0:00:01 > 0:00:05Today, I'm treading the ancient cobbles of England's smallest city,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08along a road which claims to be
0:00:08 > 0:00:11one of the oldest complete residential streets in the world.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16Why am I here? I'm on a mission to find the perfect Escape To The Country.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35On today's show, I'll be helping a couple relocate their family
0:00:35 > 0:00:38from urban sprawl to rural beauty.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42Lovely view out of the window, bright. It's a lovely big tick!
0:00:42 > 0:00:47My aspiring country-dwellers will be viewing a selection of fine country homes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50It's somewhere to be very proud of.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Yes, and I can see being very pleased.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58And there's a mystery house. But will any of the properties match their expectations
0:00:58 > 0:01:00of grand country living?
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Today, I'm in Somerset and this is Vicar's Close
0:01:06 > 0:01:08in the small but perfectly formed city of Wells.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12Vicar's Close was finished back in 1363
0:01:12 > 0:01:15and was made up of 42 small one-up, one-downs
0:01:15 > 0:01:19to house the 42 members of the cathedral choir.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23It was thought that by keeping all the young men close to the cathedral
0:01:23 > 0:01:26they wouldn't be tempted by the sins of the outside world.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Today it's still home to the cathedral's choristers.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Not such a bad deal, is it?
0:01:31 > 0:01:35But don't worry. If you're not a bassy baritone or dulcet tenor
0:01:35 > 0:01:40Somerset could still provide a harmonious escape to the country.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Tucked away in the left-hand corner of Britain,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Somerset is bordered by Devon and Dorset in the south
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and is the northern gateway to the West Country.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Tourism is an important 966-million-pound industry,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57with the spectacular land formation of Cheddar Gorge,
0:01:57 > 0:01:58the largest gorge in Britain,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00bringing in 500,000 people a year,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03all helping to top up the tourist till.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08Sheep and dairy farming, however, are still integral to the economy
0:02:08 > 0:02:13in this mostly rural county which produces some fine and tasty cheeses.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Herds are spread across the diverse landscape
0:02:16 > 0:02:19from the dramatic scenery of Exmoor National Park
0:02:19 > 0:02:22to the Somerset Levels, featuring Glastonbury Tor.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25And it's on these grazing pastures
0:02:25 > 0:02:30that one entrepreneurial farmer gave birth to the Glastonbury music festival,
0:02:30 > 0:02:34an annual pilgrimage for the 180,000 ticket holders.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Over the past year, property prices in Somerset
0:02:40 > 0:02:43have fallen more steeply than in other counties
0:02:43 > 0:02:45which are closer to London.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48This, combined with the county's really good schools,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51which include a number of cheaper fee-paying schools,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55makes it an ideal location for families wanting to escape the urban sprawl.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59So if your family is thinking of relocating to Somerset,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03take a look at some of these properties which are on the market right now.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06If you have £1.5 million to blow,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10take a look at this six-bedroom family home in East Coker.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Built of local stone and boasting beautiful timber beams,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16it's also a house that knows how to pamper,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19with an impressive indoor pool and a striking sauna.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25Alternatively, £550,000 would buy this three-bedroom modern house
0:03:25 > 0:03:26in West Bagborough.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Despite the contemporary feel, it's peppered with period features
0:03:30 > 0:03:33and has 3.5 acres of gardens.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36If only period charm will do,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and you're looking to spend £385,000,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41this three-bed home in Hurcot is up for grabs.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Forming the wing of an old farmhouse,
0:03:44 > 0:03:50much of the character has been retained and there's one resident that finds it very cosy.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53We've seen what Somerset has to offer.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57But what will today's buyers bring to the table? Let's meet them.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Our buyers today are solicitor Richard and wife Helen.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04They live in Watford with their three children,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08William, Freddy and Araminta.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Their move to Somerset is driven by the new schools they've chosen
0:04:12 > 0:04:14in a bid for a good standard of education.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17All three of them are going to be changing schools.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20We want to help improve their education.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24The oldest one, William, is going into senior school
0:04:24 > 0:04:28and we want to be on hand to take part,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31to see everything that they get involved in.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36Having sold their family home of 15 years in Spring 2008,
0:04:36 > 0:04:39they're currently living in their own buy-to-let cottage
0:04:39 > 0:04:41in the thick of it all.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44We are a little apprehensive, going into the country.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48But I do think that the loss of the noise, traffic and pollution
0:04:48 > 0:04:52will be such a positive thing in our lives, it'll be well worth doing.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57In a slow market, there aren't a huge number of properties available.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01But after a two-year search and having viewed almost 40 properties,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05what is it that's causing so much difficulty?
0:05:05 > 0:05:08We're looking for five bedrooms, four to five bedrooms,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11two or three reception rooms,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13a nice big kitchen/breakfast room again.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15To be able to sit down together,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19to have the children doing things but not on top of each other.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24One little extra I would like, on a domestic front,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27would be a laundry room.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31By that, I mean a room that's actually upstairs
0:05:31 > 0:05:36so that you don't have to keep ferrying all the clothes from five of us
0:05:36 > 0:05:40down the stairs, through the main house and out to a utility room.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45On top of this, they're looking for an office for Richard as he works from home.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48And as Helen's mum will be coming to stay for extended periods,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50they require an annexe for her.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Finally, as a competitive cyclist,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56there are six bikes of Richard's to take care of.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58It's very cramped in here.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02There's no space for servicing. It's open to the elements.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It's damp, it's not terribly secure.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08So the new house that I'm looking for
0:06:08 > 0:06:11will have secure storage for the bikes.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16That is quite a list. On top of that, they're looking for a paddock
0:06:16 > 0:06:18where the children can kick a ball
0:06:18 > 0:06:22and they can keep a few chickens or even alpacas.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27The house we're looking for, I'd very much like a period property.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31I love the Georgian period with large sash windows,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33things are symmetrical, high ceilings,
0:06:33 > 0:06:37period features such as the cornicing and fireplaces.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40That would be my ideal.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Having already sold up, they're in a strong buying position.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46How much money is there to play with for their move?
0:06:46 > 0:06:49If we found a house that ticked all our boxes,
0:06:49 > 0:06:51yours as well as mine,
0:06:51 > 0:06:57then the budget would be £750,000.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05Helen and Richard have been searching for their perfect home for almost two years.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Now the pressure is really on.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12The children are starting school in September and they need to relocate in a few months.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16What do we have to find to make this dream come true?
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Well, behind me there is Wells Cathedral.
0:07:19 > 0:07:25A wonderful period property, just one of the long list of criteria we need to fulfil.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28They also want four to five bedrooms,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31about two acres of land for alpacas and chickens.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35We need an office for Richard, an annexe for Granny, a laundry room upstairs
0:07:35 > 0:07:39and all of that for £750,000.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45Hmm. I'm starting to realise why they haven't found their dream home just yet!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Whilst William will be attending boarding school,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52the younger children will be in a day school just outside Shepton Mallet.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Richard and Helen don't want to be more than a 20-minute drive away.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00We're focusing our search just to the south of Shepton Mallet.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Today, I'll be taking them on a tour of three grand country homes.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09I'll be keeping quiet about the price tags until they've given the property the once-over.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15The last property is the mystery house, which I can guarantee will give them plenty to think about.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20Hello, Helen, Richard. Thank you for bringing me to wonderful Somerset.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24A great choice of county. You're from Watford. Why have you chosen here?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Foremost education.
0:08:26 > 0:08:31We're bringing the children down, we've chosen schools, so we're following them down.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34But you have been looking here for quite a while.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36We have indeed. About 18 months, overall.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Not found it yet. That's why we're here.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We've got wonderful properties to show you.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44You are quite specific on your criteria, though!
0:08:44 > 0:08:47We've got a lot to cover, but a great budget as well.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Are you ready?- Ready! - We'll go look at some houses
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- and at the end there's the mystery house.- Splendid!
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Let's go.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00Richard and Helen's budget of £750,000
0:09:00 > 0:09:03will have to stretch a long way to accommodate all their needs.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08Ideally they're looking for a period property with four or five bedrooms,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10an upstairs laundry room for Helen,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13an office for Richard, an annexe for Helen's mum,
0:09:13 > 0:09:17and a paddock for recreation and keeping chickens or llamas.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23What would you say is the main obstacle why you haven't found somewhere already?
0:09:23 > 0:09:29- I think because we're making this a move for life.- Yes.
0:09:29 > 0:09:34And so we are being quite particular and quite fussy
0:09:34 > 0:09:37but it's because we don't want to make a mistake
0:09:37 > 0:09:40and find that in five years' time,
0:09:40 > 0:09:44actually we should have been six miles further north or west or whatever.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49'So location is crucial, in which case we'd better get it right.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52'Our first house is in Barton Saint David,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55'12 miles south-west of Shepton Mallet
0:09:55 > 0:09:58'and a 25-minute drive from the children's school.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01'The neighbouring village of Keinton Mandeville has a few shops
0:10:01 > 0:10:04'and a pub, but above all it's a rural community
0:10:04 > 0:10:06'offering peaceful village life.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09'The house we're viewing is Grade II listed
0:10:09 > 0:10:12'and it may just have the feel they're looking for.'
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- Well, lovely village.- Yes.- Fantastic Georgian property, just for you!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Yes, it looks good.
0:10:19 > 0:10:20- Very promising.- Very sizeable.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24It's certainly sizeable and there's a lot to this property.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27This section we're looking at is the main house
0:10:27 > 0:10:31and this is where I see you spending most of your time.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33But there's more to this property.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- This section is actually the old mill.- Right.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41The mill stream runs down there and the two were joined together at some point.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- So you've got extra living accommodation. Sound good? - Sounds good so far!
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- Let's go in and have a look. There's a lot to take in. It'll take us a while.- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Come on through.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- As you'd expect, a big generous hallway.- Huge!
0:11:02 > 0:11:04But come straight into this room.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- Helen, is this what you've been dreaming of?- I'm smiling!
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Yes. Very big.- What is it about this style of property,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17this room, that's got such a big smile on your face?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19It's what I've always hankered after
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- and this has got incredible style. - It has.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27Incredible features, too. We've got the sash windows. Kept all that.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- The shutters are working. - Working shutters, yes.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32A working fireplace as well.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36It's got that Georgian feel, the high ceilings, big windows,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- the symmetry of it all, the squareness.- Yep.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42All things to make you nod and smile!
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It gives you a lift, doesn't it, when you walk in.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47You feel like you're walking taller.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- Yes.- And broader.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52It's somewhere, obviously, to be very proud of.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Yes, I can see being very pleased.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59I can see where you two are going!
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- It feels like a grand home. - It is a grand house.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Fitting for your family.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07What we wanted was presence.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09That's one of the things we've said.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13This has obviously got presence by the bucket-load.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15By the bucket-load, indeed.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Let's look at the other side. Being Georgian, it's equally big on the other side.
0:12:21 > 0:12:27Just across here. They've got lovely parquet floors, although underneath, it could be flagstone.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30That could be an adventure for you to discover.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- As I promised, an equal size room the other side.- I love it.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39So we just have to make sure Richard's happy!
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- We can make it work, can't we? - What's this? Is this original?
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- No, they put this in, the bookshelf. It's a lovely touch as well.- Yes.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52Or a potential alcove through to a room behind.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55The lady's thinking along my lines!
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Let's check out the room behind!
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Ooh, she's fast!
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- So behind that bookcase, you have your kitchen.- Yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11- Terrific, yes.- Terrific, that's good. Positive.- It is very good.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14If we could knock through, make that the dining room,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17that'll make very nice living accommodation.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22There are lovely features. The range cooker is built into what was an inglenook.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Nice place to cook whilst still part of the family. You're not cut off here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Not to disappoint Helen, the kitchen leads onto a handy utility room.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35But if she's insistent on an upstairs option,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37I do have a trick up my sleeve.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Lovely, light, airy and spacious up here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43But this room I have to show you
0:13:43 > 0:13:48because it's one of the biggest bathrooms I've ever shown someone around!
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Indeed!- Look at the size of that!
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- Yes.- You could get a shower in here easily, couldn't you?
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- You could. Or...- A double shower or whatever.- Or it could be your laundry room.- Yes.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Upstairs laundry room. - Is this enough space?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- What you asked for. - Certainly enough space.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07It is. Yes, there's flexibility here.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Yes.- Flexibility and convenience
0:14:10 > 0:14:14because it connects through to a lovely bedroom.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- It's a Jack and Jill bathroom. Entrance from two ways.- Yes.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- Lovely. Very sizeable. - Lovely view out of the window.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Bright. It's a lovely big tick!
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You're just uber-happy about everything.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- This is what I was hoping for.- Yes.
0:14:34 > 0:14:35Let's keep looking.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39'The main part of the house has four double bedrooms.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42'Next door is the smallest, but has a large window.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44'Next to that is a larger double with en-suite.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46'The final bedroom
0:14:46 > 0:14:50'is no disappointment. Light floods in and it has a surprise, too.'
0:14:53 > 0:14:56This is a lovely example of another of the bedrooms.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Three of the rooms come with their own bathrooms, one of which is down here.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05When I say they come with their own bathrooms,
0:15:05 > 0:15:08they don't skimp on the space!
0:15:08 > 0:15:10A huge bathroom!
0:15:10 > 0:15:14Yes. Yes. I can see Minty, longer term,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17not at the moment at seven, but it won't be long
0:15:17 > 0:15:19before she'll want her own bathroom.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22She'd be spoilt for choice, wouldn't she?
0:15:22 > 0:15:26You've almost forgotten all your other requirements!
0:15:26 > 0:15:28"Yeah, we're really happy."
0:15:28 > 0:15:31What about grandmother?
0:15:32 > 0:15:36Well, we know, you said already there's part two.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38We should investigate.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41I think you should be the one to do it. Open that door there.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43Ooh, close by.
0:15:45 > 0:15:46Oh, wow!
0:15:46 > 0:15:48Amazing!
0:15:49 > 0:15:51Oh, yes!
0:15:51 > 0:15:53Yes!
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Bit of a surprise, hey?
0:15:55 > 0:15:58This annexe housed in the old mill
0:15:58 > 0:16:01could work brilliantly for when Helen's mum comes to stay.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05She won't be cramped, either. There's a good-sized lounge,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08a modern fitted kitchen,
0:16:08 > 0:16:09a clean and tidy bathroom
0:16:09 > 0:16:11and the bonus of two bedrooms.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13And that's just the upstairs.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Heading downstairs is what I think could be Richard's domain.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21There's a small room that's used as an office
0:16:21 > 0:16:25and next door is a room which might suit Richard even better.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26Much more your emporium!
0:16:26 > 0:16:30Yes, definitely the kind of size I had in mind, yes.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34In fact, you could take that wall down cos it's again plasterboard.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Yes.- And open up this whole section. - Yes.- OK.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Really have your kingdom! - Yes! Very much so.
0:16:40 > 0:16:46Next door is another large room which connects with the utility room and kitchen in the family house.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49I reckon it would make a good play area for the children.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53And I haven't forgotten Richard's other need.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Ah, somewhere for my bikes!
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Absolutely. We're now into your back yard. Somewhere for your bikes,
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- double garage over there.- Yes. - And two potting sheds here.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So you've got choices.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09The possibilities with this house are endless.
0:17:09 > 0:17:15There's the opportunity to reinstate a mill-wheel to generate power to sell to the National Grid.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Now, it's all been so positive, hasn't it?
0:17:18 > 0:17:23But there's always a drawback. And this is your garden.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- It's about half an acre. - Right. Which is fine for us
0:17:26 > 0:17:32but I'm thinking about the children and football and it's not a garden that suits that activity.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Talking about this manor, let's have another look at it.- Yes!
0:17:35 > 0:17:39Just remind ourselves what's at stake here.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- Yes.- The land, but the house.- Yes.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46You're inside for an awful lot of time, aren't you?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49So how much would you pay for it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51It's extremely attractive.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55So I'm going to plump for quite over budget - 800.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58800? I think 775.
0:17:58 > 0:17:59775.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01It could help, though, if I tell you
0:18:01 > 0:18:04it's on the market at £750,000.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- Right.- It certainly puts it on serious consideration.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13You had such positive feelings about the interior and there's so much to consider.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17Off you go. Wander round at leisure and I'll catch up with you later.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23At £750,000, this handsome property is on the money.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26It has the Georgian-style architecture that appeals to them,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30four double bedrooms, an annexe for Helen's mother,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and the all-important study for Richard.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35But will it be their "forever" home?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37It has everything that we want.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It's got a separate flat for Helen's mother,
0:18:40 > 0:18:43the office would be ideal for me.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Snug area for the children, outbuildings for the bikes.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51No, I think it's not beyond the realms of possibilities.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56I love the house. The house, the number of rooms, sizes of the rooms
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and the grandeur of them were superb.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02It was very impressive
0:19:02 > 0:19:03at 750.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Hi! Coming in for coffee?
0:19:06 > 0:19:10You've moved in already? No, no. Coming out?
0:19:10 > 0:19:13I know you've got a lot to think about after that house
0:19:13 > 0:19:15but we're not done yet.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16- There's more to see.- Splendid.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28It's in everyone's interest to preserve and look after our countryside.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32When it comes to the environment, Somerset has an impeccable record.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35This is the county that recycles the most in Britain. Not only that,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38it's also found a way of turning a landfill site
0:19:38 > 0:19:41into an environmental haven for wildlife,
0:19:41 > 0:19:43as we're about to discover.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- Hello, Francis. This is Helen and Richard.- Hello.- Hi.- Hi.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51She's the chief executive of the Carymoor Environmental Trust.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- So all this is your domain? - This is the edge of an active landfill site here.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59But we manage the site over there where they've capped off the landfill.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03We've got 100 acres of landfill where we created a nature reserve.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06'This 13-year-old project is unique
0:20:06 > 0:20:09and was born out of an idea by a group of environmentalists
0:20:09 > 0:20:12who were keen to put the land to a secondary use.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15The site has been divided up into different zones
0:20:15 > 0:20:19to create experiments to attract wildlife.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- What would you attract here?- You're on the edge of a butterfly site.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25We brought in chalk to create these banks
0:20:25 > 0:20:29to attract the wild flowers that attract different butterflies.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33We've actually recorded 28 of the 57 species of butterfly
0:20:33 > 0:20:36that are found in Britain.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38The site also has another purpose.
0:20:38 > 0:20:39We are an educational centre.
0:20:39 > 0:20:44With the children visiting we show them how people in other parts of the world live.
0:20:44 > 0:20:50This is a replica of part of a shanty town in Cruz Bay, Sierra Leone.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It was built on site using materials that had come in to be land-filled.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58It allows us to show children that what we throw away
0:20:58 > 0:21:01would be a resource for somebody somewhere else.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03The full size shanty town
0:21:03 > 0:21:05would have about 6,000 people living in it.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08They would have two toilets between them.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11It's a real eye-opener for the children to see this.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Hopefully with centres like this and everybody doing their bit,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18we can start to use our resources much more wisely.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20It's a very important message.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23'It's been a thought-provoking trip for us all.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26'I'm sure Richard and Helen will bring back their children
0:21:26 > 0:21:29'to appreciate the need to care for our environment.'
0:21:32 > 0:21:35As the last of the sun melts into the sky,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38the first day of our property tour of Somerset is at an end.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Richard and Helen from Watford are looking to relocate to Somerset
0:21:48 > 0:21:51for their chosen new schools for their children.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53They have a budget of £750,000
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but have an exhaustive list of requirements,
0:21:56 > 0:21:58not least an annexe for Helen's mum.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02So far, they've viewed one house, and coming up, the mystery house
0:22:02 > 0:22:05has a door with double benefits.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07It's an original prison door.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- Really?- Yes!- They're keeping us in rather than out!
0:22:10 > 0:22:14It could keep out mother-in-law, actually! She won't get through there!
0:22:17 > 0:22:21It's the start of another day's property hunting with Richard and Helen.
0:22:21 > 0:22:23With their long list of criteria,
0:22:23 > 0:22:28it was always going to be tricky finding the right property for their budget.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31But after yesterday, it's clear that even with the right house,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34land is still at the forefront of their minds.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37So today, I think we need to tackle that head on.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40We're heading a little further east this morning,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44to the village of North Cheriton, 15 miles south of Shepton Mallet.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47At 45 minutes, it's the longest commute to the children's school
0:22:47 > 0:22:51but the property has the potential to be worth the compromise.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Nearby Wincanton sits close to the Dorset border
0:22:54 > 0:22:56and is considered the gateway to Somerset.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Back in North Cheriton, we've answered their calls for more land.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02So it makes sense that this is where we start.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03After yesterday,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07it's very clear that although the house is important, the land is too.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- Yes.- Yes.- Take a look around.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12How does that suit?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Much better.- Space to kick a ball.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Space to ride bikes. Just what we want, really.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- The plot's much better. - The plot is good.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23We can fulfil your wishes there. Let's take a look at the house.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- There's a lot of it.- Good.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30We'll go and explore.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34- It also comes with that annexe there!- Detached cottage!
0:23:34 > 0:23:37I think we've got a lot that will fulfil your criteria.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42It hasn't got the grandeur. But it's all about compromise.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45And you picked up on the plot and the land!
0:23:45 > 0:23:46That's the spirit, Helen!
0:23:46 > 0:23:49It's all about compromise!
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- But for now, let's get inside.- OK.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56So the land scores highly, but will they really be prepared to compromise?
0:23:58 > 0:24:01This is the official entrance to the house.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03The owners come in another door, more like a boot room.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06You have a downstairs cloakroom.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10- And it does lead straight in to a lovely little snug.- It is.- Yes.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- Very homely.- Yes.- It is.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17It hasn't quite got that high ceilings feel to it,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20but yeah, it's attractive.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Certainly attractive.- Attractive is good. Let's keep exploring.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Through here a lovely little but cosy sunroom
0:24:29 > 0:24:31again giving views of the garden.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- Right.- And the land beyond.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- I find this house continues to open up.- Aha!
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Yes. That's much more the idea. Kitchen.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Decent eating area,
0:24:42 > 0:24:47but more casual. You can see the children there having high tea.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Just through that door is the utility space.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52You could have a downstairs laundry.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57- Right.- See what other opportunities there are. So all you need now is somewhere to relax.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01- Indeed.- You've got the snug or you can come this way.- OK.
0:25:01 > 0:25:05So through here you've got plenty more living space.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- I love these French doors.- Yes.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11They go straight out onto a little patio area in your garden.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16- Right.- Through here is enough space for a big dining table.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- OK.- That is nice, isn't it? It doesn't have the space, does it?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23It doesn't have the elbow room.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27It's just the three of us here and we're looking round
0:25:27 > 0:25:31and yet we're still all not quite on top of each other
0:25:31 > 0:25:34but taking care of where we're going.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- But we're at that issue of compromise, aren't we?- Indeed.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Let's have a look and reserve judgement.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Open-minded.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Open-minded. Right, we're heading this way.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'I don't think this house is grabbing their attention
0:25:49 > 0:25:53'but it has lots to offer. There are five bedrooms over the next two floors.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57First stop is the family bathroom on the first floor.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02- Here we have a very generous family bathroom.- That's nice.
0:26:02 > 0:26:07- Yes.- Not bad?- Yes, much more generous.- It's very practical.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11And roomy enough, I was thinking, to be used as a laundry room.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16- Because behind you here is all this cupboard space.- Right.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19If it's really important to you to have an upstairs laundry.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I think it's a lovely bathroom as it stands, to be frank.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- I don't think I would interfere. - Good! Compromise. Do the laundry downstairs!
0:26:27 > 0:26:28It's fine!
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Let's have a look at the master.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35And the master bedroom.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Very bright.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:26:38 > 0:26:44Bright, roomy, built-in cupboards all the way round. Would this do for you?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Yeah, I think so.- I think you're right - it will do.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- It's not really blowing us away. - Not grand enough?
0:26:53 > 0:26:57It does come with an en-suite, if that helps. I don't know.
0:26:57 > 0:26:58Let's have a look.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- This is nice.- The en-suite is nice.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03They're not skimping on the en-suite.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Cast-iron bath, separate shower.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07That's more fitting.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10There's elbow room.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Space, elbow room, land, space for mum, office...
0:27:16 > 0:27:19I can see why it's taken so long!
0:27:20 > 0:27:24But I'm determined to get you to focus and work out where the compromise is
0:27:24 > 0:27:26by the end of this journey.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Next to the master bedroom, two further double bedrooms
0:27:30 > 0:27:34and on the next floor, two more bedrooms that are connected.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39One is used as a study, but I have a better idea for Richard's needs outside.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45The fabulous cottage we caught a glimpse of earlier would be ideal for Helen's mum.
0:27:45 > 0:27:50There's a lounge, kitchen, cloakroom and two upstairs bedrooms.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56Next door is a garage, which I'm thinking Richard could convert into an office.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59The bikes haven't been forgotten, either.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01There's another outhouse ready to go.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06All in all, this property sits in about an acre of land.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09You've got the half-acre paddock,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11this lovely sloped garden here
0:28:11 > 0:28:14and this could be yours.
0:28:14 > 0:28:19- So, the land, the house, space for the in-laws.- Yes.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21- Potential for an office.- Potential.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23What's the price?
0:28:24 > 0:28:25Um...
0:28:26 > 0:28:28I would say 675.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Um, I would say...
0:28:32 > 0:28:34not a lot more. 685.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36685. So a lot lower.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40Actually, it's on the market at 749,950.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- OK.- So right at the top end of your budget.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- Yes.- You've guessed a lot lower. What do you feel?
0:28:45 > 0:28:51Maybe we haven't given due credence to the paddock actually thrown in.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- Yes.- As such. But... - It's a central village location.
0:28:55 > 0:29:00Have another wander round the house and see would you make that compromise on the house
0:29:00 > 0:29:04- for the land. It's a great village. Or does it need to be the other way round?- OK.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Now they're thinking, yes, the land is important,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13but it comes at a price, particularly in such a popular county as Somerset.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20The £749,950 price tag came as a bit of a shock for Richard and Helen.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24But it's a fantastic family home that caters to their needs.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26A large family-style kitchen,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28four double bedrooms with master en-suite,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31a two-bedroom cottage for Helen's mum,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34a garage that could be converted into an office for Richard,
0:29:34 > 0:29:36and it sits on a one-acre plot
0:29:36 > 0:29:40including a paddock providing plenty of space for all they have in mind.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44I do like this open-plan bit, this open area we've talked about,
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- being visible to each other and yet having space.- Yes.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52- I can see that working.- What about the land? Do we need it?
0:29:52 > 0:29:56We're starting to think, aren't we? Um...
0:29:56 > 0:29:58I don't know.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01It's starting to put a big question mark over it.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06It's a lovely house, but Helen did feel the ceilings were a bit low,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09that some of the rooms were a bit dark,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12with the cottage-type windows.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14It has raised a very big question mark
0:30:14 > 0:30:18over how important the land element is for us.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22And I have to say that at the moment we're both veering towards
0:30:22 > 0:30:26losing the land actually within the plot
0:30:26 > 0:30:30and concentrating more on the house.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- Hello!- Hi!- It's a lovely garden. Absolutely gorgeous.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39I know you've enjoyed looking around this home but it's not over yet.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- One more property to see. - Ah, the mystery house.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Yes!
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Sometimes on this show
0:30:51 > 0:30:55you get the opportunity to walk around some truly exceptional properties.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59The mystery house today is fun, quirky, unusual,
0:30:59 > 0:31:01and it's certainly no exception.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I can reveal that the mystery house is in Bowlish,
0:31:05 > 0:31:08a hamlet just outside Shepton Mallet
0:31:08 > 0:31:11and only a ten-minute drive to the children's school.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17The small market town made its money during the Middle Ages when it had a significant woollen industry.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19In the 19th century brewing was important
0:31:19 > 0:31:22with this brewery being the first in England to brew lager.
0:31:22 > 0:31:26Having the amenities of a town on their doorstep
0:31:26 > 0:31:29would surely be a bonus for Richard, Helen and family.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Back in Bowlish, our mystery house is a fine Grade II listed home.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38But will it have that all-important feeling they're desperate for?
0:31:38 > 0:31:40Now, this is all about your dream.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- Yes.- A long-held dream!
0:31:43 > 0:31:47How your family are going to live and how you want to move to the country.
0:31:47 > 0:31:53For the mystery house, I wanted to show you a property where another family in your position came
0:31:53 > 0:31:58- a long, long time ago and set up their very own dream.- Gosh. - And this is where they did it.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- OK.- Certainly very impressive. - Isn't it just?
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- Has it got the presence you're looking for?- Yes, it's got presence.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08This area, Bowlish, was where the Huguenots settled,
0:32:08 > 0:32:12the silk artisans, the French artisans. You can see the French influence.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- You can, yes.- In this property. - Definitely.- Yes.- For now,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- it's raining!- Let's go!- We have a house to look at. Let's go inside.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30- Come on in. It's very warm and rustic.- That's better!
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- Comfy kitchen.- Lovely, isn't it?
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- It's quirky.- Quirky, yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39- Definitely.- Good?- Very good.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- Positive vibes.- Is it fitting in with your dream?
0:32:43 > 0:32:50- Yes, I think so.- So far. There's a bit more for you to show us. - Yes, very much more.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Let's explore further. There's a lot to see.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56One of the great things is the wonderful period features here.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- Into this room. Look at the Georgian windows, working shutters.- Yes.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- Fantastic.- Lots of character.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07I love the big furniture they can fit in here. This room can take it.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Yes.- Very sturdy furniture.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13- That's reassuring.- What about the layout, how it flows from the kitchen
0:33:13 > 0:33:15but it is a separate space.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- Yeah, the flow is good. - You've still got a table in there.
0:33:19 > 0:33:26Yes, which is fine for suppers and breakfasts if there's only a few of you around.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28So although it's not open plan,
0:33:28 > 0:33:31you've got eating on both sides.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33It's a working family home, isn't it?
0:33:33 > 0:33:36You can feel a family living here.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39The children are about the same age as yours. They've grown up here.
0:33:39 > 0:33:44Come down a bit further cos I want to show you another impressive feature.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49The back of that door that we could see from the outside. Look at that!
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- It's huge!- Expecting invaders!
0:33:51 > 0:33:53It's funny you should say that
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- cos that is an original prison door. - Really?
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Yes.- Keeping us in rather than out!
0:33:59 > 0:34:01I'm thinking of keeping out mother-in-law!
0:34:01 > 0:34:03She'll never get through there!
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Richard, I feel you're going to be in trouble with someone!
0:34:09 > 0:34:12But you're right, it'll keep a lot out!
0:34:12 > 0:34:16It keeps the warmth in as well. Come on through.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20Through here more living space.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23I know some of the things you wanted. Flowing through,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27- space for the family to spread out yet be connected.- Yes.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- What about this?- This is working. Working very well.- Very nice.
0:34:31 > 0:34:37You've got space, without being on top of each other, for everybody to do their own thing.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Yes. It's very, very nice.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44This house certainly has the grandeur they're seeking.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48And it has five bedrooms over the next two floors.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51The first floor has a family bathroom which isn't massive
0:34:51 > 0:34:54but the double bedroom next door has its own en-suite,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57which I'm sure Araminta would love.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59And here's the master.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03- Oh, yes.- Gosh.- Is this more befitting of the lady of the manor?
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- Huge, isn't it?- I think so, yes. I could live in this.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12- Very good.- Although there isn't an en-suite, you're next door to the family bathroom.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13- Right.- Very good.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18'Upstairs again is a whole floor that could be dedicated to the children.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21'They have the luxury of their own shower room
0:35:21 > 0:35:24'then there are three good-sized rooms they can fight over.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29'But panic not, I haven't forgotten Richard's study or Helen's mum,
0:35:29 > 0:35:31'which is next on our tour.'
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Of course, there had to be more to this property.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Through here's the kitchen, but I want you to head that way.
0:35:40 > 0:35:41OK.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44- It's a discovery.- Whoa!
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- Yes, yes.- It's fantastic! - Grandma's potting shed!
0:35:48 > 0:35:55- Yes!- Grandma's emporium, I think! - Emporium is a better description!
0:35:55 > 0:35:59She has her own bathroom out there, all this accommodation, kitchen,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- living room and a sun room. - Sun room.- And a patio.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- There's a garden out there. - Excellent.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10This is a real palace for Grandma.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12Upstairs is a beautiful bedroom for her too.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16The other two bedrooms up here could be set aside for Richard's needs.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20- It's certainly plenty big enough. - Good.- Yeah.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Very light, spacious.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Have a knock at that wall. I think that could be taken down fairly easily,
0:36:27 > 0:36:33opening up this space, provided you get the consent as it is Grade II listed.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35You could open up this space. What a place to work!
0:36:35 > 0:36:38It would be terrific. Very inspirational.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43Fantastic. That's Grandma and Richard well sorted.
0:36:43 > 0:36:47All that remains now is the outdoor space.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Round here, just for you, Helen...
0:36:51 > 0:36:53..a chicken coop already!
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- It isn't bad! - It's a nice sizeable garden
0:36:55 > 0:36:58considering we are on the edge of a town.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02With all that in mind, it's time to have another look at our property.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03Aha!
0:37:03 > 0:37:05It's very grand, isn't it?
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- It's quite large.- It's large, it's grand, it's got presence!
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Can you afford it, that's the question. How much do you think it is?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15I think it's going to be rather pricey.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I would go for 775.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19I think it's more than that.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I think it will be 799,950.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Da-da-da! She is spot on! The prize to the lady!
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- You're joking!- I'm not joking!
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- 799,950.- Really?
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I don't believe that!
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- You get a lot of house for your money.- Yes.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Two houses for your money. - Delivers everything you're looking for.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47It has been on the market for a while and the price has dropped from 850.
0:37:47 > 0:37:48- Right.- Just dropped a little.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Right. Maybe a little bit more?
0:37:53 > 0:37:57- You're a hard person! - I am. I drive a hard bargain.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00You do, but it's making you think that's the way to go.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Which is great. Go and have a wander around.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06See how you'd fit your furniture in there if this was yours.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Work out how you'd find the extra money!
0:38:09 > 0:38:11- I'll see you later.- Thank you.
0:38:12 > 0:38:17Result! They love the mystery house. It's a fantastic house.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21The point is, it's a family home, created from a dream.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23And this could fit their very own dream.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28There's no doubt this mystery house, just shy of £800,000
0:38:28 > 0:38:31has all the presence and grandeur they hanker for.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33There's a family-style kitchen/diner,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36five bedrooms, and an annexe for Helen's mum
0:38:36 > 0:38:39which includes a large study area for Richard.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44I can see this room being used for a lot more than just the dining room.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46You've got the kitchen at one end
0:38:46 > 0:38:49and the sitting room at the other end with the snug.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51You'll have people passing through all the time.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I can see using the laptop, reading the newspaper,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58at the dining room table which we couldn't do before.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02It's got everything that we asked for, except for the land.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06Um, it's grand, it's got the high ceilings,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09but there isn't the land.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14I think maybe that we'd stressed the land as an aspiration.
0:39:14 > 0:39:19I think you were testing us to see how key a requirement that was.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23It's different. It has got an awful lot of character.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27It is making us think very, very hard.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30Definitely major food for thought.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33DOOR CREAKS AND GROANS
0:39:33 > 0:39:36- That's a solid door, isn't it! - A door-and-a-half!
0:39:36 > 0:39:38So homely looking from out here.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40We've seen all the properties now.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44The weather's cleared up. I hope your minds have cleared up!
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Time to make some decisions. - Indeed.- OK.
0:39:49 > 0:39:55We've managed to fulfil the vast majority of Richard and Helen's requirements for their budget.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59But will their search for perfection exist for £750,000?
0:40:00 > 0:40:05Making their escape to the country has been a long journey for Helen and Richard.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It's time to see if they've made a decision.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16Helen and Richard, it's been a two-year search for your dream home.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19In the last two days we've seen quite a lot of property.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23- We started with the Georgian house. - Oh, well, yes,
0:40:23 > 0:40:26I'm sitting tall, I was happy.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29I was very much at home in that house. I loved it.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34It was a large, very imposing building. It had presence.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37It was a house you could be justifiably proud of.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41How did you feel about the outside space with that property?
0:40:41 > 0:40:46The outside, unfortunately, was where it did fall apart for us.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49It didn't really have open lawns
0:40:49 > 0:40:53or open paddocks that the children could go out and play and cycle.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56By the end of the first day, it became very apparent
0:40:56 > 0:41:00- that the outside space and land was more of an issue for you.- Yes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:04So, what did you think about the house with the land?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07The house itself was a little disappointing.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09We felt a bit claustrophobic.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13It's probably a bit mean to say, but we're spending a lot of money.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17To make that what we're looking for, we'd have to do a lot to it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22Well, there are a lot of separate elements to your requirements.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Finding a property that would give you all that was going to be difficult.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28But let's talk about the mystery house.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30It was a good surprise, definitely.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I think what started to happen
0:41:32 > 0:41:36is that the land has become...
0:41:36 > 0:41:41something that we can think about over time.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43It's become apparent to me, I think,
0:41:43 > 0:41:49that the accommodation, where we're going to be, as a family with extended family is important.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53- That's what we want to continue, this happy home.- Yes.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Grandma would be very well accommodated!
0:41:56 > 0:41:58We'll never get rid of her!
0:41:58 > 0:42:01LAUGHTER
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Well, lots of opportunities, lots of properties.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08Lots of options, which is what you want. But have you made any decisions?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12The favourite house out of the properties you showed us was the mystery house.
0:42:12 > 0:42:17So the decision is that we're gonna go and have a look at that again.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Good. I'm glad we helped you along the journey a little.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22That's what we love to do.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25We're pleased we've helped you along your way.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27It's been two years in the making!
0:42:27 > 0:42:32Time is of the essence. With any luck, it won't be long before you make your move to Somerset.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- Hope so.- Thank you so much for everything that everyone has done.
0:42:36 > 0:42:41It's been brilliant. It's helped us to focus at a time when we need to.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- We really appreciate it. Thank you. - Pleasure. Thank you.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51Somerset is a wonderful county
0:42:51 > 0:42:53of mystery, myths and legends.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58Hopefully we've helped Helen and Richard to find their happy ending.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:02 > 0:43:06The latest from Richard and Helen is that they did return to the mystery house
0:43:06 > 0:43:11but they've had an offer accepted on a Victorian property near the small town of Frome.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:14 > 0:43:18and need our help, please contact us through our website:
0:43:44 > 0:43:47Subtitles by Moira Diamond Red Bee Media - 2009