0:00:00 > 0:00:02This magnificent structure behind me
0:00:02 > 0:00:06is known as the last castle to be built in England.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10Created to evoke a real sense of medieval pedigree
0:00:10 > 0:00:13it took 20 years of agony and effort to realise.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15It was the culmination of one man's dream,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18to create a beautiful home in a beautiful location.
0:00:18 > 0:00:22Something, of course, we know all about on Escape to the Country.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39On today's show, I'll be helping a couple downsize with a move to the country.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43They love the fact that it gives them more than they bargained for.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- Wow!- Wow!- Cor blimey!
0:00:45 > 0:00:46Lovely!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48- Wow!- Fabulous!
0:00:48 > 0:00:50How fantastic!
0:00:50 > 0:00:53But can they cope with the challenge of our mystery house?
0:00:53 > 0:00:59- Is it pick-axe work, or...? - It needs a lot of...- You never use a pick-axe in the house, dear!
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Today I'm in Devon and this is Castle Drogo,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10the vision of early-20th-century entrepreneur Julius Drewe.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12The building was designed by Lutyens
0:01:12 > 0:01:17but is thought to be the last private residence in the UK to be built entirely of granite.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21A spectacular structure in a spectacular setting
0:01:21 > 0:01:23here on Dartmoor overlooking the Teign Valley.
0:01:23 > 0:01:29It's also a lasting testament to Drewe's ambitions to create a real family home full of pedigree.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33It's been a very welcome addition to the landscape ever since.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Situated in the south-west of England,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39Devon is home to both magnificent countryside and coast,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42attracting over five million visitors a year.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46It's the only county in England with two distinctly separate coastlines
0:01:46 > 0:01:51totalling over 250 miles of stunning cliffs and beaches
0:01:51 > 0:01:54which grace the English Riviera resorts of Torquay and Paignton.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Inland, Devon is renowned for its gentle pastures
0:01:58 > 0:02:02and two national parks, which include the wild landscape of Dartmoor
0:02:02 > 0:02:04and sweeping vistas of Exmoor.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09Regularly voted as one of the most tranquil places to live in the UK,
0:02:09 > 0:02:14it's no surprise that a survey singled out Devon as the county of choice to retire to.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22Whilst Devon may be popular for retirees, it's also very popular for those seeking a second home.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27Over the last four years, 20% of property here has gone to second homeowners.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31As you can imagine, that's had a radical effect on property prices.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36Your average detached will now set you back round about £301,000
0:02:36 > 0:02:39that's 14% above the national average.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42So if you think Devon is for you, then do some research.
0:02:42 > 0:02:47To give you an idea of what's on the market now, have a look at some of these.
0:02:48 > 0:02:54Offers over £270,000 will get you this Grade II listed thatched cottage in Ermington.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57The cosy sitting room leads through to a bright kitchen/diner
0:02:57 > 0:03:01and there's lots of character appeal in the three bedrooms upstairs.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07This stylish barn conversion near Umberleigh is on the market for £475,000
0:03:07 > 0:03:10and it makes the most of its open-plan layout
0:03:10 > 0:03:13with a galleried landing leading to the three bedrooms.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17The beautifully landscaped gardens have great views of the Tor Valley.
0:03:17 > 0:03:24Or this four-bedroomed renovated farmhouse in Jacobstowe, priced at £725,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28It provides an array of light, airy reception rooms
0:03:28 > 0:03:31overlooking gardens and land which stretch to 7.5 acres.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35As you can see, with property like that on the market,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37no surprise that Devon remains as popular as ever.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Which is exactly why today's buyers want to move here.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Alan, a retired IT analyst, and Pat, a counsellor,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49have lived in their four-bed house in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire,
0:03:49 > 0:03:52for eight years. But now Pat is winding down her work,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54they've decided to move to the countryside.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57We'd like to move somewhere quieter,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00somewhere to get more involved in the community.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04We've always liked to be somewhere nearer the sea.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I'd like to be able to go out walking.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Alan and I have nothing else to do except enjoy the countryside
0:04:10 > 0:04:15and so I'm hoping to retire and just take it easy.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19But they want the location to give them the best of both worlds.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22We'd quite like to be somewhere near a large village,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26to pick up the shopping and go out for a meal, et cetera.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Yes, and doing some nice nature walks as well.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I would love to learn how to recognise bird song
0:04:32 > 0:04:37because I never seem to see the birds, but if I could recognise what they were from their song,
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- that would be great.- Lovely.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42What vision do they have of their perfect property?
0:04:42 > 0:04:47We'd like three bedrooms. We'd prefer a detached,
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- but we'd be happy to look at a semi-detached if it was full of character.- And a decent size.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58My ideal house, I think, would be in a nice setting
0:04:58 > 0:05:02so that it looks pretty, looks nice, when you drive up to it.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08A nice garden at the back with an area where I could do my vegetables.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13Walk into a beautiful kitchen with clean lines, nice tiles on the floor,
0:05:13 > 0:05:19a big area so that there's room to dine. A good-sized lounge,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21with maybe a lovely marble fireplace.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25There are beautiful marble fireplaces, and a woodburning stove.
0:05:25 > 0:05:30Even though Pat's planning to retire, she wants to do some occasional counselling work.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34So she'll want an extra reception room, but is happy to share it
0:05:34 > 0:05:36when Alan wants to strum a few chords.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41On top of that, they'd be delighted if their new property gave them the scope to earn an income.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44We're quite interested in maybe a place with an annexe
0:05:44 > 0:05:46that we could rent out in summer.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50And maybe have the family over the other times.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53The move depends on them selling their current home
0:05:53 > 0:05:56so we've asked an estate agent to value their property.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00The property is a well-presented four-bed detached residence
0:06:00 > 0:06:03close to good schooling and a mainline railway station.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09I would recommend an asking price of £439,950.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15With that in mind, what budget do they have for the move?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18The budget for the property, it's dependant.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21With an annexe it would be £450,000.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Without an annexe it would be £350,000,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29enabling us to use that to buy something else.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36In some ways, we've got two house searches going on this week.
0:06:36 > 0:06:42If we blow all the budget of £450,000, we need a house and an annexe with income potential.
0:06:42 > 0:06:48Or if we spend less, we just need a pretty house. So in some ways, the choices are endless.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56Alan and Pat want to base themselves in the south-east of Devon within reach of the coast,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58so we'll concentrate the search round Exeter.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02I'll show them three "creme de la creme" Devon properties
0:07:02 > 0:07:06but as ever I won't reveal the price tag straightaway.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Lastly, our mystery house, which gives generously on the one hand
0:07:09 > 0:07:12but could take a lot of their time up on the other.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- Hi, Pat. Hi, Alan. How are you? - Good, thank you.- Good, thanks.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- Welcome to Devon.- We're looking forward to it.- The start of a whole new chapter.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Wonderful.- It's exciting.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28In terms of what you're after, talk me through your requirements.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32If it's old, that would be super because it's full of character.
0:07:32 > 0:07:37But I don't want to have to re-roof it or be worried that the pipes will fail.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42So maintenance free. Something that's old and maybe been renovated.
0:07:42 > 0:07:47- That would be fantastic.- So you don't want a major project, but what about a new kitchen or bathroom?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- No problem. Absolutely no problem. - But we're not big DIY-ers.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Well, no.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Poor old Alan! He's thinking, "I don't want a lot of work, Jules!"
0:07:59 > 0:08:04- We've got some great properties for you to look at.- I'm looking forward to it.- Yeah.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05Let's get started.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10For a maximum budget of £450,000, Pat and Alan would like...
0:08:23 > 0:08:26They want to be within easy reach of village amenities
0:08:26 > 0:08:28and a community.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- I gather you've just put your house on the market.- Yes, we have.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- Yeah.- Any interest?
0:08:38 > 0:08:41We had a phone call yesterday when we turned our phone on,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45a call to say there was somebody interested in viewing it already.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49- So we were really pleased about that.- Really pleased.
0:08:49 > 0:08:54- So the pressure's on this week to find you something you can move into straightaway.- Certainly.
0:08:54 > 0:09:00Absolutely, yes. And I'm terribly impatient, so if I see something, I'm going to want to do it.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05We're starting our search close to the village of Kingskerswell,
0:09:05 > 0:09:11on the outskirts of the Dartmoor National Park, four miles from the south coast.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14The village serves up all the amenities they could ask for
0:09:14 > 0:09:18and has a parish church whose tower dates back to the 14th century.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22Among the grand Victorian properties occupying a prime spot
0:09:22 > 0:09:24on the outlying edges is our first property
0:09:24 > 0:09:27which comes with fabulous views.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Right, in you come.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- What do you think of this, then? - Wow!- Wow!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- Cor blimey!- Blimey, that's exciting!
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- It's amazing!- I'm impressed. - At the moment, it looks stunning.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- I'm knocked out.- If your friends and family turned up...
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- They'd be amazed. - They'd look for the butler!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47It does have servants' quarters in it!
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- Really?- No servants at the moment, but you get the idea.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- It's a big, substantial family home. - It looks fantastic.- Brilliant.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Let's see if you think it's brilliant inside.
0:09:58 > 0:10:04I'm hoping the classical proportions and features inside this Victorian villa will knock them for six.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Wow!
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- It's terrific. - The staircase is original.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- You have some lovely features.- Yes.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17- They get better as we go through. - Can't wait.- Follow me. Look at this.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Wow!- Yeah?- Look at the view!
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Amazing.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- You wanted light.- Yeah, this is lovely.- Can't get much more light.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- It's sweet, isn't it? - This is a lovely room.
0:10:31 > 0:10:37- Fireplace is original.- Yeah. - It's unusual because you've got the window above the fireplace.- Unusual.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- Absolutely. It's beautiful. - Beautiful.
0:10:40 > 0:10:47- It has the addition of this garden room, which I think works quite well.- It's lovely, isn't it?
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- That is nice.- You've got the views out all over.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- Yeah. This is lovely.- You can make of this what you will.
0:10:54 > 0:11:00- A music room...- It would be a lovely counselling room.- Good idea. It would be a lovely music room.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05- You're saying a counselling room. - Yeah.- It would be a joint room.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09I'd have to move all my gear out every time she's has a session!
0:11:09 > 0:11:14We've only just scratched the surface as next door there's a generous study
0:11:14 > 0:11:16which one of them could claim as theirs.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Let's see the splendour in the dining room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- There we are. A bit of opulence for you. They've set the table.- Yes.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- That's lovely. - Another nice fireplace.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- A big room.- The nice thing about these houses
0:11:30 > 0:11:35is that they were designed with dining and entertainment in mind.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39That was the Victorian thing. See the little door in the corner?
0:11:39 > 0:11:44There used to be a dumb waiter that would operate downstairs.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- Wow.- It's not there any more, but that's the old vestige of it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52- Very nice, yes.- We can begin to see life coming together here. - Definitely.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Is this a surprise, Alan? - A big surprise, actually.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02After the grandeur we've seen so far, the more functional areas include a handy utility room
0:12:02 > 0:12:04and a downstairs shower room.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07But they may find that the kitchen brings them back down to earth.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Now, for such a big house... - A small kitchen.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It is quite a small kitchen. The reason being,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17that most of the cooking would have happened underneath us.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21So in more recent years, it's been brought up
0:12:21 > 0:12:24in the way that we would all have now, without servants.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- But in terms of kitchen, would this work?- Yeah,
0:12:29 > 0:12:34- but it's not really the kitchen/dining room I was hoping for.- That's the compromise.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36It is a bit of a compromise.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40Hopefully, it'll be a compromise that Pat's happy to consider
0:12:40 > 0:12:42after she's seen what's on offer upstairs.
0:12:42 > 0:12:47Along with a lavish family bathroom are four bedrooms including a bright, spacious double
0:12:47 > 0:12:49and another double with a feature fireplace.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55The third has light streaming in but let's see if the main bedroom makes a grand impression.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Mmm! Nice!- Wow! Nice. - It's a nice room, isn't it?
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Good size.- What we haven't got is an en-suite.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- I know it's something you'd like. - It would be nice.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09- But I guess most of the time it's just you two.- Yeah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12It would be nice, but it's not a deal-breaker.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- As a room, I think it's lovely. - It's a lovely big room.
0:13:15 > 0:13:21It's an amazing home, it just feels very large to me, compared to what we've been living in.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24We're trying to downsize a bit, and it's huge!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- But it certainly is a lovely house. - Good.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- But we have to think about the heating bills.- Yeah, OK,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34there are bills to be paid and you've got to afford it.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39Now, we've talked about the ground floor, the basement floor, if you like.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41- That's the annexe.- Ah.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Right.- That's your income. - I see where you're going.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- Could pay for the heating bills! - Come and take a look. It's huge.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52We're testing the water with this house,
0:13:52 > 0:13:56but if they want an annexe, there will always need to be a bit of give and take.
0:13:56 > 0:14:02Served by its own entrance, the annexe is on the lower level and built into the hillside,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06benefiting from a fine bay window which makes the most of that view.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Leading off the hallway is a lovely large sitting room
0:14:09 > 0:14:11with a working fireplace.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16Along with a guest bedroom, there's a dressing room and serviceable bathroom.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19So now we've got to grips with the property,
0:14:19 > 0:14:21let's explore outside.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26You get quite an imposing view of the house.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- This is the annexe floor. - Good grief.- Huge, isn't it?- Yes.
0:14:31 > 0:14:36- It is huge.- Then the whole thing wiggles through this terraced pathway.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It's your own woodland walk!
0:14:41 > 0:14:45The terraced garden comes in at around quarter of an acre.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48The pathway snakes down the hillside and is flanked on either side
0:14:48 > 0:14:51by a variety of mature trees and shrubs.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54But what's the price to be paid for all of this?
0:14:54 > 0:14:59OK. Here we are at the bottom of your winding terraced garden.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- It's quite a journey, once you get here.- Yes.- Very extensive.- Yeah.
0:15:03 > 0:15:09There we are. Property number one. Let's put you out of your misery and talk about what it's worth.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Boy, that is a difficult one.- Hmm.
0:15:12 > 0:15:19- I reckon this must be 460. - I'll be optimistic and say 450.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23450. As well you should be. Cos it's £450,000.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Well done.- Yeah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- It was on the market for more than that.- Brilliant value.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32It's been reduced so you're getting a lot for your money.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Go and explore.- OK.- I'll catch up later.- Let's have a look.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Bang on budget at £450,000, this fabulous Victorian villa
0:15:45 > 0:15:49certainly gives them enough space and a wealth of period features.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01A charming terraced garden with views and country walks on the doorstep.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03All within easy reach of a popular village.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07When we first got in front of the property, I was amazed.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13It looked so big that it didn't seem possible that it was going to be the whole lot.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Inside was beautiful. It was lovely.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19The annexe was smashing. It was very roomy.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The Victorian features were amazing.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24The high ceilings were amazing.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29But overall, I began to feel that this would be too large a house for us.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33We're rattling around a little bit in our house at home as it is,
0:16:33 > 0:16:37and we'd be rattling around even more in a place of this size.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Right, chaps. Out you come.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Yes.- The end of our first property. - Yes.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- It's getting quite exciting, isn't it?- Yes.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Wonder what else we can find you?
0:17:01 > 0:17:06Devon's landscape has long been regarded as one of its most important assets
0:17:06 > 0:17:11with over half of the countryside and coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14The south is characterised by river estuaries
0:17:14 > 0:17:18along which fishing communities and ports of trade have developed.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Marking the start of the Jurassic Coast, the Exe estuary
0:17:22 > 0:17:25runs from Exmouth inland to the pretty town of Topsham,
0:17:25 > 0:17:27the main port to Exeter.
0:17:27 > 0:17:32By the mid-16th century, it was the second busiest in the UK, rivalling London.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36A fine assortment of quirky architecture survives from that time.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41So, earlier in the week, Alan and Pat met up with local resident Steve Garratt
0:17:41 > 0:17:43to find out more about the town's heritage.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47This is the old part of Topsham, here, The Strand.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51The houses here look more like you'd find in Amsterdam than Devon.
0:17:51 > 0:17:56That has its origins in 15th- and 16th-century England
0:17:56 > 0:18:00when this was a bustling place with a lot of trade going on with Holland.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05It was mostly textiles and cotton being exported from here over to the continent.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08These houses were built for the wealthy Dutch merchants.
0:18:08 > 0:18:14The ships would come up here, laden with ballast of bricks, which they'd dump in the river behind us.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18They'd dump the bricks in the water and load up with their cargo to take back.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22The townsfolk quickly realised this was a wealth of building materials
0:18:22 > 0:18:26so they salvaged the bricks from the river and built these houses
0:18:26 > 0:18:28for the Dutch.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Further along, it wasn't just textiles we used to export.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34We used to send people to Australia from here!
0:18:34 > 0:18:38At the end of The Strand is a shop that used to be the old town jail.
0:18:38 > 0:18:44People would be locked up in there, then loaded on the ships and ferried off to Australia to the colonies.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- Start playing cricket!- Yeah!
0:18:47 > 0:18:52Topsham's situation on the estuary has given rise to more than a rich history.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58Its wetlands serve as a vital habitat for a huge range of wading and migrating birds
0:18:58 > 0:19:03and as a result they've been designated as a protected site of international importance.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08As Pat and Alan are avid bird watchers, Steve is giving them an insight into the area.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13So the birds have come to feed off the mud?
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Yes, it's so thick and nutritious,
0:19:16 > 0:19:22a university somewhere did a study on it and measured the calorific value of the mud.
0:19:22 > 0:19:26They reckoned that a cubic foot of mud here has the same calorific value
0:19:26 > 0:19:31with all the micro-organisms in it, that it equated to a chocolate bar!
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Just over on the mud there, that bunch of black-tailed godwits
0:19:36 > 0:19:39are what makes the estuary of particular interest.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42If you get more than 300 of them in any one place,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45then it's designated as an area of international interest.
0:19:45 > 0:19:51Here on the Exe, though, we get over 3,000 spread around in groups of 100 at a time.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54They make the estuary interesting to bird watchers.
0:19:54 > 0:20:00As amateur ornithologists, Alan and Pat know it's the early bird that catches the worm.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And with property in Devon in such high demand,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06let's hope we can unearth their perfect property.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Our house search continues half an hour's drive inland
0:20:16 > 0:20:18close to the village of Sampford Courtenay.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23With a population of 500, this idyllic village is teeming with thatched buildings
0:20:23 > 0:20:27including the local pub, and a variety of other period properties.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Just outside the village is our second offering.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Crunch, crunch, crunch!
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- What do you think? - This looks lovely.- Lovely.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Doesn't it? That looks really nice. - Very different to our first property.- Yes.
0:20:41 > 0:20:48Victorian grandeur, if you like. This is classic Devon cottage,
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- albeit in a barn conversion. - It looks really nice, much more me.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Really? How about Alan? - Much more me, as well.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- Really?- Great.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Let's go in!- Let's have a look.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04There's no doubt the style of this barn conversion really appeals to them.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08I have high hopes that our first room will set Pat's hopes soaring.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Come on in, Pat.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- Lovely! Wow!- Oh, fabulous. - How fantastic!
0:21:14 > 0:21:18This is lovely. Really is lovely.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Just what you always wanted. - Super, isn't it? Yeah, really nice.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- It's taken your breath away a bit. - Yeah, you've done well here, Jules.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29This is lovely.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32You know, it is gorgeous. But what do you particularly love?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36It's just a really nice feel to it.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37A really good feel to it.
0:21:37 > 0:21:42And it's big and spacious. It just feels really nice.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44It's a brilliant kitchen/diner.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- It's a great space.- Lovely space.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51It's not a huge barn conversion, but it is a barn conversion with a real cottage feel.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- We don't need huge.- No?- No.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- Maybe last time our property was too big.- Yeah.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- We're only little, aren't we? - Only little.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06The good news is there is a bit more to it. Have a look at this through here.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11Next door has a similarly light, airy feel, but with the warm touch they're after.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- Oh, yes.- Very nice.- We could spend a few cosy evenings here!
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- And that will belt out the heat. - Oh, yeah.- I'd imagine so.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23- You've got this nice vaulting which continues from the kitchen.- Lovely.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27So far, so good on the second property. Come on, follow me.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28Yeah.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32The manageable size and clean lines of this barn conversion
0:22:32 > 0:22:33have won them over so far.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38At the other end of the property is a downstairs bathroom and two of the four bedrooms,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42one of which could serve as Pat's counselling room,
0:22:42 > 0:22:44another could be Alan's music room.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47But we'll head upstairs and see what they make of the master.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Gosh!
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Yeah.- Now we're talking!
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- En-suite.- En-suite as well. - Very nice.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- What about the shape? - Very strange.- It's lovely!
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Very nice.- Absolutely lovely.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- The building at this end is made of cob.- Yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10Very common material here in Devon. It's a mix of mud and straw.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Hence the walls are very, very wide
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- and at this end it's curved.- Yes.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20- Which is why you've got this curious roof arrangement.- It's lovely. - Lovely.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Presumably it's well insulated in winter?
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Yes, it's very, very good.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- That is really, really nice.- Yeah?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Yeah, very quirky. Just right.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34At the other end of the landing, the fourth bedroom would make a good guest room.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39Looks like our barn conversion has served up the perfect mix of character and space,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42providing a great low-maintenance option.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46Outside is a useful double garage, next to which is a large lawned area
0:23:46 > 0:23:50which gives Pat ample scope to create her vegetable patch.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56Just a few steps along the country lane, this cottage garden complete with summer house
0:23:56 > 0:23:59is a real oasis of calm and runs down to the River Tor.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03But before we get carried away, it's time for some straight talking.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05- Beautiful, isn't it?- Beautiful.- So.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- Very nice.- How much do you want it?
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Yes, you know what's coming next. How much is it worth?
0:24:12 > 0:24:16This is a seriously interesting property. I think it's up for 375.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20I'm going to be dead cheeky and say about 340.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- Bit of a difference, there.- Yes.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- There is a difference.- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27375 would be fair enough. It's your lucky day, madam.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32- This is £340,000.- No! You're joking. - You've done it again!- Done it again.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- That's amazing. That's good. - Have you been looking at my notes? - No, I haven't!
0:24:39 > 0:24:44This is £340,000. It's at the lower end of what you want to spend.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47But what we haven't got for you is the holiday annexe.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51But you don't need it because we are saving you 100 grand.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55You've got plenty of money left over to make this place your own.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- Good.- It's a nice one, isn't it? - It's lovely.- Lovely.- Lovely.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Good way to end the day.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- On a high.- Yes.- Certainly.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Go and explore. Go and look at the river down there. Through that gate.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09- That way.- OK.- I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20On the market at £340,000, our barn conversion is so generously under budget
0:25:20 > 0:25:24they could forget the holiday annexe as a source of extra income.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38When we first arrived and I saw the property,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40it looked really nice.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41I was quite pleased.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44It did look very much my kind of thing.
0:25:44 > 0:25:49We went indoors, straight into the kitchen. It was lovely.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53Inside, lots of nice curves in the walls.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Quite quirky, which is one of the things we were looking for.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01Plenty of space. Nice high ceilings and beams.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04And nicely decorated throughout.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07My only concern is that it is quite remote.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10We need to look around and see how far the village is,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12if there's any community life there.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Would you need all these beds?
0:26:14 > 0:26:19I think probably I would start to cut some of these beds back.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- Ooh, cutting back, replanning. It's all good!- I know.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- This has worked for you, hasn't it? - It has.- It's lovely.- Excellent.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28I'll drag you away before it gets dark.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44So as the sun sets over the Devon countryside,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47it marks the end of our first day's property search.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Armed with a £450,000 budget,
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Pat and Alan want to escape the hubbub of Welwyn Garden City
0:27:03 > 0:27:07and carve out a peaceful existence for themselves in rural Devon.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Although they're entertaining the idea of taking on a holiday let,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13they loved our second property which was solely a home for them.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Wow!
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Our mystery house could give them two for one, but do they have the vision?
0:27:19 > 0:27:24It has a potential, without a doubt. It's just seeing that potential at the moment.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Well, as you can probably tell, it's a very misty and chilly start
0:27:30 > 0:27:32to our final day's house-hunting here in Devon.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36Our first property yesterday may have been too big
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and our second one may have been too rural for Alan.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44So for our mystery house, our final property, we need to strike a happy balance between the two.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I think it does.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51For our mystery house, we're staying in Sampford Courtenay
0:27:51 > 0:27:54but we're going right to the heart of the village.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58It's all beautifully preserved with a strong sense of community
0:27:58 > 0:28:00which our mystery property is at the heart of.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03This cottage gives them a great option to downsize
0:28:03 > 0:28:05but there's definitely work to be done.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08However, it does give generously in other ways
0:28:08 > 0:28:11which can be best appreciated from round the back.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14Turn round
0:28:14 > 0:28:16and survey the scene.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18- Wow.- Wow.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21I thought we'd start up here on this one.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25We usually start at the front of our properties, but the key to this one
0:28:25 > 0:28:26is what it's got.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29I think it's important we set that out to start with.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- What you get is that building down there.- Yeah.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37It's semi-detached, so your bit is effectively the rendered area to the left
0:28:37 > 0:28:40and what's above it, and the garage, the yard,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- and that annexe there. - Oh, that comes with it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- That comes with it.- It looks lovely.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47- Yeah. It looks lovely. - Very exciting.
0:28:47 > 0:28:54- Now, in fairness, whilst the annexe is all done, the house does need... - Some work.- ..some work.- OK.
0:28:54 > 0:29:00- All right?- Is it pick-axe work? - It needs...- You never use a pick-axe in the house, dear.
0:29:00 > 0:29:05It needs a lot of updating, shall we say. I think that's fair to say.
0:29:05 > 0:29:11- Open-minded?- Yeah.- You may have to bend your minds to more of a project than we'd considered.- OK.
0:29:13 > 0:29:19We'll explore the project that comes with the house later. First, I'll whet their appetite with the annexe.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Let's start in here.
0:29:21 > 0:29:27This is the living/dining area of your annexe.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- Nice.- Yeah?- Very nice.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31- Nice kitchen.- It is nicely done.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35- A few little quirks like a built-in slim-line dishwasher.- Lovely.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40- Lovely worktops.- Oak floors. Doors out to what could be a nice patio.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44I can imagine with a bit of dressing you could put your mark on this
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and make it a very warm place for clients to come to.
0:29:47 > 0:29:54It's lovely. I'd be thrilled if I came here as a holiday let. I'd be really pleased.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Smashing. - It's been very nicely done.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00I can see this being very lettable.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06Down the hallway is a well furnished shower room and double guest bedroom.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10Happily, the agree this annexe has holiday let potential.
0:30:10 > 0:30:16So now we'll cross the yard and get to grips with the project the mystery house has in store.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19- Grab the door, Alan.- Sure.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Follow me across here.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- It's very cosy, isn't it? - Very cosy, isn't it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:30It's not the huge kitchen/diner that you wanted.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35Certainly it's functional enough that you could basically move in
0:30:35 > 0:30:38and then start thinking about how to go about it.
0:30:38 > 0:30:45- Cos you could always bunk up in the annexe.- Course you could.- Yes. - For a few months while you do it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- Very good idea. - Absolutely no problem.
0:30:48 > 0:30:53There's this area through here. The dining bit of what's on offer.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56With that range in the fireplace.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- A nice little bread oven tucked away in the corner.- Oh, wow.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Some nice features in there which would be nice to reveal again.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08- Absolutely. - Relocate that sort of that way.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Somewhere, yes.- I would suggest.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- It's a big job. It's a big reconstruction.- It is,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17but it's one of those things, once you've done it, you've done it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:22- Yeah.- I think the reward, in having done it, and made it your own,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24is what it's all about, really.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26Of course. Absolutely.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28- Alan's nodding sagely!- Yes!
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Pat's the artist, the artistic person amongst us.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- I'd get an architect in, actually. - You would, would you?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38The living room is less of a challenge. Have a look.
0:31:38 > 0:31:44- An office arrangement there, another door out.- That's nice. - Handy.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47This is the bit that really works for me,
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- down here.- Nice big room. - Good size. Nice and square.
0:31:50 > 0:31:51Hmm.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- "Hmm".- It's a nice change after the kitchen and dining room.
0:31:54 > 0:32:01- Yes.- My concern is that the levels are dropping, as they did in our first property.- Yes.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06You showed us the best bit first, of course. The annexe, lovely.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- I did warn you.- Yes, you did.- Yes.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13It has a potential, without a doubt. It's just seeing that potential at the moment.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18Bear in mind, guys, not only are we trying to downsize for you,
0:32:18 > 0:32:23we're also playing with your budget in a very popular part of the country.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- You're asking for quite a lot.- Yeah.
0:32:26 > 0:32:32- There are going to have to be not just compromises but areas of real effort.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34To turn a property around to make it your own.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39- Yeah. Ideal location.- Yeah. - Lovely annexe.- Yeah.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- It's what it's about.- It's this section we have to think about.
0:32:41 > 0:32:47I imagine they would also want to put their decorative mark on the three bedrooms upstairs.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50One a cosy double, along with a good-sized single
0:32:50 > 0:32:54with storage cupboards, and the third just big enough for a bed.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59Although turning this house into something that will suit them may seem a daunting task,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01the outside space is impressively large
0:33:01 > 0:33:07with an array of lawned areas and a substantial vegetable plot for Pat to cultivate.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13At the top of the hill, the land flattens out to give them a huge two-acre field.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17Our mystery house throws a host of unexpected elements into the mix.
0:33:17 > 0:33:18But at what price?
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Question is, how much do you want it?
0:33:22 > 0:33:26- Yes, how much.- Or how much would it have to be to persuade you to buy it?
0:33:26 > 0:33:28That's the other way of putting it.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32I think I would say it may be on the market for...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35And I'm waiting to hear Jules gasp!
0:33:35 > 0:33:36..375.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41It's actually what I was going to say. But I can't say the same,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44so I'll go lower than you and say 365.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46365. 375.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49- You have done it again! - She hasn't!- I've not!
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- This is embarrassing.- It's on the market for £375,000.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- I've watched too many of your programmes!- We've never had anybody get it right three times in a row!
0:33:58 > 0:34:03- Amazing.- Yes, £375,000.- Yes.- That does leave a lot in the budget.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Doesn't it.- That's the last of the house tours.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09This is perhaps the most challenging of the three.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- But think about location.- Yes.
0:34:11 > 0:34:17- It is an ideal location.- Think about the money you've got to spend to make it your own building.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18- Yeah.- Yes.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22- Off you go.- All right. - I'll catch up with you later. - We'll have a rummage.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24A rummage, indeed!
0:34:26 > 0:34:32Priced at £375,000, our mystery cottage not only offers them an option to downsize,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35but leaves plenty in the pot for the project.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37There are also the appealing pluses:
0:34:47 > 0:34:50All wrapped up in a very desirable village location.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55The annexe was terrific. Absolutely spot-on.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00That would also offer us accommodation if we took the house on
0:35:00 > 0:35:01and did the renovation.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05We could live there whilst we were renovating it.
0:35:05 > 0:35:10Half the package I'm very impressed with, the plot and the annexe.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13The house I'm not too sure about.
0:35:13 > 0:35:19I can't really envisage how it would look as a finished product after all the work had been done.
0:35:19 > 0:35:25So to that extent I'm a bit confused, I would say.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28- OK, chaps, out you come.- Yeah.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- That was the mystery house. - That was the milk.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Have you had a plan and a think?
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- Yes.- We certainly have, yes.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It does take quite a bit of thinking.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40- I'd have to get that architect in. - It's a real mystery house.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Good. We've given you lots to consider over the last few days.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Let's get you somewhere where you can mull it all over.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- We'll have a chat. Come on.- Lovely.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Castle Drogo's magnificent standing
0:36:03 > 0:36:07makes it the only Grade I listed 20th-century building in Devon.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Its founder, Julius Drewe, wanted to display not only his wealth,
0:36:11 > 0:36:15but his aristocratic aspirations for the family name.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20The result was a 20th-century palace that combines the grandeur of a medieval castle
0:36:20 > 0:36:25with designs for the modern era, pioneered by the great British architect, Edwin Lutyens.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29I'm meeting Bryon Mason who, as house and collections manager,
0:36:29 > 0:36:31knows all about Drewe's vision.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Tell me a bit more about Julius Drewe. He sounds fascinating.
0:36:34 > 0:36:40Yes, a really interesting man. He started out working as a tea buyer in China.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42That was his family business.
0:36:42 > 0:36:49But in 1878, he and his business partner set up what became known as the Home and Colonial Stores.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52That became a chain of shops all over the country,
0:36:52 > 0:36:53immensely successful,
0:36:53 > 0:36:59and he sold the shares for £1 million
0:36:59 > 0:37:02and decided to retire at the grand old age of 33!
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Drewe made his wealth on the back of the British Empire,
0:37:05 > 0:37:08a time of great national confidence.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12His drive was to build an everlasting residence for his future family.
0:37:12 > 0:37:17The 100 rooms inside continue Lutyens' modern take on the medieval theme.
0:37:17 > 0:37:22It's said he had an army of 100 stonemasons fashioning these granite stones by hand.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Now, Lutyens may have kept to crisp, clean lines,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31but he did have fun with his architectural styles,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33employing them to great effect in the library.
0:37:33 > 0:37:39The intention was to make it feel like the Norman keep of this castle.
0:37:39 > 0:37:45So there's a huge fireplace. The bookcases are intentionally made
0:37:45 > 0:37:49to look like they've been inserted into this arch at a later date.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Of course, it all happened consecutively
0:37:51 > 0:37:53and is completely intentional.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57It's a reflection of Lutyens' genius as an architect
0:37:57 > 0:38:02that he could create a castle that looks like a fortress from the outside
0:38:02 > 0:38:05but inside it's this warm, comfortable family home.
0:38:05 > 0:38:11Lutyens' trick of suggesting that different parts of the castle were built at different periods
0:38:11 > 0:38:14led him to create a drawing room in the Georgian style,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17befitting the ladies who would gather here after dinner.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21This is Frances's domain, who was Julius's wife.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25We have a beautiful portrait of her over the fireplace.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30But looking after this must be quite extraordinary. Is it in good shape?
0:38:30 > 0:38:34In some ways. It's a very robust building, built of granite.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39However, it is a building that comes with its own particular set of problems.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43And Julius Drewe insisted that because he was having a real castle,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45it had to have a flat roof.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50Lutyens, as a good architect, tried to persuade him not to have a flat roof.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54But Drewe had his way and we have a flat roof
0:38:54 > 0:38:57which basically doesn't work.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01The technology of the time wasn't up to the challenge
0:39:01 > 0:39:04of creating a flat roof on the middle of Dartmoor
0:39:04 > 0:39:06in the kind of weather that we have.
0:39:06 > 0:39:11Technology has finally caught up with the great Lutyens
0:39:11 > 0:39:15and an £11 million restoration project is due to start in 2012,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18which will hopefully preserve this unique building
0:39:18 > 0:39:21so it may age gracefully for generations to come.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29Well, there's no doubt we've given Pat and Alan a fantastic range of options
0:39:29 > 0:39:31to meet their property requirements.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35But have we got them any closer to finding their dream home in the country?
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Let's go and ask them.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45Well, guys, this is our final conversation of the week. How have you found it?
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Excellent. - It's been a wonderful journey.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50We've had a brilliant time.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53The question is, have we managed to find you your new dream house?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Let's recap on the properties we've looked at.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00We started with that lovely Victorian villa set high on the hill
0:40:00 > 0:40:03with its holiday annexe set underneath it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05That was fantastic, wasn't it?
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It was beautiful. It was really elegant. The rooms were tall with high ceilings.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Victorian features.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16- But I also felt that we'd be rattling around in it. - Too large for us.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21OK. Then we took you from Victorian grandeur
0:40:21 > 0:40:23to cosy barn conversion.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27- You said, if I remember rightly, "This is more me."- Yes.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Absolutely. It was much more me.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- You felt that, too.- It was more me, as well.- Yeah.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35That was really nice. It was lovely and light.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- It was a lovely big space. - High ceilings.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Beams. The property was fine.
0:40:41 > 0:40:47But the location we thought was just a bit too rural for us.
0:40:47 > 0:40:53That led us nicely on to our final day and to our mystery house
0:40:53 > 0:40:56- which certainly had lots of neighbours on offer.- Absolutely.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- A beautiful village.- Now, then.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03We started with the holiday annexe that came with it,
0:41:03 > 0:41:06- which you seemed to like. - It was very well done.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08I thought it was very lettable.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- Yes.- It would have been fine. - Yes, it was lovely.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14But I did warn you that the house did need a bit of imagination.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- Yes.- You weren't exaggerating there!
0:41:18 > 0:41:21I wasn't exaggerating in some respects,
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- given that you want a big kitchen/diner and so forth.- Yes.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Now, when I revealed the price to you, 375,
0:41:28 > 0:41:31you certainly did have the money to do it.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33So would you do it?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- I'm doubtful.- I don't know.
0:41:36 > 0:41:42Are you still convinced that the idea of spending up to £450,000
0:41:42 > 0:41:47on a property with a holiday let is the way you want to go?
0:41:47 > 0:41:54I don't think we want to compromise the house for the sake of an annexe.
0:41:54 > 0:42:01So we're going to stay with the 350 and start really looking for the right property for us.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03- I think we have shown you the range of options.- Yes.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07It's redefined your focus. I'm delighted that's the case.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- I'm very glad we've seen those properties.- Yes.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- They were all very interesting. - It was good to see the ones with the annexe
0:42:14 > 0:42:18and for us to understand that actually the property is a priority.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Maybe we're clouding the issue by looking at both.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- I thought that might happen.- Yes. - But I couldn't say it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Guys, very best of luck with your house search.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- Enjoy your retirement.- Thank you.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- And let us know how you get on. - Thank you so much.- Thank you. - It was brilliant.
0:42:40 > 0:42:45When we set out with Pat and Alan, in some ways we had two house searches to consider.
0:42:45 > 0:42:50But as they've realised, trying to find a house with an annexe in the right location
0:42:50 > 0:42:56for their maximum budget of £450,000 has proved to be something of a tall order.
0:42:56 > 0:42:57So their house search goes on.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02But it'll be much simpler. They'll be looking for a home first and a business second.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04See you next time!
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