0:00:02 > 0:00:06I'm in a county full of myth and legend which has, at its heart,
0:00:06 > 0:00:10an island with a hill on it and, on top, a glorious little church.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15All clues that point to the location for today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:26 > 0:00:33'I'm helping a couple head out of town and take on their next challenge in the country.'
0:00:33 > 0:00:37We've been married long enough to like a challenge.
0:00:37 > 0:00:43'We'll be taking a tour, and I get a masterclass in Yorkshire humour.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Where there's no sense there's no feeling.
0:00:46 > 0:00:51'And there's the mystery house, which could upset the apple cart.'
0:00:51 > 0:00:53Today, I'm in Somerset.
0:00:53 > 0:00:58I'm standing on what used to be known as the Isle of Avalon.
0:00:58 > 0:01:03You may recognise that fantastic hill, the famous Glastonbury Tor.
0:01:03 > 0:01:10Atop it, a lovely little mediaeval church, legendary resting place of good King Arthur and Guinevere.
0:01:10 > 0:01:16The perfect place for a romantic and magical Escape To The Country.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21'Somerset is flanked by the counties of Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24'The landscape varies hugely,
0:01:24 > 0:01:29'from Cheddar Gorge with its limestone cliffs and caves,
0:01:29 > 0:01:34'to the Somerset Levels, renowned for its migrating birds.
0:01:34 > 0:01:39'The county wears its rich geological colours on its sleeve,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43'from honey-coloured Bath stone, the hamstone in Martock,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47'to the distinctive blue lias stone in towns like Somerton.
0:01:47 > 0:01:52'With Somerset's mild climate comes lots of excellent local produce.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'Apple orchards and cider farms abound,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58'and livestock thrive on the rich pasture,
0:01:58 > 0:02:03'making it a perfect place for leading the good life.'
0:02:05 > 0:02:10Compared to its neighbouring county Dorset, prices in Somerset
0:02:10 > 0:02:12are a good 13% lower.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15It's also popular with many Bristolians,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19keen to escape the city, and with many second home owners.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23All of that combined means that your average detached property
0:02:23 > 0:02:26will set you back just over 273,000 quid.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29So what do you get for your money?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Here's a selection of what's on the market now.
0:02:32 > 0:02:38'Splash out on this five-bedroom country house in the Chew Valley
0:02:38 > 0:02:40'for 1.35 million.
0:02:40 > 0:02:44'It has grand reception rooms, fireplaces and a large kitchen.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49'Set in 5.5 acres, there are spectacular views of the Mendips.
0:02:49 > 0:02:54'For £500,000, you could bag this four-bedroom cottage near Kilve.
0:02:54 > 0:02:59'The sitting room leads onto a terrace, as does the kitchen-diner.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04'The quarter of an acre garden overlooks surrounding fields.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'This three-bedroom 16th century cottage in Combe St Nicholas
0:03:08 > 0:03:10'could be yours for £365,000.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14'The lounge has an inglenook fireplace and beams.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18'There's a landscaped garden and a stone well.'
0:03:18 > 0:03:22There is a fantastic range of property on offer in Somerset -
0:03:22 > 0:03:28the perfect place to escape to the country, which is what today's buyers are doing.
0:03:28 > 0:03:34'It's the turn of Sarah, a finance manager, and Steven, a telecommunications manager,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37'who've lived in Maidenhead for 18 years.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42'With their children about to fly the nest,
0:03:42 > 0:03:48'they are ready to leave behind the house they have lovingly restored.'
0:03:48 > 0:03:55We bought it as a three-bedroom detached house. We fully renovated it from top to bottom.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59We now have a five-bedroom and three-reception house.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04'Sarah and Steven poured their efforts into renovating this house.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09'With a move to Somerset on the cards, they're turning their attention to land.'
0:04:09 > 0:04:13We've got a fairly large plot which we converted to growing vegetables,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16all sorts of vegetables.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20Going forward, we're hoping that will give us space to produce more.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25- Also, we want to keep some livestock.- Absolutely.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- Some animals would be interesting. - Other than the dog! - Other than the dog.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33'They've drawn up a list of requirements.'
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Three bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38kitchen, bathroom.
0:04:38 > 0:04:44It would be nice to have a big boot room or outbuildings, and lots more land.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Anything over two acres, no near neighbours.
0:04:47 > 0:04:52Golf on the doorstep with a local pub. What more could you want?
0:04:52 > 0:04:56'And there are a few other considerations.'
0:04:56 > 0:05:00My dad passed away and left me a bunch of wood-turning equipment.
0:05:00 > 0:05:07There's a couple of work benches, a lathe and a host of things I can't wait to get my hands on.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10'Steven's got his own ideas.'
0:05:10 > 0:05:14This is my pride and joy. I've got a soft spot for MGs.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18The first car I took Sarah out in was an MG.
0:05:18 > 0:05:25I'm looking for a larger garage with plenty of space to work around the car.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29We try to grow a lot of our own fruit and vegetables.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33Over the summer, we very rarely buy anything from the shops.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37We'd like to make it a larger scale than what we've got.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41We're also exploring the idea of setting up our own business,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44to consider domestic wind turbines,
0:05:44 > 0:05:49whether that's something that can be developed into a small business.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53'Relaxation doesn't seem to be part of their country dream.'
0:05:53 > 0:05:58It's quite exciting to think about getting our teeth into a new project
0:05:58 > 0:06:02and maybe developing a business, maybe growing our own,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06maybe just renovating the house again.
0:06:06 > 0:06:12We both enjoy thinking outside the square, whether house or garden. That'll be a nice challenge.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17'With their house on the market for just under £700,000,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21'they're hoping to clear their mortgage, so what's the budget?'
0:06:21 > 0:06:28If we see a property that's exactly what we want, we're happy to go up to £500,000.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Our budding eco-entrepreneurs are looking for a characterful house
0:06:36 > 0:06:40with three bedrooms, a couple of reception rooms,
0:06:40 > 0:06:47enough space to double their vegetable growing operation and incorporate some livestock.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51They've got half a million pounds. It does sound like a lot of money.
0:06:51 > 0:06:58It is, but the question is, is it going to be enough to find exactly what they're looking for?
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Land doesn't come cheap, and nice houses are hard to find.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07'Sarah and Steven want a home with access to the motorway,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09'so they can visit their children,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12'making Somerton a good place to search.
0:07:12 > 0:07:19'I'll be showing them Somerset's best, but I won't reveal the price straight away.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23'And I'll open the floodgates with the mystery house.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25'I've come to Wells to meet our buyers.'
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Sarah, Steven, welcome to Somerset.
0:07:29 > 0:07:30Thank you.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35You've got half a million quid burning a hole in your pocket.
0:07:35 > 0:07:42You want a home. You also want a new lifestyle and potentially somewhere to run a business from.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- All at once. - We wanted to give you a challenge.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- LAUGHING:- Thanks(!) Never short of those on this show!
0:07:49 > 0:07:53Give me an idea of what kind of business you might think of?
0:07:53 > 0:07:55I'm working in telecoms.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58Working from home would be key.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02But in the future, we are looking at setting up a business
0:08:02 > 0:08:07installing domestic wind turbines, which is an idea we're looking into.
0:08:07 > 0:08:14Currently, we grow a lot of fruit and veg. We want to carry on and, possibly, consider some livestock.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- It really is The Good Life?- Yeah. - That's the one.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20What better place to start
0:08:20 > 0:08:24than in the shadow of that wonderful building, Wells Cathedral?
0:08:24 > 0:08:30Your half a million won't buy that so, if you're ready, let's go.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36'Armed with a budget of £500,000, Sarah and Steven are looking for...
0:08:46 > 0:08:50'..So, let's get on the road.'
0:08:50 > 0:08:56What are you both hoping to gain from this experience of coming on a house search with us?
0:08:56 > 0:09:00We have seen the programme a few times.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04We're hoping that you're going to bring some different thoughts
0:09:04 > 0:09:06to make it, maybe, more realistic.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Now, you are taking on quite a lot -
0:09:10 > 0:09:15moving and looking for a business opportunity in this new property.
0:09:15 > 0:09:21- Do you think you're taking on a lot? - The reality is, Jules, we don't do things by halves.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23That doesn't surprise me, somehow!
0:09:23 > 0:09:28'Our first house takes us five miles west of Somerton to Langport,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32'a small attractive town in the heart of the Somerset Levels.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36'The town boasts a new eco-housing development.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40'Steven and Sarah aren't the only eco-conscious buyers in town.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43'The house is on a country lane.'
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Let's start with this, shall we?
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- What do you think?- Really lovely.
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- Yeah. Nice.- You may not think it, but at its core it's 16th century.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57The current owners have extended it in every direction.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02It offers a huge amount of accommodation in pretty grounds.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Excellent.- Yeah? - First impressions very good.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11Let's see if they continue inside. Follow me through the gate.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17Greeted by something of a little study area.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Again, a later extension. - That's handy.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25You get a flavour of it by starting in your principal living room.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Nice room. Nice and warm.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31The inglenook is original.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34The fire surround itself is not.
0:10:34 > 0:10:41- The really nice thing is that all the heat is solid fuel.- OK.- No oil.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44In terms of an environmentally friendly lifestyle...
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- Fits the bill.- A very handsome bill.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53It's just a pile of logs. You're not dependant on the oil man.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56My hope is that you would be able to put your mark on this.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Something to do on Saturday and Sunday!
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- Absolutely. Other than golf?- Yes. - Or gardening.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05There's always that as well.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- Let's go and look in the kitchen. - OK, great.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Something of a kitchen-diner.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Yeah.- Yeah. Good space. - A new addition.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20That would have been its external wall. A little sun room as well.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23You said you wanted a kitchen
0:11:23 > 0:11:28- that you could eat in, without the need of a dining room.- That's right.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33That solid fuel cast iron range also does all your hot water.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38There is also an immersion heater and you've got an electric cooker.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41So in the summer, you don't need that cooking away.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45You can use the cooker and your immersion will give you hot water.
0:11:45 > 0:11:50The main thing is to get a sense whether the size of the rooms
0:11:50 > 0:11:55- are going to work.- It's a good kitchen. It's a good size.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58In terms of utilities, you've got one here.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01The boot room was something...
0:12:01 > 0:12:03There's also another downstairs toilet.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- Ideal size for Jasper the dog.- Yeah.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09'The boot room is certainly a bonus.
0:12:09 > 0:12:14'Also off the kitchen is a bedroom en suite, ideal for guests.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16'But let's go upstairs.'
0:12:16 > 0:12:19You've got four bedrooms up here,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22all leading off this central landing.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Huge family bathroom.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27You've got lots to choose from.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31This is about the same size as what is next door.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- What is doesn't have is an en suite. - No.
0:12:35 > 0:12:42What this house offers you is a huge amount of scope without a huge amount of effort.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47No. You could move in and do it as and when we got round to it.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Well, let's go outside and check that out.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56Whatever the house is, it's going to be nothing to you without some land.
0:12:56 > 0:13:04'In addition, there are two good size single bedrooms, ideal for their daughters.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08'I'd say they are quietly weighing up options inside.'
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Right, let's start exploring.
0:13:12 > 0:13:17In fairness, we haven't got acres - we've got about an acre.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But what I like is that it's neatly subdivided
0:13:21 > 0:13:24into zones which fulfil all the things you want to do.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30- Formal garden here.- Very pretty. - Especially on a day like this.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Here we've got a couple of workshops.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39- You've inherited lots of tools. - Yeah. Some wood-turning equipment.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44Let's see if all these wood-turning bits and pieces will fit in here.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51What can we fit in here?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- What about the car? - The car will fit here, yes.
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- The MG there and the wood-turning equipment here.- How big is it all?
0:13:59 > 0:14:05- I'm thinking big lathes and stuff. - Yeah. There is a lathe.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07There's a couple of work benches.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09It's a good building.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13The other building would make a great office.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Heck of a commute!- Exactly.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20'They're excited about what the outbuildings can offer,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'and Steve gets space to spread out.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:29Then this is, I suppose, the working end of this particular garden.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Small paddock, yes.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It goes around the corner.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38In terms of pigs, goats, that sort of thing, it would probably work.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Yeah. It would work very well. - It's on site.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- It's all contained.- Definitely. - It's accessible.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Let's get to the other end of the garden.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52So there's a bit of mowing to be done.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55That'll be my department.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- JULES LAUGHS - Might have to get a sit-on mower.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- Well, it's a good excuse for a boy's toy!- Exactly.- Why not?
0:15:04 > 0:15:08As you can see, the bulk of it is formal garden.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- Vegetable patch over there. - It's a nice space.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17- You get a lovely view of the house. - It's a large house.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21Certainly a lot bigger than when it was built!
0:15:21 > 0:15:26I think what it possibly lacks is a little bit more paddock space.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- We're determined on this whole green thing!- We are.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35OK, let's think about how much it's worth. Make me an offer, Sarah.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Er...possibly 465.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41465. Cheeky.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43LAUGHTER
0:15:43 > 0:15:49Taking into consideration it's got five bedrooms, plus the acre,
0:15:49 > 0:15:53I'd pay a little bit higher than that. Maybe 485.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- That is exactly what it's on the market for.- 485?- 485.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02It gives you an idea of what we're up against.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- The trick is going to be finding you more land.- Yes.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- Potentially, yes. - It's not impossible.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- That's the challenge.- A good challenge we've set you.- Oh, yes.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Go and have a good look around.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20- Yeah.- I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23'This is a great house to get our search under way.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26'Below budget, it provides...'
0:16:36 > 0:16:43- This is a perfect garage for the MG. - It's also got the advantage of this bit, build up that wall,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46put the wood-turning stuff there...
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- So you won't get any dust on my car! - All the dust from the wood-turning.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54The house itself is very nice.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59We could do some work to make it ours, make it personal to us.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03Lovely garden. Workshop is ideal. All those tick the boxes.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07The major plus is the outside land.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11The pretty side of the garden is really nice.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16It has a workshop. It has the place for the MG to keep Steven happy!
0:17:16 > 0:17:23The concern I have is the amount of paddock space, or working space
0:17:23 > 0:17:26within the property, but it's very nice.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Seen enough?- Yeah. That was great, thank you.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- It's still sunny. Let's keep looking.- OK.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48'With Sarah and Steven keen to explore, they've come to Somerton.
0:17:48 > 0:17:54'The mediaeval capital of Wessex, the buildings are made from local blue lias stone.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58'Its 17th-century market square with octagonal market cross
0:17:58 > 0:18:02'is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05'Five minutes' drive is Stembridge Tower Mill,
0:18:05 > 0:18:11'the last thatched windmill in England, dating back to 1822.'
0:18:11 > 0:18:15That's interesting. Old-fashioned wind turbine, I guess!
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- Might need a little bit of work. Impressive, though.- Very nice.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22'The windmill was in use until 1910,
0:18:22 > 0:18:26'before being given to the National Trust in 1918.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30'Offering views over the Somerset Levels,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34'it's your archetypal wind turbine of days gone by.'
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Wow. Nice view. - It's lovely, isn't it?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Yeah. Very peaceful.- Yeah.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43This is why we're moving to the country.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47If our place is like this it'll be fantastic.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50'Sarah and Steven have their sights on new horizons.
0:18:50 > 0:18:56'Let's hope they're inspired by what we have in store for them.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02'Our next house takes us 14 miles from Somerton to Evercreech,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04'with chocolate box cottages
0:19:04 > 0:19:07'and grander buildings made from local limestone.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11'There are a few shops and an enticing bakery.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17'On the way to the house is a double garage for Steven's pride and joy.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20'With this property, we're going big on land.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:23It seems, Sarah, to me
0:19:23 > 0:19:29that your desire for land has overtaken my understanding of your desire for a house.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Yeah. A house, you can change.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- With lots of land.- Absolutely.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Good. That's exactly what we've got. - Perfect.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- We've got you three and a half to four acres of that.- Excellent.
0:19:42 > 0:19:47Perfect. For what we want to do, that amount of space is excellent.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52The house is perfectly useable but it is quite small.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58- It will need some extension.- OK. - He says, tantalisingly.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Come and have a look and you'll see what I mean.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05'Now let's examine the bricks and mortar.'
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- There it is, in all its glory. - OK.- OK.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- It looks fine.- It's all there. You could just move in.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17But it is pretty small. There are plans to extend it.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19So this is quite a project.
0:20:19 > 0:20:26- That's fine.- Let's see if inside there's enough about it to make you want to take it on.- Excellent.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31'They don't seem fazed so far, so in we go.'
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Right.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37We talk about a kitchen being the heart of a home.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- This is slap bang in the middle. - It's workable.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44It would be nice as an entrance.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Some things to take away from it
0:20:47 > 0:20:52are some of the features you might think about retaining.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55The stone reveals, big deep windows.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59There you've got a solid fuel range
0:20:59 > 0:21:01and oil-fired central heating.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04You've got that workable combination.
0:21:04 > 0:21:10There's a little reception room here. "Cosy" I think is the word.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- A little snug.- Snug, yeah.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Very, very cottagey. A little multi-fuel burner there.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- This is lovely, this room. - It's very sweet.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24I love the texture of the stone, the deep windows.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- We've got two sofas that would go in here nicely.- You've moved in?- Yes.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34I'm delighted that you're seeing what this house can offer you.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38To a lot of people, this would be a challenge.
0:21:38 > 0:21:43- Challenges are what we do. - We've been married long enough to like a challenge.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45You've come on the right show!
0:21:45 > 0:21:51Let's see what would happen with this extension, explore what's here
0:21:51 > 0:21:55and see what you might do with that, wander right through.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Obviously, the current kitchen, as we've seen.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Now we're into what is the current extension.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08This is the part of the building that would occupy the new extension
0:22:08 > 0:22:11that you have the opportunity to put on this.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14It goes all the way across.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17You've got a downstairs family bathroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21- This is the only bathroom in the property.- Currently.- Yeah.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26If this was the extension, then a lot of this would go
0:22:26 > 0:22:32and this would become what we might think of as a large kitchen-diner.
0:22:32 > 0:22:37It's going across, potentially, to the end of the green tool shed
0:22:37 > 0:22:39and, of course, that way.
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- You're not limited to the width as it is.- Be a huge room.- Good size.
0:22:44 > 0:22:49'Sarah and Steven seem to be weighing up the potential,
0:22:49 > 0:22:51'so let's go upstairs.'
0:22:51 > 0:22:53Three bedrooms up here.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55All quite small-ish.
0:22:55 > 0:23:00There's one. A bit of built-in storage in there.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04There's another. The beds are taking over these rooms.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06They are!
0:23:06 > 0:23:11But you might reconfigure this whole property.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14This is, technically, the master.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19But this would probably become a guest room, I would say.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- You'd have your master at the other end.- In the extension.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- The fireplace.- Nice little feature.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31If you've got the extension, that would be the master bedroom.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34One of those small rooms could be a bathroom.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Back to what you originally wanted.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- Which was three bedrooms... - Two bathrooms.- A study?
0:23:43 > 0:23:46We could put a loft in the new garage!
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- You just want to nurse your MG. - It's a boy shed thing.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- I think so.- Yeah. It's boy zone.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- Your messy space. - Brilliant. I love it.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01'The house extension would be a large undertaking,
0:24:01 > 0:24:06'but with Sarah and Steven's vision, perhaps it's a worthwhile project,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08'depending on the price, of course.'
0:24:08 > 0:24:12- There we are. Short but sweet. You haven't been put off?- No.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- Like a challenge.- You've come to the right place.- Bit of a project.
0:24:17 > 0:24:23The money is going to have a serious bearing on how much of this you want to take on.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28- Given that, to make it work for you, you have to double in size.- Yeah.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- There's a bit of money to be spent on it.- There is.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36You probably wouldn't see a lot of change out of 100 grand
0:24:36 > 0:24:40between that extension and redoing the garage for a workshop
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and home for the sports car.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- Steve, how much is it worth? - How much is it worth?
0:24:46 > 0:24:53We've got a fair amount of work. It has got the land. The other property didn't have the land.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58Three bedrooms, relatively small. I would say about 425.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Uh-huh.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05I think, because it's got the land, it'll be a bit more. About 440.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07440.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Y-yeah. All right.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14It's on the market...for...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17470.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- Ooh.- "Offers in the region of." And it has come down to that.
0:25:21 > 0:25:26I suspect a sensible offer would get a sensible answer,
0:25:26 > 0:25:31- to reflect what is needed to make it a viable family home.- Absolutely.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35I think, if you look at the numbers, you've got to then...
0:25:35 > 0:25:42- I said 425 but I probably would have been looking at around 400 with enough left to do it up.- Yeah.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- As I say, sensible offers.- Yeah. OK. - Have a look around.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50See how it might reconfigure itself, in terms of layout.
0:25:50 > 0:25:55- Think about the money and I'll catch up with you later.- Okey dokey.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58There you are, £470,000.
0:25:58 > 0:26:04They wanted a project but sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08'So, for £470,000, this detached cottage has...'
0:26:20 > 0:26:24- Yeah, I like this room. - It's a nice snug living room.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28Give it a good decorate, put our furniture in.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31That's all you'd need to do.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I like the cottage feel to the house.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Not concerned about the project, the extension.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41It's got huge potential. We can see beyond what's here.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44We can add to it. We've got no problems with that.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48The land's just what we're looking for.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51My only concern is the numbers, making them add up.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- Great field.- Yeah.- He might have to vacate the field, though.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Chatting up your new neighbours? - Yeah.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- He might like our veggies, though. - I'm sure he would.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I'm going to have to tear you away from house, field and horse.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10OK, great.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19'As Sarah and Steven are looking to be more self-sufficient,
0:27:19 > 0:27:24'Somerset's Environmental Officer has brought us to meet Caroline Barry,
0:27:24 > 0:27:29'who's been pioneering this way of life for 15 years.'
0:27:29 > 0:27:31- Hello, Caroline.- Hello, there.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36What an extraordinary thing! What have you set out to achieve here?
0:27:36 > 0:27:40It's a how to build an eco-house in one easy move.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44- How's it built?- It's on car tyres, which lifts it off the ground.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48It gives you natural damp-proofing. It's a timber frame.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51The walls can be anything.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54We've used straw bales and logs.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57'Caroline spent £20,000 building her straw bale home
0:27:57 > 0:28:01'and installing the tools to generate energy.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04'By using solar, wind and hydro power,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08'she hasn't had to pay an electricity bill since she moved in.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13'Installing a hydro system could cost you up to 25 grand,
0:28:13 > 0:28:17'but you could make money by selling your surplus electricity.
0:28:17 > 0:28:22'Caroline's developed her ingenious version on a much smaller budget.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- It's all very pretty.- It is. - This, I find fascinating.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- Oh, yeah!- Steve, we've talked a lot about wind power.
0:28:30 > 0:28:35- What about hydro? - It's an excellent idea.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Is this your primary source of power?- It is.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Although we've got solar panels and a wind turbine,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46the water wheel gives me 24 hours a day, a constant supply.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Is that likely to run your average family home?
0:28:50 > 0:28:55A 5 kilowatt turbine is going to power two, maybe three houses.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- And that would cost you...? - Probably around about 25,000.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02Do those sort of costs put you off, Steve?
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Not necessarily put me off, if you can generate enough electricity
0:29:06 > 0:29:09to run a couple of houses.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12- What's our electricity bill a year? - A lot more.
0:29:12 > 0:29:19- With two daughters, you probably do feel like the National Grid. - True! They never turn anything off!
0:29:19 > 0:29:23- How much did that cost you? - We built the wheel ourselves.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26So that cost £200, £300.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29We did all the ironwork and the welding.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Then the alternator that governs it is a secondhand one.- From a car?
0:29:34 > 0:29:36From a scrapyard, yeah.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41It's minimal cost. If you want a cheap DIY job, that's the way to go.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44Now the question's down to Jules.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48Would you like to find us a property with some water, please?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Another demand! You thought my job was easy!
0:29:51 > 0:29:56'I'll do what I can, although whether I can reinvent the wheel,
0:29:56 > 0:29:58'like Caroline, remains to be seen.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02'As the sun goes down over the Somerset hills,
0:30:02 > 0:30:06'Sarah and Steven take stock of the properties they've seen so far.'
0:30:06 > 0:30:12- What do you think of the house with an acre?- Initially, "Maybe not."
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Now, I'm warming to it.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- The workshop, place for a car.- Yeah. - Great gardens.
0:30:18 > 0:30:24- If we could get a bit more land. - Yeah. That would be really good.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- The house needed an update.- It did.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- It wasn't beyond the realm.- No.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33What about the one with three and a half acres?
0:30:33 > 0:30:37We get excited by the land because that's what we wanted.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41- But it's ALL got to work. - It was a good piece of land.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Then the other thing is the budget.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- That was a challenge. - Yeah. To do that work.
0:30:47 > 0:30:52- It's just probably... - A little bit too far?- Yeah.- OK.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57- It'll be good to see what there is tomorrow.- I'm looking forward to it.
0:31:02 > 0:31:07'Sarah and Steven want to quit the rat race for the good life
0:31:07 > 0:31:09'in the country.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12'With a budget of £500,000, they want a house with land
0:31:12 > 0:31:17'that will kickstart their self-sufficient life in Somerset.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21'Coming up, there's a surprise turn in the mystery house.'
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- What are you looking at? - SARAH LAUGHS
0:31:23 > 0:31:27I've just spied something rather unusual!
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- 'Steven draws up a shopping list.' - Excellent!
0:31:31 > 0:31:33We have to buy more sofas.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40It's the start of our second day's house-hunt in Somerset,
0:31:40 > 0:31:45the day that's often met with a good deal of trepidation, and rightly so.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49If we don't get it right today, the odds are we never will.
0:31:49 > 0:31:57Often, people have ideas about leading the good life - a vegetable patch, an area for chickens.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01In Steve and Sarah's case, I think they actually mean it.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05'Our next house is 16 miles from Somerton
0:32:05 > 0:32:07'near the village of Stoke Trister.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11'It's packed with cottages, great views and pathways
0:32:11 > 0:32:13'across the Blackmore Vale.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18'Neighbouring Wincanton is pretty and offers some great shopping.'
0:32:18 > 0:32:23- Our search continues, followed by this glorious sunshine.- Yeah.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25There's the next one.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- Wow!- OK, yeah. Beautiful.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Lovely.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34The other side, which is bathed in sunlight, is gorgeous.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35Great.
0:32:35 > 0:32:40But inside, I think this is what it's all about.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- You don't have to do any DIY. - Golf, then!
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- That's not a bad plan. - I'll enjoy these views!
0:32:46 > 0:32:49They are absolutely stunning.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55We haven't really indulged property, giving you something really stylistic.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59I think this could be the new country you.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- OK.- Am I right, I wonder? Let's have a look.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Come on in. What about this? - Nice feature wall.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It's beautiful.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17You've got a little shower room, downstairs toilet.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21All right? But in here is the kitchen, Sarah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23"The kitchen, Sarah!" Thank you(!)
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- Sorry. Who does the cooking? - We share it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32- Whoever gets in first. - You're not just saying that? - The girls do it. We do it.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- I was worried whether you'd fit. - Just about.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- There's no pogo jumping, though! - Don't come in in a hurry.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44This is rather nice. Belfast sink, slate floor.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Excellent for dogs.- Very practical.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52The beam over there, absolutely lovely.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56The dining room is next door. It flows in an open-plan style.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- Nice big feature wall. - Yeah. Very nice room.- Fireplace.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06You can regulate your use of the oil central heating with that.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10Living rooms-wise, what we've shown you so far,
0:34:10 > 0:34:16probably have not been...that big.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- No.- No, they've been snugs.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22But... Here's the "but".
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- Yeah. This is a good size, Steven. - Crikey, yeah.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Yeah, good size.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33- It's a pleasant room. - Nice wood burner tucked away.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Views out to the garden.- Very good.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41Let's have a look upstairs. You need somewhere to sleep.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47Now, up here, we've got you...three bedrooms.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51They're all really good sizes. There is one.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- As you can see.- Yeah. Nice.
0:34:55 > 0:34:56This is lovely and light.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02- It's arguably the smallest of the three.- Still a double, though.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04Then we've got this room.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09For size, in a cottage like this, this is as good as it gets.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- It is nice.- Nice room, this. Yeah.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- Big beams. The real thing. - Fair piece of timber, that.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20The only thing we don't have is an en suite.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25But the family bathroom is at the end of the corridor.
0:35:25 > 0:35:30That might persuade you which room might be your favourite.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35A little box room in there, but this is your family bathroom.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39This is probably the only bit of this property, inside,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42that needs any kind of attention.
0:35:42 > 0:35:47- You're right.- It does need a bit of an update.- Nothing major.
0:35:47 > 0:35:48OK.
0:35:48 > 0:35:56'They seem to like the house, but what's going to sell it is the land, so fingers crossed.'
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- This is lovely.- Very nice.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02You've got this really pretty formal garden.
0:36:02 > 0:36:07- With lovely views past the blossom. - It is lovely.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11- It goes on through this gate as well.- OK.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16We've got this elevated area. The treehouse doesn't come with it.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20We could put a patio there and benefit from the views.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24Yeah. It's a really, really good spot.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26In terms of vegetables,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30you really wouldn't want to chew this up too much.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Although you could use this bit.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37Or you could use this bit through here. Check this out.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43If I can get in here. There we are!
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- How about that?- Excellent. - This is a nice surprise.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- It's a very welcome surprise, I'd have thought.- The veggie plot.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54It's sheltered by this enclosure.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59That is, potentially, part of the deal with this house.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01Oh, right.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Great. It's a very good space.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- That's available separately? - Separately or as part of the deal.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12The people that own the property own this.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15I know it doesn't have a garage.
0:37:15 > 0:37:21Which is a big concern. Garage/workshop is an area that we would think, "OK."
0:37:21 > 0:37:25- Also, office is another concern. - It's a matter of priorities.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30It won't tick all the boxes, but what's at the top of the list?
0:37:30 > 0:37:36Let's think about the money. Clearly, that's going to persuade you. Sarah, go on.
0:37:36 > 0:37:41Well... I wouldn't want to pay it, but I think about 480.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44480. Yeah, that would be fair enough.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48I think, probably a little higher than that.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53I like the house. It's got a nice layout. With the land, about 490.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56490. Yeah.
0:37:56 > 0:38:02A fair offer, I would say, but it is on the market for £440,000.
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- That's with the land? - The land is an additional 15, or so.
0:38:06 > 0:38:13So, for 450, 455, you've got everything you can see and a house.
0:38:13 > 0:38:18- Maybe a different slant on the decision!- Funny that(!)
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Yorkshire roots coming out. - ALL LAUGH
0:38:21 > 0:38:23It's well worth thinking about it.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- Office-wise...- Yes.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31One thing that we haven't shown you is the option for an office.
0:38:31 > 0:38:37By the front door, you'll see another little black door. Go in there.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- OK.- Great.- I'll catch you later.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44There we are, £440,000.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Or chuck in another 15 grand and you get the house, the veg plot
0:38:48 > 0:38:50and all of the land you can see.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55A very good price for a very special house with a very special view.
0:38:55 > 0:39:00'So, under budget at £440,000, this farmhouse offers...'
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- Oh, wow!- That's a good room.
0:39:17 > 0:39:22- I wasn't expecting this.- No. It's a nice office, potentially.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26- There's electricity here already. - Power, lights, window.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29That would be a long commute(!)
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Ten, 15 feet?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34I like the house. We could move almost straight in.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37The kitchen height's a challenge.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41It's got the bedrooms and receptions we're looking for.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45Going into the larger rooms, they're lovely rooms.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49They are decorated to our taste. We wouldn't need to do anything.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53That has benefits. We can get on the golf course more!
0:39:53 > 0:39:58The office, I really like that space. That would be very useful.
0:39:58 > 0:40:06We have got the option of that extra land and we would take up that option.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Outside, a concern not just with the space, but the fact
0:40:10 > 0:40:13that we're short of a garage and a workshop.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16There's always ways round that so, yeah.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18It's a contender. I like the house.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Hey! Come on! Out you come!
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- All done?- Yeah. Thank you.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27- Had a good look round. - Well, there's plenty more to see.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- It's still VERY sunny. It's like the summer!- It's lovely.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42'As Sarah and Steven want to keep some animals,
0:40:42 > 0:40:48'they've come to meet Caroline Bradbury, who has kept Dexter cows for 18 years.'
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- I understand you're hoping to get a smallholding.- Yeah.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- Well, I'll introduce you to some Dexters.- Thank you.
0:40:56 > 0:41:03'The Dexter comes from the southwest of Ireland and was introduced to England in 1882.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07'At around 40 inches, it's one of the world's smallest true breeds.'
0:41:07 > 0:41:14- What makes Dexters suited for a smallholding?- Mainly their size.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17They're manageable, easy to handle and docile.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Also, they're dual purpose. You get plenty of milk.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27Also, they produce excellent beef, fantastic taste and quality.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30- What do you feed them? - I feed them on grass.
0:41:30 > 0:41:36They do like a treat. I've got some apples, if you'd like to give them some.
0:41:36 > 0:41:41They seem curious little things. What are their characters like?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45They're very docile, but they've got individual characters.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48They're quite naughty sometimes.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Like teenagers, then?- Absolutely.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53We've already got two of these at home!
0:41:53 > 0:41:58'Dexters are great cows, yielding one to two gallons of milk a day
0:41:58 > 0:42:01'and a good quantity of first-rate meat.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04'Let's say hello to Caroline's best in show.'
0:42:04 > 0:42:09This is Primrose, a little heffer that I showed last year.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- Quite successfully. - She's good-looking.
0:42:12 > 0:42:18I did my first showing 15 or 16 years ago with her mother.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20I'd won this third prize rosette.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23It was a yellow rosette. I was so pleased.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28I tied it up in front of the cow, went to get an ice cream,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and when I came back the cow had eaten my rosette.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35Nothing to show for your efforts!
0:42:35 > 0:42:40- As you said, they'll eat anything. - MOOING
0:42:40 > 0:42:42That's Mum.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Yes, you're the one that ate the rosette!
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Thank you, Caroline. That's really helpful.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- We've really enjoyed it.- Pleasure.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52Thank you very much.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54'Maybe one day, Sarah and Steven
0:42:54 > 0:42:59'will find themselves with a Dexter family of their own.'
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Moo!
0:43:02 > 0:43:06Well, at long last, it's time to reveal the mystery house.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10What have we got on offer for Steve and for Sarah, I wonder?
0:43:10 > 0:43:15This is the gorgeous river running through the village of Bruton,
0:43:15 > 0:43:20a picture of mediaeval charm that's pretty much unsurpassed.
0:43:20 > 0:43:25The clues lie in the fact that it's built from the same stone
0:43:25 > 0:43:27and it also involves water.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30What I've got to do is get there.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35'So, we're on the road again.'
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Our final house is almost upon us.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40How are we feeling about the mystery house?
0:43:40 > 0:43:45I'm excited. It's the opportunity for you to think outside the square
0:43:45 > 0:43:48and show us alternatives.
0:43:48 > 0:43:54"Alternative" is definitely how I would describe part of its potential.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56The rest, you'll have to wait for.
0:43:56 > 0:44:00It is the mystery house buried in darkest Somerset.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02If I can find it.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09'Our mystery house takes us seven miles from Somerton to Martock,
0:44:09 > 0:44:13'the large village made up of hamstone buildings.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16'It sits on the edge of the Somerset Levels,
0:44:16 > 0:44:20'making it a popular port of call with walkers.'
0:44:20 > 0:44:23At last, final property.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26The mystery house...
0:44:26 > 0:44:29is a part of this.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Oh, wow! It's incredible.
0:44:32 > 0:44:34It is pretty special.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38It is an old mill. There is water.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- Water! There you go!- You see!
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- It looks fantastic.- That house is the old mill owner's house.
0:44:45 > 0:44:51- That's your neighbours.- OK. - Your bit is that bit there.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- Excellent.- Including that crazy arrangement at the top!
0:44:55 > 0:44:56It looks huge.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01'I've got high hopes for our mystery house. First stop, the kitchen.'
0:45:03 > 0:45:08- What do you think of this?- Wow! - Yeah. Nice kitchen.- Great!
0:45:08 > 0:45:11Excellent. They've done it very well.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15All mod cons. Everything's built in.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- Can you see yourselves cooking in here?- Yeah.- It's a great kitchen.
0:45:20 > 0:45:26- Huge beam. It's fantastic. - We're off to a good start, I think.
0:45:26 > 0:45:30- Let's see if it continues. Look at this.- Beautiful door.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35This is something of an open hallway. That's your front door.
0:45:35 > 0:45:36OK. Yeah.
0:45:36 > 0:45:42- Come through here into one of the living rooms.- Look at this floor!
0:45:44 > 0:45:47That's pretty special, isn't it?
0:45:47 > 0:45:49Fantastic room.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- What are you looking at? - SARAH LAUGHS
0:45:52 > 0:45:56I've just spied something rather unusual for a window!
0:45:56 > 0:46:00- What sort of window's that? - Go and have a look.
0:46:00 > 0:46:06- An inner window, revealing... - A water wheel. That's fantastic!
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- Does it work? - It doesn't, at the moment.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14But the water course that's running through it does.
0:46:14 > 0:46:21There's no reason why, with a bit of advice and money, maybe you could install some kind of turbine.
0:46:21 > 0:46:27- If there's room for a turbine, why not?- That's what it's all about.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32You came looking for a windmill and you've got a water mill.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34'We're off to a great start.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36'Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:46:36 > 0:46:42'Two good sized ones with their own bathroom, ideal for the children.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45'There's a further double room and a family bathroom.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47'Let's check out the master.'
0:46:48 > 0:46:53- Blimey.- Excellent. That's a genuine millstone?- The real deal.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57Looks like a huge cake, but it's a millstone.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00In fairness, beams are a bit low.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04Yeah, yeah. Where there's no sense, there's no feeling.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07JULES LAUGHS
0:47:07 > 0:47:09I love it!
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- So, is it all working? - UNCONVINCING: Yeah.
0:47:12 > 0:47:17Upstairs, there is an enormous living room. After you, Steve.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22'Upstairs we go, to the top floor, which I hope will impress them.'
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- It's got a little bar there. - Little bar arrangement.
0:47:26 > 0:47:28And then this huge area
0:47:28 > 0:47:32- to relax and play in. - Wow! Excellent!
0:47:32 > 0:47:36- We have to buy more sofas. - It's like a skittles alley.
0:47:36 > 0:47:40Remember that crazy timber structure projecting out?
0:47:40 > 0:47:43- Yeah.- It's that area there.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46- Is it safe to go in?- Yeah!
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- That's a perfect study space. - Excellent.
0:47:49 > 0:47:52- It's a huge space.- Massive.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- Very impressive, as a house, as a building.- And the history!
0:47:57 > 0:47:59Good mystery house.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04Well, the mystery continues outside. Come and have a look.
0:48:04 > 0:48:10'They do seem stunned by the space and style this house offers.
0:48:10 > 0:48:15'If the outside is as good, we could be onto a winner.'
0:48:15 > 0:48:21Let's explain what happens here. There's the old mill owner's house.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24That little pathway is them, but this is you,
0:48:24 > 0:48:30this bridge that straddles where the water runs into the mill.
0:48:30 > 0:48:35This is your terrace, if you like. You also get this area here.
0:48:35 > 0:48:39And you also have control of the sluice gates.
0:48:39 > 0:48:42- Which you would need... - For our supply of water.
0:48:42 > 0:48:47'This millhouse is a great option for our eco-entrepreneurs,
0:48:47 > 0:48:52'with a potential energy source running under their doorstep.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55'Next, we cross the lane to take a peek at the garden.'
0:48:55 > 0:49:01- So this is your little garden. - Oh, OK. Wasn't expecting that.- No.
0:49:01 > 0:49:06- A few vegetables in here?- Possibly. - Maybe. Only a few, though.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08- Y-yeah.- It's not acres.
0:49:08 > 0:49:13It's not the acres that you have been dreaming of.
0:49:13 > 0:49:18- Is that a major problem?- Possibly. Yeah.- There's a lack of space.
0:49:18 > 0:49:22So if it had a bit more land, it would be a viable concern?
0:49:22 > 0:49:26- Yeah.- Potentially.- What about an extra five and a half acres?
0:49:26 > 0:49:29- That would work.- Go through there.
0:49:29 > 0:49:34Have a look at this. Slightly treacherous bridge to negotiate.
0:49:34 > 0:49:38- Five and a half glorious acres. - Oh, my goodness.- Crikey!
0:49:38 > 0:49:43You hid that from us! JULES LAUGHS
0:49:43 > 0:49:46- Not a conventional shape for a bridge!- No.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50During the winter, a horse tried to cross it.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52The rest you can imagine.
0:49:52 > 0:49:58- But it does, at least, lead us out to that lot.- Wow.- Fantastic.
0:49:58 > 0:50:02- I think you've done quite well. - Not a bad mystery house, this.
0:50:02 > 0:50:08Let's have a think about the money. There's a lot to consider.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12How far is your half a million pounds going to go?
0:50:12 > 0:50:15A mid-terrace with a bit of land...
0:50:15 > 0:50:17SARAH LAUGHS
0:50:17 > 0:50:21What are we looking at? Probably over budget. Probably 525.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23Yeah.
0:50:23 > 0:50:26I think it's over budget, too.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31- I would have said that but you stole that so I'll go for 535.- 535.
0:50:31 > 0:50:36Both of which are very respectable prices for this property.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40However, I have to disappoint you. You are both wrong.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42Your budget is looking very healthy.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47It's on the market for £475,000.
0:50:47 > 0:50:51- You're kidding?- Hm. Interesting. We might have to sell ours now!
0:50:51 > 0:50:53There you go. 475, guys.
0:50:53 > 0:50:56- Wow!- You've done well. - That's amazing.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59- That's amazing!- Very good.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02- Go and have a good look around. - We will.
0:51:02 > 0:51:07Take your chances on the bridge. I'll see you later.
0:51:07 > 0:51:11I have to say, as mystery houses go, this one really was special.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15It's very hard to find a property to satisfy these buyers.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Their requirements are very specific.
0:51:18 > 0:51:20But for 475, this is perfect.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24'So, a special property for a special price...'
0:51:37 > 0:51:41- I can't get over this room. - It's absolutely enormous.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47You've got space there for offices or TV rooms.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49What do you do with all this space?
0:51:49 > 0:51:54The mill is a fantastic building. It's absolutely a contender.
0:51:54 > 0:52:01I love the idea of the wheel, the five acres across the road.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04The place is absolutely beautiful.
0:52:04 > 0:52:08- It's got so much character. - A couple of concerns.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11Very close neighbours. What are they going to be like?
0:52:11 > 0:52:15And there's a lack of garage space.
0:52:15 > 0:52:19We've got options around that on the field, so definite contender.
0:52:19 > 0:52:23We're probably going to put an offer in.
0:52:23 > 0:52:25Really delighted. Excellent mystery house.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29- There we are. Did you enjoy that? - Very much so.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32JULES LAUGHS That's brilliant. Well done.
0:52:32 > 0:52:36Mystery house - that means it's all over.
0:52:36 > 0:52:40- Time to have a good old think about everything we've shown you.- Yeah.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44- Then we'll see if you've made a decision.- OK.- Good.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51'Our house search in Somerset is over.
0:52:51 > 0:52:56'It's time for Sarah and Steven to reflect on the properties.
0:52:56 > 0:53:00'I'm ready to guess which house they might go for,
0:53:00 > 0:53:03'so we'll catch up in Wells to see if I'm right.'
0:53:03 > 0:53:07Steve, Sarah, we came to Somerset looking for a home.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10- Have we found you one?- Possibly.
0:53:10 > 0:53:15- Possibly.- That's a good start. It started with a very pretty house.
0:53:15 > 0:53:20- The stone, originally 16th-century, cottage.- It had the workshop.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23The office space, the bedrooms and everything.
0:53:23 > 0:53:27- It had all we wanted. - It had a bit of a negative.
0:53:27 > 0:53:31The only negative was the lack of land to do what we want to do.
0:53:31 > 0:53:35The acre wasn't enough so if it had a bit more land,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38- that would be a good thing?- Yeah.
0:53:38 > 0:53:43- Absolutely.- That would change our perspective on it a bit!
0:53:43 > 0:53:47- The field next door, you know where the vegetable patch was?- Yeah.
0:53:47 > 0:53:52- We have discovered it's available for rent.- That's a good idea!
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- Yeah.- Rent it for a bit, see how it goes.- Take it from there.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00- That may have changed its position. - It may be back on the list?
0:54:00 > 0:54:04- It may well be. - We probably need to talk now.
0:54:04 > 0:54:09We then moved on to something which was very much a project,
0:54:09 > 0:54:15- which tried to accommodate your desire for more land.- Yes.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18That had the land that we wanted.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21That was a huge tick in the box. The house...
0:54:21 > 0:54:26Yeah. The project and the house. It could work.
0:54:26 > 0:54:30- We need to make the numbers balance and I don't think we can.- OK.
0:54:30 > 0:54:35Then the old dairy. What about that? I thought that was quite you.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39Pretty little house. The floors are really nice.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42It was beautifully decorated.
0:54:42 > 0:54:47I had a few concerns, like the lack of height in the kitchen.
0:54:47 > 0:54:51A nice cottage. The cottage ticked most of the boxes.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54It was on the market at 440.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Another 15,000 would have got the extra land. You weren't persuaded?
0:55:00 > 0:55:04- N-no. I don't think so.- We had to have a good think about that.
0:55:04 > 0:55:08- It only took it to about an acre. - We're looking for more than that!
0:55:08 > 0:55:12Yes. How did I know that was coming?
0:55:12 > 0:55:16Last but not least, it was time to take you to our mystery house.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19What a curve ball. Thanks very much.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21You were pleased with that.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25- A really nice house.- Stunning. - What about the land?
0:55:25 > 0:55:28- Five and a half acres. - That was a surprise.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31That put it at the top of the list
0:55:31 > 0:55:34- at the beginning of this conversation.- Right.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37So, let me just unravel this.
0:55:37 > 0:55:42- Maybe you can tell us, then.- You're interested in the mystery house.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45- Possibly.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49But you are now leaning towards that lovely stone cottage with the acre.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53- Yes.- That ticks a lot more boxes.
0:55:53 > 0:55:57And, to be honest, that's the one I'm most excited about.
0:55:57 > 0:56:02- It's a nose ahead.- It's a nose ahead. Well, keep thinking.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06Let us know how you get on. It's been great having you on the show.
0:56:06 > 0:56:10- Thanks for all your effort. - Thanks for your help.
0:56:14 > 0:56:20It was funny showing Steve and Sarah around the houses that we have.
0:56:20 > 0:56:27It was quite difficult to read exactly what they were thinking about any one of our properties.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31I'm delighted to say that they have got a clear choice.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35Hopefully, one of them will be their ideal escape to the country.
0:56:35 > 0:56:40Here in Wells, dusk has arrived, overlooking this wonderful wall.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44This is the wall that surrounds the bishop's palace in Wells.
0:56:44 > 0:56:49Do you wonder that, when the bishop built this many centuries ago,
0:56:49 > 0:56:51he had boxes to tick?
0:56:51 > 0:56:53I wonder.
0:56:53 > 0:56:57If you would like to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:56:57 > 0:57:00please apply online at:
0:57:19 > 0:57:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:21 > 0:57:24E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk