0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:09300 years ago, the men that lived along this coastline were known as the kings of the smugglers -
0:00:09 > 0:00:14bringing ashore their contraband and stashing it in many of the caves that litter the coastline.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Where am I? Well, stick around and I'll show you.
0:00:28 > 0:00:33In today's show, I'll be helping a couple who have just returned from the Spanish Costas
0:00:33 > 0:00:36to find a new pad in the glorious British countryside.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Morning coffee on the balcony.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41That's absolutely gorgeous.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43I'll be taking them on a tour of rural homes,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46including a mystery house that may shatter their preconceptions.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- I think you're going to love it. - OK, prove it then.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54But will any of our choices get them signing on the dotted line?
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Well, today I'm on the coast of Devon,
0:00:58 > 0:01:03famous for its smugglers, pirates and good old-fashioned seafaring folk.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Up there is the gorgeous little village of Beer.
0:01:06 > 0:01:12Back in 1750, the area was so rife with smugglers and pirates that the locals stationed troops
0:01:12 > 0:01:15all along the coastline to try and keep them at bay.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19The good news is the smugglers and soldiers have now gone
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and everything down here is a lot more peaceful.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29Devon, in the south-west of Britain, is the third largest English county.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Since the 12th century, it has prospered,
0:01:31 > 0:01:36be it from the tin industry and the hundreds of mines that used to cover the moors,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38to the ill-gotten gains of the smugglers.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43Its coastal resorts are a huge hit, from the sandy beaches popular with families,
0:01:43 > 0:01:48to the world famous Jurassic coast, which is historically and scientifically so important
0:01:48 > 0:01:52that it was designated as England's first natural world heritage site in 2001.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55Without doubt Devon is a beautiful county,
0:01:55 > 0:02:01so it's perhaps not surprising that it was described as a paradise by Sir Harold Edwin Boulton,
0:02:01 > 0:02:06the 19th century philanthropist and songwriter who wrote,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09"When Adam and Eve were dispossess'd of the Garden hard by Heaven,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13"They planted another one down in the West, 'twas Devon, glorious Devon."
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Sand, sea and, on average, one and a half more hours of glorious sunshine
0:02:17 > 0:02:21than anywhere else in the UK, makes Devon popular both with tourists
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and with many who have also escaped to the country over the years.
0:02:24 > 0:02:31So much so, that it's thought the population could increase by a whopping 27% over the next 25 years.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34So, if you want to come, now is probably the time to do so,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37but you will need some serious money in your pocket.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41House prices here are a whopping 19% higher than the national average.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45But, if you are keen to take the plunge, there is plenty on offer.
0:02:45 > 0:02:46Take a look at these.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50This £1.5 million home
0:02:50 > 0:02:54is a stone's throw from the internationally renowned surfing beach in Croyde Bay.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58The hefty price tag does, however, buy a terrific six-bedroom home,
0:02:58 > 0:03:04where solid 1930s architecture meets modern contemporary family living.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Further south, in Pixton, a four-bedroom Grade II listed
0:03:08 > 0:03:12thatched cottage is up for grabs for £650,000.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16Beautifully restored by the current owners, it has been well thought through
0:03:16 > 0:03:21with a Victorian-style bath, perfectly positioned for taking in the far-reaching view.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Or sitting just on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park
0:03:25 > 0:03:28is this four-bedroom house in Great Mead.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31At a shade under 400,000, it's a fabulous family house,
0:03:31 > 0:03:35presented in show home condition that extends to the tidy garden.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39At this price, it shouldn't stay on the market too long.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Things around here tend to get snapped up fairly quickly,
0:03:42 > 0:03:46but that's just as well, because today's buyers can't wait to move here.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Today, we're smuggling retired policeman, Roger,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52and social care consultant, Margaret, back into Britain.
0:03:52 > 0:03:58They've decided to swap the Spanish sun, sea and sangria for some east Devon cream tea.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02But, in the meantime, they are living in rented accommodation in Bracknell.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06They emigrated to Spain two years ago and were enjoying the life
0:04:06 > 0:04:11until Margaret was diagnosed with a serious illness that forced their return to the UK.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15Now that she is on the road to recovery, their priorities have changed.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20I think it's made us really focus on what matters to us.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25How important our children and grandchildren are to us, and our being with them.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30And also having some of our extended family around close by for support also.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33We left behind a really lovely house in Spain.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35We've had it built the way we want it.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37We're very blessed and very fortunate.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42In some ways, looking for a property here is going to be a challenge.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45The house isn't the only thing they left behind.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Their beloved dogs, Molly and Tess, have stayed too.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51Once there is a new home in Devon, they hope to be reunited.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Although the house they are renting in Bracknell is close to their daughters,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57it simply isn't big enough.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01The current garden we have, as you can see, is just too small.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04What we're looking for is at least a minimum of one acre.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09A place for the grandchildren to run around, a place for the dogs to have space to run around.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14A place where we can grow our own food and hopefully keep a few chickens as well.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Getting settled in a new home is a top priority at the moment.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20So what's on the checklist?
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Spacious rooms, you know.
0:05:22 > 0:05:28Lots of light and just to be able to feel that you can move around.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31That's really important to us.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35We'd like the house to be in a minimum of one acre
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and situated outskirts of a village or semi rural.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40The house itself, to have with it,
0:05:40 > 0:05:46kitchen/breakfast-room, separate study, lounge and dining room.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48Upstairs...
0:05:48 > 0:05:50minimum four bedrooms.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54We wouldn't mind if a property itself was necessarily small now,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57as long as we could get the planning permission to build it up,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59to put our own stamp on it.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04Roger and Margaret are holding onto the Spanish villa they've poured their hearts into,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and as they don't have a property to sell in order to make this move,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09they're in a strong buying position.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11Budget-wise, what are we looking at?
0:06:11 > 0:06:18If the property ticks all the boxes, our maximum budget is £500,000.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25Well, there's no doubt that Margaret's recent illness has certainly put things in perspective.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29They're looking to make the best of what the future has to offer.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32They have got three daughters and four grandchildren.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35They're all going to want to come and stay.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37So they need a house with at least four bedrooms.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41Roger would like at least an acre of land so he can lead something of the good life.
0:06:41 > 0:06:46For half a million pounds, that is going to be something of a challenge, which is why, I think,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49we might just hop over the border into Somerset,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51where properties are a cool 14% lower.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55So, who knows, we may just find a little more bang for our buck.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58With this in mind,
0:06:58 > 0:07:02we are concentrating the hunt around the town of Axminster in east Devon,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04but also across the border into Somerset.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07In today's show I'll be taking Roger and Margaret to see
0:07:07 > 0:07:13three great houses, but I won't reveal the prices until they've each had a guess.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16And the last of the three will be our mystery house.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Morning, chaps!
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Hello.- How are you? Very nice to see.- And you.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Welcome to a glorious part of the world.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27It is. It's really beautiful.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30I know, Margaret, you have been in the wars recently,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- but the good news is you are well on the road to recovery.- Absolutely!
0:07:33 > 0:07:37So, the icing on the cake would be to find you a nice house to live in.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38- Correct.- Indeed.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We know how much you've got to spend - half a million or so.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45What I want to know is what style of property you're really after?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Something traditional.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52- You say that. You're going to end up with beams and low ceilings and all the rest of it.- I don't want that.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54I hate it. I can't bear all of that.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59I think what I probably mean is something modern, traditional.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03You see, this is where it comes unstuck, Roger.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Do you have this debate all the time?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07All the time, all the time.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12- What I think we've come down to, the bottom line is, something that is spacious.- Yeah.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15It could be new, but spacious.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- It could be old and spacious.- Yes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Well, there are a few to choose from, you'll be glad to know.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Before it does start raining, let's go and see what we can find. Excellent.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Let's hope the rain doesn't hamper our search for Roger and Margaret's new home.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52The fact that Roger is happy to take on a project will give us more scope.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56How much of Devon do you know?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59We've been down to Devon quite a few times
0:08:59 > 0:09:05and every time we come down here we think, "Yes, this is the area we want to live".
0:09:05 > 0:09:07What is it about it that attracts you?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10I think because it is a slower way of life,
0:09:10 > 0:09:16but it's also for our children to be able to come down and visit us, and us to visit them as well.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Do they know what the lanes are like around here? Look at it!
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Nothing's quick, you know.
0:09:21 > 0:09:25Of course, that is part of the charm of this wonderful county.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28We're heading to the hamlet of Colston Cross for our first house,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30close to the eastern border of Devon
0:09:30 > 0:09:32and sitting amongst the Blackdown Hills.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37Chardstock, just two miles away, sits aside the River Kit.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39It's a pleasant and typical Devon village,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42where the pub, Post Office and church are where the locals meet.
0:09:42 > 0:09:48If Roger and Margaret are looking to explore the area, there's the bonus of the village walking club.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52In Colston Cross, bearing in mind Roger and Margaret don't mind a project,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55this first house could be right up their street.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56There we are.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00- What do you think?- I really like it. It looks really good.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02It's a substantial looking house.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06And looks like the type of property we'd go for.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- It's classic post-war, this.- Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Early '50s. So everything's straight.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14That's good.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15The only downside, really,
0:10:15 > 0:10:20- at the moment...- The road. - ..is the road.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25- But it does sit within quite an extensive plot, which I think will be interesting.- Absolutely.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29I think the key thing is to go through it with a sense of space.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Does it give us the sort of space we're after?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- We'll see what you think. - OK.- Come on then.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39So house number one gets the thumbs up, so far. Let's hope it continues.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45OK, in you come.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50I must be honest...
0:10:50 > 0:10:51Not sure about the stairs.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53In terms of size and space...
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Yeah, it's definitely spacious.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Open and light and I like that very much.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- The ceilings are quite high as well. - There are beams but they aren't low.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08No, they've obviously knocked through over the years to give you this open plan thing.
0:11:08 > 0:11:14In terms of scope, do you think this is something you would be interested in tackling?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Well, I'd like, really, to see the rest of the house.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Come on then, let's have a look.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23This is the kitchen, obviously.
0:11:23 > 0:11:30Not a massive farmhouse spec kitchen, but you probably wouldn't expect one in a 1950s build.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32But, again...
0:11:32 > 0:11:35I'm looking at this property in terms of what would I do with it,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38how will I knock it about to create that?
0:11:38 > 0:11:43- My immediate thoughts about the kitchen is it needs to go out.- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- It needs to be bigger.- Mm-hm.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49I'm a little bit concerned about whatever goes through there.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Boiler room through there, something of a utility area.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Coats and boots and stuff.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57What you've got through here, have a look.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02In here, something of a boot room kind of thing. Come and have a look.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07This is already an existing extension to the property, you can see the downpipe there
0:12:07 > 0:12:09and that old external window.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13When we get outside I'll explain a bit more about how this property can be extended.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- I think that's what it's all about.- I think you're right.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19That would really make an impressive impact.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- Come with me upstairs. Let's have a look.- OK.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27This is a place that Roger and Margaret could really put their own stamp on.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30It's ripe for extension and I think they'd enjoy it.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33For now, I'm keen to show them around upstairs.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38Now, three bedrooms up here.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41OK. Size-wise, this is about the average.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- OK.- Right.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49I don't think it's too bad really because the colour and that furniture just crowds it all in.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52I think if you took that out and painted it a very light colour,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55you'd have a very reasonable sized room.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00I like positivity and Margaret's creative vision is all good stuff.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Next door is the second bedroom
0:13:03 > 0:13:07and then there is also the modern and tidy family bathroom.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09And finally, a room for them.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14This is the master as currently configured.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Again, very similarly sized room to what we had next door,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20but it is the master for a very good reason because it has this.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25Have a look in there! This is quite useful. Have a look.
0:13:25 > 0:13:30- Yes. Yeah. It's actually surprisingly big.- Not a bad size, is it?
0:13:30 > 0:13:32It's a good size, without a doubt.
0:13:32 > 0:13:38- You've got it all.- Surprising how big this is compared to the other bedrooms.- And the room sizes, yeah.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41At the moment, it is a three bedroom property.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I've alluded to this extension.
0:13:43 > 0:13:48Let's go outside and I'll give you a real sense of how that would sit on this place,
0:13:48 > 0:13:52because your current three bed could become a very comfortable five bed
0:13:52 > 0:13:56with a couple of extra reception rooms, bigger kitchen, the whole thing.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- OK.- Right, OK.- Let's see your imaginations go into overdrive.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- OK.- I look forward to it.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Roger clearly likes my proposition
0:14:04 > 0:14:09and, with Margaret's vision, I reckon they could make a fantastic place for themselves here.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13Right, out you come.
0:14:13 > 0:14:14Come over here to start.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17OK.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Right. I've talked a lot about this extension.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23This is what I want to describe to you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:31There is currently, albeit lapsed, but there is an existing full planning permission
0:14:31 > 0:14:35for a huge two-storey extension coming out of the property this way.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39OK. One corner of it is here, where this blue pot is. All right?
0:14:41 > 0:14:42And the other corner is up here.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- There.- That's amazing.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- It's a huge addition, isn't it? - It is.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54That would afford you an enormous addition
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- to the footprint of the house as it currently stands.- Definitely!
0:14:58 > 0:15:01Well, that's given them food for thought.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06This house does offer plenty of scope and it also comes with a couple of outbuildings
0:15:06 > 0:15:10which would make the ideal home for the chickens they are looking to keep.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12Let's talk about land, Roger.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I think that's really what's going to make this property work for you.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19- Absolutely right. - You wanted how much?
0:15:19 > 0:15:20We're saying about an acre.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23OK. How about just over three?
0:15:23 > 0:15:25I can live with that.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26I thought you might, yeah!
0:15:26 > 0:15:32What you get is everything that's bounded by this lovely post and rail stock fence.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36So, up there, right across to the hedgeline over there
0:15:36 > 0:15:42and down there, in that far corner, you've got a little orchard as well.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Oh, right!- Fantastic.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50How do you think your £500,000 or so stacks up against this lot? Who's going to go first?
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I'll go first.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I'm not very good at this.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57I will plump for the figure 430,000.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01£430,000, says your husband.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02Yes.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07I was thinking about 425. That's very similar, but that was a number that was in my head.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10You can agree.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- It's perfectly all right. - Yeah, that's true.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17So, 425, 430, you're pretty much in the same area.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19The thing about this property which is very exciting,
0:16:19 > 0:16:23is that it is on the market, not for 425 or for 430
0:16:23 > 0:16:30- It is on for 399.- Really? - So you've got £100,000 left over.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Something to think about. - Without a doubt.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34For the first house,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- actually I'm really pleased with what you've shown us.- Good! Hurrah!
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Go and have a look around. Think about it.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Think about what you would do, cos this is a design job as far as you're concerned.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48- Go and have fun. Let your imaginations run wild.- We will.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- I'll catch you later.- Thank you.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56I love delivering good news and the 399 price tag was just that.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00The price also gives Roger and Margaret £100,000 change
0:17:00 > 0:17:02to build the extension.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17My first impressions are excellent. It's a substantial property.
0:17:17 > 0:17:23With the potential of an extension, would make it a property that is more than liveable in.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27It's a nice sized room and I do like that fireplace.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Yeah, so do I. It's really good.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33I can certainly see the potential in the house to build an extension
0:17:33 > 0:17:37and to do the things that we want to do and have the things that we want.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42So, in terms of the house, it's great, actually.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Right, out you come. Seen enough?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Yes.- Definitely. - Worth seeing?- Absolutely.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Yes.- Good! I'm glad. Nice way to start the day.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55- Let's see what else we can find you. - OK.- Excellent!
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Roger and Margaret can't wait to be living close to the sea again,
0:18:01 > 0:18:05so earlier this week, they took the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air of Sidmouth.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10This small town began as a fishing village and developed into a regency-style seaside resort
0:18:10 > 0:18:14with a mix of architecture to match.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Like every Devon fishing village,
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Sidmouth was no stranger to smuggling, and there's rumoured to be
0:18:21 > 0:18:25a tunnel connecting The Ship Inn with the local parish church.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28There's so much history to soak up here,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32but the number one attraction has to be the beach, sitting on the world-famous Jurassic Coast,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36well-known for its 200 million-year-old fossils.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Geologist Ian Lennon is a local expert.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43The Jurassic Coast is a marvellous environment for collecting fossils.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45It's one of the best places in the world, certainly in the UK,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48because at the time, the animals were all living,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52they were all able to be preserved in these Jurassic rocks under the sea.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55The rocks have now been raised up above sea level
0:18:55 > 0:18:59and are being eroded by the winds and the coastline and the landslips.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01They come out onto the beaches for us to collect.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- What type of fossils do you find here?- The ammonites,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07they are well-known from this area.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Everybody wants to find an ammonite from this coastline here.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13I've got one here - a small Promicroceras,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16that's a species of ammonite.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Lovely little curled shell.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22And the really good ones, of course, are the Ichthyosaurs,
0:19:22 > 0:19:27the famous marine reptiles that were fossilised here, that Mary Anning first discovered.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Here's one we just recently found.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34There's a jaw of an Ichthyosaur, with the two rows of teeth in it.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Thanks very much indeed. That was very informative.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- Not at all.- Thank you.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43For our next property, we're hopping over the border
0:19:43 > 0:19:45into Somerset, to Isle Abbotts.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48This sleepy village is tucked away from major roads,
0:19:48 > 0:19:52providing the peaceful atmosphere Roger and Margaret are looking for.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55The focal point is the beautiful 13th century church
0:19:55 > 0:19:59with its handsome tower that was added in 1510.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04The property we've lined up started life as two 18th century cottages
0:20:04 > 0:20:05that were later knocked into one.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Well finally the rain has caught up with us - I thought it might!
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Hopefully it won't dampen your spirits too much
0:20:11 > 0:20:14because that's what I want you to have a look at now.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16OK, interesting.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19From the outside it looks cottagey, but I'll wait till I get inside.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22It is cottagey - it hasn't got...
0:20:22 > 0:20:24Victorian high ceilings.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28Obviously - it's a cottage. But, it does have lots of space,
0:20:28 > 0:20:29Margaret.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- OK.- You did say you wanted lots of roomy space.
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- I did.- And it is actually remarkably light, considering its age and what it is.
0:20:37 > 0:20:38- OK.- OK.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- Bear with me!- We will!
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- Look forward to going in and having a look.- Come and have a look around.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Right, come on it.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- Oh, this is different, isn't it?- It is, actually.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Is this what you were expecting?
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- No.- It goes back a lot further than what I thought it would.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59Doesn't it?
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- It's amazing.- I know you were thinking very slick, contemporary...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05This does, of course, have an original
0:21:05 > 0:21:07inglenook fireplace with a beam.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Um, is that a problem or is that all right?
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It's not a problem. - I think that's quite nice.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16There's some nice bits of character in a property like this
0:21:16 > 0:21:20but it does lend itself to a contemporary feel, in some regards.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Hmm, certainly spacious.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Lots of room.- You're smiling, which is a good sign!
0:21:25 > 0:21:30Definitely! I mean, this is about 1700 this bit.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Right.- OK, so that bit is 1750,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37OK? And the kitchen is 20th century you'll be pleased to know!
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Come and have a look at this!
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- Oh, right.- It's a good size. - Certainly is.- Without a doubt.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- That's an understatement, Roger... - Yes!- ..To be honest with you.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52It's a really, really good size. Great for family.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- Really good for family. - Lots of room to move around.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Come and have a look up here because this space,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01I think really is wasted at the moment,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04but that would lend itself to an enormous dining table.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- A farmhouse-style kitchen table. - Yes it would.- Yeah.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11I really like the floor, actually.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- I do like that.- Good for the dogs.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Great for the dogs, yeah.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19This huge kitchen diner is ready-made for those family meals
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Roger and Margaret are looking forward to.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Back off the hall is a generous utility room and a cloakroom,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27and of course the lounge.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31I think this works for the size of family you have to acomodate.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Yep, it is a good size.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Yeah, again.- Surprising, isn't it?
0:22:35 > 0:22:36Yes, it is.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39The nice thing about it is that all the rooms in this house
0:22:39 > 0:22:41go the full width of the property.
0:22:41 > 0:22:47- Through that door you've got a new addition which is a study.- OK.- Useful.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50You could both use it - it's big enough for you both to share.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54Let's go upstairs because you wanted, ideally, four bedrooms.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- Yes.- Yeah.- You're gonna need all of those if...- If they all stay, yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00So five would be brilliant?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- It would, yeah.- Five you've got. Come and have a look.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05I think that is more than they expected,
0:23:05 > 0:23:09and it'll give them plenty of flexibility when the family come to stay.
0:23:09 > 0:23:14Let's start in here. As I say, one of five that you've got.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19Try and get a sense of size and space that the property offers you.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Surprisingly big again. - It is.- And light.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Bonus points there then! Next up is a double for family visits
0:23:26 > 0:23:30and then there are two single rooms the grandchildren could use.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34The family bathroom is modern, with the bonus of two basins
0:23:34 > 0:23:36and then finally, the master suite.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39There we are.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Come on in. Again, think of it in terms or size and space.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- It's a good size. - It's certainly a lot larger
0:23:47 > 0:23:50than what I expected to see in this type of building.
0:23:50 > 0:23:55Also, yet again, these ceilings are more the height that I would expect.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59You do have this nice little balcony with double doors out over the garden,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03but it also has something of a open, en suite arrangement.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Go and have a look...
0:24:04 > 0:24:06In you go.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Poke your heads in.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- I mean, you might want a door. - I think we would, most definitely.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14New suite in there, all plumbed,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17you know, you could make that quite nice.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Now, I'm getting the impression the decor isn't exactly to their taste
0:24:23 > 0:24:26but its only cosmetic and wouldn't take much to change.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Outside, there's plenty more on offer.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Just at the back there's a large gravelled area where I think
0:24:32 > 0:24:36they could have fantastic BBQs and there is no end of green turf.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Now, Roger, how much ground do you think you've got,
0:24:39 > 0:24:42cos what you see is what you get.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I would guesstimate at about two acres.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Pretty much spot on. Just under. 1.9, so who's arguing?
0:24:48 > 0:24:53- Two acres, that's not a bad spread. - It's enough.- It's more than enough,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56exactly, cos you won't have to cut it, mate!
0:24:56 > 0:24:57THEY LAUGH
0:24:57 > 0:25:02The nice thing is you can have all your vegetables and mucky stuff at one end of the garden,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and your grandchildren are going to have a great time here.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- They would, actually.- They'd love it.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10They would love it, it seems really safe.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Well the hedge running round it is fantastic, it's mature...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Dog-proof as well so they're not going anywhere.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19It's not a bad spot at all.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20- No, it's good.- OK.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Well, let's have a think about the money then, shall we?
0:25:25 > 0:25:28We are over the border in Somerset, from Devon.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31So you do get a bit more for your money here
0:25:31 > 0:25:34but let's have a think about your £500,000
0:25:34 > 0:25:35and how far it's going to go.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Go on, Margaret.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41OK, I was sort of thinking...
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Probably completely wild guess here, but £450?
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- £450.- I actually had that in my head as well
0:25:48 > 0:25:51because the house is virtually done,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54there's no building work to do on it and it has the grounds as well.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59OK. It's actually £485.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- Right.- Right.- OK.
0:26:01 > 0:26:02So, 15 under.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Under budget.- Under budget, but it is all done, pretty much,
0:26:06 > 0:26:07few tweaks here and there.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Very charming house, great aspect outside
0:26:10 > 0:26:12and you get all of that to play with.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17- I think that's more than enough for you.- It's more than enough ground, without a doubt.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Well go inside and see if it is your house
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- and I'll catch up with you later. - OK, thanks very much.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24See if you can find me an umbrella.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30At £485,000, this house shows how much more you get for your money
0:26:30 > 0:26:32over the border in Somerset.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36It has a 25-ft long family-style kitchen/diner.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40A study, five bedrooms which will be great when the family visit,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43and two acres of land for growing vegetables, keeping chickens
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and letting the dogs run off steam.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50When we approached the property I thought it'd be very small inside,
0:26:50 > 0:26:52but it's like a Tardis.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57It is really big inside, on the ground floor.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00The outside, the garden, absolutely perfect.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02So what do you think - this as a dining room?
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Yeah, it could be, actually.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Could be, it links to the kitchen, it's a good size,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09you've got the lounge through here...
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Separate room. Yeah, I think that would be good.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16I really liked the kitchen, I could really see being there,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19it felt very comfortable and spacious,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23and I imagined the children being there - a place for them to play
0:27:23 > 0:27:25and us all being together.
0:27:25 > 0:27:31I think for me the downside is the ceiling's being a little bit low.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35Um, and that sort of puts me off a little bit,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38but I'm not writing the properly off.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41At long last you've appeared with the umbrellas!
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- Here you go! - Thanks, but it's sunny now!
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- Which is good.- Come on, let's enjoy the sunshine.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00It's a fantastic sight to see a piece of 19th century engineering brought back to life.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04What a great way to explore Devon's countryside!
0:28:04 > 0:28:07As a boy, I loved old steam engines.
0:28:07 > 0:28:13For most of us, the romantic image of an old locomotive conjures up a feeling of nostalgia.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18So I couldn't resist an opportunity to learn about the maintenance of these magnificent machines
0:28:18 > 0:28:22that are a constant reminder of Britain's industrial past.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24I'm visiting the South Devon Railway,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28the only company in Devon and one of just two places in England,
0:28:28 > 0:28:30that replace the steel tyres.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33The engineering manager is Rob Le Chevalier.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Rob, nice to see you.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37What a gorgeous locomotive.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40There are thousands of components that you need to repair and replace
0:28:40 > 0:28:44to keep these things running. What is it with tyres?
0:28:44 > 0:28:49- I thought only cars and lorries had tyres.- No, no. Locos and diesels have tyres as well.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53There's an example. That piece is the wheel centre or the spokes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56That piece is the tyre, and then we have a Gibson ring
0:28:56 > 0:28:59which is like a giant circlip that holds it all in.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Essentially it would sit like that?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Yes, essentially, and the rail is under here.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08So this is a separate steel band?
0:29:08 > 0:29:12Absolutely. It's just a disc of metal that is shrunk on to the wheel centre.
0:29:12 > 0:29:18Clearly that is the bit that's going to wear out and that's the bit that holds everything on the rails.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Glides you in the right direction. - Show me what you do. - Head this way.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25This is no while-you-wait job.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28It takes a day to take the wheels off and about a week to replace them.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31The steel tyres arrive in various sizes,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34but they have to be bored out to the exact measurements of the wheel
0:29:34 > 0:29:37and then heated to provide the perfect fit.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39The lathe is the workhorse of the process.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42How many of these do you think you do a year?
0:29:42 > 0:29:45We do about 60 tyres a year, 30 axles.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50They're about £1,000 a tyre and they cost about £1,000 each to fit.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55How long is one of these going to last for before the locomotive has to come back and have them redone?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58They should last, easily, 100,000 miles.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- In a heritage context... - It would be a lifetime.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Fascinating having a look around.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05But my visit would not be complete without a ride, would it?
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- Certainly not.- I'm going to find a train with some steam in it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10Very good.
0:30:10 > 0:30:16I can't wait to experience the ride from the footplate and my driver today is Dave Noling.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Have we got steam up? - Yeah, we've got steam up.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20Full pressure, ready to go.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- Would you like to do it? - I'd love to have a go.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Step here then.- OK. The driver's position!
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- This one here?- Yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- Just up to there?- Upright position. - Yeah.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Blow the whistle now.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34WHISTLE BLOWS
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- How far up do I go?- A bit more.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- We're off.- Oh, my God!
0:30:39 > 0:30:43Wow!
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. I'm driving a steam train.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51This really is a boyhood dream come true.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55And it's a wonderful way to catch another glimpse of Devon.
0:30:59 > 0:31:05As the end of the afternoon looms, it's a chance to mull over the properties so far.
0:31:05 > 0:31:10It's been an interesting day, what did you think of the 1950s house?
0:31:10 > 0:31:13I liked the property from the outside. For land,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17it's absolutely fantastic - far more than what we could actually get.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21And with the potential of putting an extension on the property,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23we can actually put our own stamp on it.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28I liked that, I liked the idea of making it how we wanted it to be.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30The price was surprising.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33It was. I honestly thought it would be a bit higher than that.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36I did too. That was a pleasant surprise actually.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39What did you think of the cottage in Somerset?
0:31:39 > 0:31:41I think it was a big spacious house,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44I was surprised there was five bedrooms.
0:31:45 > 0:31:50The garden was perfect for the grandchildren and growing vegetables and all those sorts of things.
0:31:50 > 0:31:55I wasn't keen on the lower ceilings. I'm a bit torn about the style.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58Lots of really good things, but I wasn't 100%.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02- But anyway, we've got more to see tomorrow, so...- Can't wait.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- Looking forward to it.- Definitely.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12Roger and Margaret have recently returned from Spain
0:32:12 > 0:32:14and are looking for a new home in the West Country.
0:32:14 > 0:32:19They have a budget of £500,000 and are looking for a home large enough to accommodate visits
0:32:19 > 0:32:21from their grown-up daughters and their family.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26Our tour so far has taken them to one house and, coming up,
0:32:26 > 0:32:28a property that takes them by surprise.
0:32:28 > 0:32:33- Look at this! - That is absolutely gorgeous.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39We're halfway through our house search and I think our story
0:32:39 > 0:32:41is turning into one of changing perceptions.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44There's no doubt that both Roger and Margaret would have
0:32:44 > 0:32:46dismissed properties on paper,
0:32:46 > 0:32:48when in fact a visit was worthwhile.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51We're going to push on with that theme today, two more to come,
0:32:51 > 0:32:55including of course the mystery house and who knows, fingers crossed, we might get lucky.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57For our first house this morning,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00we're kicking off in the hamlet of Raymond's Hill,
0:33:00 > 0:33:02snug up against the Dorset border
0:33:02 > 0:33:05and just two miles north of the popular resort of Lyme Regis.
0:33:05 > 0:33:10Charmouth, a couple of miles away, is one of the great gateways to the Jurassic coast.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13The thriving village dates back to medieval times,
0:33:13 > 0:33:18and it's believed Catherine of Aragon stayed here in 1501
0:33:18 > 0:33:22on her way to marry Prince Arthur, the elder brother of the future Henry VIII.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Our next house is an interesting proposition.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Let's see what they make of it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Our final day.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31- We've got it all to play for, haven't we, really?- We do. Yes.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33What do you think of that?
0:33:33 > 0:33:35I like the front garden.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I'm a bit concerned on the width of the house.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- I'd like to think it goes back a way to give us a bit of room.- It does.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Or the opportunity to build on that.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49- What we've got is a 1960s build.- OK.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Very straight lines and so on and so forth but, the garden,
0:33:53 > 0:33:57I can promise you, you will not forget. Let's get on with it.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Lovely!
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Right, in you come.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- Grab the door, Roger.- Thank you.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12We don't normally feature entrance halls, but I think this is worth looking at.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Everything runs off of here.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17My first impressions... I like it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18- Do you?- I do.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- Good!- I like the fact it's got a big hallway.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23I really like that.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26OK. All right. Well, running off here, a number of rooms.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Let's start with the living room.
0:34:28 > 0:34:29OK.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35OK.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37It's a good sized room.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Silence from Roger.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42There is. I was just looking at the window there.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46It seems a little out of place, but I'd like to explore that further.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50That just portrays the fact that what's beyond it is a later extension. OK.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55You've got a little garden room there, backing on to a very useful utility room.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57You could just open that up completely.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59That's what I was thinking actually.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05In terms of size of space, you get a glimpse of the garden through there.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07That's lovely.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10This house is designed to really celebrate the outside.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Loads of space, big sliding doors.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- Lots of scope.- Yes.- Without a doubt. - Definitely.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Good. All right. Let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22- OK.- OK.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Actually, that's quite a good size.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26It's a great size. Very well fitted at the moment.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Again, you could just walk in and move in.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31That's the point to make about it.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35In time, if you want to tweak it here and there, you can do.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38It's absolutely usable now, isn't it?
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Very much so.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43Although Margaret is happy with this room,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46they could knock through to the dining room beyond,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49making a huge kitchen with a superb view of the garden.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54Back off the hall, there's a beautifully fitted out shower room and a cloakroom opposite.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58For the quirky aspect of this house, two of the four bedrooms are downstairs.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01One of which is being used as a study.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03And, of course, they might like to do the same.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06The two remaining bedrooms are upstairs.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08OK. In you go.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- OK.- OK, yeah.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Good size.- Certainly makes use of the roof space.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Is there an en suite?
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Not here.
0:36:20 > 0:36:25Always with houses with sloping roofs, there's an issue about wardrobe space.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28There is. The good news is that this isn't your master.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Good.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35- Thank you very much indeed.- The master does have loads of storage space and a very nice en suite.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- Come and have a look at this. - OK.- Great.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39They didn't expect that.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43There we are. Lots of storage, in what is essentially a master wing.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- In here is your en suite.- OK.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- Bath, shower, all the stuff. - A good size.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Let's find you somewhere to sleep. Through here.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01I think this is more like it as a master.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Yes, yeah. - A very good size.- A good size, yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Beams, but painted, which I think has a nice contemporary feel.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Actually that does... Looks better.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10How about coffee out there?
0:37:10 > 0:37:14I saw the balcony out there. I must go and have a look.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20There we are. How about that? Morning coffee on the balcony.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23- That's absolutely gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:37:23 > 0:37:26- How lovely!- That's just a bit of the garden.- Really?
0:37:26 > 0:37:28That's not all of it.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30It's very quiet, look at it!
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- Peaceful. Pretty.- It's lovely.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Come on, let's get down and start exploring.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37That's what I like to see.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41To be honest, they aren't giving much away
0:37:41 > 0:37:45so it's difficult to know what they really think about this place.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49But outside, nobody could fail to be impressed by the beautiful garden.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50You're going to love this.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54It sets the house off a treat
0:37:54 > 0:37:58and is bursting with mature shrubs, trees and plants.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01- So, what do you think? - It's really beautiful.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- Isn't it!- It is.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- As gardens go, this is absolutely immaculate.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08You got a nice greenhouse down there.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Lots of specimen trees in here as well.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14We've this lovely area of wild flowers. Orchids in there.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18But... What you see is not what you get.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20It goes on. Come and have a look.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21- OK.- Right.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29- This is a garden to enjoy all year round.- Yeah.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Lots of evergreen here, so the structure will remain through the winter.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- Oh, my goodness! - It goes on, doesn't it?
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- This is part of it as well? - This is all yours, too.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44- Up to that hedge at the back. - That's amazing!
0:38:44 > 0:38:48- How big do you think it is? - The whole plot, including the front garden?
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- Yeah.- Just under two acres.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53Yeah, that's pretty much it. The main bulk of the garden
0:38:53 > 0:38:56is about an acre and a half. With the house and front, you're there.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00In terms of vegetables and stuff, you've got bags of room to play with.
0:39:00 > 0:39:07- Yes.- You could go for some really lovely structural beds that would again complement the garden.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12This here lends itself to being a vegetable plot.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- The working bit really.- Exactly.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18What are we thinking about the money, I wonder?
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Can you afford it, do you think?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- I don't know really.- Go on then.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- Actually, I think around about 500. - 500, yeah. That would be fair.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31I'm hoping it's on for a bit less than that.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I'd say it's on for about 450.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38A bit less? 50 grand less!
0:39:38 > 0:39:43Ever the optimist. Well, it's good news and bad news really.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48It's not £500,000, Margaret, but nor is it £450,000, Roger.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50It is slap bang in the middle.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53This could be yours for £475,000.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Go and have a look back at the property, now that you see what you get for 475
0:39:57 > 0:40:03and see if it is, indeed, something that you want to work for you.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06- Have good look round. - Off you go.- Thanks very much indeed.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08Don't get lost!
0:40:08 > 0:40:13At £475,000, this house is again well within budget.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30The appearance of this house is deceptive.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Coming up the front drive, I felt it was narrow and probably small.
0:40:34 > 0:40:39Coming inside though, it is absolutely massive downstairs.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43The downside of this property, I wonder about the two bedrooms upstairs.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47I think I'm more traditional and like more bedrooms upstairs.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51We felt there was a lot of potential to do things.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55The garden is stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58I'd be a bit nervous about maintaining something like that.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02A beautiful summer house there. Ideal for the grandchildren.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Absolutely great for them.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10This would be great for the vegetables and chickens and things like that. Away from the house.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- Yeah. - I thought you'd got lost out here!
0:41:12 > 0:41:13- We nearly did!- I didn't.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- It's a long way down there. - It's a lot to play with.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18But well worth you seeing.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20Yes, absolutely.
0:41:20 > 0:41:21Quite stunning, the garden.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25I wonder what you're really thinking. Plenty more to see.
0:41:25 > 0:41:26OK.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35As part of their new lifestyle, Roger and Margaret are keen
0:41:35 > 0:41:40to embrace a holistic approach to life which includes growing their own vegetables.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44With this in mind, they're visiting Pat Beaucock, an ecologist
0:41:44 > 0:41:47who has created a garden based on perma-culture.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51Or put simply, using environmentally sustainable solutions
0:41:51 > 0:41:52to cater for our needs.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57Welcome, welcome to organic's perma-culture garden.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00How do we start our own perma-culture garden?
0:42:00 > 0:42:01Perma-culture is everywhere,
0:42:01 > 0:42:04anywhere. You can start it on any scale -
0:42:04 > 0:42:05large farm or small back garden,
0:42:05 > 0:42:08or even a window box, so its almost anywhere.
0:42:08 > 0:42:14There are many loops here, one of them is bees. Bees can pollinate the flowers which attract the insects,
0:42:14 > 0:42:19and then the insects eat the aphids and anything else I don't want,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and so we have a lovely cycle that works.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25I don't use any chemicals at all, I use plants to take care of other
0:42:25 > 0:42:29plants and that's how I get round keeping a healthy garden.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Healthy soil and healthy plants make a really good garden.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Perma-culture, of course, isn't new, it's just that traditional
0:42:37 > 0:42:40methods of growing have been lost over the centuries.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43However Roger and Margaret are keen to find out where to start
0:42:43 > 0:42:45with their own vegetable patch.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Healthy soil is absolutely essential.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49I do all my own composting here,
0:42:49 > 0:42:54so I will layer up any organic matter - weeds that I don't need,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57with hay, straw, grass cuttings,
0:42:57 > 0:43:03nettles, comfrey, almost anything I've got and organic animal manure
0:43:03 > 0:43:08when I can get it, and then let the whole process settle down.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10How long would that take to go down.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13It can take about a year but with clever composting
0:43:13 > 0:43:14I can compost down in six months.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Does it really make the vegetables taste that much better?
0:43:17 > 0:43:22It certainly does, let's go and harvest some and have some for lunch and you can see.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28On the menu today is rocket, spinach and broad beans.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32The vegetables are grown together with flowers which help to attract
0:43:32 > 0:43:34the insects away from the vegetables.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37One of these flowers is the nasturtium whose peppery taste
0:43:37 > 0:43:39makes it a favourite at the table.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42I'm going to have to try them.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45I've never eaten a flower before, or at least not knowingly!
0:43:45 > 0:43:49- Pat, this is absolutely gorgeous. - Good to have you here!- Thank you.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56It's time now to spill the beans and reveal
0:43:56 > 0:44:00our mystery house is in Monkton, amongst the Blackdown hills.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03The market town of Honiton is just two miles away.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05It has long had an association with pottery making.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08Although the craft is much scaled down,
0:44:08 > 0:44:12there are still specialist shops serving the market.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16In Monkton, our mystery house is something I suspect they might not have viewed,
0:44:16 > 0:44:19but I do think it could be close to what they're looking for.
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- There we are - the mystery house. - The mystery house.- What do you think?
0:44:23 > 0:44:26It looks pretty amazing actually.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31It's pretty impressive. I know you said you didn't want a semi.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33- But this is no ordinary semi.- OK.
0:44:33 > 0:44:39- Right.- It is, as you can tell, a converted barn.- Right.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43But I do know you want everything new and slick, which this is.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45I've never been in a barn conversion before.
0:44:45 > 0:44:48- Always written those off in the past.- Why?
0:44:48 > 0:44:54I've always had this feeling that they had vaulted ceilings and you'd get a lot of heat loss.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58I felt they weren't me, but I'm looking forward to having a look inside.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59I think you're going to love it.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- OK. Go and prove it then. - Come and have a look.
0:45:08 > 0:45:13- OK. At last, we're inside the mystery house.- Yes.
0:45:13 > 0:45:18You've got something of a boot room cum utility area that greets you.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22- I love the floors.- They are stunning.- It's beautiful.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26I know "traditional" is a word that you've shied away from
0:45:26 > 0:45:29in some of the properties you've looked at...on paper.
0:45:29 > 0:45:34Go with it on this one, because there's a fantastic mix of traditional and contemporary.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36The finishing is fantastic.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- OK, right.- Wait till you see the rest of it!
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Through there we've got a games room.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45It could easily be a study if you want it to be.
0:45:45 > 0:45:50- Downstairs cloakroom, but I want you to look at the kitchen. Check this out!- OK.
0:45:56 > 0:46:01- Look at this! - That is absolutely gorgeous.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- Isn't it?- It really is. It's gorgeous.- Roger...?
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Well, actually taken aback, to be honest.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09I wasn't expecting to see a kitchen like this.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11It's all oak.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14Everything is oak, bar the cooker.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16I think you'd be very happy cooking here.
0:46:16 > 0:46:19I would. I like this kitchen.
0:46:19 > 0:46:25As I say, the level of conversion this building has undergone is fantastic.
0:46:25 > 0:46:27This is just the start.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30Come through here.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33In you come.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36What about it?! I love it.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- It's stunning.- Roger...?
0:46:39 > 0:46:43- No vaulted ceilings.- No vaulted ceilings, albeit in a barn.
0:46:43 > 0:46:47You're right next to the kitchen, so big family events in here.
0:46:47 > 0:46:48- I can see it.- Yeah.
0:46:50 > 0:46:54- Roger, you look a bit lost for words!- As I say...
0:46:54 > 0:46:58I've never been in a barn conversion before and it's turned on its head my view of them.
0:46:58 > 0:47:02Come and have a look through here. This is very, very cosy as well.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05This looks like it's been here for hundreds of years.
0:47:05 > 0:47:09The building originally is about 1850. This is brand new, too.
0:47:09 > 0:47:10Nice bit of reclaimed oak.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12This multi-fuel stove is lovely.
0:47:12 > 0:47:16So, coal and wood in there, whatever you want to do. Keep you nice and cosy.
0:47:16 > 0:47:21This is not a barn conversion that I had in my mind.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24- Proves you've got to go and look.- That's true.
0:47:24 > 0:47:28Shall we look upstairs? There's more. Come and have a look.
0:47:28 > 0:47:33I think this beautiful contemporary barn conversion has surprised them both,
0:47:33 > 0:47:38and, of course, that quality finish continues upstairs, starting off in the family bathroom.
0:47:38 > 0:47:43- This is gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.- Not bad, eh?
0:47:43 > 0:47:45It's big, isn't it? That's the bath?
0:47:45 > 0:47:47That's amazing.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48All the toys in here.
0:47:48 > 0:47:50Double whirlpool bath.
0:47:50 > 0:47:51Walk-in shower.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53- Pretty funky.- It's very good.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56- Beautiful.- I don't think you need to renew this.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59No, we'll leave this one as it is.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01That's the beauty with this place.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03There's not a single job to be done.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Come on in. This is the master.
0:48:08 > 0:48:09- How about this?- That's beautiful.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11- Yeah?- It is actually beautiful.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14I'm surprised about the beams.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16I keep looking at them thinking,
0:48:16 > 0:48:20- actually, I like them. - Loads of space as well.
0:48:20 > 0:48:22Behind you, there's some storage.
0:48:22 > 0:48:24In here, this is nice. Look at that!
0:48:24 > 0:48:29- Shower room. - That's nice. Really nice.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33But you will have guests, of course.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35Let's go and find them somewhere.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Another high-spec en suite gets the vote.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41The remaining three bedrooms are down the landing.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43The first is laid out as a single,
0:48:43 > 0:48:47but I think you could squeeze in a double for family visits.
0:48:47 > 0:48:51Next door there are two single rooms for the grandchildren
0:48:51 > 0:48:55and, from the second one, there is access to an annexe.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Just open that door. Big walk-in wardrobe in there.
0:48:57 > 0:49:03- I said walk-in wardrobe. It's more of a walk-in annexe really.- It is.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06- It is.- There's a lot more here than seems from the outside.
0:49:06 > 0:49:07It's deceiving.
0:49:07 > 0:49:12The annexe also has its own kitchen/living area, bathroom and entrance.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15There are still more surprises to come.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22Now then, Roger. Let's have a think about some land, shall we?
0:49:22 > 0:49:26In the back of my mind is the thought that you wanted an acre.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30- Correct.- How much is here?
0:49:30 > 0:49:33I'm going to hazard a guess, four maybe five.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36Five. Can you see those posts there?
0:49:36 > 0:49:40Down to that big mature hedge over there, across the hedge by the road
0:49:40 > 0:49:43- and everything surrounding the drive.- Quite a lot.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46Quite a lot.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49More than I'm sure you know what to do with, but that's what it comes with.
0:49:49 > 0:49:54Let's have a think about our final guesstimate of the price.
0:49:54 > 0:49:55Go on, Roger, you go first.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59I'm going to hazard a guess at about 450.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02- Crikey, O'Reilly!- 550.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05You are much more realistic than your husband.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09- I'm trying to get a discount. - Yeah, well...
0:50:09 > 0:50:14It's on the market at £530,000.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16Open to offers. Sensible offers.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19- Yeah. - I think if it begins with a five...
0:50:19 > 0:50:24you would probably be all right. There's a lot to take in with this property. Go and explore it.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26Work it out in your own minds.
0:50:26 > 0:50:28Who knows? See if it's for you.
0:50:28 > 0:50:29- OK.- I'll catch you later.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32Off you go!
0:50:32 > 0:50:38I knew Roger and Margaret would love this barn conversion at £530,000.
0:50:50 > 0:50:53The mystery house was a surprise.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55I didn't expect it to be semi-detached.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57I didn't expect it to be a barn conversion.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00I didn't expect to like it at all. However...
0:51:00 > 0:51:04- as soon as you walked in here, it was good.- What do you think of this?
0:51:04 > 0:51:08It's open-plan and we had said we wanted a separate dining room.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11We did, but in here it seems to work.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13It does actually. It does.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16- I do think it is do-able. - I think you're right.
0:51:16 > 0:51:21When I came into the house, I was stunned, actually.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24It was beautiful. Beautifully finished.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27The style was very much the sort of thing that I like.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30It was completely opposite to what I'd imagined.
0:51:30 > 0:51:35So I've really learnt something about barn conversions and about me.
0:51:35 > 0:51:39I've learned that you should never look at a property
0:51:39 > 0:51:43on a piece of paper and write it off immediately.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45You must actually go in and have a look at it.
0:51:47 > 0:51:51Right, guys, that's it. Mystery house is done.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54- That means all of our house tours are now over.- Right.
0:51:54 > 0:51:56Are you feeling confused?
0:51:56 > 0:51:58- Yes.- A little.- Tired?
0:51:58 > 0:52:00- Yes.- Want to sit down?
0:52:00 > 0:52:03- Like to sit down and chat about all the houses.- Brilliant.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07- Let's get you somewhere you can do that.- Excellent.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16There have been more than a few surprises along the way,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19but now it's time to pause for thought.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29At long last, it's decision time for Margaret and Roger.
0:52:29 > 0:52:33I have to confess that, having thought about all the properties we've shown them
0:52:33 > 0:52:36and heard what they've had to say about them,
0:52:36 > 0:52:40I am absolutely none the wiser as to how this is going to go.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Of course, there is one way to find out and that's to ask them.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48- Are we feeling a bit more rested? - We are.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50- Definitely.- Have you had a think?
0:52:50 > 0:52:56- Yes.- We have.- It all started with that 1950s white house, near the road.
0:52:56 > 0:52:59What did you think of that one?
0:52:59 > 0:53:03I thought that the possibility of putting an extension on that property
0:53:03 > 0:53:07would actually give us the opportunity to put our stamp on it.
0:53:07 > 0:53:11The land was fantastic. Flat and you certainly could do something with that.
0:53:11 > 0:53:16The only issue I would have with that property would be the noise from the road.
0:53:16 > 0:53:21We then took you to something that really was a bit more traditional -
0:53:21 > 0:53:25that 18th century cottage with an 18th century extension.
0:53:25 > 0:53:31Well that was a surprise for me. I saw the outside and was thinking,
0:53:31 > 0:53:33"Cottage, going to be small, no!"
0:53:33 > 0:53:38And went inside and was really, really pleasantly surprised
0:53:38 > 0:53:40about the size, the space and the light.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43- The kitchen was beautiful. - When we saw it,
0:53:43 > 0:53:45certainly I didn't like it too much.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48And then upstairs I just felt it was cottagey -
0:53:48 > 0:53:50a little bit smaller upstairs.
0:53:50 > 0:53:54We then all had a good sleep on it and our final day arrived
0:53:54 > 0:53:59and we started with something that I felt you could really give
0:53:59 > 0:54:02a very slick, contemporary look to.
0:54:02 > 0:54:06That extraordinary garden with a property attached, I should say.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08Walk-in... Great.
0:54:08 > 0:54:09Hallway, stairs looked good.
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Downstairs, plenty of rooms. You could do tons of stuff downstairs.
0:54:13 > 0:54:20The disappointment with that house was when you went upstairs there was just two bedrooms.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23- But, Margaret, what about the garden?- The garden was absolutely stunning.
0:54:23 > 0:54:26It was so beautiful, so well looked after,
0:54:26 > 0:54:31and the great thing was, it had the potential because it sort of went down and around.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33It was a lot bigger than one realised.
0:54:33 > 0:54:38I have to say, one of the finest gardens we've seen on this programme for a long time.
0:54:38 > 0:54:39It was really beautiful.
0:54:39 > 0:54:43- A beautiful garden without a doubt. - All right.
0:54:43 > 0:54:44Well, it wasn't over just yet.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47There was one more to come, the mystery house.
0:54:47 > 0:54:52Something very, very traditional in some respects,
0:54:52 > 0:54:55but I have to say, I think you'll agree, fitted out with real panache.
0:54:55 > 0:55:01The barn conversion was really surprising in terms of what was in there. It was absolutely stunning.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04The kitchen was beautiful. I was surprised,
0:55:04 > 0:55:07there were beams around and I actually liked the whole style of it.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09I was really surprised.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13There was potential there, particularly with the add on - the annexe part of it.
0:55:13 > 0:55:19The road was actually quite heavy and the noise from it was quite a lot.
0:55:19 > 0:55:23- Inside, you couldn't hear it when the windows were closed. - You couldn't.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25I have to say, I would love to be able to predict
0:55:25 > 0:55:29what's going to happen next, but I don't think I can.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31You tell me.
0:55:31 > 0:55:38Well, I think I would like to go back to the white 1950s house and have another look.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41I think the idea of having the extension built
0:55:41 > 0:55:44and putting our own stamp on it appeals to me a bit.
0:55:44 > 0:55:46We wait to hear what you eventually do.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50Guys, thank you very much for coming on Escape To The Country.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53I'm glad it has been useful. Here's to you. Well done.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55Thank you very much. Thank you, Jules.
0:56:00 > 0:56:04You know, no house search is, of course, ever the same.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06This one is no exception.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10I have to confess, I think it's been less about finding the perfect property
0:56:10 > 0:56:13and more about helping Margaret and Roger find out
0:56:13 > 0:56:16what exactly it is they want in their new home.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18We've given them plenty to choose from.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22When they started, they were after something contemporary and not traditional.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26As it's turned out, I think, they want a little of both.
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Like so many before them, they've learnt that crucial lesson
0:56:29 > 0:56:31when it comes to successful house hunting -
0:56:31 > 0:56:34never judge a property by the paper upon which it is printed.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37If in doubt, go and check it out.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39I'll see you next time.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42If you'd like to Escape To The Country
0:56:42 > 0:56:46and would like our help, then please contact us through our website.
0:57:10 > 0:57:13Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:13 > 0:57:16E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk