Wendover To Buy or Not to Buy

-Welcome to To Buy Or Not To Buy.

-Today we're in the Aylesbury Vale

-and the Chilterns.

-An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

and home to the Prime Minister's weekend retreat, Chequers.

-And, of course, the Aylesbury duck!

-DUCKS QUACK

Just remind me why we're on a duck farm.

-Well, remember Paul the octopus?

-Eight legs, three hearts.

He correctly predicted the winner of the World Cup.

Well, the Aylesbury duck is particularly talented

-when it comes to predicting the property market.

-Really?

Yeah! So I've put down three signs, one, two and three -

Property 1, Property 2, and three for the Wildcard.

And whichever one the Aylesbury ducks gravitate toward

will be the one that our buyers pick today.

These ducks are going to predict which property our buyers go for?

Yeah, proving that they know more about property than you do.

-HE LAUGHS

-Really? OK. If they get it right,

-I'll eat my cardigan.

-Get ready to munch away!

Let's have a look. OK. No interest in 1.

It's 2. Look, they're all around 2. Property 2 is mine.

You're not in on it now. Property 2 is my choice, OK?

-Fine!

-Good! Ha-ha, loser!

"Loser"?!

Coming up on To Buy Or Not To Buy, Simon has an issue with location.

-We've driven through it.

-OK.

-I've seen it from the train. Whizzed by.

-Oh, I see.

-So it's a good place to pass through, is it?

-Yeah.

Jonny's property skills are questioned.

I've been in this game nearly eight years. Are you telling me a duck knows more than me?

And the Wildcard gets everyone thinking.

-Look at the size of this place!

-Now what we going to do?

Our buyers today are Eddie and Sue Gosney.

Although retired, Eddie still works part-time

as an advertising art director, but wants a more relaxed pace of life.

Whilst Sue has a great passion for painting,

and regularly exhibits her work in local art galleries.

They've lived together in Wendover in the same family home

-for the last 28 years.

-But, with their three daughters grown up,

they feel it's time to move on to pastures new.

With our property know-how,

Eddie and Sue now want to embark on that ever-tricky downsize.

It's doubly tricky, as they've seen just about every house on the market!

Eddie, Sue, you are both an estate agent's dream

and nightmare at the same time, aren't you?

I understand that we fall into that category,

because we have sold our house.

We've sold it for about two months now.

Everybody we speak to keeps saying, "Have you moved?"

-and we keep saying, "No, we haven't found the right house." We're desperate to find it.

-OK.

The colour drains from the estate agent's face every time I go in.

It must do, because you're hot buyers. You're ready to go.

We are. We're more than ready to go.

-I'm now terrified about the day.

-THEY LAUGH

So, why? Why haven't you found it? Has it been different things

-or always the same problem?

-I'll tell you. They're picky.

We are picky, because we've been in our present house for 29 years.

We've obviously got a certain lifestyle now.

The next move we make, we want it also to be for several years.

We don't want to change again in a couple of years' time.

So I think we're right to be picky.

-So, Wendover is your preferred location...

-Absolutely.

-Yes.

But I imagine anything that comes on, you're seeing that anyway.

We are, we hope.

Mmm. We might have to cast our net further afield, perhaps.

-I'm hyperventilating.

-I know.

-You know what I'm going to say.

-Is this a downsize?

-EDDIE LAUGHS

We don't like to use the word "downsize".

And neither do we. But...

-But we realise...

-We've got four bedrooms,

but we need one less, maybe, now.

You've looked at a lot of properties over the last couple of months.

What have been the major issues with them and the major plusses?

Well, location, a lot of places. Some have been on a main road.

We want a quieter life. We want a bit of peace and quiet

now the girls have moved out of the house.

-You'll have that anyway.

-THEY LAUGH

What are the other main things you want?

We need space for you to paint, don't we?

That can be a bedroom, loft or an outbuilding.

-Garage?

-Yes.

-A garage is perfectly acceptable.

Cos we use a garage at the moment. And also in a nice location,

because we live in a nice location now, so...

-You don't want to compromise on that.

-No, we don't.

-You do seem to be singing off the same hymn sheet.

-Well...

Surprisingly so! THEY LAUGH

-Well, yes.

-We do. We know what we want.

We are quite, um...united, I think,

because I would hate for Eddie to like a property

and then me to put the kibosh on it by saying no.

I tend to be very immediate, and like or don't like it.

-Instinctive about things.

-Yeah.

-I'm a bit more cautious,

but we do present a united front,

-because...

-Well, we have to!

-We've lived together long enough.

-We present a united front.

-Well, I think that's possible

-in a relationship.

-We have our differences.

Oh, this is a friendship, not a... Just so we're clear,

-we're just very good friends.

-I disagree with him completely anyway.

-OK, Jonny!

-Fire away. Right, then, guys -

what is the maximum amount we are prepared to spend

-on this next move?

-Um, £300,000.

-Mmm?

-But if the house is right...

See what the finger does? It teases out extra money.

If the house is right, we'll go a little bit higher than that.

OK. Sue?

310.

Look what the finger did! £10,000!

-You seem very firm on that.

-Yeah.

OK. Right. We have all the requirements we need.

We've got our work cut out. I can see you're lovely people,

but you're right, I think they're a bit fussy.

-Let's go!

-See you later, guys!

-Cheerio.

The good things are today, firstly, they're a lovely couple,

and secondly, if we find a place they like

-they can put their offer in today.

-However, the bad thing is,

they have seen just about every property within a 100-mile radius

of Wendover. But you know what? There's no reason to get our feathers ruffled.

Of course! Cos the duck has decided.

Today's search brings us to the Vale of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire,

and the villages around Wendover at the foot of the Chilterns.

The Chilterns were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

back in 1965, and you can see why.

One of the country's great canals, the Grand Union,

runs through the Chilterns as it makes its way from Birmingham to London.

The nearby village of Aston Clinton is believed to have been around

since Roman times, on an intersection of two Roman roads

-still running through the village today.

-Just down the road,

Cheddington has won the Buckinghamshire best-kept village competition

-three times in the last few years.

-With house prices in the area

running at about 260K, only 40 grand over the national average,

it's got to be a pretty good bet to buy here,

especially as you can be in the centre of London in 45 minutes.

So, what will 310K get you in other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

How about this beautifully presented three-bed in Weston-super-Mare?

The property is detached, and boasts a stunning kitchen,

garden with barbecue area and views over the Mendips.

On the market for 299,950.

Or what about this three-bed detached bungalow

in Hunstanton, close to the beautiful Norfolk coast?

Although the property may be a bit retro inside,

it's in great condition, with spacious room sizes.

The price, 299,950.

Last but not least, this detached house in Berwick-upon-Tweed,

Northumberland. A short distance from the Pennine Way,

the property has three bedrooms, three reception rooms and a studio.

Yours for £290,000.

'But for now, back to Aylesbury Vale and today's property search.'

-How are you?

-Hello, there.

-Good to see you.

£310,000. That is the maximum I've got to spend.

They ideally want to be in Wendover, but have looked at everything there.

You've got villages such as Weston Turville, Aston Clinton, Cheddington...

Back in 1963, the eyes of the world were suddenly upon the sleepy village of Cheddington

when it became the scene for the infamous Great Train Robbery.

After violently assaulting the driver, Jack Mills,

Ronnie Biggs and his gang got away with £2.6 million.

That's a lot of money, and in today's equivalent,

it would be £40 million. Whoo!

Have you got a few examples of things we could see?

This is one of my favourite houses. It's just off the Western Road

-in Aston Clinton. It's four bedroom. It's a modern property -

-Four bed?

-Four bedroom.

The village of Aston Clinton lends half its name

to an iconic piece of British design, the Aston Martin.

Oh, here we go!

This looks like the best option. To view it, just call you?

-Absolutely.

-You the man. Thank you.

-Thanks for coming.

-Take care.

-Cheers.

Beautiful part of the world, Jonny, but expensive

because of the proximity to the capital.

It is. But the duck's got nothing on me today,

because Property 1 is an absolute blinder. Take a look at that.

This property is stylish. It's contemporary. It's modern,

naturally light. It's got everything they want,

and it's not going to feel like a downsize in any way, shape or form.

Oh, Property 1! It's a mid-terrace, yeah?

-It's a mews property.

-It's a terrace.

I've found them a semi-detached property

in an award-winning village,

and I just know this is going to win today,

cos this is Property 2, and this is what the Aylesbury duck chose!

And even if it didn't, "eider" picked it myself.

That's Property 2. "Eider". Like "I'd'a"...

-I got it.

-Eider duck.

-Yeah, I got it.

-The Wildcard -

-Eiderdown.

-Yes, all right!

The Wildcard. Let's have a look at that.

That is a gorgeous property, isn't it?

It is in the wonderfully named Cowroast.

It's a lock-side cottage.

You can't say fairer, can you? Just absolutely beautiful property.

-Shall we start the property tours?

-At the winning Property 1.

For my property today I've come to the village of Aston Clinton

for this immaculate, and I do mean immaculate, new-build townhouse.

It's got all the mod cons, and - yes, count 'em - four bedrooms.

They are going to like this.

Sue, Eddie, a question for you. When is a downsize not a downsize?

Well, that is an interesting one you've raised.

-When it's the same size.

-When the property is really...

That's... I didn't think the answer through before...

Anyway, this house is big. It really is a fantastic property.

Lovely townhouse, Aston Clinton.

Yeah, the right side of Aston Clinton, as well.

Before we go any further, have you seen it?

-No.

-We are actually very surprised that you have found something

-we have not seen.

-YOU'RE surprised?

The estate agent's, "Get 'em in!"

No, this is completely new to us, I have to say.

-I didn't realise this area existed.

-It's a nice-looking house, as well.

You've just pre-empted the next question. It is a handsome house.

It's very attractive, yeah. It's intriguing, actually,

because it's on three floors, which we hadn't anticipated,

-so that's a surprise.

-It's not too twee, like some townhouses.

-Yeah.

-It's quite solid-looking, isn't it?

Go on. Get in there and enjoy it. Accelerate, and away!

-Oh!

-Straight into the living room.

My goodness! Not what I expected at all.

Right, you two. You've seen lots of properties and not gone for any of them.

-You're going to like this place, or there'll be trouble.

-They won't.

-What?

-They'll like Property 2.

This is lovely!

Let me have a look at it, how I feel...

Yes. I think... I'm pleasantly surprised, actually.

It's great to have a look at this.

Imagine me sitting here.

I hadn't anticipated a room, maybe, of this size.

I think the bay window gives it the interest, actually.

It's not a box. Although you're coming straight into a living space,

it's not, as some of the newer houses are,

-very symmetrical.

-It's neutral, as well.

I quite like this lighting. It takes a bit of getting used to.

Oh, cor, this is good!

Well! It sounds like you've immediately won them over, Jonny.

It's just a pity they're not going to buy this place!

I've been in this game nearly eight years. Are you telling me a duck knows more than me?

-Oh, my word!

-How come we haven't seen this house?

Good grief! Where did this come from?

Well, the cupboards are quite nice, aren't they?

Unusual sort of, um...design, but -

Let's have a look. Let me think, because I like my cooking.

-Is there a dishwasher?

-Slim-line dishwasher in there.

Integrated appliances! That's the way forward.

We've got a dishwasher in ours. Me.

Dining area. Well, that's plenty big enough, isn't it?

The fact that you've got the hall here

makes the whole thing work quite nicely.

-It doesn't feel cramped.

-That's right. Splits it up

in quite a nice way. I like the flooring, as well.

I love the way it goes through to a conservatory here.

This is really the wow-factor room downstairs,

this open-plan kitchen/dining sun lounge. I love it.

It's amazing, actually, that you should have this...

..attached like that, because normally they're a separate entity,

-doors dividing.

-The conservatory is like the continuation of this area

into the garden.

I have to say, the staircase is interesting, as well.

It's not your normal straight-up-and-down.

They've actually thought about how to make it more attractive.

Oh! OK.

We have a bedroom with a computer in.

Oh, that's excellent use, as well, isn't it, of the space.

-Yes.

-I noticed downstairs...

-It's a good size.

..that you wouldn't have room for working down there, would you?

Downstairs has gone phenomenally well. Straight into the bedroom....

Yes! Study and double bedroom. Perfect.

This bedroom now, let's see what this... Ooh!

Oh, that's an interesting piece of art over the bed there,

-but I'm not looking at...

-Look what's in the corner.

Hang on a second. Let's just look at the bed area first of all.

-I want to get a feel for this.

-Plenty of space for wardrobes.

-Well, yes. Sizeable again, isn't it?

-Two windows. Yeah, it is.

Is it bigger than our one at the moment? It is!

-Yes, it is.

-So that's good.

I'm still intrigued about what's in the corner. You go first this time.

I'm hoping this is something we've never had,

-which is a cupboard. Oh, no! It is!

-Go on, go on!

Let's have a look. Well, this is wonderful!

-This is great.

-This is lovely!

-This is something we've never had.

-We've always wanted an en suite,

so this is very, very accommodating to our needs.

Great master bedroom, great second bedroom.

-I just don't know why they won't like this place.

-You're a fool.

You're just ducking the issue.

I tell you what I like, Sue.

I love the view down the centre here.

It's like something you get in one of those old hotels.

-It's a long way down.

-Not the Bates Motel, I hope.

-She just said it's the Bates Motel! I knew they wouldn't like it.

-This is a money-maker, then.

-It gives it an attractiveness.

-It's a long way down.

-And you're not looking at something that's square.

-It's a nice feature.

Could this be the studio? Is it big enough, do you think?

-Ooh!

-It's quite a good size, isn't it?

-Ooh!

-Plenty of light. It's not enormous, is it?

It's not enormous, no. I'm trying to make an assessment

and evaluate whether I would actually use this.

Let's see what else there is up here.

Oh, this is a bathroom! Of course. There wasn't one downstairs.

It's quite small. No window, no natural light.

Ah, Eddie, the light isn't on. And there is natural light.

-There's no window, but it is a light-well, or as it's also known...

-Solar tube.

I didn't think there was any natural light, but that's not the light.

That's a light-tunnel, isn't it? It's amazing how much light's coming in.

I thought it was the light on.

-Oh, this is much bigger than the other room.

-Yeah.

Ah! It's funny. I thought it was going to be the same...

You could use this one as a studio. This has got more space.

And just have that one as a store-room or a third bedroom.

-I like the two windows.

-They're not the same, are they?

No. I quite like that, though, as a feature.

-The house has got a really nice feel.

-I agree.

Come on! Come on! That's gone OK, hasn't it?

Yeah. Very nice house. The only compromise is the outside space,

-which is a bit limited.

-Let's talk about this.

How does this compare to your current garden size?

-Um...

-Is it considerably smaller?

-It's a bit smaller, isn't it?

It is. Our current garden size is an L-shape anyway,

so it would be hard to compare the two.

Inside, four bedrooms. Four double bedrooms.

Yes. That was something we were taken aback by, actually.

As we progressed up the stairs, it was a little adventure for us both,

-I felt at that point.

-You were considering doubling up the third bedroom,

but in fact you've got four bedrooms.

-It gave us the storage space.

-It's a nicely designed house.

Lots of little nooks and crannies that I hadn't expected.

Bringing us back into reality, let's play guess-the-price.

We've found you Nirvana itself, tucked away in Wendover.

Your maximum budget, £310,000. Who's going to go first?

-Go on, Susan. You go first.

-290.

-OK. Eddie?

-No, I think it's more than that.

I'd say about 305,000.

OK. Wheels are turning. The maths... You're the winner!

-Well done! Congratulations, sir.

-Thank you.

You'll be pleased to know it's on the market for offers in excess of £300,000.

-Oh, right.

-Which, if I read between the lines of,

you never pay in excess of something people put down.

-How about £300,000 and 1p?

-Well, you could do,

if you were a pedant. What do you think of that price?

-This is a lot of house.

-There is a lot of house.

I think it's reasonable. Having looked at so many,

-I would say...

-So many!

..so many, I do feel that that's a fair price.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Anyway, that's Property 1 out the way. Now, fingers crossed,

you haven't seen Property 2, because a little bird tells me,

and I mean that most sincerely, that you'll love it. Come with me.

Well, it was pretty conclusive.

The property-predicting Aylesbury duck chose Property 2

as the winner today, and who am I to argue?

This classic three-bed semi in the sought-after village of Cheddington

is a real beauty.

Right, then, Eddie and Sue, my choice today, Property 2.

I've brought you to Cheddington. What do you know about this place?

Not very much. We've driven through it,

and that would be about my summation of the place.

-OK.

-I've seen it from the train. Sort of whizzed by.

-I see!

-So it's a good place to pass through, is it?

I would disagree. I think it would be a good place to set up home,

and I will tell you why. We have two excellent pubs

within walking distance of this house,

we have a general store, a post office,

and Cheddington has won Best Small Village Of The Year

in Buckinghamshire three times in the last six years,

-so it must have a lot going for it!

-Didn't know that!

-We hadn't heard.

I'm sure you will be aware that it has its own train station

which is 41 minutes direct into Euston.

So that's put us on the map. I did that, of course,

because I want your impression of this house.

First impression was, I quite like the copper-beech hedge.

And the house itself is quite interesting.

I'll help you out there. It's not got the kerb appeal

some properties can have, but it's what's on the inside that counts.

We can mean this with properties, with people,

but the great thing about this property is,

to the rear, it has got the most wonderful views.

It would be very relevant today to call this a bit of an ugly duckling.

-You know where I'm going with that.

-I do indeed.

-OK.

Fair enough. But I think you will find

that the space inside this house is perfect for you,

and bear in mind your local amenities. All right?

-Get in there and enjoy.

-OK.

See you in a minute.

Oh, right. Here we go.

Second house.

Porch here, which is different to the other house,

-which is quite nice.

-Tiny little porch, yes.

-But even so, effective.

-And nice flooring.

Into the kitchen area. Oh, this is deceptive.

-I was just expecting a living room!

-Quite a nice size.

-Quite nicely fitted out.

-Look at the cooker!

That's the business! That's a great range, isn't it?

It is a large oven - big enough to cook, maybe,

an average-size bird, say...

-a duck.

-Hey, now! Hey, now, don't you...

-Flooring's good.

-Yeah, the floor's good.

And, um, I like the cupboards.

Aha! Where are we going?

This is quite small, though, isn't it?

-It's like a little family room.

-Is this extension?

-Oh, this is the extension, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-I suppose it was the garage.

-So you've got here...

French windows onto a garden,

-and doors here...

-Into another room.

-Into the living room.

But I must have a look.

Aha, the little cloakroom!

Oh, it's cute, isn't it?

Very nice, off the little family room.

I can see these doors here that are inviting us through.

Oh, and we open into quite a large...

-I assume this is the dining-cum...

-Living room.

-..living room.

-However, we've got another door.

-We have.

-Let's see what's here.

Oh, I see! We've done a complete cycle round.

Oh, OK. That makes sense.

So you could come in... Rather than going into the kitchen,

you could come through to here. You don't have to go via the kitchen.

That makes sense. OK, onwards. Let's see what's through here.

This is all squashed in a bit.

You don't have to have it as they've got it.

Thank you, Sue. That is what you have to do.

See through the family living here to the space.

-There is a lot of space here.

-Ooh, clutching at straws...

Oh! Ah! Oh, it's a little wee conservatory!

Ah! This is a different one, isn't it?

It's the tiniest conservatory I think I've seen.

-They've used the space well.

-It's been used as an office.

And I would say that...

-A little bit of damp, I spot there.

-Yeah.

Which is... I suppose it's natural on a brick wall like that.

But a little bit small for my liking, maybe.

Oh, it's nice and light.

Freshly carpeted, by the looks of it,

with a nice area here for books.

You could put a book case there. There's potential there.

Ah, look. This must be a children's bedroom, with these lovely little...

-Oh, look at the teddy bear!

-It's a nice view out the back.

-Ah!

-When you look over the garages.

-The view...

It's beautiful, isn't it?

Eddie's spotted the views. They are lovely, mate,

just gorgeous uninterrupted English countryside.

What have we got to offer in here?

Ooh! Ooh!

-This is quite different to the last master bedroom we saw.

-It's bigger.

-No, I disagree.

-Is this the master bedroom?

I presume it is. No, I think this is the master.

You're looking at limited space there,

and wardrobe-wise, you've got this one and a chest of drawers -

not that much.

Well, this has got a lovely, lovely view.

That's great. That's fantastic, apart from the garages again,

-but the view itself is great.

-It's lovely.

-This room is just a bit small.

-It is, compared to the other house.

-You look at this...

-And I feel it's quite closed in.

It feels cramped in comparison.

Eddie is being so negative about this place.

I'm starting to wonder whether the Aylesbury duck was winging it.

-DOOR CREAKS

-Ah, bathroom!

Oh, yes.

Very... Oh, yeah. Nice...loo.

-Pleasant light.

-It's not a bad size, is it?

-That's lovely.

-Not a bad size.

-That's very pleasant.

-Very fresh. Nicely decorated, as well.

-Yeah. Two windows.

-I think that's lovely.

-It looks as though it's been extended.

It's very pleasant. Nice tiling on here.

Third bedroom.

-Well, it's very nice.

-It's ideal for children.

It's lovely for a child. The house is suitable for young children.

Yes, I think it's absolutely ideal.

Because it's quite a small room again, but it's nicely decorated.

They've done it well. This is brilliant for the two children

who must occupy this. Wonderful!

-Hmm!

-Hmm.

-A mixed reception.

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Not a patch on the first house.

Eddie, don't beat about the bush. Tell me what you think!

I think the house itself was very attractively furnished

and ideal for the young family, but for us,

the upstairs was a little bit cramped - for our particular needs.

I'm thinking, where would I paint -

-I love how diplomatic you're trying to be.

-I am trying,

because it's somebody else's home, and I know how I would feel

-if somebody was going round mine.

-It's great for a young family,

and they've done it up very nicely. But just for us,

it's not quite as suitable as the first house.

Let's talk about the artist's studio. You have these spaces.

That area's too small. That area there's too small.

Also, it needs to be slightly removed from the main living area.

But a superb village. Gorgeous views.

The views are delightful. Charming area.

-You can't deny...

-And a nice house. Just not for us, really.

We know that this might not be the one for you,

but let's see if the price can swing it back in your favour.

Maximum budget £310,000. Eddie, you won the first round,

so you can go first. What do you think for this lovely spacious semi?

Er, 280,000.

265.

265. Mmm. It's two-nil to you, Eddie.

Oh!

-This place is actually on the market for £295,000.

-Right.

-That's interesting.

-Yeah. It is very interesting.

That's a little bit more than I calculated.

But you know where we are. Commuter belt.

It's the train into London that actually...

You know what value that puts on properties in Buckinghamshire.

-That's going to make a difference.

-Yeah. Well...

-OK.

-Anyway, it's two-nil to Eddie.

-Oh, sorry, Sue.

Well, there you go. I've always been slightly cautious on prices.

-I've given up ducking and diving anyway.

-Wildcard?

-Yeah.

-It's that way. Come on, folks.

-OK, let's go.

Here we go. The moment we've all been waiting for -

-it's the Wildcard.

-And what a property we've got for you today!

It's a Victorian lock-side cottage in the tastily named Cowroast,

a few miles east of Wendover.

Eddie, Sue, welcome to your Wildcard today.

This is a Wildcard for many reasons. Firstly, the name of this place

is one of the wildest we've come across - Cowroast!

-Wonderful, isn't it?

-It's a ludicrous name,

but absolutely beautiful. And wild, of course,

because this is a gorgeous, we think Victorian, lock cottage.

-Yeah, it's great.

-What do you think of the location?

-Oh, it's totally delightful.

-Very interesting, yes.

-Lots of activity out the front.

-Beautiful-looking cottage.

-Yeah.

This is the kind of property, from the outside and the inside,

you've got to smile at. It's a joy to be in this kind of place.

And the property inside is also fairly wild in the layout.

And just a bit of practical information -

if you want to go into London, you can stroll along the path here,

a mile to Tring station, then it's 40 minutes,

or you can cruise that way, about two days. Four miles an hour.

-Well, that's something we'll bear in mind.

-Thanks.

-What a beautiful, beautiful place!

-Absolutely charming.

-On a day like today, it's wonderful.

-Really charming front, bay window,

porch looks great, and the setting -

you couldn't do more for us. If you want countryside and water,

-it's all here!

-There you go.

-Just to double-check,

-you've not seen this place?

-Never.

-Another win for us!

-We're doing brilliantly.

-And how different from the two properties you showed us earlier!

That's why it's the Wildcard. How different is it on the inside?

-We're going to find out.

-Go on, barge your way in!

-Go on. In you go.

-Technically it's a narrowboat.

-This is going to be fascinating.

-Oh, this is different, isn't it?

-Oh, my goodness!

-What a surprise!

Oh, I like the look of this!

So, Property 1 was my choice, the resident property expert,

if I do say so myself. Property 2, the Aylesbury duck challenging my throne,

but will the Wildcard have the power to beat them all?

They seem to have taken to it like a duck to water.

Look at the stove! Is that a wood-burning stove?

That's fantastic! Look at the way it's kitted out, as well!

Look at the surfaces on the kitchen top!

Oh, my Lord!

What about the space in here? Is there enough space?

Don't know about that, but I just love the look of it. Fantastic!

This bay window's beautiful, as well.

You'd be able to see all what's going on outside.

You would never lack for entertainment!

-No. Always somebody passing by!

-Never going to lack for neighbours.

How many people in the world have a view from their kitchen sink like that?

-It is much better, by the way, without Jonny.

-Hey!

I tell you what's nice - the door handles on there.

-It's all been refitted.

-That's really nicely done, as well.

-So, what have we got now?

-This would be the lounge.

I presume so.

This is the room where Simon and I have got a disagreement.

I think that is better served as a bedroom.

I know it comes off the kitchen, but because of the views,

-I'd keep it as a bedroom.

-I would use it as a reception room,

-because it's on the same floor as the dining room and the kitchen.

-Traditionalist!

-That's a lovely window, as well.

-It's lovely. It's beautiful.

-Mmm.

-And, er, that's the garden.

-It's a good-size garden.

-It is. Once it's tidied up...

Onwards and upwards. Let's see what we've got here. Oh, my giddy aunt!

THEY LAUGH That's a bath and a half, isn't it?

You might lose the baby in that. My giddy aunt! Look at that!

The bath is nearly big enough to put a narrowboat in.

You could fit in there twice, couldn't you?

-Look at the shower!

-What's that pipe going...

That's the shower curtain. You'd have a shower curtain up there.

-Another window.

-That's a lovely window, isn't it?

They're really nicely finished, those windows,

-that decoration in the woodwork.

-Upstairs area now.

-Gosh!

-That's a big space as well, isn't it?

-I was just looking at that.

-Nice little features

-like this sort of shelf along here.

-It's a very big stairwell, isn't it?

Yeah, it is. Quite steep stairs.

I suppose they were, weren't they, at that particular period.

Ooh! Where are we now? A bedroom, I presume.

An interior window! That's quite a nice feature.

That's cute. Let's look at the view. We got a sash window.

What an amazingly different house!

Yeah, it is. It's completely different, isn't it?

But we've got to change our whole mindset with this house,

because this is like something we've never seen before.

Ooh, lovely fireplace! Look at that. That's beautiful.

-I wonder if that's original.

-It looks it, doesn't it?

-Yeah. Really, really...

-Again, not a bad size.

This would be the master bedroom.

-Yes. There's only two bedrooms on this floor.

-And no bathroom.

The bathroom's downstairs. The loo's downstairs,

-down those steep stairs in the middle of the night. That would be fun.

-As you get older.

-Thank you!

Again, a lovely view, isn't it?

What this house has, even though it's been recently redecorated,

-is a lot of character.

-It's a period piece, isn't it?

It is, really. Bit like us. SHE LAUGHS

-There's another steep stairwell here.

-It is quite steep.

You've got to be careful of your head on that one,

even me, the little shorty. Ooh, my goodness!

-That is quite low, isn't it?

-So this... Ooh!

What's going on here?

This is the...

-Look at the...

-This feels quite cool.

It was a cellar. Or would it have been living quarters?

I'm not so keen on this bit. There's something about this room.

-You feel a bit oppressive?

-I just... Yeah.

Eddie was quite keen on this place from the outside,

but it's not grabbed him inside, which is disappointing.

-Big fireplace.

-What would you use this for?

-I can't see what you'd use it for.

-Let's have a think.

There's nothing in it. You have to use your imagination.

What you would use that space for, Eddie, is a study.

It is a bit like the Hobbit home, isn't it? Look at this!

I'm trying to get my head round what you'd use this space for.

-It'll take a lot of thinking.

-Great old beam up there.

-Oh!

-Oh, my Lord, look at this!

This is pretty state-of-the-art, isn't it? A high-tech...

-Look at that shower!

-It's almost an upside-down house.

You know what I mean? You could have the bedrooms down here

-with the bathroom...

-I don't know what to make of this at all.

Oh, this would be a wonderful studio, wouldn't it?

I tell you, that's where the studio is going.

This room will win Sue over at least.

Lovely! Look at the size of this place!

It's almost designed for that, isn't it?

-Yeah, look at it!

-SHE LAUGHS

Now what we going to do? Is it high enough for you?

As long as I don't wear my stilettos, I'll be fine.

You wouldn't even get your easel up in here, would you?

-You'd have to have a squat easel.

-I'd have to sit and paint.

It's a big space, though, isn't it? Great space for a studio.

This is a patio area.

-HE CHUCKLES Decking!

-Yeah.

You're not going to be short of space to put the table and chairs,

-and a lounger.

-No. It just needs tidying up a bit,

-cleaning, and, er...

-What strange stones!

We wondered what they were. We think they're part of the canal.

-Oh, maybe. It's a lovely garden.

-Imagine what you could do in here!

It's terribly overgrown. It needs everything trimming back.

-You wouldn't be short of water, would you?

-No.

You'd have to put these somewhere. You'd have to get somebody in

to do that, because they look enormous.

They look as though they could give you a hernia.

I was almost convinced, but now they've finished,

-I'm not sure whether our lock-keeper's cottage holds the key to their future.

-Ah!

-Mmm...

-Come on, then.

Well, it's a great property. Very quirky. Beautiful features.

Lovely windows. It flatters to deceive a bit,

because it's hard working out the arrangement of rooms.

The practicalities, I think I said earlier, are just not there.

-So it may be a Victorian property, but you don't want to live in a Victorian manner.

-Very much so.

-Yeah. It's such a quirky house.

-Beautiful features.

-It's great.

-And I was amazed at the complete contrast,

the two earlier properties to this one.

-I didn't think you'd find anything so original.

-Sue!

Your artist's studio down there!

It would be lovely if I could sit down,

but I stand when I paint. The easel's going to go through the roof

-when I set up.

-If you were three foot tall,

with that size easel, it would be fine.

-No disrespect, you three, but you aren't the tallest people.

-Hey!

THEY LAUGH

Right. OK, then. So, a mixed reaction, we'll say.

-You can't fault the location, can you?

-No. Beautiful setting,

-lovely landscape.

-And lots going on. Always plenty people to talk to.

But it's guess-the-price time.

Now, then, your maximum budget, £310,000.

I realise I'm absolutely useless at giving a figure.

So, four-bedroom detached Victorian cottage

on a beautiful setting...

-310.

-Mmm.

-I was going to say 310, as well.

-Oh, were you?

-305.

305. So you just undercut Sue there.

Well, Sue, you'll be pleased to know you at least salvaged some pride.

-All right.

-Cos you are closest.

-It's...

-Oh, am I doing this one now? Great!

-Of course. I'll pass it over to you.

-It's on the market at the moment

-for 349,950.

-Whoo!

But we do know this property was taken to auction earlier this year

with a guide price of 300,000, and for whatever reason,

didn't find a buyer. So we're confident that,

if you did put in your maximum at 310,

you're probably secure this, being in the position that you're in.

There's lots to discuss.

I think you'll agree, we've shown you three very different properties,

all of which you hadn't seen before, which was a bonus.

-No, that's absolutely true.

-You've got to decide which one to spend more time in.

So take yourselves off, make that decision, and see you in a moment.

-Go on, put your heads together.

-So, there we go.

Is it going to be Jonny, the duck or the Wildcard that is the victor today?

Quack-quack! Here's a recap.

Simon, you've got no chance, even with your so-called property-predicting Aylesbury ducks.

Eddie and Sue were just stunned by my beautifully finished four-bed

in Aston Clinton. It's the winner today, and it's on the market

for offers over 300K.

Eddie and Sue did seem lukewarm with my -

or, should I say, the ducks' choice. Could it be that Jonny's powers

as an estate agent have overshadowed even the mighty Aylesbury bird?

Surely not! The bill? 295 grand.

You are quackers! Or will the pulling power of the Wildcard

prove victorious? Eddie and Sue love the canal-side location

of the cottage, but was the interior just a little too odd

for their liking? We'll see.

On the market for 349,950.

Well, for reasons unbeknown to both myself and a certain duck,

you've decided to choose Jonny's property, Property 1, to test drive.

What was it about this lovely property?

Well, first of all I think it was surprising.

When you look at it from the outside, it looks quite small.

When you go in, it's like the TARDIS. It just opens up before you.

And the fact that it's on three floors was another plus, as well.

And four bedrooms! We were saying three bedrooms.

-We've got four here!

-We're incredibly generous.

Eddie, what was it for you about this one?

-You hadn't seen it, which was a shock in the first place.

-It was.

-How was the accommodation? Can you see yourself in there?

-We can.

It's got everything that we require. It's got space for Sue to paint.

I suppose the only compromise is the back garden,

-which is a bit small.

-But it's maintenance-free,

to allow you to enjoy it.

THEY LAUGH

We liked the conservatory. We liked the kitchen area.

It's got two areas to sit down in, and it's in the right area,

-not too far from Wendover.

-Good stuff!

It's interesting you say that the property looks small from outside.

Our surveyor did say what a great job they'd done.

It's quite compact, but it feels open and spacious.

He also came up with some interesting information.

If you look behind us... None of us noticed this, but look.

They're all false apexes. They are actually flat-roofed buildings.

-Yes.

-So that allows that extra space on the top floors,

so those rooms don't feel too poky.

It does mean you have to be careful of the maintenance of the flat roof.

Secondly, you mentioned the conservatory.

Because there were no doors between the conservatory and the kitchen,

you're letting all the heat from the house escape

into the glass roof, and even though it's double-glazed,

you will get significant heat-loss there. Simple answer - doors,

to separate out the two. So, just some interesting points.

This is not a legally binding survey,

and if you went ahead, you two know as well as anyone,

get all your surveys and searches done.

But we know why you chose this property.

Jonny, this was a great find. The duck and I have to hold our wings up

and accept it was a really, really good piece of work.

Get in there and enjoy it. Thank you.

Here we go! Eddie and Sue are straight in and measuring up.

160 by 260 for the table.

-So, 160...

-Yeah.

That's OK. That fits. That's with chairs.

And this way it was 260.

Looks like the table fits. That's always a good sign!

That's being very generous with that one.

Yes, the en suite's still there, Eddie.

-It's quite nicely done, isn't it?

-I like it as it is.

I don't particularly want doors in.

Eddie's having a thoughtful look around the garden.

I wonder if this will be the property's Achilles heel?

Sue's off. I think she's had enough already.

Don't worry, mate. She just testing out the area as a painting location.

-You can't beat that view!

-I'm not sure.

Eddie still doesn't look 100 percent about that garden.

Hold on a minute. Now Eddie's off, too!

Looks like he's found some local allotments.

I think that's the garden problem solved.

Ah, looks like we're on the "Monet" with this one!

At the beginning of today, we knew you were in a position to proceed.

You'd looked at quite a few houses - quite a few houses!

We managed to find you three you'd not seen.

You chose this one today, spent more time in it,

and it wasn't really that much of a downsize for you. How was it?

Really interesting today. My opinion is even more confirmed

that I like it very much indeed.

It certainly is matching most of the criteria that we'd set ourselves,

and the fact that there's this extra bedroom

is a real plus as far as I'm concerned.

As we've said before, Eddie's concern would be this garden area,

being a little bit limited to what we had anticipated.

Yeah, Eddie, the garden - you've been mooching around, have you?

-Any answers? Any clues?

-Well, the shed is very big.

A smaller shed would give us a bit more space here.

We do like the house very much indeed. It's got some nice features.

Lovely property. It struck a chord with both of you from the beginning.

Second visit has confirmed that. So, Eddie, Sue, not at all picky...

to buy or not to buy?

Probably...

to buy.

-One-nil to Jonny. The duck...

-THEY LAUGH

-That's fantastic, though, isn't it?

-It's really great.

-We should leave you and get on the road.

-Come on, then!

-Cheerio.

-Cheerio, then.

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