- 4 weeks ago
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00:00Tune in as we tune up for a very melodic escape to the country.
00:10This is a room. Perfect.
00:12I think you've nailed it. Oh!
00:15Oh!
00:16We found the ultimate medley of showstoppers.
00:20And chart toppers.
00:24I could not have shown you this. You certainly couldn't.
00:27It's really, really special.
00:29To deliver a country pad that hits all the right notes.
00:52City life can sometimes be too fortissimo, too loud.
00:57I mean, who wants a noisy neighbour, right?
01:00The thing is, what if it's you that's the one making all the noise?
01:03Well, you do the decent thing and you escape to the country.
01:06Which is exactly what the nation's favourite choir master has asked us to help him do here in Hampshire.
01:13So, cue the fanfare and meet Gareth Malone, the maestro behind the music.
01:19Oh, that's nice.
01:25Hmm.
01:27Oh, I know.
01:28I'm Gareth Malone and I am a musician and a choir director and I'm looking to get out of town.
01:34Gareth Malone is the man who made Britain fall in love with singing.
01:40I've worked with all sorts of people.
01:42Prisoners, doctors, firefighters, people who work in supermarkets, bankers.
01:48So fun.
01:49I started the military wives' choirs.
01:52That was a thing.
01:54Indeed it was.
01:55In 2011, they bagged the Christmas number one spot.
01:59You name it, I've made a choir out of them.
02:03Awarded an OBE for his services to music, Gareth lives in a leafy North London suburb with his wife Becky, a teacher and their three children.
02:12This is my studio, which is at the end of my garden.
02:16When I built this, I went round and told all the neighbours that it was so that I wouldn't disturb them.
02:20But truth be told, it's just that they were disturbing me, but I didn't want to be rude.
02:25That's the trouble with living in London.
02:26I love living in London.
02:27It is great, but I just feel like it's so noisy.
02:33That's the inner soundtrack of my mind when I'm in London.
02:38Go to work, go to work, go to work.
02:42And I think I'm feeling a bit more...
02:47..is what I'm looking for.
02:51Whilst regular hot yoga sessions provide some solitude, Gareth is seeking more.
02:58I feel like I'm just enjoying that phase of my life where I'm not absolutely hammering it all the time, which I really was.
03:04I'm super competitive and super driven and I always have been since I was small.
03:09And if you're wondering where that drive comes from, meet Sian, Gareth's beloved mother.
03:19He started learning piano when he was seven. Not always happily, I have to say.
03:23Sometimes he wanted to give up, but he was encouraged, shall we say, to continue.
03:28And then started to love it and never looked back after that, really.
03:32Gareth is super close to his parents.
03:36They live in the seaside town of Bournemouth in his childhood home.
03:41Whoops.
03:43Where his very first piano still takes pride of place.
03:46It's seen better days.
03:48It has seen better days, yes.
03:50Well, it's seen you right through from age seven when you started.
03:54Yeah, this is, again, I used to make up pieces on.
03:56It is, yeah.
03:58Hours.
03:59Sian will accompany Gareth on his search for a new home in the neighbouring county of Hampshire.
04:07These are photos of us in the New Forest in times gone by.
04:10Look at your hair.
04:11Yes.
04:13A place that holds many fond memories for them both.
04:16Oh, that's a nice photo.
04:17You look very happy in that.
04:18This move isn't just about being closer to Mama Malone.
04:21Gareth's banking on it delivering other small joys.
04:25I do like ironing.
04:26I'd love a little ironing room.
04:28And a boot room.
04:30I hate shoemass.
04:32And I would really like to have a big piano in the house.
04:35Like, you know, sort of eight foot grand, proper grown up piano.
04:40It's kind of the first thing I think about when I walk into a room is where would the piano go?
04:45Oh, and I'm not into ultra-modern.
04:50I really like sort of shambolic and historical and wonky.
04:58OK, that's a fairly comprehensive list of the finer details.
05:02But for an overview of the big picture stuff, here's the lowdown.
05:09Gareth is looking for a detached character property with at least four bedrooms,
05:14a decent-sized garden and an outbuilding that can become a music studio.
05:19The house should be located in the middle or on the edge of a village
05:23and have space for a full-size grand piano.
05:27The budget?
05:28£1.2 million.
05:30Gareth's search area is in Hampshire, specifically the south-west of the county,
05:44in and around the New Forest National Park.
05:46The village of Beaulieu gets its name from the French phrase meaning beautiful place,
05:52a description that could easily apply to any of the 37 towns and parishes within the park's boundary.
06:02Ponies, cattle, deer and pigs roam free among the ancient woodlands and open heaths.
06:0826 miles of coastline fall within the national park, with the mile-long Kelshot beach popular with watersports enthusiasts.
06:21Homebuyers in Hampshire get better value than in most of south-east England,
06:25although a detached house still costs around £621,000, about £180,000 above the UK average.
06:34Even so, that's far cheaper than Gareth's north London suburb,
06:39where detached properties typically cost more than £2 million.
06:49Gareth has already made two solid decisions.
06:52First, he's picked Hampshire, a county that delivers on that much-needed slower pace,
06:58while still having a train to London that runs on time.
07:01Second, he's bringing his mum along for the ride,
07:04and the benefits of having her join us is obvious.
07:07She knows him, and she knows he.
07:11So, of course, I took Mama Malone's advice when she suggested Exbury Gardens
07:16in the south-east corner of the New Forest as the perfect meeting point.
07:20Gareth, I should say welcome back to Hampshire. You know this area so well.
07:27I do. I feel very at home. I feel quite emotional coming back here.
07:30I came here with my mother and my grandmother in, we think it was 1986.
07:35Yeah, a long time ago.
07:37Yeah, a very long time ago, and it was beautiful then, and it's still beautiful.
07:39So apart from Mum being here, what is it about this area, this landscape that is attracting you?
07:47I associate it with a very happy time in my life.
07:49We came to the New Forest every weekend and relaxed and went on long walks and the trees,
07:55and then you turn a corner and there's a beautiful pub or a little gem like this.
07:59Or a pony. Or a pony, exactly. Or a donkey or a cow.
08:03You can't rush in the New Forest because there's always a pony to slow you down.
08:07I don't know, maybe it's because I'm about to be 50 that I'm thinking,
08:10I wouldn't mind something slightly slower.
08:12What a great midlife crisis, if that's what you're having. Isn't it?
08:15It's about my third. Not a crisis, just a...
08:17Just a change. An awakening. Yeah.
08:19An awakening. I like that. And a touring. Finally.
08:22Sian, are you buzzing at the thought of the grandkids?
08:25Forget Gareth, the grandkids. Yes, I am, absolutely.
08:28The idea of them being this close is just wonderful.
08:31Am I a sideshow in this? Yes, you are, definitely a sideshow, yeah.
08:35My grandchildren quite like me, I think, and I absolutely adore them,
08:39and I want to spend as much time as I possibly can with them,
08:41so yes, I'll be on the doorstep.
08:43Do you know what you're looking for?
08:45No. I don't think I do. That's good.
08:48When we've bought houses before, it's always been just a great feel when you walk in.
08:54And you'll know, we'll know. I'll be like this. Yeah.
08:57Just feeling the vibrations. You'll feel the zen. Yes, no question.
09:01OK, well, that's one way to house hunt.
09:03Should we get going? Yeah.
09:04Like a divining stick or something. Yes.
09:06I feel like you are that stick. I am that stick.
09:08Let's go. Lead the way.
09:10Every minuet counts.
09:12Our first house sits in the village of West Wellow, right on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
09:23This handsome detached Grade II listed property dates back to the early 1800s.
09:29After the Second World War, it served as the village schoolhouse for 40 years before being transformed into a gorgeous family home that I hope will strike a chord with our choir master.
09:42Oh, pretty. I love this path.
09:49But what about the house?
09:52Oh, look.
09:55Oh, she spotted the folly. Trust you.
09:57A folly. A grotto. I love it. It's a folly.
10:00Made of flint. Flint folly.
10:02A flint folly. A flint folly.
10:03A flint folly.
10:04That wasn't on my wish list, but now that I've seen one, I must have a flint folly.
10:09You know what? I like to provide a little bit of extra.
10:12That is fabulous.
10:13Never mind the house.
10:15What can one... OK, the house is so beautiful.
10:18Oh. Focus.
10:19I do like the house. I love the paint.
10:21It's beautiful.
10:22I love the Victorian brickwork.
10:24Yeah.
10:25I like that it was a school.
10:26Yes.
10:27My wife's a teacher.
10:28I thought you might.
10:29That's lovely history, isn't it?
10:30Yeah, we don't need to see any more. I like this one.
10:32I do like it. It's definitely my aesthetic.
10:34Are we allowed to go inside?
10:35Shall we?
10:36Yeah, let's.
10:37Let's do it.
10:38All right. Only because you are so nicely.
10:44I thought we'd kick off with the kitchen.
10:46Oh, this is a lovely kitchen.
10:48Eat me.
10:49The floor.
10:50The floor's great.
10:51The floor's great.
10:52I'm sorry, I was looking at the cookies.
10:53I love this.
10:54Isn't it nice?
10:55Yes.
10:57Yes.
10:58He's checking the rails of the doors.
11:00It's exactly right for the age of the house.
11:03Tick.
11:07Boot room.
11:08Tick.
11:09That door on the outside in the garden goes into the boot room.
11:12So if you've been out for a yomp.
11:14Oh.
11:15Gareth, you wanted it.
11:16Show me the boot room.
11:17Go, go, go, go.
11:20Oh, I love this.
11:22This could be the boot room.
11:23This is the ironing room.
11:24This is everything.
11:25The laundry.
11:26The laundry.
11:27I can see you spending hours in here ironing, Gareth.
11:30I like this. This is a nice room.
11:31I feel like you love the boot room more than the kitchen.
11:34Yes.
11:35I'm quite interested to know where you eat and how much of a commute there is from the kitchen to the dining space.
11:40Gosh.
11:41He's moving out of London.
11:42Now he's talking about commutes.
11:43Should we go and find out?
11:46Can we time it?
11:47I've got a...
11:48What?
11:49He's got a timer.
11:50I love it.
11:51It's got a stopwatch.
11:52Yeah.
11:53Is he always like this?
11:54Oh, yes.
11:55Well, I think that's a perfectly normal thing to bring on a house hunt because you need to know how long it takes to get from...
12:04I think our definitions of perfectly normal are different.
12:07Oh.
12:08But I appreciate that you have done this.
12:09If that's your worry, let's work through it.
12:11Look, I haven't got time to waste here.
12:13Okay.
12:14Okay.
12:15Let's get on with it.
12:16On your marks, get set, let's eat breakfast.
12:18I'm going to actually grab breakfast.
12:20Right, follow me.
12:22That's five seconds.
12:24Six.
12:25Okay.
12:26Oh, it's mild.
12:27Oh, okay.
12:29And that's a 12-second commute.
12:32Oh, it's sweet.
12:3312 seconds?
12:34That felt like four.
12:35It was 12 long seconds.
12:37We're going for the slower pace of life.
12:39Absolutely.
12:40This is beautiful.
12:41I'm sort of pouring the milk and then just slamming it down on the table and getting it out the door.
12:45Where are you rushing off to here in Hampshire?
12:47Oh, you're right.
12:48Well, Gareth, I try to be.
12:50How many people can you get round that table?
12:52Is this the main dining space?
12:54This is the closest room for dining, I would say.
12:56Right.
12:57That's six people.
12:58I mean, we always have five people.
13:00Always, yes.
13:01And very often six.
13:03And when we're there, it's seven.
13:05It's a great space.
13:06It's beautiful.
13:07It is a little bit small for a dining space for our family, I think.
13:10But I do like the vibration of this room.
13:13Well, if this room is giving Gareth good vibrations, wait until he claps eyes on the others.
13:20Because there are four reception rooms in total, including this gorgeous garden room and this 30-foot lounge.
13:28This is my favourite space.
13:31Oh, this is a room.
13:33This is two rooms.
13:34Let Mum in.
13:35Oh, sorry.
13:36Do come in.
13:37Wow.
13:38This is great.
13:39Do you know what I'm seeing here?
13:41What?
13:42Seeing a piano.
13:43Oh.
13:44I feel like you could that length.
13:47You can grand piano.
13:48Can you?
13:49Because you're the expert.
13:50I think so.
13:51You can definitely get a grand piano here.
13:52This is where I came prepared.
13:55What's this?
13:56This is the size of a grand piano.
14:00Oh, that's brilliant.
14:01Oh, look at that.
14:02Genius.
14:03A Steinway Model B would do me nicely.
14:08It doesn't come with the house.
14:10I'm not providing you with a piano.
14:11Look, that's brilliant.
14:12Back here?
14:13Yes.
14:14It fits comfortably into the space.
14:15And that's a big, that's a proper piano.
14:18Perfect.
14:19I think you've nailed it.
14:20Houses are my forte.
14:22And this is my piano forte.
14:24Oh, very good.
14:26Touché.
14:27If downstairs is a place to be forte,
14:33upstairs is surely a place to be pianissimo.
14:37You'd certainly hear the kids coming up the stairs at night.
14:40Yes.
14:41I love the wood, actually.
14:42Wood is beautiful.
14:43Yeah, the wooden floors are lovely.
14:44What is this?
14:45It's a bit of a warren.
14:46Ooh, ooh.
14:47Like a dressing room.
14:48Ooh.
14:49Through the bathroom.
14:50Ooh.
14:51Gosh.
14:52Up the stairs.
14:53Into...
14:54Master bedroom?
14:55The main bedroom.
14:56Wow.
14:57Excuse me.
14:58What a beautiful room.
15:00He needs a rest already.
15:01Oh, I love the shows long.
15:02It's only the first house.
15:03It's nice.
15:04What a peaceful, restful room.
15:06Yeah.
15:07I love that really wonky old door.
15:10I'm into that.
15:12This is definitely the kind of style of house that I like.
15:15I could see myself in this bedroom.
15:17There are three further bedrooms, all doubles and all with fireplaces,
15:22served by a family bathroom with a clawfoot tub.
15:27Outside, the garden extends to just over half an acre,
15:31with a couple of outbuildings that could be remastered into a music studio,
15:35along with fruit cages and raised beds.
15:39It's a very secluded feel.
15:42I mean, it's properly detached, isn't it?
15:44Mm.
15:45You can't hear anyone.
15:46Yeah.
15:47You can't disturb anyone.
15:49I really like this house.
15:51And it's just the first house we've seen.
15:53You don't need to make decisions here.
15:54I don't have to buy it.
15:55No, no.
15:56Shall we find out how much it is first?
15:57Less.
15:58I'd say 1.15.
15:59So you think it's 1.15 million?
16:01I did think 900, but I'm upping it to a million.
16:04OK.
16:05Yeah, it's a million, I think.
16:06OK.
16:08You're on the nose.
16:10I know.
16:11Yes.
16:12Literally on the nose.
16:13Yes.
16:14Wow, well done.
16:15Really?
16:16Well done.
16:17I'm winning.
16:18It's not a competition, Gareth.
16:19What are you talking about?
16:20Life is a competition?
16:21No, no.
16:22Not with your mother, it's not a competition.
16:23You taught me that.
16:24No, no.
16:25You taught me that.
16:26Life's a competition, but your mother isn't.
16:27But this is, and I won.
16:28This gorgeous family home boasts a contemporary country kitchen,
16:32four reception rooms, four bedrooms, and half an acre of garden.
16:38I love it.
16:39I don't think I'm going to get it past the family.
16:42Oh, really?
16:43I think there's something about the size of the rooms.
16:46I agree, actually.
16:47And I think maybe it's a bit too higgledy-piggledy for my wife.
16:50Yes.
16:51I'm not sure it's the forever house.
16:54I like it a lot.
16:55It's just not the one.
16:56It's just not the one.
16:57Next house, please.
16:58Onwards.
16:59And upwards.
17:00And upwards.
17:01It's a 20-minute drive through the New Forest to our next property.
17:08Ample time for Sian to spill the beans on Gareth.
17:14At what age did you know, Sian, that music is going to be his thing?
17:19No.
17:20He was very keen on entertaining as a little boy.
17:23And he was very...
17:24He was always...
17:25I wish he means I was always singing a song or doing a play.
17:28Absolutely, yes.
17:29He was just a born performer.
17:31He was a born performer, no question about it, yes.
17:34He liked conducting things at school and he was always the one that bossed everybody about.
17:40I think gentle leadership is what I would describe it as.
17:44Yeah.
17:45Do you and Gareth's dad talk about the pride?
17:48Don't listen to this, Gareth.
17:50Yes, we do.
17:51Close your ears.
17:52Close your ears.
17:53We look at everything he does, avidly.
17:56Everything on television, even the chat shows and the interviews in the morning.
18:00It's good.
18:01I always call them up after something so they'll watch it and give me the feedback.
18:04You must value their opinion.
18:05That's the key.
18:06I do.
18:07I really do, yeah.
18:08They've always been my sounding board.
18:10And you give it to me straight.
18:11I mean, you do always say...
18:12I would definitely give it to you straight, yes.
18:14Yes, I certainly would.
18:15So she gives the right type of advice?
18:17I think so, yeah.
18:18I don't believe in soft-soaping, actually.
18:21I definitely feel that there was a lot of tough love when I was growing up and my parents
18:26were very clear with their expectations, shall we say.
18:29And then I just sort of, you know, kind of found my way and then I went off to university.
18:35And when I came back and lived at home, that's where I think we became much closer.
18:43Donkey!
18:44Oh, look at this.
18:45We really are in the new forest.
18:47I know, but this is great, isn't it?
18:48I love this.
18:49I love that your reason for being late for work is because there was a sheep in the way.
18:54Yeah, really sorry.
18:55Had to stop at the donkey crossing.
18:57This is actually one of my favourite bits of the new forest right here.
19:00Right here.
19:01Absolutely love it.
19:02It's near Emery Down, Minstead.
19:04It's so beautiful.
19:06Well, that bodes well because the next property we're viewing is in Minstead Village.
19:13In the heart of the new Forest National Park, cows, ponies, donkeys and sheep roam freely amongst the village hall,
19:22complete with cow park, the community shop and the pub which overlooks the pretty green.
19:28A leisurely 15-minute stroll from the village centre sits this gorgeous thatched cottage.
19:36It was built in 1921 and is not listed.
19:40When I clapped eyes on it, it made my heart sing.
19:44I'm hoping it'll have the same effect on Gareth.
19:50Oh, wow.
19:53Look at that.
19:54Oh, look at that.
19:55That is gorgeous.
19:57I couldn't not have shown you this.
19:59You certainly couldn't.
20:00That is really, really special.
20:02I like the door.
20:03It's a postcard.
20:04It is.
20:05Absolutely a postcard.
20:06I'm going to send a picture to my wife because that is real.
20:08Good idea.
20:09Good idea.
20:10We really should give Becky a say in this, shouldn't we?
20:12Absolutely.
20:13She is legally obliged to have that say.
20:15She is.
20:16No question.
20:17Go on.
20:18Yes.
20:19Right.
20:20The wife has been informed.
20:21Let's go and see if the inside suits.
20:23Yes.
20:24Let's.
20:25Well, this house has evoked a very positive response from Gareth.
20:30Oh.
20:31Oh, no.
20:32I've seen something really exciting.
20:34And there's another.
20:35Yep.
20:36We'll be getting to the 40-foot heated pool shortly, Gareth, but I know that top priority
20:41on this house hunt is space for a piano.
20:44I thought we'd start with the dining room.
20:48Or what's currently the dining room.
20:50Right.
20:51Just to start to get a feel for the place.
20:53It's a good room.
20:55Beautiful view.
20:56Get a good sized table in here.
20:58Yeah.
20:59One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight people around the table.
21:03This feels like a very nice base for a piano.
21:06I've got the baby grand.
21:07Have you got it?
21:08But I've got a baby grand.
21:09Oh.
21:10Ah.
21:11So.
21:12Okay, so not.
21:13We could go smaller.
21:14Right.
21:15That's disappointing.
21:16Oh.
21:17Have we just hit a sour note?
21:20Er.
21:21Er.
21:22That way.
21:23That way.
21:24Let's put this straight edge this way.
21:26Down with a bear.
21:27That's it.
21:28Keep going.
21:29Keep going into that corner.
21:30Into that corner.
21:31Like that.
21:32Oh.
21:33Oh, yes, yes.
21:34This is nice.
21:35Okay, this could be the second piano.
21:37Oh.
21:38It's a nice little room.
21:39Oh, we're actually really getting carried away now.
21:40I like this room a lot.
21:42Good, because on the opposite side of the entrance hall is this slightly larger reception.
21:48Oh.
21:49Oh.
21:50Oh.
21:51There's a pool.
21:53I like the pool.
21:55Yeah, that's a proper pool.
21:57That's cool.
21:58I suspect the kids will like a heated pool.
22:00Yes.
22:01I think this is what you'd want to send Becky a photo of.
22:04Yeah, you're right.
22:05Oh, yeah, yeah.
22:06Take a picture from there.
22:07Let me send a picture of this.
22:08Oh, yeah, she's responded.
22:09Oh, to the...
22:10Oh.
22:11To the outside of the house, she said, OMG, yes.
22:13Okay.
22:14Well, hang on, hang on, hang on.
22:15Say, hold your horses, love.
22:16Hold your horses.
22:19Fancy a dip.
22:20Where's the kitchen?
22:21How are we going to get there?
22:22Should I get my timer out?
22:23Are we doing it?
22:24No, no, no, no.
22:25Please don't.
22:26Two.
22:27One, two.
22:28We're in the kitchen.
22:33Well, I feel like it needs a bit of Melonification.
22:37This is not the kitchen of my dreams or perhaps the design choices that I would make.
22:43But as a structure, it's a good space.
22:45I think it just needs bringing a little bit more up to date.
22:48Yes, you're right.
22:49The inside feels like it needs some work to bring it up to what I want.
22:52Are you up for that kind of work or do you or Becky have that eye to go, right, we're going
22:58to do a room at a time, we're going to update this, we're going to get the kitchen done?
23:02It's what we've done in our current one and it takes a long time.
23:05So I suppose it's budget permitting.
23:07Well, before we discuss that topic, there's more to see.
23:12Nice shallow stairs, I like that.
23:14Yeah, very easy stairs.
23:15I like very easy stairs.
23:17Yes, you could roll down those nice and easily.
23:19Right, is this my room or yours?
23:21Ooh.
23:22Well, is there one for me in this house?
23:29Do you think this is the master bedroom?
23:31I don't know.
23:32It's a little on the small side.
23:34Yes.
23:35OK, this can be your room.
23:37OK.
23:38In addition to this room, there are three further bedrooms.
23:43Could you get a double in here?
23:46If this wasn't here, you could put a double in that corner, couldn't you?
23:51OK.
23:52Room two.
23:53If you had a bed here...
23:54This one could be yours.
23:55You'd chunk your head...
23:57This is turning into a classic location versus house situation.
24:02They love this location.
24:04This is what Gareth is looking for.
24:06But it's hard to compete with the home that they have built for themselves in London.
24:14So this is bedroom three.
24:16Single bed, but this could be a double.
24:18I think with a little bit of work, a little bit of room in the budget, they could get there with this house.
24:23It's just that it's a little bit small, isn't it?
24:32Outside, the one-acre garden offers multiple versatile outbuildings and a huge paddock.
24:39Oh, wow.
24:40Oh, my God.
24:41A paddock.
24:42It's enormous.
24:43It's enormous.
24:44That's crazy.
24:45You could have barbecues, camping.
24:46You could have...
24:47You could have a performance space here, couldn't you?
24:49You could have...
24:50Everyone sat on the grass and then have a little...
24:52Yeah.
24:53A little festival stage.
24:54A little stage.
24:55Malone Fest.
24:57And just there is just a little track.
25:00That's the forest.
25:01Yeah.
25:02There's the house.
25:03There's the forest.
25:04And there's the forest.
25:05Oh, it's so nice.
25:06It is.
25:07What an amazing spot.
25:08It's really only the size of the bedroom, so that's the problem.
25:12Yes.
25:13And you'd have to do an extension, perhaps.
25:16You would have to do...
25:17I'm sure that could be got round.
25:18Could be done.
25:19Yes.
25:20I'm going to send Becky some pictures.
25:24There are lots of things to love about this property,
25:27but will the price be one of them?
25:32No, it's beautiful.
25:33I think the budget would be over.
25:34Do you think it's more than 1.2?
25:35I do.
25:36Do you think they've gone rogue?
25:37I do.
25:38I think it's going to be...
25:40What are you going for?
25:411.5.
25:42Wow.
25:43All right.
25:44Go big or go home.
25:45I could win this twice, you know.
25:47No, I don't think it's that much because I think the size of the rooms
25:49is going to bring it down, and I think 1.2.
25:52OK.
25:53This property is currently on the market for £995,000.
25:58Shut the door.
25:59So you have the money to do the work, Gareth Malone.
26:03What?
26:04995.
26:05Yes.
26:06You could have a fabulous kitchen there.
26:08Mama wants it...
26:09Just tell me what else you want.
26:10I want you to do a big family room.
26:12A big family room.
26:13So you have a huge table.
26:15With a huge table.
26:16And with a great big beautiful kitchen.
26:17And a great big beautiful kitchen.
26:18Yeah.
26:19She's right.
26:20Did we get permission for that?
26:21Yes.
26:22Because it's not listed.
26:23Not listed.
26:24You said that together.
26:25I know.
26:27This 1920s detached thatched cottage offers three receptions, four bedrooms, a heated pool
26:39and an acre of garden for £995,000.
26:44Right.
26:45So what you do, you build right out.
26:47You build a huge family room with kitchen out here.
26:51You'd have a great big dining space.
26:53That's what it needs.
26:54And a proper kitchen.
26:55That's what I would do.
26:56I think it's a good plan.
26:57Do you?
26:58I think you smashed it.
26:59Okay.
27:00That's what we'll do.
27:01Then you get your piano into that room.
27:02Into the front room.
27:03And you still have your snug looking over the pool.
27:06You're right.
27:07Like John Lennon.
27:08In a completely white room.
27:09Looking out.
27:10Becky swimming up and down.
27:11Perfect.
27:12Me playing Imagine.
27:13Absolutely.
27:14I'm sold.
27:15After a full day of house hunting, I can think of no better way to wind down than
27:32by meeting some of the New Forest's most famous residents.
27:36Oh, yes.
27:37And hello to you too.
27:39Absolutely.
27:40Hi.
27:41What a welcome.
27:43New Forest ponies Poppy and her foal Lenny are owned by commoners Andrew and Sarah Parry
27:48Norton, who run Storm's Farm in Cadnam.
27:52Anybody could be a commoner.
27:54If you buy a house that's got commoning rights, you could be a commoner.
27:57You could turn out animals.
27:58But it's not an easy life.
27:59Don't get me wrong.
28:00Your animals have got to be checked on, looked after, made sure they're okay.
28:03It's not something you can just disappear off holiday for a couple of weeks at a time.
28:06You've got to make sure you look after your animals.
28:09Presently, more than 500 commoners exercise their right to graze some 8,000 ponies, cattle,
28:16donkeys and sheep.
28:18You tell people just to keep the distance.
28:20Please admire them, but don't interact with them.
28:22The thing is, if they start getting fed, they start getting more humanised.
28:25And then they get aggressive.
28:27And unfortunately if that happens, then that pony has to be removed from the forest.
28:30We bought my daughter a New Forest book all about a pony who'd been fed and it hadn't gone well.
28:35And then she used to lecture us, do you remember?
28:37Yes.
28:38Don't be funny.
28:39Don't be funny.
28:40Get on her.
28:43We've got a new singer, haven't we?
28:44Yes.
28:46Auditioning for your choir.
28:47Nice tone.
28:48Yeah, very vocal.
28:49Yeah.
28:50Can you sing me this note, please?
28:53Lovely.
28:54How's that?
28:55Very nice.
28:56An equine ensemble.
28:57Yes, I can see it now.
28:58Thank you so much.
28:59It's been a pleasure to meet you.
29:00It was fascinating.
29:01Pleasure to meet you both.
29:02Now there's something for Gareth to ponder as we head back to our hotel for a sundowner.
29:16Hampshire's sun-soaked coastline and bewitching New Forest landscape are perfect settings for home buyers from all walks of life.
29:34Take a look at what else is currently on the market.
29:37This four-bed, four-bath, detached, chalet-style home boasts a sleek and stylish kitchen diner and a separate sitting room, both with bi-fold doors that open onto the south-facing garden.
29:51On the market for £795,000.
29:54If you happen to be a megastar with a mammoth budget, one of the county's most desirable homes is up for sale for the first time in more than 20 years.
30:07This Grade II listed Victorian property features a grand reception hall, a luxurious kitchen diner, two opulent receptions and six bedrooms, along with 22 acres of land.
30:23The price? Just shy of £7 million.
30:28A more affordable way of treating yourself to the superstar lifestyle would be to hire this deluxe yacht.
30:37Sleeping up to five people in the two berths, it boasts a fully equipped galley with indoor and outdoor living areas.
30:45Prices start from £150 per night for a two-night minimum stay.
30:50It's great to see how at home Gareth feels here in the New Forest, and yesterday I think we were on the right track in helping him find a family house to call his own.
31:05But with two more properties to see today and some stunning coastline, you know we're only just getting started.
31:12Day two and we're making a beeline for Burleigh, one of the New Forest's most sought-after villages.
31:19I think it could be exactly Gareth's kind of tempo.
31:24Just the right side of busy and surrounded by the serenity of the forest.
31:29There's an array of independent shops, a cider farm and several pubs.
31:36Plus, Mama Malone would be a 25-minute drive tops from here. What's not to love?
31:44Here we are.
31:46I have to say, this is the perfect spot. I absolutely love this area.
31:50So do I.
31:51We come here quite often just for a day out.
31:53Location?
31:54Nailed it. Perfect. Absolutely spot on.
31:57And this is the house?
31:59This is the house.
32:00OK.
32:01Right.
32:02My instant reaction is it looks a bit modern for my taste.
32:08Yes, except it dates back to 1875.
32:11Really?
32:12It used to be the bakery in the village.
32:14And because yesterday you were both so taken with the commoner's rights,
32:19we've managed to find you a house with those New Forest rights.
32:22With a paddock, by the way, that comes with the house.
32:25So if you would like to live that New Forest life...
32:27Can I have my very own pony?
32:28This is your chance.
32:29My little pony?
32:30Yes.
32:31OK, look, never judge a book by its cover.
32:33I'm not saying no.
32:34Oh, good.
32:36And is that the garden over there?
32:38Part of it.
32:39Part of it?
32:40Let's head in.
32:41Let's go.
32:42Now I'm intrigued.
32:47Another box, Hedge.
32:50Come in.
32:51Ooh.
32:53OK.
32:54Not what I was expecting at all.
32:56I thought you might say that.
32:57Oh, wow.
32:58Which is why I was looking so smug.
32:59Oh, that's cute.
33:00Look at the fireplace.
33:01Yeah, that's really nice.
33:02Oh, my goodness.
33:03It's sweet.
33:04I love it.
33:05I love it.
33:06It's so light.
33:07And you have a dining room right here.
33:09Yes.
33:10You have no commute.
33:11No.
33:12Breakfast.
33:13Should we just...
33:14Let me just time it.
33:15One, two.
33:16Perfect.
33:17That's fine.
33:18It's a lovely feel.
33:19Is it more?
33:20Would you like to see more?
33:21I'm intrigued, yeah.
33:22I like it.
33:23We've drawn him in.
33:24Yeah, absolutely.
33:25I'm surprised, actually, because I didn't fall in love with it on the outside.
33:28If you ask me, there's plenty to fall in love with on the inside.
33:33Ooh.
33:34Ooh.
33:35Ooh.
33:36Ooh.
33:37Ooh.
33:38And then this.
33:39You like it.
33:40I like it.
33:41Seeing this as a music room.
33:42You could definitely fit a decent piano in here, couldn't you?
33:44Oh, absolutely.
33:45That's a good little space.
33:46A little morning room or a music room.
33:48Yes.
33:49Mm.
33:50Very nice.
33:51The central hallway, however, seems to be scrambling his scales.
33:56I'm not quite sure what this is.
33:59There's something feng shui.
34:01Oh.
34:02What is this?
34:03What is the energy of this space doing?
34:04It's a hallway.
34:05It's a hallway, and you can't quite get a sofa in front of that fire.
34:09It gives it a feeling of space.
34:11It's just a hall.
34:12I've never really had a hall.
34:13No.
34:14This really opens the whole place out.
34:16I feel like I'm ready for one.
34:17OK.
34:18So if I think of this as a hall, then it's fine.
34:19We can work out this space later.
34:21All right.
34:22There are other spaces.
34:23There are other spaces.
34:24Follow me.
34:26This is unusual.
34:27Ooh.
34:28Ooh.
34:29What?
34:30That's amazing.
34:31Oh, wow.
34:32Oh, that.
34:33Yes.
34:34Oh.
34:35Isn't it beautiful?
34:36The fire.
34:37Nice.
34:38Oh, look at that.
34:39Oh, my goodness.
34:40That is so pretty.
34:43I love it.
34:44Oh, Gareth.
34:45I love this.
34:46I think we found Mama House.
34:48Yeah.
34:49Yeah.
34:50Oh, it's absolutely beautiful.
34:52You know, my current house, we've got a dining space, and it has a long table.
34:55And you can have 10, 12 people all around the table.
34:58And I love that Christmas.
35:00This is just that room.
35:01This could be that room.
35:02Yeah.
35:03Nice hold on this room.
35:04It's really nice.
35:05Excellent.
35:06I'm sending them off to knows about on their own.
35:09Make sure he behaves, Sean.
35:10I will do my best.
35:11It's unlikely.
35:12She's been trying for nearly 50 years.
35:15Two of the four bedrooms are on the ground floor.
35:18Ooh.
35:19Ooh.
35:20Ooh.
35:21Once.
35:22You make that noise in every room.
35:24Do I?
35:25You like this place, don't you?
35:26I like it very much.
35:27Ooh, look at the beams.
35:28This feels like it ought to be a bedroom to put a single bed in.
35:31Well, perfect, because you've got an en suite.
35:33You could get a double, couldn't you?
35:34Easily.
35:35Easily get a double in there.
35:36Little double.
35:37And it's shut off private.
35:38Okay.
35:39The remaining bedrooms are upstairs.
35:42Oh, it's lovely and bright up here.
35:48Ah.
35:49Very bright.
35:50Master bedroom.
35:51That's nice, isn't it?
35:52And look.
35:53Oh, I love the bow window.
35:54Oh, look at that.
35:55Gareth, look at that view.
35:57I can see trees.
35:58Oh, it's nice.
35:59It's stunning, isn't it?
36:01Yeah.
36:02Next door, the smallest bedroom is presently used as a dressing room.
36:06And this has got space for all my moisturisers and skincare products.
36:12There's also a conveniently situated laundry room up here.
36:16I tell you what, I've always thought, instead of lugging on your washing,
36:19downstairs and then lugging it all back up.
36:22Yeah.
36:23To have a washing machine upstairs is quite a sensible idea.
36:27But as we've learned, the most pressing issue...
36:30Go over there.
36:31No, not quite.
36:32..is finding a spot for the piano.
36:35I'm just going to move this.
36:36Oh, no.
36:37What can possibly go wrong?
36:38There we are.
36:39Right.
36:40Now, that, under the stairs, in the nook...
36:44Oh, I see.
36:45Yes, yes.
36:47That could work.
36:48Yeah.
36:49And then I could play the piano here...
36:51Looking at the forest.
36:52Looking at the new forest.
36:53How beautiful.
36:54The forest is visible from almost every window in this property
37:00and the woodland neighbours often pop in for a natter.
37:06That is what it's about.
37:08Look at that.
37:09That's the forest.
37:10Literally outside your window.
37:13Just leave me here.
37:17Outside, the generous garden largely sits to one side of the house
37:21and includes a large paddock along with two double garages
37:25which could be knocked down to make way for a super music studio.
37:30Here they come.
37:31Here I am.
37:32Galloping up the stairs.
37:33This is lovely, isn't it?
37:34Isn't it just a little elevated part of the garden?
37:38Yeah, it is.
37:40This location is just so perfect.
37:42The forest is ready for you, Gareth Malone, but are you ready for the forest?
37:45I think so.
37:46What do you think it's on the market for?
37:481.1.
37:49Oh, I'm in a similar sort of place.
37:51I was in one million, but I've upped it to 1.1.
37:54I'm going to say one million and fifty thousand pounds.
37:59Hmm.
38:01It's on the market for 1.25 million.
38:04Oh, is it?
38:05Oh.
38:06Oh, gosh.
38:09That's the location, isn't it?
38:11I'd have to borrow a bit from you, I think.
38:14Yeah.
38:15Good luck with that.
38:16The location's absolutely incredible, isn't it?
38:18It's a curate's egg.
38:19There's bits that I love and there are bits that just don't quite work.
38:23It's really difficult.
38:24With the budget, it's either location or size.
38:27This makes me feel like I'd want to do some quite big structural things to this if I was going to buy it.
38:33I mean, I kind of feel like you've said that about every house.
38:36Yeah, it's true.
38:37It's a different way of living.
38:38Completely.
38:39Yes, completely.
38:40Are you saying that I'm just sort of imagining my London house in a country location again?
38:44If I had money every time someone wanted to move their current house to a different location, I could buy this house.
38:50Yes, I bet.
38:51At 1.25 million pounds, this former bakery is now a contemporary family home in one of the New Forest's most sought after villages.
39:03I'm really learning just how expensive this area is and that maybe my ambition outstrips my means.
39:11Quite possibly, yes.
39:13And that's disappointing.
39:15I need to go back and look at the budget.
39:17Oh, yeah.
39:18You could do that, yes.
39:19Well, I mean, I can look at it all I like.
39:22It's work harder.
39:24Ah, yes.
39:26For now, Gareth, let's turn our attention to play as we head to Sandbanks Beach just over the border in Dorset for some high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled action.
39:39Oh, this looks fun.
39:41Gareth's used to making waves in the world of music.
39:45Today, we're hoping to make a splash in the world of wing surfing under the watchful eye of instructor Aaron Spence.
39:53I've paddleboarded.
39:54OK.
39:55Is it like that?
39:56Eh, a bit more extreme, but it'll be fine.
39:58Extreme paddleboarding?
39:59Yeah, we could put it like that.
40:01Great.
40:03While standing on a paddleboard, we'll use a detached inflatable wing to propel ourselves across the water, reaching top speeds of more than 40 kilometres an hour.
40:14The more that you pull in, the more power you're going to get.
40:20However...
40:21Perfect.
40:22Today's very light breeze might mean we go a tad slower, which, in all honesty, is fine by me.
40:31So, over there, we've got our wetsuits. We've got three wetsuits for all of you three to be going onto the water.
40:38Don't avoid our gaze. You're in a wetsuit.
40:41No, I'm not.
40:42We've got a special one for you.
40:44Oh, and nice.
40:45Just so, in case you have to rescue us, it'll keep you, like, running away.
40:48An extra short one.
40:51The lady is not for turning, but she will watch from the shore.
40:54Happy with that?
40:56I'm ecstatic. How are you?
40:58Yeah.
40:59Woo!
41:00Good.
41:01That's about as far as I go.
41:02Let's go.
41:04Wingsurfing requires no previous experience, and, according to Aaron, mastering the basics is incredibly easy.
41:12Fly!
41:13Famous last words.
41:14I'm just trying to not fall in.
41:15Last we'll see of her.
41:16Ah!
41:17Woo!
41:18Then try and stand up now.
41:19Keeping it still above your head.
41:20Stand up while it's above my head?
41:21Yep.
41:22Up, up, up.
41:23Oh, God.
41:24Oh, gosh!
41:25Oh, what's up?
41:26I'm just trying to stand up.
41:27I'm just trying to stand up now.
41:28Keeping it still above your head.
41:29Stand up while it's above my head?
41:30Yep.
41:31Up, up, up.
41:32Oh, gosh!
41:33Oh, gosh!
41:34Oh, gosh!
41:35I don't believe in you!
41:36How am I to stand up?
41:37Bring your front leg up.
41:38There we go.
41:39Fantastic.
41:40Oh, my gosh.
41:41Quite difficult.
41:42I'm just trying to move on.
41:43Yeah.
41:44I'm just trying to move on.
41:45I'm trying to move on.
41:46If you are fast.
41:47I'm trying to move on.
41:48Oh, my gosh.
41:49I'm trying to move on.
41:50I'm trying to move on.
41:51I'm just trying to move on.
41:53Well Gareth for someone rapidly approaching your half-a-century milestone I'd say you're not too bad
42:07Oh, I'm moving
42:10Perfect, well done, that's really good
42:15They both are
42:17Wait for me
42:18Oh wow, go St Arlene, they're brilliant
42:21The chase is on and I feel like you're waiting, Gareth
42:26The lack of wind means we're more drifting than surfing
42:32but I've got to say it is very pleasant indeed
42:35And we're feeling rather proud of ourselves
42:43We did it
42:45This has been great
42:46And we didn't look like fools
42:47But there is one person we can always count on to give proper, honest feedback
42:53Mama Malone, of course
42:57How did we look out there?
43:01Epic? Dramatic?
43:03Not epic, not dramatic
43:04I'm not quite how to describe it really
43:06You went miles away
43:08What are you saying about me?
43:10We hardly moved as far as I can see
43:12The wind was not on our side
43:13You were more or less static
43:15It was the wrong type of wind
43:16Sorry, it was on no side
43:17There was no wind at all
43:18They said that we could go up to 45 kilometres an hour
43:21Do you think I made that?
43:22No
43:22I definitely don't
43:24I really don't
43:25Do you think I made 20?
43:27I mean, I felt like I was about half a mile an hour
43:29Did you move?
43:29Did you actually move at all?
43:31I thought I was good
43:32I thought I was fast
43:33No, no
43:34No
43:34You weren't
43:36Just how you were at his concerts growing up
43:39No, no
43:40Truthful
43:40Truthful
43:42Yes
43:43I would come out
43:44And I'd say
43:45How was it?
43:46And she'd go
43:46I'll tell you in the car
43:48Fawning and flattery
43:51Just ain't Sian's style
43:53And that's why we love her
43:55It's Mystery House time
44:08And we're heading to the hamlet of Godwinscroft
44:10On the most southwesterly fringes of the New Forest National Park
44:14Bransgore is the nearest village
44:19A three-minute drive away
44:21Where Gareth and the family will find everything they need
44:24Including a village hall
44:25A small supermarket
44:26A post office
44:28And a pub
44:29On a quiet country lane
44:31A leisurely 20-minute stroll from the centre of Bransgore
44:35Sits our Mystery House
44:37Gareth Malone asked for an older property
44:43He loves the look of something with character
44:46But the proportions inside aren't working for him
44:49So with the Mystery House
44:51I've had to ignore his request for history
44:54And show him something that hopefully provides the space he's after
44:58The thing is
45:00It's almost brand new
45:02Originally built in the 1960s
45:08This property was meticulously and exquisitely renovated and extended
45:13By the current owners two years ago
45:15The result?
45:18Generously proportioned, light-filled rooms
45:20That deliver an elegant blend of contemporary country living
45:24Which I'm hoping will have Gareth singing from the rooftops
45:28This kitchen space is an absolute dream
45:33Upstairs, well I'm hoping that does have the dimensions that Gareth is after
45:38Let's find out
45:41Oh there they are
45:45Oh hello
45:46Welcome
45:47I like this
45:48Yes, I love it
45:50Yeah
45:50What's mysterious about it?
45:53Well you tell me
45:54Well it's not slap bang in the middle of the kind of really gnarly bit of the forest
46:00But we are still in the forest
46:01Yes we are
46:02Yeah
46:02It's new
46:03It's not immediately full of rustic charm
46:07If you kind of do this and squint and close one eye
46:09It's kind of Georgian right?
46:11It's Georgian vibes
46:12Yes definitely
46:13Sometimes you've got to go vibes based when things aren't going your way
46:16Georgian vibes?
46:19Georgian vibes
46:20Honestly I'm squinting for all I'm worth and it still looks like a new build
46:25But mum thinks it has Georgian vibes
46:27She sees that
46:28I do
46:29And so therefore we're going to listen to her and we're going to head in
46:32Alright
46:32Let's go in
46:34Let's go
46:34Let's take it in
46:35Bear with Gareth
46:37Those Georgian vibes are ramped to the max inside
46:41The hallway that we haven't quite seen yet
46:47Oh
46:47Oh it's a proper hallway
46:49I love a proper square hallway
46:50And the rooms come off it
46:52And the rooms come off it and it's central
46:54And there's somewhere you could put shoes
46:56So as it turns out all along Gareth Malone was just a trad wife
47:00Yeah
47:01I'm really conventional
47:02It's beautiful
47:03I thought I was so unique and interesting
47:04You are unique in a really traditional way
47:07Great
47:07I was thinking you could put a porch on the outside to leave the boots
47:11Perfect
47:11To add that rustic charm
47:12Yes
47:13Give it a bit of rustic
47:13You know the boot rooms you see in magazines?
47:15Yes
47:16There's one of those there
47:17Oh
47:18Yes
47:18Oh
47:20The boot
47:21Oh
47:22Oh
47:22The boot
47:23Oh my gosh
47:24Look at this
47:25It's the laundry room
47:27I've always wanted
47:29It's even got one of these
47:32Whatever these are called
47:33The
47:34Oh
47:34The laundry pulley
47:35Oh a pulley
47:36Yes
47:37What's in there?
47:38I love this
47:39Oh
47:41Oh
47:41Yeah
47:42So you could come in from your walk
47:43This side
47:44Oh
47:44Bring the wet dog in here for a soaking
47:49It's beautiful
47:49It sounds like they've started living in here
47:53Very
47:53Oh I love this
47:54Love this
47:55Do you?
47:56Yeah I do
47:56Oh
47:57Oh
47:58Oh
47:59Look
48:00Look
48:00If they're this excited about the utility room
48:05I can only imagine what they'll make of the kitchen
48:07This is it
48:10This is it
48:12Oh look at the field
48:13Oh my gosh
48:15Yeah this is really great
48:16Oh my god Gareth
48:17This is just
48:18It's quite nice isn't it
48:20Look at the size
48:22It's a kitchen
48:23It's
48:23It's got lots of charm
48:24And it's got the space
48:25You could put whatever you like in it
48:26It's absolutely beautiful
48:29Somebody's really put some sort of
48:31If you want to open anything
48:32That's the cupboard you open
48:33Because that is the thing that everyone wants
48:36Oh a lather
48:38Oh
48:38Yes
48:39Yeah that's a really nice
48:40That's just
48:41Store cupboard
48:42This kitchen setup is very similar to what we've got in London isn't it
48:45Yes
48:46We've got a big
48:46Yeah
48:47Long table
48:48Long table
48:48And we have a sofa in the kitchen
48:50But what's currently missing from his London home
48:53Is this view
48:55Two oak trees at the end of the garden
48:57And the porous end of the garden into the field is amazing
49:03I love this
49:05These are beautiful doors
49:06These are great
49:08Absolutely beautiful doors
49:09These doors
49:10Hello
49:10You're scaring the birds
49:14Yeah
49:15I scared the birds
49:15It's really nice
49:18You've done well
49:20Oh you've really cracked it
49:22You've done well
49:23This is really great
49:24Absolutely
49:24I sense a big but
49:26Oh I can't think of any buts
49:28No there are no howevers
49:30It's beautiful
49:32Yeah I've got no comments
49:34It's great
49:35No notes
49:36Onwards
49:37That's a first
49:38That is a first
49:39It's the Georgian vibes I tell you
49:41And finally down here the living room
49:45Oh
49:45This is really nice
49:47Yes
49:48Again the view
49:50I love that view
49:52I love the being in the forest
49:54The really intense
49:56In it
49:57In it
49:57And this is further away
49:59But I can see forest
50:00And I can walk across that field
50:03And be surrounded by trees
50:05It's really beautiful
50:06This feels much closer to what I'm used to
50:10And I feel this has that freshness
50:13That you seem to be after
50:15The best mystery houses really make buyers think about what they truly want
50:20And by that measure this one delivers
50:24Okay
50:24Ah great
50:26It also provides on the bedroom's front
50:28That's good
50:30Nice wide room
50:31Space for a big bed
50:33Oh
50:34Not enormous but it's got a
50:36It's got a nice en suite
50:38Yes
50:39Oh beautiful
50:40Oh yeah
50:41Yeah
50:43Oh it's lovely
50:44A lovely room
50:47There's a second double next door
50:50I feel like you could put a bunk bed in there
50:53And then you'd be able to just look out at the field
50:55Look at the view
50:56You'd get deer
50:57You'd get deer
50:57And all sorts of other rooms
50:59Can you see
50:59Do you want me to jump
51:00No
51:00Thank you very much
51:01To stand on
51:02I'm actually on tiptoes
51:03Believe it or not
51:04This shares the family bathroom
51:07With two further bedrooms
51:09So that's three double bedrooms
51:12And a very good sized single bedroom
51:14And all beautiful
51:16It doesn't end there
51:19Because as well as a double length garage
51:21With music studio potential
51:22There's a fantastic addition in the garden
51:25Oh look at that
51:28Oh
51:28Hello
51:30Isn't that
51:34Oh my goodness
51:36That's great
51:36Pilates studio
51:37A yoga pilates studio
51:40Dance studio
51:41Oh
51:43I can dance in here
51:46Yeah
51:47This is a great space
51:48This is beautiful
51:49And look at this picture window
51:50That window
51:51Look at the views
51:52It's amazing
51:53Do you like that?
51:56Oh
51:57And then they go back
51:59Oh my word
52:00And you get the next door
52:01So it's a proper garden
52:02Oh it's fun isn't it
52:03It's great
52:04There's a croquet lawn out there
52:05It's really quiet isn't it
52:08Very quiet
52:10This is a lovely
52:12Lovely addition
52:13I can't help but think
52:15That Gareth is very pleasantly surprised
52:18By what this modern home offers
52:20Are you glad you've seen the option?
52:25Yes
52:26And are you glad I defied you
52:28When it came to the age of a property?
52:30I don't like to be defied
52:31But alright yeah
52:32Yeah I'll give you it
52:34It's really made me think
52:35So mystery revealed
52:38Yes
52:38Let's talk about the cost
52:40The price
52:41Crunch
52:41Yeah
52:43This isn't easy
52:44I think it's 1.1 million
52:46Okay
52:47I think it's 950,000
52:51Oh
52:51Don't look at me like that
52:53You're making me doubt it now
52:55The mystery house is on the market
52:57For 1.2 million
52:59This exquisitely renovated four bed family home
53:08Blends country charm with modern luxury
53:11And is on the market for 1.2 million pounds
53:14I know it's in the new forest
53:16But it's not in my version of the new forest
53:19And I think that's
53:20That's a bit of a drawback
53:21That's giving me pause on this house
53:22Because it just feels like it's
53:24Just outside
53:25Just outside again
53:26But it is beautiful
53:27There's a lot to think about
53:30But before we debrief
53:31We're taking a moment
53:32To enjoy the silence
53:34And re-centre
53:40Aum
53:45Aum
53:46Aum
53:47Aum
53:47Aum
53:48Aum
53:49Aum
53:51Aum
53:53Aum
53:55Aum
53:56Aum
53:57Aum
53:58Aum
53:59Aum
54:00And that has put us in the perfect state
54:03To sit together
54:04With tea and cake of course
54:05And reflect on the week's learnings
54:07What a few days it's been
54:16It really has
54:17It certainly has
54:18I feel like I've been on a real journey
54:20A learning curve even
54:22I think I've learnt about myself
54:23Have you?
54:24I think I have, yes
54:25I think I've had some revelations
54:26I've definitely learnt about what it is that I'm looking for
54:29Yeah
54:30I don't know that I've entirely found it
54:32But I've definitely got closer
54:33It's been really useful
54:34I must say I did lie awake last night
54:37Sort of running numbers in my head
54:39And thinking how could I make the thatch house work for me and my family
54:43I'm quite taken with that
54:45I think it could be great
54:47It's not right in its current form
54:48But I feel like that place
54:50It speaks to me
54:52It speaks to me
54:53Well
54:54I think actually a new forest pony might be my spiritual animal
54:58Ooh
54:59Ooh
55:00It really has learnt something
55:01Yeah
55:02I just feel that there's a poetry to the new forest
55:06You wanted to be hugged by it
55:07You don't want to just look out onto it
55:09I do
55:10No
55:11That's well put
55:12Tendrils of the forest sort of creeping in
55:14And having to sort of hack them back all the time
55:16Hug you like a mother's love
55:20Not quite like that but
55:22Spiders and all
55:24See what you did there
55:25Gareth I must thank you for bringing Sian along
55:27Oh my gosh
55:29You've just made my week
55:31Thank you
55:32I've loved working with you this week
55:34I've had a ball
55:36You've been an absolute hoot
55:37Oh
55:38And not just when you're making owl and pigeon noises
55:40She does do those very well
55:42I do
55:43I do
55:44I specialise in pigeon noises
55:45Is your life always this entertaining?
55:47Yeah
55:48Oh
55:49It's been a really really special week
55:50Hasn't it?
55:51Hasn't it?
55:52Very special
55:53Really enjoyed this
55:54That's about as sincere as we go
55:56Thank you
55:58Cheers
55:59Love you bye
56:00Cheers
56:01Love you bye
56:02A big part of a successful escape to the countries
56:12Us listening to the voices of our buyers
56:15And bringing them together
56:17Something Gareth Malone knows all too well with his choirs
56:20So when it came to finding him and his family a countryside home
56:25He had a lot of voices to listen to
56:28Is there going to be enough space for us all?
56:31Do we need to think about primary school?
56:32Secondary school?
56:33Will one of the kids be leaving home soon?
56:36Can we up our budget?
56:38Is this the right time?
56:40But the one thing we know for certain
56:42Is wherever and whenever this beautiful family makes this move
56:46It'll be calm, well balanced and perfectly in tune with its surroundings
56:55If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
57:00Remember you don't need to be famous
57:02Why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part
57:09Would you like to see my mother's impression of a wood pigeon?
57:11Come on please
57:13I'm not here for your entertainment
57:15Yes you really are
57:16Do it
57:17Do the impression
57:18Do the impression
57:19Do do do do do
57:20Do do do do do
57:21Stop it
57:45Do it
57:50Do it
57:52Do it
57:54Do it
57:56Do it
57:58Do it
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