0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I'm in a county of mist, myth and legend.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07This forest has remained pretty much untouched
0:00:07 > 0:00:09for thousands of years.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12It's still home to Britain's largest land mammal.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Where am I? Join me in a minute to find out.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33We're helping a couple swap the big smoke for a holiday home in the West Country.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37But they have their eye on more than just a property.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39We like their furniture, actually!
0:00:39 > 0:00:42They have a tempting offer for me.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44You can come and be our designer!
0:00:44 > 0:00:46There's a master plan behind this!
0:00:46 > 0:00:50But will they take the plunge on any of our offerings?
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- What do you think? - It's within the range, definitely!
0:00:55 > 0:00:57Oh, you hold so much in!
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Today I'm in Somerset, and these are the Quantock Hills,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12and, over the years, home to wild beasts like the brown bear and the wolf.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Now they're both extinct,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17it's the red deer that's king of the hill.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21I'm told there are still about 800 roaming through this land.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23But if you're wandering through Somerset,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26there's plenty more for you to see.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Sandwiched between Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire in the West Country,
0:01:30 > 0:01:35Somerset is a perfect destination for those seeking some rural R&R.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38With around 3,000 farms in the county,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42you'll find more four-legged friends than you can count in your sleep!
0:01:42 > 0:01:45And whilst not as overrun as next-door Devon,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48it still has plenty of pull for holidaymakers and house-buyers alike.
0:01:48 > 0:01:53Its natural assets include three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Exmoor National Park
0:01:55 > 0:01:57and Britain's largest gorge at Cheddar.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01If that's not enough for outdoor enthusiasts,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04there's also around 50 miles of coastline to explore.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Venture north and you find the stylish city of Bath,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11the only entire city in the UK to achieve World Heritage Status,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14thanks to its incredibly rich architecture and town planning.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19The county is also home to the mystical and musical Glastonbury.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23It's peppered with a myriad of beautiful stone villages.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26This keeps visitors coming back with an estimated
0:02:26 > 0:02:292.7 million overnight trips made each year.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Somerset has long been attractive to city dwellers from London and the Southeast
0:02:35 > 0:02:37looking for a slice of the rural life.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40With 25,000 of them moving here every year,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43the main reasons for that move are improved quality of life,
0:02:43 > 0:02:45short commuter distances
0:02:45 > 0:02:50and the highest percentage of first-choice secondary schools in the area.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54With so much demand, as you can imagine, the prices are high.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57The average detached house comes in at six per cent more
0:02:57 > 0:02:59than the national average.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02But if you're clever, your money can go that bit further.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05If you move to south Somerset, although not as commutable,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08the prices are 19% cheaper than the north in areas like Bath.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13Here's a selection of properties at all prices for you to look at.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17If you're after country living but like your mod cons,
0:03:17 > 0:03:21then this five-bed executive home, six miles from Bath, is for you.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Spacious, contemporary accommodation plus flamboyant features
0:03:25 > 0:03:29will set you back a cool £1.25 million.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32For something more cosy,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35how about this three-bed 18th-century cottage outside Wells.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Inside it's packed with character features
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and outside there's no shortage of space with a 0.25-acre paddock.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46You could ride off with this one for £515,000.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51And finally, head to the popular Exmoor village of Withypool
0:03:51 > 0:03:56and you could snap up this pretty two-bed cottage for £325,000.
0:03:56 > 0:04:02It has two reception rooms and you could stock up your country kitchen from your own veggie plot!
0:04:02 > 0:04:06What a great selection of properties for all budgets.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Time now to find out why today's buyers
0:04:08 > 0:04:12are ready to make their escape to the country.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Company secretary Jonathan and events organiser Lynne
0:04:17 > 0:04:19have been together for three years.
0:04:19 > 0:04:25They share a four-bed Edwardian house in Southfields, London, which Jonathan has owned for ten years.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28However, the recent arrival of daughter Ellie-May
0:04:28 > 0:04:31has made them rethink their future.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35We'd like a change of scenery, change of lifestyle, a different pace
0:04:35 > 0:04:37and surroundings.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39They're not doing anything by half measures.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We're looking for a business as well as a home.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45Holiday lets or B&Bs, or a combination of them.
0:04:45 > 0:04:52That sounds suspiciously like a lot of property. What exactly do they have in mind?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54From the business side of the property,
0:04:54 > 0:05:01if it's holiday lets, we're looking at a minimum of five, maybe six, holiday cottages
0:05:01 > 0:05:03to make it viable as a business. As a B&B,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06it would need to be maybe ten-plus en-suite rooms
0:05:06 > 0:05:09plus our own accommodation.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Or it could be a combination of holiday lets and B&B.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17That's the guests taken care of. But what about the family home?
0:05:17 > 0:05:23We'd need a minimum of two bedrooms. One for us and one for the baby.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27And a kitchen, lounge, maybe a dining room or a study.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29If it were bigger, that would be great.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32Big ambitions all round, then.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35But what does the dream property look like?
0:05:35 > 0:05:41- In terms of style, we prefer period properties.- But we are open to
0:05:41 > 0:05:43whatever is there.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47There's always the possibility of changing a place.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52Having homed in on Somerset, Lynne and Jonathan have already viewed a few properties.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I'm guessing they'll have a good idea about location.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Ideally, we'd like to live in a rural location,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02somewhere not too far from a decent-sized town
0:06:02 > 0:06:04or a village.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It would be nice to be near the coast
0:06:07 > 0:06:11but that's not vital.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Before they can open up for business,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17they need to know exactly how much they'll have to invest in Somerset.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21We've invited a local agent in to value their London home.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Fantastic detached house in a very sought-after area in Southfields.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Close to local amenities and transports.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Very much sought-after.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I'd value this property at £1.1 million.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37With that in mind, what's the final spend for the big move?
0:06:37 > 0:06:42In terms of budget, we're looking up to about £1.2 million.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50Wow! I don't think we've ever been asked to search for such a mammoth property portfolio.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54We need to find a house with half a dozen holiday lets
0:06:54 > 0:07:00or a country pad that comes complete with ten en-suite B&B rooms. But there are two problems here.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05First, the lack of properties on the market that are going to fit
0:07:05 > 0:07:07that huge ask.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Secondly, this is Somerset.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11And it's not cheap.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16As location could mean make or break to the success of the business,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19we start today's search on the Somerset/Devon border,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22close to the ever-popular Exmoor National Park
0:07:22 > 0:07:23in prime tourist territory.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27We'll be viewing some fabulous homes with business potential,
0:07:27 > 0:07:32But I'll be keeping tight-lipped on the price tags until the end of the tours.
0:07:32 > 0:07:38The last of the three is the Mystery House, which could have them rethinking their plans.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43- Hi, Lynne.- Morning, Denise.- Hello! - A gorgeous morning. Loving it.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46What a beautiful day for house-hunting in Somerset.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I love this county. What's the draw for you?
0:07:49 > 0:07:53I think the lovely countryside, near the coast as well.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57And not too far from London and family and friends and so on.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01- So a great location for us.- This move isn't just find me a new home.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04It's find me a new life. You want a new business.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Tell me about that.- We'd like a property with holiday lets.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Maybe self-catering cottages,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14potentially B&B as well, or instead of.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16And a beautiful home for us as well.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20And you're confident your budget can get you everything you want?
0:08:20 > 0:08:21Hopefully! We'll see.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Wishful thinking! Where will you compromise?
0:08:25 > 0:08:29You know what it's like, house-hunting. Especially with so many different options.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Will it be the house or the holiday lets? Where will the give be?
0:08:33 > 0:08:37I think the house. I think we'd really like to have a business
0:08:37 > 0:08:41that people would find attractive and come back again.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43So potentially we'd compromise on the house.
0:08:43 > 0:08:49Yes. The location is key. It's got to be attractive to draw people to it.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- And so...- Attractive location, great holiday lets and a shed for you two!
0:08:54 > 0:08:58No problem! We've got some great properties to show you. It's a beautiful day.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Let's get going!
0:09:01 > 0:09:051.2 million might be a super-sized budget,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08but it's a super-sized property we're looking for.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10A home and business combo.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15For the family accommodation, Jonathan and Lynne would like two bedrooms
0:09:15 > 0:09:17a big kitchen and a couple of reception rooms.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21For the business, they're after five holiday lets to run
0:09:21 > 0:09:23or a house with B&B potential.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26The whole package needs to be set in plenty of land
0:09:26 > 0:09:28in a rural location.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32It's a big challenge, but we're not afraid of hard graft on this show!
0:09:32 > 0:09:36I just wonder if they know what they're letting themselves in for.
0:09:37 > 0:09:42How's it going to work with the business? You're still working in London, Jonathan?
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Yes, I'm going to be commuting up on a weekly basis
0:09:45 > 0:09:48and Lynne is going to run the show down here.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52Obviously I'll be back at weekends to help out.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54If we have a holiday-let business,
0:09:54 > 0:09:58most of the work, the changeover days, would be at the weekend.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02I think it will be hard work, but we're both used to hard work
0:10:02 > 0:10:03and we'll really enjoy it.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Our first property is situated in a very rural setting
0:10:08 > 0:10:10on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13The nearest village, Dulverton, is eight miles away.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18This southern gateway to Exmoor nestles between the rivers Barle and Exe.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22Traditional old-fashioned appeal in the shape of antique shops,
0:10:22 > 0:10:24farm shops and a couple of good country pubs
0:10:24 > 0:10:27make it a popular destination for holidaymakers.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Leaving the village behind, we're heading into the open countryside
0:10:31 > 0:10:36for our first viewing, a Victorian farmhouse which has been restored by its current owners
0:10:36 > 0:10:40and offers up a multitude of business opportunities.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Let's see if it will work for them.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46- What a place to have a holiday let business.- Beautiful.
0:10:46 > 0:10:47You may have noticed
0:10:47 > 0:10:50as we walked down, the stables over there.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Imagine riding out into Exmoor. And your guests could do that too.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59But it's not just about the stables. This property comes with 19 acres.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00- Wow!- Great!
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Two holiday lets...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04and this is the house.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Yes, it looks really hopeful.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Hopeful. Excited? Let's have a look at the house.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Straight into the kitchen, the heart of the home.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20It's lovely and warm, because of that beast over there!
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- The biggest range I've ever seen! - Fantastic.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- It's been really nicely done. - Lovely.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It's nice and open as well. Light. - Yeah.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34And it does extend up here, so you've got plenty of dining space.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- It has a nice feel to it. A homely feel.- Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38This is just the beginning.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- There's so much more to this house before we get to the holiday lets. Come this way.- Great.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48The finishing on this property is just fantastic.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- Yes, yes. What a great room, isn't it?- Lovely, yeah.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- We've got big furniture, haven't we? - Traditional antique-type stuff.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59It would blend in here quite nicely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- We quite like their furniture, actually!- Get that thrown in!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Do a deal!
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It feels like a really comfortable room, actually.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10Can't get too comfy! You've got work to do!
0:12:10 > 0:12:14But when you want to relax you have here, or through here.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17You have yet another reception room.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Lovely fireplace again. - It's an unusual layout,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- having two reception rooms.- It is. Would you keep it that way?
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- One for you, one for you!- We could think about different uses. Maybe a library.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- Yeah.- A playroom, maybe?- A playroom.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Ellie-May would take over this room, wouldn't she!
0:12:35 > 0:12:40'Of course, if they decide to combine a B&B with the holiday lets,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44'then it could be a dining room or reception room for guests,
0:12:44 > 0:12:49'because upstairs there are plenty of bedrooms. So a B&B is entirely viable.'
0:12:49 > 0:12:53There are five bedrooms and one family bathroom up here.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Let's take a look at this room.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58Another room that delivers.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Lovely.- Totally. It's so bright.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04There'd be nothing to do in here, work-wise.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06Do you think it's got the potential to be a B&B?
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- It definitely has.- We'd only need two bedrooms.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13It's certainly large enough for it.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17We'd have to check whether the location works for a B&B.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19It's right for holiday cottages,
0:13:19 > 0:13:23but you need to be confident that there's things in the area
0:13:23 > 0:13:25that people need to stay nearby for.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- 19 acres, you can create things for them!- Yeah!
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Off the hallway are two more spacious doubles.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36And a slightly smaller one, used as a laundry room,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38but which could be Ellie-May's bedroom.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40There's also a very elegant family bathroom.
0:13:41 > 0:13:48Well, master bedroom, which I think is about the same size as the guest rooms.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52But this one comes with an en-suite shower room, behind that door,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55and behind here is all your wardrobe space.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- OK.- It's pretty deep. - Lovely.- It's not bad.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59Yes.
0:13:59 > 0:14:04The house is obviously working as a home and potentially a small B&B.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07But let's get down to the real business.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Top priority is holiday lets. This property comes with two detached cottages.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Not the five they're after,
0:14:14 > 0:14:16but they are sizeable.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18One has two double bedrooms and a single
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and an open-plan kitchen/diner-living room.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27To give them an idea of what they'll be getting, we're looking at the two-bed cottage.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32So this is the smaller of the two holiday lets.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- But it still looks pretty spacious. - Yes, absolutely.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Yes, very cosy.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- It's a good-sized room. - Open plan, two bedrooms,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- one twin, one double, and a nice-sized bathroom as well.- Great.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47Let's look at the bedrooms.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50This is not bad at all, is it?
0:14:50 > 0:14:53No. I'd be happy to stay here.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It is just what you're looking for,
0:14:55 > 0:15:00but the issue with this property is that there are only two holiday lets.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Have you done the maths already? How much do you need to earn?
0:15:03 > 0:15:08I think from places we've seen so far and the calculations we've done,
0:15:08 > 0:15:14probably we would need about five or six holiday lets to make it viable.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16OK. Well, with what they have here,
0:15:16 > 0:15:20I'm told they currently make about 25,000 a year from the two.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22That's only on about half occupancy.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25If they really went for it, they'd expect about 35.
0:15:25 > 0:15:31So we need to find you some options for the extra three or four holiday lets, don't we?
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Mm-hm.- We do, yes. - I have some ideas. Follow me.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40Yes, out in the garden, we may have just the thing.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48You've got the glorious pond over there. Really huge. Lots of little friends come to visit!
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Don't be distracted, because this is what I wanted to show you.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Lots of potential here for those additional lets.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58This stable area did have planning permission to become two holiday lets.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03That's lapsed now, but I wanted to show it to you as an idea of what you could do here.
0:16:03 > 0:16:08- Wow. It's quite incredible, isn't it?- Up to now we have been looking at
0:16:08 > 0:16:09up-and-running businesses.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11But we haven't ruled this out
0:16:11 > 0:16:17and this could lend itself to making some really nice cottages, I think.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Bit of work. And, of course,
0:16:20 > 0:16:23that raises the question of how much it would cost to do that.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27Let's go look at the garden and start thinking about the price
0:16:27 > 0:16:29because it's time to guess the price.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Building work isn't something they've considered before,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35but I'm glad they seem open to the idea.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Of course it all depends on the all-important price.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43You've done some research, so I'm interested to see what you think.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47How much do you think you'd have to pay for a property like this?
0:16:47 > 0:16:52As a wild guess, there's a lot here anyway, but we need to reserve some of our budget
0:16:52 > 0:16:56to convert the other cottages, so possibly over a million.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00One million and 50,000. Something like that.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04I'd say slightly more than that. I'd say about 1.2.
0:17:04 > 0:17:071.2. So right up there at the top of your budget.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Well, you're the winner of this one.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- Excellent.- This property is on the market at £1 million exactly.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17So actually under your budget.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Which does leave you quite a bit of room to manoeuvre
0:17:20 > 0:17:23in terms of renovating the other stable block.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Lots to consider. Have a wander round the other holiday let
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- and I'll see you a bit later on. - OK.- Thanks.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Well, this isn't a bad start at all.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Bang on £1 million, the farmhouse itself exceeds expectations.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44There's space for B&B accommodation.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47But the real going concern is the two holiday lets,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50which already earn 25,000 a year.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Add to that the stable blocks ripe for conversion
0:17:52 > 0:17:55and they could have two or three more.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57If that wasn't already enough,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00they also get 19 acres and an American-style stable.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04All they need are the horses and they could be galloping away
0:18:04 > 0:18:06with a really successful business.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10There's a lot of potential in the outbuildings that could be converted
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and the land is fantastic with the pond and ducks.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15It's really idyllic.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18We could see ourselves here as a family.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20It's a lovely family home.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23We need to do our sums and see whether it works as a business.
0:18:23 > 0:18:28- This is a big room, isn't it? - Yeah. Good size.- Nice open plan.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I like the beams as well. Again, the fireplace.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38They must be lost! Aha! There you are!
0:18:38 > 0:18:41There was so much to see, even in there, wasn't there?
0:18:41 > 0:18:45But our journey is only just beginning. There's lots more to do. Let's go.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55Part of running any holiday business is knowing the local area
0:18:55 > 0:18:57like the back of your hand. Earlier in the week,
0:18:57 > 0:19:03Jonathan and Lynne headed off to one of Somerset's most intriguing and popular destinations -
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Glastonbury - to meet up with Graham Coles...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08BELL RINGS Oyez!
0:19:08 > 0:19:13..a man who knows the importance of talking up a town. Say "Glastonbury"
0:19:13 > 0:19:19and most of us conjure up images of a very muddy music festival.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24But forget the main stage, this is a fascinating town, positively swathed in myth and legend,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27starting with the remains of the Abbey.
0:19:27 > 0:19:28So, what's the history of the Abbey?
0:19:28 > 0:19:34The history of the Abbey goes back to Joseph of Arimathea, who was Jesus Christ's uncle
0:19:34 > 0:19:38and is supposed to have bought Jesus Christ here as a boy child.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42The legend goes that Joseph and his followers
0:19:42 > 0:19:46built the first church in England on this site here,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and it was a wattle and daub church.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54These ruins are of a 12th-century abbey, believed to have been
0:19:54 > 0:19:57one of the wealthiest in Britain, second only to Westminster.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539,
0:20:00 > 0:20:04it still has links to the most mystical monarch of all.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07So, Graham, tell me about King Arthur and Glastonbury.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Well, it goes back to the monks in 1191 when they discovered his body
0:20:11 > 0:20:1712 foot into the ground. In 1278, his remains were bought into
0:20:17 > 0:20:21the church here, and witnessed by Edward I
0:20:21 > 0:20:25and Queen Eleanor. For many years, pilgrims
0:20:25 > 0:20:29used to come here to touch the shrine. which they do today.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Many people still believe in the history and legend of Arthur.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38Somerset is known to be a very spiritual place,
0:20:38 > 0:20:40and Glastonbury Tor stands as a proud reminder
0:20:40 > 0:20:42of the mysteries that shroud this county.
0:20:42 > 0:20:47This 500 ft conical hill is said to have been an Arthurian hillfort,
0:20:47 > 0:20:53The home of the Celtic king of the fairies, and even the resting place of the Holy Grail.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Fact or fiction, you decide.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58But it's definitely worth the 20-minute hike up the hill
0:20:58 > 0:21:01to check out the Grade I-listed 15th-century St Michael's Church,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04of which just the tower remains today. As for the views...
0:21:04 > 0:21:06well, they speak for themselves.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12For our second offering, we're hopping over the border into Devon
0:21:12 > 0:21:16to the outskirts of Bampton, south of Exmoor National Park.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20Once again, it's a tourist hotspot and it's pretty as a picture.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23It's won Britain In Bloom no less than six times
0:21:23 > 0:21:25and the whole town is a conservation area.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31Amenities include a butcher, a baker, a greengrocer and the all-important pub.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Our property is just a few miles away.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39For this property, we've come over the border into Devon.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42But I think you know where you are already, sort of.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46We have come across this property on the internet.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- In the past.- It's one we wanted to look at, actually,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51so it's great that we're here.
0:21:51 > 0:21:58I can picture why it hit your list, because this is the house, this is your main living accommodation,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01but it comes with five ready-to-go holiday lets.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06It's right there with your criteria. It's bringing a huge smile out of you, Lynne.
0:22:06 > 0:22:13- What's the big grin for?- I'm really pleased it's one we identified and weren't able to see previously.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18So it's really good to be here. If I remember, it's got some leisure facilities.
0:22:18 > 0:22:23Yeah, just there. A swimming pool, sauna and gym over there.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- While we're standing here, what about the house?- Really pretty.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- It's very picturesque.- It's got a lot of history to it as well.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34It dates back to about 1590, parts of it. It's Grade II listed.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37There have been some extensions. There's plenty to see.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Let's have a look.- Thanks.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42'The pool and spa add real market appeal to this business,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45'whilst the house itself has oodles of period charm
0:22:45 > 0:22:50'and versatile living spaces which Jonathan and Lynne could put their own stamp on.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53'Fingers crossed it lives up to expectations.'
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Come through to what I think is a pretty good-sized kitchen.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03It's a nice big space. It's got everything you need, hasn't it? More, probably.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06It's nice being open into the next room as well.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08I always like that feel.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10Let's walk down and take a closer look.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14This is an extension, as I think you can tell.
0:23:14 > 0:23:18It's been sympathetically done. What would you do with the space?
0:23:18 > 0:23:22- Um...- It looks like it could be a good playroom, actually.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27What makes you think that? I think it's rather generous for a playroom, myself!
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Can I come and live with you?
0:23:29 > 0:23:34It's certainly a nice room to be in during the day
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- with that great view. - Let me show you more.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47- You have a living room area here which is still pretty big, as well as the family room.- Yes.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49It's really warm and cosy.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54Yes, it could be really cosy on a winter's evening. A nice fireplace.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57With the beams. Yes, very nice.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Cosy it is. But there's plenty more of it.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04Across the hallway is a separate dining room and a study.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07That's the ground floor. Time to head upstairs.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Cottages can often feel smaller when you get upstairs, but here,
0:24:11 > 0:24:15you have so much more room than you'd expect.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Three good-sized bedrooms this way
0:24:17 > 0:24:20and a family bathroom.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- And this door separates off the master wing.- Ooh, wow!
0:24:24 > 0:24:26Let's look at one of the rooms.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- Welcome to the master suite.- Wow. - Yeah.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- Oh, yes.- Again, lots of character, isn't there?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39It's like a little adventure on this side.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43Because this room leads through to a nursery.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47So Ellie-May would be just next door. Let's have a look.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53Would you keep it as a nursery?
0:24:53 > 0:24:57We might. It's pretty sweet, the way it's done at the moment.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Or maybe a dressing room.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01I'd be going with the dressing room.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Plenty of other rooms for the baby, suddenly!
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Ellie will want more space as she grows up.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Mummy needs a place for clothes and shoes and handbags!
0:25:11 > 0:25:14I think it could work in all seriousness
0:25:14 > 0:25:17because just through here you also have your bathroom.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21Making that all one big master suite would really work.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25You could take out the wardrobes in there and have even more space.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29While you're working so hard, running your business,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- you need a sanctuary.- Yes.- You can come and be our designer.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36There you go! There's a master plan behind this.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39'I would say that's a definitive thumbs-up to the house.'
0:25:41 > 0:25:45Right. Now it's time to talk about the holiday lets.
0:25:45 > 0:25:50This property comes with five, all ready to go. Two down there,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54one just behind the house here, one to your right,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57but the first one to look at is that one there.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59'In total, the cottages sleep 22.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03'They're in good decorative order. To see what they could be investing in,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06'we're looking at the detached two-bed.'
0:26:08 > 0:26:15This holiday let used to be the old grain store. It was converted in 1989, a good 20 years ago.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19- It has a great feel to it.- Yes. It feels like quality accommodation.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24'It's worth bearing in mind that all the cottages have a four-star rating
0:26:24 > 0:26:26'from a leading internet tourism site.'
0:26:26 > 0:26:33- The character continues upstairs. - Definitely. Fab room.- It is nice. - Great views.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35Got the beams, see the stonework.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Yes.- There's another next door. After you.- Lovely.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Oh, this is a lovely room.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- It's gorgeous, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- Again, full of character. Plenty of space.- Very light.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- And a great example of what you'd get, if you go with this property. - Totally.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55So now you've got the flavour,
0:26:55 > 0:27:00let's find somewhere idyllic for you to consider how much it'll all cost.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04All this will, of course, be a huge investment.
0:27:04 > 0:27:09But the holiday lets already bring in an average of around £60,000 a year, so are good to go.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Lynne and Jonathan have already seen this one on the internet
0:27:13 > 0:27:16so I imagine they'll have a pretty good idea of its price.
0:27:17 > 0:27:22I think that this property is very much about this view.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- Fantastic.- Isn't it great? - Yeah, stunning.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27So how much do you think this property is worth?
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- Starting with you, Lynne.- I think it's just over a million, perhaps up to 1.1 million.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- Jonathan?- Lynne's probably stolen my guess,
0:27:37 > 0:27:42but I'll hazard one million and 75,000.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47You're both very close. This was on the market originally at 1.25.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49But it's just come down to 1.15.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- That's good.- Good. Big smile.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55What do you think, Jonathan?
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Yep, it's within the range, definitely.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Oh, you hold so much in!
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Fabulous location, five holiday lets all good to go
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and a pretty good house. It's good.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11So off you go and start considering how you'd spend that extra cash
0:28:11 > 0:28:14and I'll wander round somewhere else.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Thank you.- See you later.- Bye.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19On the market for £1.15 million,
0:28:19 > 0:28:21this looks like a very healthy option.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24The farmhouse is positively huge
0:28:24 > 0:28:26with three reception rooms and five bedrooms.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29It comes with five ready-to-run holiday lets,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32bringing in a substantial annual revenue.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35The whole package is exactly what they asked for.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38The swimming pool, gym and sauna are added pluses.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The 1.4 acres of land should be manageable enough.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43I think we could have another contender.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- This is a lovely room.- Yes, it is.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Really warm.- It is cosy.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51You could separate that off there if you wanted to,
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- to let out a one-bedroomed cottage with a bathroom.- Yes.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- And let the rest of it separately. - Or even B&B.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00This is very near the dream.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03It's exactly what we envisaged.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08It is a business that's fully up and running and operational and doing quite well.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12We could move in and run the business as it is, I think.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15Well, you can't say fairer than that.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18But that's it for our first day of house-hunting here in Somerset,
0:29:18 > 0:29:25so it's back to base for Jonathan and Lynne to weigh up the pros and cons of each property.
0:29:25 > 0:29:26So, how do you think today went?
0:29:26 > 0:29:30I think we've seen two great properties, really.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35The Livery was beautifully done, beautifully finished.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37The two cottages were very nice.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43And I think we could really put our mark on cottages we converted.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- Yes.- And also increase the value of the property.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48What did you think of the other one?
0:29:48 > 0:29:54I was really excited by that property. We could move in there and that business would be
0:29:54 > 0:29:57up and running and we'd be happy to run it as it is.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Beautiful swimming pool.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04The location was fantastic, the views were really quite breathtaking.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Stunning views. And there are five very good cottages there.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Two serious contenders. - Yes. Definitely.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Jonathan and Lynne want to leave London behind to set up a home
0:30:25 > 0:30:28and holiday business in Somerset.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30So far, we've had a lot of fun.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38But coming up - will they be tempted by a very serious offer?
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Wow!
0:30:40 > 0:30:42Wow indeed!
0:30:45 > 0:30:49However, before any more properties, time for something different.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51One misty morning during the week,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54I rose at the crack of dawn and headed for the hills.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56The Quantocks.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Renowned for their heath and woodland,
0:30:58 > 0:31:04the hills are home to an abundance of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Ranger of 21 years Tim Russell
0:31:06 > 0:31:08kindly offered to be my guide.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- What will we be able to see here today? - Hopefully, some wild red deer.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16This is a very interesting time of year.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19It's the time of the rut when the wild red deer are quite active,
0:31:19 > 0:31:23particularly the males, who try and protect a group of female deer,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27a harem of hinds, from their competitors, other males.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30So it's an ideal time of year for that.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35If we're lucky, we may hear the roaring sound they make, which is primeval, quite exciting.
0:31:35 > 0:31:39And we may see them shooing other deer off and defending their area.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- It's getting pretty nippy. Shall we go?- Let's go.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44'The rutting season is relatively short.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47'It starts in October and by November it's over.
0:31:47 > 0:31:53'The herd here numbers around 800. During the rut, they congregate on high ground,
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'so that's where we're heading.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00'Owned by a combination of the National Trust, the council and private landowners,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02'the public has the right to roam.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04'But unless you're with a ranger,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07'cars aren't permitted on the hilltops.'
0:32:07 > 0:32:12I've heard during the rutting season these animals can get pretty angry.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16I don't know about angry. They like to defend their ground. Basically,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20their idea is to breed with the females and push anybody else out.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23They get less cautious of people
0:32:23 > 0:32:26and the surroundings because their minds are on one thing.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- Are we safe here?- We're pretty safe.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30You're with me!
0:32:30 > 0:32:33We're safe here. We're a few hundred yards away from...
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- DISTANT BELLOWING - What was that? It was a grunting sound.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's their way of establishing their spot, basically.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44The bigger stags have a deeper sound, the Barry White sort of thing!
0:32:45 > 0:32:50- They're the prime stags. - They establish by their size and sounds...
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- Yes.- ..Their dominance.- Absolutely.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55The bigger stags are generally older, too.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59They have a larger set of antlers, which are more impressive weaponry as well.
0:32:59 > 0:33:05- They're about a kilometre away, across two little valleys.- How close
0:33:05 > 0:33:07have you ever got to them?
0:33:07 > 0:33:08Ooh, erm...
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- Close enough!- Close enough to be a little bit scared.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It's a balance cos you don't want to interfere with them.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18You don't want to disturb them.
0:33:18 > 0:33:24One of the messages we give as rangers is for people to respect wildlife and not disturb it.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25Wow!
0:33:25 > 0:33:27I can see the big antlers.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29They're approaching each other.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Crikey, yeah. It's chasing one.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35That's exactly what I wanted you to be able to see.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40As wild animals they're totally unaffected by what we're doing.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43They're defending their standing ground.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46That's wild animals doing their thing in the wild.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- You can't get much better than that. - You can't.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Yesterday was such a positive experience with you two,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00I can tell you're really committed to this move.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03How are you feeling now we're looking?
0:34:03 > 0:34:05Well, I'm feeling really excited...
0:34:05 > 0:34:11After yesterday, I think if we see anything we like as much today we'll be quite confused
0:34:11 > 0:34:14by the end of it.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Let's hope the next property will give them more food for thought.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23We're heading to the very rural hamlet of Puxton in north Somerset,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27situated just 7.5 miles from the coast, and a few miles form Cheddar Gorge.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31It's the ideal location to attract the tourist trade.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36Puxton is home to an endless scene of fields, the River Oldbridge, and some practical jokers, I suspect.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40For amenities, four miles away is the village of Winscombe,
0:34:40 > 0:34:46which boasts the three Bs - a butcher, a baker and even a barber. The picture is completed
0:34:46 > 0:34:48with two Ps - the all-important pub and post office.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52But we're heading back to the River Oldbridge, which runs
0:34:52 > 0:34:54right through the front garden of our next house.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58- This is the house I want to show you.- It's stunning.
0:34:58 > 0:34:59It is very nice, isn't it?
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Yes, it looks great.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- And it all sits on about 35 acres of land.- Wow!
0:35:05 > 0:35:09I think you're going to love what they've done inside.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12Dating from the 18th century, this farmhouse is
0:35:12 > 0:35:16positively huge. The current owners have thorough refurbished it
0:35:16 > 0:35:21in recent years, and the finish is superb, with character features aplenty.
0:35:21 > 0:35:22I love this door.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- It's a great, solid door, isn't it?- Yes.
0:35:26 > 0:35:32- Lovely.- Into a cosy but quite big hallway. To the right, we have a dining room...
0:35:32 > 0:35:34But I want to start this way...
0:35:36 > 0:35:37..in the kitchen.
0:35:37 > 0:35:38Wow.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- Wow.- Fantastic.
0:35:40 > 0:35:47- Lovely.- It really is. It's been done so well.- I love the floor.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51You've got a range cooker there, this rose stonework...
0:35:51 > 0:35:56In fact, it's sort of an L shape, so it wraps around there. A wide utility space.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57It's fantastic. Brilliant.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It's great.
0:35:59 > 0:36:05- You could be happy in this sort of kitchen.- Totally! - This is quite luxurious as well,
0:36:05 > 0:36:06so that's good.
0:36:06 > 0:36:07A great start.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- The kitchen sweeps straight into the living room.- Wow.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Mm. Lovely room.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17- Impressive, isn't it? - It is, totally.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I like the stonework over there.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- It's been so well done, hasn't it? - Yes.
0:36:21 > 0:36:26To make it make a bit more sense, through that door is an annexe,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29which does have some extra living accommodation.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32If you were running it as a B&B, perhaps you could settle yourselves
0:36:32 > 0:36:36in there and give this over to your guests. We'll have a look at that.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Upstairs, you've got six bedrooms to have a look at. Come on.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45'I know holiday lets are their first choice, but with
0:36:45 > 0:36:49'all the space here, running a B&B could be a viable business option.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53'However, it will be a lot more work for Lynne, so the big question is could she make it work for her.'
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Right, on the first floor...
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- you've got four bedrooms, two are en suite, and there's a family bathroom.- Wow.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08Plenty of accommodation. Let's start by looking at the bathroom.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11It's quite a bathroom.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13It is, yes.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Ordinarily, bathrooms aren't my favourite rooms,
0:37:16 > 0:37:21but this one's quite spacious. They've taken up a lot of
0:37:21 > 0:37:24space with this roll-top bath. Thinking about this again
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- as a business, do you think this works?- It's a beautiful bathroom,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31I think guests would really enjoy it.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35Let's have a look at the bedroom next door. The good thing is
0:37:35 > 0:37:40that if this was your property, you could adjust things and make this en suite as well.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Yes.- Something to think about.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50Yes, I guess you could put a door to the bathroom through there...
0:37:50 > 0:37:52to make this an en suite.
0:37:52 > 0:37:58On the other side of the bathroom is the smallest of the bedrooms on this floor. Opposite
0:37:58 > 0:38:03are two double en suites, but there's yet more space for guests
0:38:03 > 0:38:04on the next floor.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Up another level, right up into the eaves.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13You've got two big bedrooms up there
0:38:13 > 0:38:15and one main bathroom.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Let's have a look in this one.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21- Lots of space up here. - Yes, I love the beams.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26- Really nice and light as well. - Huge room, identical on the other side. They've got one bathroom
0:38:26 > 0:38:28up here at the moment.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Would it work? Would you keep it this way?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Or would you try and separate it into different rooms?
0:38:35 > 0:38:40Um... I guess, ideally, if you could have a bathroom per room,
0:38:40 > 0:38:46- but...- There's certainly enough space for that, isn't there? - I'd have thought so, yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48I think they're really seeing the potential here,
0:38:48 > 0:38:50but don't forget this could all just be for the guests,
0:38:50 > 0:38:53because back downstairs is the self-contained annexe,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56accessed via the living room or its own entrance.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00So, through this little door is the annexe.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03And this is where I was thinking you could live
0:39:03 > 0:39:06if you wanted to run that part of the house as a B&B.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Two rooms down here, which could easily be bedrooms.
0:39:09 > 0:39:15At the moment, one is the office. Upstairs is living accommodation.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18- Wow. What a surprise. - A big surprise!
0:39:18 > 0:39:21It's not what you're expecting. It has a cosy feel as well.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Let's look upstairs.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29It's not a small kitchen given that it's the annexe. What do you think?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31A lot to take in here.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Perhaps a bit of updating in the kitchen.
0:39:34 > 0:39:39Maybe if we were to be in this part of the house, we might want to upgrade it. A good space.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41And there's even more through here.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45And all of this.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Big lounge, isn't it?
0:39:48 > 0:39:53If this were a holiday cottage... it'd be perfect, wouldn't it?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56It could be a self-contained holiday cottage if we were to
0:39:56 > 0:39:59take a couple of rooms in the main house.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03Well, this all sounds very positive. But we're not finished with
0:40:03 > 0:40:06the business potential of this property just yet.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- A huge interior and a mammoth exterior.- There's so much space!
0:40:10 > 0:40:14A lot more options for you. So, let's go through them.
0:40:14 > 0:40:19Over here, there used to be a big barn structure. It was quite dilapidated,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23so they've taken it down. But there was planning permission for eight holiday lets.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Eight?- Yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:31- It's lapsed but the footprint's still there.- That's a massive opportunity.- It's interesting.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35It adds an extra dimension. Lots to weigh up
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- and look into, really... - Lots to think about.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42While they're mulling that over, let me add something else the mix.
0:40:42 > 0:40:48There's also a two-bedroomed holiday cabin, and very extensive equestrian facilities.
0:40:49 > 0:40:50Incredible.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- I don't think you were expecting this, were you?- Not at all.
0:40:54 > 0:40:55Not at all.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57There's so much scope in this place.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01So much scope. They have space for nine horses - nine horse boxes in there.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05There's a tack room, the menage out here...
0:41:05 > 0:41:09All good to go. Have you ever considered running stables?
0:41:09 > 0:41:12It's certainly something we'd look at and think about.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I think we'd like to find out more about it.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19There's so much to think about here, so we'd better get down to business
0:41:19 > 0:41:20and talk money.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Well, we've had the grand tour,
0:41:23 > 0:41:30you've seen everything this property has to offer, and the big question is how much you think it'll cost.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35Er, I'll have to take a wild guess on this one, because it's quite different from
0:41:35 > 0:41:40properties we've been looking at. I would hazard a guess at a million.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Hmm, Lynne?
0:41:43 > 0:41:49I'm going to think, wishful thinking, in terms of us building some cottages on the land
0:41:49 > 0:41:52so I'll go slightly under at 950,000.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53Hmm.
0:41:53 > 0:41:59Quite a bit under the top of your budget. This is on the market at £1.2 million.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- It was on at 1.5...- Yep.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- It's not a great surprise, to be honest.- No, but you guessed it much lower!
0:42:07 > 0:42:09You guessed 950!
0:42:09 > 0:42:13I'd like to be able to have the extra money to build some cottages.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Is it still in the running?
0:42:15 > 0:42:16Um...
0:42:16 > 0:42:20- Possibly.- Maybe. We'll have to think long and hard about this one.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Yeah...
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- Do a bit of research.- Start researching now. Off you go! Make some notes!
0:42:26 > 0:42:27I'll see you later on.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35Talk about optimistic guesswork. I know at 1.2 million this is bang on budget,
0:42:35 > 0:42:40but it's a massive amount of property, not to mention land, 35 acres!
0:42:40 > 0:42:44The house has two reception rooms, a stunning farmhouse kitchen
0:42:44 > 0:42:48and six bedrooms, which could all be used for the B&B,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52as the self-contained annexe could be the owners' accommodation.
0:42:52 > 0:42:57And there's a two-bed holiday cabin and excellent equestrian facilities.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00And it's just 7.5 miles from the coast,
0:43:00 > 0:43:02which makes it even more attractive.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08If I were a B&B guest, I'd be really happy to stay in this room.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12- Yes. It's good quality, isn't it? - An en suite, beautiful views,
0:43:12 > 0:43:17- the river, the sheep. It's just so picturesque, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:43:17 > 0:43:21It's a beautiful farmhouse, stunning. You could walk in and live here.
0:43:21 > 0:43:22I'd be really happy here.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26There's a variety of things we could do with it.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30I think we're out for a challenge and B&Bs and holiday lets
0:43:30 > 0:43:35is what we're looking for, so... it could potentially work.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- Time for us to move on because we haven't finished.- Great.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Jonathan and Lynne are very ambitious.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50Not only are they moving county, they want a business with five or six holiday lets
0:43:50 > 0:43:54while bringing up a little daughter and Jonathan working in London.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58Whilst I applaud such lofty ambitions, it's mystery-house time.
0:43:58 > 0:44:02We're showing them something which will let them dip their toe in the water
0:44:02 > 0:44:04before they take the full plunge.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10We're off to the mystery house.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12What are you expecting?
0:44:12 > 0:44:16Um, I've no ideas, really.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18No preconceptions.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Maybe something a bit different from our original brief.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Maybe a hotel.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28Or maybe a property that needs development.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32Maybe some other business opportunity, like a fishing lake.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34You've seen this show before!
0:44:38 > 0:44:40They're on completely the wrong tracks!
0:44:40 > 0:44:44For once, the mystery house isn't pushing boundaries, it's scaling them down.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48To see what they make of that, we're off to the tiny hamlet of Stawell.
0:44:48 > 0:44:52Bar properties, there's little here,
0:44:52 > 0:44:55so it's still very much a rural getaway.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59For guests and themselves, there are a couple of pubs down the road in Ashcott,
0:44:59 > 0:45:04which is ideally situated equidistant between the coast and Glastonbury.
0:45:04 > 0:45:08The mystery house is all about the unexpected,
0:45:08 > 0:45:11showing you something you'd probably never have looked at.
0:45:11 > 0:45:16For you, we've been looking at big projects, maybe five or six holiday lets.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19But such ambitious projects, I'm a little worried.
0:45:19 > 0:45:25I'm showing you something where you can test the waters first. And this is the property.
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- Looks very interesting.- It does, yes.- Interesting indeed.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32This used to be the home of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36There is holiday-let potential, in these two properties.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- All part of it.- I'm keen to see inside.- You're intrigued.
0:45:39 > 0:45:44There's plenty of intrigue there. A great house to explore. Let's look.
0:45:45 > 0:45:50'That's a good start, because our mystery house doesn't just have one challenging element,
0:45:50 > 0:45:54'it has quite a few. In parts, it's 600 years old.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58'It's architecturally quirky, it's not detached, it's in a village,
0:45:58 > 0:46:01'and it's not the big business they're after.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04'But it could make very sound financial sense.
0:46:04 > 0:46:06'So let's see if our gamble pays off.'
0:46:06 > 0:46:08Come on in.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11Wow. It's impressive, isn't it?
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- It is for a hallway!- Yes!
0:46:15 > 0:46:17It becomes a room, doesn't it?
0:46:17 > 0:46:20- It's such a big entrance way to the property.- Really big.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22Full of character.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23Let's keep exploring.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- Another huge room.- It's huge, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- It's an interesting shape as well. - It's not quite square.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38It's got some curved, or slanted, edges.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41It's such a grand room. If you did use it as a B&B,
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- a cracking room to serve breakfast in.- Yes!
0:46:44 > 0:46:47But where will you cook them? This way.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55The kitchen is another great size and great-shaped room.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58But I'm guessing you might want to update it.
0:46:58 > 0:47:00- Yes.- I think so, probably, yes.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03It's not like you couldn't move in and live here happily,
0:47:03 > 0:47:07but I think it's something you'd turn your hand to before too long.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11It would be nice to expand it out into that room through there.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13This leads nicely on into the living room.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15OK.
0:47:20 > 0:47:21- This is a nice room.- Yes.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27It's quite breathtaking, this room, when you walk in.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- Is that the fireplace?- Yeah.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32- It's huge.- Such a feature, isn't it?
0:47:32 > 0:47:38And all the doorways, the arches, it feels really warm and cosy as well, doesn't it?
0:47:38 > 0:47:42- It's almost a little room in itself, the fireplace!- It is.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45Tucked behind, through the doorway, is quite a big office.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49That has French doors out into the garden
0:47:49 > 0:47:51as these doors here go into the conservatory.
0:47:51 > 0:47:57- Lovely.- I like the layout of it. And the feel of it is really warm. Yeah.
0:47:57 > 0:47:58Great.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02'I can see Jonathan and Lynne feel very comfortable in this house.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06'If it was just a home we needed, it could be a done deal.
0:48:06 > 0:48:10'But will they be happy with our scaled-down business offerings?'
0:48:12 > 0:48:15Now, this is my favourite part of this house.
0:48:15 > 0:48:19- I love this galleried...- Library. - ..library area, exactly.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Lovely.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24- It's really stunning.- The light from the window there, as well.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27- I thought we'd start with the master suite.- OK.
0:48:29 > 0:48:32This room really is a master suite!
0:48:32 > 0:48:34Yes, certainly is!
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- Wow!- I love the wood panelling.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39- It's really different. Quite a unique room.- Lovely.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43- A lovely room to wake up in. - Yes.- It extends beyond this.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Beyond that panelling is a huge bathroom
0:48:46 > 0:48:52that wraps round into a dressing room and back through that door there.
0:48:52 > 0:48:53This amount of space again.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59'At the opposite end of the galleried landing are two double bedrooms.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02'One for Ellie-May, one for guests. And a family bathroom.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05'But there's more room for paying visitors outside
0:49:05 > 0:49:08'with two two-bedroomed self-contained holiday lets.'
0:49:11 > 0:49:14This is a two-bedroomed let.
0:49:14 > 0:49:15Through here is the kitchen.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19- This has been done recently, hasn't it?- It has.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21- You wouldn't need to do any work here.- No.
0:49:21 > 0:49:24- It's quite a big space for a holiday let.- Yes.
0:49:24 > 0:49:26As is the living room.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33- Another good space.- Yes. Wonderful stonework.- A good size, as well.
0:49:33 > 0:49:37And a blank canvas. Nothing in here, ready for you to dress it.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40- Great.- Let's have a look upstairs.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51This is one of the two rooms up here.
0:49:51 > 0:49:52Great space.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57- Stonework, beams, quirky angles. - Yes, great features.
0:49:57 > 0:50:00Yep, it feels nice. It feels good.
0:50:00 > 0:50:07I think it would probably sell well as a holiday let, being in the village as well.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11- It would be popular.- Even as a long-term let, possibly.- Good idea.
0:50:12 > 0:50:15'If they decide to take on more,
0:50:15 > 0:50:20'the stone garage - the old blacksmith's shop - could also be converted into a holiday let.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24'I know it's scaling down, but with Jonathan still working in London,
0:50:24 > 0:50:27'maybe a slightly less ambitious plan is the way to go.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30'And they won't have to give up on the outside space.
0:50:30 > 0:50:33'The whole plot sits in nearly an acre.'
0:50:33 > 0:50:37Up here, you have the most beautiful, magnificent garden.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40Wow! Absolutely love it.
0:50:40 > 0:50:44- I love this trellised pathway.- It's a really mature garden, isn't it?
0:50:44 > 0:50:47- Yes.- You could take it on for yourselves.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51You have all this space and it wraps around the corner with fruit trees.
0:50:51 > 0:50:56All of this, the property behind us. Potential for holiday lets.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59But it is the mystery house. The question is,
0:50:59 > 0:51:01how much do you think all of this is worth?
0:51:01 > 0:51:05I'd say a maximum of 900,000.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08- Jonathan?- It's a difficult one to guess.
0:51:08 > 0:51:12But I'll hazard 950.
0:51:12 > 0:51:17Well, you could get your hands on this beautiful quirky property
0:51:17 > 0:51:19for £625,000.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22- Wow!- Wow, indeed!
0:51:22 > 0:51:24That's a really good price.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28Yeah. That surprises me, actually. It's a really nice home
0:51:28 > 0:51:32- with two viable holiday cottages. - How do you feel about it?
0:51:32 > 0:51:34I totally agree with you.
0:51:34 > 0:51:36With you working in London,
0:51:36 > 0:51:40it would be a gentle way for me to get into the swing of things.
0:51:40 > 0:51:43- Start slowly and build up. - Yes.- Just an option.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47Why don't you have a wander round and have a think. See you later.
0:51:50 > 0:51:52Well, that caught them off guard.
0:51:52 > 0:51:56At £625,000, this Grade II listed historic home
0:51:56 > 0:51:58is nearly half their budget
0:51:58 > 0:52:02and offers a credible, but more manageable business starter.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04They clearly love the house itself.
0:52:11 > 0:52:13With all that money left in the pot,
0:52:13 > 0:52:17converting the garage shouldn't pose any problems at all.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22If we started smaller,
0:52:22 > 0:52:24I think it would be a good thing for Ellie-May.
0:52:24 > 0:52:29We've got a young baby to think about as well as running a business,
0:52:29 > 0:52:31as well as Jonathan working in London.
0:52:31 > 0:52:34So it would be more manageable.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38It's a different angle that we hadn't really considered before.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Doing things on a smaller scale
0:52:41 > 0:52:45and leaving us with spare funds to do something further.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50- Hey, there.- Hi.
0:52:50 > 0:52:52Right, that is it. You've seen everything.
0:52:52 > 0:52:57Lots of options. Looking at me expectantly - there is no more!
0:52:57 > 0:53:00Time to sit and think it all over.
0:53:08 > 0:53:12Setting up a home and business will be a huge move for Jonathan and Lynne.
0:53:12 > 0:53:15So making the right decision is all-important.
0:53:15 > 0:53:17They've liked aspects of all of our properties.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20Will any of them be the real deal?
0:53:20 > 0:53:22It's time to find out.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30We're on the cusp of an exciting new journey for the two of you.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34You're looking to start a whole new life for Ellie-May in Somerset.
0:53:34 > 0:53:37It's been an exciting journey. We've seen lots of properties
0:53:37 > 0:53:41and it's time to go through them and work out if any are for you.
0:53:41 > 0:53:44We started with The Livery.
0:53:44 > 0:53:49That offered you the option of some stables and wonderful accommodation.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53- Tell me what you felt about that. - Of all the properties we've seen,
0:53:53 > 0:53:55it blew us away, really.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57There'd be work to do there
0:53:57 > 0:54:00in terms of building some new cottages.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02The house was lovely
0:54:02 > 0:54:04and we liked the setting and the aspect.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06Really bright and light.
0:54:06 > 0:54:10We went to see the Devon property with lots of holiday lets.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13- How did you feel about that? - The cottages were gorgeous.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17The best we've seen in terms of good quality accommodation.
0:54:17 > 0:54:22Really good facilities as well. Swimming pool, play area and so on.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25Well, holiday lets and cottages aren't the only option open to you.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28We went to see the potential B&B.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32- What were your first impressions? - I don't think the house
0:54:32 > 0:54:36was exactly what we were looking for in terms of our own home
0:54:36 > 0:54:40as well as a B&B. I think if we were looking at a B&B
0:54:40 > 0:54:44we'd need more rooms than that to create a viable business.
0:54:44 > 0:54:48I think it was well done. But having thought about it,
0:54:48 > 0:54:52probably not something that we're going to pursue
0:54:52 > 0:54:55or research further.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Finally, to really test you, we took you to the mystery house,
0:54:58 > 0:55:00a property worth half your budget
0:55:00 > 0:55:05which still gave the option for holiday lets, but starting at a gentler pace!
0:55:05 > 0:55:07It was an interesting choice.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11We loved the house. We thought it had so much character,
0:55:11 > 0:55:14and we could certainly make an amazing home there.
0:55:14 > 0:55:19I think having seen the Devon holiday cottages,
0:55:19 > 0:55:24two cottages wouldn't be enough for us
0:55:24 > 0:55:27to make a viable business.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29I agree. I think a lovely home,
0:55:29 > 0:55:33but I don't think it's what we're looking for ultimately.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36So recap for me. Which properties are you most interested in?
0:55:36 > 0:55:40We really like The Livery and the Devon holiday cottages.
0:55:40 > 0:55:44- So we're going to go and see them tomorrow.- Fantastic!
0:55:44 > 0:55:48What I really want to know is which house you're most emotionally drawn to.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52My gut feeling, I felt quite passionate about The Livery.
0:55:52 > 0:55:57Although that's perhaps not the obvious choice
0:55:57 > 0:55:59as it would involve some work
0:55:59 > 0:56:02and involve learning how to run a livery.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05We're not horsey people.
0:56:05 > 0:56:08But neither have you run a B&B or a holiday-lets business before,
0:56:08 > 0:56:11so why let that get in the way!
0:56:11 > 0:56:14Whatever you do, I do wish you the best of luck.
0:56:14 > 0:56:18I hope it's not long before you can start this new chapter in your life
0:56:18 > 0:56:22- and make a new start with Ellie-May. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:56:24 > 0:56:29When we started this journey, I thought that fulfilling Lynne and Jonathan's requirements
0:56:29 > 0:56:32was going to be an uphill struggle.
0:56:32 > 0:56:37But what a result! We have found them not one, but two possible dream homes
0:56:37 > 0:56:41so it shouldn't be long before they move here and start a brand new life
0:56:41 > 0:56:43for themselves and Ellie-May.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46I'll see you next time on Escape to the Country.
0:56:47 > 0:56:51If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:56:51 > 0:56:55and need our help, please apply online:
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:19 > 0:57:22E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk