North Devon Escape to the Country


North Devon

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In 1758, Benjamin Franklin famously wrote that lighthouses are far more useful than churches.

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Well, fortunately, the one above me has been both

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and it's also thought to be the oldest working beacon in Britain.

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So join me for what should be a very enlightening Escape To The Country.

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Today, we're helping a couple find a dream property with earning power.

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We've got gorgeous homes...

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-It's beautiful.

-This is really nice.

-Really like this. Like it?

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The views are spectacular. There's no doubt.

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-We get down to business...

-I actually think it would be good as...a holiday let, yeah.

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'But can we find the real deal?'

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-It's an old cow shed.

-What are you saying?!

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In the nicest possible way!

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Today, I am in Ilfracombe on the shores of North Devon

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and this is St Nicolas's Chapel,

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a refuge that's been saving both souls and sailors since 1320.

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A light has shone out from here for the last 650 years,

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making it the oldest working lighthouse in Britain.

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In 1851, lighthouse keeper Jon Davey

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lived here with - wait for it - 11 children.

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It must be all that sea air.

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Fringed by the Bristol Channel and sitting atop the southwest peninsula

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between Cornwall and Somerset, North Devon's 66 miles of coastline

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is among some of the most dramatic in the UK.

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But don't just take my word for it.

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Most of it has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty since 1959.

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And with 26 beaches to choose from, there's plenty to go round.

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And if wild and windy moors are more your thing,

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the county is also home to Exmoor National Park.

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As you would expect, tourism is big business, with nearly 1 million visitors turning up here annually.

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North Devon's primarily agricultural economy and remoteness once made it

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the poor cousin to the trendy and more accessible south.

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Suddenly, though, in the late '90s, the landscape changed as city dwellers and beguiled bankers

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started buying up property here in search of a better lifestyle.

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However, with the price of a detached property coming in 20%

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under that of East Devon, it's North Devon that canny buyers choose.

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Now, there are big plans afoot for Ilfracombe.

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What they're planning is a new high-speed ferry service

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that will link both here and Swansea in South Wales.

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The whole thing is designed to bring in much-needed investment

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into both parts of the country.

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And on top of that they're also planning an £8 million redevelopment

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of the harbour area.

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So, whilst for many people Devon may represent

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a quieter pace of life, as you can see, it's not standing still.

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I think you'll need to move fast if you want to snap up this

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stunning contemporary style coastal home overlooking Bideford Bay.

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For £950,000 you'll get four spacious bedrooms,

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a large, open-plan kitchen and more than just one room with a view.

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Included in the price are five acres of private woodland and you can purvey it all in style.

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If it's period property you're after,

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this Grade II listed former Georgian rectory deserves high praise indeed.

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Situated on the outskirts of Monkleigh, this elegantly renovated house

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has four large bedrooms, three reception rooms and a large birch wood kitchen.

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It's all set in a substantial 1.2 acres,

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but with a price tag of £595,000, it won't cost you the earth.

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Or how about this four-bedroom period farmhouse in the hamlet of Meddon?

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Character features abound in the three snug reception rooms.

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There's also the must-have country kitchen and the house is surrounded by a pretty garden.

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This bundle of rural bliss could be yours for a snip under £400,000.

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So, as you can see, it's not hard to spot good property here in Devon.

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There is plenty on offer, which is exactly why today's buyers want to move here.

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John works in the oil industry and Annie runs an HR consultancy.

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They share their five-bedroom home in a Surrey commuter town

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with their three-year-old, Madeleine, and baby Isabella,

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whose premature arrival has prompted their escape.

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She was born nearly four months early, at 25 weeks.

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So we've had a very, very stressful year.

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And it has actually made us think about what's important in our lives.

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We want to spend a lot more time with our children

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and that's going to be our priority.

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With family quality time and a change of pace

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now at the top of the agenda,

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John and Annie have designs on North Devon.

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We've started to look online. We looked on the internet.

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We've done a bit of research, but we certainly don't know the area.

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They may not be familiar with North Devon, but they do know exactly what will make them happy.

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The new house really needs to have four or five bedrooms,

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be a detached property, have a bit more space outside

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-in a flatter garden than we currently have.

-Definitely.

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Maybe the neighbours not so close to us as they are,

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and be close to a village with amenities such as a school, maybe a shop, a pub.

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And I would like a farmhouse-type kitchen,

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so that we can have a table in the kitchen.

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That's a must have.

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And hopefully an open fire or a wood burning stove would be great.

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But it's not just a house move John and Annie are planning.

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We are looking for the potential to run a business from the new property.

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So whether that would be...

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a B&B, or a holiday let...

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-Or a guest house or...

-Or even just an office.

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-A home where we could work from.

-Yes, absolutely.

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That will certainly give us a challenge!

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So what kind of location have they set their sights on?

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It would be somewhere fairly rural, but still quite near to the sea.

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Maybe not exactly on the seafront but maybe within a 10 or 15 minute drive, so we can get the kids

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down there and they can go and enjoy the beach or the cliffs.

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Spending more time with the girls is the top priority,

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but what other pursuits do they have planned when they do move?

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-Definitely like to...look at sailing.

-Sailing.

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John would like to learn to sail.

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I would like to surf again. I haven't surfed for many, many years.

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-And maybe horse riding.

-Horse riding.

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But before they can saddle up and mosey on down to Devon,

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they need to know how much their property is worth.

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We've invited a local agent round to value it.

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This is a well-presented

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five-bedroom family home,

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ideally situated and located for the village shops and amenities,

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and I would currently put this on the market at around £550,000.

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So what's the final budget for the big move?

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If we found a property that was absolutely perfect we'd go up to £550,000.

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Now, finding a large home with business potential for £550,000 in North Devon

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is a big ask in itself, without the added limitation of a 10 to 15 minute drive to the sea.

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In order to maximise John and Annie's chances of landing

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the dream property, we've cast the search net slightly further afield.

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We'll include houses within a 30-minute drive of the coast,

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taking in the countryside around Barnstaple.

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We've tracked down fantastic propositions, which we really hope will fit their bill, but, as always,

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I won't reveal the price tags until the end of the tours.

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Finally, there's the mystery house, which could be a gamble.

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-Hi, Annie!

-Hi, there.

-Hi, John. Very nice to see you.

-Nice to see you.

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At long last, we're in North Devon about to start your house search.

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-How does it feel?

-Fantastic. We're very excited.

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We are. It's so beautiful down here. I can't wait to make the move.

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Let's have a think about budget. Just remind me of our maximum proposed spend.

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£500,000, ideally.

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But potentially we could stretch it to £550,000.

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And in terms of scale of tweaking, are you a bit of a DIY man, John?

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-Not really.

-So we need money to get a man in?

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Yes, basically. We need something we can move into, more or less, off the cuff.

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Obviously the girls are quite young, so we don't really want a major refurbishment job.

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So somewhere for four of you, with some character,

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half a million quid to spend in North Devon...

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I wonder. Well, we've got some interesting ones lined up, including the mystery house.

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-Fantastic.

-It's all to play for.

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So let's get a move on.

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'Will their top budget of £550,000 meet their big property ambitions?

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'We'll see. They're looking for...

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'A level garden for the girls to play in,

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'which, in hilly North Devon, isn't as easy as it sounds.

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'Location-wise, they want easy access to amenities,

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'particularly excellent schools,

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'and they'd prefer to be within a 15-minute drive of the sea.

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'To top it all off, they'd like the house to have business potential,

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'but as yet they have no idea how they'd like to earn a crust.

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'I think this could be an interesting couple of days.'

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I know you're sort of skirting around the idea of having your own business,

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but without any real specifics. That's quite a leap of faith.

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Yes.

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THEY LAUGH

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Quite right, Jules.

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But I think being open-minded,

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I think it really depends on what's available and what we can do.

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You say open-minded, have you got any sort of practical applications

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-that you might develop further?

-No.

-No, none.

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I'm just wondering how we start to find you a living.

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"Find me a job."

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-Find me a job. Escape To The Job!

-Escape To The Job.

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Well, we'll try our hardest to offer some inspiration with our properties.

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The first one today is in the village of Tawstock,

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just a few miles south of the county town of Barnstaple,

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and a 30-minute drive to the coast.

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It's not a huge place and doesn't have a pub or shop,

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but the girl's schooling will be well catered for.

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There is a pre-school at the village hall,

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a well-rated primary school or there's also an independent school

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taking children from three months to 13 years, should they wish to go down that route.

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The house we're viewing is outside the village, set well back off a B road.

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It's all of this. All of this cream building you can see in front of us there.

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Fantastic. Very pretty.

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-Is it?

-With the ivy and the... Absolutely beautiful.

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It's quite an interesting one. I mean, I say "property",

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it's properties, actually, because that half is a holiday annexe.

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We're thinking, you know, money-making potential.

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But the main house is that chunk up there covered in the green.

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It's really several buildings joined together.

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-It is pretty big, isn't it?

-It's looking good.

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The only obvious downside to this, I suppose, is the road.

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It's quite quiet at the moment. There are lights at either end of it,

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-so it sort of comes in waves.

-In waves. OK.

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But if you can get over that, this is quite an interesting proposition.

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Definitely.

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'A positive start and so it should be, because I think this property has loads going for it,

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'both in terms of a home and potential earning power.

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'But before we get down to business,

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'let's see if we are in the right ballpark with the house.'

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Right. In you come.

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I'll grab the door.

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What do you think?

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-It's really lovely.

-Fantastic. Love the wooden floors.

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-Love the wooden floors.

-Mmm. Perfect.

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-The real fire's really nice.

-As we explore this building, you'll see how it rambles on.

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I wouldn't really want to have to draw a floor plan of it.

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You'll see what I mean. Come through here.

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Now this drops down...

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into a very sweet little kitchen, actually.

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Very nice. Very clean.

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Very fresh. It would work. There's lots of options.

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You could do something quite nice with it, actually.

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In terms of size, through that door there,

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there's a big utility room, which runs along the back of that wall.

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That, obviously it's useful as a utility room, but if you wanted to

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open this up a little more, you potentially could do.

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Certainly, it's nice to have it all tucked away.

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Because there is a separate dining room, so this is real sort of breakfast, easy living in here,

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then a more formal area through there.

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-Brilliant.

-Right, brilliant.

-Loads of scope.

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And we haven't even seen the annexe yet.

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'But the living space doesn't end there, as upstairs there's a very light and airy addition.'

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-Quite nice, isn't it?

-This is beautiful.

-Yes, this is really nice.

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-Really like this.

-Is it working for you?

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Definitely. I think it's got a really good feel to it.

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-I think you're right. It's really nice.

-Good. All right.

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Well, we have come upstairs to this gorgeous garden room,

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but no surprise, this also leads on at this level

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-to four bedrooms for you to play with.

-Great.

-Have a look at these.

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Off the hallway is a double guest room, if the teddies will give it up,

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a family bathroom, and two single bedrooms, ideal for Madeleine and baby Isabella,

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and the master bedroom makes four.

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Bedroom-wise, this is... it is what it is.

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-It is a good size again, though, isn't it?

-Yeah.

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But the real kind of ensemble to this is through there. This is the en-suite.

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More than makes up, I think, for the quite small family bathroom, in a way.

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Again, double shower, bath, and so forth.

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It's massive for an en-suite, isn't it?

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-We'd definitely like to make it our own.

-Yes, definitely.

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-White suite. Personal preference.

-Yeah.

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Very simple job, though. Not an expensive one.

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It allows you those little tweaks that sort of make it your own.

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-Let's face it, most of it is done. It's in good condition.

-Oh, it's in really good shape.

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Now we need to check out the annexe and see if they think it has enough potential.

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Connected to the house, but with it's own separate entrance,

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this annexe is all kitted out and ready to run as a holiday let.

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There's a functional kitchen, two double bedrooms, a bathroom,

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and a cosy living room.

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The other thing to consider is that the current owners were letting this out a couple of years ago

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-for £500 a week.

-Right.

-Two grand a month.

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-That's very good.

-Very good.

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A pretty useful addition to any mortgage.

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'They clearly like the sound of that, but this property comes with plenty more revenue potential.'

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-You get a complete yard...

-And some friends.

-And some friends.

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-Look at them looking at us.

-That's a bit different.

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-That's fantastic.

-Great, brilliant.

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Let's go and find you some land that goes with this little lot.

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Come and have a look. Through you go.

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'I'm no Alan Sugar, but I can see there are great opportunities here.

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'Renting the stables out for livery, maybe setting up a riding school,

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'and it comes with a whopping three acres.

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'We are offering up ideas, but John and Annie are the ones

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'who need to decide what line of business they want to get into.'

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Let's take a view that way and take it all in.

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So, two houses, stable yard and your three acres.

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-Not bad, is it?

-Not at all.

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-Not bad at all.

-Can you hazard a guess as to how much this little lot is going to set you back, I wonder?

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4...

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-475.

-475? Interesting. John?

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I think it might be a bit more. I think more like 525.

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525? That's interesting, actually.

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525. 475.

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Actually, you've pretty much straddled it.

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-499,950.

-Right.

-Brilliant.

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Given that it comes with earning potential straight away,

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I think that's a pretty good price, actually.

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-I would agree.

-That's quite a lot for your money, I think.

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Given the ground, the stables, the annexe, the house.

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It's good space. I think we like it.

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-Good.

-It's a good start.

-Good, I like to hear that.

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A good start is always a healthy thing.

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OK. There's plenty more for you to really investigate.

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-I'll catch up with you a little later.

-Great.

-Thanks.

-Off you go.

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With an asking price of 499,950,

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this period cottage is a comfortable 50,000 under their maximum budget.

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And, bar a few personal touches, needs very little doing to it.

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The main house has Annie's country kitchen,

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three reception rooms and four bedrooms.

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The patio and decked garden are perfect for adults,

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but it's not the level lawn they've asked for.

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However, will it be a compromise worth making

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for the abundant business opportunities?

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A self-contained two-bedroom holiday let,

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purpose-built stables and three acres of land.

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It's off a B-road. too, which might be handy for passing trade.

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I think this outside space is nice.

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But we wanted the flat garden.

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Yeah, the number of stairs outside scared me a bit.

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-Stumbling up and down them is something they'd do a lot.

-Concrete steps, small children -

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not a good combination.

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I think, in terms of business potential,

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I think it would be something we could do.

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If I was to stay there for a week's vacation, I'd really quite like it.

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I wouldn't be disappointed at all.

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I actually think it would be good as...

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-a holiday let.

-I think you're right.

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Particularly, as Jules said, the revenue potential,

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the earning potential, 500 a week during the holiday season.

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That could be very good.

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I think even though there are concerns about the road and garden,

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I still think we would consider this house.

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Hey, you.

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-You've found a friend.

-Haven't I just?

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We'll have to find him a new escape to the country if you buy this place.

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He's going to need a new home, aren't you?

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-That'll be your next challenge.

-Want to come on the show?

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ALL CHUCKLE

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As John and Annie are completely new to North Devon,

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they're keen to see as much as possible, so earlier in the week,

0:18:230:18:27

they dropped anchor in the harbour town of Ilfracombe.

0:18:270:18:31

Ron Goodwin, a man who just can't helping shouting about Ilfracombe's attributes,

0:18:310:18:37

was on hand to show them around.

0:18:370:18:39

Hello, welcome! Welcome.

0:18:390:18:41

The cliffs and hills around the town are great walking territory,

0:18:410:18:46

making up part of the Southwest coastal path. But in bygone years,

0:18:460:18:50

they played a more strategic role in the town's welfare.

0:18:500:18:53

The hill in front of us is Capstone Hill,

0:18:530:18:56

the hill where the legend of Betsy Gammon was born.

0:18:560:19:01

In the 1700s, the French decided they were going to attack Ilfracombe.

0:19:010:19:06

Vessels moored off Ilfracombe ready to attack.

0:19:060:19:09

Most of the men from Ilfracombe at that time were at war, they were out of town.

0:19:090:19:13

Betsy decided that wasn't going to happen. She decided there was one way to repel the French.

0:19:130:19:19

So what she did,

0:19:190:19:20

she got her friends to follow her, she beat her drum,

0:19:200:19:23

and they walked all the way up towards just above Capstone Hill.

0:19:230:19:28

They took off their red petticoats, put them round their shoulders and peeped over the top of the hill.

0:19:280:19:34

The French, who were moored off, thought it was a platoon of soldiers

0:19:340:19:38

and went and attacked Wales instead.

0:19:380:19:41

100 years later, however,

0:19:410:19:44

the town was welcoming invaders by the ferry and train-load.

0:19:440:19:48

The age of the Victorian holiday-maker had begun.

0:19:480:19:51

In Ilfracombe, it's not just the villas and terraces that are a lasting legacy of this heyday.

0:19:510:19:57

Its unique tunnel beaches, sheltered tidal bathing pools,

0:19:570:20:01

accessed via tunnels dating back to the 1820s,

0:20:010:20:04

are still in use today.

0:20:040:20:07

This one actually was the male swimming pool, because, in Victorian times,

0:20:070:20:12

they were prudish. The gentlemen had to swim separately from the ladies.

0:20:120:20:16

The ladies swam just round the corner in the other pool.

0:20:160:20:20

There was always someone on the rock there

0:20:200:20:22

with a bugle, whose job was to keep them apart.

0:20:220:20:25

The ladies all wore long swimming dresses.

0:20:250:20:29

And the gentlemen wore...nothing.

0:20:290:20:32

Thankfully, these days, clothing is compulsory,

0:20:320:20:36

so Annie and John needn't worry about revisiting with the girls.

0:20:360:20:40

But we're not on holiday now

0:20:400:20:42

so it's back to the business of property hunting.

0:20:420:20:47

You've had a pretty good glimpse already at North Devon.

0:20:490:20:53

Is this still where you want to be, do you think?

0:20:530:20:56

-I think it's beautiful.

-Yeah.

0:20:560:20:58

It's quite remote.

0:20:580:21:00

But we knew that anyway. One of the questions is,

0:21:000:21:04

do we look more at South Devon and perhaps the Exeter area

0:21:040:21:09

where there is maybe more business opportunities

0:21:090:21:13

and wider business opportunities.

0:21:130:21:15

More opportunities maybe,

0:21:170:21:18

but with detached properties around Exeter costing 26% more,

0:21:180:21:22

they'll get a lot less for their money.

0:21:220:21:25

So we'll continue our search here. The next property is in Yarnscombe,

0:21:250:21:29

which is 16 miles from the nearest beach.

0:21:290:21:32

And as it's village life Annie and John are after,

0:21:320:21:34

this place certainly delivers.

0:21:340:21:36

With a population of just 300, and a church and a village hall,

0:21:360:21:40

getting to know the neighbours won't be difficult.

0:21:400:21:43

More action can be found five miles away in the market town of Great Torrington,

0:21:430:21:47

which doesn't fall short on the amenities front.

0:21:470:21:50

Our property is a stunning home with some untapped holiday let potential,

0:21:500:21:54

but only if John and Annie are willing to put the work in.

0:21:540:21:59

Feast your eyes on this lot. Isn't it pretty?

0:21:590:22:03

-Very pretty.

-Yeah, very sweet. You don't get the house, you get the old barn.

0:22:030:22:08

ALL LAUGH

0:22:080:22:10

So you wanted a project. There you go. You get the whole lot.

0:22:100:22:14

A cob barn, and this, which is really interesting. It doesn't look it from here,

0:22:140:22:18

but this is late-medieval. So it could be, you know,

0:22:180:22:22

14th, 15th century at its core. It's an old hall house.

0:22:220:22:25

Once upon a time, it would have been just a big open barn, effectively,

0:22:250:22:29

with a central hearth in the middle. Over the centuries, floors have been added

0:22:290:22:33

and the whole thing has become what we would now regard as a very pretty little cottage.

0:22:330:22:38

-It's beautiful.

-Yeah?

-Lovely.

0:22:380:22:40

-First impressions are good.

-Right. Let's see if they continue. Follow me through here.

0:22:400:22:45

'Another flying start.

0:22:450:22:46

'Let's just hope the home and business idea stacks up.'

0:22:460:22:51

I have high hopes for this so don't let me down.

0:22:510:22:55

-As you can see, all done, nice oak floors.

-Very modern.

-Yeah.

0:22:550:23:00

We'll start in here in the kitchen.

0:23:000:23:02

Come on through. Come in, John, don't be shy.

0:23:020:23:06

-As you can see, all fitted.

-I like,

0:23:060:23:09

you know, units this end, we could have a table that end. It would work.

0:23:090:23:13

-Nice and light and airy.

-Mmm. You could have a table that end,

0:23:130:23:17

you could have a huge table that end, because this is in the process of being extended.

0:23:170:23:22

-Oh, right.

-Ah.

-And this will be finished by the time whoever buys it moves in.

0:23:220:23:26

-Oh, right.

-Cos the owner is a builder.

-Oh.

-Mmm.

0:23:260:23:30

'When finished, the single-storey extension would increase the kitchen footprint

0:23:300:23:34

'by 25 square metres so Annie could have the huge country kitchen of her dreams.

0:23:340:23:40

'And for John, well, the living room definitely delivers the log burner.'

0:23:400:23:44

I think you're going to like this.

0:23:440:23:46

-It's great.

-Oh, yeah, this is great.

-Isn't it?

-Yeah, it's beautiful.

0:23:460:23:50

Really sweet, actually, and as we move into this part of the house,

0:23:500:23:53

you get a real sense of the history. Grade II, not surprisingly.

0:23:530:23:59

For no other reason than the beams. I mean, the beams would list it.

0:23:590:24:02

And the great thing about this is that although there are beams,

0:24:020:24:05

-there's still plenty of headroom.

-It's not particularly low.

0:24:050:24:09

-That's an interesting feature. Do you see that?

-Like that.

0:24:090:24:12

A mullion window. It's not an original thing, the current owners put it in. But I think it's nice.

0:24:120:24:17

It gives a real sense of period to the place,

0:24:170:24:20

and, of course, lets light flood through from here to there,

0:24:200:24:24

which is an enormous family room. Have a look at this.

0:24:240:24:27

What do you think of this?

0:24:280:24:30

It's great.

0:24:320:24:33

-It's really nice.

-Isn't it? Is it capturing you with its feel?

0:24:330:24:36

I think it's got a good feel. There's loads of space.

0:24:360:24:40

-So we like so far?

-Yes.

-So far, so good.

0:24:400:24:44

'That's usually my line! But I'm more than happy to give it to them.

0:24:440:24:49

'Let's see if we can continue the good work upstairs.'

0:24:490:24:52

Let's start in here, shall we?

0:24:520:24:55

-As family bathrooms go in cottages, this is a good one.

-Loads of room.

0:24:560:25:01

-What is that room there?

-What is in here?

-Ah.

0:25:010:25:04

-What is in here?

-Oh, it's the airing cupboard.

-ALL LAUGH

0:25:040:25:07

-There we go.

-We were all excited!

0:25:070:25:10

You were expecting another world in there, weren't you?

0:25:100:25:13

It's not Narnia, it's an airing cupboard!

0:25:130:25:16

'There aren't any secret rooms along the corridor either,

0:25:160:25:20

'but there are two spacious doubles,

0:25:200:25:22

'one of which is being used as a study,

0:25:220:25:24

'fluffy cats not included.'

0:25:240:25:26

So how about this one....

0:25:260:25:27

-..of the three?

-Mmm-hmm.

-It's really nice.

0:25:300:25:33

I think it's actually not a bad size.

0:25:330:25:35

I think it's nice and square as well so you can easily get furniture in.

0:25:350:25:38

-I know ideally you wanted four.

-Yes.

-So could you do this, could you do three?

0:25:380:25:44

-Possibly.

-We'd have to find somewhere else for visiting friends or relatives to stay.

0:25:440:25:49

-Maybe if we could convert the barn.

-That's what I'm thinking.

0:25:490:25:52

'The barn isn't yet a business,

0:25:520:25:54

'and converting it into a two-bedroom self-contained holiday let

0:25:540:25:58

'will be a big job, so let's see if they're up for the challenge.'

0:25:580:26:03

Come on in.

0:26:030:26:04

-Oh, wow.

-It's quite a thing, isn't it?

-Yeah.

0:26:040:26:08

I mean, I just think a lick of paint, bit of dusting...!

0:26:080:26:12

You can have this sorted! An afternoon's work.

0:26:120:26:16

But space-wise, you know, this is quite interesting.

0:26:160:26:19

BOTH: It could be fantastic.

0:26:190:26:21

But the fact that it's got planning on it

0:26:210:26:23

-not to be sniffed at. Well worth thinking about.

-It's good.

0:26:230:26:26

-But it's not going to be done in a weekend, John.

-No.

-ALL LAUGH

0:26:260:26:30

Come on through here.

0:26:300:26:32

'The last stop on our tour is the garden.

0:26:320:26:34

'Flat as a pancake, as per their command,

0:26:340:26:36

'it comes in at just under half an acre, so plenty of room

0:26:360:26:39

'if John and Annie want to go down the self-sufficiency route.'

0:26:390:26:43

What do you think? That's the key thing.

0:26:430:26:45

I think...good size, needs some work.

0:26:450:26:48

They've obviously done a lot of work, which is great,

0:26:480:26:51

but we need space for the kids.

0:26:510:26:53

Yes. You may not want it this formal, I suppose, John.

0:26:530:26:56

You could just clear the whole thing away to grass.

0:26:560:26:59

-I think that would work better at the moment, with the age of the kids.

-For us.

0:26:590:27:03

Having a bit more open space where we could keep an eye on them might be better.

0:27:030:27:07

Just please don't put a great big blue trampoline in the middle. Don't do that. It's such a shame.

0:27:070:27:12

OK. But joking apart, obviously the whole thing does come at some sort of price.

0:27:120:27:18

Make me an offer.

0:27:180:27:19

Mmm. No idea. Erm...

0:27:190:27:22

-485.

-485.

0:27:220:27:25

I think more like 460.

0:27:250:27:28

Actually, you're both a little bit high.

0:27:280:27:30

-Ah.

-Oh, right, OK.

-This could be yours for £450,000.

0:27:300:27:35

-Oh, right.

-Very good.

0:27:350:27:37

-Could give us the money we need, then, to maybe...

-Work on the barn.

0:27:370:27:41

Well, it would certainly give you enough

0:27:410:27:44

-to think about how you would get it structurally sound.

-Yeah.

0:27:440:27:48

And then maybe you could just add to it, you know, as more money becomes available.

0:27:480:27:52

Go and explore and I'll see you later.

0:27:520:27:54

Thanks.

0:27:540:27:56

I have to say, it's not every day we find houses like this tucked away

0:27:570:28:00

in the heart of a really attractive village location.

0:28:000:28:03

These are the things that people very often ask for, but they are hard to find.

0:28:030:28:07

We've found one. Have we found the house for them? Who knows?

0:28:070:28:11

On the market for 450,000, this Grade II listed hall house

0:28:110:28:17

is £100,000 under their maximum budget,

0:28:170:28:19

leaving some money to tackle the barn conversion.

0:28:190:28:22

The house itself is really spacious with...

0:28:220:28:25

Whilst the barn isn't a concern at the moment,

0:28:320:28:35

John and Annie could set it up

0:28:350:28:36

as a self-contained two-bedroom holiday let.

0:28:360:28:39

So could this one be the business?

0:28:390:28:41

-If this was the kitchen area, do you think?

-Yeah.

-Looking out on the garden.

0:28:410:28:45

I think it's got a lot of potential, but, my, there's a lot of work to be done, isn't there?

0:28:450:28:50

Quite a surprising space inside, for a period property.

0:28:500:28:55

And big enough ceilings for John to cope with,

0:28:550:28:58

so he doesn't hit his head on the beams.

0:28:580:29:00

The barn conversion is obviously a bonus.

0:29:000:29:04

This would be good. Maybe dining here, do you think?

0:29:040:29:07

-Do you think? Maybe a dining room?

-Maybe.

0:29:070:29:09

-Then in the other room...

-They're just big family rooms.

-Yes.

0:29:090:29:12

-I think you're right.

-That'd be good.

0:29:120:29:14

-You're in there, I was in there!

-ALL CHUCKLE

0:29:160:29:19

I've got great plans for this conversion. I think it could be really exciting.

0:29:190:29:23

-All done?

-Yes.

-Enjoy it?

-Very much.

-It was great.

-It is definitely one to enjoy, isn't it?

0:29:230:29:29

Good. Come on.

0:29:290:29:30

As the sun sets over North Devon's sandy shores,

0:29:390:29:43

our couple have their first chance to relax and mull over today's properties.

0:29:430:29:47

-What do you think of the house with the annexe?

-I...

0:29:470:29:50

liked that house. Loads of space.

0:29:500:29:54

Loved the garden room.

0:29:540:29:57

-That was very nice, wasn't it?

-Bit concerned, though, about the lack of garden.

0:29:570:30:03

-Yeah.

-And also the road.

-The road.

0:30:030:30:05

The good thing about that house is it did have the annexe and the stables.

0:30:050:30:09

They had already used it for a holiday letting, hadn't they?

0:30:090:30:13

-They had.

-£500 a week, in the annexe.

0:30:130:30:15

-That's very promising, isn't it?

-So I think that's good.

0:30:150:30:19

And the stables across the road, potentially livery.

0:30:190:30:23

-Yeah.

-So there's a few options there without a doubt.

0:30:230:30:26

And what about the medieval hall house?

0:30:260:30:29

I really liked some of the rooms in there.

0:30:290:30:32

It was a really nice property, again with bags of character.

0:30:320:30:36

I'm not too sure about there being only three beds.

0:30:360:30:39

I think we would have to maybe convert the barn in order to give us the extra space we need.

0:30:390:30:44

I think the barn conversion would be a lot of work.

0:30:440:30:48

I think you're right.

0:30:480:30:49

-And it would be fantastic when it's done.

-Yeah.

0:30:490:30:52

So lots of good things about it.

0:30:520:30:56

-I think it was quite quirky.

-Mmm.

0:30:560:30:58

'Annie and John are looking for a better lifestyle for themselves and their daughters.

0:31:050:31:10

'For a top budget of £550,000,

0:31:100:31:13

'they've asked us to look at properties with income potential.

0:31:130:31:17

'But, as yet, they have no idea what business they'd like to run

0:31:170:31:20

'and are now unsure if North Devon is the right place from which to run it.

0:31:200:31:24

'So, coming up, we'll sideline the business and put finding the perfect house first.'

0:31:240:31:28

Wow, this is beautiful.

0:31:280:31:31

John and Annie think they've solved the riddle of today's mystery house.

0:31:310:31:34

-I think it's missing something, surely.

-It's missing a floor.

0:31:340:31:38

Well, if I'm looking a little bleary-eyed, there's a very, very good reason for it.

0:31:420:31:46

It is ludicrously early, but I've come down here to the beach for breakfast,

0:31:460:31:51

and the man who's going to cook it for me is over there.

0:31:510:31:53

But it is a breakfast with a difference.

0:31:530:31:56

'John Wright has been a forager for as long as he can remember.

0:31:570:32:00

'From mushrooms in fields, to berries in hedgerows.

0:32:000:32:04

'He's a man who can find a meal just about anywhere, and this morning,

0:32:040:32:08

'he's scouring the coastline.'

0:32:080:32:09

-Oh, hi, Jules.

-Hello, nice to see you.

0:32:090:32:13

What a lovely way to start the day.

0:32:130:32:15

-It's terrific, innit?

-What is on the menu for breakfast?

0:32:150:32:18

Plenty of winkles, if you fancy winkles, but I'm looking at seaweed.

0:32:180:32:22

What have we got here? This looks like the sort of stuff we're used to seeing on the beach.

0:32:220:32:27

-That's a tiny bit there.

-What have we got there?

0:32:270:32:29

That's sea-lettuce. You can see why it's called sea-lettuce.

0:32:290:32:32

-Beautiful green colour.

-Lovely.

-This is a great one. You wash it,

0:32:320:32:35

put it with oil and vinegar, and it's a great addition to a salad.

0:32:350:32:39

-Can you eat it raw?

-You can. It might be a touch on the salty side, though.

0:32:390:32:42

Oh, my God, yeah. It really is salty.

0:32:430:32:46

Well, it would be.

0:32:460:32:48

That's lovely. Is there anything out here that's inedible?

0:32:480:32:51

Anything dangerous? With mushrooms, you've got to be so careful.

0:32:510:32:54

You don't have to worry with seaweeds. None of them are poisonous.

0:32:540:32:58

Some of them don't taste very nice, but none are poisonous.

0:32:580:33:01

Brilliant. So that's sea-lettuce. What else have we got here, then?

0:33:010:33:05

Now, that looks kind of familiar to most of us.

0:33:050:33:07

You're probably thinking of kelp. It's not kelp. It's something called dulse -

0:33:070:33:12

one of the seaweeds you can cook like a vegetable.

0:33:120:33:14

Most of them need some special preparation, but this one doesn't need that.

0:33:140:33:18

You can just cook it up - 15 minutes in a steamer.

0:33:180:33:21

Tastes a bit like cabbage, but it's a great vegetable.

0:33:210:33:24

'But today, John is cooking with carrageenan, also called Irish moss.

0:33:240:33:29

'It's generally gathered off the south and west coasts of the UK

0:33:290:33:33

'and can easily be foraged as it's found just below the shoreline.

0:33:330:33:37

'Because it contains natural gelling agents, it's a perfect thickener

0:33:370:33:40

'for soups, stews and puddings, which is exactly what John is going to cook up for me -

0:33:400:33:45

'a seaweed panna cotta.'

0:33:450:33:46

So that's just in there with some water.

0:33:460:33:48

-That'll soften it, presumably.

-It breaks down the cells and this carrageenan flows out.

0:33:480:33:53

It's a very sticky, slimy, jelly-like substance.

0:33:530:33:56

It's really disgusting, actually.

0:33:560:33:57

-And you're going to feed it to me?

-I am. You'll love it!

0:33:570:34:01

OK. So how long is that going to take?

0:34:010:34:03

-Well, that's going to take about 25 minutes.

-OK.

0:34:030:34:06

So we'll have to sit here quietly and wait.

0:34:060:34:09

'Once the seaweed has softened, milk, vanilla and sugar are brought to the boil in a separate pan,

0:34:090:34:15

'and then we can squeeze the jelly substance out of the seaweed.'

0:34:150:34:19

What do you think? Is it looking good?

0:34:190:34:21

'Then whisked with the milk, together with a fresh dollop of double cream.'

0:34:210:34:26

Gosh, that really is thick.

0:34:260:34:29

Look at that. More machine than man, John.

0:34:290:34:32

I'm very impressed.

0:34:320:34:33

'The mixture is then poured into ramekins and left to set

0:34:330:34:37

'for five to ten minutes in nature's natural refrigerator

0:34:370:34:40

'and served with a good helping of sea air.'

0:34:400:34:42

-Right, John.

-Here we go.

-Thank you. There's a spoon.

-Thank you.

0:34:420:34:46

Oh, my God.

0:34:490:34:51

I have to say, when that stuff came out of the pan, I wasn't convinced.

0:34:520:34:56

But that's absolutely delicious.

0:34:560:34:58

It is quite extraordinary, really, isn't it? I think it's lovely.

0:34:580:35:02

What a great way to start the day.

0:35:060:35:08

But now it's back to foraging for properties.

0:35:080:35:11

We're going to concentrate much nearer to the coast,

0:35:110:35:14

and since Annie and John are unsure what line of business

0:35:140:35:17

they want to get into,

0:35:170:35:18

I think it's best to focus on homes rather than finding them jobs.

0:35:180:35:21

We're starting off in the village of Parracombe.

0:35:210:35:24

Situated in Exmoor National Park, and just a 12-minute drive to the seaside,

0:35:260:35:30

I'm hoping this location will fulfil both the countryside and coastal brief.

0:35:300:35:35

Despite a population of less than 400, it boasts a pub, two churches,

0:35:350:35:39

a village hall, a shop, and the all-important primary school.

0:35:390:35:44

Our property is on the edge of the village in a very private and secluded setting.

0:35:440:35:49

-Lovely.

-Isn't it nice?

-Yes.

0:35:520:35:54

-That's beautiful.

-Yes?

-Yes.

0:35:540:35:56

That's really interesting. It's really different.

0:35:560:35:59

In the greenery, tucked away.

0:35:590:36:00

-Isn't it? Really hidden away, really quiet spot.

-Fantastic.

0:36:000:36:04

This is interesting. I'll deal with it while we're here, cos it's easier to see it.

0:36:040:36:08

That stoned bit is one of the oldest parts of the property,

0:36:080:36:11

known in Devon-speak as a shippon.

0:36:110:36:13

-OK.

-It's an old cow shed.

-ALL LAUGH

0:36:130:36:16

What are you saying?

0:36:160:36:18

In the nicest possible way. It's an old cow shed.

0:36:180:36:20

It's actually now the dining room.

0:36:200:36:22

We'll explore that when we get inside, but a nice bit of local history and colour.

0:36:220:36:27

-Like it.

-Like it?

-Yes.

-Right. Let's see if you like inside. Come on.

0:36:270:36:30

The cottage is a real mixture of architectural ages.

0:36:300:36:35

It's part-17th-century, part-Victorian, and the cow shed?

0:36:350:36:38

Well, that's 400 years old.

0:36:380:36:40

However, having been extended and renovated in 1996,

0:36:400:36:44

there's nothing dated about the interior.

0:36:440:36:47

Let's start in here, the kitchen.

0:36:490:36:51

-They've done this really nicely. This is great.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

0:36:510:36:55

-Wow. This is beautiful.

-Yeah?

-I like this.

0:36:550:36:57

-Very sweet, isn't it?

-BOTH: Yes.

0:36:570:37:00

It's got the table we're after. It's a nice shape and size.

0:37:000:37:03

-I think it's a really nice kitchen.

-Well, you say table.

0:37:030:37:06

It's a kind of island, really - an extension of the kitchen. This huge lump of slate in the middle of it.

0:37:060:37:12

Yeah, really nice.

0:37:120:37:14

-That's beautiful.

-So, next, through there is the shippon, the cow shed.

0:37:140:37:19

Let's have a look at this.

0:37:190:37:20

-Right.

-JULES CHUCKLES

0:37:230:37:26

Nice for the cows, eh?

0:37:260:37:27

They've done a great job in here as well.

0:37:290:37:32

-I think it's really pleasant.

-Very different. The table...

0:37:320:37:35

-The table's fabulous.

-It's kind of made to fit.

0:37:350:37:38

Do you think friends and family would get quite excited by dining in here?

0:37:380:37:42

-They'd love it.

-Yeah.

0:37:420:37:43

I think it's really different and interesting.

0:37:430:37:46

-OK, we like the kitchen.

-Yes.

-We like the shippon.

-Yes.

-Let's go and find you a living room.

0:37:460:37:51

Let's shippon out.

0:37:510:37:53

'Off the kitchen is a sizable utility room,

0:37:530:37:56

'and back through the hallway is a small study,

0:37:560:37:59

'which could be knocked through to the living room to create more space.'

0:37:590:38:03

Now, then...

0:38:030:38:06

-What do you think?

-Again, it's another really nice room.

0:38:060:38:10

-They've laid it out really well.

-Like it.

0:38:100:38:12

Like the French doors. Definitely. Great room.

0:38:120:38:15

-Great room.

-In terms of reception rooms, this is it.

0:38:150:38:18

How does the ground floor feel?

0:38:180:38:21

-Big enough?

-I think so.

-Do you?

0:38:210:38:23

I think it might be a bit small.

0:38:230:38:25

-Really?

-Yeah? I quite like it.

0:38:250:38:28

-I don't think it's a bad size for an old cottage.

-Yeah, don't forget the cow shed.

0:38:280:38:32

Let's go upstairs.

0:38:320:38:36

'Now, it seems we have a divided opinion.

0:38:360:38:38

'They both obviously love the style of this cottage,

0:38:380:38:41

'but where John is thinking with his heart, Annie is thinking practically.

0:38:410:38:45

'So let's see if upstairs can help them decide. There's plenty of space up here.'

0:38:450:38:50

So hidden behind the door off the hall are these stairs. Quite steep.

0:38:500:38:54

-I don't know how you feel about that.

-They are quite steep for little ones.

0:38:540:38:58

Although they do get bigger.

0:38:580:39:00

-Yes.

-That's the upside. Have a look. Let's start with the bathroom.

0:39:000:39:03

-In you go, John.

-This is a bit different, isn't it?

0:39:030:39:09

Yeah, kind of a newer feel.

0:39:090:39:10

-Nice and modern.

-Again, they've done it really nicely, I think.

0:39:100:39:14

Neutral tones. It's good.

0:39:140:39:16

This is the only bathroom up here. But you have got four bedrooms.

0:39:160:39:21

-Good.

-Come and have a look.

0:39:210:39:24

'There are two singles so the girls could have a room each,

0:39:240:39:28

'leaving an ample double for guests.'

0:39:280:39:31

We're thinking this for you two.

0:39:310:39:34

What do you think?

0:39:340:39:35

-Nice.

-Yeah, that's a nice room as well.

0:39:350:39:38

-It's pretty big.

-A really good size.

0:39:380:39:40

The one thing is you don't have an en-suite up here.

0:39:400:39:43

But, to be honest, the bathroom's so nice and so near, I don't know how big an issue that is for you?

0:39:430:39:49

-I don't think it is, actually.

-And the views through there.

0:39:490:39:52

-The views are spectacular, the valley.

-It's beautiful.

0:39:520:39:55

-You wanted to be in Devon, there it is.

-It's beautiful.

0:39:550:39:58

It's a really, really nice room.

0:39:580:40:00

'Well, that's the house done and dusted.

0:40:000:40:02

'Let's see what they make of the garden.

0:40:020:40:05

'There is a good level patch for the girls.

0:40:050:40:08

'Newly-built stable blocks, which could easily be converted into office space.

0:40:080:40:14

'And this property comes with a 1.5-acre paddock.'

0:40:140:40:17

Here's...oh, an acre and a bit, just been topped, as you can see,

0:40:190:40:25

just to keep it down.

0:40:250:40:26

-But this all comes with it as well.

-Wow.

-Along with the view of that.

0:40:260:40:31

That's great.

0:40:310:40:32

The local 11th-century church.

0:40:320:40:34

-That's amazing.

-Is this the sort of thing you'd pictured?

0:40:340:40:37

Yes. I think this is more like it. Rolling hills.

0:40:370:40:40

-It is beautiful.

-Interesting.

0:40:400:40:43

I wonder if the price is going to be the best thing you've heard.

0:40:430:40:46

Come on, John.

0:40:460:40:48

For everything, maybe 490,000?

0:40:480:40:51

490? Interesting.

0:40:510:40:53

See, I'm less than that. I'm thinking 465?

0:40:530:40:58

I mean, we are touching Exmoor National Park.

0:40:580:41:02

That does have a bearing.

0:41:020:41:05

But, actually, John is not far away on this one. 495.

0:41:050:41:09

I think 495 for the whole package, for everything, the house,

0:41:090:41:12

the view, the garden - that's quite fair.

0:41:120:41:14

What I'm dying to know is what you're going to do with all this land,

0:41:140:41:18

and all these options we've given you.

0:41:180:41:22

Lots to think about. Go on then, go and have an explore and figure it out. Make a list.

0:41:220:41:27

Well under budget at £495,000,

0:41:280:41:31

this period cottage does seem to fit them like a glove.

0:41:310:41:35

It has a great country kitchen,

0:41:350:41:37

with a cow shed dining room, an area reception room and four bedrooms.

0:41:370:41:43

The stables could be converted into substantial office space

0:41:430:41:46

for when Annie and John make up their minds job-wise.

0:41:460:41:49

The girls get their garden,

0:41:490:41:50

and it comes with a 1.5-acre paddock, which could be rented out.

0:41:500:41:55

So, could this be the property

0:41:550:41:57

that persuades them North Devon is the place to be?

0:41:570:42:00

I think this is one of the nicest houses we've looked at so far.

0:42:000:42:04

I think the owner's done a great job in renovating it and decorating it.

0:42:040:42:09

It's a great room. It's got some good storage.

0:42:090:42:12

And they put a nice wooden floor in.

0:42:120:42:14

Wood floor's good.

0:42:140:42:15

I think the house is in a great location.

0:42:150:42:18

Very tranquil. Lots of greenery.

0:42:180:42:21

It really is the escape I think we were looking for.

0:42:210:42:23

That's a beautiful stream, though, isn't it? That's fantastic.

0:42:230:42:27

Nothing like the sound of running water.

0:42:270:42:30

Ah.

0:42:300:42:31

Finished the hard work of figuring it all out?

0:42:310:42:34

-We've got our list.

-You've got a list? Excellent.

0:42:340:42:37

I can't wait to see what's on it.

0:42:370:42:39

Good. OK. Right, then. Let's go. More to see.

0:42:390:42:43

Out of North Devon's 26 beaches,

0:42:500:42:53

four are nationally-renowned surf destinations -

0:42:530:42:57

Putsborough, Croyde, Saunton Sands and last but not least,

0:42:570:43:01

at three miles long, Woolacombe.

0:43:010:43:03

As Annie is keen to take up surfing again, we've sent her and John

0:43:030:43:07

to meet local instructor Nick Thorn and see if they can catch some waves.

0:43:070:43:11

We're going to get you some wetsuits,

0:43:110:43:13

-and then get cracking and get you into the big blue.

-Fantastic!

0:43:130:43:16

-Let's get going.

-Thank you.

0:43:160:43:18

Surfing arrived in North Devon in the 1960s and has been popular ever since.

0:43:220:43:27

The swirls of the Atlantic, particularly in winter, make this an ideal location

0:43:270:43:31

for experienced surf dudes, but for beginners,

0:43:310:43:34

Woolacombe's gently sloping sandy beach means there's less chance of dangerous currents

0:43:340:43:39

and nasty grazes when you come off.

0:43:390:43:41

However, before tackling the gnarly waves,

0:43:410:43:44

it's best to start with the basics on terra firma.

0:43:440:43:47

Keep your back fully straight, look at the beach, foot forward to the knee.

0:43:480:43:52

Bring the knee right up. That's it.

0:43:520:43:54

Once you've done that, do not let go.

0:43:540:43:56

All we're doing here is twist into a standing position.

0:43:560:43:59

Bend your knees, silver surfer, twiddle the fingers, head towards the beach.

0:43:590:44:03

Adjust the weight between the two. Speed up, lean forwards.

0:44:030:44:07

Slow down, lean back.

0:44:070:44:09

And keep yourselves going that way round, OK?

0:44:090:44:12

-All right. Ready? Psyched?

-Yes.

0:44:130:44:16

Come on! Let's get in there. Off you go.

0:44:160:44:20

If Annie and John do get a taste for it, there are over 15 surf schools and clubs

0:44:200:44:25

along the North Devon coast, most of which hire out equipment,

0:44:250:44:29

which is an advantage when you consider a board and wetsuit can cost as much as £500.

0:44:290:44:35

But it looks like they could do with a bit more practice, though,

0:44:370:44:41

but if they plump for the mystery house, this beach will be right on their doorstep.

0:44:410:44:46

Coast is an important thing to you, isn't it?

0:44:460:44:48

That's one of the big attractions of this part of the world.

0:44:480:44:52

How accessible do you really want to be to it?

0:44:520:44:55

It would be nice to be within, say, maybe a 15 or 20 minute drive,

0:44:550:44:58

not necessarily on the actual seafront,

0:44:580:45:01

but it would be nice to be quite close to the sea.

0:45:010:45:04

Yeah, we love the seaside,

0:45:040:45:06

particularly with our.... surfing ideas.

0:45:060:45:09

ALL CHUCKLE

0:45:090:45:11

I don't think we'll have jobs. We'll just become surf bums.

0:45:110:45:15

This could bode well for the mystery house.

0:45:150:45:18

It doesn't come with any business opportunities at all,

0:45:180:45:21

but it is just a few minutes' drive

0:45:210:45:23

or a 15-minute walk from Woolacombe Sands.

0:45:230:45:25

This three-mile stretch of blue flag beach definitely takes some beating

0:45:250:45:29

and unsurprisingly, the village largely has a seaside theme going on.

0:45:290:45:33

But when the tourists disappear, there is a thriving community here,

0:45:330:45:37

and it's home to one of the best schools in the county,

0:45:370:45:40

which was rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

0:45:400:45:43

The mystery house is set in an elevated position,

0:45:430:45:46

overlooking the village just a few minutes' walk away.

0:45:460:45:49

So if it's being close to the sea Annie and John want, then this house takes the biscuit.

0:45:490:45:55

-OK, now...

-JULES CHUCKLES

0:45:550:45:58

..the mystery house.

0:45:580:45:59

It's probably the most...

0:45:590:46:02

unusual mystery house that I've shown for a while.

0:46:020:46:05

They normally are different, but this isn't what you might normally expect on Escape To The Country.

0:46:050:46:10

-I think it's missing something.

-It's missing a floor!

0:46:100:46:14

Ah, well, it's not actually missing a floor,

0:46:140:46:17

-because what it's hiding is a floor underneath.

-Oh, OK.

0:46:170:46:20

So actually it's a bit upside-down.

0:46:200:46:23

-All your living space is on this level.

-Yeah.

0:46:230:46:25

And all the accommodation and bedrooms and stuff is underneath it.

0:46:250:46:29

-Oh, right.

-Because it's built on the slope. That's the clever bit.

0:46:290:46:33

So you want to be on holiday for the rest of your lives?

0:46:330:46:36

-Why not?

-Come on.

0:46:360:46:38

'Built in 1980, this topsy-turvy house

0:46:390:46:41

'has been refurbished and extended over the last ten years.

0:46:410:46:46

'It has all the space they've asked for, but let's face it, this property

0:46:460:46:50

'is about one thing and one thing only, and that's the location.'

0:46:500:46:53

Right. Come on in.

0:46:540:46:57

Let's start with what this house is all about, which is the view.

0:46:570:47:00

That is a great view, isn't it?

0:47:000:47:03

-Stunning views, isn't it?

-It's not bad, is it?

-No.

0:47:030:47:05

Let's have a proper look. Come on. Enjoy the balcony arrangement. Here we are.

0:47:050:47:09

That's quite nice as well. Those are the Woolacombe Downs.

0:47:090:47:13

And that's never going to change, so the view is going to be unspoilt for forever and a day.

0:47:130:47:18

-And if surfing and beach life becomes your thing, then you couldn't really be any closer.

-No.

0:47:180:47:24

Unless we bought you a boat and put you out to sea.

0:47:240:47:28

I thought you were going to say "surfboard", then.

0:47:280:47:31

You can't live on a surfboard! Come on.

0:47:310:47:34

'Well, they liked the views, but will the rest of the house live up to the vistas?'

0:47:360:47:40

So as you can see, fairly slick, all mod cons, everything's in here.

0:47:400:47:45

You've got high level ovens, a microwave and so on and so forth.

0:47:450:47:48

-I think it's been nicely done.

-It's a nice kitchen.

0:47:480:47:50

It's very nicely done, actually, and again, another property that you can just walk into and get on with it.

0:47:500:47:57

-It's not as big as I had hoped, but it could work.

-It could work.

0:47:570:48:03

It does lead on through here into the dining room.

0:48:030:48:06

Not as big as the reception room next door but it still has the views, of course.

0:48:060:48:11

You could keep it as a dining area or, again, another reception.

0:48:110:48:14

It could be more of a snug or a playroom or whatever.

0:48:140:48:17

That's what we're trying to sell you, really, the view.

0:48:170:48:20

The views are spectacular. There's no doubt.

0:48:200:48:24

'So the views have got the thumbs-up,

0:48:240:48:26

'but I get the feeling the house has got some convincing to do.'

0:48:260:48:30

So at this end, we've got you a family bathroom.

0:48:300:48:33

Have a look in there. Get your heads in.

0:48:330:48:35

Jacuzzi bath as well. Have a look, Annie.

0:48:350:48:39

It's nice but there isn't a window.

0:48:390:48:42

-No natural light.

-That's because we're on a hill.

0:48:420:48:44

That's one of the things.

0:48:440:48:46

But next door is the master, which does have its own on en-suite.

0:48:460:48:49

-Have a look at this.

-OK.

0:48:490:48:51

With yet more glorious views of the Woolacombe Downs,

0:48:510:48:54

-and your own little balcony.

-Lovely.

0:48:540:48:55

In terms of size, how does this compare to what you've got at the moment?

0:48:550:48:59

-It's slightly smaller than where we are at the moment.

-Is it?

0:48:590:49:02

Have you got an en-suite at home?

0:49:020:49:04

-Yes.

-I was trying to give you something else.

0:49:040:49:05

There is an en-suite there, too.

0:49:050:49:07

That is bigger than our en-suite at home, to be fair.

0:49:070:49:11

Well, Annie and John are really making me work hard here.

0:49:110:49:14

For many it would be the dream seaside pad - coast and countryside views combined with plenty of space.

0:49:140:49:20

On the ground floor are a further three double bedrooms, one of which

0:49:200:49:24

is used as a gym-come-TV room, and one a downstairs sitting room that leads on to a conservatory.

0:49:240:49:31

Now, through here... Never had an upside-down conservatory, really,

0:49:310:49:35

-but this is what you get, because it is all upside-down.

-It's lovely.

0:49:350:49:39

It's a really nice addition to this house.

0:49:390:49:41

Again, I could see myself sitting with the Sunday papers,

0:49:410:49:45

with feet up, enjoying the view.

0:49:450:49:47

-You'll be on the beach, mate, surfing!

-Exactly.

-Come on.

0:49:470:49:51

'If the house hasn't convinced them, I have a very strong

0:49:510:49:54

'suspicion the terrace garden isn't going to do the job either.

0:49:540:49:58

'It's very attractive but not the flat-level lawn they had in mind for their daughters, but hey,

0:49:580:50:03

'when you're this close to the beach, the girls aren't going to want to spend time in the garden.'

0:50:030:50:07

I think for the right people it could be nice.

0:50:070:50:10

They've obviously put a lot of time and effort and done a good job of the landscaping,

0:50:100:50:14

but our situation doesn't lend itself well to this garden.

0:50:140:50:18

-Even the view?

-The views are spectacular.

0:50:180:50:20

-The views are spectacular.

-Can we buy the views?

0:50:200:50:24

'Sadly, I can't manage that and, of course, views do come at a cost.

0:50:240:50:29

'What price will John and Annie put on this seaside pad?'

0:50:290:50:32

Let's have you going first, Annie. For the final time.

0:50:320:50:36

Well, I've been wrong every other time, so...

0:50:360:50:40

I'm going to go 400,000.

0:50:400:50:42

I think it might be a bit more than that, so I'm going for 450,000.

0:50:420:50:45

-You're both under.

-Oh, right.

0:50:450:50:48

This is currently on the market for 475.

0:50:480:50:51

And it will sell very quickly.

0:50:510:50:53

Hasn't been on the market very long. It's already had a number of very close offers to that.

0:50:530:50:57

I suspect at the end of the day it probably will go for the asking price,

0:50:570:51:01

because it is beautifully appointed, as you can see.

0:51:010:51:04

The views are everything.

0:51:040:51:06

The views are absolutely spectacular.

0:51:060:51:09

Well, before we take you away from here, go back up there, indulge those views,

0:51:090:51:13

-and I'll catch up with you later.

-Right.

-Off you go.

0:51:130:51:16

Well, the mystery house is always a gamble and on this occasion it looks like it hasn't paid off.

0:51:180:51:23

It's certainly a property worth seeing, though, because at £475,000,

0:51:230:51:28

this coastal home is not only 75 grand under the top budget,

0:51:280:51:32

but also comes in a prime seaside location

0:51:320:51:35

and has some of the best views I've seen in a long time.

0:51:350:51:38

It's a spacious and well-decorated home with four bedrooms,

0:51:380:51:41

two reception rooms, a conservatory and a big kitchen.

0:51:410:51:44

The tiered garden isn't ideal for the under-fives,

0:51:440:51:48

but the beach is just a short walk away.

0:51:480:51:50

However, I think it's fair to say that for Annie and John

0:51:500:51:54

location isn't everything.

0:51:540:51:56

One of the best attributes of the house is its proximity to Woolacombe Beach and Downs.

0:51:560:52:00

It's a beautiful area and the views are tremendous.

0:52:000:52:03

Anybody who moved here could have a really nice lifestyle in this house.

0:52:030:52:07

The mystery property is certainly different.

0:52:070:52:11

I don't think it's what we were expecting. The views are spectacular.

0:52:110:52:17

The house, though, is not right for us.

0:52:170:52:22

You see the sea. There you go.

0:52:230:52:25

Last time to see it up here, though, guys, because I'm now going to take you away from the mystery house

0:52:250:52:30

and get you somewhere where we can have a good think about everything we've seen over the last few days,

0:52:300:52:35

and see if you've made a decision.

0:52:350:52:37

-Ready?

-Yes.

-Lots to think about.

0:52:370:52:39

Yes. Are you confused?

0:52:390:52:41

-Yes.

-That's a good sign.

0:52:410:52:43

That's a really good sign.

0:52:430:52:44

Moving to a new part of the country and trying to find a home

0:52:510:52:55

and business is an enormous step,

0:52:550:52:58

so Annie and John need some time out to weigh up the pros and cons.

0:52:580:53:02

I have to say, I have had an awful lot of fun showing John and Annie

0:53:020:53:06

around some of the properties here in North Devon, but finally decision time is upon us.

0:53:060:53:11

Have we managed to find them their dream home?

0:53:110:53:14

What do you think?

0:53:140:53:16

Here you are,

0:53:160:53:18

ready for our final chat.

0:53:180:53:20

-Hello.

-How are you?

0:53:200:53:22

-Really good, thank you.

-Exhausted?

0:53:220:53:25

It all started with that very interesting property, I thought, with the annexe.

0:53:250:53:30

What did you think of that one, Annie?

0:53:300:53:32

I liked that one.

0:53:320:53:34

I thought that the revenue potential of the annexe was great.

0:53:340:53:39

I loved the stables and the pasture that came with it.

0:53:390:53:45

But the main road next to the house was a concern.

0:53:450:53:49

It would be a shame to move to Devon and have such a busy road so close to the house.

0:53:490:53:53

We took you to an extraordinary place,

0:53:530:53:55

that late-medieval hall house,

0:53:550:53:58

now beautifully converted into a charming cottage

0:53:580:54:00

-with that huge barn attached. What happened there? Annie?

-I think John was scared!

0:54:000:54:05

I thought you'd twist his arm and make him buy it!

0:54:050:54:08

No, even I could see there was a lot to do with that barn,

0:54:080:54:12

but I think, for the right person, that could be great.

0:54:120:54:15

Then we let you sleep on it and woke you up for our final day's house hunting,

0:54:150:54:19

and we found ourselves in that gorgeous dell with that lovely house

0:54:190:54:22

with the cow shed attached, the shippon.

0:54:220:54:25

-What did you think of that one, Annie?

-I liked the location.

0:54:250:54:28

Beautiful Devon countryside, and that house was very well-presented.

0:54:280:54:34

Really immaculate, wasn't it? We could have moved straight in.

0:54:340:54:38

That really was one of the nicest properties we've seen from our point of view.

0:54:380:54:41

Finally it was time to show you our mystery house.

0:54:410:54:44

The views were indisputable -

0:54:440:54:46

they were just gorgeous - of the bay.

0:54:460:54:49

But the house was smaller than we currently have

0:54:490:54:52

and I was really concerned, as you know, about those steps in the garden.

0:54:520:54:57

Now, I suppose, comes the point when I ask you what happens next,

0:54:570:55:01

but I have a pet theory about you two, which has developed over the last few days.

0:55:010:55:06

And that is that I don't think we've found you your dream home

0:55:060:55:10

just yet but then I'm not sure we're looking in quite the right area.

0:55:100:55:15

And you may well be right.

0:55:150:55:17

OK, why am I right?

0:55:170:55:21

Well, we've had time to look round North Devon and it is beautiful,

0:55:210:55:27

and it offers us the coastline that we want.

0:55:270:55:29

We don't know if it offers us the business opportunities that we would like.

0:55:290:55:33

I think if it was purely a lifestyle move, and we just wanted countryside

0:55:330:55:38

and the beautiful lifestyle, North Devon would be fantastic.

0:55:380:55:41

But I've got a feeling that we may need to be nearer a bigger town or city to support

0:55:410:55:46

buying the house that we would like in this area.

0:55:460:55:49

And generating an income.

0:55:490:55:51

Maybe in greater Devon, if you like.

0:55:510:55:54

Maybe we should look at North, South and mid-Devon.

0:55:540:55:56

So we're going to see you again, aren't we?

0:55:560:55:58

-Yeah.

-I thought we would. You see?

0:55:580:56:00

-We'll be back.

-You'll be back.

0:56:000:56:03

You'll be very, very welcome, guys.

0:56:030:56:04

In the meantime, I hope you're able to refine your search area and let us know how and where you end up.

0:56:040:56:13

Who knows, we may see you again on Escape.

0:56:130:56:15

-Indeed.

-Thank you very much.

0:56:150:56:16

Thank you so much.

0:56:160:56:18

When we started our house search here in North Devon with Annie and John,

0:56:220:56:26

we were chasing that dream package of self-sufficiency,

0:56:260:56:29

working from home and an altogether much quieter pace of life.

0:56:290:56:34

On this occasion, we haven't found them their dream package,

0:56:340:56:38

but I think we have given them a much-needed plan for the future.

0:56:380:56:42

They are going to keep chasing the dream.

0:56:420:56:44

It just isn't going to be here.

0:56:440:56:47

If you want to escape to the country

0:56:470:56:48

in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

0:56:480:56:50

or England and would like our help,

0:56:500:56:52

please apply online at -

0:56:520:56:54

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0:57:080:57:10

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0:57:100:57:12

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