right. Bedroom number two.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00- Oh, this is quite a lot bigger, isn't it?- This is a good size. - En-suite as well.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- This is the master bedroom. - Yeah.- Good fitted wardrobes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- I like those. They're very smart. - Yeah.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- This is the kind of room you wouldn't need to do anything to. - No, it's very smart.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Shall we look in the...- Ah, look, there's an en-suite here.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Oh, I see.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- Just a washbasin?- With a shower. - Oh, right.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Let's look in here.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25So, bedroom number three.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27A-ha.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32Ooh, we have an "A-ha". He's hunting high and low.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- This is another good-sized bedroom. - Yeah, it is.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39The rooms aren't as big in this house as they were in the last.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41But only marginally.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Nothing needs doing in this house. It's more modern.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- There are more rooms.- Yep.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- And yet nowhere near as positive as Property One.- Yeah.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51Right.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54My word, this is a bright room, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- Gosh, yeah.- This would wake you up in the morning, wouldn't it?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- It would do.- That's rather a bright orange.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04- Yeah. It's quite a small bathroom, this.- Yeah.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It would be difficult with bathing two children.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10This house has a bigger footprint than the last one.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Overall, yeah.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Why aren't they feeling that?
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I don't know. It makes no sense.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- Shall we look in here? - Yeah, we'll look in here.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23OK. So the rooms are quite similar sizes.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- The wardrobe takes up quite a bit of space, doesn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31And you can see back onto the garden again.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34The rooms are bigger than I'd expect from a new build like this.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38But they are smaller than the previous property.
0:24:38 > 0:24:44- I'm going to get those details, show the details of that and Property One and then we'll see!- OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50I feel a little humbled with this property.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53I was excited outside. You were being positive.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57And the general vibe I got was that you didn't seem to think much of it.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- That's quite disappointing.- Yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03For some reason, I wasn't quite as keen on this one.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08It's great that it's detached. But the windows are much smaller.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- It feels more enclosed. Some of the rooms are a bit smaller.- Well,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16it just so happens I've got the details with the room dimensions on it.
0:25:16 > 0:25:21- Ah!- Because it's not at all. In fact, a lot of the rooms, certainly downstairs,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- are a lot bigger than Property One. - Right.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29- Certainly downstairs...- We've got your point! The rooms are bigger! They just don't like it as much!
0:25:29 > 0:25:36From what you said earlier, you wanted four bedrooms, a nice garden, living space, decent-sized bedrooms.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40- We ticked all those boxes. - And nothing to do in this place.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44This place is literally ready to move into. More so than Property One.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47It's a good feature of this house. Nothing to be done.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Do you know what might change your mind?
0:25:49 > 0:25:52What always talks? Money.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Hang on, let me dry my eyes.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Guess the price time.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00It's one-nil to Dad.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Hang on. Your budget is £230,000.
0:26:03 > 0:26:09How much for this house which is bigger than Property One but feels smaller to you?
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Because this is a detached property, you'd expect to pay more than the last house.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17So I'd probably say this was on budget at about 230.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- I'd go for 235.- Ah, well.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23That would put you back in contention. It's one-all.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27You're very close. It's offers around £229,000.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31So just under budget. A phenomenal price for a big house
0:26:31 > 0:26:37- with extra living space, conservatory...- OK, let it go! Come on! The wild card's this way!
0:26:42 > 0:26:46Northumbria In Bloom loves the village of Earsdon so much
0:26:46 > 0:26:50that it has bestowed its Best Village award onto this delightful hamlet
0:26:50 > 0:26:53not once but seven times since the year 2000.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57That's incredible. So where better to find our infamous wild card?
0:26:57 > 0:27:02This beautifully presented Victorian mid-terrace makes up for its lack of outside grounds
0:27:02 > 0:27:07with three floors of extensive living space boasting character and charm galore.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11OK. Our final property, the wild card. Why is it the wild card?
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Well, first of all, this is pretty wild, isn't it?
0:27:14 > 0:27:18- Yeah.- Not often you see a street that's been grassed over.- No.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Jonny and I both agreed, when we saw this house,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24there's just something so lovely about it. This...
0:27:24 > 0:27:27is a family house. First impressions?
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- Yes.- From the outside, it looks like it would be small.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34So it doesn't look like the kind of house that certainly...
0:27:34 > 0:27:39- Maybe it is. We're not telling you. But it's quite cute-looking on the outside.- Yes.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43The thing with terraces is they always belie what's inside them.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45You can't judge a book by its cover.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Now, being the wild card and being a terraced property,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51you will lose some of the things you were looking for,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55such as off-road parking and big gardens. You don't get those with terraces.
0:27:55 > 0:28:01But as far as space and as far as the overall ambience of the place is concerned,
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- this, for me, is the best property of the three.- You're giving it away! What are you doing?
0:28:06 > 0:28:08He is biased!
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Cos he loves this property.- OK.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12What we want to know is if you do.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- Get in there and enjoy it. - Thank you.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19Ah.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- Oh! Gosh!- The mystery unfolds.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- This is much bigger than even I would expect it to be.- It is.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32It's the perfect family hallway for shopping, coats, children's paraphernalia.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- Children.- In general.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- Wow!- That's good.- Gosh.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41- Oh, look at that fire.- That's fantastic.- Is it a real fire?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Oh, of course it is.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46We could easily fit our furniture in here.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49In fact, we'd probably need to buy more!
0:28:49 > 0:28:54To put anything in this house. So goodness knows what we'd need to do with the rest of the house.
0:28:54 > 0:28:59- They're only in the first room and it's a super house.- Already it's trumped Property Two.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04That's what we felt. When you walk in, it feels so warm and welcoming.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Ah, they've got stair gates.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09So they're used to the same...
0:29:09 > 0:29:12They've obviously got children as well here.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Gosh, this is a really different kitchen.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20- It is.- They've got one of the old-style clothes racks.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- Maiden.- Is that what it's called? - A maiden.- Oh.- A clothes maiden.
0:29:24 > 0:29:30I like that this is big enough to have a kitchen table in, to be able to eat in here.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32It's really practical for the children.
0:29:33 > 0:29:38- My word, what on earth's in here? - Ah, a playroom!- A playroom.
0:29:38 > 0:29:44- Ah.- Ah.- This really is something we'd enjoy having.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Look at all these here! A selection of...
0:29:48 > 0:29:54The wonderful thing about the size of this is that normally you'd reserve that as a reception room.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59Because the lounge is so big and the kitchen so large, you can give that space to the kids.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08I like all the wood there is about the house.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- These beams.- And the landing.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12Look at the light that's coming in.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15You'd expect this to be dark, but it's not.
0:30:15 > 0:30:20The landing is so naturally light because of the extension into the loft space.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22The light is flooding the first floor.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26Look at the size of this!
0:30:26 > 0:30:30- Incredible!- Yes. - This really is a TARDIS!
0:30:32 > 0:30:35That's the great thing about these Victorian terraces.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37You don't know what to expect when you go in.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39This is incredible.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43I really do think we'd have to start furniture shopping, though!
0:30:43 > 0:30:49- In a big way!- There's certainly no doubt that Leon could fit all his books in this house.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51It's something they've done too.
0:30:51 > 0:30:57- Yes.- Thing is, this could lead to Leon buying more and more books! - That's the problem!
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Ah. Bathroom. Gives that away on the door.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Oh, yes. The sign is a bit of a giveaway!
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Yeah. Bathroom.- And a shower as well.- Again, this is just...
0:31:08 > 0:31:15- Plenty of space.- Plenty of space. This is brilliant for bathing children in.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17- Fabulous family bathroom.- Yes.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21It's very rare you see a bath, then a shower cubicle in the same room.
0:31:21 > 0:31:26- The bath is a...- A whirlpool bath. - Whirlpool bath.- No less.
0:31:26 > 0:31:31The reason why the shower cubicle and the bath are so popular is all down to Simon O'Brien.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- As you'll know, he hates airing cupboards and wants them replaced with showers.- Correct.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40One thing I didn't realise was it's three storeys, from outside.
0:31:40 > 0:31:45- I like this staircase. This wood. - This wood's really nice.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50The whole place, as they might say, is evocative of a bygone age.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- What a lovely turn of phrase. - Wax lyrical, Stewart!
0:31:53 > 0:31:58- Yet another room.- Another room. - It goes on and on, in the nicest way.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Gosh! Look at the size of this room!
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Just another giant room. - It gets better.- Yeah.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Well, there's no doubt what the guest room for you will be!
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- Any of the rooms so far. - We've not seen them all yet.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- No.- Can I have the pick?- No, no.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Right.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19These exposed doors again.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24- Yeah.- They're really good.- Do you like those?- Yeah, I really do.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28We all love Victorian doors stripped back to the wood. Yet the Victorians hated it!
0:32:28 > 0:32:34- You would not see any wood in a Victorian house.- Why?- They just thought it kind of cheapened it.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- Even the floors would be painted. - They were for decorating everything.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43- Everything had to be bright and colourful.- And we just want to see the bare bones of properties.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- Certainly good for a child's room, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Great.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- Let's go and see what's upstairs again!- A journey of discovery.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56Now, if you want to see how a loft conversion can be done well, watch.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Good exercise, this house, that's for certain!
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- Definitely.- What on earth's up here?
0:33:04 > 0:33:07- There's that skylight.- Gosh.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13- The nicest bit about this loft conversion is that roof-light flooding down.- Yes.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- That's very nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- This is...- Oh, en-suite!- They're using this is a child's room
0:33:20 > 0:33:24but when you come in here there's an en-suite.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25Oh, gosh!
0:33:25 > 0:33:27- The guest bedroom.- And it continues.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31It's like a Jack and Jill, they call them, these en-suites.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- You know all the names. - You can get in from both sides.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Amy's got the terminology. It is a Jack and Jill en-suite.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41It is really, really cleverly designed.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44We can get out in a different way than we came in.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48In other words, where does that door go to?
0:33:48 > 0:33:51I presume back around.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Yes.- A-ha.- Ah, you see.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- Now the games begin.- Now the fun begins. Oliver runs round in a circle!
0:33:57 > 0:34:02It's an amazing use of space, isn't it? Every part.
0:34:02 > 0:34:07It's been done very well because it could be dark up here, but because of the windows
0:34:07 > 0:34:09it's really, really light.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13It feels very big... Well, it is big anyway.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16But it feels big because of the light in here.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Well.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21It's an absolute revelation, isn't it?
0:34:21 > 0:34:26- From outside you'd never guess in a million years. - You'd never imagine this.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Never.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Collectively, this was quite a surprise.- Yeah.
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- It appears you work well as a team. - A triumph, I'd say.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- What was it you liked about it here? - It was very spacious.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46When you look at it from outside, you expect a small house.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49So it amazes you as you go through the door.
0:34:49 > 0:34:53- Stewart, it just fits together so well, doesn't it?- It does.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57The way they've sympathetically restored it was marvellous.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01With the lighting in the roof, it brought the whole thing to life.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- Yeah.- Fantastic.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- So you agree with us why we love the feel of this house.- Yeah.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Let's talk about the compromise about this property.- Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- This outside space.- Yeah.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15It isn't obviously as big. We were looking for a big garden.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19- So there is a compromise there. - But, having said that,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22it's not every day you can say to your kids, "Go and play on the street."
0:35:22 > 0:35:26But you can here. There's a massive lovely green area.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30And they are just developing a park at the end of the road,
0:35:30 > 0:35:31just down the road,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- that is going to be specifically a kiddies' play area.- Right.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37That is the way forward for planning.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41They're encouraging kids and adults to get out and be part of the community
0:35:41 > 0:35:47- rather than everybody shutting the door and leading private lives. - Yeah, it takes you out the front.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52- Maybe other children play out there. - Exactly.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56- But can you afford to be part of this community? - That is the question.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00It's one-all. You want to spend around £230,000.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03The father/daughter challenge is going to be decided.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Amy, what do you think for this gorgeous Victorian property?
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I'm thinking about 200,000.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14- OK.- I think it's right at the top of the budget.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17So I'd go for 230,000.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- Do you want to put them out of their misery?- OK.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Well, it's two-one to you.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- A-ha!- A-ha!- A-ha! - You're very good at this.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28You're only £50 out.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33- Right.- 199,950. The compromise is the back garden and the fact it's terraced.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36- You get a lot of house for the money.- Absolutely.- Yeah.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Plenty to think about, eh?
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- We've shown you three very different properties.- Very different.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46- You can decide which one you'd like to spend more time in.- Yeah.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Put your heads together and we'll see you in a bit.- Thank you.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- Decisions, decisions. - Yes, it's a tough one. While they're doing that...
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Here's a recap of all three properties.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58My property went down a storm.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Amy and Stewart loved the space, the garden and the decor.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05With a balcony from the master bedroom, how could they resist?
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Whereas my larger and more modern detached choice
0:37:12 > 0:37:17didn't exactly draw out Amy and Stewart's greatest superlatives,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I feel it would make an amazing family dwelling.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26And finally, today's wild card was a peach.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30A Victorian mid-terrace with more charm than Cinderella's other half.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34With those high ceilings and impeccable loft conversion,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38Amy and family could make themselves at home and leave room for a visiting Stewart.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- Ah, the wild card. Everyone loves the wild card.- It's a fact. - It is a fact.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55What was it about this place that's brought us back?
0:37:55 > 0:37:58It's definitely the space within it.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01The minute you get in, it's just amazing.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06- There's real character in it and it feels like a good family home.- A loved home.- Yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08But has it been a loved building?
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Our eagle-eyed surveyor has given this the once over.
0:38:11 > 0:38:17He's come up with some interesting stuff. It's not a legally-binding survey. Jonny?
0:38:17 > 0:38:22We've talked about the benefits of the loft conversion and we think they've done a great job,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24as confirmed by the surveyor.
0:38:24 > 0:38:31Often when people do conversions, they sail close to the wind in terms of doing the minimum amount of work
0:38:31 > 0:38:33while ensuring it passes the regs.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Here, they've gone the other way
0:38:35 > 0:38:41and gone above and beyond what is actually necessary as far as the conversion is concerned.
0:38:41 > 0:38:47- Right.- As far as security, peace of mind, safety features like fire doors, smoke alarms.
0:38:47 > 0:38:52Even escape windows which you don't need if you've got fire doors, but it's there.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- It's a phenomenal job.- Yes, so when the kids are on the top floor, you can feel secure.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- This work has been done right.- Yeah.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03Coming down 30 grand on the budget, it gives you something to play with.
0:39:03 > 0:39:09- So there are some options. - That leaves us with some potential to put our mark on it
0:39:09 > 0:39:10and do things we'd like to do.
0:39:10 > 0:39:15- You could tarmac all this out the front!- Stop it! Will you leave it alone!
0:39:15 > 0:39:19This is a real selling feature of the house, I think.
0:39:19 > 0:39:25- There aren't many properties that would have this.- It's special. It's a very special street.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- It's a special house, you're special people. Get in and have a special time!- We will. Thank you.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- Shall we do some gardening?- I'm particularly special as well.- No.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Amy calls husband Leon and invites him over.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45We've seen the wild card house now, and it's great.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Would it be possible to go and pick the boys up
0:39:48 > 0:39:50and come over?
0:39:50 > 0:39:55Yeah, it's a surprising house. It will surprise you when you come along.
0:39:55 > 0:40:01Keen to have more exercise, Stewart heads for the stairs in search of his guest suite.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04En route, the beautiful blooms of Earsdon may have distracted Leon.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Looking out of the village, you go down to your left.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10And still Stewart climbs.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15As Amy waits.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Until eventually, the eagles land.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28While Stewart is literally left holding the baby...
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Amy is quick to whisk Leon away for a tour of the house.
0:40:38 > 0:40:44But with a child-friendly pad like this, it was inevitable the toys would get test-driven.
0:40:50 > 0:40:55Enough of all this playing games. Has our wild card enchanted enough?
0:40:59 > 0:41:05You've had more time to spend in the wild card. Leon and the boys came. How has it been?
0:41:05 > 0:41:08I think my husband likes it. He likes the space
0:41:08 > 0:41:13and the extra rooms there are in here and the ability...
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Never mind him! What do the boys think?
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Oh, they love it. They love it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20It helps the house has lots of toys in it at the moment, but yeah.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24It was a very cunning plan of ours. We thought it through.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Was Leon surprised with the style of property you chose to test drive?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It deviates from what you originally intended.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35When he first saw it from outside, again, the reaction that we'd had.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38A bit unsure about what it was going to be like.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42Then the minute he walked in, the size of it was what surprised him.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46I'm thinking for Stewart, because the children are still quite young,
0:41:46 > 0:41:51you could have that top floor to yourself! A bedsit, room and bathroom.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55And all the exercise of the stairs for an old chap like me. Perfect.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58It'll keep him out the way. Sounds brilliant!
0:41:58 > 0:42:03Yes, that would be great for a guest area, especially with the en-suite.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Till the boys claim it when they're older. You won't get a look in!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11All right. All very positive. You know where we're heading.
0:42:11 > 0:42:16It's the big question. The raison d'etre of this programme. Jonny.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Indeed. So, Amy, to buy or not to buy?
0:42:19 > 0:42:22I think there is a strong possibility that we may "to buy".
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Fantastic!- "May to buy"?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26That's brilliant news.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Also the village itself. We've been for a stroll round.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33It's gorgeous. A lovely location. And commutable into town.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Yeah.- Excellent. Our work here is done, my friend.- It is.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- We should commute ourselves. - Indeed.- Thanks very much, folks. - Thank you!
0:42:52 > 0:42:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd