0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today I'm in a part of the country that's home to this magnificent beast.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10Now he may look fearsome, but I reckon this chap is actually quite friendly.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15These cattle have roamed this part of the world for thousands of years and they are still prized by
0:00:15 > 0:00:21the farmers who work the land today, but which part of the country are today's buyers "mooo-ving" to?
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Find out as we escape to the country.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Today we're helping a couple find a big country pile with bags of potential.
0:00:42 > 0:00:47- Could you imagine creating that vision here?- No.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51They're self-confessed tough customers, so we're pulling out all the stops.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54That is just so amazing, that view.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Oh, my word! I feel like a Cheshire cat, grin, grin, grin! - Grin, grin, grin!
0:00:58 > 0:01:01But will it all end in hysteria?
0:01:01 > 0:01:03- And a lot of... - I can't stop laughing.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05You're laughing, it's brilliant!
0:01:08 > 0:01:13Today I'm in Devon and these are the Ruby Red Devon cattle,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16so called because of the deep rich red colour of their coats.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Now although they were once popular there are now only around 300 herds
0:01:20 > 0:01:26of Ruby Reds left in the country and that's because they've given way to quicker-to-rear breeds.
0:01:26 > 0:01:30But the diet of Devon grass still makes this some of the best beef you can buy.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36And if that's got you interested, then let's see what else this county has to whet your appetite.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Making up the lion's share of the West Country,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Devon is in fact England's third largest county.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It's a big place with some big claims.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51For starters, it's the only English county to boost two separate coastlines and one of those,
0:01:51 > 0:01:57the south coast, is a completely natural World Heritage Site up there with Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
0:01:57 > 0:02:04Wander away from the coast and the countryside is equally impressive with five areas
0:02:04 > 0:02:06of Outstanding Natural Beauty and two National Parks.
0:02:06 > 0:02:12The mix of stunning countryside and wild coastline makes this county a honey pot for visitors.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17The tourist industry is worth £1 billion a year to the local economy,
0:02:17 > 0:02:21but farming is still a mainstay of life, too, particularly dairy farming.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23The wealth of period and traditional housing stock
0:02:23 > 0:02:26has certainly made Devon the cream of the crop with homebuyers.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30From thatched cob cottages to Victorian farmhouses,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32there's something to suit just about every taste.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43The money of affluent relocaters into Devon has pushed property prices right up.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46In fact, some areas of the county, especially North Devon,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48are some of the least affordable rural parts of the UK
0:02:48 > 0:02:52with property prices coming in at nine times that
0:02:52 > 0:02:53of the average local salary,
0:02:53 > 0:02:58but if you do have the money, there are some great properties on the market right now.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02If you have a princely £1.7 million to spend then check out
0:03:02 > 0:03:05this six-bedroom Regency house near Exmoor.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08A Grade II listed home of grand proportions,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11it comes with a huge country kitchen and palatial dining room.
0:03:11 > 0:03:17Off the first floor is a self-contained two-bedroom annexe and you could recoup a few pennies
0:03:17 > 0:03:24with not one, but two self-contained holiday lets, although with 22 acres you might want to hire a gardener.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30For the rather more modest sum of £595,000, how about
0:03:30 > 0:03:34this three-bedroom stone barn conversion near the village of Lapford?
0:03:34 > 0:03:38The 36-foot living room and galleried snug are definite highlights.
0:03:38 > 0:03:45Floor to ceiling windows maximise the stunning views out over six acres of land towards Dartmoor.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51If cosy country living is more your style, 375,000 will snap up
0:03:51 > 0:03:55this three-bedroom former coach house in the picturesque Taw Valley.
0:03:55 > 0:04:02A compact farmhouse kitchen gives way to a 22-foot living room and outside there's plenty of space
0:04:02 > 0:04:06with a pretty levelled garden, stable blocks and three acres.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11It's clear there are plenty of beautiful properties in Devon,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14but will any of them capture today's buyers' hearts? Let's meet them.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Chris and Pat have been married for seven years.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Chris is a retired MD and Pat a freelance management consultant.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27They live in this large 1930s five-bedroom house in East Horsley, Surrey, which Pat has owned for
0:04:27 > 0:04:3523 years and Chris has shared for the last 11, but a complete change of scenery is now on the cards.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- We would like to move to the country, I think, for a few reasons.- Yeah.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45Particularly I think one of the things we really would like to have is a situation where,
0:04:45 > 0:04:50when you wake up in the morning and throw open the bedroom curtains, there's a nice view.
0:04:50 > 0:04:56So it's a room or two with a view they're looking for and East Devon is where they want to be.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Time now to pinpoint an exact location.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00We haven't got a fixed view on it.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05In an ideal world, yes, it would be in a fairly secluded
0:05:05 > 0:05:09or quiet location relatively close to the sea.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13Whether that would be possible is entirely another matter.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16If it's further inland, but with some nice country views...
0:05:16 > 0:05:20So, yes, really quite a lot of flexibility there, I think.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24I think I've got more fixed views than you, but I'm prepared to be persuaded.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29Having lived in this house for quite some time, Pat and Chris have clear ideas
0:05:29 > 0:05:33on what works for them and what doesn't, so is there anything that will help us on our search?
0:05:35 > 0:05:36What we'd like is not necessarily
0:05:36 > 0:05:41somewhere that's smaller overall, but probably with less but bigger rooms.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45We'd like the downstairs to be more conducive to entertaining.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- We hardly... Hardly ever use the lounge, do we?- Or the dining room.
0:05:48 > 0:05:53No, we live in the kitchen, the study and our bedroom, really.
0:05:53 > 0:05:59So it would be nice to have a house with a larger downstairs for entertaining.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- Yes, and three bedrooms maybe upstairs, something like that. - That's fine.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07Well, that's all quite practical, but what's the ultimate dream?
0:06:07 > 0:06:12The ideal dream property in the country would be a Georgian rectory, and I don't mind if it needs
0:06:12 > 0:06:19lots of work doing on it, but I would love a feature hallway with a stone floor and a big staircase.
0:06:19 > 0:06:28I don't think we will find the ideal property for us without it being some form of a project.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Sounds like DIY will be taking up a certain amount of spare time,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36but what other pursuits do they have in mind for their new rural life?
0:06:36 > 0:06:44For me, doing more cooking and gardening, growing herbs and peppers and vegetables.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I'd love to be able to take up riding again.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49I'd love to learn how to make cheese.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53And what will Chris be doing whilst Pat is whipping up some Cheddar?
0:06:53 > 0:06:58One of the things I would like to do at the new house is to grow some vegetables.
0:06:58 > 0:07:05This garden here doesn't really lend itself terribly well from that point of view so in the new place,
0:07:05 > 0:07:10a dedicated vegetable garden would be something that I think we would be definitely looking to do.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Being cash buyers is a strong position to be in.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Let's find out what the final budget for their move is.
0:07:16 > 0:07:23The budget we're really looking to spend maximum on the next property would be £650,000.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31So, Pat dreams of living in an old rectory with a huge staircase and an impressive hallway.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33More generally she'd like a large kitchen,
0:07:33 > 0:07:40enough space downstairs to entertain and they'd like a garden big enough for Chris to tinker about in.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44What I am impressed with is the fact that they want to spend some serious time
0:07:44 > 0:07:48really creating their ideal home and visualising something like that takes some doing,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51so I'm intrigued to see what they're thinking.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56More importantly, I'm definitely up for the challenge of trying to fulfil Pat's dreams.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59All of that for £650,000?
0:07:59 > 0:08:01I can't wait!
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Pat and Chris want to focus the house search in rural East Devon,
0:08:05 > 0:08:10so we've cast the net from the Dorset and Somerset border in the east to Exeter in the west.
0:08:10 > 0:08:15In today's show we've lined up three period homes to view, but I'll be keeping tight-lipped
0:08:15 > 0:08:18about the asking prices until the end of each tour.
0:08:18 > 0:08:23And, as ever, the last of the three is the mystery house, but will it make the grade?
0:08:26 > 0:08:30I think we've picked a pretty decent day to come to Devon house hunting.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34Why Devon, though? I mean, I think it's a gorgeous county, but what's the appeal to the two of you?
0:08:34 > 0:08:39We used to come on holiday here quite a lot when my children were younger
0:08:39 > 0:08:44and I do have family down in the area and now that we've both sort of cut back on working, it...
0:08:44 > 0:08:46We want to move down to the country.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Yes, somewhere more rural that we've been looking for,
0:08:49 > 0:08:51which we don't have immediately where we are at the moment.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55So is it possible for us to find you your dream home or are you going to
0:08:55 > 0:08:58walk into any house we show you and want to make complete changes?
0:08:58 > 0:09:04It would be wonderful if you could find us our ideal house, but I would be absolutely amazed if you could.
0:09:04 > 0:09:09I doubt very much whether we'll walk into a house and say everything's perfect, this is just what we want.
0:09:09 > 0:09:14So, budget-wise, I understand we have 650, or maybe a bit more? Where are we with that?
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Well, absolute maximum of 700,000, but that would be to include any
0:09:18 > 0:09:22renovation, rebuilding, extension work that needed to be done.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25That gives us lots of scope, so let's get going and get househunting.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- Fantastic.- Great.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33Armed with a budget of up to £700,000, Chris and Pat want a large period property
0:09:33 > 0:09:36which they can transform into their perfect home.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Three bedrooms including at least one ensuite are a must
0:09:47 > 0:09:49for when their grown-up children visit,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52and an ample garden would be just great.
0:09:53 > 0:09:59The fact is that large period homes in rural settings come with equally large price tags in East Devon
0:09:59 > 0:10:03and I'm slightly concerned that no property will ever live up to Pat's long-held dream.
0:10:05 > 0:10:11Now, Pat, I understand your ideal home is an old Georgian rectory. Tell me about that dream.
0:10:11 > 0:10:21Oh, I've had this sort of fantasy for a long time, walking through the front door with a stone hallway,
0:10:21 > 0:10:28a fairly large staircase, cornices and architraving and original doors,
0:10:28 > 0:10:32and that's the sort of place I really wouldn't mind renovating.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- But you'd still need to do some work on a place like that!- Yes! - Yes.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41I can't imagine finding my ideal kitchen already done for me.
0:10:43 > 0:10:49No worries there, then, as Pat will have plenty to sink her teeth into with our first property.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52It's situated in prime Devon countryside
0:10:52 > 0:10:57four miles from Broadclyst, which is typically pretty Devonshire village if ever I saw one.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Even the bus stop is thatched!
0:10:59 > 0:11:04Colourful houses sit on sleepy country lanes and the locals' needs are catered for with one pub,
0:11:04 > 0:11:09a tea shop, village stores and a 15th-century church.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13But we're heading out into the countryside surrounding the village for our first viewing.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19- First of all, we've brought you to this amazing rural location.- Wow!
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Look at these views.- The views are absolutely fantastic, aren't they? Yeah.- Absolutely incredible.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27And this way is the house.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29Oh. It's different.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Oh, we went from, oh, wonderful views! To, ah...
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Yes, I thought you might say that.
0:11:33 > 0:11:41Now, this property is really to test how far you want to go in terms of rebuilding and creating your dream.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- OK.- I think location-wise, it would be hard pushed to ask for much better.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49- Yeah, it's fantastic. - But the property is a 1930s build.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- Yeah.- The current owners have been here three or four years
0:11:52 > 0:11:55and they came with the intention of doing some extensive work.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00- They have planning permission to build... Add an extra third to what's already here.- Right.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- OK.- Circumstances mean they're moving on.
0:12:02 > 0:12:10I know it can all be changed, but I just wonder if we're going to rebuild and extend this house,
0:12:10 > 0:12:15we're just going to end up with a newer house than a 1930s and that's not really what I wanted,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19but, you know, again I'm prepared to be persuaded.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Yes, it doesn't immediately hit me as "wow" in that sense,
0:12:23 > 0:12:27but let's see what it contains and what possibilities there are.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31The current owners did think about knocking it down and starting again...
0:12:31 > 0:12:32Well, that might be an option.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37..building a Georgian-style house, or just extending and they've got planning permission for both options
0:12:37 > 0:12:43- so bear that in mind and let's take our imaginations inside and see what we come up with.- Right.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I think that when it comes to potential, this house has it,
0:12:45 > 0:12:50and then some, but will Pat and Chris buy into the plans?
0:12:50 > 0:12:54So, we're starting in the kitchen and,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57come on, Pat. Now...
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- Right, OK. - This is the side of the house where
0:13:02 > 0:13:07the current owners were thinking of extending that way, so adding an extra third on to this property.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11The idea... Their idea being to create a huge kitchen-diner space...
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- Sure.- Looking out on to the views. - That would be great.- Yeah.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Could you imagine creating that vision here?
0:13:19 > 0:13:20No.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26I had a feeling you were going to say that and I'm a bit disappointed, I must say, Pat.
0:13:26 > 0:13:32The ceiling's quite low. It feels a little bit closed in, to be honest.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37'That was a definitive answer! Pat clearly isn't afraid to tell me exactly what she thinks.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43'However, this house has real scope so I hope she sticks with it.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46'Next door is a dining room, currently used as a study,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50'and I'm hoping the living room will prove more inspirational.'
0:13:50 > 0:13:57Now they've managed to fit a big dining room table in here as well as a living room.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59This is actually a nice room, isn't it?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01It's actually quite a good-sized room.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07Yes, I don't think we would have it as a combined lounge-dining room,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09but yes, the room is quite a good size.
0:14:09 > 0:14:16I like the effect of the bay window and obviously that's capturing the views, which are magnificent.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20This room could be really very special.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26I mean, it's very nice now, but you can see how you could make it even nicer.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30'Could they slowly be warming up to the possibilities this house offers?
0:14:30 > 0:14:34'There is a lot they could do with it, so it's onwards and upwards.'
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Now, I need you to keep your imagination going up here.
0:14:40 > 0:14:41There are four bedrooms.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Now, three of them are on the smaller side.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- OK.- Let's have a look at one so you can get an idea.- OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:53But do remember, I mean, the idea with this house was to extend and create more.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Right, OK.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Is this the smallest room?- No.- Right.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- It's not the biggest either. It's not the master...- All right.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- If that's what you were thinking. "If this my bedroom?" No.- OK.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- Oh, silence.- Yes.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07No, I mean, it's...
0:15:07 > 0:15:12It's difficult to imagine what you would do with this room, to be honest.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14I think the thing is...
0:15:14 > 0:15:20It doesn't work for me at all, the room, but for somebody else, maybe.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25'I'm surprised. I thought Pat and Chris would see this as a totally blank canvas
0:15:25 > 0:15:29'and with the extended floor plan, they could create an amazing space up here.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32'I think Pat needs some more help visualising the end result.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35'Perhaps looking at the rest of this floor will help.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39'There's a stylish family bathroom and a single bedroom.'
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- Now, imagine waking up... - Oh, my goodness!
0:15:41 > 0:15:43And looking out at that every morning.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46That is just so amazing, that view.
0:15:46 > 0:15:52And that was exactly one of the things we said, a view that each morning you wouldn't get tired of.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57Just behind there they do have a small sort of shower room, so it is ensuite, but behind this room
0:15:57 > 0:16:01they've got the fourth bedroom which is sort of a single room at the moment, so I think it would
0:16:01 > 0:16:06probably be better to extend and create a bigger ensuite, something more comfortable.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Yes.- That's a possibility, yeah. - But there's options again,
0:16:08 > 0:16:13- but I think as a base, looking out on that, you can't go far wrong. - Yeah.- Pretty good dimensions.
0:16:13 > 0:16:18Yeah, yeah. This is actually quite a nice room, I would say, yes.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23'Well, the interior of this property might not be for them, but I think the garden will get top billing.'
0:16:23 > 0:16:29This house sits in a plot of around about two acres and it's surrounded
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- by National Trust property from the Killerton Estate.- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37So that means unspoiled views, no chance of any developments going up.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42'It is hard to put a price on views like that, but I'm going to ask Pat and Chris to have a go anyway.'
0:16:42 > 0:16:44I need a figure. I'm going to start with you, Chris.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Right, well,
0:16:46 > 0:16:53my view would be that this perhaps would be on the market for somewhere between 500,000 and 550,000.
0:16:53 > 0:17:01Oh, there's a lot of renovation, or in fact redevelopment, so I actually wouldn't go any higher than 500.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06Well, this house, are you ready, has been on the market for two months...
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- Yes. - And the asking price is £625,000.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15You know, I can understand it's got lots of land, but at the end of the day,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20if you can't create the house you really want to live in, you know... But fair enough.
0:17:20 > 0:17:27- I'd like you to go back in there and have a final look around and decide what you'd do. Off you go.- OK.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33With a price tag of £625,000, this 1930s property is 75,000
0:17:33 > 0:17:39under their top budget, so hopefully that's enough spare change to tackle the renovation work.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42The approved plans for the house include a two-storey extension,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44increasing the floor print by a third.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48As it stands...
0:17:53 > 0:17:57A house can always be changed, but you can't add a view
0:17:57 > 0:18:00and as far as views go, those are pretty spectacular.
0:18:00 > 0:18:07It's clearly in a fantastic location and the views are just amazing.
0:18:07 > 0:18:13And then we turned the corner and, to be honest, my heart sank
0:18:13 > 0:18:17because it's a pebble-dashed 1930s house, which isn't really what I'm looking for.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22The style of the building here I think is such that even by extending it,
0:18:22 > 0:18:32we're not really going to finish up with a whole house that is really of the design that we would want.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37Hey, there. I think you're so disappointed, you've relegated me to the doghouse,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41but I'm hoping I can be unleashed because we've got more houses to see.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43- So, shall we go? - Yeah.- Fine. OK.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Now, together with thatch, the vernacular architecture of Devon
0:18:55 > 0:19:00is characterised by the use of cob, an Old English word meaning mud wall.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03From the 13th century right up until the early 19th century,
0:19:03 > 0:19:08it was the building method of choice until industrialisation and the arrival of brick
0:19:08 > 0:19:14reshaped Devon's architectural landscape and the technique all but died out.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20However, at the forefront of a 21st century cob comeback is builder and teacher Kevin McCabe,
0:19:20 > 0:19:26who in 1994 built the first cob house in the UK for 70 years, so I've come to meet him
0:19:26 > 0:19:31to find out more about this back-to-basics building technique.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34So, what have we got here? What are we going to be doing?
0:19:34 > 0:19:40Basically, the pitchfork to move it up on to the wall, and these thumpers, these sort of mallets,
0:19:40 > 0:19:41are useful for sort of shaping it.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- They look like fun to use.- Yeah. And then the other tools, the sort of
0:19:48 > 0:19:53adze and mattock and spade are all for paring it down, which is usually done a day or so later,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56when it's just stiffened up a little bit, to hold its shape.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01Looking at this mixture it looks quite wet, and then we've got this structure here which is quite dry,
0:20:01 > 0:20:03so how long does it take to dry out?
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Basically we'll go up about two feet in one day.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08That'll need about a week of good weather before we can go up again.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12It won't be completely dry, but it'll seem dry on the outside.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18Tally in the shrinkage time needed to allow the construction to settle before adding windows and doors,
0:20:18 > 0:20:24and the general build time for a cob cottage or house is around 15 months,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28but cobs come with plenty of benefits to make the wait worthwhile.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31So how environmentally friendly is this type of building?
0:20:31 > 0:20:33This is as environmentally friendly as you can get.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I mean, the thing is it is of the local environment.
0:20:36 > 0:20:43It performs very well in terms of its thermal insulation and, you know, general comfort to live in.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49'In fact, cob houses tend to lose 20% less heat than a brick or wood-built house.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54'And in terms of sustainability, well, the fact that there are around 20,000 cobs still standing
0:20:54 > 0:21:00'in Devon today, with some dating back 700 years, should say it all.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03'However, if a whole house seems like a challenge too far,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06'why not start with something simple like an outdoor cob oven?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'It takes around a month to build and dry out,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13'and the pizza it produces would make any Italian proud.'
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Bon appetit!
0:21:19 > 0:21:26As the sun sets over the Devon countryside, day one of our property hunt comes to an end.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35Pat and Chris want to swap suburban Surrey for really rural East Devon.
0:21:35 > 0:21:41For 700,000 all in, they're after a period property they can seriously put their own stamp on.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46Our first viewing missed the mark, so coming up - we're on a mission to find the dream house.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50This is so lovely. I'm so excited!
0:21:50 > 0:21:55Or will today's mystery house have them completely rethinking their wish list?
0:21:55 > 0:22:00I'm just amazed, given that this was everything I was never going to have!
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Pat and Chris have put me into a bit of a dilemma.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07On the one hand, they say they want a property that they can redevelop
0:22:07 > 0:22:13and really put their mark on, but what I think they really want, after yesterday, is the ideal home
0:22:13 > 0:22:20that they can just tinker with, and for Pat that's a very specific dream, an old converted rectory.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23And, guess what? Today, I think we've found it!
0:22:23 > 0:22:26But will Pat like it? I do hope so.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30We'll find out soon enough, I guess, as it won't take us long to reach the village of Dunkeswell.
0:22:30 > 0:22:37Cob thatches on country lanes, a Victorian church and a pond are all part of the village make-up.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41Our next house is situated off one of the roads going out of the village.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45It's not totally isolated, but rectories rarely are.
0:22:45 > 0:22:53And I've brought you to the village of Dunkeswell to show you your very own converted rectory.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Oh, well done!
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Well done.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Now, it dates from about the mid-19th century so it is just Victorian,
0:23:02 > 0:23:03but it's got a very Georgian style.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- I'd call it a Georgian-style rectory, so...- Yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08We got fairly close.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12It was converted about 1991. That's when the church could no longer afford to keep it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- OK.- So it's been in private ownership since then.
0:23:15 > 0:23:16- Fabulous.- Good, excellent.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20'Fabulous? Good? Excellent? That's what you call a positive start!
0:23:20 > 0:23:24'Fingers crossed inside won't disappoint.'
0:23:29 > 0:23:35Come on through. Tell me what you think of the hallway, which I know is big on your list of requirements?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37Absolutely.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- Can't complain about the ceiling height, that's for sure.- Yeah.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43I don't think you could quite reach there, could you?
0:23:43 > 0:23:44No, no. No, all positive.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46- Really good, well done.- Great start.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Let's keep going.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Through here. We'll start with the dining room.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Goodness, this is really nice.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Nice room, yes. Real spacious in here and I think always with the
0:23:57 > 0:24:01higher ceiling it always creates this extra feeling of space.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Yes, it's lovely, actually.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Well done.- Lovely? Great?
0:24:04 > 0:24:06Well done? I'm so happy!
0:24:06 > 0:24:10The only... The only thing I would say is it's a pity there isn't,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14you know, a proper fireplace there, but that's no big deal.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16You can get one from a reclamation yard or whatever.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- It gives you something to do, you did want to...- Yeah, DIY.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Exactly. You did want to put your own mark on the property a little.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26- I don't there'll be much to do in this one, but little areas like that. And look at these.- Well done.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29By my count that's my third "well done" in as many minutes!
0:24:29 > 0:24:35I think we could be on the right track here and if it's a fireplace Pat's after, well, just next door,
0:24:35 > 0:24:40the morning room has a lovely example, as does the living room.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45- The house that keeps on giving! - Oh, my goodness!
0:24:45 > 0:24:48This is a fantastic room.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51This is so lovely. I'm so excited!
0:24:51 > 0:24:56Pat's excited, I'm excited, how are you feeling, Chris? Join the party!
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Look, sash windows, original locks on the windows.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01No, the... The...
0:25:01 > 0:25:02This is stunning.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05These rooms are really nice.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08Absolutely stunning. Really, really lovely.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- Did you expect this...- No, I didn't.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- From the outside?- No. no. - Did not expect it to be so beautiful.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Well...- I feel like a Cheshire cat, grin, grin, grin!
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Grin, grin, grin! And I am so happy.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23So far so good, but we still need to check out the all-important kitchen.
0:25:23 > 0:25:29It's 25 feet long, but that's no guarantee it will live up to Pat's big expectations.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31Voila! The kitchen.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33What do you think, Pat?
0:25:33 > 0:25:36I think it's... I think it's a nice kitchen.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38For me, I would...
0:25:38 > 0:25:44I would do it differently, but the space is definitely here and that's no big issue for me at all.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48In fact, I'd rather do my own kitchen, so, you know, everything...
0:25:48 > 0:25:55Nice walls, nice skirting, great door, lots of light, great place for the range.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57Well, it provides the space, doesn't it?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Yes, it does.- Yeah. - Back that way you've got a huge utility room.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- OK.- And a walk-in pantry.- Oh!
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Pat's pantry for all those products!
0:26:04 > 0:26:08For all the products, the jam-making and anything else that you want to do.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Now we've got to check that the upstairs delivers in the same way.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16I'm confident it will. Let's see if we can keep you happy!
0:26:16 > 0:26:19'This is going very well.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23'I think our Victorian rectory could be turning a property dream into a reality.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27'Let's just hope upstairs won't hold anything in the way of nightmares.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32'There are six bedrooms in all, so over and above their requirements, but first, a family bathroom.'
0:26:32 > 0:26:36What a great amount of space for your bathroom.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- It's a lovely size, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:26:39 > 0:26:40Really nice size.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45And they put in this roll-top bath and you could sit in there
0:26:45 > 0:26:48with some bubbles going, looking out surveying your land.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Ah, but you forgot the champagne!
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Well, I mentioned bubbles... of both varieties!
0:26:53 > 0:26:56'Pat's mind is on the champers already.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58'Could that mean we're definitely on to a winner?
0:26:58 > 0:27:04'They haven't even seen the seemingly endless amount of bedrooms which I think have lots of scope.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08'There are two doubles, a single currently being used as a study and another double
0:27:08 > 0:27:12'masquerading as a sitting room, and the room next to the master
0:27:12 > 0:27:16'has been transformed into a dressing room.'
0:27:16 > 0:27:19So this, at the moment, is the master, but I think...
0:27:19 > 0:27:24I think it's fair to say with this property there's not one room out of
0:27:24 > 0:27:26all the bedrooms that really feels like the master bedroom, as such.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- No, you're right.- But you've certainly got the opportunity.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I mean, the room behind here is fairly small. These walls can be taken down.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35- Put an ensuite in there because, again, you've only got the one family bathroom.- Yes.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- Yes.- Which you'll tend to find with a property like this. - Of course, yes.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44No, certainly it seems to me that there's clearly the opportunity to probably
0:27:44 > 0:27:51finish up with maybe four bedrooms, but bigger rooms, certainly ensuite added into at least one of them.
0:27:51 > 0:27:58'It's obvious the house is an unqualified success and I think the garden will be a big hit, too.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01'At just over an acre there's room enough for veggie plots, but it's
0:28:01 > 0:28:06'not unmanageable and there's a very countrified added extra.'
0:28:06 > 0:28:11And here you've got your very own duck pond!
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Isn't that amazing?- How fantastic.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- I bet you didn't expect to see that with this property!- No.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- No, no.- What do you think of it as a garden and a space for you?
0:28:19 > 0:28:22I like it because it's... It's not organised.
0:28:22 > 0:28:27It's not manicured, it's a bit wild and yet it's got lots of lovely features and to have...
0:28:27 > 0:28:29And to have the pond like that, it's fabulous.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33I love the sort of massive boundary at the back with those huge trees.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35That's lovely.
0:28:35 > 0:28:36- That's lovely, yeah.- But have we got it within the budget?
0:28:36 > 0:28:42How much do you think it will cost you to get your hands on this beautiful house?
0:28:42 > 0:28:47I would put it, yeah, probably around 670,000.
0:28:47 > 0:28:53I'll go for 685.
0:28:53 > 0:28:59This property is on the market at £650,000.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- Well, that makes it even more attractive!- Yeah.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03- I got a smile out of you. - Yeah, that's...
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Yeah, that's quite attractive.
0:29:05 > 0:29:10- But, as you can imagine, it's just come on the market and it's quite popular.- Of course.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14It's a great property in a lovely area. How much did you like it?
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Liked it very much, very much.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Then I think you should go, have a wander round and start considering whether it's one for you.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- OK.- I'll see you later on.- OK.
0:29:22 > 0:29:31What a result! And at £650,000, this Victorian rectory comes in 50,000 under the top budget.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34It has three reception rooms, a 25-foot country kitchen,
0:29:34 > 0:29:39six bedrooms which could be knocked through to create three,
0:29:39 > 0:29:41and it's all set in 1.3 acres.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44For most people, it wouldn't even need a lick of paint,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47yet it gives Pat the opportunity to put her own stamp on it.
0:29:47 > 0:29:53Being a rectory, it is on the edge of the village, though, so how do they feel about that I wonder?
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I'm glad that it's not really done
0:29:56 > 0:30:03to perfection. If it had custom-built units and things and I wasn't that keen on them,
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I'd feel dreadful for ripping them out, yeah.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- No, it's...- Overall, I'm dead impressed with what they've found.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Obviously, in an ideal world we were looking for
0:30:14 > 0:30:17something that was fairly secluded out in the countryside.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21Having said that, there's only a couple of houses nearby.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22The house itself is lovely.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25The location is... is actually not too bad.
0:30:25 > 0:30:34Gosh, I never believed they would find me this, so I was incredibly chuffed to find they had.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Hey, there. Now, I've got some ideas. I was thinking rip this down,
0:30:38 > 0:30:41a couple of windows there, a bit of wisteria, Bob's your uncle!
0:30:41 > 0:30:43What do you reckon?
0:30:43 > 0:30:47I'm sure you've got your own list of changes, but the journey's not over yet.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48- Come on.- OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59For most people, the idea of a Grade II listed cottage in the middle of a gorgeous village
0:30:59 > 0:31:01would be their idea of heaven,
0:31:01 > 0:31:05but for Pat and Chris, I think the concept of something they can't tinker that much with
0:31:05 > 0:31:09much with will be quite hard to grasp, but I'm hoping the charms of this house will win them over.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13Now, what do you think
0:31:13 > 0:31:19we could possibly show you to entice you away from your dream of a converted Georgian rectory?
0:31:19 > 0:31:22How about a huge chateau!
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- I can see where you're coming from. A castle, perhaps?- Maybe, yeah.
0:31:27 > 0:31:33We can work miracles on this show, but I'm not sure we can go that far, but you never know. Here's hoping.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37All will be revealed soon, but first we're escaping the county
0:31:37 > 0:31:44as we're hopping over the border into Somerset to the wonderfully named Haselbury Plucknett.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47It's a typically lovely Somerset village with a population of around 700.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52There's one pub, one church and one shop catering to the community,
0:31:52 > 0:31:58and there's no shortage of period properties, including the mystery house, a 16th-century traditional
0:31:58 > 0:32:05hall house which isn't in a secluded rural setting, it's slap bang in the heart of the village!
0:32:05 > 0:32:07So let's see how that goes down.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11So this is our mystery house. Come on!
0:32:14 > 0:32:19Now, I'm betting that this is a property you would prob...
0:32:19 > 0:32:22You wouldn't have looked at without us.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24No, I wouldn't.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28I wouldn't. I wouldn't have considered it, but, you know what?
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- It's actually really...- Initial... - Lovely. It's a lovely-looking house.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Initial impressions is it's a very nice-looking house. - Isn't it gorgeous?- Yes.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38It's been renovated by the current owners.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40When we get inside, they've done a lot of work in there.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- I can't stop laughing! - You're laughing, this is brilliant!
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Is it a good laugh?
0:32:45 > 0:32:49I just had a... I thought you might go for something like this and I...
0:32:49 > 0:32:53But, you know, we talked about it being small, pokey, duh duh duh duh duh...
0:32:53 > 0:32:56And it's actually it's not small, pokey.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- It doesn't look small or pokey, does it?- No, not at all, not at all.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01It's a Grade II listed house.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Right. Well, you'll have to talk us through what we can and can't do in that case.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09OK, be prepared for this - not a lot, Pat.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12There aren't that many changes you can make.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- OK.- But the current owners have done a lot of work.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17OK. A lot of renovation, and they've worked really hard to do it
0:33:17 > 0:33:20sympathetically and to go back to local craftsmen. OK.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23I can't wait to see what you think of what they've done! Come on.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25OK.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30Well, tickled pink wasn't a reaction I was expecting, but I like it and I'm going with it.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Come on through.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- Oh, my word!- Oh, your word, indeed.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- Come in.- Oh, my word!
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- Right.- What do you think?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Well, all the...
0:33:47 > 0:33:49All the period features are fabulous.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52It's a bit dark, that's the only thing that worries me.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55I thought you might say that. It's a little dark, but warm still.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- I mean, look at these windows here. The...- But how...
0:33:58 > 0:34:00I mean, look, the original features.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- I mean, oh, gosh!- They're screaming at you, aren't they?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Your own bit of history.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06Exactly. That's an amazing room to start off with.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- It is.- But let's keep going because there's a bit more.- OK.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15Come through to the living room.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- Oh, isn't this a lovely room? - Take it in.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21Again, not what we would have gone for, but...
0:34:21 > 0:34:26You just seem so surprised, Pat.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- You're looking... You can't believe that a property like this could have this feeling, can you?- No.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I'm surprised at the ceiling height.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35I'm surprised I like it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38It really does feel cosy.
0:34:38 > 0:34:39No, it feels lovely.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43'Well, this is a turn up for the books - a definitive thumbs-up from Pat!
0:34:43 > 0:34:47'Let's see what she'll make of the kitchen, just next door.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49'If she wants to change this one, I give up.'
0:34:49 > 0:34:55Now, look at this for a kitchen and tell me what you think of what they've done.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56Gosh! These are all bespoke units.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00They're lovely. Look at those hammered pewter handles.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Eye for detail.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07I know. These units were handmade up in Yorkshire and then brought down here and...
0:35:07 > 0:35:08It's beautiful wood, isn't it?
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Commissioned by the current owners.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14And not only did they do this work here, over there, the structural work they did was take
0:35:14 > 0:35:17down a wall and open that up so you've got a breakfast room that looks out onto the garden.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- Isn't that lovely? - And hasn't it been done in keeping?
0:35:19 > 0:35:23They've created a beautiful space.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25'And the space goes on.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30'The garage has been converted to create a study and a sunroom.
0:35:30 > 0:35:37'Pat and Chris have clearly been charmed by the downstairs. Let's see if the magic continues upstairs.'
0:35:37 > 0:35:42Step into the room that's currently being used as the master.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45What a nice room. How tall!
0:35:45 > 0:35:48- What do you think, Chris? - I think it's a nice room.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52I suppose possibly just the first slight negative is I guess...
0:35:52 > 0:35:54There's no ensuite.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58unless you're going to surprise us, there's no ensuite attached.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00'Well, I do have a surprise up my sleeve.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02'The solution is at the opposite end of the hallway
0:36:02 > 0:36:06'past a single bedroom, a cosy double and the family bathroom.'
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Through here
0:36:08 > 0:36:11is another bathroom.
0:36:11 > 0:36:15- Oh, this is very nice.- It's lovely.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- It's absolutely lovely, yes. - You do surprise me.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22This is the mystery house - it's supposed to be something you wouldn't like and you love it.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27- I know.- And as an added bonus, this isn't just a standalone bathroom.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30Oh, no, it connects through to what I think should be the master.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32My word.
0:36:32 > 0:36:36In we come. Now, don't you think this should be the master bedroom?
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- Oh, definitely, definitely.- Yes. I mean, it's plenty big enough, yes.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Gosh, there's even room for a sofa in here, look.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44It's a bit novel, coming through the bathroom.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- It's slightly unusual.- Would you be able to live with it that way,
0:36:47 > 0:36:50using this as your master and coming through the bathroom?
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- I mean, it's quirky, isn't it? It's just different. - I don't see that as a big issue.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- No, not at all. - In fact, I think it's quite novel.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58Is there anything that could make this property any better?
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- Well, we haven't seen the garden yet.- That's true, we haven't seen the garden, but I'm just amazed,
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- given that this was everything I was never going to have.- You said it!
0:37:08 > 0:37:10But it's everything you could want.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Well, it's feeling that way.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15'It just goes to show when it comes to househunting,
0:37:15 > 0:37:20'keeping your options open can sometimes deliver the dream.'
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Now, this garden just keeps on going.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31It's like a house in itself in terms of different rooms, the way it's been laid out by the current owner,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33so you've got a pond area over there,
0:37:33 > 0:37:40behind is a children's play area, a vegetable garden, sheds, pathways, secret garden walls.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- I don't know what else you'd need. - Gosh.- How much do you think you'd have to pay?
0:37:44 > 0:37:48Golly, this is difficult. I think it's right at the top end of our budget.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- Give me a number.- All right, 695.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58- Chris?- I would go just a fraction under that and say 690.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02It's on the market at £695,000.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Oh, my goodness, I got it right!
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- You were spot on.- Oh, gosh!- We've given you so much to think about.
0:38:07 > 0:38:12- It has.- Why don't you have a wander and explore this amazing garden and I'll see you later on?- OK.- OK.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16That is why I love the mystery house!
0:38:16 > 0:38:20We've shown them something that was completely not on their list and, do you know what?
0:38:20 > 0:38:21So often they fall in love with it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25It just goes to show you don't know everything, even Pat.
0:38:25 > 0:38:32This is at the top of their budget at £695,000, but what a property!
0:38:32 > 0:38:38This beautifully restored 15th- century hall house is crammed with character.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50On paper it shouldn't work for them, but it so obviously does.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54I'm not sure that this is a property we would have looked at.
0:38:54 > 0:39:01I guess, well, you can maybe not take too many judgements without actually inspecting things.
0:39:01 > 0:39:07This is a listed house and it's not really going to offer any big projects,
0:39:07 > 0:39:11which is one of the things that you were perhaps looking for.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I was thinking that when I was walking round the garden,
0:39:14 > 0:39:20but, you know, this feels such a welcoming home.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22I... I'm just going
0:39:22 > 0:39:25to have to think very hard on that.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27It just feels... It just feels right.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33The dilemma is that I do want a project, and I'm saying do because I really do.
0:39:33 > 0:39:39I don't really know how we're going to arrive at a decision on this because the head says
0:39:39 > 0:39:43"get on and do your project," and the heart's telling me "this house is just so you".
0:39:43 > 0:39:50I've got to drag you away, but I've had a thought - we rename it Pat's Palace!
0:39:50 > 0:39:55That's, of course, if it's the one for you and right now you've got a lot of thinking to do.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57- I know.- Come on.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07Well, that mystery house certainly brought out a different side of Pat.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12She got really emotional and stopped thinking with her head for a change, but now it's decision time.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Which way will they go? Is it the head or the heart?
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Hello.- Hi.- Denise. - Oh, we've reached the end of our journey, haven't we?
0:40:21 > 0:40:26Well, we started with the 1930s house. What did you think?
0:40:26 > 0:40:31When we first arrived we couldn't see the house at all and there was a long drive,
0:40:31 > 0:40:36but I got a feel for the views and we walked round the corner and my heart sank.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40The views were everything we were looking for, but for the reasons
0:40:40 > 0:40:44of the house we would have to say that that one wouldn't be for us.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47Now, very specifically, you wanted to live in an old Georgian rectory.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50We searched high and low and I can't believe we
0:40:50 > 0:40:54pulled it off, we brought you to a Victorian Georgian-style rectory.
0:40:54 > 0:41:00Well, you certainly made me eat my words because I said I didn't think you'd find one and you did,
0:41:00 > 0:41:02and that was fantastic and it's a lovely house.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05When we went inside, we went from one room to the next room
0:41:05 > 0:41:09to the next room and it sort of almost got better and better.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11- Better and better. - Well, having shown you
0:41:11 > 0:41:15a property that pretty much fulfilled every wish on that list,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17including giving you scope to put your mark on it,
0:41:17 > 0:41:24we took you to the mystery house which was everything you didn't want and yet what a reaction!
0:41:24 > 0:41:26And I have to eat my words again.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30I know, it... I can't describe it.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33It blew me away, actually.
0:41:33 > 0:41:40There's cottages and cottages and the way that it had been restored and renovated had been done both...
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- With so much love and care. - Extremely well and sympathetically and to a high standard, as well.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48- Yes, yes.- Given how sure and certain you were about what you were looking for,
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- showing you something that was so opposite...- Yes.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53I didn't have high hopes, I've got to be honest.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57Well, if it was a shock to you, it was an even greater shock to me.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00So, what's going to happen next?
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Are you going to go for any of the properties we've shown you?
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Well, I don't think we'll be immediately putting in an offer, but I think what we want to do
0:42:08 > 0:42:11is there's two houses there that interest us enough
0:42:11 > 0:42:14that we would want to go back and have a second look.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19And the two properties are, just to be clear, the old rectory and the mystery house.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21The old house. Yes.
0:42:21 > 0:42:28Yes, so we'd be going back to see them a second time, very much with a view that one or other
0:42:28 > 0:42:31of these could be something that we might want to purchase.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Well, any house that could bring out Pat's smile like that, I think has got to be a winner!
0:42:34 > 0:42:39So, let's not jinx it, but fingers crossed it's not too long before
0:42:39 > 0:42:44- you're moving into at least one of our houses.- Thanks a lot. - Best of luck, take care.- Thank you.
0:42:44 > 0:42:51I remember at the start of this journey Pat told us she didn't think we could find
0:42:51 > 0:42:54her ideal home, but oh, how she was wrong!
0:42:54 > 0:42:57We found her two and, most surprisingly, the one
0:42:57 > 0:43:02that she's fallen in love with and opened her heart to is something she would never have looked at.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04And do you know what? I think Chris likes it, too.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Hopefully it won't be too long before they're moving in
0:43:06 > 0:43:09and I will see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13If you want to Escape To The Country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
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