0:00:02 > 0:00:06It's the bane of people's lives, that daily commute to work,
0:00:06 > 0:00:12but here you could well commute by sea tractor! It was invented in 1969 by Robert Jackson
0:00:12 > 0:00:18in exchange for a case of champagne. So which county has extravagant inventors and spectacular vehicles?
0:00:18 > 0:00:23Join me as we set sail for another Escape To The Country.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39Today we help a couple swap the Staffordshire suburbs for retirement by the sea.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Love the pool. I'd be there all day.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46'We'll checkout some amazing million-pound coastal homes.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Very good, very nice.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- 'And will today's mystery house hit the right note?'- Oh, wow! That's so nice.- The wow factor.
0:00:57 > 0:01:03Today, I'm on the south coast of Devon making the journey from the mainland to Burgh Island.
0:01:03 > 0:01:09At low tide it's a 250-metre walk, but at high tide the only way to access the island is in style
0:01:09 > 0:01:15using this sea tractor. All very exciting. It's a form of transport unique to this part of the world
0:01:15 > 0:01:20and it brings new meaning to the word cruising.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25For nearly 80 years, Burgh Island has been a retreat for the rich and famous
0:01:25 > 0:01:32seeking privacy and solitude. Noel Coward, Agatha Christie and The Beatles all escaped to the hotel
0:01:32 > 0:01:37and a couple of Mrs Christie's novels were based around its shores.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41Burgh Island may be the jewel in south Devon's crown,
0:01:41 > 0:01:46but the entire county is a scenic gateway for holidaymakers and homebuyers,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50all looking for their slice of coast and countryside.
0:01:50 > 0:01:58Sandwiched between Torbay and Plymouth, the South Hams is one of the most rural seaside regions.
0:01:58 > 0:02:04Extensive farmland almost tumbles into the 56 miles of stunning coastline.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08For those with relaxation in mind, there are over 23 beaches to enjoy.
0:02:08 > 0:02:14Countless villages, winding estuaries and narrow lanes make up this beautiful landscape
0:02:14 > 0:02:22and with so much sea on the doorstep it's an absolute Mecca for water sport enthusiasts and yachtsmen.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33When you consider that most people who live on this coast own a boat or two
0:02:33 > 0:02:40and that 42% of the properties are either second or holiday homes, it costs to live here.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45A mere square foot of property will set you back upwards of £1,000.
0:02:45 > 0:02:51Add a sea view or direct access to the water and you double or triple your budget.
0:02:51 > 0:02:57But let's put the big bucks aside. whether it's a coastal castle or country cottage,
0:02:57 > 0:03:02there's plenty of variety to be had in this county for all budgets. Take a look at these.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09If living by the sea is at the top of your wish list, how about a boathouse in Dartmouth?
0:03:09 > 0:03:16It comes with two two-bedroom apartments with open-plan living spaces for those estuary views.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22It's not a massive property, but proximity to the water comes at a cost.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26This will set you back a whopping £1.3 million.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Head inland and you'll get a lot more for your money.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37This four-bedroom thatched cottage oozes character in every room.
0:03:37 > 0:03:43It's set in 1.5 acres of land. The rural views are as impressive, but come at half the price -
0:03:43 > 0:03:45£550,000.
0:03:49 > 0:03:55Or for the even more modest £340,000, how about this three-bedroom Victorian house
0:03:55 > 0:03:59situated near the village of Down St Mary?
0:03:59 > 0:04:05It's beautifully restored and comes with a farmhouse kitchen and a spacious garden, too.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12As we've seen, there are plenty of tempting properties on offer,
0:04:12 > 0:04:18so let's meet today's buyers who are ready to drop anchor and take the plunge in South Devon.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Busy restaurateur and property developer Pritpal, and wife Ruby,
0:04:24 > 0:04:30have lived in their six-bedroom house in Newcastle under Lyme for 25 years.
0:04:30 > 0:04:38- I fell in love with this house. Ruby was away at the time. I said, "I've found our dream house."- Yeah.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Within, I think, six weeks we were in.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47Since then we have altered this house probably 300 times!
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It was a bungalow, now it's a house.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53With retirement on the horizon and three grown-up daughters gone,
0:04:53 > 0:04:59they've decided it's the perfect time to do the same and have set their sights on South Devon.
0:04:59 > 0:05:06We'd like a house overlooking the sea, so that in the morning we could walk on the beach
0:05:06 > 0:05:13- and just enjoy it. The house we can alter.- Yeah.- But the view... - The view is important.- The priority.
0:05:13 > 0:05:20So proximity to the coast will be all-important, but what else are they looking for?
0:05:20 > 0:05:25We want to downsize. Some of the rooms we don't use.
0:05:25 > 0:05:32- So it's best to have a smaller house. - It has to have probably a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- And...- I would like a big kitchen. Definitely.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41The biggest no-nos are beams. Oh, I hate beams.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46- I don't like dark areas. - We like to have a modern house. - Yeah.- With lots of glass.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50So it's not the typical character home we're hunting for.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55But are Pritpal and Ruby after a typically large country garden?
0:05:55 > 0:06:02Even though we're downsizing the house, one thing I don't want to do is downsize the garden.
0:06:02 > 0:06:08We love entertaining people. We have lots of friends and family and we have a barbecue
0:06:08 > 0:06:13and a bouncy castle for the children. We'd like to do that.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17But it's not just garden parties...
0:06:17 > 0:06:24This is our entertainment room. The whole family loves this room. We get together here for parties.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Yeah. We've got a cooker here and sink and mini bar.
0:06:28 > 0:06:35This is the sort of thing we'd be looking for when we move. An entertainment area.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39And with what looks like a pub in their house, I've got the picture.
0:06:39 > 0:06:45These two really like to party, but surely they have some outdoor pursuits planned?
0:06:45 > 0:06:49We'd love to do sailing. We'll definitely be learning to swim.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55- And definitely be doing lots of walking.- Yeah.- Won't we? - Walking to the pubs.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- Yes!- I quite like that. That's my favourite part.
0:07:00 > 0:07:08As a property developer, Pritpal is no stranger to doing up houses. Their dream home needn't be perfect.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13This is my favourite room. I've designed it the way I want it.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18And I'm looking forward to something similar in my new house,
0:07:18 > 0:07:21decorated the way I want it to look.
0:07:21 > 0:07:29Pritpal and Ruby don't have to sell. How much money do they want to splash out on their coastal retreat?
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Our budget for the new property is £750,000
0:07:33 > 0:07:36and we're willing to go up to £1,000,000.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43Pritpal and Ruby are cash buyers, which makes this an exciting hunt.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Their budget is huge, but their demands quite modest.
0:07:47 > 0:07:53They're after a detached property with three bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large kitchen diner,
0:07:53 > 0:07:58a space to entertain 30 or so guests. Yeah, 30 - that's large1
0:07:58 > 0:08:02And a spacious garden to enjoy long, hot summer barbecues.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06But - and there is a but - they're after sea views.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10And in this county that comes at a premium.
0:08:11 > 0:08:17Since Pritpal and Ruby both want the seaside and the countryside right on their doorstep,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21we'll focus today's property search between Bigbury and Dartmouth,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25South Devon's most rural stretch of coastline.
0:08:25 > 0:08:32We've lined up three fantastic homes for them to view, but I won't reveal the price until they look around.
0:08:32 > 0:08:39And then, just to shake things up, the last house will be a mystery house and a real challenge for them,
0:08:39 > 0:08:42but not in the way you might think.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- Pritpal, Ruby, welcome to South Devon. How are you?- Good.
0:08:50 > 0:08:56First of all, a big thank you for the budget! A big budget always means lots of fun
0:08:56 > 0:09:02and your demands are quite modest, apart from the fact that you want this sea view.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- Yeah.- You know that'll cost you? - Nothing is cheap nowadays.
0:09:07 > 0:09:14- Have you looked round this area? - On the internet, but that's not what you can see for real.
0:09:14 > 0:09:22Devon is a beautiful part of the world. We've been to Torquay, but we haven't been here.
0:09:22 > 0:09:30- We've got some wonderful properties, including the mystery one. Shall we get on with it?- Yes.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Sounds easy enough,
0:09:44 > 0:09:48but they want an ultra-modern house with sea views
0:09:48 > 0:09:52in one of Devon's most rural and expensive areas.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Thatched cottages and character homes are no problem here.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01Modern mansions are slightly more elusive, so even with £1,000,000,
0:10:01 > 0:10:06this could be quite a challenging property search.
0:10:07 > 0:10:14You don't seem to be bothered about the finer points of the house. You know that it can be change?
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Yeah. The property can be altered.
0:10:18 > 0:10:24We have done a lot of construction work to our own house to make it the way we want.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29But the one thing you can't actually do anything to is the view.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- Once you have a view and the land, you can make the house to your own liking.- You can, yeah.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39Well, sea views won't be a problem with our first property.
0:10:39 > 0:10:45We're heading east to Strete Gate, which overlooks the spectacular Start Bay.
0:10:45 > 0:10:51This really is a coastal retreat as there's nothing much here bar miles of beach at Slapton Sands
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and the nature reserve.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00But just a 10-minute walk away is the pretty hilltop village of Strete.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04I'm sure they'll be happy to make the hike for the pub and restaurant.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08The property we're viewing is just a stone's throw from the beach.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- Not a bad location? - No, quite good.- So far, so good.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- What about that sort of blue tinge at the front?- I like that.
0:11:18 > 0:11:25- Know what it is? A swimming pool. - I'm not really keen on a swimming pool outside. We can always...
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Fill it up!- No! You can't! Why don't you like a swimming pool outside?!
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- Because we've got the ocean! - But you like the look of it?- I do.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Come on.
0:11:38 > 0:11:43'I can't believe they'd want to fill in this swimming pool! As property developers,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48'they'll have some design ideas for the interiors of this '50s house,
0:11:48 > 0:11:56'but in terms of the space and decor, it won't be too big a project for them.'
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Come in through these snazzy doors. - Yeah.- They concertina out.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03It opens out the whole courtyard and kitchen.
0:12:03 > 0:12:10Even if you were cooking in here, entertaining there, you'd still be part of it. Come on in.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Mmm.- I quite like this.
0:12:12 > 0:12:18- It's just like our kitchen.- It is! - Granite work surfaces, electric oven.
0:12:18 > 0:12:25Also the oil-fired range. To the left, a totally private annex, built by the current owners.
0:12:25 > 0:12:30- It's got a bedroom, a bathroom, so for guests ideal, really. - Yeah, ideal.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Into your dining room...- Mm.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Yeah, it's quite nice, isn't it? - Quite nice.- The ceilings are dated.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45I quite like that. It's the original '50s ceilings.
0:12:45 > 0:12:52Looking through the cosmetic, what do you make of the space? I love that it opens to the kitchen.
0:12:52 > 0:12:58Yeah, I like that. It's all one, the kitchen and the dining room.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02You've got another formal dining room and then the living room.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- I'll take you through. Come on.- Yes.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10Pritpal, let me tell you, you're going to love this ceiling(!)
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- Yeah, same ceiling again. - What do you make of this formal living space?
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- It's big. It's big, isn't it? - A reasonable size, yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:27'Ruby and Pritpal seem a bit underwhelmed by this drawing room, but there's plenty more to come.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31'And let's not forget this is a downsize for them.'
0:13:31 > 0:13:37This is a study at the moment. Could be a TV room. And then this conservatory.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- Oh, yeah.- Which will be a massive, massive sun trap.
0:13:41 > 0:13:48- South-facing. It's going to get the sun all the time.- Yeah. - You feel a bit warm.- You do.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52And we've got these double doors so you can open them up as well.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56And I like the view from here - the garden, the grass.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02'I think Pritpal and Ruby are warming to this house. Let's hope that continues upstairs.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05'There are four bedrooms in all.'
0:14:08 > 0:14:10So, one of your bedrooms.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- Dual aspect.- Mm. It's a bit small, isn't it?
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Is it?- Mm. It's a small bedroom. - The master bedroom is en suite,
0:14:19 > 0:14:26so three bedrooms are serviced by one bathroom, which is just there. Do you want to have a look?
0:14:28 > 0:14:34- That's nice. It's a small bathroom.- Well, yes. - It's got a shower at the back.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- That's quite good.- Yeah. - I'll show you the master bedroom.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44So we cross over from one side of the house to the other, in a way.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Two more bedrooms here, almost identical in size.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51And then...the master bedroom.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Ah, right.- Mm-hm. - I expected it to be slightly bigger.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03- It seems a bit compact for me. - OK. What about for you?
0:15:03 > 0:15:05It'll do. I just need a bed!
0:15:05 > 0:15:12That's a typical man expression! "I just need somewhere to lay down my head at the end of the evening."
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- Is that the bathroom?- It is.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Now this is a good size. - Mm, it is a good size.
0:15:22 > 0:15:29- Almost bigger than the bedroom! - It is.- You've got loads of storage space.- Lots of storage.
0:15:29 > 0:15:35'So lots of space for towels, but it's sea views Pritpal and Ruby are really after.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37'This house delivers.'
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Wow.
0:15:39 > 0:15:46- That is good, isn't it? - I personally would probably cut the trees
0:15:46 > 0:15:53- and plant them at the back... - You can prune them, can't you?- Yes. - Then you can see the sea.
0:15:53 > 0:16:00- But as far as wanting to have a view of water, it doesn't get much better.- It doesn't. Very nice.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- Fancy seeing the gardens?- Yes.- Yes. - Got the energy?- Yeah.- OK, come on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:11'I'd say that's a thumbs up to the view. Let's see if the garden will have the same impact.
0:16:11 > 0:16:19'There's around one acre, complete with a pretty lawned area and its very own paddock.'
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Quite a distance from the house now. - Yes.- This is your paddock area.
0:16:23 > 0:16:31- They're growing potatoes. There's this huge wooden structure. - There's a lot of potential.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34With all that in mind, let's go back to the front lawn.
0:16:34 > 0:16:40- And you can think about how much it's worth.- Right.- Right.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46'They certainly seem to see the pros with this property, but will they be impressed by the price?'
0:16:46 > 0:16:50Let's sit down here, shall we? You can't ask for a better view.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- No.- So, Ruby, how much is it worth?
0:16:53 > 0:16:58I think with the location and...considering everything,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- I think 995.- 995.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- Pritpal?- Em, I think I quite agree with Ruby.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- I think, yeah, round about a million pounds.- A million pounds.
0:17:11 > 0:17:18I can tell you the whole thing - swimming pool, lake, sea, house - £1,250,000.
0:17:18 > 0:17:25It's been on the market for a year and a half, though. So is it something you'd make an offer on?
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- Em, I certainly like to think so. - Yeah...
0:17:29 > 0:17:32But not with the way the house is.
0:17:32 > 0:17:39- Something needs to be done. - Things need to be changed. If the price came down, we would consider.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Good.- Especially thinking of the current market.- Yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45I...
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- I like the view.- No, I do. - You can't put a value to it.
0:17:49 > 0:17:56- Go and have another look around. There's plenty to take in.- Yes. - The grounds, house, take your time.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- OK.- I'll wait for you by the front. I'll be by the pool!- OK! - I've always wanted to say that.
0:18:10 > 0:18:16There are four reception rooms, four bedrooms, a conservatory and a separate guest annex.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27This comes pretty close to delivering everything they asked for and, after 18 months,
0:18:27 > 0:18:32there will be some room for manoeuvre on the price.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35The external is superb. The sea.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37This is just perfect.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42The location is fantastic. The kitchen is good, swimming pool.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- The kitchen is all right. - I like it.- Nice and bright.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- It's got a lot of light.- Yes. And the open door as well.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57In summer time that would be nice to sit outside with a barbecue.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Ah, perfect timing! My work is done.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- Have you seen enough?- Yes. - Come on. Plenty more to see.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20'As restaurateurs, Pritpal and Ruby will be delighted to know that the South Hams aren't just famed
0:19:20 > 0:19:27'for cream teas, but also a gastronomic delicacy - the Bigbury Bay oyster.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33'So, acting as official taster, I've come to the Avon Estuary to meet oyster farmer Richard Marsh.'
0:19:35 > 0:19:41- Richard, how are you?- Hi, Aled. - I've come to give you a hand. - Fantastic.
0:19:41 > 0:19:47- Well, we need to put some chest waders on.- OK, so where exactly are the oysters now?
0:19:47 > 0:19:53I've got three areas. West Bank is along down here, then East Bank on the opposite side of the river
0:19:53 > 0:19:58and then the south is from that pink buoy right down to the end.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- How many oysters?- About 300,000. - 300,000 oysters?!
0:20:02 > 0:20:08- It's a lot of oysters.- Wow! We don't have to get them all out today?- Just a couple of thousand.
0:20:08 > 0:20:14Richard is an urban escape success story himself. He moved here six years ago from London
0:20:14 > 0:20:19'and took over the oyster bed, learning his trade as he went.'
0:20:19 > 0:20:24- What sort of lifestyle is it? - Fantastic. You can see where we are.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- No sitting on the Tube going into London any more.- You don't miss it?! - Not on days like today, no!
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- Shall we get on with it, then? - Yeah, let's go for it.- Brilliant.
0:20:34 > 0:20:41'The oysters here aren't native to Devon. They're Pacific oysters brought in from a hatchery.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46'They're matured here for 2-4 years and the location makes them special.
0:20:46 > 0:20:52'The combination of sea water with the fresh water from Dartmoor creates a perfect feeding ground
0:20:52 > 0:20:59'for the oysters, and that results in higher meat content and a unique nutty flavour.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:04- So these are almost ready to come out?- Yeah, these are.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09- They're pretty much fully grown. - What do we do?- Turn the bags.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12So grab the bag, turn it on its side,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15and then give it a little shake like that.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21That's just knocking off the new growth so they get a nice, deep body instead of going flat.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26'This is backbreaking work! Richard has over 30 tons of oysters.'
0:21:26 > 0:21:32- Now I've helped you a bit, I wouldn't mind tasting them. - I've got some on the quay for you.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- Fantastic.- Let's go.- 'Oysters are fantastic for vitamins and minerals.
0:21:37 > 0:21:44'Just six a day would more than fulfil your daily intake of iron, copper, zinc and calcium,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'but there's an art to eating them.'
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- First of all, you have to pour away the liquor because that's the very salty part.- Right.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Then you have to sever the muscle underneath, turn it over, so it's loose.
0:21:57 > 0:22:03Then you stroke the oyster and it will produce a secondary liquor.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05I've never done that before.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- I've eaten oysters loads of times. - A squeeze of lemon...
0:22:09 > 0:22:11and it's ready to eat.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15So the best way is to suck into the mouth from that direction,
0:22:15 > 0:22:21then you'll compress the oyster with your tongue to the roof of your mouth where it'll start to dissolve.
0:22:21 > 0:22:27After a few seconds, you get left with the muscly part. Give that a chew. That's where the sweetness is.
0:22:27 > 0:22:33Once you've found that, you swallow and you just get the most amazing after-taste of the ocean
0:22:33 > 0:22:36that invigorates your whole body.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42God, that's fantastic. That's awesome.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- Wow, yeah! - You really get the sweetness and the after-taste will keep coming.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50Thanks. It's been fantastic.
0:22:50 > 0:22:55Good luck with the business. It doesn't sound like you need it. You've got the luck here.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59I feel the luckiest man on days like this, doing this for a living.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- Thanks so much. - Nice to have met you.- And you too.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10As the sun sets over the beautiful South Devon coast,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13our first day of house-hunting is over.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'Pritpal and Ruby want to retire from busy lives in Staffordshire
0:23:20 > 0:23:23'to relocate to the seaside in South Devon.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29'They have up to £1 million to spend on a three to four-bedroomed modern house with sea views.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34'We've shown them one house with wow factor, but they had plans for it.'
0:23:34 > 0:23:40- I'm not really keen on having a swimming pool outside the house. We can always...- Fill it up.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44'There's plenty more to come to get their creative juices flowing.'
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- I don't think I would have these here.- I'd knock these down.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51'But will today's mystery house finally deliver?'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I love it. This is exactly what we're looking for.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00'Next we're heading to the outskirts of the village of Malborough,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02'a couple of miles from Salcombe.
0:24:02 > 0:24:09'Malborough is set in the heart of rural farmland and is home to two quaint pubs, a couple of restaurants
0:24:09 > 0:24:14'and some stunning churches, but it's sun-worshipping that Pritpal and Ruby have in mind
0:24:14 > 0:24:17'and they won't have far to go.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21'Beautiful Hope Cove beach is just two and a half miles away.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25'They can either drive or walk the beautiful South West Coast Path.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31'And there's refreshment once they get here. But beach life will have to wait as we have a house to view
0:24:31 > 0:24:34'that's just back in Malborough.'
0:24:34 > 0:24:37So, Ruby, what do you reckon?
0:24:37 > 0:24:41- It's a nice property.- Late Georgian, you've got the triple garage.
0:24:41 > 0:24:47You've also got the little annexe room there. It's got a bedroom, toilet.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- And you've got this building here. - What's in there?- Games room.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- You like your games room.- Yeah. - It's really nicely done.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56'This house dates from the 1800s
0:24:56 > 0:25:02'and has been extended and beautifully refurbished in the last ten years.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06'It comes with space and style, but will Ruby and Pritpal like it?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08'Your guess is as good as mine.'
0:25:08 > 0:25:13- Ah!- This is your hallway. Off the hallway, you've got a little study.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19- I quite like these very old slate or quarry tiles.- Flagstone flooring. - I like those.- Let's move through.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25'They like the flagstone floor. Could this mean they're leaning towards more character?'
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- Come on through to what I guess is the most important room.- Ah!
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- It's not very big, is it? - Do you think it's too small?
0:25:34 > 0:25:39- I think it's too small. - It's big enough to cook in, isn't it?- It's practical.- Yes.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42It's OK for a couple, I think.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Let me show you the dining room.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- Yeah...- I know what you're gonna say. Too small?
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- It is small.- But you are downsizing, aren't you?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Yes, but at the same time, we want to entertain.- Right.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03'I know Ruby likes to entertain around 30 people at a time.
0:26:03 > 0:26:09'Although this room may not be big enough, there's just the thing at the back of the house.'
0:26:09 > 0:26:13- I have to say this is where I'd spend all of my time.- Yeah.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18- Yeah, this is a bit more like it. - This is good.- Lovely, isn't it?
0:26:18 > 0:26:20What a great place for a party!
0:26:20 > 0:26:28- Absolutely.- I'm already starting to think that we probably could move that kitchen out of there.- Yeah.
0:26:28 > 0:26:34- And bring it here. - Bring it outside. Probably have a doorway where the window is.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39And people can walk through. There's lots of things you can do here.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44I think any property we move to, there will be our personal changes to it.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49- He's not happy unless he's knocking down a wall. - Not doing this to it either.
0:26:49 > 0:26:55- But I think this is just superb. - I think it's fantastic. I really like this.
0:26:55 > 0:27:01'These two aren't short of vision, but they might be happy with the next room just the way it is.'
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- The running theme, the floor.- Oh, yes.- Through the downstairs space.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- Hmm.- Yeah. This is nice. - Yeah, I like this size.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- I'm getting the impression that you like this house.- We do like it.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16That part, we weren't that keen, but now...
0:27:16 > 0:27:21Yeah, walking around, we can see a lot of positives.
0:27:21 > 0:27:27'It looks like we're on a roll. Now let's hope upstairs won't disappoint.
0:27:27 > 0:27:33'It shouldn't. It comes complete with three bedrooms, including two double guest bedrooms,
0:27:33 > 0:27:37'one of which is used as a sitting room, and there's a guest bathroom.'
0:27:37 > 0:27:39This is your master bedroom.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45- Oh, right.- It's quite nice. - Yeah, it's good.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51This is just the sleeping part of it. The current owners have knocked through two or three rooms,
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- so it's actually a vast space. Follow me.- All right, OK.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59This is your dressing area.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Lots of storage.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06- I don't think I would have these here.- In the middle.- In the middle.
0:28:06 > 0:28:11- I would probably knock these down completely.- No way?- Yes.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14Come on, Pritpal, you wouldn't(!)
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- Yeah.- I'd have the bed in the middle somewhere.- So you'd make it a very long room?- Yes.
0:28:19 > 0:28:25- I'd make it big as one.- Yeah. - You've also got an en-suite. Come and have a look.- Oh, OK.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28You can't say this is too small.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Oh, no, I like this.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37- I think we would have a bigger window to let more light in.- Right. Well, let's not dwell here.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Plenty more to see. Let me squeeze past you.
0:28:40 > 0:28:47'The entire loft space has been converted, but there's a wooden theme with a fair few beams,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49'so what will Ruby make of it?'
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- It's a study.- If you want open-plan, I give you open-plan!
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Yeah, but...- Oh! - HE SIGHS
0:28:57 > 0:29:02- This is how a building stays up. - I know that, but I don't like the beams.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- Not even in a loft space? - No, I don't like loft spaces.
0:29:05 > 0:29:12- I get suffocated.- It could be a study for me. I could have this as an office.- Yeah.- He's loving this.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- Yeah, he is.- This could be an ideal place for a bar. - For a bar?- Yeah.- Hmm.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21'So that's the drinks cabinet sorted,
0:29:21 > 0:29:26'but Ruby and Pritpal could be having pool parties with this property.'
0:29:26 > 0:29:29I love the pool. I'd be there all day.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- I'd be with you.- Would you? - Who's gonna do the cooking?
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- Forget the cooking!- It's so pretty everywhere you look.
0:29:36 > 0:29:43- Very pretty.- You've got the shed there. I've never seen such a pretty shed, the pergola, nice decking.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- The barbecue area. - The barbecue area, yes.
0:29:46 > 0:29:52- You've got a vegetable patch down there. Not that you'd care cos you won't be cooking.- No.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56I quite like to do the gardening. I like to get my hands in the mud.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Saving money already!- Yeah, you are. - Growing your own vegetables.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- It's a great garden. - Great. Absolutely wonderful.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06You've got a little pond there.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11- Can you see?- Oh, gosh.- Shall we take a walk down there?- Yes.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Think about money as we go. - OK.- Right, OK.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19'All in all, there are 1.5 acres, so more than enough space for Ruby's many guests.'
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Yet another lovely area to relax. - Yeah, beautiful.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- It's a naturally fed pond. - Oh, gosh.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30There are different places you can just relax.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Little pockets, yeah.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34How much is it worth?
0:30:34 > 0:30:38I think it's worth 1.2.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- 1,200,000?- Yeah.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- Pritpal?- I think you're way, way too much.- Too high?- Yeah.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48This probably is worth...
0:30:48 > 0:30:51To me, I think it's round about £750,000.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- Shall I tell you how much it's on the market for?- Yeah.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Offers in excess of £1 million.- OK. - Has that changed things?
0:30:59 > 0:31:02I think I need to look around a bit more.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06Well, take it all in. There's plenty to look at. It could be yours.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09- Yeah.- You can afford it. - Of course. Thank you.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12You can afford it - "Of course," he says.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16Positive responses. They really love the outside space.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20But they're quite enamoured by the actual house itself.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Yeah, they want to put their own stamp on it, but who wouldn't?
0:31:24 > 0:31:30On the market for offers over £1 million, this property is almost right on the money.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32And it's a fantastic country home.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45So will Ruby and Pritpal want to take the plunge?
0:31:45 > 0:31:51I like this property a lot, beautiful interior, although the kitchen isn't very up to spec,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53but that can be sorted out.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- This could be done quite nicely. Yeah.- That's pretty, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:32:00 > 0:32:05A lot of things can be done to this place. The one negative point here
0:32:05 > 0:32:10for this house for me would be that we need to spend quite a bit of money
0:32:10 > 0:32:12to make it the way we want it.
0:32:12 > 0:32:18- Are you done already?- Yes. - How disappointing. You don't want another look? I'm quite happy here.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Come on then. Plenty more to see. - Yeah.- Let's go.
0:32:30 > 0:32:35So it's time for the mystery property. This should be interesting.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Our couple like a modern design with sea views,
0:32:38 > 0:32:44so we're taking them to an old piggery that's been tastefully restored, a mixture of old and new.
0:32:44 > 0:32:50What this property has is an incredible kitchen/diner with plenty of space to entertain.
0:32:50 > 0:32:55But it's a mile from the sea, so all you get is unadulterated country views.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Will they go for it or will they call me a swine?
0:33:02 > 0:33:08- We're on our way to the mystery property.- Yeah.- What do you think we've got planned for you?
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Probably quite modern.- Yes.- Right.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Probably we're looking at the sea. - Yeah.- Right.- Probably by the lake.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- Lots of light, lots of air. A sea breeze, you know.- OK.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27'All will be revealed soon as we don't have far to go.
0:33:27 > 0:33:32'We're heading east to the heart of the countryside just a mile from Blackpool Sands.
0:33:32 > 0:33:38'For good beach life, Ruby and Pritpal will be hard pushed to find a better spot than Blackpool Sands.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42'This award-winning Blue Flag beach is privately owned,
0:33:42 > 0:33:46'but the owners are happy to share it with the many, many visitors.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49'When watersports and sunbathing get too much,
0:33:49 > 0:33:54'a mile down the road is Stoke Fleming with its 13th century pub.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59'The mystery house is perfectly situated between the beach and the village.'
0:33:59 > 0:34:03So welcome to the mystery property. You're both speechless.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08- Different.- It is different. - Very different.- You'll never guess what it used to be.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12It was an 18th century piggery barn.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17- Wow!- Which has been totally refurbished, renovated.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Have all the pigs gone? - Yes, I can assure you.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- Shall we get a bit closer to it? - Yeah.- Follow me.
0:34:23 > 0:34:29'This barn conversion was completed just a few months ago, so it's brand-spanking new.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36'It's beautifully finished with a mixture of modern and character features
0:34:36 > 0:34:39'and needs nothing doing to it at all.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44'So can we persuade Pritpal and Ruby to invest in a real slice of rural Devon?'
0:34:44 > 0:34:48You've got pine flooring. Come on through to one of the living areas.
0:34:48 > 0:34:55- That's a nice size, yeah.- These are clean lines, aren't they?- Hmm.- Do you like it so far?- So far, so good.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58So if it's the wow factor you're after...
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Oh, wow, that's so nice!
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- That's the wow factor. - That is really good.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- You wanted a breakfast room where you could entertain.- I like that.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11Come on down.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14What a room!
0:35:14 > 0:35:20That is so nice. I love it. This is exactly what we're looking for.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23- I would be here all day. - Shall we go upstairs?
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Yes.- Let's go up.
0:35:26 > 0:35:31'Finally, I think we've found one room Ruby is 100% satisfied with.'
0:35:33 > 0:35:36And how about this for living space?
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- Oh, no.- "Oh, no" what?
0:35:39 > 0:35:41Beams, beams and more beams!
0:35:41 > 0:35:45They're straight line beams, not olde-worlde beams.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48I know, but I just don't like beams.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53- I really don't. I'm not being funny. - Downstairs is the wow factor.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- Yes.- Upstairs is the "ooh" factor.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Really?
0:35:57 > 0:36:00- Oh, dear. - If it had a clean cut here...
0:36:00 > 0:36:06If I'd come in last night and put a straight ceiling there, you'd have loved it?
0:36:06 > 0:36:12- It would have been fantastic.- It's so cleverly done. You've got the old piggery windows.- They're beautiful.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17But with a modern twist. Just behind you, clear glass. Come this way.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19- Yeah.- More beams.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25'What can you do? I thought this mix of old and modern with big, open spaces would be spot-on.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28'But it looks like I was way off the mark.
0:36:28 > 0:36:34'Ruby and Pritpal could hide the character, but what a waste of stunning original features
0:36:34 > 0:36:38'that usually come at the very top of most people's wish lists!'
0:36:39 > 0:36:43So this is your master bedroom. Let me close this door.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- It's got a bathroom.- It has.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49- Nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:36:49 > 0:36:56- The idea is that you're lying in the bath and you're looking out at the pleasant valley.- And the beams.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59'I'm not giving up yet.
0:36:59 > 0:37:05'The guest bedrooms beyond the living room have less character, so might be more to their taste.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08'There are three double en-suites.
0:37:10 > 0:37:16'Plus one single bedroom, detailed as a study, but all are unfurnished.'
0:37:18 > 0:37:22This is an alternative really to your master bedroom.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26- Very nice.- Look how bright it is! - It's beautiful.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29- Fantastic. So much light in here. - En-suite as well.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- Go and have a look.- All right.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- Yeah, that's...- That's good. - Shower as well.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- That's to our liking. - Yeah, I like that.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42- So if the whole property was like this...- It would be perfect.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Really?- It would.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50'It seems for Ruby and Pritpal this house has plenty of plus points, but just as many negatives.
0:37:50 > 0:37:56'Let's see if the land can convince them that a few beams might be worth living with after all.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58'There's five acres to play with.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- Come on out.- Yeah.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05Oh, it's so beautiful outside.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10- Can you imagine when this is all done up? Lovely grass.- Yeah.
0:38:10 > 0:38:17- I think it's the mix, isn't it? - Lots of potential.- The modern, the old. And things can be done.
0:38:17 > 0:38:22Let's go down to the bottom of your garden and tell me if you like the property or not.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26- I can tell you if you can afford it or not. How's that?- OK.
0:38:26 > 0:38:32'That's a bit more positive. They're considering how this property might work for them. But will the price?'
0:38:32 > 0:38:35How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I think probably...about 800.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- £800,000?- £800,000.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- That's purely because it's got the land.- OK.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50I think I'd go slightly higher on that.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52990.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56It's on the market for £965,000.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01- There you go, Ruby, you're close again.- He knows nothing.- He doesn't.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I think it was wishful thinking on your part, wasn't it?
0:39:04 > 0:39:11- Yeah.- Start with the kitchen. Let's hope that the love of the kitchen transcends into the whole house.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- Here's hoping.- OK. - I'll be outside.- OK, thanks.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18Well, can't win 'em all.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22We've found one thing out though - that Ruby doesn't like beams.
0:39:22 > 0:39:28She's got a pathological hatred for them. They both don't like anything with character.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31It's gonna make that move to the country quite difficult.
0:39:31 > 0:39:38With a price tag of £965,000, this barn conversion comes in £35,000 under budget.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43If it was for anyone but Ruby and Pritpal, it wouldn't need anything doing to it all.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59But I think this house has too much character and it's not often that I get to say that.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03What I like about this property is the land and the view is superb.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06And it's pretty quiet.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10We're looking to come down to Devon to have peace and quiet
0:40:10 > 0:40:13and we can find it here.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15I love the kitchen in the house.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18This is exactly what I'm looking for.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21The rest is not up to my liking.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- Here you go, one very warm coat. - Thank you.
0:40:26 > 0:40:32You've seen all the properties. The tour is over. Don't tell me if you're gonna go for any of them yet.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37- Shall we go and grab a cold drink? - That would be so good. - Come on.- My language!
0:40:44 > 0:40:47'So that's it for our property tour of South Devon.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52'Ruby and Pritpal have liked elements of all the houses we've shown them,
0:40:52 > 0:40:58'even though they'd have major plans for them, so there's a lot to think about.'
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Now it's time to find out what our couple made of the properties.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11They haven't been backward in coming forward with their views, but has one house ticked all the boxes?
0:41:11 > 0:41:14Let's find out, shall we?
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Well, guys, we've seen a variety of properties here in South Devon.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- Some you've liked more than others? Is that right?- Yes.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31Our first property, the house with the lake and the sea at touching distance...
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- That was an amazing house.- Yeah. - Ticks all the boxes.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- It does.- Really? - Nearly all the boxes.- Nearly.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42- Nearly all the boxes.- What's not right?- The width of the house.
0:41:42 > 0:41:48- The width?- It's long and narrow, but that could be made the way we want.- Great location.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51Fantastic. You can't go wrong there.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54Let's talk about the Georgian farmhouse.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- Fantastic house again. Lots of land. - A couple of acres of land.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03As we actually went in, you didn't like the kitchen.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08- The kitchen was too small, which I didn't expect in that house.- OK.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- But again, the kitchen can be put at the back of the house.- Yes.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16And finally, the mystery property.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Hmm. I loved the kitchen.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22That's exactly what I'm looking for.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26But the only let-down was the beams.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30I didn't expect you to say that at all.
0:42:30 > 0:42:36- I'm sorry. I just don't like beams. - We tried with the beams.- Yes. - Any you're gonna go and see again?
0:42:36 > 0:42:42I think we'd like to go and see the house with the lake and the sea view.
0:42:42 > 0:42:47- That property ticks a lot of boxes which we want.- Yeah.
0:42:47 > 0:42:52I'm delighted. Good luck in your search. It's been fantastic being with you.
0:42:52 > 0:42:58- I hope you do find your home here in dreamy Devon.- We do as well. Thank you.- Thank you for your help.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04So, as Ruby and Pritpal make their way home,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08it's good to know that they'll be back to South Devon very shortly.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11They absolutely love the county. Who wouldn't?
0:43:11 > 0:43:17But finding that modern house built to their exacting standards isn't going to be easy.
0:43:17 > 0:43:23If it is the house with the lake and the sea view, here's betting that they'll still knock some walls down!
0:43:23 > 0:43:25Till next time, goodbye.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29If you'd like to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:43:29 > 0:43:32please apply online at:
0:43:52 > 0:43:56Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2009
0:43:56 > 0:43:59Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk