0:00:02 > 0:00:06Mathematically speaking, this wonderfully eccentric building behind me is a hexadecagon.
0:00:06 > 0:00:11Find out how many sides it has and where I am in just a moment on Escape To The Country.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Today we're helping a couple find their dream coastal home.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31- That's something I've always wanted, a balcony.- Really?- Yes.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36We'll be tempting them with some choice seaside properties, but will they be united in their vision?
0:00:36 > 0:00:39One of my dreams has been to live right on the beach.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41Yes, that's right.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- Could it be one of your dreams too? - Probably not.
0:00:44 > 0:00:50So, could this be the house search that has me calling out an SOS?
0:00:50 > 0:00:52I've been feeling quite stressed with this job, to be honest.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Just relax.- Difficult clients.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- Picky. They don't know what they want.- What, this week?
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Yeah. Sometimes...
0:01:03 > 0:01:07I'm in Devon, just outside the seaside town of Exmouth.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10This 16-sided building is called A La Ronde.
0:01:10 > 0:01:16It was built at the end of the 18th century by two spinster cousins, Mary and Jane Parmenter,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20partly to house all the lovely treasures they brought back from their European grand tour,
0:01:20 > 0:01:27but also, by cleverly placing windows 360 degrees, to harvest all this beautiful Devon sunshine.
0:01:27 > 0:01:33Situated in south-west England, Devon is one of the UK's most popular tourist destinations.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Over 5.4 million visitors head here each year compared
0:01:35 > 0:01:40with 4.5 million to neighbouring Cornwall and 3.5 to Dorset.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46And there's plenty to keep it at the top of the popularity stakes.
0:01:46 > 0:01:52Nature lovers can lose themselves in the wild landscapes of two national parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55For sun worshippers, sea dogs and watersport enthusiasts,
0:01:55 > 0:02:01there are 200 miles of spectacular coastline to enjoy. And when you consider nearly every coastal resort
0:02:01 > 0:02:06has a harbour or marina, it's understandably a mecca for yachties.
0:02:08 > 0:02:15Away from the surf, Devon's green and undulating landscape is peace and tranquillity personified,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19with countless chocolate-box villages brimming with thatched cottages.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23This county inspired 19th-century philanthropist and poet Sir Harold Bolton to write,
0:02:23 > 0:02:28"Old England's counties by the sea from east to west are seven
0:02:28 > 0:02:33"But the gem in that fair galaxy, 'tis Devon, glorious Devon."
0:02:36 > 0:02:39According to statistics, Devon gets 7½ hours
0:02:39 > 0:02:45of sunshine every summer's day, but clearly not on this summer's day!
0:02:45 > 0:02:48But that figure might be the reason why property prices here
0:02:48 > 0:02:50are 18% above the national average.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Still, there are some real beauties on offer.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Take a look.
0:02:56 > 0:03:03If you have £895,000 to spend, you could be galloping off with this equestrian property near Totnes.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05With five bedrooms, three reception rooms,
0:03:05 > 0:03:11three bathrooms and a swimming pool, you get a lot for your money.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14And there's no scrimping on the land either, 29 acres in all.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20At the slightly more modest price of 600,000, how about this four-bedroom
0:03:20 > 0:03:22former bungalow in the village of Woodside?
0:03:22 > 0:03:25The space has been recently remodelled
0:03:25 > 0:03:30and refurbished throughout and it now exudes understated elegance.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33However, if it's a character property you're after, look no further than
0:03:33 > 0:03:38this four-bedroom traditional Devon longhouse on the edge of Dartmoor.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42£495,000 will purchase three reception rooms,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45a cosy country kitchen and a spacious garden with outdoor pool.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47So why not take the plunge?
0:03:49 > 0:03:54The clotted cream from the top of Devon's property market there,
0:03:54 > 0:03:59but will it be enough to tempt today's buyers? Let's meet the Brockenshaws.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Married for 18 years, keen marathon runners Michael and Shirley are
0:04:02 > 0:04:07hoping to make a quick dash from their home in Bristol for a brand new outlook.
0:04:07 > 0:04:12We want to move to the country because we want to be nearer the coast.
0:04:12 > 0:04:19I have a great love of sailing, but as well as that, I think the slower pace of life is
0:04:19 > 0:04:23what we're looking for as we sort of wind down into retirement.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24Although Michael and Shirley won't be giving up their jobs
0:04:24 > 0:04:30as a freelance engineer and a life coach straight away, they have good reason to take things easy.
0:04:30 > 0:04:37Mike had a heart attack a couple of years ago and that made us think seriously about, let's slow down.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42So having decided to apply the brakes on their busy lifestyle, have they agreed on a new location?
0:04:42 > 0:04:46We'd like to move to South Devon.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50We had a look all over Devon and we liked that area.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52We didn't want anywhere too remote.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Perhaps a nice community. And that seems to fit the bill.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00However, having spent nearly 10 years renovating and decorating
0:05:00 > 0:05:05their five-bedroom home, leaving it behind isn't going to be easy.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09If you could arrange to pick this house up and actually take it down to Devon,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13somewhere near the coast, with the neighbours, we'd be very happy.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Sadly, we can't quite manage that, so what kind of property will make the grade?
0:05:17 > 0:05:22- We'd definitely like something that's finished.- Yes.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Three, four bedrooms preferably.
0:05:24 > 0:05:29With a couple of en suites for guests.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34And with two grandchildren and another on the way in a few months,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36family visitors will be plentiful.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38I quite like Victorian houses.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Yes, but at the same time I think neither of us would object to modern.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47If it's the right house in the right place, then that's no problem.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49No, no, we're very flexible.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Flexible is good.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55But finding the dream home usually comes down to details.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59This is my favourite room in the house, kitchen diner.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01It's a real family room. We all congregate in here.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03And I also love the granite.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09Absolutely love that. If there's something similar when we move, that would be absolutely superb.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And it's not just the kitchen sink they want to take with them.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17The sort of garden that we're looking for when we move is something which, like this one, is low-maintenance.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Because we're not really gardeners at all.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25It would be lovely to sit in the garden without all this traffic noise that we've got here.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27And the wish list doesn't end there.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31I would like a separate room for counselling,
0:06:31 > 0:06:35because at the moment people come in here for counselling and it's difficult with all the family.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Basically, I've lived without a garage for more than 10 years now
0:06:39 > 0:06:44and it's one thing which always drops off the bottom of a compromise list.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46So this time I'm going to have one.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49I fancy a conservatory as well. Always wanted one of those.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51But that would be a plus.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55In preparation to move fast, Mike and Shirley have already put their
0:06:55 > 0:07:01house on the market at £465,000, but what's their spend for South Devon?
0:07:01 > 0:07:05Our budget for this move is up to £500,000.
0:07:08 > 0:07:13Mike and Shirley have given me a pretty open brief about what they want down in Devon.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Clearly they're not really retiring. They're far too active for that.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Apart from three bedrooms, I haven't got a lot to go on.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Still, I'd better get my running shoes on if I'm going to keep up with their needs.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30As Michael and Shirley want easy access to the sea,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33we'll be casting our property search net across the entire south coast,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35from Exmouth and its surrounds
0:07:35 > 0:07:38all the way down to the countryside around Dartmouth.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43We've lined up some choice coastal homes to view, but as always I won't reveal
0:07:43 > 0:07:45the price tags until the end of the tours.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48We'll wrap things up with a mystery house,
0:07:48 > 0:07:53but will any of our properties have our would-be buyers dropping anchor?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Welcome to Devon.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- Hello.- Not quite sunny Devon, but we live in hope.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05- You've lived here before, right? - I lived in Exeter for a while, in my twenties.- A long time ago.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- And you've never left Bristol.- No, this is a big adventure for me.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- A big adventure. Are you going to be all right?- Yes.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14What's the ground for the big move?
0:08:14 > 0:08:17We want a quieter pace of life, really.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20We want to be able to develop our hobbies.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22But otherwise you've got quite an open brief.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Yes, we're very flexible, aren't we?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Which makes it much more difficult for me. It's much easier if you say exactly what you want.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31- Quite right too! - I like the fact that you're challenging me. Let's go.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35For their £500,000, Michael and Shirley are clear,
0:08:35 > 0:08:39however, they want a detached, three-bedroom, light and airy house.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Must-haves include a big kitchen-diner.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Shirley needs a separate room or annexe for her counselling sessions,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48whilst Michael has his heart set on a garage.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50And as neither are green-fingered,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52a low-maintenance garden is a priority.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Although the brief is fairly open, we are house-hunting in a very pricey part of the country.
0:08:59 > 0:09:04And the closer we get to the coast, the more expensive the properties.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07So we could still have a challenge on our hands to meet the criteria.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14One of the reasons you're coming down here is to sail, for you, Michael.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Is that really a huge passion of yours, or something that you've...?
0:09:18 > 0:09:25Yes, it is. At the moment I've got to basically travel two hours to get any sailing in.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27So what I'm really looking for is something where I can just
0:09:27 > 0:09:30pop out the front door after breakfast, disappear for the day.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36Even if it's only just going and sitting on a boat, you know, it's so relaxing.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Sounds like you're pretty busy yourself, Shirley, so you won't mind him being out.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44I won't mind at all, no. It'll be quite relaxing for me too!
0:09:44 > 0:09:49Our first destination should be the ideal setting for some nautical R&R,
0:09:49 > 0:09:53as we're heading to the popular coastal town of Brixham.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Although even on a dreary day, Brixham looks like your typically
0:09:56 > 0:10:02pretty colour-washed south-coast resort, it's actually one of the busiest fishing ports in the UK
0:10:02 > 0:10:06with a staggering £80 million of fish traded annually.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11So unlike many tourist hot spots, Brixham's streets aren't deserted come low season.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15Instead, there's a thriving community all year round and Michael
0:10:15 > 0:10:21should be glad to hear that a recent regeneration scheme has afforded the village with a new marina.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Our first property is a couple of minutes out of Brixham.
0:10:25 > 0:10:33It's a modernised 1930s bungalow and enjoys an enviable elevated position above the coast.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- This is the one.- Oh!
0:10:35 > 0:10:39So this property has been extended three times. It was extended up,
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- and then across, and then the present owners have extended again. - Very smart, it looks well kept.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- I've already spotted the fact that it looks like a very nice double garage down there.- Yes.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52In many ways it's exactly what you're looking for,
0:10:52 > 0:10:57but I'd be interested to get your impressions as we go inside.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I know they've spent years decorating their Bristol home
0:10:59 > 0:11:03to quite a contemporary spec and they may want to make a few cosmetic changes here.
0:11:03 > 0:11:08However, it's a blank canvas and size-wise should be spot-on.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11In we go, into the sitting room.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Yes, clean and bright.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- Lovely big window.- Everything about this house is really about sitting in it looking out.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24- Amazing views down the coast to the sea.- Looking good so far.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29A good start, but I know the kitchen could be a dealbreaker in this property search,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32so Shirley's reaction to this one will be a useful yardstick.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- Is it what you're looking for? - It's a good size. Room for sitting, I like that.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Nice views.- Nice stove. I don't know how you'd get on with that.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Range. What do you usually cook on?
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Well...- Fairly conventional.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I burn things whatever I cook on.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Well, you can burn things in style here.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00In our house, the kitchen is the hub of the house.
0:12:00 > 0:12:07One thing that I'm thinking is that if we had the whole family here, we could find it a little bit cramped.
0:12:07 > 0:12:13It's not a kitchen diner in the sense that there's not space to sprawl. It's more a breakfast area.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- Yes.- OK.- Very smart. - So this gets a tick.- Very smart.
0:12:16 > 0:12:22Let's look at the rest. Before that, I wanted to show you...
0:12:22 > 0:12:25You were worried about family spreading out.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29You've got a sort of dining sitting room, an extra one here.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I like this, yes. Very cosy.
0:12:32 > 0:12:36Because this could actually be like an office, couldn't it?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Or just...
0:12:38 > 0:12:39chilling out.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42There are other options for your office.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45This, I suggest, would be your R&R room.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Over here, you've got this sort of dining room.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50They've got it as a dining room. You could do what you liked.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53And it's all so light,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- that's what I like about it. - Well, that's what you asked for.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Yes.- You ask for it... - So you get it, yes.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03And then, on top of that, two more rooms.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05At the end of the corridor is an office which I'm hoping will be
0:13:05 > 0:13:11the perfect solution for Shirley to give more counselling sessions.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Ta-dum!
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Oh, ideal. Perfect. - You were mentioning an office.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- Yes, I could shut the door and be enclosed.- Would this be good enough for your counselling?
0:13:21 > 0:13:24It's just the right size in fact.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Well, I'm glad this room is up to snuff.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Because, just in case you were feeling left out, Michael, there is another one.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38We're spoiling you in this house because there's another big, big room.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40Loads of storage by the looks of it, too.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Yes, massive deep cupboards, and a shower room.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47This is effectively like a guest wing. You start to see the sea.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Can you see?- Yes, I can see the sea.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54The hazy blue. That is the sea. Would you keep this as a bedroom?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56It depends how many bedrooms are upstairs.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Three.- Three?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03In that case this would make a perfect guest suite, wouldn't it? I think we'd keep it as that.
0:14:03 > 0:14:09That way you can have maybe all the kiddies running around upstairs and have the serious guests...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Auntie down here. She'd like that.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Well, that's one relative sorted and there are a couple more
0:14:16 > 0:14:18guest bedrooms upstairs which share the family bathroom.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23But the piece de resistance of this property is the master bedroom.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Oh, just look at this.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28This is magnificent. Oh, this
0:14:28 > 0:14:32is jolly good. Fantastic.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Totally unexpected. - Have you seen that, a balcony?
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Something I've always wanted, a balcony.- Really?- Yes.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- What's nice is you've got a walk-in wardrobe there, so you can put your running clothes in there.- Sweet.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47- And a very nice en suite. - It's done very well.- And then this wonderful decking area.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51For me, this is what makes this whole property.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- The views.- Absolutely superb.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Wonderful views.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00In terms of sailing clubs for you, you've got Brixham, which you can see there.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05Also Kingswear and Dartmouth all very close, about a five-minute drive.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- Wonderful.- From up here you can see the extent of your garden, but let's go into it.
0:15:10 > 0:15:16Now, I know Shirley and Michael have confessed to being horticulturally challenged, but I don't think
0:15:16 > 0:15:20this garden will pose too many problems for them, and I'm sure the grandkids would love it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24The whole plot is about half an acre.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28It's different portions of garden. You've got this raised bit here, a little water feature over there.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32There's another plot of land just beyond the drive.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34And a nice patio area here.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36So lots of kind of different bits.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39How much time do you spend in the garden?
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I think if it was a garden like this, more time.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45This is beautifully done. I can just see myself with a garden like this.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Although we're not very good at gardening, something that's already
0:15:49 > 0:15:53so lovely as this, we could continue and keep it this way.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Looking around, it seems to be shrubs rather than flowers.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59This is the first property we've seen down here.
0:15:59 > 0:16:05It is the Riviera, as they call it, so it'll be interesting to see what you think it's worth.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09I would value this house at 495.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12That's exactly the figure I was going to put on it.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I have to be different, don't I?
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- So I'm going to say 490.- 490.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Well, there you go. If you'd gone a shade above
0:16:20 > 0:16:22you would have been right.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's on at 499.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25Oh, quite close.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30So why don't you have a wander around? I know it's difficult with me breathing down your neck to make
0:16:30 > 0:16:35any kind of judgments, but have a wander around on your own and then we can press on.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36Yes, OK.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42See, I'm not entirely sure they're being honest.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46Because I think that's too many "lovely"s and "wonderful"s.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50For me, I like a bit of, "Well, I'm not so sure about this."
0:16:50 > 0:16:56I need to maybe tease out what they don't like as well as what they do like and then we can proceed nicely.
0:16:56 > 0:17:02At just a snip under £500,000, this property is bang on budget, and there's a lot of it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Three reception rooms, a large galley kitchen,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08an office for Shirley's therapy sessions,
0:17:08 > 0:17:13a double garage for Michael, four big bedrooms and it's all set in
0:17:13 > 0:17:14the low-maintenance half-acre plot.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17With three marinas all within a ten-minute drive it should be
0:17:17 > 0:17:25the perfect location for skipper Michael, so could they be sailing away with our very first offering?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Oh, look at this, Mike.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29My domain, keep out.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33When I saw the house I was very impressed. It's clean and tidy.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36It's perfect, you could move straight in, just what we wanted.
0:17:36 > 0:17:42The only thing I'm a little bit concerned about is not its immediate location
0:17:42 > 0:17:47but it's the surrounding, whether we could get to shops without having to drive.
0:17:47 > 0:17:54Because that's always something that I enjoy doing Sunday mornings, the walk to get the papers.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57- Right, let's go. Have you got all your bits and bobs?- I have, yes.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59You can close the door, Michael.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Keen to explore as much of the coast as they can
0:18:07 > 0:18:09before making the all-important decision to buy,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13earlier in the week, Michael and Shirley headed for the shores of
0:18:13 > 0:18:16the coastal resort of Teignmouth, where local historian Viv Wilson
0:18:16 > 0:18:19was on hand to fill them in
0:18:19 > 0:18:21on the back story of this still-working harbour town.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- You must be Viv. Pleased to meet you.- Hello, Shirley.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Do you want to come and have a look at the harbour?
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Situated on the north bank of the mouth of the Teign estuary,
0:18:31 > 0:18:35the town got its start as a Medieval fishing port.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40By the 17th century, the main industries were Newfoundland cod fishing and smuggling.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44But the town's wealth attracted unwanted attention.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48One July morning, 4:00 it was, in 1690,
0:18:48 > 0:18:521,000 French sailors invaded Teignmouth.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55They rampaged through the town, set fire to the houses,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58they went into churches, ripped up the bibles,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01they slaughtered the animals, and left the place in flames...
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- Goodness.- Absolutely unopposed,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06cos all the locals had taken to the hills for safety!
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Teignmouth was the very last place in England to suffer a foreign invasion, in fact.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14But the town's fortunes were to change 100 years later,
0:19:14 > 0:19:18when invaders of a very different kind started
0:19:18 > 0:19:21descending in their droves - holidaymakers.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25And the arrival of Brunel's South Coast Railway in 1846
0:19:25 > 0:19:31sealed the town's reputation as a Victorian vacation hotspot.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33I promised you to see the pier.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37It was built in 1865 and some of the very early visitors landed at the end.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42It was also important for the sea-bathing, cos we had a lot of people come for that.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It was ladies that side, gentlemen this side.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48So segregated sea-bathing!
0:19:48 > 0:19:53The sea front is still lined with fine examples of Victorian villas and terraces.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57But it's lucky they've survived at all -
0:19:57 > 0:19:59as an important boat-building harbour for the Royal Navy
0:19:59 > 0:20:02in WWII, Teignmouth again received unwanted attention
0:20:02 > 0:20:05from across the Channel - this time from the Germans.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07So, gunning emplacements were positioned
0:20:07 > 0:20:11on hilltops opposite the harbour to protect it.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Teignmouth suffered 22 air raids, you know.
0:20:15 > 0:20:2022 air raids, 79 high-explosive bombs dropped on it
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and curiously, 79 people were killed.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Poor old Teignmouth had seven bells knocked out of it.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30It struggled to get its way back up to the present time
0:20:30 > 0:20:32and has rebuilt quite well, in the main.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34And as a popular base for yachties,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38I'm sure it won't be long before they return.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41On with the property shopping.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Our next offering will be a real opportunity for our couple
0:20:44 > 0:20:45to live life in the slow lane.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50We're heading 6.5 miles inland from the coast to the rural parish
0:20:50 > 0:20:51of Blackawton.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56With little more than a church and a couple of pubs, it's definitely peaceful!
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Our property is situated a short distance away in the hamlet of Coombe Barton,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04which consists of a small group of farm dwellings, including a few
0:21:04 > 0:21:08converted barns, which is a big clue as to what we're viewing next.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Certainly different from the last one.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- I thought it was good to show you something different.- Yes, we're open to suggestions.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21It's a barn conversion. How do you feel about that?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24As long as it's finished, um...worth considering.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27We want an easy life, Alistair.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32- Easy life! It is quite rural. - Yes, maybe bit too much.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35But we'll keep an open mind.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37We'll have a look inside.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Indulge me!
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Well, that's not the most enthusiastic of starts!
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Let's hope the barn gets a warmer reception inside.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47It's an upside-down house, with the living accommodation upstairs -
0:21:47 > 0:21:50and that's where we're going to start.
0:21:50 > 0:21:56At over 50 feet in length, it's a rather impressive space.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57Here we are.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Here we are, indeed.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02What do you think of this?
0:22:02 > 0:22:03Interesting!
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It is, isn't it? You've got to admit it's interesting.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- A certainly wide-open space. - Yes.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Well, you wanted white and bright
0:22:09 > 0:22:12and spacious, so...this is the ultimate, in many ways.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15Think of that dusting, up there.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- And the beams. - Gosh, you really don't like it,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22if that's the first thing you can think of.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26You don't like all this lovely wide-open space?
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Oh, I like open space, but...
0:22:28 > 0:22:30What is it you don't like?
0:22:30 > 0:22:32You don't have to like everything I show you.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35You know houses get a feel...? They have a personality and a feel?
0:22:35 > 0:22:38This doesn't do it for me, at all.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Right. So open-plan's not really for you?
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Some open plans, yes.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- But it's...- Not this one!
0:22:46 > 0:22:51It's got potential, which covers a multitude, doesn't it?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Ah, the elusive "right feeling".
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It's always the trickiest thing to nail.
0:22:56 > 0:23:02Well, we've seen most of the kitchen, but now we're in it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03What's your verdict?
0:23:03 > 0:23:06It's not doing it for me at all. I think it's these beams.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08I feel I want to duck all the time.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11One of the things we've deliberately gone away from at home,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15- because we had one before, was a farmhouse kitchen.- Ah.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18So, we're off farmhouse kitchens at the moment.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Most people are desperate to have a farmhouse kitchen and you don't!
0:23:22 > 0:23:23We're the opposite!
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Basically, the result of that is that when I look at something like this,
0:23:27 > 0:23:32I'm thinking, how much would this cost to actually replace? We're starting to clock up.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Kerching, kerching.- Yes.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39- Let's look at the sitting room.- OK. - That might change your mind!
0:23:39 > 0:23:42It looks like we can rule out typically rural properties, then,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45if beams and country kitchens are off the table.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48It's a refreshing change, but it's a shame, as on paper,
0:23:48 > 0:23:53this barn conversion offers them all the space they've asked for and more.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56Maybe this room will just do it. Suddenly you'll fall in love.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Or maybe not!- Maybe not?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01It's more of the same, really.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04But this is the living end of the house.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- Yes.- Still just see cobwebs, do you?
0:24:07 > 0:24:09More beams. More dusting.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Well, we're obviously not cleaning up on this level,
0:24:12 > 0:24:15but I'm not throwing in the towel just yet.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18There's still the downstairs to check out and you never know,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21they could change their minds when they see what's on offer.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25As well as three good-size bedrooms, and the family bathroom,
0:24:25 > 0:24:26there's a huge added extra.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- Look.- Look!- Gosh.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34It's a self-contained flat.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Oh!- A home within a home. - A home within a home.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Three bedrooms, kitchen, dining room -
0:24:40 > 0:24:44and I was thinking in light of what you've said about the rest
0:24:44 > 0:24:48of the house, that this could be your kind of office wing for counselling.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52It could be, yes - it could be very cosy with the log burner.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Yes.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57But I think something this size would actually be too big,
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- wouldn't it? For what you want to do. - Yes, maybe.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03Just doesn't feel right for us.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06I can see lots of people would love it here.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10But it probably needs too much to do with it.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12I think so, yes.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16I guess I was trying to show you something completely different and see what you thought.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19It's been very instructive, because I've learnt a lot!
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Often you learn a lot by showing something you don't like.- Yes.
0:25:22 > 0:25:27It'd be boring if you liked everything. But let's step outside and talk about the money.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30Shirley is obviously a very instinctive housebuyer
0:25:30 > 0:25:33and although by rights, this property should work in terms
0:25:33 > 0:25:37of size and space, neither of them are feeling it.
0:25:37 > 0:25:43So I doubt the double garage or the ample paddock is going to make a blind bit of difference.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48- What do you think this is on the market for? - I'm going to say...550.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- 550?- Yes.- Gosh! I'll say 450. - In between the two of you.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55- It's on at 495.- Yes.- So...
0:25:55 > 0:25:58But not a 49 you're going to be spending.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Not our 495, unfortunately.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05It's a shame Shirley and Michael aren't getting the right vibe
0:26:05 > 0:26:10from this barn, cos there's a lot of property for the £495,000.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14The floorspace includes a huge open-plan kitchen-cum-diner
0:26:14 > 0:26:17and living room, three bedrooms
0:26:17 > 0:26:21a self-contained annexe with a further three bedrooms,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23a very low-maintenance garden
0:26:23 > 0:26:25and a paddock.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27Despite having a small village close by,
0:26:27 > 0:26:32it's clear the more rural setting of the barn isn't a huge hit, either.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35I like the idea of having two sections to this house,
0:26:35 > 0:26:39that was great, cos we could always get an income from holiday let.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43I could use counselling rooms that were completely separate. Probably be quiet as well.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44So I like that aspect.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49I think this has brought home to us exactly what we're NOT looking for and what we are.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Yes.- Nothing too rural.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53And certainly not too much work.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Although we're flexible and open to looking at different things,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01and viewing them, this has got too many negatives against it, for us.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05What we're looking for is something which is rural outlook,
0:27:05 > 0:27:10but on the edge of something so that there is a community around you.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14Ah. Did you change your mind?
0:27:14 > 0:27:16No, sorry.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Well, can't win them all.
0:27:21 > 0:27:27Our super sporty couple are always on the lookout for a new activity to take up,
0:27:27 > 0:27:32so with the 2012 Olympics fast approaching I thought I'd introduce them to one of the sports
0:27:32 > 0:27:36that will no doubt be featuring heavily on our TV screens - beach volleyball.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03Clare, Ali and Sylvia belong to the Exmouth Beach Volleyball club.
0:28:03 > 0:28:10They're part of a local league, play at least once a week and welcome new members with open arms.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14But I'm going to take a break before I do myself a serious injury to find out more
0:28:14 > 0:28:18about this Olympic sport from team captain Ali West.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24It's got an interesting history. I was surprised how long it's been around.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Yeah, it's been going since 1915.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32I think it was first invented by some surfers at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- 1915! That's in the middle of the First World War.- Exactly, yeah.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38How did it arise?
0:28:38 > 0:28:42I think they wanted to do something when there was no surf,
0:28:42 > 0:28:47so they thought, "Let's mess around playing with a ball."
0:28:47 > 0:28:52- And then the Californians took over, and then it's become an Olympic sport.- Since when?
0:28:52 > 0:28:54When did it start?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57The first showing was in Barcelona.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59They didn't play for medals.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02But then the first official one was at Atlanta Olympics.
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- We've got it coming up in 2012? - Yeah.- Where are they going to play in England?
0:29:06 > 0:29:09London, of all places, Horse Guards Parade.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12No way. Shirley and Mike are moving down here.
0:29:12 > 0:29:15They're very active retirees.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Is it something that anybody can take part in?
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Absolutely. Anyone, any age.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23That's the beauty of it. Anyone can come along and just join in.
0:29:23 > 0:29:29You don't have to be particularly sporty. Just throw yourself around.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And on that note, I think we'll rejoin the action.
0:29:32 > 0:29:36We're not playing beach volleyball rules because, as opposed to indoor volleyball
0:29:36 > 0:29:40which is played in teams, beach volleyball is played in pairs.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Our team needs all the help it can get.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47I'm exhausted!
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Time for a cup of tea.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57As the sun sets over the south Devon countryside,
0:29:57 > 0:30:02Shirley and Michael get a chance to mull over the properties they've seen today.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05What did you think about the extended bungalow we saw?
0:30:05 > 0:30:10I thought it was really well presented, I liked the garden. That was great.
0:30:10 > 0:30:16What I liked particularly was we could move in tomorrow without any problem at all.
0:30:16 > 0:30:23- Yes.- Plus the fact it had that beautiful double garage, which would win it over for me!
0:30:23 > 0:30:31- Maybe it was a bit too far from local communities?- Yes, I think I'd agree with you there.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34What did you think of the barn conversion?
0:30:34 > 0:30:36I don't think it's for us, do you?
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I don't think so. It's too much work, um...
0:30:39 > 0:30:44It needs too much work to bring it up to the sort of thing that we're looking for.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48- But it did tell us what we didn't want.- Yes, it was useful.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53So it should help us actually find when we're looking at stuff tomorrow.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- So here's to tomorrow!- Yes! Cheers.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13Shirley and Michael are in search of a slower pace of life on the south Devon coast.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16They liked a 1930s house we viewed,
0:31:16 > 0:31:20although I don't think we've really blown their socks off yet.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23But could all that be about to change?
0:31:23 > 0:31:26- I want to move in!- Ahhh..! - But I haven't seen the rest!
0:31:26 > 0:31:33Or will it be the mystery house that has keen yachtsman Michael battening down the hatches?
0:31:33 > 0:31:36You're not getting interested in this place, are you?
0:31:36 > 0:31:39He's been interested since he walked through the door.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47Day two, the sun is shining here in Devon and Michael and Shirley's brief, although wide-open,
0:31:47 > 0:31:53has proved quite tricky. So today we're going to concentrate on the essentials -
0:31:53 > 0:31:56coast, no renovation, good community.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03With that in mind, we're kicking off today's search in the charming coastal town of Budleigh Salterton.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08This part of east Devon is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the red sandstone cliffs
0:32:08 > 0:32:16that bookend the two-and-a-half mile pebble beach mark the very beginning of the world-famous Jurassic coast.
0:32:18 > 0:32:24Away from the water, the High Street has wholly resisted the influx of chain stores
0:32:24 > 0:32:28and local independent retailers serve the 5,000-strong population.
0:32:29 > 0:32:35The heady combination of sea air, old-fashioned charm and handsome period properties makes it
0:32:35 > 0:32:41a popular destination, particularly for retirees, who account for more than one-third of total residents.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46So Michael and Shirley will be in good company when they do give up their jobs.
0:32:48 > 0:32:53The house we're viewing is a half-a-mile walk from the High Street in a truly secluded position.
0:32:55 > 0:33:01Before I show you anything else, Michael, I want you to meet your new double garage.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- Priorities. Absolutely.- I've got it into my head now
0:33:03 > 0:33:06what is important about this house-buying business.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Clearly it's the garage.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11That's a beautiful old-school 1920s garage.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- Looks good.- It's got character.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18It's all right, Shirley, you don't have to live in there. There is a house!
0:33:18 > 0:33:24Come onto the lawn to see the full glory of this property.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Wonderful.- Beautiful.
0:33:27 > 0:33:34It's a 1920s house. Extended up and out in various parts of its history.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- Good.- First impression, it's so peaceful here.- It looks fantastic.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I want to get inside now.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- You're itching to get in?- Yes.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Well, you can't go in!
0:33:46 > 0:33:49'That's what you call a perfect start to a house tour.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53'And I have a feeling Shirley will be equally enchanted by the interior.
0:33:53 > 0:33:59'The owners have refurbished the place in the last few years, and it's beautifully decked out.'
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Come into the sitting room.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03That view as well.
0:34:03 > 0:34:09- Isn't that magnificent?- Gorgeous. - It's interesting, your eyes went immediately to the view.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- Yes. A pretty room.- Beautiful.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Beautiful original 1920s fireplace. - Even though it's a big,
0:34:16 > 0:34:21light room, it still feels cosy, which is nice.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23It's wonderful. Yes.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25What do you like about it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:30I like the airiness, the view and the window, and it's got a good feel in here.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34It feels like home.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38'I'd say that's the sound of a box being ticked.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42'And just next door is something Shirley has been hankering after for some time.'
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- I like this.- You like this?- Yes. I've always wanted a conservatory, always.
0:34:47 > 0:34:53They put this on about five years ago because they wanted to have space to dine.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55So it acts as a sort of dining room.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00But what's great about it is that all these windows open and obviously the door out onto the terrace.
0:35:00 > 0:35:05- What a wonderful way to sit. Gosh, you wouldn't want to work. - It's beautiful.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10Effectively, it functions as the dining room to the kitchen because it flows straight in here.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- I like this as well. I want to move in!- Ah!
0:35:14 > 0:35:16But I haven't seen the rest.
0:35:16 > 0:35:22'That is music to my ears, but Shirley should see all of the house before booking the removal men!'
0:35:22 > 0:35:25This is a great little room.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27This is pretty too.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- A balcony.- You like balconies.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- You've got to bear in mind this house started off as a bungalow.- Really?- Really.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38So bedrooms are going to be an issue for you.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42We have one bedroom downstairs, this is technically another bedroom,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- and upstairs we've just got the master bedroom.- I see, yes.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50So they're using this as a second lounge because it's just the two of them living here,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54but you would need to configure whether you'd have this as a bedroom,
0:35:54 > 0:35:59or whether you'd keep it as an office, or maybe as a visitors' room.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- You could have one of those sofa beds that comes down so it could be dual purpose.- Absolutely.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08'It's difficult to know without seeing everything there is here,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10'so let's continue with the tour.'
0:36:10 > 0:36:16Up the stairs to your one and only but beautifully appointed master bedroom.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18It is. Beautifully done.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22- There's a little en suite across the landing.- For us this is ideal.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27I notice there's all little nooks and crannies in that which is fantastic.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Good use of space here.- So that's everything inside.- Yes.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Is that going to be enough space for you?
0:36:33 > 0:36:35It's so lovely, I think...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38We'd find somewhere to fit things in.
0:36:38 > 0:36:43- Forget about the seven bedrooms I needed, this is beautiful.- Yes, very impressed.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45There are options outside as well.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50'It looks like the wish-list has been torn up and thrown away
0:36:50 > 0:36:54'but I seem to remember a separate consulting room being of paramount importance.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59'There's good news with this property - Shirley may not have to compromise at all.'
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- Oh!- Lots of nooks and crannies including this.
0:37:05 > 0:37:09I thought, Dr Shirley, this would be a good consulting room.
0:37:09 > 0:37:15It would. Clients would be relaxed straightaway coming in here.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18That's what I'm thinking. Take a seat. See if it works.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- How does it feel?- It works.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I've been feeling quite stressed with this job to be honest.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29- Tell me your troubles.- I've had difficult clients, picky, they don't know what they want.- This week?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Yes, sometimes they want...
0:37:33 > 0:37:40- This would work, wouldn't it? It's a nice space.- It's the right size and the ambience is good.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45- You've got the advantage that they don't have to come through the house as well.- Oh, yes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- You can put heaters in here in the wintertime.- That would be ideal, wouldn't it?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52'Thumbs up. But what will they make of the garden?
0:37:52 > 0:37:55'At one third of an acre, it's quite sizable.'
0:37:56 > 0:38:00It's a beautiful property but it's a particularly beautiful garden.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- I was worried it might be a bit big.- Not at all.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06I like big gardens, if they are already in place.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08You're sold on this property. I can see.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11"It's a graveyard here." "No, it's fine!"
0:38:11 > 0:38:16As far as I'm concerned, I don't mind cutting grass, I find that very relaxing.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20- As far as I can see it's all low maintenance.- Slightly rose-tinted goggles there.
0:38:20 > 0:38:26It's a very low-maintenance garden, you'd have to do nothing to keep it as perfect as it is.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Marvellous.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31What about the price of the property?
0:38:31 > 0:38:35I think £499,500.
0:38:35 > 0:38:43- So right at the top of your budget? - I'm thinking it's over the 500 mark, I'm going to say 520.
0:38:45 > 0:38:52Well, you're very realistic because it's actually offers around 525.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57In the present climate, the buyer is keen, I just think in terms of location
0:38:57 > 0:39:05and what it offers in terms of ready-made, move in, beautiful family house, it's hard to beat.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08Yes, it is. It's beautiful.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12It's not going to be a challenge for you to walk round this one, is it?
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- No.- No. Can't wait. - I'm very impressed, 10 out of 10!
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Pat me on the head.- 10 out of 10! Well done!
0:39:21 > 0:39:25My heart's pounding and proud, made Shirley happy, that makes me happy,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29and I think this property would make just about anybody happy.
0:39:31 > 0:39:39The offers around £525,000 price-tag is down to the hugely-desirable Budleigh Salterton postcode.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42The agent has assured me that the vendors are open to negotiation.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47It's a spacious chalet bungalow with an open-plan kitchen/conservatory/diner.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55Shirley seems happy with the summerhouse as a consultation room.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57Michael gets a double garage,
0:39:57 > 0:40:02and the landscaped garden is apparently low-maintenance enough!
0:40:02 > 0:40:05This property is almost perfect.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09I adore that beautiful garden and I really love the house.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11Beautiful room, isn't it?
0:40:11 > 0:40:13Fantastic.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18- Very well done. - I love these insets in here.
0:40:18 > 0:40:25It's a beautiful spot, very, very peaceful, lovely house and the sort of thing we are looking for, yes.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28You've got us thinking now.
0:40:28 > 0:40:34A possibility here, I could see myself making a home here and enjoying it.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37You took ages in this one, is that because you like it?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39I love it.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Very good. Big smiles, we like that. On we go.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48We've already introduced Michael and Shirley to beach volleyball,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51but another sport that's big in Devon
0:40:51 > 0:40:56and makes the most of the beaches and rolling hills is kite-buggying.
0:40:56 > 0:41:00Always up for a new challenge, our sporting duo are meeting
0:41:00 > 0:41:04instructor Richard Thompson for a quick lesson.
0:41:04 > 0:41:09It's an extreme sport, so safety is paramount.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Helmets are a must and it's important to learn the ropes
0:41:13 > 0:41:17with feet on the ground before even attempting to get in a buggy.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- Hands in mine.- Right. - Let me come behind you.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24Just feel what I'm doing. It's one hand in, one hand out.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26Can you feel the rhythm we're getting?
0:41:26 > 0:41:30OK, the kite is yours. OK, well done.
0:41:30 > 0:41:37Now, what you were doing was you had it up here and you were using it as a steering wheel.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42So it's more like a bicycle. One hand in, other hand in.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44- Right.- One hand in, other hand in.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48I'll try and do better this time! Oooh!
0:41:48 > 0:41:53Believe it or not, the origins of kite buggying can be traced back to the 1820s,
0:41:53 > 0:41:58when Bristol schoolteacher George Pocock invented the "charvolant,
0:41:58 > 0:42:03the kite-drawn carriage he hoped would replace the need for horsepower.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Sadly, his ideas didn't take off - well, not for another 190 years
0:42:07 > 0:42:11when thrill-seekers and manufacturers decided to marry foil kites
0:42:11 > 0:42:14with three-wheeled buggies for some serious outdoor fun.
0:42:16 > 0:42:17LAUGHTER
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Well, let's see if Michael will fare any better.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Pulling on your right. That's it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Today the British Para-kiting Association has over 4,000 members
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and there are 100 tutors nationwide.
0:42:31 > 0:42:37From racing to freestyling, where stunts and tricks are performed, competitions are now held annually
0:42:37 > 0:42:40at kite festivals throughout the country.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I haven't even taught him! I'm going to go home!
0:42:45 > 0:42:50And it looks like Michael's a natural, so it's time to get the buggy.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54The kitebuggying current speed record is 72mph,
0:42:54 > 0:43:01but I think Michael and Shirley will have to put in some practice before mounting any serious challenge!
0:43:05 > 0:43:09With a brief as wide as Michael and Shirley's it's quite difficult to think of a mystery house
0:43:09 > 0:43:13as they're open to most things, however, with our mystery house
0:43:13 > 0:43:17I really do think we've pulled things into shipshape focus.
0:43:19 > 0:43:25- So the mystery house, coming up next, what you think we might be seeing?- I don't know.
0:43:25 > 0:43:31I'm hoping it's going to be something completely different and perhaps something that we haven't thought of.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33It probably will be.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37It could definitely be that! Any ideas what I might be showing you?
0:43:37 > 0:43:41If it's a floating boat, you'll love it and I won't.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46'Well, Shirley isn't too far off the mark.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50'The mystery house isn't a boat but it does have nautical connections
0:43:50 > 0:43:52'and we're heading to Exmouth.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55'Now, this typical Georgian and Victorian seaside resort
0:43:55 > 0:43:58'is a busy coastal town.
0:43:58 > 0:44:04'But escaping the hordes is easy when you have two miles of golden sand on the doorstep.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06'And for those who want to get even further away
0:44:06 > 0:44:10'it's home to one of south Devon's most popular yachting marinas.
0:44:10 > 0:44:15'Here, for many, sailing is a way of life and we don't have to voyage far for the mystery house
0:44:15 > 0:44:21'as it's situated right on the water's edge in a prestigious marina development.
0:44:21 > 0:44:27'For seafaring Mike it should be the dream, the question is, will Shirley share his sentiment?'
0:44:30 > 0:44:35- Here it is, the mystery house.- Here it is.- The whole three storeys.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- The whole of it?- Oh, yeah. - Gosh.
0:44:38 > 0:44:43- Garage?- Yes, this is your garage, I almost forgot. So you're happy.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- What are your first impressions? - It's blue.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50I'm not sure what else to say.
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- It's blue, yes.- Well, I'm looking and thinking, "No problem with what I see."
0:44:54 > 0:44:59I'm in anticipation of what I might see inside.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02You wanted something you could move straight into
0:45:02 > 0:45:06and one of you wanted something that would be good for your leisure activities,
0:45:06 > 0:45:07one of you will be happy.
0:45:11 > 0:45:12Straight through.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15Hold your breath...
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- Ta-da!- Oh, yes. - Yippee-doo!- Oh, yes.
0:45:19 > 0:45:23I don't want you to look at the house
0:45:23 > 0:45:27because I want you to go straight out here, out to this.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31Oh, yes, this is what it's all about.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- This is Mike's scene. - Now you're talking!
0:45:34 > 0:45:37- Lovely. - Look, boats, listen.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39Boats everywhere.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- The gulls, the clink clink clink. - It's beautiful.
0:45:42 > 0:45:47- Come on, Mike, spill the beans, what do you think?- It's lovely, fantastic outlook.
0:45:47 > 0:45:54Even the noise of the halyards against the mast is just what sailing's about.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56I don't even know what a halyard is.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00You'll get to know it after about 10 seconds of living here.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02The highlight - what do you think this building is?
0:46:02 > 0:46:06- It looks very much like a sailing club to me.- It is.
0:46:06 > 0:46:12- So Shirley...- Yes, Alistair, what have you got for me, then?- This is slightly slanted towards Mike.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17- Yes, it is.- Although it is beautiful, don't you think?- Yes, it is. It's very pretty out here.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21- You can run all along the Exe. - I could paint.- You could paint beautiful paintings.
0:46:21 > 0:46:25Yes, well, hey ho, you know.
0:46:25 > 0:46:30- Well, enough of this, we'll come back to the view many times but let's look inside the property.- OK.
0:46:32 > 0:46:38Working on the basis that the two of you have completely fallen in love with the view, Shirley,
0:46:38 > 0:46:41let's talk through the inside of the house.
0:46:41 > 0:46:45This is the kitchen. Very clearly a galley kitchen.
0:46:45 > 0:46:46Very blue again.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49Let's talk realistically about this property.
0:46:49 > 0:46:55If Mike was on his own, it would be a good bachelor pad, this would suit him down to the ground.
0:46:55 > 0:46:59So if ever we part company, you can come back again!
0:46:59 > 0:47:02So for you it's absolutely out of the question?
0:47:02 > 0:47:04For me?
0:47:04 > 0:47:06- It's not me at all.- Not you at all.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08No.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- Not even a bit?- Maybe, it might grow on me as I go around.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15- I'll keep my options open. - It's got a lot going for it.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18You wouldn't mind it, would you? This is you, with boats.
0:47:18 > 0:47:22It meets a lot of my criteria. I have to say that.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- Your skipper's hat on, you'd be away.- Absolutely.
0:47:26 > 0:47:27Well, it's got four bedrooms...
0:47:27 > 0:47:32- Really?- ..one of which could be your treatment room.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35I'm not sure you're going to be very happy about it.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39It's small, functional, simple.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41It's on the ground floor, by the front door,
0:47:41 > 0:47:46- so I was thinking maybe... - Quick getaway, maybe.- Maybe a consultancy room?
0:47:46 > 0:47:47Maybe not.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51Come on, be fair, it would work, wouldn't it?
0:47:51 > 0:47:52- Would it?- Yes.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- Give it a chance!- Yes, Mike, come on, mate, let's gang up!
0:47:57 > 0:48:00'The location is obviously working its magic on Michael
0:48:00 > 0:48:04'but I think convincing Shirley could be an uphill struggle.'
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Come into the living room.
0:48:06 > 0:48:09Nautical themed again, nice and blue.
0:48:09 > 0:48:11Very blue.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16Sit down. I'm going to sit you here, Shirley, until you fall in love with this view.
0:48:16 > 0:48:21- I think it is a lovely view. - It would improve because twice a day this would be all water...
0:48:21 > 0:48:24- Absolutely.- ..when the tide is in.
0:48:24 > 0:48:27I'd never hear the last of it, would I?
0:48:27 > 0:48:32You'd be telling me the tide times. You do that now! You'd be even worse when we're here.
0:48:32 > 0:48:36- Well, you'd know them. - Just by immersion, you'd learn them.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39I feel we're ganging up on you. I'm going to stop that.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43- You're on his side.- But there is this...endless things to look at.
0:48:43 > 0:48:49You don't need a television because you always have someone messing around on a boat or a kite-surfer...
0:48:49 > 0:48:52'On this floor is the second bedroom and the bathroom.
0:48:52 > 0:48:58'The final two bedrooms occupy the third level, including the master, with en suite.'
0:48:58 > 0:49:01And what a view to wake up to.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Lovely view.
0:49:04 > 0:49:09- It is.- I believe you. - This is what would make you get out of bed in the morning.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12Just to get up and look at that view.
0:49:12 > 0:49:18I'm thinking, because the river runs north-south, that must be west...
0:49:18 > 0:49:20- Fantastic sunsets.- Beautiful.
0:49:20 > 0:49:22The sun sets over Starcross
0:49:22 > 0:49:27so pretty much on all the three floors you'd get bathed in golden light.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32You're not getting interested in this place, are you?
0:49:32 > 0:49:35He's been interested since he walked through the door!
0:49:37 > 0:49:41One of my dreams has been to live right on the beach.
0:49:41 > 0:49:42That's right, yes.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46- Could it be one of your dreams, too? - Probably not. The view I like, yes.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50Across the landing is another nice bedroom, maybe for the grandchildren.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56I thought of the grandchildren because there are two single beds in it.
0:49:56 > 0:50:00But this could also maybe be your treatment room. It's a bit higher up.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04Yellow. You've got nice views of the marina.
0:50:04 > 0:50:10- Soothing. It's proven that it's soothing for counselling people. - Excellent. It would be ideal.
0:50:10 > 0:50:16- It's perfect.- The marina would be very useful because that's where you'd keep the cruising boats.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Hang on, you're starting to sound a bit too eager!
0:50:18 > 0:50:22I just want to know, where do I sign?
0:50:22 > 0:50:27Before you start budgeting for a new cruiser, let's go outside and talk about the price.
0:50:32 > 0:50:37Ah, the sound of the halyards, the flapping of the sails,
0:50:37 > 0:50:40the cries of the gulls, the lapping of the water...
0:50:40 > 0:50:42It's so peaceful.
0:50:42 > 0:50:45- Do you love the house? - I love it, I love it!
0:50:45 > 0:50:46It's not hypnotising you?
0:50:46 > 0:50:50- Not really, no.- What about you, Mike? You're in love with it, aren't you?
0:50:50 > 0:50:55I think it's a lovely position but at the end of the day,
0:50:55 > 0:50:58I have to bow to senior management.
0:50:58 > 0:50:59How much do you think it costs?
0:50:59 > 0:51:01310?
0:51:01 > 0:51:04310?
0:51:04 > 0:51:07I'm going to go a little bit higher and say 370.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09370.
0:51:09 > 0:51:14I'm going to give you a piece of information that might help you make your mind up one way or the other.
0:51:14 > 0:51:21- You think so?- This property is on the market for...£545,000.
0:51:21 > 0:51:27That must be one of the few occasions when the price of a house stops an argument rather than starts one.
0:51:27 > 0:51:31- That's true.- A shame, though.- The picture of relief on your face!
0:51:31 > 0:51:32- "Such a shame."- Such a shame.
0:51:32 > 0:51:38Yes, properties by the coast are spectacularly expensive.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42- Amazing. - This is probably the last chance you'll get to look at those views
0:51:42 > 0:51:47- so why don't you go round, have a look and I'll meet you out the front?- OK.
0:51:47 > 0:51:53Poor Mike - he looked genuinely heartbroken, whereas Shirley, absolutely gleeful.
0:51:53 > 0:51:59Well, it's the mystery house. You really can't guarantee what's going to happen.
0:51:59 > 0:52:05With an asking price of £545,000, this marina townhouse is considerably over-budget
0:52:05 > 0:52:12but having been on the market for some months, there should be some bargaining room.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14You couldn't get much closer to the water.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26But it doesn't look like our skipper and cabin girl
0:52:26 > 0:52:28will be making it their port of call.
0:52:30 > 0:52:32The views are gorgeous, aren't they?
0:52:32 > 0:52:33I must admit they are.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35You're right there.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38I think Mike thought it was Christmas when we came here.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41He's talked about something like this in the past.
0:52:41 > 0:52:49I've enjoyed it, coming here. It's been great fun. But really, realistically, it's not for me.
0:52:49 > 0:52:52The position of the mystery house is absolutely perfect -
0:52:52 > 0:52:57On the beach, overlooking the water, boats all around you. I couldn't ask for anything better.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01Reluctantly, I have to concede on this one.
0:53:02 > 0:53:07- Ah! Mike, did you get one last look? - One last look. - It's etched into your memory.
0:53:07 > 0:53:11- Yes, yes.- Shirley will never let you see it again.
0:53:11 > 0:53:14- No. Never.- Come on, we'll go and find some place to recuperate.
0:53:20 > 0:53:23I was hoping the maritime magic of the mystery house
0:53:23 > 0:53:26was going to leave Mike completely besotted with the sea
0:53:26 > 0:53:30but that didn't work out and that's probably a good thing in Shirley's case.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34So let's find out what they finally think about all the houses I've shown them.
0:53:38 > 0:53:44I only thought it was fitting that we finish our adventures here in Devon down by the seaside.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46Have you enjoyed it?
0:53:46 > 0:53:49Thoroughly enjoyed it. I've had a wonderful time.
0:53:49 > 0:53:54If you can cast our mind back to the very first property we showed you, you were quite taken by this.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57I liked the entrance. Lovely driveway.
0:53:57 > 0:54:03Really neat and well-done and that master bedroom, with the balcony.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05That was really good.
0:54:05 > 0:54:10And of course, the big thing with it was it was moveable-into tomorrow,
0:54:10 > 0:54:17which is one of the things that we've pulled out of this, one of the things we're looking for. So it was good.
0:54:17 > 0:54:20It's also taught me a lot about what you don't like.
0:54:20 > 0:54:25- When I took you out into the countryside and showed you the barn...- The barn! Yes.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29- I remember it well!- Tell me about the barn now.- Too much to do.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31Lot of work there.
0:54:31 > 0:54:33- We don't want that, do we?- No, no.
0:54:33 > 0:54:37A wonderful project for someone, but not a project for us.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41And I also really learnt there how intuitive you are about house-buying.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44It really was, "This, no. That, yes."
0:54:44 > 0:54:47Because when we took you to see the house in Budleigh Salterton...
0:54:47 > 0:54:52I just wanted to stay there. I loved it.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55That beautiful conservatory,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58which was something we'd been thinking about for a long time,
0:54:58 > 0:55:02and to move into something like that would be really great.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05It was so jolly relaxing there, too.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07We could sit and chill out.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09And then the mystery house...
0:55:11 > 0:55:14- I know that secretly you really... - I fell in love with.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18That was really one for you, Mike.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20Did that bring anything into focus?
0:55:20 > 0:55:23Yes, once we found out the price,
0:55:23 > 0:55:28it made me realise there that living right on the edge of the sea
0:55:28 > 0:55:30does come at a price.
0:55:30 > 0:55:33I think the house itself wasn't for us.
0:55:33 > 0:55:38Looking overall, because it was a very big, wide brief you gave me,
0:55:38 > 0:55:44and I was wondering whether the course of the programme has helped you focus in on what's important,
0:55:44 > 0:55:48and was there one of those houses that you'd like to proceed on?
0:55:48 > 0:55:54Budleigh Salterton. Although...it hasn't been on the market very long, I understand.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59And there's a lot of interest. And we haven't actually finalised the selling of our house yet.
0:55:59 > 0:56:03It's been fantastic. I've enjoyed showing you around these properties.
0:56:03 > 0:56:07You have a great sense of humour, and I hope you put down anchors here soon,
0:56:07 > 0:56:10because the county is crying out for you.
0:56:10 > 0:56:15- Thank you, Alistair. We've had a wonderful week, really enjoyed it. - It's been really great.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17- My pleasure, Cap'n.- Aye, aye.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25I do think this show has brought things into nautical, crisp focus.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Too close to the sea is too expensive.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31They want something they can move straight into and they would like a balcony.
0:56:31 > 0:56:35If you've been inspired to make a move, rural or nautical,
0:56:35 > 0:56:39make sure you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42If you want to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:56:42 > 0:56:48Northern Ireland or England and would like our help, please apply online at:
0:56:56 > 0:56:58Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
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