Alistair Appleton is in Shropshire as a couple with a budget of £400,000 hope to ditch their urban apartment in favour of village life. After three years without a garden they are itching to find a rural retreat in which to flex their green fingers. Meanwhile, Alistair visits Boscobel House where he gets shown one of Charles II's famous hiding places.

Jules Hudson is house-hunting in Norfolk with a couple keen to find a detached home. Armed with a budget of £400,000, they are after three bedrooms, a big kitchen diner, at least one reception room and plenty of storage. A good-sized garden and a double garage are also on their list.