0:00:00 > 0:00:02Today, I'm in a part of the country
0:00:02 > 0:00:05that's home to this magnificent beast.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09He may look fearsome, but I reckon he's actually quite friendly.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14These cattle have roamed this part of the world for thousands of years
0:00:14 > 0:00:17and they're still prized by the farmers who work the land today.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21But which part of the country are today's buyers moving to?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Find out as we Escape To The Country.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Today, we're helping a couple find a big country pile
0:00:40 > 0:00:42with bags of potential.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Could you imagine creating that vision here?
0:00:46 > 0:00:47No.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50They're self-confessed tough customers,
0:00:50 > 0:00:53so we're pulling out all the stops.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56That's just so amazing, that view. Oh, my word.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58I feel like a Cheshire cat grinning.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01But will it all end in hysteria?
0:01:01 > 0:01:05- I can't stop laughing. - Your laugh is brilliant.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Today, I'm in Devon and these are the ruby red Devon cattle
0:01:13 > 0:01:17so called because of the deep, rich, red colour of their coats.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19Although they were once popular
0:01:19 > 0:01:23there are now only around 300 herds left in the country
0:01:23 > 0:01:26because they've given way to quicker-to-rear breeds.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31But the diet of Devon grass makes this some of the best beef you can buy.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36If that's got you interested, let's see what else this county has two whet your appetite.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Making up the lion's share of the West Country
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Devon is England's third largest county.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It's a big place with some big claims.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50It's the only English county to boast two separate coastlines
0:01:50 > 0:01:54and one of those, the South Coast, is a Natural World Heritage site
0:01:54 > 0:01:57up there with Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01Wander away from the coast and the countryside is equally impressive
0:02:01 > 0:02:06with five areas of outstanding national beauty and two national parks.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12The stunning countryside and wild coastline makes it a honeypot for visitors.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The tourist industry is worth £1 billion a year to the local economy.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20Farming is still a mainstay of life, particularly dairy farming.
0:02:20 > 0:02:25The wealth of traditional and period housing stock has made Devon the cream of the crop with homebuyers,
0:02:25 > 0:02:29from thatched cottages to Victorian farmhouses.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33There's something to suit just about every taste.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40The money of affluent re-locators into Devon
0:02:40 > 0:02:43has pushed property prices right up.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Some areas of the county, especially north Devon,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50are some of the least affordable rural parts of the UK
0:02:50 > 0:02:53with property prices at nine times the average local salary.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57But if you have the money, there are great properties on the market now.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01If you have a princely £1.7 million to spend,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05check out this six bedroom, Regency house near Exmoor.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08A Grade II listed home of grand proportions
0:03:08 > 0:03:11it has a huge kitchen and palatial dining room.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15Off the first floor is a self-contained, two bedroomed annex.
0:03:15 > 0:03:21You could recoup a few pennies with two self-contained holiday lets,
0:03:21 > 0:03:25although with 22 acres you might want to hire a gardener.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29For the rather more modest sum of £595,000,
0:03:29 > 0:03:33how about this three-bedroom, stone barn conversion near Lapford?
0:03:33 > 0:03:39The 36-foot living room and galleried snug are definite highlights.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Floor to ceiling windows maximise the views
0:03:41 > 0:03:45out over six acres of land towards Dartmoor.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51If cosy, country living is more your style, £375,000 will snap up
0:03:51 > 0:03:55this three-bedroom, former coach house in pretty Tor Valley.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59A compact farmhouse kitchen gives way to a 22-foot living room.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Outside there's plenty of space
0:04:02 > 0:04:06with a pretty garden, stable blocks and three acres.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10There are plenty of beautiful properties in Devon,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14but will any of them capture today's buyers' hearts? Let's meet them.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Chris and Pat have been married for seven years.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21Chris is a retired MD and Pat a freelance management consultant.
0:04:21 > 0:04:27They live in this large, 1930s, five-bedroom house in East Horsley, Surrey,
0:04:27 > 0:04:31Which Pat has owned for 23 years and Chris has shared for the last 11.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34A complete change of scenery is now on the cards.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- We'd like to move to the country for a few reasons.- Yeah.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Particularly one of the things we really would like to have
0:04:43 > 0:04:46is a situation where when you wake up in the morning
0:04:46 > 0:04:49and open the curtains, there's a nice view.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53So it's a room or two with a view they're looking for
0:04:53 > 0:04:58and East Devon is where they want to be - time now to pinpoint an exact location.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00We haven't got a fixed view.
0:05:00 > 0:05:06In an ideal world it would be in a fairly secluded or quiet location,
0:05:06 > 0:05:08relatively close to the sea.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Whether that would be possible is entirely another matter.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16If it's further inland with some nice country views, yes,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19quite a lot of flexibility there I think.
0:05:19 > 0:05:23I've got more fixed views, but I'm prepared to be persuaded.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Having lived in this house for quite some time
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Pat and Chris have clear ideas what works for them.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Is there anything that will help us?
0:05:33 > 0:05:37What we'd actually like is not necessarily somewhere
0:05:37 > 0:05:41that's smaller overall but probably with bigger rooms.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45We'd like the downstairs to be more conducive to entertaining.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50- We hardly ever use the lounge. - Or the dining room.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52We live in the kitchen, the study and our bedroom.
0:05:52 > 0:05:58It would be nice to have a house with a larger downstairs for entertaining.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02And three bedrooms maybe upstairs.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06That's all quite practical, but what's the ultimate dream?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10My ideal dream property in the country would be a Georgian rectory
0:06:10 > 0:06:14and I don't mind if it needs lots of work doing on it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16I really would love a feature hallway
0:06:16 > 0:06:18with a stone floor and a big staircase.
0:06:18 > 0:06:25I don't think we will find the ideal property for us
0:06:25 > 0:06:27without it being some form of a project.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32Sounds like DIY will be taking up a certain amount of spare time,
0:06:32 > 0:06:37but what other pursuits do they have in mind for their new, rural life?
0:06:37 > 0:06:40For me, doing more cooking and gardening,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43growing herbs, peppers and vegetables.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46I'd love to be able to take up riding again.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I'd love to learn how to make cheese.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52What will Chris be doing whilst Pat is whipping up some Cheddar?
0:06:52 > 0:06:58One of the things I would like to do is to grow some vegetables.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02This garden doesn't lend itself terribly well from that point of view.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Certainly in the new place
0:07:05 > 0:07:09a dedicated vegetable garden would be something we'd be looking to do.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13Being cash buyers is a strong position to be in.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Let's find out what the final budget is.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22We're really looking to spend a maximum on the next property of £650,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:32So Pat dreams of living in an old rectory with a huge staircase and an impressive hallway.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36She'd like a large kitchen, space downstairs to entertain
0:07:36 > 0:07:39and a garden big enough for Chris to tinker about in.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45I'm impressed with the fact they want to spend serious time creating their ideal home.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Visualising something like that takes some doing.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I'm intrigued to see what they're thinking.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55More importantly, I'm definitely up for the challenge of trying to fulfil Pat's dreams.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59All of that for £650,000 - I can't wait.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03Pat and Chris wants to focus the search in rural East Devon,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07so we've cast the net from the Dorset and Somerset border in the east
0:08:07 > 0:08:09to Exeter in the west.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13We've lined up a real array of period homes to view
0:08:13 > 0:08:17and I'll be keeping tight-lipped on the asking prices until the end of the tours.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22Finally, we'll reveal the mystery house but will it make the grade?
0:08:25 > 0:08:30I think we've picked a decent day to come to Devon house-hunting. Why Devon?
0:08:30 > 0:08:34I think it's a gorgeous county, but what's the appeal to the two of you?
0:08:34 > 0:08:41We used to come on holiday here quite a lot when my children were younger and I have family down in the area
0:08:41 > 0:08:45and now that we've both cut back on working we want to move down to the country.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51Somewhere more rural, which we don't have immediately where we are at the moment.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Is it possible for us to find you your dream home,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58or are you going to walk into any house and want to make complete changes?
0:08:58 > 0:09:03It would be wonderful if you could find us our ideal house, but I would be amazed if you could.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08I doubt very much we'll walk into a house and say, "Everything is perfect."
0:09:08 > 0:09:13Budget-wise I understand we have 650 or maybe a bit more?
0:09:13 > 0:09:15An absolute maximum of 700,000.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19But that would be to include any renovation, any rebuilding,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22any work that needed to be done.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25That gives us lots of scope and we have three fantastic houses
0:09:25 > 0:09:29and then a mystery which is even better.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Let's get going and get house-hunting.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36Armed with a budget of up to £700,000
0:09:36 > 0:09:42Chris and Pat want a large, period property to transform into their perfect home.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45Rural, secluded and good views are all requirements.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49It must have a large kitchen-diner and enough space to entertain.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54Three bedrooms with one en suite are a must when their grown-up children visit.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57An ample garden would be just great.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01The fact is that large period homes in rural settings come with
0:10:01 > 0:10:04equally large price tags in East Devon.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09I'm concerned that no property will ever live up to Pat's long-held dream.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16Pat, I understand your ideal home is an old, Georgian rectory. Tell me about that dream.
0:10:16 > 0:10:21Oh, I've had this sort of fantasy for a long time,
0:10:21 > 0:10:26walking through the front door with a stone hallway.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Um, a fairly large staircase,
0:10:29 > 0:10:34cornices and architraving and original doors.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37That's the sort of place I really wouldn't mind renovating.
0:10:37 > 0:10:42- You'd still need to do some work on a place like that.- Yes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46I can't imagine finding my ideal kitchen already done for me.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55No worries there, then, as Pat will have plenty to sink her teeth into with our first property.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58It's situated in prime Devon countryside
0:10:58 > 0:11:02four miles from Broadclyst a typically pretty Devonshire village.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Even the bus stop is thatched.
0:11:04 > 0:11:10Colourful houses sit in sleepy, country lanes and the local's needs are catered for
0:11:10 > 0:11:15with one pub, a tea shop, village stores and a 15th century church.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20But we're heading out into the countryside around the village for our first viewing.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24First, we've brought you to this amazing rural location
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- look at these views.- These are absolutely fantastic.- Incredible.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31And this way is the house.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Ah, it's different.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35THEY LAUGH
0:11:35 > 0:11:38We went from "wonderful views" to "Oh, yes."
0:11:38 > 0:11:40I thought you might say that.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44This property is really to test how far you want to go
0:11:44 > 0:11:47in terms of rebuilding and creating your dream.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51Location-wise you'd be hard pushed to ask for much better.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- It's fantastic. - The property is 1930s build.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57The current owners have been here about four years.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01They came with the intention of doing some work.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06They have planning permission to add an extra third to what's already here.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Circumstances mean they're moving on.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12I know it can all be changed but I just wonder
0:12:12 > 0:12:16if we're going to rebuild and extend this house, we're just going to
0:12:16 > 0:12:22end up with a newer house than a 1930s and that's not really what I wanted.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25But, I'm prepared to be persuaded.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29It doesn't immediately hit me as wow in that sense,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32but let's see what possibilities there are.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37The current owners did think about knocking it down and starting again.
0:12:37 > 0:12:38That might be an option.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Or just extending, and they've got planning permission for both options.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Bear that in mind and let's take our imaginations inside
0:12:46 > 0:12:48- and see what we come up with. - Right.
0:12:48 > 0:12:53I think that when it comes to potential this house has it and then some.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56But will Pat and Chris buy into the plans?
0:12:56 > 0:13:00So we're starting in the kitchen and...
0:13:00 > 0:13:02I want Pat...
0:13:02 > 0:13:04THEY LAUGH
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Now.- Right, OK.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10The current owners were thinking of extending that way,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13adding an extra third onto the property.
0:13:13 > 0:13:19Their idea was to create a huge kitchen-diner looking out onto the views.
0:13:19 > 0:13:25- That would be great.- Yeah.- Could you imagine creating that vision here?
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- No.- I had a feeling you were going to say that and I'm a bit disappointed.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34Only initially looking here, but the ceiling is quite low.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37It feels a little bit closed in to be honest.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43That was a definitive answer. Pat clearly isn't afraid to tell me exactly what she thinks,
0:13:43 > 0:13:48however this house has real scope so I hope she sticks with it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52Next door is a dining room currently used as a study.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56I'm hoping the living room will prove more inspirational.
0:13:56 > 0:14:01They've managed to fit a big dining-room table in here
0:14:01 > 0:14:04as well as a living room.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- This is actually a nice room. - It's a good-sized room.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13I don't think we'd have it as a combined lounge-dining room,
0:14:13 > 0:14:18but the room is quite a good size, I like the effect of the bay window
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and that's capturing the views which are magnificent.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26This room could be really very special.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31It's very nice now, but you can see how you could make it even nicer.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Could they slowly be warming up to the possibilities this house offers?
0:14:35 > 0:14:41There's a lot they could do with it, so it's onwards and upwards.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46I need you to keep your imagination going up here.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50There are four bedrooms, three of them are on the smaller side.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53Let's have a look at one so you can get an idea.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Remember the idea with this house was to extend and create more.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Right, OK. Is this the smallest room? - No.- Right.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05It's not the biggest day either. It's not the master.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- That's what you were thinking. Is this my bedroom?- OK.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11Oh, silence.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12I mean, it's...
0:15:12 > 0:15:18It's difficult to imagine what you would do with this room, to be honest.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- I think, the thing is...- It doesn't work for me, at all, the room.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25For somebody else, maybe.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29'I'm surprised, I thought Pat and Chris would see this as a totally blank canvas
0:15:29 > 0:15:34'and with the extended floor plan, they could create an amazing space up here.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38'I think Pat needs more help visualising the end result.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41'Perhaps looking at the rest of this floor will help.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44'There's a stylish family bathroom and a single bedroom.'
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Imagine waking up and looking out at that every morning.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52That is just so amazing, that view.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57That is exactly one of the things we said, the view that each morning you wouldn't get tired of.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Just behind there they do have a small shower room. It is en suite.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06Behind this room, they've got the fourth bedroom, which is a single room at the moment.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I think it would probably be better to extend
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- and create a bigger en suite, something more comfortable. - Yes.- A possibility, yes.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- There's options again. I think, as a base, looking out on that, you can't go far wrong.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Pretty good dimensions.- Yes.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23This is actually quite a nice room, I would say, yes.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27'Well, the interior of this property might not be for them
0:16:27 > 0:16:31'but I think the garden will get top billing.'
0:16:31 > 0:16:33This house sits in a plot of around about two acres.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37It's surrounded by National Trust property from the Killerton estate.
0:16:37 > 0:16:38Oh, yes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42That means unspoiled views, no chance of any developments going up.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44'It is hard to put a price on views like that
0:16:44 > 0:16:47'but I'm going to ask Pat and Chris to have a go anyway.'
0:16:47 > 0:16:51I need a figure, I'm going to start with you, Chris.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56Right, my view would be this perhaps would be on the market
0:16:56 > 0:16:59for somewhere between 500 and 550,000.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03There's a lot of renovation or, in fact, redevelopment.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06I wouldn't go any higher than 500.
0:17:06 > 0:17:12This house, are you ready, has been on the market for two months
0:17:12 > 0:17:14and the asking price is £625,000.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20I can understand it's got lots of land but, at the end of the day,
0:17:20 > 0:17:25if you can't create the house you really want to live in, you know. Fair enough.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29I'd like you to go back in there and have a final look around and decide what you'd do.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- Off you go. I'll see you later on. - Thanks.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36'With a price tag of £625,000,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40'this 1930s property is 75,000 under their top budget
0:17:40 > 0:17:44'so that's enough spare change to tackle the renovation work.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47'The approved plans for the house include a two-storey extension,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50'increasing the floor print by about a third.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53'As it stands, it has a country style kitchen, a dining room,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56'a large living room and four bedrooms.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59'All set in two acres of land.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02'A house can always be changed, but you can't add a view.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06'As far as views go, those are pretty spectacular.'
0:18:06 > 0:18:13It clearly in a fantastic location and the views are just amazing.
0:18:13 > 0:18:21Then we turned the corner and, to be honest, my heart sank because it's a pebble-dashed 1930s house,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23which isn't what I'm looking for.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25The style of the building here, I think,
0:18:25 > 0:18:29is such that even by extending it, we're not really going to finish up
0:18:29 > 0:18:35with a whole house that is really of the design that we would want.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42Hi, there. I think you're so disappointed you've relegated me to the doghouse.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44I'm hoping I can be unleashed
0:18:44 > 0:18:46because we've got more houses to see.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Shall we go?- Fine, OK.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59'East Devon's attractions don't stop at stunning countryside.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02'One of the county's biggest draws is its dramatic coastline,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04'which along with the cliffs and beaches of West Dorset,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08'make up the UK's first World Heritage site.
0:19:08 > 0:19:15'It's the 95-mile Jurassic Coast which charts 185 million years of the Earth's history.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18'Eager to taking both the sea air and scenery,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23'Pat and Chris have headed for the south-west coastal path to meet up with local expert, John Scott.'
0:19:23 > 0:19:29This part of the coastal path is formed by the customs men patrolling on the lookout for the smugglers
0:19:29 > 0:19:32who brought goods ashore here back in 18th century and onwards.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36They've really left us a heritage that we can see today.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Obviously, this was a perfect vantage point for them
0:19:39 > 0:19:41to look out to sea and watch for the smugglers.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45'One of the most infamous smugglers hangouts was the village of Beer,
0:19:45 > 0:19:50'one of the few remaining fishing villages on the Jurassic Coast.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52'Its name has nothing to do with a frothy pint
0:19:52 > 0:19:56'but instead is derived from an Anglo-Saxon word, meaning "woodland",
0:19:56 > 0:20:00'which hundreds of years ago surrounded the cove.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03'A long maritime history meant it was easy for Beer men
0:20:03 > 0:20:06'to use their sea skills for smuggling
0:20:06 > 0:20:11'and they had a natural hiding place for their ill-gotten gains at nearby Beer Caves.'
0:20:14 > 0:20:19One of the strangest things we found was an old oilskin bundle that had lain there 200 years
0:20:19 > 0:20:25and when it was unwrapped, after all that time, inside beautiful pieces of silk had survived.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27- How amazing.- Anyway, John, it's been really interesting.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Thanks very much indeed. - My pleasure.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37'From coast, back to the countryside, it's rural seclusion Pat and Chris have asked for
0:20:37 > 0:20:40'and that's what we aim to deliver.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43'We are heading to the outskirts of the tiny hamlet of Westwood.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47'There's little here bar hedgerow lanes and a smattering of houses.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51'For a pint and a paper, they can nip to the nearby village of Silverton,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55'or for more serious retail needs, Exeter is just six miles away.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:05This is what we want to show you this time. This wonderful house dates from about the 18th century.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- What are you thinking? - I think it looks very pretty.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12it looks a little cottagey.
0:21:12 > 0:21:19Again, maybe, it'll be interesting to see how bright light, roomy it is inside.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23It's a bit deceptive. It's sunken down there. There's more property than you think.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Actually, we're standing at the back of the house.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28We're going to walk to the front, go in the front door
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- and then you can make your mind up.- Great.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34'Pat and Chris certainly aren't giving much away.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38'Let's see if this Victorian farmhouse will garner some bigger reactions inside.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42'I'm hoping it'll deliver the right combination of room size and character features,
0:21:42 > 0:21:47'while still providing Pat with enough of a project.'
0:21:50 > 0:21:54In we come to the hallway.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58You get a glimpse there of what's to come through in the kitchen
0:21:58 > 0:22:02but first of all, I want to bring you into here.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Tell me what you think of this? - It's a very nice room.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12- Nice window, bay window. Great floorboards.- Wooden flooring, yes.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15And, presumably, a working fireplace?
0:22:15 > 0:22:17It's a gas fireplace, this one.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- So a great room. - It's a very nice room.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27In actual fact, the ceiling is not as low as one might have imagined from outside.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29What would you use this room for?
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- Probably as it's being used now, as a snug-come-study.- Yes.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37A place to hide away which begs the question,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41where would your living room be? Let's find out.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50This is where you could be relaxing in the evening and entertaining.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54- This is very nice.- This is quite a spectacular room, actually.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57There's not a great deal more we can say about this. It's nice.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01I wouldn't change anything in here.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07You wouldn't change anything?
0:23:07 > 0:23:10No. Certainly, everything we've got at the moment
0:23:10 > 0:23:13would look really good in here. It's a super room.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17"Super"! On that note, let's keep going. There's more.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Just through the door is a separate dining room
0:23:20 > 0:23:22which flows neatly into the kitchen.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26We are at the back of the house.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30Obviously, this whole length is taken up
0:23:30 > 0:23:33by dining, kitchen and utility space.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35That's a pretty thick wall,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38but, on that side, you could open it up and create a bigger space.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41You could have dining and kitchen area all in one.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Those are my initial thoughts. What are yours?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Initially, it's a very light room.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52It's lovely and cleanly decorated.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55For me, obviously, it's not large enough.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57But, as you say, if you could knock through,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00that creates a possibility to create a whole new kitchen.
0:24:00 > 0:24:05So plenty of options here for Pat to put her own stamp on the place.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Let's see what we find upstairs.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Four bedrooms. They extend this way or that way.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13We're going to start over here.
0:24:13 > 0:24:19And I think this room is very typical of the size of the rooms.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23It gives you a good picture. They're not that small.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- It's pretty good. - It's not a bad size.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28There's quite a lot of furniture in here
0:24:28 > 0:24:32which probably makes it look a lot smaller than it actually is. But not a bad size.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34And it's light. Very light.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38To the left is a further double and a family bathroom.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43Along the corridor to the right is double bedroom number three
0:24:43 > 0:24:45and family bathroom number two.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53- This is the master suite and it's huge.- It's really very nice.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- A fabulous size, isn't it? - Yes, nice big room.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58There's so much room here already,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01but I have a cunning plan to provide you with even more.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06You've got a bathroom out there, another bedroom,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08but have a listen to this.
0:25:08 > 0:25:13Just a stud wall. Which separates you from so much more space.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16If you took this away and put a door at the other end,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19you could have an ensuite and your very own, heavenly dressing room
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- that you could fill with clothes and shoes.- And handbags.- And handbags.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24- Yes.- That sounds great.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Well, that's inside done and dusted.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Time to turn our attention to the all-important outside space.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34This property isn't lacking in that department.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36There are two acres of paddocks
0:25:36 > 0:25:42and stable blocks that have planning permission to be converted into a two-bedroom self-contained annexe
0:25:42 > 0:25:46which Pat and Chris could tackle in the future or not bother and just rent them out as a livery.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53I think that, for me, probably the concern I have about this is maybe that it's actually too much.
0:25:53 > 0:25:59The house is around the sort of size that we are looking for.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04Oh, dear. It looks like we have over-egged the property pudding.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08The garden should be more manageable with two acres of lawn at the back and front,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10but the big question is, how much is it all worth?
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- I'm going to start with you, Pat. - Oh, dear.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19The house isn't absolutely huge, very nicely presented,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21so I'm going to guess at around 650.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24OK, Chris. What do you think?
0:26:24 > 0:26:30There are a lot of buildings, a lot of land, so I would see it much more towards the top end of our ceiling.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34I would say 675,000.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36You win this one. You're closer.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40This house is on the market for £695,000.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44So it really is sitting right there at the top of your budget.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48I think that premium is because you've got the outbuildings.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51There is a lot of land, a lot of outbuildings, a lot for you to see,
0:26:51 > 0:26:55so have a look around on your own and I will find you later on.
0:26:55 > 0:26:57Right.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01With an asking price of £695,000,
0:27:01 > 0:27:06this Victorian farmhouse is £5,000 under their top budget.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08The snug and living room are right on the money.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12If they wanted to, there's potential to extend the kitchen.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16And the four bedrooms and two bathrooms could also be re-jigged.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18It is a traditional farmhouse,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21so it does come with stables which are ripe for rental or conversion.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24And it has around 4.5 acres in all.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28But it is a project and that means it needs serious consideration.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31We could create, potentially, the kitchen we want.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35It's probably the size of project that you'd feel comfortable with.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Yes.- And I would feel much happier creating my own kitchen.
0:27:38 > 0:27:40As far as the upstairs goes,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43yes, it is doable, but to be perfectly honest,
0:27:43 > 0:27:48the whole of the upstairs was really rather dark and was my least favourite part of the house.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51The drawbacks of the house for me
0:27:51 > 0:27:56are really the amount of land in 4.5 acres.
0:27:56 > 0:28:01I'm not sure whether we really want that amount to have to try and look after.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06There you are. I've been sitting out here, basking in the sunshine.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09I guess it's time to get back to work.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17Now, together with thatch,
0:28:17 > 0:28:22the vernacular architecture of Devon is characterised by the use of cob,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25an Old-English word meaning "mud wall".
0:28:25 > 0:28:28From the 13th century right up until the early 19th century,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32it was the building method of choice until industrialisation
0:28:32 > 0:28:36and the arrival of brick reshaped Devon's architectural landscape
0:28:36 > 0:28:39and the technique all but died out.
0:28:39 > 0:28:45However, at the forefront of a 21st-century cob comeback is builder and teacher Kevin McCabe
0:28:45 > 0:28:50who, in 1994, built the first cob house in the UK for 70 years,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52so I've come to meet him
0:28:52 > 0:28:55to find out more about this back-to-basics building technique.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00So, what have we got here? What are we going to be doing?
0:29:00 > 0:29:05Basically, the pitchfork is to move it up on to the wall, and these thumpers, these sort of mallets,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07are useful for sort of shaping it.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- They look like fun to use.- Yeah. And then the other tools,
0:29:10 > 0:29:15the sort of adze and mattock and spade are all for paring it down,
0:29:15 > 0:29:21which is usually done a day or so later when it's just stiffened up a little bit, to hold its shape.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26Looking at this mixture it looks quite wet, and then we've got this structure here which is quite dry.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28How long does it take to dry out?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Basically, we'll go up about two feet in one day.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34That'll need about a week of good weather before we can go up again.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It won't be completely dry, but it'll seem dry on the outside.
0:29:37 > 0:29:43Tally in the shrinkage time needed to allow the construction to settle before adding windows and doors,
0:29:43 > 0:29:49and the general build time for a cob cottage or house is around 15 months,
0:29:49 > 0:29:53but cobs come with plenty of benefits to make the wait worthwhile.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56How environmentally friendly is this type of building?
0:29:56 > 0:29:58It's as environmentally friendly as you can get.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I mean, the thing is it is of the local environment.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06It performs very well in terms of its thermal insulation
0:30:06 > 0:30:08and, you know, general comfort to live in.
0:30:08 > 0:30:14'In fact, cob houses tend to lose 20% less heat than a brick or wood-built house.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17'And in terms of sustainability,
0:30:17 > 0:30:21'the fact that there are around 20,000 cobs still standing in Devon,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25'with some dating back 700 years, should say it all.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29'However, if a whole house seems like a challenge too far,
0:30:29 > 0:30:32'why not start with something simple like an outdoor cob oven?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34'It takes around a month to build and dry out,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38'and the pizza it produces would make any Italian proud.'
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Bon appetit!
0:30:47 > 0:30:48As the sun begins to set over Devon,
0:30:48 > 0:30:53Pat and Chris have a chance to mull over today's property.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57What did you think about the house with the fantastic views?
0:30:57 > 0:30:58You summed it up there.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03The view was absolutely fantastic in every direction.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05The house itself, as it stood,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09really wasn't what I think we would want
0:31:09 > 0:31:14and I'm not sure, even with trying to extend it or change it around,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17we could still finish up with what we wanted.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21What did you think about the farmhouse?
0:31:22 > 0:31:26The inside was more spacious than I thought. Certainly the downstairs.
0:31:26 > 0:31:32The upstairs, I... Despite the fact that we could potentially create
0:31:32 > 0:31:35a suite in the master bedroom,
0:31:35 > 0:31:37I really thought that it was too dark.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It had loads of land which we didn't want
0:31:40 > 0:31:44and it had all those outbuildings which...what would we do with?
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Yes, but nevertheless, I thought it was a very interesting day.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- Yes.- Looking forward to seeing tomorrow's properties.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00Pat and Chris want to swap suburban Surrey for really rural East Devon.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05For 700,000 all in, they're after a period property
0:32:05 > 0:32:07they can seriously put their own stamp on.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Our first viewings missed the mark, so coming up,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13we're on a mission to find the dream house.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15This is so lovely. I'm so excited!
0:32:15 > 0:32:20Or will today's mystery house have them completely rethinking their wish list?
0:32:20 > 0:32:25I'm just amazed, given that this was everything I was never going to have!
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Pat and Chris have put me into a bit of a dilemma.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35On the one hand, they say they want a property that they can redevelop and really put their mark on,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38but what I think they really want, after yesterday,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41is the ideal home that they can just tinker with,
0:32:41 > 0:32:45and for Pat that's a very specific dream - an old converted rectory.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48And, guess what? Today, I think we've found it!
0:32:48 > 0:32:51But will Pat like it? I do hope so.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53We'll find out soon enough, I guess,
0:32:53 > 0:32:57as it won't take us long to reach the village of Dunkeswell.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59Cob thatches on country lanes,
0:32:59 > 0:33:03a Victorian church and a pond are all part of the village make-up.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07Our next house is situated off one of the roads going out of the village.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11It's not totally isolated, but rectories rarely are.
0:33:12 > 0:33:17And I've brought you to the village of Dunkeswell
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- to show you your very own converted rectory.- Oh, well done!
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Well done.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It dates from about the mid-19th century so it is just Victorian,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but it's got a very Georgian style.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33I'd call it a Georgian-style rectory, so we got fairly close.
0:33:33 > 0:33:38It was converted about 1991. That's when the church could no longer afford to keep it.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40- OK.- So it's been in private ownership since then.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- Fabulous.- Good, excellent.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46'Fabulous? Good? Excellent? That's what you call a positive start!
0:33:46 > 0:33:49'Fingers crossed inside won't disappoint.'
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Come on through. Tell me what you think of the hallway.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Which I know is big on your list of requirements.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06Absolutely, can't complain about the ceiling height.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- I don't think you could quite reach there, could you?- No. All positive.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- Really good, well done.- Great start Let's keep going. Through here.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- We'll start with the dining room. - Goodness, this is really nice.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23Nice room, yes. It's very spacious in here and I think always with
0:34:23 > 0:34:26the high ceiling it creates this extra feeling of space.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Yes, it's lovely actually.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Lovely, great, well done! I'm so happy.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36The only thing I would say is that it's a pity there isn't
0:34:36 > 0:34:39a proper fireplace there, but that's no big deal.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41You can get one from a reclamation yard or whatever.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44- It gives you something to do, you did want some DIY.- DIY.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46You did want to put your mark on the property.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49I don't think there'll be much to do in this one,
0:34:49 > 0:34:50but little areas like that.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- And look at these.- Well done.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55'By my count that's my third "well done" in as many minutes.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58'I think we could be on the right track here
0:34:58 > 0:35:00'and if it's a fireplace Pat's after,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04'just next door the morning room has a lovely example,
0:35:04 > 0:35:05'as does the living room.'
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- The house that keeps on giving. - Oh, my goodness.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14This is a fantastic room.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17This is so lovely, I'm so excited.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23Pat's excited, I'm excited, how are you feeling?
0:35:23 > 0:35:27Look, sash windows, original locks on the windows.
0:35:27 > 0:35:32- These rooms are really nice. - Stunning, absolutely stunning. Ooh!
0:35:32 > 0:35:34It's really, really lovely.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Did you expect this from the outside?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- No, I didn't.- No, no.- I did not expect it to be so beautiful.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- I feel like a Cheshire cat. - Grin, grin, grin. I'm so happy.
0:35:43 > 0:35:44'So far so good,
0:35:44 > 0:35:49'but we still need to check out the all-important kitchen.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50'It's 25-feet long,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54'but that's no guarantee it will live up to Pat's big expectations.'
0:35:54 > 0:35:56Voila. The kitchen.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59What do you think, Pat?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01I think it's a nice kitchen.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06For me, I would do it differently, but the space is definitely here
0:36:06 > 0:36:10and that's no big issue for me at all.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14In fact, I'd rather do my own kitchen, so...
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Nice walls, nice skirting, great door, lots of light,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20great place for the range.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- It provides the space, doesn't it?- Yes, it does.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Back that way you have a huge utility room and a walk-in pantry.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Oh! Pat's pantry for all those products.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33All your products. For jam-making and anything else you want to do.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Now, we have to check that the upstairs delivers in the same way.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42I'm confident it will. Let's see if we can keep you happy.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44'This is going very well.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47'I think our Victorian rectory could be turning
0:36:47 > 0:36:49'a property dream into a reality.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53'Let's just hope upstairs won't hold anything in the way of nightmares.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57'There are six bedrooms in all, so over and above their requirements.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59'But first, the family bathroom.'
0:36:59 > 0:37:02What a great amount of space for your bathroom.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05- It's a lovely size, isn't it?- Yes. - Really nice size.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08They've put in this roll-top bath
0:37:08 > 0:37:10and you could sit in there
0:37:10 > 0:37:13with some bubbles going, looking out, surveying your land.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16Ah, but you forgot the champagne.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18Well, I mentioned bubbles, both varieties!
0:37:18 > 0:37:21'Pat's mind is on the champers already.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24'Could that mean we're definitely onto a winner?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27'They haven't even seen the seemingly endless amount of bedrooms,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30'which I think have lots of scope.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34'There are two doubles, a single, currently being used as a study,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37'and another double masquerading as a sitting room.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39'The room next to the master
0:37:39 > 0:37:41'has been transformed into a dressing room.'
0:37:41 > 0:37:43So this at the moment is the master,
0:37:43 > 0:37:49but I think it's fair to say with this property there's not one room
0:37:49 > 0:37:53out of all the bedrooms that really feels like the master bedroom.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56But you've got the opportunity. The room behind here is fairly small,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00these walls can be taken down. You could put an en suite in there,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- because you've only got the one family bathroom.- Yes.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- You'll tend to find that with a property like this.- Of course, yes.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Certainly it seems to me that there's the opportunity
0:38:09 > 0:38:14to finish up with maybe four bedrooms, but bigger rooms.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17And en suites added into at least one of them.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21'It's obvious the house is an unqualified success.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24'And I think the garden will be a big hit too.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27'At just over an acre, there's room enough for veggie plots,
0:38:27 > 0:38:29'but it's not unmanageable.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32'And there's a very countrified added extra.'
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Here you've got your very own duck pond.- Ah.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- Isn't that amazing?- How fantastic.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- I bet you didn't expect to see that. - No.- No, no.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45What do you think of it as a garden and a space for you?
0:38:45 > 0:38:49I like it because it's not organised, it's not manicured,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52it's a bit wild, and yet it has lots of lovely features.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56And to have a pond like that is fabulous.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00There's a massive boundary at the back with those huge trees.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02That's lovely.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05Have we got it within the budget? How much do you think
0:39:05 > 0:39:08it will cost you to get your hands on this beautiful house?
0:39:08 > 0:39:13I would put it, yeah, probably around 670,000.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18I'll go for 685.
0:39:18 > 0:39:24This property is on the market at £650,000.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- Well, that makes it even more attractive!- Yeah.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- I got a smile out of you. - Yeah, that's...
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Yeah, that's quite attractive.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36- But, as you can imagine, it's just come on the market and it's quite popular.- Of course.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39It's a great property in a lovely area. How much did you like it?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Liked it very much, very much.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Then have a wander round and start considering whether it's for you.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47- OK.- I'll see you later on.- OK.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50What a result! And at £650,000,
0:39:50 > 0:39:56this Victorian rectory comes in 50,000 under the top budget.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00It has three reception rooms, a 25-foot country kitchen,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04six bedrooms which could be knocked through to create three,
0:40:04 > 0:40:07and it's all set in 1.3 acres.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10For most people, it wouldn't even need a lick of paint,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13yet it gives Pat the opportunity to put her own stamp on it.
0:40:13 > 0:40:19Being a rectory, it is on the edge of the village, though, so how do they feel about that I wonder?
0:40:19 > 0:40:23I'm glad that it's not really done to perfection.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26If it had custom-built units and things
0:40:26 > 0:40:27and I wasn't that keen on them,
0:40:27 > 0:40:33- I'd feel dreadful for ripping them out, yeah.- No, it's...
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Overall, I'm dead impressed with what they've found.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Obviously, in an ideal world we were looking for
0:40:39 > 0:40:43something that was fairly secluded out in the countryside.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Having said that, there's only a couple of houses nearby.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48The house itself is lovely.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51The location is... is actually not too bad.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Gosh, I never believed they would find me this,
0:40:55 > 0:40:59so I was incredibly chuffed to find they had.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03Hey, there. Now, I've got some ideas. I was thinking rip this down,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06a couple of windows there, a bit of wisteria, Bob's your uncle!
0:41:06 > 0:41:09What do you reckon?
0:41:09 > 0:41:11I'm sure you've got your own list of changes,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- but the journey's not over yet. Come on.- OK.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It looks like they could have made a property dream come true.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Now let's see if we can sort out one of Pat's hobbies.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31She wants to learn to make cheese.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35We sent her along to meet award-winning, traditional cheesemaker Mary Quickes.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Mary has been making cheese for 20 years.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41What started as a hobby has become big business
0:41:41 > 0:41:44and she now makes over 250 tonnes a year.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49She has a 500-strong dairy herd but you don't need to be a dairy farmer
0:41:49 > 0:41:52as supermarket milk will do just fine
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and we can all knock up a block of cheese in the kitchen.
0:41:56 > 0:41:5910 litres of milk will make one kilo of cheese and the process
0:41:59 > 0:42:03starts by heating the milk to 36 degrees and adding some starter.
0:42:05 > 0:42:11The starter is lactic acid bacteria, so basically like yoghurt.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15It will turn the milk sugars,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18the lactose in the milk, into lactic acid.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Cheese is pickled milk with the water taken out.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25Starter can be bought from organic stores and health shops.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28Rennet goes in next and this is a natural complex of enzymes
0:42:28 > 0:42:30that comes from a calf's stomach.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33It can be sourced from a traditional butcher.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37It needs to be stirred for a couple of minutes until it begins to turn solid.
0:42:37 > 0:42:38Stop.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44You can see that it has suddenly started setting.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48After about 50 minutes, it will have formed a junket and needs to be cut.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52There are plenty of websites supplying equipment for home cheese-making needs.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56First of all, cut one way and then cut the other way.
0:42:56 > 0:43:02You're looking to make it into the size of the moon on your thumbnail.
0:43:03 > 0:43:04There we are.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08The curds and whey then need to be cooked slowly at a temperature of 40 degrees
0:43:08 > 0:43:11and stirred for a few hours.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Cheese making is not for the impatient.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16Once firm and rubbery, the curds and whey are separated
0:43:16 > 0:43:20and left yet again to acidify and lose some heat.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24The curds are then turned five or six times to create a cheese block.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28It's at this stage that other ingredients can be added,
0:43:28 > 0:43:32including the all-important preservative - salt.
0:43:32 > 0:43:37- Here's the curd straight out of the press.- Is this cheese, ready to eat?
0:43:37 > 0:43:41Not yet. You have to wait for cheese, it's a labour of love.
0:43:41 > 0:43:47You dress it and then mature it on for three months,
0:43:47 > 0:43:50up to three years is our oldest cheese.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52It's been really interesting, thank you so much.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- I can't wait to try it myself. - You are so welcome!
0:43:55 > 0:43:57Well, Pat's got the recipe,
0:43:57 > 0:44:03let's see if our mystery house has the kitchen with all the right ingredients.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09For most people, the idea of a Grade II listed cottage
0:44:09 > 0:44:13in the middle of a gorgeous village would be their idea of heaven,
0:44:13 > 0:44:18but for Pat and Chris, I think the concept of something they can't tinker that much with
0:44:18 > 0:44:22will be quite hard to grasp, but I'm hoping the charms of this house will win them over.
0:44:25 > 0:44:31What do you think we could show you to entice you away from your dream of a converted Georgian rectory?
0:44:31 > 0:44:34How about a huge chateau!
0:44:34 > 0:44:39- I can see where you're coming from. A castle, perhaps?- Maybe, yeah.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41We can work miracles on this show,
0:44:41 > 0:44:45but I'm not sure we can go that far, but you never know. Here's hoping.
0:44:45 > 0:44:49All will be revealed soon, but first we're escaping the county
0:44:49 > 0:44:52as we're hopping over the border into Somerset
0:44:52 > 0:44:55to the wonderfully named Haselbury Plucknett.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59It's a typically lovely Somerset village with a population of around 700.
0:44:59 > 0:45:04There's one pub, one church and one shop catering to the community,
0:45:04 > 0:45:07and there's no shortage of period properties,
0:45:07 > 0:45:10including the mystery house -
0:45:10 > 0:45:14a 16th-century traditional hall house which isn't in a secluded rural setting,
0:45:14 > 0:45:16it's slap bang in the heart of the village!
0:45:16 > 0:45:19So let's see how that goes down.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23So this is our mystery house. Come on!
0:45:27 > 0:45:31Now, I'm betting that this is a property you would prob...
0:45:31 > 0:45:34You wouldn't have looked at without us.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36No, I wouldn't.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40I wouldn't. I wouldn't have considered it, but, you know what?
0:45:40 > 0:45:44- It's actually really...- Initial... - Lovely. It's a lovely-looking house.
0:45:44 > 0:45:48- Initial impressions is it's a very nice-looking house. - Isn't it gorgeous?- Yes.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51It's been renovated by the current owners.
0:45:51 > 0:45:55- I can't stop laughing! - You're laughing, this is brilliant!
0:45:55 > 0:45:57Is it a good laugh?
0:45:57 > 0:46:01I just had a... I thought you might go for something like this and I...
0:46:01 > 0:46:05We talked about it being small, pokey, duh duh duh duh duh...
0:46:05 > 0:46:08And it's actually it's not small, pokey.
0:46:08 > 0:46:10- It doesn't look small or pokey, does it?- Not at all.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12It's a Grade II listed house.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17Right. Well, you'll have to talk us through what we can and can't do in that case.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19OK, be prepared for this - not a lot, Pat.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24There aren't that many changes you can make.
0:46:24 > 0:46:26- OK.- But the current owners have done a lot of work.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29A lot of renovation, and they've worked really hard to do it
0:46:29 > 0:46:32- sympathetically and to go back to local craftsmen.- OK.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35I can't wait to see what you think of what they've done! Come on.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43Well, tickled pink wasn't a reaction I was expecting, but I like it and I'm going with it.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47Come on through.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49- Oh, my word!- Oh, your word, indeed.
0:46:49 > 0:46:51- Come in.- Oh, my word!
0:46:53 > 0:46:56- Right.- What do you think?
0:46:56 > 0:46:59Well, all the...
0:46:59 > 0:47:01All the period features are fabulous.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04It's a bit dark, that's the only thing that worries me.
0:47:04 > 0:47:08I thought you might say that. It's a little dark, but warm still.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- I mean, look at these windows here. The...- But how...
0:47:11 > 0:47:13I mean, look, the original features. Oh, gosh!
0:47:13 > 0:47:16- They're screaming at you, aren't they?- Your own bit of history.
0:47:16 > 0:47:22- Exactly. That's an amazing room to start off with.- It is.- But let's keep going because there's more.- OK.
0:47:24 > 0:47:27Come through to the living room.
0:47:27 > 0:47:28Oh, isn't this a lovely room?
0:47:28 > 0:47:30Take it in.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35Again, not what we would have gone for, but...
0:47:35 > 0:47:38You just seem so surprised, Pat. You're looking...
0:47:38 > 0:47:43- You can't believe that a property like this could have this feeling, can you?- No.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48- I'm surprised at the ceiling height. - I'm surprised I like it.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50It really does feel cosy.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52No, it feels lovely.
0:47:52 > 0:47:55'This is a turn up for the books - a definitive thumbs-up from Pat!
0:47:55 > 0:47:59'Let's see what she'll make of the kitchen, just next door.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02'If she wants to change this one, I give up.'
0:48:02 > 0:48:06Now, look at this and tell me what you think of what they've done.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08Gosh! These are all bespoke units.
0:48:08 > 0:48:12They're lovely. Look at those hammered pewter handles.
0:48:12 > 0:48:17Eye for detail. I know. These units were hand-made up in Yorkshire
0:48:17 > 0:48:20and then brought down here and...
0:48:20 > 0:48:23- It's beautiful wood, isn't it? - Commissioned by the current owners.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27Over there, the structural work they did was take down a wall
0:48:27 > 0:48:31- and open that up so you've got a breakfast room that looks out onto the garden.- Isn't that lovely?
0:48:31 > 0:48:35- And hasn't it been done in keeping? - They've created a beautiful space.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38'And the space goes on.
0:48:38 > 0:48:42'The garage has been converted to create a study and a sunroom.
0:48:42 > 0:48:45'Pat and Chris have clearly been charmed by the downstairs.
0:48:45 > 0:48:49'Let's see if the magic continues upstairs.'
0:48:49 > 0:48:54Step into the room that's currently being used as the master.
0:48:54 > 0:48:57What a nice room. How tall!
0:48:57 > 0:49:00- What do you think, Chris? - I think it's a nice room.
0:49:00 > 0:49:04I suppose possibly just the first slight negative is I guess...
0:49:04 > 0:49:06There's no en suite.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09..unless you're going to surprise us, there's no en suite attached.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12'Well, I do have a surprise up my sleeve.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15'The solution is at the opposite end of the hallway
0:49:15 > 0:49:19'past a single bedroom, a cosy double and the family bathroom.'
0:49:19 > 0:49:23Through here is another bathroom.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27- Oh, this is very nice.- It's lovely.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30- It's absolutely lovely, yes. - You do surprise me.
0:49:30 > 0:49:35This is the mystery house - it's supposed to be something you wouldn't like and you love it.
0:49:35 > 0:49:39- I know.- And as an added bonus, this isn't just a standalone bathroom.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42Oh, no, it connects through to what I think should be the master.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44My word.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48In we come. Now, don't you think this should be the master bedroom?
0:49:48 > 0:49:52- Oh, definitely.- Yes. I mean, it's plenty big enough, yes.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55Gosh, there's even room for a sofa in here, look.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57It's a bit novel, coming through the bathroom.
0:49:57 > 0:50:01- It's slightly unusual.- Would you be able to live with it that way?
0:50:01 > 0:50:05- I mean, it's quirky, isn't it? It's just different. - I don't see that as a big issue.
0:50:05 > 0:50:08- No, not at all. - In fact, I think it's quite novel.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Is there anything that could make this property any better?
0:50:11 > 0:50:16- Well, we haven't seen the garden yet.- That's true, we haven't seen the garden, but I'm just amazed,
0:50:16 > 0:50:20- given that this was everything I was never going to have.- You said it!
0:50:20 > 0:50:23- But it's everything you could want. - Well, it's feeling that way.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27'It just goes to show when it comes to househunting,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31'keeping your options open can sometimes deliver the dream.'
0:50:36 > 0:50:40Now, this garden just keeps on going. It's like a house in itself in terms of different rooms,
0:50:40 > 0:50:45the way it's been laid out by the current owner, so you've got a pond area over there,
0:50:45 > 0:50:52behind is a children's play area, a vegetable garden, sheds, pathways, secret garden walls.
0:50:52 > 0:50:54- I don't know what else you'd need. - Gosh.
0:50:54 > 0:50:58- How much do you think you'd have to pay?- Golly, this is difficult.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01I think it's right at the top end of our budget.
0:51:01 > 0:51:05- Give me a number.- All right, 695.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10- Chris?- I would go just a fraction under that and say 690.
0:51:10 > 0:51:14It's on the market at £695,000.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17- Oh, my goodness, I got it right! - You were spot on.
0:51:17 > 0:51:20- Oh, gosh!- We've given you so much to think about.
0:51:20 > 0:51:25- Why don't you have a wander and explore this amazing garden and I'll see you later on?- OK.- OK.
0:51:25 > 0:51:28That is why I love the mystery house!
0:51:28 > 0:51:31We've shown them something that was completely not on their list
0:51:31 > 0:51:34and so often they fall in love with it.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37It just goes to show you don't know everything, even Pat.
0:51:39 > 0:51:45This is at the top of their budget at £695,000, but what a property!
0:51:45 > 0:51:51This beautifully restored 15th-century hall house is crammed with character.
0:51:58 > 0:52:02On paper it shouldn't work for them, but it so obviously does.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06I'm not sure that this is a property we would have looked at.
0:52:06 > 0:52:13I guess, well, you can maybe not take too many judgements without actually inspecting things.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16This is a listed house
0:52:16 > 0:52:21and it's not really going to offer any big projects,
0:52:21 > 0:52:24which is one of the things that you were perhaps looking for.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28I was thinking that when I was walking round the garden,
0:52:28 > 0:52:33but, you know, this feels such a welcoming home.
0:52:33 > 0:52:38I... I'm just going to have to think very hard on that.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40It just feels... It just feels right.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44The dilemma is that I do want a project,
0:52:44 > 0:52:46and I'm saying do because I really do.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50I don't know how we're going to arrive at a decision on this because
0:52:50 > 0:52:55the head says, "Get on and do your project," and the heart's telling me, "This house is just so you."
0:52:55 > 0:53:02I've got to drag you away, but I've had a thought - we rename it Pat's Palace!
0:53:02 > 0:53:06That's, of course, if it's the one for you and right now you've got a lot of thinking to do.
0:53:06 > 0:53:09- I know.- Come on.
0:53:14 > 0:53:19Well, that mystery house certainly brought out a different side of Pat.
0:53:19 > 0:53:24She got really emotional and stopped thinking with her head for a change, but now it's decision time.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27Which way will they go? Is it the head or the heart?
0:53:28 > 0:53:33- Hello.- Hi.- Denise.- We've reached the end of our journey, haven't we?
0:53:33 > 0:53:36Well, we started with the 1930s house.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39- What did you think? - When we first arrived,
0:53:39 > 0:53:43we couldn't see the house at all and there was a long drive,
0:53:43 > 0:53:48but I got a feel for the views and we walked round the corner and my heart sank.
0:53:48 > 0:53:53The views were everything we were looking for, but for the reasons of the house,
0:53:53 > 0:53:56we would have to say that that one wouldn't be for us.
0:53:56 > 0:54:01Now, we took you to a farmhouse with 4.5 acres of land, lots of outbuildings,
0:54:01 > 0:54:06and it was a very characterful cottage. What did you think of that?
0:54:06 > 0:54:10Very well presented. Lovely lounge/drawing room.
0:54:10 > 0:54:15But, for me, I felt the upstairs rather let it down.
0:54:15 > 0:54:19The bit that really would be the problem for us on that one
0:54:19 > 0:54:22was the 4.5 acres of ground
0:54:22 > 0:54:28and all those stable outbuildings which, really, we've got no use for.
0:54:28 > 0:54:33Now, very specifically, you wanted to live in an old Georgian rectory.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36We searched high and low and I can't believe we pulled it off.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39We brought you to a Victorian Georgian-style rectory.
0:54:39 > 0:54:45Well, you certainly made me eat my words because I said I didn't think you'd find one and you did,
0:54:45 > 0:54:47and it's a lovely house.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51When we went inside, we went from one room to the next room
0:54:51 > 0:54:54to the next room and it sort of almost got better and better.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56Better and better.
0:54:56 > 0:55:01Well, having shown you a property that pretty much fulfilled every wish on that list,
0:55:01 > 0:55:04including giving you scope to put your mark on it,
0:55:04 > 0:55:09we took you to the mystery house which was everything you didn't want and yet what a reaction!
0:55:09 > 0:55:11And I have to eat my words again.
0:55:11 > 0:55:16I know, it... I can't describe it.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19It blew me away, actually.
0:55:19 > 0:55:22There's cottages and cottages and the way that it had been restored
0:55:22 > 0:55:25- and renovated had been done both... - With so much love and care.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29Extremely well and sympathetically and to a high standard, as well.
0:55:29 > 0:55:33Given how sure and certain you were about what you were looking for,
0:55:33 > 0:55:35- showing you something that was so opposite...- Yes.
0:55:35 > 0:55:39..I didn't have high hopes, I've got to be honest.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43Well, if it was a shock to you, it was an even greater shock to me.
0:55:43 > 0:55:45So, what's going to happen next?
0:55:45 > 0:55:48Are you going to go for any of the properties we've shown you?
0:55:48 > 0:55:52I don't think we'll be immediately putting in an offer, but I think what we want to do
0:55:52 > 0:55:56is there's two houses there that interest us enough
0:55:56 > 0:55:59that we would want to go back and have a second look.
0:55:59 > 0:56:05And the two properties are, just to be clear, the old rectory and the mystery house.
0:56:05 > 0:56:06The old house. Yes.
0:56:06 > 0:56:11Yes, so we'd be going back to see them a second time,
0:56:11 > 0:56:16very much with a view that one or other of these could be something that we might want to purchase.
0:56:16 > 0:56:21Well, any house that could bring out Pat's smile like that, I think has got to be a winner!
0:56:21 > 0:56:26Fingers crossed it's not too long before you're moving in to at least one of our houses.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30- Thanks a lot. - Best of luck, take care.- Thank you.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33I remember at the start of this journey,
0:56:33 > 0:56:38Pat told us she didn't think we could find her ideal home,
0:56:38 > 0:56:40but oh, how she was wrong!
0:56:40 > 0:56:42We found her two and, most surprisingly,
0:56:42 > 0:56:45the one that she's fallen in love with and opened her heart to
0:56:45 > 0:56:47is something she would never have looked at.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49And I think Chris likes it, too.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52Hopefully it won't be too long before they're moving in
0:56:52 > 0:56:55and I will see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58If you want to Escape To The Country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
0:56:58 > 0:57:03or England and need our help, please apply online at...
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:19 > 0:57:23E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk