0:00:02 > 0:00:05In travelling throughout the British Isles, one thing is never far away -
0:00:05 > 0:00:07Britain's rich industrial heritage.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Sadly, most of it has gone. It's consigned to the history books.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16But buildings like the one behind me are very often converted into fantastic family homes.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20On Escape To The Country, we've had a wonderful opportunity to look at some of the best.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38In this special programme, we take a look back
0:00:38 > 0:00:42at some of the best industrial conversions featured in previous shows.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Where a water mill gets the cogs turning...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I love the idea of that being there, it's just really quirky.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51..a weaver's cottage gets us in a spin.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54It gets more modern the higher you go.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- Can we go any higher?- Ha ha!
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- We could do, but we might get wet! - ..and nobody's sheepish at this woollen mill.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01This is a cellar and a half!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05And I find a novel way of paying for a conversion.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07We had eight people here, we had a barrel of beer.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- We got in there and dug with our hands.- Keep them drunk, keep them down there.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Most houses do have some history attached to them.
0:01:20 > 0:01:24But it's interesting when a building goes through a complete change of use.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27That's the nice thing about industrial conversions,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32be it a factory, a mill or an old cider house, they come complete with the opportunity
0:01:32 > 0:01:36to produce some lovely open-plan living spaces, full of lovely quirky features.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Our industrial heritage has changed our rural landscape massively.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46From the railways to Victorian mills,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49industry can be found in the remotest corners of Britain.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55But what happens to these rural industrial buildings once the industry moves away?
0:01:55 > 0:01:57They can become stunning character homes.
0:01:57 > 0:02:03Old mills often with their idyllic riverside locations will have their wheel rooms turned into kitchens.
0:02:03 > 0:02:09Windmills transformed into quirky homes with stunning panoramic views.
0:02:09 > 0:02:15More often than not, these historic conversions are an opportunity for really exciting living spaces.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19What better way to enjoy the charm and heritage of the countryside?
0:02:21 > 0:02:24When we think of buildings with an industrial past,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28we tend to think of the heyday of the Victorian industrial revolution,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32when buildings were built to contain great big engines like these.
0:02:32 > 0:02:37For our first offering, we're going to take a step a little further back in time to the 17th century.
0:02:37 > 0:02:43We're heading to Kent to look at a lovely old weaver's house in the company of Nicola and Rosh.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45They had £750,000 to spend.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49Nicola wanted a house full of period charm and character.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53But husband Rosh wanted something a little different, more contemporary.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57So the question is, would our 17th- century workplace work for them?
0:03:01 > 0:03:03I was taking Nicola and Rosh
0:03:03 > 0:03:06to a house just three miles outside Headcorn in Kent.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12A town with a wealth of useful amenities -
0:03:12 > 0:03:17there are six primary schools, four churches, a library, a Post Office and two pubs.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21There is also a parachuting club nearby,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25but hopefully Nicola and Rosh won't be bailing out after they see this one.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Come through here,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31Nicola and Rosh.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- The start of a new day, a new property.- It is.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38Not exactly a new one. As you can see, a nice old one. What do you think of that?
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- I really like that.- It looks nice.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45Lots of character. It looks huge. I think that means it's going to be hugely expensive!
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- Everything comes at a price, Rosh. - No special offers.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50No special offers down here.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52But you're right, it's a very big property.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57The reason being, at its heart, it's a 17th-century's weaver's house.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- As the name implies, they were weavers.- Right.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04The weaving machines and the looms had to occupy quite a tall space.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08That's a business that would have happened on both of the principal floors.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Let's go and have a look.- Come on. - THEY LAUGH
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Let's start in the conservatory.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20I mean, this is whatever you want it to be, a sun room -
0:04:20 > 0:04:23they have it as a spill-over dining area. Would you use a space like this?
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It would be nice to use it.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30It would be nice to know what is inside the house and what you would use this space for.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Come on, let's have a look.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37Up the steps, there is a little utility area there.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41This is, well, it is the kitchen obviously.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46I appreciate this may not be chrome and mirrors as you want.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- It's not at the moment. But I think it has the potential.- Good man.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53I like the beams. I like the layout on different levels.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56I'd like to keep these tiles, this motif here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58- It's quite nice.- Really?
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- I thought you would run away from that.- I'm amazed. I'm amazed that he likes that.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- I'm glad you like this split level, Rosh.- It's good.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10This is the diner bit of the kitchen/diner, but the dining room is in there. Have a look.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14This is really, really imposing. It's nice.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- Definitely.- I think with this place you can make it feel very modern.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Absolutely. You can see the potential straight away.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Let's keep going. I'm glad you like this. Let's go through here.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Now this is the main living room, as it were.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- Again, a huge space. - You can see the potential.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- It's a huge room.- Can you imagine it full of weavers doing their thing?
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- Oh, you can. - Ha ha!- Now, I know you fancied a bit of a study?- Yeah.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45How big a study do you need?
0:05:45 > 0:05:46It doesn't have to be too big.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48But I suspect it might be big!
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Let's see what you think of this one.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Doctor's study, do you think?
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- I think so. - Consulting room?- Absolutely, yeah.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03- A private practice going on. - The nice thing is because it's at the end of the house
0:06:03 > 0:06:06you can shut yourself away from pandemonium elsewhere
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- and get on with what you've got to do.- There will be a lock on the door.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Absolutely. - JULES LAUGHS
0:06:12 > 0:06:14You wanted four to five bedrooms.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- Yeah.- How about six?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- If you insist!- Ha ha! Why not?
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I tell you what, buy one, get five free! Let's go through here.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25En route to the six bedrooms,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29there is a rather special centrepiece which runs right through the house.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34Brilliant. I love this. Original spiral oak staircase.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38The whole thing is held up by one piece of oak, it's that, the newel post.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42That goes all of the way through the building. That's one tree.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- LAUGHTER - How about it?- It's pretty fantastic.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49- Look at the floor, Rosh. I know you're into floorboards. - Absolutely.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- These really are the real thing. - It's good stuff.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56We have three bedrooms on this floor. One is behind you.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Let's start in that one. In you go, Rosh.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- Tell me what you think of that. - It's nice.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05It's quite a large room. Again, you've got the wooden floor.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07It's quite a square room.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11But is it working for you in terms of the fact that it's got some character?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- No, definitely. It's got bags of character. It's great. - I really like it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20If you like this, you'll love next door and you will adore the master.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Let's go and have a look at that.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- Oh, very nice. - That's very nice. A great view.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Look at the smile on your face! - No, this is good.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38It's quite spectacular. Real character, real quirky. Like that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Have a look at the en suite, you also have one through there. Go on, Rosh, lead on.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Ha ha! That's my kind of bath.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- Definitely.- You see yourself flopped out in there?- Yeah. - Absolutely.- It's nice.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Let's go to the top floor. - OK.- OK.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58How can I describe it? It's kind of its own little world.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Great.- You'll see what I mean.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04This section of the house could give guests a private wing
0:08:04 > 0:08:08so will Nicola and Rosh see the potential in this extra space?
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Come through here. It's a touch of Indiana Jones.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14That's the top of the chimney. All right.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Again, new oak floorboards in here.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19That's a really nice newly fitted bathroom, free-standing bath.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23We have this space which is done,
0:08:23 > 0:08:29but not finished, in the sense of, it needs a bit of a plaster, it could be a great guest room, this.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34- Absolutely.- A guest suite because they're on their own and they have their own en suite.- Yes.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37It tends to get more modern the higher you go.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Can we go any higher? - We could, but we might get wet!
0:08:40 > 0:08:44You really have bags of choice.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48This is a place you would probably live in for six months and then figure out how to work it.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Definitely.- Absolutely. Great.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57Go on then. Lead us down the stairs and let's look at the garden and see if that finishes the thing off.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03We come back out of the conservatory and explore this garden.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06I get the feeling this is bigger than what you had in mind.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09It's big. But I think it's just about manageable.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12I'd say that. It's manageable. It gives you plenty of scope.
0:09:12 > 0:09:18When the kids grow up, you can kick a football around. How do you feel about mowing the grass?
0:09:18 > 0:09:22You can start, have a half-time Pimms and then finish it off!
0:09:22 > 0:09:26So then, you said on the way in, Rosh, it was a lot of money.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I still think it's a lot of money.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I think it probably is. How much do you think it's going to cost you?
0:09:31 > 0:09:34I think it's well over our maximum.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I'd go at around £795,000.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I'd say it's a bit higher, I'd go £825,000.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42£825,000.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45You're both right.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Oh, right.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Wow.- You're both right because it was on for a bit more,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53it's been reduced to £795,000.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55OK.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57But as a property,
0:09:57 > 0:09:59it really suits you.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- I'd agree with that. - Go and mull it over.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04There's plenty of this house you can explore in more detail.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Go and enjoy yourselves and take a trip down memory lane.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- A bit of history for you. - Will do. Absolutely. See you later. - I'll catch up with you later.
0:10:16 > 0:10:22I like this property. I think it's what we were looking for in that it oozes character and charm.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27This is a great room and the floorboards are just brilliant.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Each bedroom is a decent size.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32It has real sort of charm about it.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I like that a lot.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35It's got a lot of potential.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39A lot more space than we'd have expected.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42I think it will work really, really well.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50For our next offering, we're going to join Alistair Appleton
0:10:50 > 0:10:55who was helping Loris and Wendy spend their £430,000 in the search for their ideal dream home.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59For the mystery house, he took them to a converted mill,
0:10:59 > 0:11:03which he also hoped would play to their other dream of owning a narrow boat.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09Alistair was taking Wendy and Loris to Farnhill,
0:11:09 > 0:11:12a small village in north Yorkshire.
0:11:12 > 0:11:17Farnhill is four miles from Skipton, one of the big towns in the area.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20How would you like to live in that house?
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- This one here?- With the parasol.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24- Good grief. Right on the canal.- Yeah.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27You couldn't get any nearer to the canal.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31You could watch people on the canal all day long. Let's have a look.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36This house might look small from the outside, but appearances can be deceiving.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39A former wool mill, it spreads over four floors,
0:11:39 > 0:11:43but I think it's biggest appeal is that it sits right on the canal,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48perfect for Loris and Wendy to enjoy their perfect pastimes of canal walks and narrow boating.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56These five terraces and these three cottages over here, these were the first buildings in Farnhill.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Right.- Pre-the Industrial Revolution boom at the end of the 18th century.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- In we go.- Thank you.
0:12:02 > 0:12:09Heading through the large hallway, you find the kitchen at the back of the property.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10Oh!
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Another big surprise.- Wow.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17You certainly have the table in here.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- What a kitchen. - Isn't this fantastic?
0:12:19 > 0:12:22You've got a great big country kitchen, but look at the views.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25And you've got the window seat again.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30The window seat, and you can see right over the Aire valley and you can see the canal.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- You could sit here with your breakfast watching people on their barges.- Brilliant.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37And then continuing the large theme...
0:12:37 > 0:12:38Another door.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41The surprisingly spacious...
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- How's this for a front room? - This is a good size.
0:12:45 > 0:12:51- Look at that picture window. - I was just going to say the same.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Well, space is definitely the theme in this house.
0:12:54 > 0:12:59There's also a large dining room on the ground floor which looks out at the front of the house,
0:12:59 > 0:13:02and plenty more upstairs.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04You could do country dancing in this landing.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- You could.- It's huge.- Brilliant.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10And there are four proper double bedrooms off this huge landing.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Two are at the top of the stairs, while the other two are at the other end.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17This one is being used as the master bedroom
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- largely because of the views, I should think. - The views are spectacular.- It is.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23It's a lovely sized room.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- There's plenty of space for everything.- You can do lots on this floor.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29If you keep on walking, there's a family bathroom on your right.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34It probably needs a bit of sprucing up, but it does have a separate shower.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39If you look through here, you have almost like a separate wing,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42you have an enormous walk-in toilet which could easily be an en suite.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48You've got here another good sized double. There's great potential here for developing this
0:13:48 > 0:13:51into a separate maybe rental unit,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- or as a guest wing. - I think it's...
0:13:54 > 0:13:57As you said, it's an unusual building.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00And I like it. Yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02It's a lot bigger.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- I prefer the front obviously because it's on a canal.- Yeah.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09But we honestly didn't expect the rooms to be this size either.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Why don't you head down those stairs?
0:14:11 > 0:14:15The second flight of stairs takes you back if you don't get lost.
0:14:15 > 0:14:20Back downstairs there are two more floors below the ground floor.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22First stop, the lower ground.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26This is a cellar and a half, isn't it?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- Gee.- This is actually not the cellar
0:14:28 > 0:14:32as we're stepping down the side of the dales. It's very deceptive.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- It is, isn't it? - So we're actually on a hill?
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Yes, it kind of does slope down to the canal, yeah.- Right.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41This floor has three rooms which are being used as an office,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44a utility room and a workshop.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47But this space could be turned into holiday lets
0:14:47 > 0:14:49if Loris and Wendy were prepared to put the work in.
0:14:49 > 0:14:55There's a separate entrance onto the street, so guests could come and go without disturbing them.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57And below this, there's even more.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Heavens, I love this space, it's so surprising.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07- Is this the cellar now?- No, there's another four storeys underneath!
0:15:07 > 0:15:10No, this is the bottom floor.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11It's massive, isn't it?
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- What impressions does it make on you? It's very striking.- It is.- It is.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- It's a great space, isn't it? - Yes, I could see a lot of work here.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25A lot of work. But you can see what you could do with the place.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- It's never-ending.- It's amazing.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29But, the best...
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Oh, more! LORIS CHUCKLES
0:15:33 > 0:15:37Oh, look at this. What more could you want, Loris?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40You couldn't get any closer. How much closer could you get?
0:15:40 > 0:15:42- You could be in the water! - You could be, yeah!
0:15:42 > 0:15:45How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:45 > 0:15:49I would say, because it needs quite a bit of work doing to it...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I'd say it's probably...
0:15:52 > 0:15:55about 385.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Mmm-hmm.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58I'd say, um...
0:15:58 > 0:16:00405?
0:16:01 > 0:16:02- 405?- Mmmm.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Ah, well. The property is actually on the market for...
0:16:07 > 0:16:09- £335,000. - Ah!- Jeez...
0:16:14 > 0:16:16When I initially saw the property,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20I thought it was perhaps not a very big property.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22From the outside, it didn't look particularly big.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Until we got through the door,
0:16:24 > 0:16:26I couldn't believe how many rooms there was.
0:16:26 > 0:16:32In fact, I got lost. I couldn't find my way around on my own, because there were so many rooms to look at.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35It does need a lot of work doing to it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38It's actually reflected in the price.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41We would have plenty of money left over
0:16:41 > 0:16:47to do up the property, and even possibly buy a narrow boat.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55We have had the chance to look back at some wonderful industrial conversions,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58but here in Somerset, we've got one with a difference.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01It's a beautiful old mill, but in the process of turning it
0:17:01 > 0:17:03into a wonderful and intriguing family home,
0:17:03 > 0:17:06the current owners are making best use of ancient energy
0:17:06 > 0:17:09to provide much-needed power for the future.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12I'm off to meet Keith and Mandy
0:17:12 > 0:17:15who live in this beautiful old snuff mill.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18They've managed to harness the power of the river
0:17:18 > 0:17:21and now use it to generate electricity.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26'Let's just hope they're in!'
0:17:26 > 0:17:28LOUD KNOCKING
0:17:30 > 0:17:34What a knocker! You can tell an engineer lives here, can't you?
0:17:34 > 0:17:35Hey! Keith.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- Very nice to see you. How are you?- Hello.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39- You must be Mandy. - Hello.- Nice to meet you.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- What a wonderful building.- It's fun.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Fun? I should think so, you've had a lot of fun.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46- How many door knockers are like that?- Not many.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50It's something I do when I'm bored, something ridiculous.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- I can't wait to see what you've done with the rest of it.- Good.- Come on in, have a look.- After you, sir.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- Wow.- This is it.- This is absolutely fantastic, isn't it?
0:17:59 > 0:18:02You really do know you're in a mill, don't you?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05I'm interested to know about how you power this place.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08I know you are making best use of the water source that was here.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10If you come this way, we'll have a look.
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Keith takes us through his workshop and into the powerhouse of his home.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- Right then. This is the old wheel pit.- Wow. Look at that.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24This is the old original water wheel. Dates from about 1850.
0:18:24 > 0:18:30This is the new contraption that I've built, which is a Kaplan turbine.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34That type of turbine would cost around £40,000 for the turbine alone.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38And not having £40,000 kicking around, I thought I would make one.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44- So the water comes through there and under the floor we're standing on? - If you move to one side, it comes...
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Oh, look at that. - There you go. There we are.
0:18:48 > 0:18:53That's amazing. And that is pretty much maintenance free now?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Yeah. You've got this sluice gate there which you can lift up
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and that will flush any small quantities of silt that end up in the wheel pit.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05'Keith's home-made generator only cost him £10,000 to make
0:19:05 > 0:19:09'and generates enough electricity to power four homes.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13'So the electricity he doesn't use can be sold back to the National Grid.
0:19:13 > 0:19:18'He estimates his generator will pay for itself in six years.'
0:19:18 > 0:19:21But free electricity isn't the only reason to live in a mill.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23There's also the question of space.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27On the first floor, Mandy and Keith have plenty of that.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- This is the attraction of buying a mill, I suppose.- Yeah.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33- This lovely sense of space you get.- Yeah.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35It's lovely to see it open like this.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40We've got these gorgeous elm floorboards which are three inches thick.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45After seeing the blank canvas that Mandy and Keith have to work with,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I was looking forward to seeing the living quarters on the second floor.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- This is really special, isn't it? - Yeah.- Really special.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58You get a real sense of how you've been able to use the blank space of down below
0:19:58 > 0:20:00to provide your living.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- I love the fact you've left it right open through the centre of it.- Yeah.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07We've done things like painting the girders
0:20:07 > 0:20:09a nice Victorian red sort of colour,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11and a lot of our stuff we've got
0:20:11 > 0:20:15from car boot sales, or second-hand or skips.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- We've recycled it. We made the big table we've got here. - That's a beauty.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23On this floor, they also have two bedrooms,
0:20:23 > 0:20:24a quirky bathroom,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27complete with dials to monitor hot water
0:20:27 > 0:20:30and a unique kitchen and living space.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- This is very nice, isn't it? Very lovely.- It's more civilised than the rest of it.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38I can see the radiators here, they're all powered how?
0:20:38 > 0:20:44They're powered by a biomass heater, a big machine in the shed that eats sawdust and wood shavings.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- Is that expensive to run?- Free.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- The heat's free, the electricity free, what about the gas? - Gas we pay for.
0:20:50 > 0:20:56I think the last quarterly bill was nine quid, which was a shocker. It's normally about £6!
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Upstairs, there are even more energy saving devices.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Here we are.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Ooh, some sunshine!
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- This is a lovely view of the Somerset levels.- Isn't it gorgeous?
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It's nice and green, and you don't have to mow it!
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Then you've got solar panels.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17This does all our water heating for the summer.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20This is a DIY kit.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The panels were about £400 each.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26We've also got a big water tank down the end of the roof garden
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- so we can save of rain water, for the washing.- I really am impressed.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Well done to the pair of you. - Thank you.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Now, for all of this talk of free energy, do you think we have enough to put the kettle on?
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- Hydro-powered cup of tea? We can do it.- Go on, then!
0:21:39 > 0:21:42I've been waiting for that all day.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50For our final property, and certainly one of my favourites,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52I'm going to take you back to East Devon
0:21:52 > 0:21:54where I had the pleasure of showing Mandy and Gary around
0:21:54 > 0:21:59and trying to relieve them of £600,000 of their hard-earned money.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04Now, for that, they wanted a nice big spacious family home, a big garden, and plenty of storage space.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07But strangely on the list of requirements they gave me
0:22:07 > 0:22:10there was no mention of a working water wheel in the kitchen.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12But that's exactly what they got.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I was taking Gary and Mandy to the village of Dunkeswell
0:22:19 > 0:22:21five miles from Honiton.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27It's a rural farming village with a real sense of community.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30But was it a community that Mandy and Gary would want to join?
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Something very different,
0:22:32 > 0:22:35but I think finished to a fantastic standard.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- All of that is what you get. - Very pretty, isn't it?- It is.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41It's an old mill house. At one end is the old mill itself,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44the workings of the mill, some of which survived.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48The old bakery there in the middle,
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- and at this end the old miller's house.- Wonderful.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55And you get lots of stuff with it, which we can explore a little later.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00A good start outside, but wait until they see how lovingly this property has been restored
0:23:00 > 0:23:03to show off its very unique features.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08Right, guys. Let's start in here. Can you hear that noise?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I can. Water somewhere.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Running water. Another clue to the origins of this building, it being an old mill.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16But it's all given away in here.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Now...
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Beautiful kitchen. They still have the water wheel.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Look at that.- Oh, what? - That is the real thing.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30That's part of the old mill and the workings, can you see that gearing?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Outside there would have been a great big wheel, fed by the water.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37That would turn, turning all those other cogs in turn
0:23:37 > 0:23:39to drive the shaft going through the ceiling above
0:23:39 > 0:23:45- which we'll explore later. - I love the idea of that being there, it's really quirky.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I love the Aga there.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49It's got a nice feel to the kitchen.
0:23:49 > 0:23:55Now, we're kind of coming into the old miller's house bit as you can probably tell.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58A nice big inglenook there. I think it's smashing.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59It is. It's fabulous.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Double study for you both.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03- Double.- Double study. That's what you wanted?
0:24:03 > 0:24:06- It would be more than big enough. - Yeah.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09You don't need this you've got this. Have a look.
0:24:09 > 0:24:14Would you have enough room to work in here and not fight too much?
0:24:14 > 0:24:20- It looks as though we have separate areas, which is great. It's huge, isn't it?- How about it?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23The only question is who gets the window?
0:24:23 > 0:24:25That's pretty much the downstairs.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28But upstairs, one or two more things, one or two more
0:24:28 > 0:24:30mill kind of things as well. Come and have a look.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Now, you thought there was only one living room. But there are two.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Goodness me.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- You've got this one to play as well. - I didn't expect this.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47What about that?
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- Oh, good grief. - That's the grindstone. - That's the original grindstone.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Nice feature to have in the corner of your second living room. Is it growing on you?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57It is, actually.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- Yes.- Come through here.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03There are four bedrooms in this place, one in the eaves, and on
0:25:03 > 0:25:08the first floor there is a compact single and a bright and airy double.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12A family bathroom with locally sourced oak flooring,
0:25:12 > 0:25:14and then there's the master.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17It's quite big because of the built-in wardrobes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:18It's deceiving.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Yeah. They are not original as such.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23But very much in keeping.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- But that is, that fireplace, very, very sweet. Cast iron.- Very nice.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Very nice.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31So that's the mystery house inside.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But, my goodness, is there a lot outside.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Now...
0:25:37 > 0:25:40..that's what all the fuss is about. That's the old mill race itself.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43This is superb. A cute little bridge.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I love the sound of the running water, it's so therapeutic.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It's really nice. It's really sweet.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Where does this water go here?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54This runs out and through to a number of ponds.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Come and have a look.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Right.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Let's start exploring all that this place has to offer.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08Look across there. That meadow and the bank
0:26:08 > 0:26:11and the pond that's over in those trees is all part of what you get here.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13You've got about two acres.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- Amazing, isn't it?- It's like a little nature reserve over here.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Really. But there's more.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22There's more. Come with me.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26Another huge pond full of trout.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Right.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Brollies! Get your brolly out, Gary.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34Oh, my goodness me. If there wasn't enough water
0:26:34 > 0:26:37in this property, we've got tonnes of it coming from the sky again!
0:26:37 > 0:26:40The other thing, you've also got that building over there.
0:26:40 > 0:26:47Now, that's currently a workshop, part of the original buildings that were associated with the mill.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Now £600,000, it's the mystery house.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53It really is one in a million. Let's face it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55£585,000.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- You'd be lucky! - JULES LAUGHS
0:26:58 > 0:27:00- Go on, Gary? - I think it would be over budget,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03over our budget, probably £610,000.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I'll put you out of your misery.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10It's on the market for £645,000.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Is it really? We were way out.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Way off. But you know, it's a lot of house to take in.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18It's so highly finished in terms of decor.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Exactly. Yeah. Guys, go and have a good look around.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- Thank you.- I'll catch up with a little bit later.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31I think this is really the wow-factor property.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35You get such a different perspective up here, don't you?
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- It's all on different levels.- Yes.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41The gardens are finished to the same spec as the house.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- It's beautiful, isn't it? - It's lovely.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48Every room was a surprise, from the water wheel onwards.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Even outside, there were more mysteries
0:27:50 > 0:27:54with regards to the garden and lakes and so forth.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Well, in short, a fantastic property and a fantastic conversion.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05It just goes to show what can happen when you get it just right.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09It's a wonderful way to end this very special edition of Escape To The Country
0:28:09 > 0:28:15and our review of some of the best industrial conversions we've on the show. I hope it's inspired you.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19Don't be worried, there are plenty still out there. Fancy a project?
0:28:19 > 0:28:20I'll see you next time.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:28:54 > 0:28:56E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk