0:00:02 > 0:00:05- Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy. - Today we're in the Aylesbury Vale
0:00:05 > 0:00:08- and the Chilterns.- An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11and home to the Prime Minister's weekend retreat, Chequers.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14- And, of course, the Aylesbury duck! - DUCKS QUACK
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Just remind me why we're on a duck farm.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Well, remember Paul the octopus? - Eight legs, three hearts.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32He correctly predicted the winner of the World Cup.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Well, the Aylesbury duck is particularly talented
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- when it comes to predicting the property market.- Really?
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Yeah! So I've put down three signs, one, two and three -
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Property 1, Property 2, and three for the Wildcard.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48And whichever one the Aylesbury ducks gravitate toward
0:00:48 > 0:00:50will be the one that our buyers pick today.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53These ducks are going to predict which property our buyers go for?
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Yeah, proving that they know more about property than you do.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- HE LAUGHS - Really? OK. If they get it right,
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- I'll eat my cardigan. - Get ready to munch away!
0:01:02 > 0:01:05Let's have a look. OK. No interest in 1.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08It's 2. Look, they're all around 2. Property 2 is mine.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11You're not in on it now. Property 2 is my choice, OK?
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- Fine!- Good! Ha-ha, loser!
0:01:13 > 0:01:15"Loser"?!
0:01:16 > 0:01:21Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy, Simon has an issue with location.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23- We've driven through it.- OK.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- I've seen it from the train. Whizzed by.- Oh, I see.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- So it's a good place to pass through, is it?- Yeah.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Jonny's property skills are questioned.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36I've been in this game nearly eight years. Are you telling me a duck knows more than me?
0:01:36 > 0:01:38And the Wildcard gets everyone thinking.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- Look at the size of this place! - Now what we going to do?
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Our buyers today are Eddie and Sue Gosney.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Although retired, Eddie still works part-time
0:01:51 > 0:01:55as an advertising art director, but wants a more relaxed pace of life.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Whilst Sue has a great passion for painting,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and regularly exhibits her work in local art galleries.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04They've lived together in Wendover in the same family home
0:02:04 > 0:02:07- for the last 28 years.- But, with their three daughters grown up,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10they feel it's time to move on to pastures new.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12With our property know-how,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16Eddie and Sue now want to embark on that ever-tricky downsize.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19It's doubly tricky, as they've seen just about every house on the market!
0:02:19 > 0:02:23Eddie, Sue, you are both an estate agent's dream
0:02:23 > 0:02:25and nightmare at the same time, aren't you?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28I understand that we fall into that category,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30because we have sold our house.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33We've sold it for about two months now.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Everybody we speak to keeps saying, "Have you moved?"
0:02:36 > 0:02:41- and we keep saying, "No, we haven't found the right house." We're desperate to find it.- OK.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44The colour drains from the estate agent's face every time I go in.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47It must do, because you're hot buyers. You're ready to go.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50We are. We're more than ready to go.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- I'm now terrified about the day. - THEY LAUGH
0:02:54 > 0:02:58So, why? Why haven't you found it? Has it been different things
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- or always the same problem? - I'll tell you. They're picky.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04We are picky, because we've been in our present house for 29 years.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07We've obviously got a certain lifestyle now.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10The next move we make, we want it also to be for several years.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14We don't want to change again in a couple of years' time.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16So I think we're right to be picky.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- So, Wendover is your preferred location...- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23But I imagine anything that comes on, you're seeing that anyway.
0:03:23 > 0:03:24We are, we hope.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28Mmm. We might have to cast our net further afield, perhaps.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32- I'm hyperventilating.- I know. - You know what I'm going to say.
0:03:32 > 0:03:34- Is this a downsize? - EDDIE LAUGHS
0:03:34 > 0:03:37We don't like to use the word "downsize".
0:03:37 > 0:03:39And neither do we. But...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- But we realise... - We've got four bedrooms,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44but we need one less, maybe, now.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47You've looked at a lot of properties over the last couple of months.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51What have been the major issues with them and the major plusses?
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Well, location, a lot of places. Some have been on a main road.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58We want a quieter life. We want a bit of peace and quiet
0:03:58 > 0:04:00now the girls have moved out of the house.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- You'll have that anyway. - THEY LAUGH
0:04:03 > 0:04:05What are the other main things you want?
0:04:05 > 0:04:07We need space for you to paint, don't we?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09That can be a bedroom, loft or an outbuilding.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12- Garage?- Yes. - A garage is perfectly acceptable.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17Cos we use a garage at the moment. And also in a nice location,
0:04:17 > 0:04:19because we live in a nice location now, so...
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- You don't want to compromise on that.- No, we don't.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25- You do seem to be singing off the same hymn sheet.- Well...
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Surprisingly so! THEY LAUGH
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- Well, yes. - We do. We know what we want.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We are quite, um...united, I think,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36because I would hate for Eddie to like a property
0:04:36 > 0:04:38and then me to put the kibosh on it by saying no.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42I tend to be very immediate, and like or don't like it.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- Instinctive about things. - Yeah.- I'm a bit more cautious,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48but we do present a united front,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- because...- Well, we have to! - We've lived together long enough.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- We present a united front. - Well, I think that's possible
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- in a relationship. - We have our differences.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Oh, this is a friendship, not a... Just so we're clear,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05- we're just very good friends.- I disagree with him completely anyway.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07- OK, Jonny! - Fire away. Right, then, guys -
0:05:07 > 0:05:10what is the maximum amount we are prepared to spend
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- on this next move?- Um, £300,000.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- Mmm? - But if the house is right...
0:05:18 > 0:05:21See what the finger does? It teases out extra money.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24If the house is right, we'll go a little bit higher than that.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26OK. Sue?
0:05:26 > 0:05:27310.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Look what the finger did! £10,000!
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- You seem very firm on that.- Yeah.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35OK. Right. We have all the requirements we need.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38We've got our work cut out. I can see you're lovely people,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40but you're right, I think they're a bit fussy.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43- Let's go! - See you later, guys!- Cheerio.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47The good things are today, firstly, they're a lovely couple,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49and secondly, if we find a place they like
0:05:49 > 0:05:53- they can put their offer in today. - However, the bad thing is,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57they have seen just about every property within a 100-mile radius
0:05:57 > 0:06:01of Wendover. But you know what? There's no reason to get our feathers ruffled.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Of course! Cos the duck has decided.
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Today's search brings us to the Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11and the villages around Wendover at the foot of the Chilterns.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15The Chilterns were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:06:15 > 0:06:18back in 1965, and you can see why.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21One of the country's great canals, the Grand Union,
0:06:21 > 0:06:25runs through the Chilterns as it makes its way from Birmingham to London.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29The nearby village of Aston Clinton is believed to have been around
0:06:29 > 0:06:31since Roman times, on an intersection of two Roman roads
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- still running through the village today.- Just down the road,
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Cheddington has won the Buckinghamshire best-kept village competition
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- three times in the last few years. - With house prices in the area
0:06:42 > 0:06:46running at about 260K, only 40 grand over the national average,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48it's got to be a pretty good bet to buy here,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51especially as you can be in the centre of London in 45 minutes.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56So, what will 310K get you in other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00How about this beautifully presented three-bed in Weston-super-Mare?
0:07:00 > 0:07:03The property is detached, and boasts a stunning kitchen,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06garden with barbecue area and views over the Mendips.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09On the market for 299,950.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Or what about this three-bed detached bungalow
0:07:13 > 0:07:16in Hunstanton, close to the beautiful Norfolk coast?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Although the property may be a bit retro inside,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22it's in great condition, with spacious room sizes.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25The price, 299,950.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Last but not least, this detached house in Berwick-upon-Tweed,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Northumberland. A short distance from the Pennine Way,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36the property has three bedrooms, three reception rooms and a studio.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Yours for £290,000.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43'But for now, back to Aylesbury Vale and today's property search.'
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- How are you?- Hello, there. - Good to see you.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49£310,000. That is the maximum I've got to spend.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53They ideally want to be in Wendover, but have looked at everything there.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58You've got villages such as Weston Turville, Aston Clinton, Cheddington...
0:07:58 > 0:08:03Back in 1963, the eyes of the world were suddenly upon the sleepy village of Cheddington
0:08:03 > 0:08:07when it became the scene for the infamous Great Train Robbery.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12After violently assaulting the driver, Jack Mills,
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Ronnie Biggs and his gang got away with £2.6 million.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19That's a lot of money, and in today's equivalent,
0:08:19 > 0:08:23it would be £40 million. Whoo!
0:08:23 > 0:08:25Have you got a few examples of things we could see?
0:08:25 > 0:08:30This is one of my favourite houses. It's just off the Western Road
0:08:30 > 0:08:36- in Aston Clinton. It's four bedroom. It's a modern property - - Four bed?- Four bedroom.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38The village of Aston Clinton lends half its name
0:08:38 > 0:08:42to an iconic piece of British design, the Aston Martin.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Oh, here we go!
0:08:49 > 0:08:52This looks like the best option. To view it, just call you?
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- Absolutely.- You the man. Thank you. - Thanks for coming.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Take care.- Cheers.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Beautiful part of the world, Jonny, but expensive
0:09:00 > 0:09:03because of the proximity to the capital.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05It is. But the duck's got nothing on me today,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08because Property 1 is an absolute blinder. Take a look at that.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11This property is stylish. It's contemporary. It's modern,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14naturally light. It's got everything they want,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18and it's not going to feel like a downsize in any way, shape or form.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Oh, Property 1! It's a mid-terrace, yeah?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- It's a mews property. - It's a terrace.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25I've found them a semi-detached property
0:09:25 > 0:09:27in an award-winning village,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29and I just know this is going to win today,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33cos this is Property 2, and this is what the Aylesbury duck chose!
0:09:33 > 0:09:36And even if it didn't, "eider" picked it myself.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38That's Property 2. "Eider". Like "I'd'a"...
0:09:38 > 0:09:40- I got it. - Eider duck.- Yeah, I got it.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- The Wildcard - - Eiderdown.- Yes, all right!
0:09:44 > 0:09:46The Wildcard. Let's have a look at that.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48That is a gorgeous property, isn't it?
0:09:48 > 0:09:51It is in the wonderfully named Cowroast.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53It's a lock-side cottage.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57You can't say fairer, can you? Just absolutely beautiful property.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01- Shall we start the property tours? - At the winning Property 1.
0:10:06 > 0:10:10For my property today I've come to the village of Aston Clinton
0:10:10 > 0:10:14for this immaculate, and I do mean immaculate, new-build townhouse.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17It's got all the mod cons, and - yes, count 'em - four bedrooms.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20They are going to like this.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24Sue, Eddie, a question for you. When is a downsize not a downsize?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Well, that is an interesting one you've raised.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- When it's the same size. - When the property is really...
0:10:29 > 0:10:33That's... I didn't think the answer through before...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Anyway, this house is big. It really is a fantastic property.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Lovely townhouse, Aston Clinton.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42Yeah, the right side of Aston Clinton, as well.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44Before we go any further, have you seen it?
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- No.- We are actually very surprised that you have found something
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- we have not seen.- YOU'RE surprised?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54The estate agent's, "Get 'em in!"
0:10:54 > 0:10:57No, this is completely new to us, I have to say.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- I didn't realise this area existed. - It's a nice-looking house, as well.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04You've just pre-empted the next question. It is a handsome house.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07It's very attractive, yeah. It's intriguing, actually,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11because it's on three floors, which we hadn't anticipated,
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- so that's a surprise.- It's not too twee, like some townhouses.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- Yeah. - It's quite solid-looking, isn't it?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20Go on. Get in there and enjoy it. Accelerate, and away!
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Oh!- Straight into the living room.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30My goodness! Not what I expected at all.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34Right, you two. You've seen lots of properties and not gone for any of them.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- You're going to like this place, or there'll be trouble.- They won't.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- What?- They'll like Property 2.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41This is lovely!
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Let me have a look at it, how I feel...
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Yes. I think... I'm pleasantly surprised, actually.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49It's great to have a look at this.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Imagine me sitting here.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55I hadn't anticipated a room, maybe, of this size.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58I think the bay window gives it the interest, actually.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02It's not a box. Although you're coming straight into a living space,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05it's not, as some of the newer houses are,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- very symmetrical. - It's neutral, as well.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12I quite like this lighting. It takes a bit of getting used to.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Oh, cor, this is good!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Well! It sounds like you've immediately won them over, Jonny.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It's just a pity they're not going to buy this place!
0:12:20 > 0:12:24I've been in this game nearly eight years. Are you telling me a duck knows more than me?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Oh, my word!- How come we haven't seen this house?
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Good grief! Where did this come from?
0:12:30 > 0:12:32Well, the cupboards are quite nice, aren't they?
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Unusual sort of, um...design, but -
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Let's have a look. Let me think, because I like my cooking.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42- Is there a dishwasher? - Slim-line dishwasher in there.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Integrated appliances! That's the way forward.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48We've got a dishwasher in ours. Me.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51Dining area. Well, that's plenty big enough, isn't it?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54The fact that you've got the hall here
0:12:54 > 0:12:57makes the whole thing work quite nicely.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It doesn't feel cramped. - That's right. Splits it up
0:13:00 > 0:13:03in quite a nice way. I like the flooring, as well.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I love the way it goes through to a conservatory here.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08This is really the wow-factor room downstairs,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12this open-plan kitchen/dining sun lounge. I love it.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15It's amazing, actually, that you should have this...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20..attached like that, because normally they're a separate entity,
0:13:20 > 0:13:25- doors dividing.- The conservatory is like the continuation of this area
0:13:25 > 0:13:27into the garden.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I have to say, the staircase is interesting, as well.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33It's not your normal straight-up-and-down.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36They've actually thought about how to make it more attractive.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Oh! OK.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41We have a bedroom with a computer in.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Oh, that's excellent use, as well, isn't it, of the space.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- Yes.- I noticed downstairs... - It's a good size.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50..that you wouldn't have room for working down there, would you?
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Downstairs has gone phenomenally well. Straight into the bedroom....
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Yes! Study and double bedroom. Perfect.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00This bedroom now, let's see what this... Ooh!
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Oh, that's an interesting piece of art over the bed there,
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- but I'm not looking at... - Look what's in the corner.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Hang on a second. Let's just look at the bed area first of all.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- I want to get a feel for this. - Plenty of space for wardrobes.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Well, yes. Sizeable again, isn't it? - Two windows. Yeah, it is.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Is it bigger than our one at the moment? It is!
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- Yes, it is.- So that's good.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28I'm still intrigued about what's in the corner. You go first this time.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31I'm hoping this is something we've never had,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34- which is a cupboard. Oh, no! It is! - Go on, go on!
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Let's have a look. Well, this is wonderful!
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- This is great.- This is lovely!
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- This is something we've never had. - We've always wanted an en suite,
0:14:44 > 0:14:48so this is very, very accommodating to our needs.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Great master bedroom, great second bedroom.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- I just don't know why they won't like this place.- You're a fool.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56You're just ducking the issue.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I tell you what I like, Sue.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I love the view down the centre here.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's like something you get in one of those old hotels.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- It's a long way down. - Not the Bates Motel, I hope.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- She just said it's the Bates Motel! I knew they wouldn't like it. - This is a money-maker, then.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- It gives it an attractiveness. - It's a long way down.
0:15:14 > 0:15:19- And you're not looking at something that's square.- It's a nice feature.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Could this be the studio? Is it big enough, do you think?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Ooh! - It's quite a good size, isn't it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- Ooh!- Plenty of light. It's not enormous, is it?
0:15:28 > 0:15:32It's not enormous, no. I'm trying to make an assessment
0:15:32 > 0:15:35and evaluate whether I would actually use this.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Let's see what else there is up here.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Oh, this is a bathroom! Of course. There wasn't one downstairs.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49It's quite small. No window, no natural light.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Ah, Eddie, the light isn't on. And there is natural light.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- There's no window, but it is a light-well, or as it's also known... - Solar tube.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00I didn't think there was any natural light, but that's not the light.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04That's a light-tunnel, isn't it? It's amazing how much light's coming in.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06I thought it was the light on.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- Oh, this is much bigger than the other room.- Yeah.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13Ah! It's funny. I thought it was going to be the same...
0:16:13 > 0:16:16You could use this one as a studio. This has got more space.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20And just have that one as a store-room or a third bedroom.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- I like the two windows. - They're not the same, are they?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26No. I quite like that, though, as a feature.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- The house has got a really nice feel. - I agree.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Come on! Come on! That's gone OK, hasn't it?
0:16:35 > 0:16:39Yeah. Very nice house. The only compromise is the outside space,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- which is a bit limited. - Let's talk about this.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45How does this compare to your current garden size?
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Um...- Is it considerably smaller? - It's a bit smaller, isn't it?
0:16:48 > 0:16:52It is. Our current garden size is an L-shape anyway,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55so it would be hard to compare the two.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Inside, four bedrooms. Four double bedrooms.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Yes. That was something we were taken aback by, actually.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04As we progressed up the stairs, it was a little adventure for us both,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- I felt at that point. - You were considering doubling up the third bedroom,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11but in fact you've got four bedrooms.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- It gave us the storage space. - It's a nicely designed house.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17Lots of little nooks and crannies that I hadn't expected.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Bringing us back into reality, let's play guess-the-price.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24We've found you Nirvana itself, tucked away in Wendover.
0:17:24 > 0:17:29Your maximum budget, £310,000. Who's going to go first?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Go on, Susan. You go first.- 290.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- OK. Eddie? - No, I think it's more than that.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38I'd say about 305,000.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41OK. Wheels are turning. The maths... You're the winner!
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Well done! Congratulations, sir. - Thank you.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48You'll be pleased to know it's on the market for offers in excess of £300,000.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Oh, right.- Which, if I read between the lines of,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53you never pay in excess of something people put down.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- How about £300,000 and 1p? - Well, you could do,
0:17:56 > 0:18:00if you were a pedant. What do you think of that price?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- This is a lot of house. - There is a lot of house.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I think it's reasonable. Having looked at so many,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- I would say...- So many!
0:18:07 > 0:18:10..so many, I do feel that that's a fair price.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Anyway, that's Property 1 out the way. Now, fingers crossed,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19you haven't seen Property 2, because a little bird tells me,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24and I mean that most sincerely, that you'll love it. Come with me.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Well, it was pretty conclusive.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33The property-predicting Aylesbury duck chose Property 2
0:18:33 > 0:18:35as the winner today, and who am I to argue?
0:18:35 > 0:18:39This classic three-bed semi in the sought-after village of Cheddington
0:18:39 > 0:18:41is a real beauty.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44Right, then, Eddie and Sue, my choice today, Property 2.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48I've brought you to Cheddington. What do you know about this place?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Not very much. We've driven through it,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54and that would be about my summation of the place.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- OK.- I've seen it from the train. Sort of whizzed by.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- I see!- So it's a good place to pass through, is it?
0:19:01 > 0:19:05I would disagree. I think it would be a good place to set up home,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08and I will tell you why. We have two excellent pubs
0:19:08 > 0:19:10within walking distance of this house,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12we have a general store, a post office,
0:19:12 > 0:19:17and Cheddington has won Best Small Village Of The Year
0:19:17 > 0:19:20in Buckinghamshire three times in the last six years,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- so it must have a lot going for it! - Didn't know that!- We hadn't heard.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I'm sure you will be aware that it has its own train station
0:19:27 > 0:19:30which is 41 minutes direct into Euston.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32So that's put us on the map. I did that, of course,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35because I want your impression of this house.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39First impression was, I quite like the copper-beech hedge.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41And the house itself is quite interesting.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45I'll help you out there. It's not got the kerb appeal
0:19:45 > 0:19:49some properties can have, but it's what's on the inside that counts.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51We can mean this with properties, with people,
0:19:51 > 0:19:53but the great thing about this property is,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56to the rear, it has got the most wonderful views.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00It would be very relevant today to call this a bit of an ugly duckling.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- You know where I'm going with that. - I do indeed.- OK.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Fair enough. But I think you will find
0:20:06 > 0:20:08that the space inside this house is perfect for you,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and bear in mind your local amenities. All right?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Get in there and enjoy.- OK.
0:20:14 > 0:20:15See you in a minute.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Oh, right. Here we go.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Second house.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Porch here, which is different to the other house,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- which is quite nice. - Tiny little porch, yes.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- But even so, effective. - And nice flooring.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Into the kitchen area. Oh, this is deceptive.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- I was just expecting a living room! - Quite a nice size.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37- Quite nicely fitted out. - Look at the cooker!
0:20:37 > 0:20:40That's the business! That's a great range, isn't it?
0:20:40 > 0:20:43It is a large oven - big enough to cook, maybe,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45an average-size bird, say...
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- a duck. - Hey, now! Hey, now, don't you...
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- Flooring's good. - Yeah, the floor's good.
0:20:51 > 0:20:55And, um, I like the cupboards.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Aha! Where are we going?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00This is quite small, though, isn't it?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- It's like a little family room. - Is this extension?
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Oh, this is the extension, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- I suppose it was the garage. - So you've got here...
0:21:09 > 0:21:12French windows onto a garden,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- and doors here...- Into another room. - Into the living room.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18But I must have a look.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Aha, the little cloakroom!
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Oh, it's cute, isn't it?
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Very nice, off the little family room.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30I can see these doors here that are inviting us through.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Oh, and we open into quite a large...
0:21:32 > 0:21:36- I assume this is the dining-cum... - Living room.- ..living room.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- However, we've got another door. - We have.- Let's see what's here.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49Oh, I see! We've done a complete cycle round.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Oh, OK. That makes sense.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54So you could come in... Rather than going into the kitchen,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58you could come through to here. You don't have to go via the kitchen.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01That makes sense. OK, onwards. Let's see what's through here.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04This is all squashed in a bit.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06You don't have to have it as they've got it.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Thank you, Sue. That is what you have to do.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12See through the family living here to the space.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- There is a lot of space here. - Ooh, clutching at straws...
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Oh! Ah! Oh, it's a little wee conservatory!
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Ah! This is a different one, isn't it?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's the tiniest conservatory I think I've seen.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- They've used the space well. - It's been used as an office.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31And I would say that...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- A little bit of damp, I spot there. - Yeah.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38Which is... I suppose it's natural on a brick wall like that.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41But a little bit small for my liking, maybe.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Oh, it's nice and light.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47Freshly carpeted, by the looks of it,
0:22:47 > 0:22:50with a nice area here for books.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53You could put a book case there. There's potential there.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57Ah, look. This must be a children's bedroom, with these lovely little...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Oh, look at the teddy bear! - It's a nice view out the back.- Ah!
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- When you look over the garages. - The view...
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Eddie's spotted the views. They are lovely, mate,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12just gorgeous uninterrupted English countryside.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14What have we got to offer in here?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Ooh! Ooh!
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- This is quite different to the last master bedroom we saw.- It's bigger.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- No, I disagree. - Is this the master bedroom?
0:23:22 > 0:23:25I presume it is. No, I think this is the master.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29You're looking at limited space there,
0:23:29 > 0:23:33and wardrobe-wise, you've got this one and a chest of drawers -
0:23:33 > 0:23:35not that much.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Well, this has got a lovely, lovely view.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41That's great. That's fantastic, apart from the garages again,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43- but the view itself is great. - It's lovely.
0:23:43 > 0:23:48- This room is just a bit small. - It is, compared to the other house.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- You look at this... - And I feel it's quite closed in.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It feels cramped in comparison.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Eddie is being so negative about this place.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I'm starting to wonder whether the Aylesbury duck was winging it.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- DOOR CREAKS - Ah, bathroom!
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Oh, yes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08Very... Oh, yeah. Nice...loo.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Pleasant light. - It's not a bad size, is it?
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- That's lovely.- Not a bad size. - That's very pleasant.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- Very fresh. Nicely decorated, as well.- Yeah. Two windows.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- I think that's lovely.- It looks as though it's been extended.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25It's very pleasant. Nice tiling on here.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29Third bedroom.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Well, it's very nice. - It's ideal for children.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36It's lovely for a child. The house is suitable for young children.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Yes, I think it's absolutely ideal.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Because it's quite a small room again, but it's nicely decorated.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45They've done it well. This is brilliant for the two children
0:24:45 > 0:24:47who must occupy this. Wonderful!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- Hmm!- Hmm.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- A mixed reception.- Yes.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Yes.- Not a patch on the first house.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Eddie, don't beat about the bush. Tell me what you think!
0:24:59 > 0:25:03I think the house itself was very attractively furnished
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and ideal for the young family, but for us,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09the upstairs was a little bit cramped - for our particular needs.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I'm thinking, where would I paint -
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- I love how diplomatic you're trying to be.- I am trying,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18because it's somebody else's home, and I know how I would feel
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- if somebody was going round mine. - It's great for a young family,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24and they've done it up very nicely. But just for us,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27it's not quite as suitable as the first house.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Let's talk about the artist's studio. You have these spaces.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33That area's too small. That area there's too small.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37Also, it needs to be slightly removed from the main living area.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39But a superb village. Gorgeous views.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The views are delightful. Charming area.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45- You can't deny...- And a nice house. Just not for us, really.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48We know that this might not be the one for you,
0:25:48 > 0:25:51but let's see if the price can swing it back in your favour.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Maximum budget £310,000. Eddie, you won the first round,
0:25:55 > 0:25:59so you can go first. What do you think for this lovely spacious semi?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Er, 280,000.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03265.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06265. Mmm. It's two-nil to you, Eddie.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08Oh!
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- This place is actually on the market for £295,000.- Right.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- That's interesting. - Yeah. It is very interesting.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17That's a little bit more than I calculated.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20But you know where we are. Commuter belt.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23It's the train into London that actually...
0:26:23 > 0:26:26You know what value that puts on properties in Buckinghamshire.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- That's going to make a difference. - Yeah. Well...- OK.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- Anyway, it's two-nil to Eddie. - Oh, sorry, Sue.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Well, there you go. I've always been slightly cautious on prices.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- I've given up ducking and diving anyway.- Wildcard?- Yeah.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- It's that way. Come on, folks. - OK, let's go.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49Here we go. The moment we've all been waiting for -
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- it's the Wildcard.- And what a property we've got for you today!
0:26:52 > 0:26:56It's a Victorian lock-side cottage in the tastily named Cowroast,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59a few miles east of Wendover.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Eddie, Sue, welcome to your Wildcard today.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05This is a Wildcard for many reasons. Firstly, the name of this place
0:27:05 > 0:27:08is one of the wildest we've come across - Cowroast!
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Wonderful, isn't it? - It's a ludicrous name,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13but absolutely beautiful. And wild, of course,
0:27:13 > 0:27:17because this is a gorgeous, we think Victorian, lock cottage.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Yeah, it's great. - What do you think of the location?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23- Oh, it's totally delightful. - Very interesting, yes.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Lots of activity out the front. - Beautiful-looking cottage.- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30This is the kind of property, from the outside and the inside,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33you've got to smile at. It's a joy to be in this kind of place.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36And the property inside is also fairly wild in the layout.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39And just a bit of practical information -
0:27:39 > 0:27:42if you want to go into London, you can stroll along the path here,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45a mile to Tring station, then it's 40 minutes,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48or you can cruise that way, about two days. Four miles an hour.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Well, that's something we'll bear in mind.- Thanks.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- What a beautiful, beautiful place! - Absolutely charming.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00- On a day like today, it's wonderful. - Really charming front, bay window,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02porch looks great, and the setting -
0:28:02 > 0:28:07you couldn't do more for us. If you want countryside and water,
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- it's all here! - There you go.- Just to double-check,
0:28:09 > 0:28:12- you've not seen this place? - Never.- Another win for us!
0:28:12 > 0:28:17- We're doing brilliantly. - And how different from the two properties you showed us earlier!
0:28:17 > 0:28:21That's why it's the Wildcard. How different is it on the inside?
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- We're going to find out. - Go on, barge your way in!
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- Go on. In you go. - Technically it's a narrowboat.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33- This is going to be fascinating. - Oh, this is different, isn't it?
0:28:33 > 0:28:35- Oh, my goodness!- What a surprise!
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Oh, I like the look of this!
0:28:37 > 0:28:41So, Property 1 was my choice, the resident property expert,
0:28:41 > 0:28:45if I do say so myself. Property 2, the Aylesbury duck challenging my throne,
0:28:45 > 0:28:47but will the Wildcard have the power to beat them all?
0:28:47 > 0:28:51They seem to have taken to it like a duck to water.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Look at the stove! Is that a wood-burning stove?
0:28:54 > 0:28:59That's fantastic! Look at the way it's kitted out, as well!
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Look at the surfaces on the kitchen top!
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Oh, my Lord!
0:29:04 > 0:29:07What about the space in here? Is there enough space?
0:29:07 > 0:29:11Don't know about that, but I just love the look of it. Fantastic!
0:29:11 > 0:29:13This bay window's beautiful, as well.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16You'd be able to see all what's going on outside.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18You would never lack for entertainment!
0:29:18 > 0:29:23- No. Always somebody passing by! - Never going to lack for neighbours.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27How many people in the world have a view from their kitchen sink like that?
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- It is much better, by the way, without Jonny.- Hey!
0:29:31 > 0:29:34I tell you what's nice - the door handles on there.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38- It's all been refitted. - That's really nicely done, as well.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- So, what have we got now? - This would be the lounge.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42I presume so.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45This is the room where Simon and I have got a disagreement.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47I think that is better served as a bedroom.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51I know it comes off the kitchen, but because of the views,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- I'd keep it as a bedroom. - I would use it as a reception room,
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- because it's on the same floor as the dining room and the kitchen. - Traditionalist!
0:29:59 > 0:30:03- That's a lovely window, as well. - It's lovely. It's beautiful.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Mmm.- And, er, that's the garden.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- It's a good-size garden. - It is. Once it's tidied up...
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Onwards and upwards. Let's see what we've got here. Oh, my giddy aunt!
0:30:13 > 0:30:17THEY LAUGH That's a bath and a half, isn't it?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21You might lose the baby in that. My giddy aunt! Look at that!
0:30:21 > 0:30:24The bath is nearly big enough to put a narrowboat in.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26You could fit in there twice, couldn't you?
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Look at the shower! - What's that pipe going...
0:30:29 > 0:30:33That's the shower curtain. You'd have a shower curtain up there.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Another window. - That's a lovely window, isn't it?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39They're really nicely finished, those windows,
0:30:39 > 0:30:43- that decoration in the woodwork. - Upstairs area now.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- Gosh! - That's a big space as well, isn't it?
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- I was just looking at that. - Nice little features
0:30:48 > 0:30:52- like this sort of shelf along here. - It's a very big stairwell, isn't it?
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Yeah, it is. Quite steep stairs.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58I suppose they were, weren't they, at that particular period.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02Ooh! Where are we now? A bedroom, I presume.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05An interior window! That's quite a nice feature.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08That's cute. Let's look at the view. We got a sash window.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11What an amazingly different house!
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Yeah, it is. It's completely different, isn't it?
0:31:13 > 0:31:17But we've got to change our whole mindset with this house,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20because this is like something we've never seen before.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Ooh, lovely fireplace! Look at that. That's beautiful.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- I wonder if that's original. - It looks it, doesn't it?
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- Yeah. Really, really... - Again, not a bad size.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31This would be the master bedroom.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- Yes. There's only two bedrooms on this floor.- And no bathroom.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38The bathroom's downstairs. The loo's downstairs,
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- down those steep stairs in the middle of the night. That would be fun. - As you get older.- Thank you!
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Again, a lovely view, isn't it?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49What this house has, even though it's been recently redecorated,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- is a lot of character. - It's a period piece, isn't it?
0:31:52 > 0:31:56It is, really. Bit like us. SHE LAUGHS
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- There's another steep stairwell here.- It is quite steep.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02You've got to be careful of your head on that one,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05even me, the little shorty. Ooh, my goodness!
0:32:05 > 0:32:08- That is quite low, isn't it? - So this... Ooh!
0:32:08 > 0:32:09What's going on here?
0:32:09 > 0:32:12This is the...
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Look at the... - This feels quite cool.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18It was a cellar. Or would it have been living quarters?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21I'm not so keen on this bit. There's something about this room.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- You feel a bit oppressive? - I just... Yeah.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Eddie was quite keen on this place from the outside,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30but it's not grabbed him inside, which is disappointing.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- Big fireplace. - What would you use this for?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- I can't see what you'd use it for. - Let's have a think.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39There's nothing in it. You have to use your imagination.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42What you would use that space for, Eddie, is a study.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47It is a bit like the Hobbit home, isn't it? Look at this!
0:32:47 > 0:32:50I'm trying to get my head round what you'd use this space for.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- It'll take a lot of thinking. - Great old beam up there.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58- Oh!- Oh, my Lord, look at this!
0:32:58 > 0:33:02This is pretty state-of-the-art, isn't it? A high-tech...
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Look at that shower! - It's almost an upside-down house.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09You know what I mean? You could have the bedrooms down here
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- with the bathroom...- I don't know what to make of this at all.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Oh, this would be a wonderful studio, wouldn't it?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20I tell you, that's where the studio is going.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23This room will win Sue over at least.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Lovely! Look at the size of this place!
0:33:26 > 0:33:28It's almost designed for that, isn't it?
0:33:28 > 0:33:30- Yeah, look at it! - SHE LAUGHS
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Now what we going to do? Is it high enough for you?
0:33:33 > 0:33:38As long as I don't wear my stilettos, I'll be fine.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41You wouldn't even get your easel up in here, would you?
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- You'd have to have a squat easel. - I'd have to sit and paint.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It's a big space, though, isn't it? Great space for a studio.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52This is a patio area.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- HE CHUCKLES Decking!- Yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01You're not going to be short of space to put the table and chairs,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04- and a lounger. - No. It just needs tidying up a bit,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- cleaning, and, er... - What strange stones!
0:34:07 > 0:34:11We wondered what they were. We think they're part of the canal.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- Oh, maybe. It's a lovely garden. - Imagine what you could do in here!
0:34:14 > 0:34:18It's terribly overgrown. It needs everything trimming back.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- You wouldn't be short of water, would you?- No.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24You'd have to put these somewhere. You'd have to get somebody in
0:34:24 > 0:34:26to do that, because they look enormous.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28They look as though they could give you a hernia.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I was almost convinced, but now they've finished,
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- I'm not sure whether our lock-keeper's cottage holds the key to their future.- Ah!
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Mmm...- Come on, then.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46Well, it's a great property. Very quirky. Beautiful features.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Lovely windows. It flatters to deceive a bit,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52because it's hard working out the arrangement of rooms.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The practicalities, I think I said earlier, are just not there.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00- So it may be a Victorian property, but you don't want to live in a Victorian manner.- Very much so.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- Yeah. It's such a quirky house. - Beautiful features.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- It's great.- And I was amazed at the complete contrast,
0:35:08 > 0:35:10the two earlier properties to this one.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- I didn't think you'd find anything so original.- Sue!
0:35:13 > 0:35:15Your artist's studio down there!
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It would be lovely if I could sit down,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22but I stand when I paint. The easel's going to go through the roof
0:35:22 > 0:35:25- when I set up. - If you were three foot tall,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27with that size easel, it would be fine.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- No disrespect, you three, but you aren't the tallest people.- Hey!
0:35:30 > 0:35:34THEY LAUGH
0:35:34 > 0:35:38Right. OK, then. So, a mixed reaction, we'll say.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- You can't fault the location, can you?- No. Beautiful setting,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- lovely landscape.- And lots going on. Always plenty people to talk to.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48But it's guess-the-price time.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53Now, then, your maximum budget, £310,000.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I realise I'm absolutely useless at giving a figure.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01So, four-bedroom detached Victorian cottage
0:36:01 > 0:36:03on a beautiful setting...
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- 310.- Mmm.
0:36:05 > 0:36:10- I was going to say 310, as well. - Oh, were you?- 305.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14305. So you just undercut Sue there.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Well, Sue, you'll be pleased to know you at least salvaged some pride.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- All right.- Cos you are closest.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- It's... - Oh, am I doing this one now? Great!
0:36:24 > 0:36:28- Of course. I'll pass it over to you. - It's on the market at the moment
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- for 349,950.- Whoo!
0:36:31 > 0:36:34But we do know this property was taken to auction earlier this year
0:36:34 > 0:36:39with a guide price of 300,000, and for whatever reason,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41didn't find a buyer. So we're confident that,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43if you did put in your maximum at 310,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47you're probably secure this, being in the position that you're in.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49There's lots to discuss.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53I think you'll agree, we've shown you three very different properties,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56all of which you hadn't seen before, which was a bonus.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- No, that's absolutely true. - You've got to decide which one to spend more time in.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04So take yourselves off, make that decision, and see you in a moment.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- Go on, put your heads together. - So, there we go.
0:37:06 > 0:37:11Is it going to be Jonny, the duck or the Wildcard that is the victor today?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Quack-quack! Here's a recap.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18Simon, you've got no chance, even with your so-called property-predicting Aylesbury ducks.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22Eddie and Sue were just stunned by my beautifully finished four-bed
0:37:22 > 0:37:25in Aston Clinton. It's the winner today, and it's on the market
0:37:25 > 0:37:27for offers over 300K.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Eddie and Sue did seem lukewarm with my -
0:37:29 > 0:37:33or, should I say, the ducks' choice. Could it be that Jonny's powers
0:37:33 > 0:37:36as an estate agent have overshadowed even the mighty Aylesbury bird?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Surely not! The bill? 295 grand.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44You are quackers! Or will the pulling power of the Wildcard
0:37:44 > 0:37:48prove victorious? Eddie and Sue love the canal-side location
0:37:48 > 0:37:51of the cottage, but was the interior just a little too odd
0:37:51 > 0:37:53for their liking? We'll see.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55On the market for 349,950.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03Well, for reasons unbeknown to both myself and a certain duck,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07you've decided to choose Jonny's property, Property 1, to test drive.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09What was it about this lovely property?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Well, first of all I think it was surprising.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15When you look at it from the outside, it looks quite small.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19When you go in, it's like the TARDIS. It just opens up before you.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22And the fact that it's on three floors was another plus, as well.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25And four bedrooms! We were saying three bedrooms.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- We've got four here! - We're incredibly generous.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Eddie, what was it for you about this one?
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- You hadn't seen it, which was a shock in the first place.- It was.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- How was the accommodation? Can you see yourself in there?- We can.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41It's got everything that we require. It's got space for Sue to paint.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44I suppose the only compromise is the back garden,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- which is a bit small. - But it's maintenance-free,
0:38:47 > 0:38:49to allow you to enjoy it.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51THEY LAUGH
0:38:51 > 0:38:55We liked the conservatory. We liked the kitchen area.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59It's got two areas to sit down in, and it's in the right area,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- not too far from Wendover. - Good stuff!
0:39:02 > 0:39:06It's interesting you say that the property looks small from outside.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Our surveyor did say what a great job they'd done.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's quite compact, but it feels open and spacious.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14He also came up with some interesting information.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18If you look behind us... None of us noticed this, but look.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22They're all false apexes. They are actually flat-roofed buildings.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Yes.- So that allows that extra space on the top floors,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28so those rooms don't feel too poky.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32It does mean you have to be careful of the maintenance of the flat roof.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Secondly, you mentioned the conservatory.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Because there were no doors between the conservatory and the kitchen,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41you're letting all the heat from the house escape
0:39:41 > 0:39:44into the glass roof, and even though it's double-glazed,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48you will get significant heat-loss there. Simple answer - doors,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51to separate out the two. So, just some interesting points.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54This is not a legally binding survey,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56and if you went ahead, you two know as well as anyone,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59get all your surveys and searches done.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01But we know why you chose this property.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Jonny, this was a great find. The duck and I have to hold our wings up
0:40:05 > 0:40:09and accept it was a really, really good piece of work.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Get in there and enjoy it. Thank you.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19Here we go! Eddie and Sue are straight in and measuring up.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21160 by 260 for the table.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- So, 160...- Yeah.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26That's OK. That fits. That's with chairs.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28And this way it was 260.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31Looks like the table fits. That's always a good sign!
0:40:31 > 0:40:33That's being very generous with that one.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37Yes, the en suite's still there, Eddie.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- It's quite nicely done, isn't it? - I like it as it is.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42I don't particularly want doors in.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Eddie's having a thoughtful look around the garden.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47I wonder if this will be the property's Achilles heel?
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Sue's off. I think she's had enough already.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56Don't worry, mate. She just testing out the area as a painting location.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- You can't beat that view! - I'm not sure.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Eddie still doesn't look 100 percent about that garden.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Hold on a minute. Now Eddie's off, too!
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Looks like he's found some local allotments.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I think that's the garden problem solved.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Ah, looks like we're on the "Monet" with this one!
0:41:20 > 0:41:23At the beginning of today, we knew you were in a position to proceed.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26You'd looked at quite a few houses - quite a few houses!
0:41:26 > 0:41:29We managed to find you three you'd not seen.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32You chose this one today, spent more time in it,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35and it wasn't really that much of a downsize for you. How was it?
0:41:35 > 0:41:40Really interesting today. My opinion is even more confirmed
0:41:40 > 0:41:43that I like it very much indeed.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47It certainly is matching most of the criteria that we'd set ourselves,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50and the fact that there's this extra bedroom
0:41:50 > 0:41:52is a real plus as far as I'm concerned.
0:41:52 > 0:41:57As we've said before, Eddie's concern would be this garden area,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00being a little bit limited to what we had anticipated.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04Yeah, Eddie, the garden - you've been mooching around, have you?
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- Any answers? Any clues? - Well, the shed is very big.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11A smaller shed would give us a bit more space here.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15We do like the house very much indeed. It's got some nice features.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Lovely property. It struck a chord with both of you from the beginning.
0:42:19 > 0:42:25Second visit has confirmed that. So, Eddie, Sue, not at all picky...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27to buy or not to buy?
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Probably...
0:42:29 > 0:42:31to buy.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34- One-nil to Jonny. The duck... - THEY LAUGH
0:42:34 > 0:42:37- That's fantastic, though, isn't it? - It's really great.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- We should leave you and get on the road.- Come on, then!
0:42:40 > 0:42:42- Cheerio.- Cheerio, then.
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