0:00:02 > 0:00:04Making the move from city to countryside
0:00:04 > 0:00:06is often a momentous step.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07Never in a million years,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09I would imagine I would be seeing a house like this.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Never ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But for many years,
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Escape To The Country has been supporting
0:00:15 > 0:00:18countless people on the hunt for their new home.
0:00:18 > 0:00:19What do we think of this?
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Oh, my! Chocolate box!
0:00:22 > 0:00:25We've travelled to the most picturesque pockets of Britain...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Take a look at that killer view.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29That's amazing.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32..to showcase thousands of exquisite country properties...
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Oh! How pretty is that?
0:00:35 > 0:00:37..our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Jules!
0:00:40 > 0:00:43Seriously, get your cheque book out now.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47Join us as we catch up with those who bought their dream home...
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Yay!- Sold.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52..to find out how the move changed their lives
0:00:52 > 0:00:54when they Escaped To The Country.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Today, I'm on Cornwall's south coast,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and this is the busy fishing harbour of Newlyn.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Now, some 600 boats still operate out of this historic harbour,
0:01:24 > 0:01:25although these days,
0:01:25 > 0:01:30it's monkfish rather than pilchards which are the biggest catch,
0:01:30 > 0:01:35netting the local economy around £4.5 million every year.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40So, where better place to start this special Cornish show?
0:01:40 > 0:01:44My mission, to catch up with some of our past house-hunters
0:01:44 > 0:01:47who ended up calling this area home.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Cornwall has proved an extremely popular county for our escapees.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57Later on in the show, I'll be visiting Elaine and John,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00whom I first met in the autumn of 2014.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03They've moved from their Berkshire townhouse
0:02:03 > 0:02:06into a Cornish country property I showed them,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09and are now on top of the world.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Do you know what? It's not where you start, it's where you end up.
0:02:13 > 0:02:14And it is.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16You couldn't have ended up in a better place.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18Have you ended up in Paradise.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- We have.- We have, yeah. We really have.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28But first, I'll be doing some revision with science teacher Helen,
0:02:28 > 0:02:33who, back in 2012, moved into a Cornish cottage we saw together.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Her bold move to a completely different part of England
0:02:36 > 0:02:39has clearly lived up to her expectations.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Yeah, I mean, you have a stressful day at school,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45and then just go for a blast along the beach and then...
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- Yeah.- ..all your troubles are behind you.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50You know what, Helen? I'm sold.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I am truly sold.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56It all started back in the summer of 2012 for Helen,
0:02:56 > 0:02:58who was living and working
0:02:58 > 0:03:00in the town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01After accepting
0:03:01 > 0:03:03a new secondary school teaching post
0:03:03 > 0:03:05in Helston, Cornwall,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08she had to spend her summer holidays finding a home quickly.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Didn't think I'd get the job but I did,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14so I've sold my house,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and I need somewhere to live by the start of September.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22To help her make the move from built-up Aylesbury
0:03:22 > 0:03:23to coastal Cornwall,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27Helen had asked along a friend she'd known since childhood, Ali.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32She was hoping her new life would involve both sea and socialising.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36I'm really looking forward to being able to just go to the beach
0:03:36 > 0:03:38at any time, just to sit and watch the waves.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41I'd love for friends to come down and stay
0:03:41 > 0:03:43and have enough room for them
0:03:43 > 0:03:47to relax and enjoy the countryside that I'm going to be living in.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49When we met on Cornish soil,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Helen was in the throes of big life changes.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54You've accepted a position down here.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- I have, yes. - Yes, and it's a matter of weeks
0:03:56 > 0:03:59before you start this new job.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01Yes, I packed up my home two days ago,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04and we followed the removal van down here when we came down here.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06So, the pressure is on us.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Yeah, no pressure. I need somewhere to live.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13With Helen's budget of £240,000,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16we were searching for a two-bedroom home with a study.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19She also wanted a small garden for entertaining,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21proximity to a community,
0:04:21 > 0:04:24and as cat Pickles was joining her on the move,
0:04:24 > 0:04:26it had to be feline friendly.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We'd done our homework and started our journey
0:04:30 > 0:04:32about four miles from Helen's job
0:04:32 > 0:04:34in the village of Breage.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37This was a 16th century Grade II-listed cottage
0:04:37 > 0:04:39made from Cornish granite,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41thought to be the oldest house in the village.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Here it is, right in front of us.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45It is this beautiful cottage.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47It's very cute, very lovely, I'm very surprised.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48You seem to have quite a lot of land,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50both at the front and at the back.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52So, yeah, it's lovely.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53A good start.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55- BOTH:- It is.- Girls, follow me.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00We started our tour in a rather charming reception room.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- It's very sweet.- It's a very low ceiling, isn't it?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06That's a bad first reaction, but it is.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I love the burner.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10But it is very, very low.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13Behind us, you probably noticed, there's your dining area.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- Oh, yeah.- So, in actual fact, as cottages go, it's a fair size.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20It is, yeah.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22There was also a ground-floor bedroom
0:05:22 > 0:05:25that Helen could use as a study or for guests,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28since there was also a handy shower room.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31And the dimensions of this characterful cottage
0:05:31 > 0:05:33didn't seem to be a concern in the kitchen.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39So, here is your cottage kitchen.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And it is very cottagey.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43It's very wee.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Bijou. Bijou. Very bijou.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48So, how much time do you honestly spend in the kitchen,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50or is it opening the food for Pickles
0:05:50 > 0:05:51and putting it on a plate?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- Be honest.- It's, "Where's the wine and the glasses?" and that's it.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I like you. I like you a lot.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58- Takeaways...- Yeah.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So, actually, then, this is going to be big enough, isn't it?
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- It's absolutely fine for me.- If you are not a slave to the kitchen.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05No, no. Not at all.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Upstairs provided generous accommodation,
0:06:08 > 0:06:12including a spacious bathroom and two further bedrooms, both bright,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14good-sized doubles.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Enough, perhaps, to be awarded a gold star.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20And it is a really good-sized room, isn't it?
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- It is, not bad at all.- And there's some very large furniture in here.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Very good so far.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26You've done very well. You've done very well.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30What marks would I get, teacher?
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I'm thinking a B+, definitely, if not an A, I think.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34Oh.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Outside, the low-maintenance garden had been designed
0:06:37 > 0:06:39with outdoor entertaining in mind.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Top marks so far,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44but Helen still had to find out how it would square
0:06:44 > 0:06:48with her £240,000 budget.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51How much do you think this cottage is on the market for?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I think about 250 or maybe even more.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56OK. Ali?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I think about 225.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59Interesting.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Well, the current asking price is...
0:07:02 > 0:07:07£249,950.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- What did I say?- Very good.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10So, you were very good.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13With room for manoeuvre on that asking price,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15it seemed our first cottage met
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Helen's brief.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I think this one is just about perfect size for me.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22It's just me and the cat, so I think it's quite doable.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Thank goodness that first house got us off to a strong start,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31as I knew the pressure was on,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35and Helen had literally a matter of weeks to move
0:07:35 > 0:07:37before the new term-time started.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42But we still had two more properties to see.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Our next stop was in the village of Constantine,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48giving Helen a 20-minute commute to work.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Here, the former quarry worker's cottage we'd come to see
0:07:51 > 0:07:53dated from the mid-19th century.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56It's called a cottage but I think it is more of a house.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Yeah, definitely.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00I like all of the stones, and I like the fact it's in a nice terrace,
0:08:00 > 0:08:01a good solid house.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Yeah. Right, come on, girls.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07So, a solid start,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and the stone features continued into a generous reception room.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13It's a good-sized room.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15It feels so much more in proportion.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Cornwall is famous for its granite.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19And it has such a strong look,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21but what I love is they've kept it exposed.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24They've actually painted it white to make it a feature.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Upstairs, there were three bedrooms on offer,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30providing space for guests and a study,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33plus a spruce tiled family bathroom.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38But in the kitchen-breakfast room, Helen had reservations.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40It just seems really small.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I wouldn't say it was small per se, I just think
0:08:42 > 0:08:46the way it's laid out doesn't do it justice for the space that it's got.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Yeah. At the moment, I don't think it flows very well.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51She didn't seem completely won over by this one,
0:08:51 > 0:08:53but mindful of her budget,
0:08:53 > 0:08:57she and Ali still had to guess the price.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00I think I'd like to go with 225 again.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01You like that number, don't you?
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- I do.- I'd say about 210.
0:09:04 > 0:09:05Well, you are both under.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08The asking price is...
0:09:08 > 0:09:12£237,500.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15I think that's just made a decision for me.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17With the pressure mounting to find
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Helen's perfect property,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22the Mystery House needed to be a strong contender.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24The compromise, though,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27was that it was out of her preferred search area,
0:09:27 > 0:09:31in the coastal town of Newlyn, meaning a half-hour drive to work.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Just 200 yards from this atmospheric harbour,
0:09:34 > 0:09:38we found our mystery offering, tucked down a cobbled lane.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43It was a 50-year-old cottage on the former site of a fisherman's home.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44- Very nice.- Yeah?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I love the street.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47I love the cobbles.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Coming from a working port
0:09:50 > 0:09:53and then just round the corner you're in this.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Yeah.- It's very, very different from what we saw yesterday.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Yeah.- I think we should start.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- I think so.- Our Mystery House, take it away.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Our tour began in the sitting room.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07It's a good-sized room, it's all nice and neutral.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Got the two windows
0:10:09 > 0:10:11which gives it a lot of light and makes it feel very spacious.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14It's a nice room. It's very pleasant.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16But it was in the kitchen
0:10:16 > 0:10:20where Helen seemed to feel overwhelmingly at home.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22Nice. Very nice.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- Good. Good.- It's excellent.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Even better.- Gobsmacked.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Yay!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32We've had varying degrees of reactions on kitchens.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35No, this is lovely.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- Really good.- There's even a cat flap for Pickles.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41HELEN SOBS
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It's good. It's good.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47It's good. And you haven't seen everything.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54This is lovely. I just really wasn't expecting this AT ALL.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57But also there's this whole bit that goes right through.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Yeah.- So it takes your eye right through to the back.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01This is just spot on.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03The wine rack's empty.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- It won't be for long. - Has that upset you?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08It won't be for long.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Well, perhaps this house would give her something to toast
0:11:11 > 0:11:14as our tour continued upstairs.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Not only was there a single room that Helen could use as a study,
0:11:17 > 0:11:21but a family bathroom, a guest double,
0:11:21 > 0:11:24and another large bedroom, where it was clear
0:11:24 > 0:11:27just how close we were to the Cornish coast.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29You can actually glimpse the sea through the window.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32You can see the harbour and boats moving and everything.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You can. That's not a sea glimpse, that's a sea view.
0:11:34 > 0:11:35- I'm amazed.- I am.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36I am.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42So, a distinction for this cottage inside, and outdoors,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45a pretty courtyard garden completed the package.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48It seemed to have surpassed Helen's expectations,
0:11:48 > 0:11:53but would it come in under her £240,000 budget?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56When you had this dream of relocating to Cornwall,
0:11:56 > 0:11:58what did you have in your mind?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- I think it's that.- Really?
0:12:04 > 0:12:06I don't think I need to ask you anything else, do I?
0:12:06 > 0:12:09HELEN SOBS
0:12:09 > 0:12:10Are you all right?
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Can you bear to talk money with me?
0:12:16 > 0:12:18I'll try.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22I'm very worried now that I can't afford it.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26How much is this cottage on the market for?
0:12:26 > 0:12:27I'm hoping 250.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29And they'll take an offer.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31But I think it's a lot more.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33I think it's going to be 245.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35OK.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37It's £240,000.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Good Lord!
0:12:38 > 0:12:40HELEN CRIES
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Deep breath.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46I can't believe that's that price.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49There are absolutely no negatives with this house
0:12:49 > 0:12:50that I can see so far.
0:12:50 > 0:12:55This house, I think, is as near perfect as you are going to find.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00I am absolutely amazed that you've found something so great.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02And I think it would be fair to say
0:13:02 > 0:13:06that it wasn't just Helen that got a little bit emotional.
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Ali and I had a bit of a tear, too.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09How fantastic.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17So, with the clock ticking before the school term started,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21which property did Helen finally settle on?
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Did she go for the first character cottage
0:13:23 > 0:13:26which gave her that very quick commute to work?
0:13:26 > 0:13:29But the second cottage did too,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31plus there were three bedrooms,
0:13:31 > 0:13:34so she would have space for guests and a study.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Or would she agree to stray further than she originally planned
0:13:38 > 0:13:40to secure the Mystery House?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44All three of the properties we showed Helen
0:13:44 > 0:13:48were really lovely, but I think there were no prizes
0:13:48 > 0:13:51for guessing which one she fell in love with.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55And, oh, my goodness, what an emotional viewing it was.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59Once again, the Mystery House had worked its magic,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02so much so, that Helen is now the proud owner
0:14:02 > 0:14:05of this gorgeous cottage here in Newlyn.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- Helen!- Hello!
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Hi! How are you?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18So looking forward to catching up with you.
0:14:18 > 0:14:19It's been too long.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- Come in.- Thank you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Helen wasted no time in putting in her offer for this home,
0:14:26 > 0:14:31and, just two months later, she had moved in.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Four years on, and it's clear she has really settled here.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38There's that lovely bedroom with a view to the sea.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43And the single bedroom is now Helen's study.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46But we are in the kitchen, where it all began.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Oh, it's bringing back so many memories.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- Isn't it?- Now, this was the start of quite a teary tour.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I seem to remember the kitchen is what started it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Yes, I haven't lived that one down yet.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Brought it with me, just in case.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05It is such a divine cottage, it really is.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08The sun shining, blue skies today.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10- There's a bench just outside here.- Yeah, there is.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Shall we have a little seat and have a chat?
0:15:12 > 0:15:14You can tell me all about your new life.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15- Why not.- Come on.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22Goodness, it is so gorgeous here!
0:15:22 > 0:15:24I think the sun always shines in Cornwall.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Would that be right? - Yes. Absolutely.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Did you think, when you asked us for help,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31that we were going to find you the house of your dreams?
0:15:31 > 0:15:32Not in a million years.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I'd been looking for weeks and hadn't found anything.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37So, I was just desperate at that point.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38But you found it for me.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Well, I'm delighted I've managed to catch up with you properly
0:15:41 > 0:15:44cos, well, so much has happened, hasn't it?
0:15:44 > 0:15:45It was a bit frantic, wasn't it?
0:15:45 > 0:15:50It was. I remember your budget being £240,000,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52and part of the reason you were crying,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I think it was just on that spot there, wasn't it,
0:15:54 > 0:15:56was that this was on the market for 240.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57What did you get it for in the end?
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- 234.- Oh, did you?
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- Yeah.- That was very good, wasn't it?
0:16:00 > 0:16:04And with such changes happening in your life, with the new school,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07new friends, how has it been over the past four years?
0:16:07 > 0:16:10It's been brilliant. The school is lovely, over in Helston.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Great kids, great staff working there.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13It's just been really good.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Nice and settled.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Helen is clearly loving her Cornish life,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21but there has been some sad news.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25Pickles the cat, who made the move with her, passed away last year,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29so now, Helen has a new feline companion.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30- Who is this?- Colby.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Colby is two and a bit now.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35She was about a year old when I got her from the re-homing...
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Cat Protection, that's the one, up in Truro.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39So, she's a rescue cat, is she?
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Yes.- But is she quite happy here in the cottage?
0:16:41 > 0:16:42Yes. She loves it. Rules the roost.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- Does she?- Rules the roost. - She's the mistress of the house.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49- Absolutely.- You wanted a complete change of life.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Have you achieved that here in Cornwall?
0:16:51 > 0:16:53I think so. It's just a different pace.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55No-one's in a hurry.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58You just get where you're going, when you want to.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00And you just take it at a different pace.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03Every August, there's the fish festival literally down there,
0:17:03 > 0:17:08so all the fish you can eat and lots of other stuff besides.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10Although this is a thriving port,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13it does have sort of a village feel about it, really, doesn't it?
0:17:13 > 0:17:17It's great on a Saturday morning, with weather like this.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19I wander around Marazion,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22find somewhere lovely for lunch and sit and read a book.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Do you know what? I have never, ever been there.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26- Well, I think it's time you did. - Shall we?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Absolutely.- Right.
0:17:28 > 0:17:29I'm coming with you.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33The mile-long sandy beach of Marazion
0:17:33 > 0:17:35is around an hour-and-a-half walk east
0:17:35 > 0:17:38along the coast from Helen's home in Newlyn.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41It offers spectacular views of St Michael's Mount,
0:17:41 > 0:17:45a small tidal island, accessible on foot when the sea is out.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47But as we are here at high tide,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50we are heading to the jetty to be taken across by boat.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54So how often have you walked across the causeway
0:17:54 > 0:17:56and how often have you had to catch the boat?
0:17:56 > 0:17:57Probably about 50-50.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Oh, is it? Have you ever gone over and then got cut off?
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Yeah, definitely. The first time I went over,
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- I completely forgot about the tide. - Did you?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Fortunately, they have these lovely guys with boats
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- that go backwards and forwards all day.- It's incredible.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11I mean, the view from here is just superb.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14- It is.- I'm like a tourist, aren't I?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It's amazing, isn't it?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Great having people come down to stay,
0:18:17 > 0:18:19cos then I can take them all on the tourist trail
0:18:19 > 0:18:21and I get to see everything again with fresh eyes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Yeah.- It's really nice to have people down.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28St Michael's Mount was given to the Benedictine religious order
0:18:28 > 0:18:32by Edward the Confessor in the 11th century, but in the 18th century,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34it was a busy port,
0:18:34 > 0:18:36which then declined with the advent of the railways,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39and the growth of Penzance.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Now in the care of the National Trust,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44the island has played an important part
0:18:44 > 0:18:46in Helen's personal link to Cornwall, too.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49So, tell me, you know,
0:18:49 > 0:18:51it can't be the sunshine that we've established
0:18:51 > 0:18:53is nearly every day of the year,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56it can't be the most beautiful beaches or the rugged coastline,
0:18:56 > 0:18:59what brought you to Cornwall?
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Well, it was this place, really.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04I came down here on holiday in, I think it was about 2001.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08And just came here and wandered across to the Mount
0:19:08 > 0:19:10and had the most wonderful cream tea,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12and I just thought, "This place is really gorgeous."
0:19:12 > 0:19:17And then I saw an advert saying that there was a job in Cornwall
0:19:17 > 0:19:19and I thought, "I could come and live here."
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- So...- Lovely.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25I applied and got the job, and then you came in and found me the house.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29It's just lovely. You just drive along the coast every morning,
0:19:29 > 0:19:31and I see this every day. And it's just...
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Is this your commute, literally?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35- This is the view...- Pretty much. Pretty much.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36- ..when you drive to school?- Yeah.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Drive around the bay in Penzance and that's what I see.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So can't get better than that.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42You can't, can you?
0:19:42 > 0:19:44We talk about the work-life balance,
0:19:44 > 0:19:48but I'm just here with you now, thinking,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51"Not only have we found her, you know, her dream cottage,
0:19:51 > 0:19:56"but also this life, this lifestyle, what it gives you."
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Yeah, I mean, you have a stressful day at school
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- and just go for a blast along the beach...- Yeah.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04..and all your troubles are behind you.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06You know what, Helen? I'm sold.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08I am truly sold.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Are you coming down here? - Yeah, this is the life I want.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19Well, Helen seized her opportunity and went with it,
0:20:19 > 0:20:22and for people like me who are tempted to follow suit,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25she has some wise words.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27I'd say do it sooner rather than later
0:20:27 > 0:20:29cos you don't regret what you did,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31you always regret what you didn't do.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33So, get out there, do it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35So true. So true.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37You're living proof of that, aren't you?
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- Absolutely.- Wouldn't change a thing.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50Right across the British countryside, I've seen house-buyers,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53all with very different lifestyle ambitions,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56fall in love with the properties we have shown them.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00It's always fantastic to hear when they make that all-important offer
0:21:00 > 0:21:02which goes on to be accepted.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Coming up, a couple of highlights
0:21:05 > 0:21:08from our house-hunting success stories in Cornwall.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11In the summer of 2015,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Jonnie Irwin was helping Sharon move away
0:21:14 > 0:21:17from the busy Oxfordshire market town of Banbury.
0:21:17 > 0:21:18As a mum of four,
0:21:18 > 0:21:21she wanted to relocate the family close to the Cornish coast
0:21:21 > 0:21:23for a new life.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26Sharon's two horses were also part of the move.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Best friend Jill was on hand
0:21:29 > 0:21:34to make sure Sharon's £450,000 budget was spent wisely.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36We were in the hamlet of North Carnmarth
0:21:36 > 0:21:38when the mystery property,
0:21:38 > 0:21:39a farmhouse in a five-acre plot
0:21:39 > 0:21:43with extensive views across the Cornish coast,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47finally got the reaction we were looking for.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48I love it.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Wow! The view is amazing.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Stunning, isn't it?- It is.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Looks bright, looks airy...
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Could you make this your home, Sharon, this sort of location?- Yeah.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Inside, the living spaces
0:21:58 > 0:22:02and four-bedroom accommodation also got a resounding thumbs up.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04Very, very light.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Very bright. Stunning views over our shoulder.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Look out that window, it's brilliant.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11It just has a warmth to it that makes it feel like a family home.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Yeah.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16There was also good news regarding the horses.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Not only was there a large stable block, but an exercise arena.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23With no fewer than three separate paddocks,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26this one was pulling on the heartstrings.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27Wow! I love it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28SHE SOBS
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Oh, don't. Don't.
0:22:30 > 0:22:31Don't. Don't. Don't.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35I do, I love it.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38This is the sort of thing that you move mountains for.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40So, time to guess the price.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43How much do you think this mystery property is on the market for?
0:22:43 > 0:22:45I think this is over my budget.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47I'm going to go 460.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49- Jill?- I'm going to say 455.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Not bad guesses.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53This place is on the market for offers around...
0:22:53 > 0:22:56£449,950.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It's great. It's fantastic.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- Happy, happy.- Happy, happy, good.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05This is everything I was looking for in coming to Cornwall.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09I'm pleased to say Sharon went ahead and purchased that Mystery House
0:23:09 > 0:23:14and is now enjoying life with her family in their new Cornish home.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18Later that same year, Jules Hudson was on another Escape mission,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21this time with a very specific requirement.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24My wish is for a five-bar gate at the end of a drive.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Rosemary wanted to retire to the south-west,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30where she had fond childhood memories,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34so along with husband Bill and a £450,000 budget,
0:23:34 > 0:23:37Jules took them to the hamlet of Menadue,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39and showed them a late Victorian former dairy
0:23:39 > 0:23:41which had something on the approach
0:23:41 > 0:23:45that chimed perfectly with Rosemary's vision.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Come on in. There.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48Wow! That's a wow.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Goodness gracious me.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52- That's beautiful.- Now, this is an interesting proposition.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57It is at the end of its own drive, with its own five-bar gate.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58I'm gobsmacked.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I am stunned.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I just want the numbers to be right.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Rosemary, I think, has already moved in, haven't you?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- I have.- Come on, let's see what you think of inside.
0:24:10 > 0:24:11- Now then.- Oh, my goodness!
0:24:12 > 0:24:14The space is...
0:24:14 > 0:24:16is fantastic.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21And, of course, next to the room is that, this huge conservatory.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22It looks like a sun trap.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24It's just absolutely fabulous.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26I really get the sense, Rosemary,
0:24:26 > 0:24:29that this one is stirring those emotions a little bit.
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Just a tadge.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33THEY LAUGH
0:24:33 > 0:24:36As well as a glorious classic drawing room,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38there was a bumper selection of four bedrooms,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41including a master ensuite with countryside views.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43You have surpassed yourself.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Ah!
0:24:45 > 0:24:49After they'd seen the wraparound gardens and stunning surroundings,
0:24:49 > 0:24:54it all seemed too good to be true for their £450,000.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56I don't think that the money that we brought out here
0:24:56 > 0:24:58will be enough for this property.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04I think it's an asking price of £475,000.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06475? Yeah? Rosemary?
0:25:06 > 0:25:11I would say between 460, 470.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14I'm afraid it's not 475 and it's not 460.
0:25:14 > 0:25:15It's five something.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18There is a five in it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- It's 395.- No!
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- My goodness!- No!- My goodness!
0:25:25 > 0:25:26You see?
0:25:26 > 0:25:27My goodness!
0:25:27 > 0:25:29JULES LAUGHS
0:25:29 > 0:25:33Finding their dream house £55,000 below budget,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36Bill and Rosemary, of course, put in an offer,
0:25:36 > 0:25:37and it was accepted.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- Here's to you.- Cheers. - Thank you very much.- Cheers.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42Thank you very much.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Some memorable moments, there.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47So, what happened next for John and Elaine?
0:25:49 > 0:25:51For many of our house-buyers,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54moving from a town or a city to the countryside
0:25:54 > 0:25:57can mean a complete change in lifestyle.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01And that was certainly the case for John and Elaine,
0:26:01 > 0:26:04who really wanted to get away from it all,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08asking for no near neighbours on their original wish list.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12In the autumn of 2014,
0:26:12 > 0:26:16retirees Elaine and John had both made the bold decision
0:26:16 > 0:26:19to leave behind their lifelong base of Reading in Berkshire
0:26:19 > 0:26:22and head to the Cornish countryside.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24John's already retired two years ago.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27We're just looking forward to a totally different way of life,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29and it will be different.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I think, for me, the move
0:26:31 > 0:26:35is going to be all about us being able to spend time together.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37We can follow our dreams.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Another driving factor was to give their beloved Westies,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Bobby and Harry, the kind of dog-walking terrain they needed.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49We love our dogs, they both have problems walking,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52so now we have to take them around in a pram
0:26:52 > 0:26:53when we take them for a walk.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- They are our life in a lot of ways, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- That's right.- And a lot does revolve around Bobby and Harry,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00and so will the new property.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06So, for a budget of £460,000 with some wiggle room,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09a garden for the dogs to play around in was a must.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Being detached was too.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13With no near neighbours.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Quite an ask, but this was the home
0:27:16 > 0:27:19they hoped to live out their retirement in.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22I'm guessing this is an exciting new chapter.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24It is. We are really excited.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Are you?- We hope you are going to find us something lovely.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30In a bid to give them that remote location,
0:27:30 > 0:27:33our search began in the open countryside
0:27:33 > 0:27:35of the parish of Quethiock.
0:27:35 > 0:27:39The property we had come to see was an old Victorian Smithy.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40- Yeah.- Looks very interesting.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Yeah. I like it so far.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- Do you?- Yeah. - First impressions are good.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- Yeah.- Good. Just have a little look over your shoulder...
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Wow! That's gorgeous.
0:27:51 > 0:27:52That's fantastic, isn't it?
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- That really is.- That's fantastic.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56And that's what you were after, wasn't it?
0:27:56 > 0:27:58That's what we are looking for, really.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01We'd started well, but there were lessons to learn,
0:28:01 > 0:28:05as we reached what I felt was an impressive vaulted kitchen.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08It's not quite as modern as I would have perhaps liked.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- OK.- Sort of darker than...
0:28:11 > 0:28:13I like bright and airy.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16And I feel this probably isn't bright and airy.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22And the country character continued in the generous sitting room.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25It's definitely a farmhouse feel.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Not sure if a farmhouse is actually something that we'd be looking for.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30We are more contemporary.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35There was also a study and a dedicated room for the dogs.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Plus a total of four bedrooms,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40served by a family bathroom.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43Bearing in mind they were keen to get away from it all,
0:28:43 > 0:28:48the view from the master bedroom showed just how rural we were.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50- Look at that.- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52- That is...- Really nice.- ..amazing.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56- That's lovely, that.- Who wants to wake up looking at a view like that?
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- I do.- Oh, we do.- Yeah?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- We definitely do.- Yeah.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02That is the best part, that's for sure.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05The generous garden was surrounded with dog-proof fencing
0:29:05 > 0:29:08to suit their two Westies.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13But how would it measure up to their £460,000 budget?
0:29:13 > 0:29:16I think it's about 390,000.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- OK. John?- I think it would be a bit more than that.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I would have said nearer 410,000.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Split the difference and that's the asking price.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- OK.- £400,000.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- Ah, yeah.- OK.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37The first character property was considerably under budget
0:29:37 > 0:29:42and did deliver that view and sense of isolation they were after.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46But we still had two properties to see, and for the second house,
0:29:46 > 0:29:48we were majoring on light and space.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52It took us to the edge of the village of Menheniot.
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Here, I was hoping a 300-year-old property with a modern wing
0:29:57 > 0:30:00would offer more of the up-to-date styling they were after.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03Is this contemporary enough?
0:30:03 > 0:30:05I think so.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07Good.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10The home also offered three further receptions,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13a large living room flooded with light,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15a bright dedicated dining room,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17but it was in the sitting room where they realised
0:30:17 > 0:30:19the challenges their wish list presented.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22It's older than perhaps I would have liked but...
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Is it the furniture that's giving that impression?
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- It could be.- Because I think the room, actually, is quite neutral.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I think I agree with John that, again,
0:30:32 > 0:30:37we are getting an olde worlde feel of a property,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40which is difficult because we want the setting
0:30:40 > 0:30:43which you wouldn't really get if you had totally modern.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Upstairs, the house offered a total of four double bedrooms
0:30:48 > 0:30:51and two family bathrooms with contemporary fittings.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54But the accommodation on offer
0:30:54 > 0:30:57wasn't distracting Elaine from the view.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59I can see rooftops, loads of them.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- Yeah.- Do you know what?
0:31:01 > 0:31:04You said it was all in the curtain test, and I was thinking,
0:31:04 > 0:31:06"I might draw those curtains."
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I was thinking, "I wonder if she'll notice."
0:31:08 > 0:31:10Yes, she has.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13It was clear this was going to be a tough one,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16and we still had to put a price on the property.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18What amount do you think it is on the market for?
0:31:18 > 0:31:20About 430,000?
0:31:20 > 0:31:21Right. Elaine?
0:31:21 > 0:31:24I think it's about 410.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27The asking price is £400,000.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28- Ah.- Was it? OK.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30So it's interesting, isn't it?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Yeah.- Again, way under your budget.
0:31:33 > 0:31:3460,000 under.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- It is indeed.- Yes.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37Yeah.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41That house was fairly contemporary and attractively under budget,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44however, we still had one life left
0:31:44 > 0:31:46with the mystery offering located
0:31:46 > 0:31:48close to the village of St Dominic.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52I crossed my fingers that its Victorian origins
0:31:52 > 0:31:53would not put them off,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56and that wasn't the only concern.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58This was semidetached.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00This is your Mystery House.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- Oh, gosh!- Wow!
0:32:03 > 0:32:05That is something. I love that.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08This old sort of working farmhouse, as it was...
0:32:08 > 0:32:09- Yeah.- ..is the Mystery House.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Right.- The part here to my left,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14they have windows and everything on the other side.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18So the idea is this is your drive, then they use the other side.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- So it's private.- OK.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Surprisingly, they didn't seem worried
0:32:24 > 0:32:26by the idea of adjoining neighbours.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29And the interior made a positive impact from the outset.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35So we are going to start off our tour with this kitchen.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Wow!- This is lovely.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- Yeah?- Really nice, this is.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41It looks just so light and airy.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Yeah. Light and airy.
0:32:43 > 0:32:44That's what we wanted.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Absolutely delighted. It is a wonderful kitchen.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Both the dining room and sitting room
0:32:50 > 0:32:54had lovely bay windows and an extra renovated reception area
0:32:54 > 0:32:56gave them a very up-to-date space.
0:32:58 > 0:32:59It's contemporary.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00- It's ten years old.- Fantastic.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Yes.- It's absolutely amazing.
0:33:02 > 0:33:03- It's fantastic.- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Yeah, very nice.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06- Really like it.- Love the floor.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Everything. Yeah, love the stone floor.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Underfloor heating in this part of the property.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13- Yeah.- Wonderful.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15You are liking it, aren't you, John?
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- Yeah.- You are liking it.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Just at the back is a conservatory to die for.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22You are going to lose your hearts in there.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I think we are putting it off already, but...
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Don't get me too excited.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30There were three bedrooms upstairs,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33each one with its own ensuite bathroom.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37It was looking good, but I still had to get approval for the view.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39The curtain test.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40- Off you go.- Fantastic.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43This is where I open the curtains and...
0:33:43 > 0:33:45Oh, my word!
0:33:45 > 0:33:48The garden included plenty of places for the dogs to explore
0:33:48 > 0:33:52and a deck to enjoy those far-reaching rural views.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57The only concern was whether John and Elaine's £460,000
0:33:57 > 0:33:59would stretch far enough.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03I think it's going to be a bit over our budget, unfortunately.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I think it's going to be about 480,000.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11I think it's going to be 460 because it is a semidetached.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14The asking price is...
0:34:15 > 0:34:17..under your budget.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19£455,000.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20- Yay!- Sold!
0:34:22 > 0:34:23Are you serious?
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- I'm serious.- Absolutely.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26Ohhhh!
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I didn't think... I didn't think this moment was going to happen.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31No, neither did we.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32- Do you love it?- Absolutely.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34It's wonderful. It's...
0:34:34 > 0:34:36Yeah. We're excited.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39You are getting all emotional, aren't you, John?
0:34:39 > 0:34:40I am.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43But after the house-hunting high had settled,
0:34:43 > 0:34:46would they ultimately go back to their original brief?
0:34:46 > 0:34:49After all, property one was detached
0:34:49 > 0:34:52and surrounded by glorious countryside.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Furthermore, house number two, which was also detached,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59gave them the contemporary interior they had asked for.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Surely our mystery wild card,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05being close to neighbours and semidetached,
0:35:05 > 0:35:06would never be a serious player.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13It was a bit of a risk showing John and Elaine an attached property,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16but I'm pleased to say the gamble paid off.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Now, they moved in about two years ago,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23so I'm very keen to find out and see what they've done to the place.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Nicki...- Hello.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36So good to see you!
0:35:36 > 0:35:38Thank you for dropping by.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39Oh, I had to. I had to.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Didn't I? How are you both?
0:35:42 > 0:35:43- Fantastic.- Wonderful, thanks.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Yeah? Has it been everything...?
0:35:45 > 0:35:46And more. And more.
0:35:46 > 0:35:47- Really?- So happy.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49We have been so happy since we got here.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- Have you?- I can't tell you how happy we are.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It has changed, but it hasn't changed.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Come on, first thing that I see is...
0:35:56 > 0:35:57Yeah, the garage. Yeah.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59The garage.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01There have been other changes.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Bobby, one of John and Elaine's beloved Westies,
0:36:04 > 0:36:08who was such a big part of the move, has sadly passed away.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11So, now a new Westie, Sam, has joined Harry.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Come on, then. Come and say hello.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15This is the new one. This is Sam.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- This is Sam. - And this is, of course, Harry.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Boys, are we going to go inside so I can have a look around?
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- Yes.- Let's turn the tables, and I'll let you two do the guided tour.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24- Yeah.- Shall we go in, then, boys?
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- Come on.- Come in, please.
0:36:26 > 0:36:27Come on, boys.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Two years ago, I was keeping my fingers crossed
0:36:34 > 0:36:36this Mystery House would do the job,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39so it's wonderful to be back now as their guest.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42- Here you are.- Do you remember this?
0:36:42 > 0:36:44- I do.- Look.
0:36:44 > 0:36:45Our lovely kitchen.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47We loved this kitchen, didn't we?
0:36:47 > 0:36:49It's a wonderful kitchen.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51We've had the floor redone.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53That's been sanded down and redone.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55Apart from that, the kitchen really hasn't changed.
0:36:55 > 0:36:56It was lovely, anyway.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59It didn't need to change, to be honest with you. It's so practical.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01We would never have found this on our own, I'm sure.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Maybe because we said we wanted a detached,
0:37:04 > 0:37:09definitely detached, nothing else. This is a perfect country retreat.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11It is such a wonderful location.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15- Yes.- You know, it's so peaceful.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18You know, there's nothing comes down the lane, really.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20And the dogs absolutely love it.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23At the other end of the lane, there's neighbours with their dogs,
0:37:23 > 0:37:25and so they always like to meet up.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30Loads of places around to go with the dogs later on in the day.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33I'm presuming it's a very different life that you lead now.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- Yeah, it is.- It's completely different.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38You need a torch when you walk anywhere.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- In a bag by the bed.- Yeah, it's very dark at night,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44as you'd expect. But that's...
0:37:44 > 0:37:47But actually, it just works for us.
0:37:47 > 0:37:49Everything... It's perfect.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51I just can't... We couldn't be happier.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53So no regrets, no changes?
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- No.- No regrets at all.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57We've stopped doing the lottery now
0:37:57 > 0:37:59because we've won it.
0:37:59 > 0:38:00This is it.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04What a testament to their new life here.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09Their Cornish home has also given them space to get creative.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11The new garage has given John a workshop
0:38:11 > 0:38:13where he's crafted a log store,
0:38:13 > 0:38:17as well as nest boxes for the local birdlife.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20And Elaine has enjoyed putting her mark on the reception room
0:38:20 > 0:38:21in the converted barn.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26So, you might find this has changed a bit.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27Oh, yeah. Transformed,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29I think is the word.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- Yeah.- Oh, it's lovely.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33It's a nice family room now.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36John was happy with how it was...
0:38:38 > 0:38:40..but I just did this...
0:38:40 > 0:38:42We just fell in love with the property
0:38:42 > 0:38:44and we would have accepted it as it was,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47that's for sure, but you know, it's been great for us, you know,
0:38:47 > 0:38:51to be able to come in and put our own little mark on it, I suppose.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53So, what's your favourite room?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55I love what we call the garden room.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Yes.- Because I just love to see the views and from there,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00you can see right the way across to Dartmoor.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I could spend ages in there,
0:39:02 > 0:39:04just looking at the views and everything else.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05- Could you really? - But the house is...
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Yeah.- It's fantastic.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09We just love living in the house.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12It's wonderful to get up in the morning...
0:39:12 > 0:39:13- Yeah.- What's that famous saying?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Home is where the heart is.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Yeah.- Yeah, I suppose that's very true.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- Yeah.- And our heart is certainly here,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- that's for sure.- I'm so delighted.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- Yeah.- Do you think the dogs are ready for a little walk...
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- Yeah.- ..a little jaunt outside?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Let's explore, shall we, one of their favourite walks...
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Yeah.- ..while I'm here, if you don't mind.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34John and Elaine's neighbours, Mike and Rita,
0:39:34 > 0:39:38were the former owners and occupants of the mystery property.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Having sold the farm house, they now live next door.
0:39:41 > 0:39:42The neighbours.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Lovely to meet you both.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I think I have to thank them, don't I?
0:39:47 > 0:39:49- Yeah. Yeah.- If it wasn't for the two of you,
0:39:49 > 0:39:53selling it and moving next door, I mean, it wouldn't have happened.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54A chain of events.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Yeah. It's been lovely. I mean, great neighbours,
0:39:57 > 0:39:59and it happened at a great time for us, really.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03We wanted to move, and we've ended up moving close to where we live.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06Just as well you all got on.
0:40:06 > 0:40:07Yes.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10I've never seen such a happy chap.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Awww!- He loves it.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13May it continue.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- Yes.- Yes, I'm sure it will.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16- Enjoy the views up there, it's nice.- Bye.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Bye. See you later.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20- Bye-bye. See you.- Bye.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Come on, boys.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Kit Hill and the Country Park were gifted to the people of Cornwall
0:40:26 > 0:40:32by Prince Charles to mark the birth of his son, Prince William, in 1985.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35It's one of John and Elaine's favourite places
0:40:35 > 0:40:38to bring their Westies for a little roam.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Well, I know one of them's got a poorly hip...
0:40:41 > 0:40:44- Yeah.- But Harry is very happy today.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46He hasn't needed his little pram.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48He can walk for quite a bit,
0:40:48 > 0:40:50but then all of a sudden, he will suddenly start limping...
0:40:50 > 0:40:52And have enough.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- And you pop him in here.- Yeah.- If he has a limp, we just pop him in.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57He looks good to me.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00What a remarkable spot.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Isn't it fantastic? I mean, you can see the sea from here.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- Yeah.- And across there, you can see Plymouth.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12You can see the Tamar River going down and across.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- It's gorgeous.- It's beautiful views, they really are.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18You can, well, just about see from here just where we live...
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- It is...- It's a little bit... - Amongst the fields.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23- Yeah.- It is like a patchwork quilt.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- It is.- People say that about the countryside,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27but look at that, just...
0:41:27 > 0:41:29I know. And that's where we live!
0:41:29 > 0:41:33Do you know what? It's not where you start, it's where you end up.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35And it is.
0:41:35 > 0:41:36We couldn't have ended up in a better place.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Have you ended up in paradise?
0:41:38 > 0:41:39- We have.- We have, yeah.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- Really have. - What more is there to want?
0:41:42 > 0:41:44We wouldn't want to go anywhere else now.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Don't tell too many people.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47No, we don't want them all moving here.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51THEY LAUGH
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I am so pleased you are both so happy.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Yeah, thank you. Oh, we are.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58We are really grateful to Escape To The Country,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00that's for sure.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Yeah.- It was our pleasure.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Right, we'd better keep walking before we get emotional.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It's going to rain. And the rain.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20For Helen, as well as both John and Elaine,
0:42:20 > 0:42:25this move has been so much more than just swapping one house for another.
0:42:25 > 0:42:29Living here in Cornwall has changed their lives completely
0:42:29 > 0:42:31for the better, and I must admit,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34after spending time with each of them,
0:42:34 > 0:42:37I'm rather envious of what they have now.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41I think Elaine summed it up beautifully when she said,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45"It's not where you start, it's where you finish."
0:42:45 > 0:42:47And they've truly finished on top.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54If you dream of escaping to the country in Wales, Scotland, England,
0:42:54 > 0:42:58or Northern Ireland, and would also like our help, why not apply online?