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 > 0:00:10I would imagine I'd be seeing a house like this.
0:00:10 > 0:00:11Never ever.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But for many years,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Escape To The Country has been helping countless people
0:00:16 > 0:00:18on the hunt for a new home.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20What do we think of this?
0:00:20 > 0:00:21Oh, my!
0:00:21 > 0:00:22Chocolate box!
0:00:22 > 0:00:26We've travelled to the most picturesque pockets of Britain...
0:00:26 > 0:00:29- Take a look at that killer view. - That'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..that our buyers just couldn't resist.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Seriously, 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 > 0:00:50- We waited six years to do this. - Did you?- Yeah.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..to find out how the move changed their lives
0:00:53 > 0:00:55when they Escaped To The Country.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Today, I'm on the Devon-Somerset border
0:01:14 > 0:01:16in the Blackdown Hills
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and beside me is Culmstock Beacon.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Now, this intriguing beehive beacon hut
0:01:21 > 0:01:25is thought to date back to the time of the Spanish Armada,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28and was one in a chain of fire signals,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31lit to warn of advancing enemy.
0:01:31 > 0:01:32Up here on Culmstock Common,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37there are incredible panoramic views of the Somerset countryside.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Over there and behind me, the Devon countryside.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And you can see why this part of the West Country
0:01:43 > 0:01:45is so popular with our house-buyers.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48And I'm delighted to be catching up with some of them
0:01:48 > 0:01:50who bought their Escape house
0:01:50 > 0:01:52and have made a new life for themselves here.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Over the years, the counties of Devon and Somerset
0:01:56 > 0:01:59have proved to be two of the most popular destinations
0:01:59 > 0:02:01for potential escapees.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Later on, I'll be catching up with Phil and Diane,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08who bought one of our properties back in 2011.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12They've now transformed their home and embraced village life.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16This is a little gem, isn't it?
0:02:16 > 0:02:18But first, I'll be visiting Lynn and Jonathan
0:02:18 > 0:02:20and their daughter Ellie May,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24who moved to Devon seven years ago to run a holiday-let business.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28I'll be finding out if country life has lived up to their expectations.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Back in the autumn of 2009,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38company secretary Jonathan and events organiser Lynn
0:02:38 > 0:02:40were living in south-west London.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43But the arrival of their daughter Ellie May
0:02:43 > 0:02:46had made them rethink their future.
0:02:46 > 0:02:47We'd like a change of...
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Change of scenery, change of lifestyle.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Slightly different pace.
0:02:51 > 0:02:52And surroundings.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56But they weren't simply seeking out a place to live.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59We're looking for a business as well as a home.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03Holiday lets or B&Bs, or a combination of them.
0:03:03 > 0:03:04We are probably looking at
0:03:04 > 0:03:07a minimum of five or maybe six holiday cottages
0:03:07 > 0:03:09to make it viable as a business.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12As well as holiday units,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14they wanted at least two bedrooms
0:03:14 > 0:03:17and a couple of reception rooms for the main family residence.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21Plus plenty of land, all set in a rural location.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24And for this super-sized home-business combo,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28they had a generous budget of £1.2 million.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33We began our West-Country property search
0:03:33 > 0:03:38by taking Jonathan and Lynn to the edge of the Exmoor National Park.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Dulverton was the closest small town, some eight miles away.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44With Denise Nurse leading the way,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46they viewed a Victorian farmhouse
0:03:46 > 0:03:49that had a multitude of business opportunities.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51What a place to have a holiday-let business.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53- It's beautiful.- Isn't it lovely?
0:03:53 > 0:03:55- Yes. It's lovely. - You may well also have noticed
0:03:55 > 0:03:57as you walked down, the stables over there?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- Can you imagine that, riding... - We did.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02..out into Exmoor? And your guests could do that too.
0:04:02 > 0:04:03But it's not just about the stables.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06This property comes with 19 acres.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08- Wow!- Great.
0:04:08 > 0:04:09Two holiday lets.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13And this is the house.
0:04:13 > 0:04:14Yes, it looks really hopeful.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Hopeful, excited?
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Yes.- Let's have a look at the house.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Straight into the kitchen, the heart of the home,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28which is lovely and warm, because of that beast over there.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30The biggest range I've ever seen.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31- Yeah, huge.- Fantastic.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Fantastic. Really nicely done.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Lovely. Nice and open as well.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37- Light.- Yes.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38And it does extend up here,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40so you've also got plenty of dining space.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Yes.- There's a nice feel to it.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- Homely feel.- Yes.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50The finishing on this property is just fantastic, isn't it?
0:04:50 > 0:04:51- Mm.- Yes. Yes.
0:04:51 > 0:04:52What a great room, isn't it?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Lovely. Yeah.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58There was a further cosy reception room with a wood burner.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01And upstairs, the farmhouse had five bedrooms,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03giving Jonathan and Lynn the opportunity
0:05:03 > 0:05:05to let some out for bed and breakfast.
0:05:07 > 0:05:08Well, master bedroom,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10which I think, looking at it,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12looks about the same size as the guest room.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Yes.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16But this one comes with an en-suite shower room just behind that door,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and behind here is all of your wardrobe space.
0:05:19 > 0:05:20OK.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- Which is pretty deep.- That's lovely. - It's not bad.- Yeah.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27With the house working as a potential B&B,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Denise took our couple to explore
0:05:29 > 0:05:31the holiday business options outside.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33There were two separate up-and-running
0:05:33 > 0:05:38self catering cottages that made around £25,000 a year.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41So this is the smaller of the two holiday lets.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42It still looks pretty spacious to me.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44Yes. Absolutely does.
0:05:44 > 0:05:45Yeah. It's very cosy.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Isn't it?- Yeah.- Good size room.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50Open-plan, two bedrooms, one twin, one double.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- And a nice size bathroom as well. - Great.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55In addition to the holiday lets,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59there was also a stable block ripe for conversion.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04After exploring some of the 19 acres, it was time to talk money.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06How much do you think you have to pay for a property like this?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08I'm going to take a wild guess.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Obviously, there's a lot here anyway.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12But we need to reserve some of our budget
0:06:12 > 0:06:14to convert the other cottages.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17So... One million and 50,000?
0:06:17 > 0:06:18Something like that?
0:06:18 > 0:06:21I'd say slightly more than that. Right. I'd say probably about 1.2.
0:06:21 > 0:06:241.2. So right up there at the top of your budget.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Yes.- Well... You're the winner of this one.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- Good.- Excellent.- This property is on the market at £1 million exactly.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34OK. It's actually under your budget,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37which does leave you quite a bit of room to manoeuvre.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41It seemed the converted farmhouse
0:06:41 > 0:06:43with numerous holiday business options
0:06:43 > 0:06:46had exceeded expectations.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47There's a lot of potential
0:06:47 > 0:06:50in terms of the outbuildings that could be converted.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54And the land is fantastic, with the pond and the ducks.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55It's really idyllic.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58I think we can definitely see ourselves here as a family,
0:06:58 > 0:06:59it's a lovely family home.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Denise then took our buyers over the border into Devon,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07to the village of Bampton on the southern edge of Exmoor.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10She showed them another rural property with lots of character.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15This is the house, so this would be your main living accommodation.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18But it comes with five ready-to-go holiday lets.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- Excellent.- So it's right there with your criteria.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25And it's bringing this huge smile out of you, Lynn.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Jonathan and Lynn seemed happy with the set-up,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30so they headed inside the listed farmhouse
0:07:30 > 0:07:33which dated back to the 16th century.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Come through to what I think is a pretty good-sized kitchen.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It's a nice big space.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41It's got everything you need, obviously, hasn't it?
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- And more probably.- Nice being open into the next room as well.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Always quite like that, that feel.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- Yes.- Let's have a walk down there and take a closer look.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Down here, this is an extension, as I think you can tell.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54It's fairly sympathetically done.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56What would you do with the space?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00It looks like it could be a good playroom actually.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02THEY LAUGH
0:08:02 > 0:08:04What makes you think that? I think it's rather generous
0:08:04 > 0:08:07for a playroom myself. Can I come and live with you?
0:08:09 > 0:08:11But, yeah, certainly a nice room to spend...
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Be in during the day with that great view.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17There was also a cosy reception room
0:08:17 > 0:08:21with an open fireplace and a separate dining room.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Upstairs there were four good-sized bedrooms,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26including a generous space for our couple.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Welcome to the master suite.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31- Wow!- Mm. Yeah.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Oh, yes!- Again, lots of character, isn't it?
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Yeah.- And it's like a little adventure on this side
0:08:37 > 0:08:38because from this room,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41it leads through to a nursery.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Oh!- Ellie May would be just next door.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47With the family taken care of,
0:08:47 > 0:08:51Denise led them outside to explore the holiday business potential.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55The property had five lets all ready to go,
0:08:55 > 0:08:58in total, the cottages could sleep 22 people,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00and were all in good decorative order.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04Now, this holiday let used to be the old grain store.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08It was converted in 1989, so a good 20 years ago.
0:09:08 > 0:09:09- Great feel to it.- Yes.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12It feels like quality accommodation.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14But that wasn't all.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17There was also an outbuilding containing an indoor pool
0:09:17 > 0:09:19and leisure facilities for their guests.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24The up-and-running business was already bringing in £60,000 a year.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26After taking in the view,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30all that was left was to put a figure on the whole package.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32So, how much do you think this property is worth?
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Starting with you, Lynn?- I think it's probably just over a million,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37perhaps up to 1.1 million.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40Jonathan?
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Lynn's probably stolen my guess,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46but I'll hazard one million, 75,000.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48You're both very close.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52This was actually on the market originally at 125.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55It's just come down to 1.15.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56- That's good.- OK.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57- Good?- Yes.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Good, big smile? What do you think, Jonathan?
0:09:59 > 0:10:03Yeah, yeah, it's within the range, definitely.
0:10:03 > 0:10:04Oh, you hold so much in!
0:10:04 > 0:10:06THEY LAUGH
0:10:06 > 0:10:09Fabulous location, five holiday lets, all good to go,
0:10:09 > 0:10:10and pretty good house.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- It's good.- Yes. It's good.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Coming in under budget, the second property appeared to be a good bet,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19delivering on everything.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21This is very near the dream.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It's exactly what we envisaged.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25It is a business that's fully up and running
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and operational and doing quite well.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32We could move in and run the business as it is, I think.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Well, as Denise found,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Lynn and Jonathan were pretty impressed with those two properties.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Both had viable business options,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48but they also provided a lovely family home
0:10:48 > 0:10:50they could make their own.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Now, it's always great to see our house-hunters on a high
0:10:52 > 0:10:56after the first day's search. But you can't assume anything,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59as they still had the Mystery House to see.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02For the final proposition,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05they travelled to the tiny hamlet of Stawell in Somerset
0:11:05 > 0:11:10to visit a mystery property with a number of challenging elements.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14For once, it wasn't about pushing boundaries, but scaling them down.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16This is the property.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17Looks really interesting.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- It does.- Interesting indeed.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22It used to be the home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26There is some holiday-let potential here, these two properties here,
0:11:26 > 0:11:27which are all part of it.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29I'm keen to see inside.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32You're intrigued. Well, there's plenty of intrigue in there.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35It's a really great house to explore. Let's have a look.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Inside, the property was architecturally quirky.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Come on in.- This was the Mystery House, after all.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- Impressive, isn't it? - It is for a hallway!- Yes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47I mean, it becomes a room, doesn't it?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49It's such a big entranceway to the property.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Yeah.- It's really big. - Full of character.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53OK, let's keep exploring.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Another huge room.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- It's huge, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03It's an interesting shape as well, isn't it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:04Yeah, it's not quite square.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It's got some kind of curved...
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Not quite curved, slanted edges.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10It's such a grand room.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14If you did use it as a B&B, cracking room to serve your breakfasts in.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16The kitchen was in need of a little updating,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18but the living room was a real gem.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23It's quite breathtaking, this room, isn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:24The fireplace. The fireplace.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Yeah. It's almost a little room in itself, the fireplace, isn't it?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30It is.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34Upstairs, there were three bedrooms, including a spacious master suite.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39Outside, there were two two-bedroom self-contained holiday lets,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43as well as a stone garage that could have been converted into a third.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46But there was far less land on offer here.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48The whole plot amounted to just an acre.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52How much do you think all of this is worth?
0:12:52 > 0:12:56I'd say a maximum of 900,000.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Jonathan?- It's a difficult one to guess.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01But...
0:13:01 > 0:13:04I'll hazard 950.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Well, you can get your hands on this beautiful quirky property
0:13:07 > 0:13:10for £625,000.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Wow!- Wow!- Wow indeed!
0:13:12 > 0:13:13Surprise.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- That's a really good price. - Yeah, that surprises me.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19At nearly half their budget,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23the listed farmhouse offered them a more manageable business start-up,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26money left over and lots to think about.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28If we started smaller...
0:13:29 > 0:13:32..I think it would be a good thing for Ellie May.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Because obviously we have got a young baby to think about.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38It's a different angle that we haven't really considered before.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Doing things on a smaller scale.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45And leaving us with spare funds to do something further.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Hey, there. Right, that is it.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53You've seen everything. Lots of options.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- Yes.- Looking at the extension, Lynn, there is no more!
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It's time for you to sit down and think it all over.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00- BOTH:- OK.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06And there was plenty to consider.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08The first property had given them bed and breakfast options
0:14:08 > 0:14:12in the main house and two cottages outside.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15The second option, that farmhouse with the pool,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18already had five up-and-running holiday lets.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22And finally, the mystery proposition had lots of potential
0:14:22 > 0:14:24with money to spare to make changes.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26So which one did they choose?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31In the end, Lynn and Jonathan bought the house
0:14:31 > 0:14:33that was closest to their dreams,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35with a few extra features
0:14:35 > 0:14:38that I expect most buyers wouldn't turn down.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42They bought the house with the swimming pool.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45And I can't wait to see how their lives have changed so much
0:14:45 > 0:14:47as a family over the last eight years.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54And it's immediately clear that since moving here in 2010,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57they've invested a lot of time and money in the business.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01When it comes to first impressions,
0:15:01 > 0:15:05everyone knows the importance of making a good entrance.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09Lynn and Jonathan, good to meet you.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Welcome.- Thank you.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- Very good to meet you. - And it is an incredible welcome,
0:15:14 > 0:15:15as you come down the driveway.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
0:15:17 > 0:15:18Very impressive.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19I want to see more now.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Good.- Come and see inside. - Thank you.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Before I see the holiday cottages, I want to find out
0:15:26 > 0:15:30what changes Jonathan and Lynn have made to their own home.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Back in 2009, the kitchen was in need of updating.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37My goodness!
0:15:37 > 0:15:41This room has been transformed from when we last saw it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It has, yeah.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44It's completely different.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46We waited six years to do this.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47- Did you?- Yeah.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49It is beautiful!
0:15:49 > 0:15:52Basically, we spent the first six years
0:15:52 > 0:15:54working outside on the cottages, mainly.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57On bringing everything up to a certain level, really.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00We had a guest staying here, a builder actually,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02who got a bit restless after the first week.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05And he offered to do it.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08We had lots of beams and posts and things down there.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11And a very old pub carpet.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14So it was really nice to open it up and make the most of the view.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17And open the two rooms up together, as well.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20It is the most incredible space.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Beautifully done. I love it.
0:16:22 > 0:16:23Still not really quite finished,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26because we want some soft furnishings and things in there.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28But again, it is just finding the time
0:16:28 > 0:16:30to think about ourselves really.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31Yeah, it's the balance, isn't it?
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Running a successful business, but also creating your own home.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Now, I seem to remember you suggesting
0:16:37 > 0:16:39that that could be Ellie May's playroom.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Has that happened or are you keeping it for yourselves?
0:16:43 > 0:16:44Well, actually, usually,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47it does have toys everywhere, but we have tidied up today.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48Tidied up for us.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- Yes.- Although they've renovated the kitchen and dining room,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55parts of the listed property are over 400 years old,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57and Lynn and Jonathan
0:16:57 > 0:16:59have largely kept things as they were.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03I love this room. Have you had to do much work to it?
0:17:03 > 0:17:04We've redecorated
0:17:04 > 0:17:07and we had a bit of a flood in here in the winter, as well.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Did you?- So we re-carpeted.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11You're not near a stream or a river, though, are you?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Blocked drains and heavy rain.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Oh, no! And the moral of the story is?
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- Check your drains. - So it literally came under the door?
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Exactly. Under the front door.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25Down the drive, under the front door, and into here.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Took a big left-hand turn into the house.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's beautiful. I absolutely love this room.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33And have you done much more to the house?
0:17:33 > 0:17:35We've changed Ellie May's room.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Her preferred colour and put her furniture in.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- She loves her room.- Does she?
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Yeah.- Her pride and joy.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Yes.- So you've done a certain amount of work here,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46but you've really concentrated, haven't you, on the holiday lets?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Yes.- Are they all occupied at the moment?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51No, there's a few of them that are free, so...
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- I can have a little... - We can show you.- Can I?
0:17:53 > 0:17:54Sneaky peek around.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56I could be a future customer, couldn't I?
0:17:56 > 0:17:57- Lovely.- Which way?
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- This way?- Yeah.- Thank you.- Go ahead.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03When we showed them around the property in 2009,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06it came with an up-and-running holiday-let enterprise.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The books were busy back then.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11But they've spent the last eight years
0:18:11 > 0:18:13systematically updating each of the five cottages
0:18:13 > 0:18:16and turnover has doubled.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19No doubt helped by the bonus of the indoor pool
0:18:19 > 0:18:21just across the courtyard from the accommodation.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Come on in, Nicki.- Oh, now, this has changed, hasn't it?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34It has changed a fair bit.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Yes. We've renewed the flooring, renewed the furniture.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Updated the kitchen.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Renewed the bathrooms.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46- So a fair bit.- I can't imagine many places have those sort of facilities
0:18:46 > 0:18:49right on the doorstep. The pool, the gym and a sauna as well.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- Are they popular?- Yeah, we're lucky. That's quite a draw.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55I mean, the pool, particularly. We're not near the coast.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00So having the pool is really helpful and the sauna and the fitness room
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and having outside space, play areas and so on.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05That makes a big difference for families who come and stay here.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08I'm interested, though, to find out this change of life,
0:19:08 > 0:19:10what impact it's had,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12because you must be living your life so differently
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- than you did when we first met you. - Yes.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Shall we go and have a cup of tea and a chat?
0:19:16 > 0:19:17- Let's do that.- Sure, let's.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21When they first moved down to Devon,
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Jonathan continued with his London job.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27But he's since given up the long commute and works from home,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30juggling consulting with running the holiday business.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34This really is an idyllic spot, isn't it?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Is this where you have breakfast in the mornings?
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- Not quite.- You're too busy, aren't you, with all your guests?
0:19:40 > 0:19:43So, tell me, how long did it take from start to finish,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46from seeing the property to actually moving in?
0:19:48 > 0:19:50I think probably about a year, actually.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53It took quite a while. But we did buy the right place in the end.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56We really thought it was the best one that we found.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58So we are very pleased with it.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59A little bit of a cheeky question.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03It was on the market for 1.150.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06£1,150,000.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Did you end up paying that for it?
0:20:08 > 0:20:13I think in the end, we paid just under £1.1 million.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- Did you?- Yes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16I suppose that money was handy
0:20:16 > 0:20:19because you've reinvested it in the rest of the business.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Yes. Which left a bit for us to do some work on the cottages
0:20:22 > 0:20:23and the grounds and so on.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25So that was... That was handy.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28So leaving London behind, kissing goodbye to the capital,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32has Devon given you everything that you want?
0:20:32 > 0:20:34I think so. It's been a big change in a lot of ways.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40But we live in a lovely environment and it's a great place to raise...
0:20:40 > 0:20:42For Ellie May to grow up in.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45And we're our own boss as well, we've got our own business.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48So, we're pleased.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It's a lovely community that we live in, as well.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52And we've been made very welcome
0:20:52 > 0:20:55and we very much feel more a part of the community
0:20:55 > 0:20:57than we ever did before we moved.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Would it be fair to now call it home?
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- Yeah, I think it is home, isn't it? - I think it is, yeah.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Not just for the two of you,
0:21:03 > 0:21:05but also for Ellie May because she was just such a big part
0:21:05 > 0:21:07of this move, wasn't she?
0:21:07 > 0:21:08That's right. A big part of the reason
0:21:08 > 0:21:10for moving down here was Ellie May.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12She was just coming up to one at the time.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17So she's lived the first sort of six or seven years of her life here,
0:21:17 > 0:21:18which is great.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Only a baby when she first moved here,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Ellie May is now eight years old.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Hello. You're good at that swing, aren't you?
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Yeah.- Although she was born in London,
0:21:30 > 0:21:33rural life is the only one she remembers.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36So, what do you think the best thing is about living in the countryside,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- Ellie May?- The village.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Is it? Why? What's so special about your village?
0:21:40 > 0:21:42That I know all the people there.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43Are they friendly?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- Yeah.- Are there lots of children in the village?
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- Yes, quite a few. - And is that where you go to school?
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Yeah.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Now, I've spotted a pond behind us.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56What's in the pond?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Fish.- How many do we think are in the pond?
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- 100.- 100? Oh, my goodness.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03That's a lot. And what else do you have behind us?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I've seen... Did I see chickens?
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- Yeah.- Did I? How many chickens have you got?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10I think about five or six and we're going to have some chicks
0:22:10 > 0:22:15because Betty, our chicken, has been sitting on them.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19Aw! How many chicks do you think you're going to have?
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Well, we're going to have four or five.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Daddy said they're going to hatch today or tomorrow.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Oh, my goodness! Are you going to be allowed to name them?
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Yeah. One's going to be called...
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Nicki.- Nicki.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Always a good name for a chick.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39And we've got a cockerel called Keith the Cockerel.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42And Betty the Bantam because she's a bantam.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45If I gave you the choice, Ellie May,
0:22:45 > 0:22:50of perhaps living in a town or living in a city or living here,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52which would you choose?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Here. Because I always want to live here and I love it.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57And when I'm a mummy, I'm going to live here as well.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Are you? Well, thank you, Ellie May, for inviting us back to your home.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03I think you, Mummy and Daddy are very happy here.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05- And Lily.- And Lily the Cat.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06And the chickens, ducks and fish.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09And the chicken, the ducks and the fish.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- And the chicks.- And the chicks.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13And the cockerel. How could we forget?
0:23:16 > 0:23:20So, it seems Ellie May and Lily and Keith and Betty
0:23:20 > 0:23:24and with a bit of luck, Nicki, all seem happy here.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27But was it the right decision for Mum and Dad?
0:23:27 > 0:23:29I'm going to put you on the spot now,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32if there was one sentence that can sum up what has happened to you,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35the way you now live your lives, what would it be?
0:23:35 > 0:23:38I think for me, it's very peaceful,
0:23:38 > 0:23:41and it's quite uplifting to look out of the window
0:23:41 > 0:23:44and have this view and this peace and the noise of the birds.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46And to not...
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Not to have traffic and lots of people around everywhere.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50And public transport.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53It feels as though it's quite good for the soul, really.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Over the years, our rural property journeys with our house-hunters
0:24:04 > 0:24:07have covered the length and breadth of the British countryside.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10They've all been armed with different budgets
0:24:10 > 0:24:12and a desire to improve their quality of life
0:24:12 > 0:24:14from a move to the country.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17It's such a satisfying outcome when they make
0:24:17 > 0:24:20that all-important offer on a house we've shown them
0:24:20 > 0:24:21which goes on to be accepted.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28It was in the spring of 2016, when I was in the Yorkshire Dales,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31property shopping with Steve from Surrey,
0:24:31 > 0:24:34who had brought his younger brother Richard along for support.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37Steve had a healthy budget of £500,000
0:24:37 > 0:24:41and was after a remote detached house overlooking woodland.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43And we certainly fulfilled his wishes
0:24:43 > 0:24:48with this waterside option that came with a fantastic view.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49What a stunning position!
0:24:49 > 0:24:51That's one heck of a swimming pool.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55The former reservoir manager's house had been extended and renovated
0:24:55 > 0:24:58and met many of Steve's requirements.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00This is nice. Look at that cooker.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01You've got your range.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03One of the things was a range.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Was a hope, anyway, but absolutely.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09So we have our kitchen, leading us into this modern extension,
0:25:09 > 0:25:12which I think makes the downstairs of this property.
0:25:12 > 0:25:13It's beautiful.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15That is really nice.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The ground floor was also home to a classic reception room
0:25:18 > 0:25:20overlooking the reservoir.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22That is a view to die for.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25- Yeah.- You don't need a TV or anything in here, do you?
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- You don't.- You just look out the window.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30There were three good-sized double bedrooms upstairs,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34including a master that also took advantage of that view.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Outside, the grounds were extensive
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and included areas of private woodland.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42With Steve clearly charmed, we talked money.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46How much would you say this house is on the market for?
0:25:46 > 0:25:48OK.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- 490.- I was going to go with 485.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54You're both very close.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58The asking price, and it has just gone on the market,
0:25:58 > 0:26:01is £495,000.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02Very close. That's good.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04That's really good news.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07So good, in fact, that Steve put in an offer on the reservoir residence
0:26:07 > 0:26:10which was accepted.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Another one of our memorable house-hunting highlights.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22The prospect of starting a new life in the country
0:26:22 > 0:26:25can seem like a leap into the unknown,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27but for house-buyers Phil and Diane,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30it was certainly worth going the distance.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32They wanted to move back to the UK from Spain
0:26:32 > 0:26:36and realise their plan of retiring to the West Country.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Back in the summer of 2010,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42our couple were splitting their time
0:26:42 > 0:26:45between properties in Spain and North London.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48They wanted to simplify their life.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Maintaining two properties is very difficult.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53We want to be closer to our family, as well.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55We have been away, we've missed a few things about England,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and family is one of them.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01While creative Phil was keen to take up painting and drawing
0:27:01 > 0:27:05in his retirement, Diane had dreams of the good life.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08I make a lot of jam and chutneys in Spain
0:27:08 > 0:27:10and I'd certainly like to be doing that here.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14I love picking blackberries from the hedgerows.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15I like freebies.
0:27:15 > 0:27:20We'd just love to have chickens, maybe a pig, if he'd let me.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Yes.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Top of their wish list was a property with inspiring views.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28They wanted an older house with three bedrooms
0:27:28 > 0:27:30and a large kitchen-diner.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33As a former architect, Phil was happy to consider a project,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36particularly if it involved building a man cave.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41And they had a budget of £450,000 to spend.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43With Jules Hudson leading the way,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45we kicked off our West Country house-hunt
0:27:45 > 0:27:48in the village of Stocklinch in Somerset,
0:27:48 > 0:27:53where he presented a former worker's cottage with a panoramic view.
0:27:53 > 0:27:54Right then, let's start with this one.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- What do you think?- Fab.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Looks good.- Yeah? You don't get all of it.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- OK.- It's a rural semi.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04So you get that half on the right.
0:28:04 > 0:28:061900, Victorian, late Victorian,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08so it's got lots of features in it as well.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- We like Victorian. - Come and have a look.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Thank you.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Substantially extended, it offered three reception rooms,
0:28:15 > 0:28:19the smallest of which was right at the front of the house.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23Now then, Phil, we're going to start with what might be your den.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25In terms of size and space, would this work?
0:28:26 > 0:28:27For me.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30So you probably wouldn't get a look in here.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33No. That's fine. Maybe there's something for me.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Yeah, yeah, come and follow me through here.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36Good.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41There, Diane. What do you think?
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- This is great.- Isn't it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46The thing that really struck me when I first came in here was the floor.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Yeah.- Where else do you get flags like that?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Absolutely.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53It's like my grandmother's flagstone kitchen floor.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55- Really?- Yeah. Fantastic.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00The kitchen had been extended to include a living and dining space
0:29:00 > 0:29:01with doors out onto the garden.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06With positive reactions from both parties to the ground floor,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09Jules took Phil and Diane upstairs
0:29:09 > 0:29:13to show them the four bright and crisp double bedrooms.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15This is currently designated as the master.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19Again, another lovely window, with the view of the village beyond.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- Will it work?- I think it...
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It's bigger than the one we've got at the moment, isn't it?
0:29:24 > 0:29:25It certainly is.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29Outside, the south-facing garden might not have stretched to pigs,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32but there was a ready-made chicken enclosure.
0:29:32 > 0:29:33So, let's get down to the basics.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35Let's talk about the money. Go on, Phil.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37What do you think this is on the market for?
0:29:37 > 0:29:40I'm thinking just below 400,000.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Yeah? OK.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- 435.- 435.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Well, this is 357,500.
0:29:49 > 0:29:50Right.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- Good. Yeah?- That ticks an awful lot of boxes then!
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Doesn't it just? I thought it might.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Nearly £100,000 under budget,
0:29:58 > 0:30:02the semidetached period property was great value,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05considering it met most of their requirements.
0:30:05 > 0:30:06The price is amazing.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09So impressed with that.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12There's quite a lot of house here for the price it's offered.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15And plenty of scope in the back garden.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18And the views are to die for. They're lovely.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21The next property was in the village of Barrington
0:30:21 > 0:30:22in the Blackdown Hills,
0:30:22 > 0:30:27where Jules showed our couple a characterful 19th-century farmhouse,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29built from brick and local hamstone.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Right, guys. Well, here's our second property for you
0:30:32 > 0:30:33to feast your eyes on.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35- What do you think?- Very interesting.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37And it has been renovated to a very high standard.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Great.- Make less work for me.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Ah! Don't think you've got off lightly, mate.
0:30:41 > 0:30:42I've got plenty for you to do.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Come on.- All right.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48Externally, the pretty farmhouse had clearly made an impression.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50They started the tour with the main sitting room.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54That's a wood burner.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55That is a wood burner.
0:30:55 > 0:30:56Pretty special.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00And quite a kind of contemporary feel, all this, I think.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02It's very, very nice, that.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- That feels nice.- Yeah?- Feels nice.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Now then, Diane, is this going to work for you?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11Can you rustle something up in here?
0:31:11 > 0:31:12I think I could.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- I think I could.- Yeah?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- Yeah. Yeah.- You're really excited, aren't you?
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Yeah, I know. He is.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20He's going like...
0:31:20 > 0:31:22And I'm just going... Mm.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25With excitement brimming on the ground floor,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27they explored the upstairs,
0:31:27 > 0:31:31where there were three bedrooms, including a large double,
0:31:31 > 0:31:35a good sized single, along with a generous family bathroom.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41There you are. Right next door to that huge bathroom, you've got this.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Lovely window.- Yeah.
0:31:43 > 0:31:44Yeah. Sweet, isn't it?
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- Got the window...- Out to the road. - Fireplace there.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- Yeah?- I think you're out of a job, Phil!
0:31:51 > 0:31:52No work to do.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Ah, no, I've got plenty of work for you to do, mate.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56- You keep saying that.- Yeah.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58It's outside. Come on.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00- I'll show you.- Oh, right. Let's go.
0:32:01 > 0:32:02Immediately to the rear,
0:32:02 > 0:32:06there was a large paved patio and a formal lawned area.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08There was also a vegetable patch,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11lots of fruit trees for Diane's jams and chutneys,
0:32:11 > 0:32:14and some outbuildings for former architect Phil
0:32:14 > 0:32:16to turn into a potential den.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Plus a whole lot more.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20You also get this paddock.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- No! No! - THEY LAUGH
0:32:23 > 0:32:27You know, if you want to go down the pig routes, or chickens or whatever,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29you've got plenty of space out there.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- So... Come on then, Diane, make me an offer.- Oh!
0:32:34 > 0:32:37I think it's going to be about 550,000.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40I'm going to be cheeky and say 465.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45It's on the market for 479,500.
0:32:45 > 0:32:46So, I hope you will accept my apologies
0:32:46 > 0:32:49for showing you something that is over the budget.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50Am I forgiven?
0:32:50 > 0:32:51- Yes.- OK.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54Good. Oh, look. Aw!
0:32:54 > 0:32:55DIANE SOBS
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Go on. Go and have a look around.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58I'll catch you later.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05The second property had clearly pulled on the heartstrings,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07despite being over budget.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11However, it came with everything our buyers specified and then some.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14This house was amazing.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Loved it. All the way through. Every room.
0:33:16 > 0:33:21I'm just blown away and to still have those projects outside.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23It's fantastic.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26I can't believe you've found a house like this for us, so perfect.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Jules showed Diane and Phil two great properties,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36one even brought a tear to Diane's eye.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39But they still had the Mystery House to see, and this time,
0:33:39 > 0:33:44it seemed right to give them a modern take on their house-hunt.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Our final house was located in the historic village
0:33:47 > 0:33:49of Abbotsbury in Dorset.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Right on the outstanding Jurassic coastline.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55The mystery property was a semidetached thatched cottage,
0:33:55 > 0:33:57but looks can be deceiving.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00Right then, Diane.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01Come here, Phil.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- There's the Mystery House. - Beautiful.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Now, I was a bit worried about this one
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- because you did say, "We don't want chocolate box..."- Yeah.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- "And we don't want new-build..."- Mm.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15- And this is both.- This is both.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Wow!- Come on, let's go and have a look.- Right.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21Right. In you come...
0:34:21 > 0:34:22Let's start in here.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24How about that for a kitchen-diner?
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Wow! Show me more.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30Show me more! Right, follow me through here.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Now, just off the kitchen, we've got you a really nice utility room.
0:34:33 > 0:34:34Same sort of spec as the kitchen.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- And then this.- Amazing. - Can you see yourself...
0:34:37 > 0:34:40You know, Sunday morning, I'm thinking, Phil,
0:34:40 > 0:34:41cup of coffee with the papers.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- Definite.- Whatever the weather.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45- Yeah.- That's the way.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- Relaxed life.- Anything for an easy life. Yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54The ground floor also had a large and pristine sitting-room.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Upstairs, there were three double bedrooms
0:34:57 > 0:35:00with one taking in the view of the chapel at Abbotsbury.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Whilst the terraced garden had no room for pigs or chickens,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06it was beautifully done.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08- Now then...- Oh, wow!
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- That's the view.- Yeah.
0:35:10 > 0:35:11Let's have a think about the money.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14I think it's got to be just slightly over our budget.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- I think 460.- 460.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22- Diane?- I think I'm going to say about 425.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27It's on the market for offers around or in excess of 420.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29Wow!
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Comfortably under budget by £30,000,
0:35:32 > 0:35:34the stunning new-build thatched property
0:35:34 > 0:35:36had the visual appeal of an older one.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39This was actually, for me, a great surprise.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41I could see myself living here.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I think...
0:35:43 > 0:35:44I think it's very comfortable.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48I think it's an absolutely gorgeous environment around here.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53Phil and Diane had seen a range of West Country properties.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55The first house, the worker's cottage,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59had given them value for money and a panoramic view.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02The second, that 19th-century farmhouse,
0:36:02 > 0:36:06was over budget, but had everything they asked for and more.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09And then of course, our Mystery House,
0:36:09 > 0:36:10the thatched new-build.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13But which one did they go for in the end?
0:36:14 > 0:36:18When the first two house tours go so well,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20it's a good opportunity to show our house-hunters
0:36:20 > 0:36:22something completely different.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Something they may not consider for themselves.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28And that's often why the Mystery House comes out on top.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33However, I think Phil and Diane had already made up their minds,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36even with that financial barrier.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Yes, I'm pleased to say they bought our second property,
0:36:39 > 0:36:41and I'm keen to see what they've done to it.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48And it seems that Diane is making good use of the fruit trees
0:36:48 > 0:36:49in the back garden.
0:36:49 > 0:36:51DOORBELL RINGS
0:36:53 > 0:36:54Hello, Nicki.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- Hi. Lovely to see you.- Do come in.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Phil.- This is Phil. Do come in.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59Thanks.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07So this is the kitchen.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09The heart of the home.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10- Would that be fair?- Indeed.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12So if you buy a house,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14and it doesn't need any work because it's to your taste,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16that's a bit of a win-win, isn't it?
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Am I right in thinking you haven't had to change this at all?
0:37:19 > 0:37:21No, it's as it was.
0:37:21 > 0:37:22Because we loved it so much.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25In fact, most of the house is exactly as it was.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28It's just our furniture and a bit of colour here and there.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30Yeah. This is a great-sized kitchen.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31Very social.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33And I'm thinking of you with your jams and your chutneys.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Yes. Many an hour.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36- Yeah.- Many an hour.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- But it works, doesn't it? - Yeah, absolutely.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42No, we've done quite a bit of cooking in this, haven't we?
0:37:42 > 0:37:44You have. Not me.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45Well, you wash up, don't you?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- That's your job. - The washing up. The washing up.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51But Phil hasn't just been doing the dishes.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54The former architect was keen to get his hands on a project
0:37:54 > 0:37:56when they retired to the country.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00And the disused outbuildings provided him with a blank canvas.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Yeah, come in. This is our barn.
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Back in 2010, the property was over their budget,
0:38:07 > 0:38:08so they sold their place in Spain
0:38:08 > 0:38:11which allowed them to convert the barn into accommodation
0:38:11 > 0:38:12for visiting family.
0:38:14 > 0:38:15There we go.
0:38:15 > 0:38:16Here you are.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19This is a little gem, isn't it?
0:38:19 > 0:38:22It wasn't like this when you first saw it!
0:38:22 > 0:38:23- No.- And you did this yourself.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- You designed it...- Yes.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29We did say that we were looking for a project and this is it.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- Yeah.- And it's worked out quite well, don't you think?
0:38:32 > 0:38:34This is beautiful.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35We wanted to keep the open aspect
0:38:35 > 0:38:37because the original permission
0:38:37 > 0:38:40was for a whole solid first floor.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42You both have done such a splendid job.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Any more plans?
0:38:45 > 0:38:50We're hoping to go and have a meeting with the planners quite soon
0:38:50 > 0:38:53because there's actually a carport there, quite a large carport.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Which actually would give us ground floor accommodation
0:38:56 > 0:39:00and attach it to here, so that would be our forever home,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02but we would also keep all the fields
0:39:02 > 0:39:05and the outbuildings and sell the house.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06Clever.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08So you'd actually move into here.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09Indeed.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12Sounds like a sensible plan for the future.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15They'll be able to enjoy their retirement
0:39:15 > 0:39:17without any financial worries,
0:39:17 > 0:39:21but I want to find out how the north Londoners have adjusted to life
0:39:21 > 0:39:23in the peaceful village of Barrington
0:39:23 > 0:39:26and where better than over a cuppa and some cake?
0:39:26 > 0:39:29Oh, look at this beauty!
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Is this what you both dreamt of?
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Has it lived up to your expectations?
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Yes. Certainly has.
0:39:37 > 0:39:38It's a lovely village.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- We love it here.- Yes.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41We do.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44We do. Even our daughter is now thinking of moving down from London,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48so that would really be fabulous if that happens.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49- So...- How has it been?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Has it been welcoming?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Generally, it was welcoming from the word go.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55We had the vicar came...
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- Do you remember that?- Yes.
0:39:57 > 0:39:58One Saturday morning.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02Actually, when we had a friend over, didn't we, for lunch?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05And the doorbell rang and it was the vicar, introducing himself,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07which we thought was lovely.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09He was new to the parish as well.
0:40:09 > 0:40:10- Was he?- Yes.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Well, we're all here looking at this wonderful cake.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16Why don't you cut me... Ahem. Not too small a slice.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18And I've got a final question for the two of you.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20So I'll pass you my plate.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Would you do anything differently?
0:40:22 > 0:40:23Any regrets?
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- For me, no.- No?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I have thoroughly enjoyed the time since we came here.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31Yes.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- I think you're a lot fitter as well, actually.- Thanks.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36Yes, I think I am, generally.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40I think you are. I certainly have no regrets either,
0:40:40 > 0:40:42and maybe we could have done it earlier,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45so we would have been longer here.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47But no, I think it's a great village
0:40:47 > 0:40:49and we've got a pretty good life as well.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Yeah. Love it here.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54Phil and Diane have immersed themselves in village life.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57They both run a produce market once a month,
0:40:57 > 0:41:00plus they're on the organising committee for the annual fete.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02They've made many new friends
0:41:02 > 0:41:06and I've been invited along to one of their lunchtime get-togethers.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Hello. I'm Nicki.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Lovely to see you.
0:41:10 > 0:41:11Good, good.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Paul Jessop and Marion Lewis run a pottery workshop in the village,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and first met our buyers within weeks of them moving in.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21And is this where you often meet up?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Just once or twice a week.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24THEY LAUGH
0:41:24 > 0:41:27What do you think it is, Marion, about this county?
0:41:27 > 0:41:29What is the appeal?
0:41:29 > 0:41:32I think not only the countryside and everything else that's around it,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35but I just think the people are so friendly, so welcoming,
0:41:35 > 0:41:37and it's almost like it's 15 years behind the times,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- so everything's so relaxed as well. - In a good way.- In a good way.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- Yeah.- I felt at home straightaway, as soon as we moved to the village.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48First day. For me, this was what I'd always wanted.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- Yeah.- And just to have the wake up
0:41:51 > 0:41:53and hear the tractors going past the house
0:41:53 > 0:41:56and all the postman and the milkman.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We have got a proper milkman that delivers and this sort of thing.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I just love it. It's just the perfect way to be, I think.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Well, here's to life in the country.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06- Yes.- May it never change.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08No.
0:42:08 > 0:42:09And we won't tell too many people.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11THEY LAUGH
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- ALL:- Cheers.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Cheers, my dears.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23It's so satisfying to see
0:42:23 > 0:42:26how Diane and Phil have found a country property
0:42:26 > 0:42:28they've been able to future-proof
0:42:28 > 0:42:32and a community where they've forged lasting friendships.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36And I really admired Jonathan and Lynn balancing family life
0:42:36 > 0:42:40and the full-on commitment of running a holiday-let business,
0:42:40 > 0:42:44but it's clearly a resounding success.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47So I hope both our couples inspire others
0:42:47 > 0:42:51who are looking to make their Escape To The Country.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55If you dream of escaping to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59England or Northern Ireland, and would also like our help,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02why not apply online, at...