0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, I'm with Uncle Tom Cobley on our way to a world famous fair,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08a journey immortalised in a folk song.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But, as you can see, we are not alone. With us is:
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Bill Brewer.- Jan Stewart. - Peter Gurney.- Peter Davy. - Dan'l Whiddon.- Harry Hawke.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19All in tow. Gentlemen, which way to the fair?
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Let's get going. Come on!
0:00:36 > 0:00:42On today's show, we'll be meeting a couple of high-flying entrepreneurs,
0:00:42 > 0:00:46looking to trade in London's commuter belt for a new rural venture.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50And we have some rather attractive proposals to tempt them.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51- Very pretty.- Beautiful!
0:00:51 > 0:00:53We'll be getting all clairvoyant.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- You read my mind.- Really?- Yeah.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And we'll also be getting up close and personal.
0:00:59 > 0:01:04- It just kind of has a hug-around feel.- Ah!
0:01:06 > 0:01:11Today, I'm in Devon, and we're on our way to the famous Widecombe Fair.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Thankfully, Tom Pearce's old grey mare has made the journey,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21and like the horse in the famous song that took ill en route and died.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23The first record of the song appeared in the 1850s,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27but it probably dates back to the mid-1700s,
0:01:27 > 0:01:32when local farmer Tom Cobley lived in the nearby parish,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37and there's no doubt he would have been all along, down along, out along lee
0:01:37 > 0:01:40to this most traditional Devonshire fair.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46The annual Widecombe Fair has grown from a simple 19th-century livestock market
0:01:46 > 0:01:49into today's renowned West Country extravaganza.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55Lying in the south-west of England, Devon boasts two separate coastlines
0:01:55 > 0:01:59and is bordered by Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Agriculture has always been a mainstay of the county's economy,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06But in contrast to the rural farming scenery,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10the golden sands and pebble beaches of the many seaside resorts
0:02:10 > 0:02:13and the rugged and wild natural parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor,
0:02:13 > 0:02:16are just some of the natural beauties here
0:02:16 > 0:02:20that provide a real draw for Devon's ever-growing tourist trade.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26And for those lucky enough to call this county home all year round,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28community spirit is flourishing.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Villages here have the highest proportion
0:02:31 > 0:02:34of local butchers and farm shops in the country.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39And with wonderful rolling green pastures and rich, fertile soil,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43it's no surprise that Devonians prefer to keep it local.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53But it's not just a great place to buy a lamb shank.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57According to a recent survey by the Audit Commission,
0:02:57 > 0:03:0188% of residents of Devon are happy with where they live.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07Perhaps that is why detached house prices here are 16% above the national average.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10£302,000 for your typical home.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14But there is a lot of ground to cover in this county.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19So it's worth taking a look at what's on offer. You never know what might be round the corner.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22If you have £500,000 to spend,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24you could be fortunate enough
0:03:24 > 0:03:28to stumble upon this delightful 17th-century
0:03:28 > 0:03:32five-bedroomed, thatched property, tucked outside the village of Offwell.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35The living areas feature a large kitchen-breakfast room,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39a handsome oak-panelled dining room, and the immaculate grounds
0:03:39 > 0:03:42extend to a quarter of an acre.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Or, situated on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park,
0:03:46 > 0:03:50how about this semi-detached converted barn in Crapstone?
0:03:50 > 0:03:52For a guide price of £350,000,
0:03:52 > 0:03:56this three-bedroomed stone house has two reception rooms
0:03:56 > 0:04:00and the kitchen boasts breath-taking rural views.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06Lastly, this listed end-of-terrace thatched cottage in Morchard Bishop has a price tag
0:04:06 > 0:04:10of £250,000. It comes with three bedrooms,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13a modern kitchen with island,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and a feature stone fireplace in the main living room.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23There's definitely a great choice of properties around here.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29So let's meet today's buyers, who want a piece of Devon on their doorstep.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35Successful businesswoman Florence, and husband Terry, a recently retired car restorer,
0:04:35 > 0:04:41have lived in this large five-bedroomed detached house in Chorleywood for the past 20 years.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44With Florence having the flexibility to work from home,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47they no longer need to live so close to the M25.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51So, the focus is on a new country life in Devon.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56This fit, active couple even have their own personal trainer,
0:04:56 > 0:04:58and by no means do they intend on slowing down.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00We love to travel.
0:05:00 > 0:05:05Age-wise we are getting on. We know we have maybe another ten years of really good travel,
0:05:05 > 0:05:11where we can really do the things we want to, where we can ski, scuba and be active.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14We want to step up the pace of that over the next few years.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19They've invested a lot of time and money creating their present dream pad.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22So what are their hopes for their Devon home?
0:05:22 > 0:05:26Minimum four bedrooms - two to use as bedrooms, two as offices.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32I've got to have something with a really big - preferably done - big, kitchen-diner,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35family room, all open-plan.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Or the ability, if there is just a wall in the way, to get it out quickly.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Yes, I've been involved in cars my entire working life.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Now I've retired I don't want to stop doing that.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49That is why I'm looking for somewhere with suitable premises.
0:05:49 > 0:05:55This place, although it's a good size garage, isn't suitable for doing restoration work.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00I need something like a big barn, maybe 60 by 40 foot,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04to get two or three cars in and open the doors, et cetera.
0:06:04 > 0:06:11They are after large, flexible open-plan spaces inside and out.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13What about the location?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15We want to be away from main roads in the house.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19We don't want neighbours right on top of us, so we can't breathe.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22We want space and land around us.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26We want to have somewhere where there's open spaces,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29you're not hemmed in by a lot of trees,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31so you have views and things like that.
0:06:31 > 0:06:37That is really the ideal. Rural, but edge of a village to get into the local community.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41But it's not just Terry and Florence we need to accommodate.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44One of the important things for both Terry and I is our animals.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48They are our lives. We never had children, but we have animals.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Over the years, we have taken in a lot of rescue animals.
0:06:51 > 0:06:56What we're looking forward to doing is being in a position to do more of that.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01So the engines are revving and Terry, Florence and their pack of pugs
0:07:01 > 0:07:05are ready to accelerate into the next chapter of their lives.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Their house is already on the market for £1.25 million,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12so what is the final figure for the rural relocation?
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Our budget for this move is £650,000.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25This move isn't just about downsizing the house.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28It is also about releasing some equity,
0:07:28 > 0:07:32so Terry and Florence can have some fantastic holidays.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34So we'd better stick to that budget,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37otherwise those scuba diving lessons are off.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43For £650,000, we should get close to what they are after.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46But they do have a rather exacting list of requirements.
0:07:46 > 0:07:51Those views and the huge workshop... Well, they come at a price.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Florence and Terry want to avoid the tourist areas near the coast.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00So we'll be taking them inland
0:08:00 > 0:08:03to the rural villages surrounding Dartmoor National Park.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06All with good road links for Florence's business needs.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10We have a great selection of properties to show them,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14but I'll keep my lips sealed as to their value.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18To top it off, there's the mystery house, which could give them
0:08:18 > 0:08:21more country living than they ever bargained for.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- Terry and Florence, welcome to Devon, are you looking forward to it?- Yes!- Absolutely.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Why this county?
0:08:32 > 0:08:36Well, Terry retired a year and a half ago,
0:08:36 > 0:08:40we were tied to London before, now we can move where we want.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43We've been looking down the M5 corridor, starting at Somerset,
0:08:43 > 0:08:48- working down to Devon, and decided it looked really lovely down here. - You live,
0:08:48 > 0:08:50at the moment, in a spectacular house,
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- which you want to sell as quickly as possible?- Ideally.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- The budget? Still around £650,000?- Yep.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02It's pretty flexible - a bit up or down for the right house.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- Great!- We'd look at a project.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07So we're very flexible on what we are looking for.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10We can't forget your dogs. You love your animals.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14We have four dogs and three cats. We will definitely have more when we move down
0:09:14 > 0:09:17cos we do rescue a lot of animals.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Maybe if we get the outside, we'll have donkeys or something else.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26- Well! You have it all planned out? - Hopefully so! We have to find the house first.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31We have three amazing properties for you to see, including, of course, the mystery house.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- So, while the sun is still shining, shall we get going? - Absolutely.- Sounds good.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43With a budget of £650,000, give or take,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Terry and Florence want a detached character home
0:09:46 > 0:09:49with four bedrooms which can incorporate two offices,
0:09:49 > 0:09:54an open-plan kitchen and living area to share with their four dogs and three cats.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Outside, they are after a large garden
0:09:56 > 0:09:58with a barn for Terry's workshop.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00The icing on the cake will be
0:10:00 > 0:10:02far-reaching country views.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08Our first destination is just outside the north-western boundaries
0:10:08 > 0:10:10of the Dartmoor National Park,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13tucked in the rural outskirts of Sourton.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17The nearest village is Bridestowe, surrounded by lush fields
0:10:17 > 0:10:22and has a 13th-century church, a post office and convenience store,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25as well as a couple of pubs.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Just two miles outside the village lies our first house,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31which is a modern, detached country home, built in 2004.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34It replaced a late-Victorian farmhouse,
0:10:34 > 0:10:40which came with grazing rights in the National Park that are still applicable today.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45- What do you think?- It looks good. - Like the surroundings.- Fields. Is that Terry's workshop?
0:10:45 > 0:10:51You're noticing everything, aren't you? There's no stopping you. I'm loving the energy.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Come on, then, first impressions on the property. It is a new build.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- It looks good. I want to get over there and have a look out. - You're eager.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01Looks a good size, so, yeah.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04This house does have plenty of potential.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- So let's start the tour.- OK.- OK.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14And in true country tradition, we're bypassing the front door
0:11:14 > 0:11:17and heading for the back entrance.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18Straight into the kitchen.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23It's a new kitchen, done the same time the house was built, around 2004.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Mm-hm.- Now, I can see you're taking it all in?
0:11:27 > 0:11:31I'm just totting up. Yes, a nice big range there.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Plenty of units, double sink
0:11:33 > 0:11:37For most people, this would be a very generous sized kitchen.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39However, we want something a little bit more than that.
0:11:39 > 0:11:45Next door is a generous snug. This, behind us, is a stud wall.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47So you could pull this right out.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51So you'd practically double the footprint of the kitchen.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- And that would be quite easy to do. - Right.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58Incorporating the large family room next door could be a great option
0:11:58 > 0:12:02to achieve that open-plan kitchen/living area they're after.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06But as it stands, the kitchen does flow straight into a large dining room,
0:12:06 > 0:12:08with double doors into the garden.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12And from here, it takes us to the largest reception room.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17- A huge sitting room. - This is nice.- This is good.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19You also have access out to your land,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22and you've got a little verandah-balcony out there.
0:12:22 > 0:12:27This is a nice room. This is a good size room as a snug, a formal lounge, whatever you want to call it.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32And the potential, if you wanted to consider it, of putting a conservatory on the back.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34- You read my mind.- Really?- Yeah.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39With a positive tour of the ground floor under our belts,
0:12:39 > 0:12:44we're heading back to the hallway and upstairs to the three bedrooms on the first floor.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48At the end of the landing there are two bright, comfortable double rooms,
0:12:48 > 0:12:50and a smart family bathroom.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56This is your section, with en suite. The master bedroom.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58This is a nice light, airy room.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02What do you think of this as your master bedroom?
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- Yeah, very nice. Nice big window.- Lovely view.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Fantastic views right round the house.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14- So we've got the three bedrooms up here, but we do have options outside.- Right.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Let's go and take a look.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21Florence and Terry's lists of requirements include four bedrooms,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24two that can be turned into offices.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29So we're one room short so far. That is, until we get outside.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33At the back of the property there's a summer house with electricity and heating,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37which could make a good office, and that just leaves Terry's workshop.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42- Aah!- How is this for a workshop?
0:13:42 > 0:13:48- Oh, wow! Stables, workshop... - This is an amazing space.- Good size.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- You also have the height? - It's perfect.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55Plenty of space. Needs some work to fix it up, but that wouldn't be a problem.
0:13:55 > 0:14:01There's a smaller stable block too, as the current owners keep horses.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07But a serious feature here on the plot must be the grounds attached to the house itself.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10So, plenty of land surrounding us.
0:14:10 > 0:14:16- In total, 20 acres.- 20 acres?- 20!
0:14:16 > 0:14:1820's quite a bit. Where does it go?
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Literally, you can see where... - The tree line is? All up that hill?
0:14:22 > 0:14:25All up that hill, round the back, the back paddock and this one.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Wow!- It's 20 acres in total.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31A bit more than we had in mind. But I guess...
0:14:31 > 0:14:35- Have I got to mow it all?- A sit-down lawnmower. You're going to be busy.
0:14:35 > 0:14:40It would be a question of finding someone who wanted to rent out these paddocks.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Maybe leave this one, but certainly rent all of those out.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47That would be just too much, even if we had a couple of donkeys.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50They don't need 20 acres to roam about in!
0:14:50 > 0:14:52You could get a wildebeest in here!
0:14:52 > 0:14:55You've now got to work out how much it's on the market for.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58You've completely thrown me on the price I was thinking of.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Who wants to go first? - Are you going first, or am I?
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- Yeah, OK.- Go on.- I would guess 650.
0:15:04 > 0:15:11I'm actually going to go under 600. About 595. Maybe I'm totally out, but that's what I'm going to guess.
0:15:11 > 0:15:17You're both out, actually. The asking price is £550,000.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- Ah!- 550?- 550.- Wow!
0:15:19 > 0:15:25Which leaves you plenty of pennies in your budget to make those adjustments,
0:15:25 > 0:15:28to get the inside of the property exactly how you want it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33You have all this land. Again, so many options with those outbuildings for offices, workshops.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- Do you fancy taking another look round?- Yes. - Please help yourself. See you later.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48At a considerable £100,000 under budget,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52the first property is a modern family home with lots of potential.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57The house features three reception rooms and three bedrooms.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02The outbuildings include an office and barn for Terry's classic cars.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05What's more, it comes with a whopping 20 acres
0:16:05 > 0:16:07that they could possibly rent out,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10and grazing rights in Dartmoor National Park.
0:16:10 > 0:16:15This would make an office. We'd need to do something about the light, it's not much natural light.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It might be yours, dear, it wouldn't be mine.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21The price is very good, a lot of land,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23the outside features, everything is there.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25We'd have to do a lot to the house.
0:16:25 > 0:16:32Whether I'm up to the challenge of redoing a house, building half a house, I'm not sure this time.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36The house itself has got huge potential.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40That barn is a tremendous size, and exactly what I'm looking for.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I can feel a spot of rain. We might be getting wet.
0:16:43 > 0:16:44Seen enough? Are you happy?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47We didn't walk the whole of the 20 acres.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Thank goodness. I would have lost you for the rest of the day.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52It seemed to go very well.
0:16:52 > 0:16:57- You're probably not going to give too much away at this moment. Let's hit the road.- OK.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06One of the gems of Devon's landscape must be
0:17:06 > 0:17:10the 368 square miles of rugged wilderness
0:17:10 > 0:17:13that make up Dartmoor National Park.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17But it's agriculture that has shaped much of Dartmoor's environment,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21and 90% of the national park is given over to farming livestock,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24a practice which has existed here for thousands of years.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28We sent Terry and Florence to brave the elements
0:17:28 > 0:17:31at a late-Bronze-Age settlement called Grimspound
0:17:31 > 0:17:36where they met local archaeologist Deborah Griffiths.
0:17:36 > 0:17:41We've got this large area encircled by a massive dry stone wall,
0:17:41 > 0:17:46and in the middle of it, we've got the remains of 24 round stone houses.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50200 years ago, antiquarians looking at this thought
0:17:50 > 0:17:54that it was the druid capital of the south-west,
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and that all sorts of weird things went on here.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01It's called Grimspound because "Grim" is one of the early names for the Devil.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05So they were imagining all sorts of devil worship and the rest of it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- On a day like this you could think, "Yeah"!- It's certainly very grim.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13But actually it was excavated in 1894,
0:18:13 > 0:18:19and they found out, in fact, it's just the village of Bronze Age farmers,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22and those are their various houses. So the Bronze Age farmers
0:18:22 > 0:18:25would have been farming this
0:18:25 > 0:18:28much as today's farmers are, with their animals roaming around,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31grazing on the open moorland.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35The granite tors make modern Dartmoor a haven for climbers.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39But, for the less adventurous, the practice of letterboxing
0:18:39 > 0:18:43is an exciting and mysterious way to explore the moors.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Letterboxers put a notebook and rubber stamp in weatherproof containers,
0:18:47 > 0:18:51which are hidden across Dartmoor, as well as in hotels, shops or pubs.
0:18:51 > 0:18:57So we sent out buyers into the warmth to find out more from enthusiast Roger Poole.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01It started in Dartmoor in the 1800s, so it's been going a long time,
0:19:01 > 0:19:03since Victorian times.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08But it has spread. In most parts of the world, there is a letterbox.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11It might be in an embassy, or up the top of the Alps.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17Once the box has been found, finders collect an imprint of the stamp,
0:19:17 > 0:19:23and then leave their own stamp on the letterbox's visitors book with the date and a short message.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26The boxes are found by learning the coordinates or solving clues,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29by word of mouth, on the internet or in catalogues.
0:19:29 > 0:19:36- Once a year, a catalogue's produced. - That's just letterboxes? - That's just letterboxes, yes.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40- There's a couple of thousand in there.- Just on Dartmoor? - Just on Dartmoor.- Wow!
0:19:40 > 0:19:44Terry and Florence have collected their first stamp,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46but there's still a few thousand to unearth.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51So we'd better help them orienteer their way to a new Devonshire home
0:19:51 > 0:19:53where they can continue the letterbox quest.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02Next off, we're travelling 15 minutes east of our first house,
0:20:02 > 0:20:05to Doddiscombsleigh, a small village situated
0:20:05 > 0:20:09in the picturesque Teign Valley on the eastern edge of Dartmoor.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14The former mining village of Christow is the nearest place to purchase essentials.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18It has a local store, a Post Office and a couple of pubs.
0:20:18 > 0:20:23A mile out of Christow, our second property overlooks the village,
0:20:23 > 0:20:27and is part of a small complex of former farm buildings,
0:20:27 > 0:20:30that have been converted into four residential dwellings.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Very pretty.- Beautiful. - I like the look.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38This was made into a house in 2001, so quite a recent conversion.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41First impressions of the house are good,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44first impressions of the countryside are beautiful.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48The views and the rolling hills - it's lovely.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50- Let's take a look. - OK, great.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56This beautifully converted detached barn is laid out over three storeys,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59and the focus is geared towards the impressive views
0:20:59 > 0:21:02across the surrounding farmland and beyond.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Come on through.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Oh, wow.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Were you expecting this as an entrance?
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Um, I don't know, I'm not sure what I was expecting,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16but it's very interesting.
0:21:16 > 0:21:23- The steps lead straight into an extremely large kitchen.- Ah!
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Now THIS is what I wanted!- Wow, yeah.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Exactly right. - This is brilliant.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34I love the space, love the stone work,
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I can even see where things could go, it's great.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41And if the kitchen wasn't big enough, it leads into a great snug,
0:21:41 > 0:21:44which could also double up as an office.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But it's not the only sitting room in this house.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51So, another very large room.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Wow.- This is nice. - Love the beams.- Love this.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Is this cosy, or what?
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- It feels very cosy.- Yeah, it's the low ceiling, isn't it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03But it's open.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08As you said, love, because of the beams and the lowish ceilings,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12it just sort of kind of has a hug-around feel.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Aw!
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- Can you imagine cosying up in here on a winter's evening?- I can.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21That wraps up the ground-floor living areas,
0:22:21 > 0:22:24but we still have another two levels to explore.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26So, let's see what's upstairs.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30To one end of the long landing, is the family bathroom,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33and two of the three bedrooms.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37There's a double bedroom with exposed feature wall and an en suite,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39as well as a single room.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42But we're heading to the opposite end of the landing.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I want to show you the master bedroom.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47SHE LAUGHS
0:22:47 > 0:22:48Wow!
0:22:48 > 0:22:52Definitely, this has a wow factor in here, there's no doubt about it.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Does this feel right for you, Terry?
0:22:54 > 0:22:55Looks fine to me.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Now, you like your en suites, don't you?- Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Bigger than a postage stamp.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Take a step up there, open that door,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06peek inside and I'll follow you.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Ah-ha!
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Oh, yeah, I think this'll do.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18This is not a "wow", this is an "Oh, my goodness gracious me!"
0:23:18 > 0:23:23'And beyond the large, stylish bathroom, there's more.'
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- A gentleman has to have a shower. - Look at that, not just a shower, a wet room.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- Oh, a wet room!- Fantastic.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30Then turn around...
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- and there's your view.- Ho-ho!
0:23:33 > 0:23:38I certainly didn't expect what we came in to, and I definitely didn't expect this.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41And the surprises aren't over,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44as we've still got another level to investigate.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48So, we'll weave our way back down to the lower-ground floor.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53This property is over numerous levels.
0:23:55 > 0:24:02And in the basement we have the area that could be perfect for office/offices.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I think this is...
0:24:05 > 0:24:09the gym-cum-hobbies room,
0:24:09 > 0:24:13and much as I love that office, because it's open plan,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17I think Terry would end up down here, and I'd have the one upstairs.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Yeah, this is a fantastic room.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23You've also have another bedroom, should you want to leave it as a bedroom,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26which the current owner's using it as - that makes it four.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- I didn't anticipate this, this is really great. - More exposed brickwork, as well.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Let's step outside, because I know the outside space,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37and those views, are very, very important to you.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38OK, great.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46At the back of the barn, a two-vehicle car port sits next to a garage.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48And, as well as the breathtaking rural views,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51this property also comes with a lot of land.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Not only is there a fenced garden, complete with pond,
0:24:54 > 0:24:58but there's also some six-and-a-half acres.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Moving to Devon, is this what you had in mind?
0:25:02 > 0:25:07We didn't have it in mind, but we're impressed with what we've seen.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Certainly, the views are what we had in mind, the rolling hills
0:25:10 > 0:25:15and countryside, being able to look out of the windows and look outside
0:25:15 > 0:25:20and see the views and scenery, this is what we had in mind in that sense.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24So you've something now very serious to tell me - the price.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26How much is this house worth?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- You want to go first? - OK, I'll go first this time.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32I suppose it's going to be up towards the budget,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35let's say about £630,000?
0:25:35 > 0:25:36OK.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40I think maybe a bit less, maybe 620.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44The asking price is £675,000.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Right.- Mmm.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Because of the location, etc.
0:25:48 > 0:25:54However, the owner is prepared to consider offers in the region of around the top of your budget.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Have another look and see if there's some options there
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- and I'll catch up with you a bit later.- OK, great.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05£25,000 over budget,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08the second property is an immaculate, spacious
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and modern barn conversion,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13complete with period features and incredible scenery.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Set on three floors, the accommodation offers
0:26:17 > 0:26:20four bedrooms, two large reception rooms
0:26:20 > 0:26:24and open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30And let's not forget the grounds that cover six-and-a-half acres.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It's just stunning, it's just beautiful inside.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35Great complex, great space.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39The house itself is tremendous, the best one we've seen, without question.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43The views are the best views I've ever seen in any house.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Sadly, the garage area, and the workshop area downstairs
0:26:47 > 0:26:49are just not tall enough and not large enough.
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- Spectacular views, I can't believe this. - It's absolutely fantastic.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56Oh, the picture of tranquillity sitting here.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- There's only one thing missing. - What's that?
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- The glass of wine. - The glass of wine.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03I can't deliver everything, can I?!
0:27:03 > 0:27:05That's it for today, we've seen two properties.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08We'll take you back, I think you've got some thinking to do.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Definitely.- Absolutely.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Let's hit the road, come on then. - OK, great.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25With the sun setting across Devon's countryside,
0:27:25 > 0:27:30our buyers have time to reflect on the properties they've seen so far
0:27:30 > 0:27:34as the first day of our house hunt comes to an end.
0:27:34 > 0:27:40With a budget of £650,000, married couple Terry and Florence
0:27:40 > 0:27:44want to sell their Hertfordshire home for a slice of rural Devon.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47We've shown them two super properties so far.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Now, THIS is what I wanted! - Oh, wow, yeah.
0:27:52 > 0:27:57And still to come, we're going back to the 15th century in the mystery house...
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Oh, this is nice.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02..and I'll be flinging at the fair.
0:28:02 > 0:28:03CHEERING
0:28:03 > 0:28:05Yay!
0:28:09 > 0:28:14Yesterday was a typical inside versus outside space day,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18but I don't think we quite got it right with either of the properties.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20But today, well, it's mystery house time.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24We're going to be showing them a beautiful Devonshire house.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27The outside space, that's not going to be a problem,
0:28:27 > 0:28:31but inside - well, open plan is definitely off the cards.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Let's see what they think of it.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41So, Terry and Florence, we are now on our way to the mystery house.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43I get excited at this bit.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45What are you hoping to see?
0:28:45 > 0:28:49I'm sure it'll be something very interesting, looking forward to it.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52As long as I've got a big barn, that'll be OK.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57With such high hopes for his barn, we're not going to let him down,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00so time to get to our last destination,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04a rural idyll just one mile from Bovey Tracey.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Known as the gateway to the Moor, Bovey Tracey is small town on the edge of Dartmoor
0:29:08 > 0:29:12with a great range of amenities that include specialist shops,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16restaurants, cafes, pubs and a Post Office.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Animal lovers Terry and Florence want to rescue more pets -
0:29:20 > 0:29:22and possibly a donkey or two -
0:29:22 > 0:29:25so our mystery property is a smallholding
0:29:25 > 0:29:28which could be the perfect place to keep them all.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31But as for the house itself, it's certainly not open plan.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37So, here is your mystery house.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38Wow.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Oh, look at that door!
0:29:40 > 0:29:43That's unbelievable.
0:29:43 > 0:29:44It is rather old.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48I can tell by the height of the door it's pretty old.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- It's a 15th-century farmhouse. - 15th?
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Yeah, so it is grade II listed. - Right.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58It's a Devonshire long house, it's all one property.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I can't wait to get inside.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04There looks loads of rooms there, perhaps enough bedrooms, even.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- So, let's step inside, I think we're ready to have a look round, yes? - Yeah.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18How's this for a welcoming hallway?
0:30:18 > 0:30:22This is a lot bigger than I anticipated coming through the door.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Love the floors, these old stone floors.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Original stone floors, perfect for the animals,
0:30:27 > 0:30:30loads of space, muddy boots, coats.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35A great welcome, because you want to keep your feet clean for walking in here.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Wow!- Oh, this is nice!
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Oh, look at these...oh, there we go, fireplaces.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Not one, but two inglenooks.
0:30:46 > 0:30:51They are the most amazing fireplaces, that's fantastic, and I like the height.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53It actually does look like two rooms, doesn't it?
0:30:53 > 0:30:57Even though the mystery house hasn't given you that open-planness
0:30:57 > 0:30:59you're after, in a way it has.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03It's given a nice, big family room.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04I'll take you upstairs in a minute,
0:31:04 > 0:31:08but first I want to show you the kitchen, that's close to your heart.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11This is the Victorian extension.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Right, so this would have been the outer door.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16That was the outside wall, absolutely.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20You've got a farmhouse kitchen, pretty big.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22It's a very good sized kitchen.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25We wouldn't let you down with the kitchen.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- You mean too much to us. - Aw! You're such a sweetie.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30And a range.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34To one end of the kitchen is a large pantry with lots more storage,
0:31:34 > 0:31:39and the utility room is at the other end of the house, across the hallway.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Next to that is a cosy snug or TV room,
0:31:41 > 0:31:46again featuring a huge fireplace with wood-burning stove.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50The third reception room is at the opposite end of the house,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52and could make a good office space,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55with private access through a door out to the front garden.
0:31:55 > 0:31:56TV room?
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Snug? Gym?!
0:31:58 > 0:31:59Yeah, whatever.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Yes, didn't think of the gym.
0:32:01 > 0:32:06'There are three separate staircases in this farmhouse,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09'and each one serves a different part of the first floor.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14'Up the stairs in the right-hand wing is one of the two family bathrooms,
0:32:14 > 0:32:18'as well as two bedrooms - a single and good-sized double.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22'There are six bedrooms in total, and the other four bedrooms
0:32:22 > 0:32:27'stretch side by side the length of the property across to the left-hand wing.'
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Here's another one of the bedrooms.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Again, it's a fair size.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34I like the fireplace.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39Yeah, beautiful. And it leads through to another bedroom and another bedroom.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42So let's take you through...
0:32:42 > 0:32:45so you don't get lost!
0:32:45 > 0:32:49That was one of the characteristics of a long house - they all fed off each other.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51You might want privacy for your guests.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54You'd have to be very friendly, obviously.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57The last two bedrooms and the other family bathroom are situated
0:32:57 > 0:32:59at the far end of the landing.
0:33:00 > 0:33:05So that concludes the house tour with its somewhat quirky layout.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07Time to size up what's in store outside,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11starting with something big to please Terry.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15Come on in. Terry, talk to me.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Come on in, this is your domain.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- This is definitely big enough, isn't it?- High enough, dear?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Definitely.- You could hang a lot from the rafters.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25You've also got the driveway,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28so you have easy access in and out of the property.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31And it's not overlooked. There's a little bit of work
0:33:31 > 0:33:34that needs to be doing, but relatively safe,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37because I can imagine some of these cars are worth a few pounds.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39You need a door on.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Yes, but that wouldn't be too much of a problem.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46We've explored the farmhouse and the thatched barn,
0:33:46 > 0:33:50but there's lots more on offer here, and it's all spread across
0:33:50 > 0:33:55some eight acres of farmland, divided into five level paddocks with a charming copse.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00There's a block of stables and another large agricultural barn.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02So, plenty of out buildings.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06Finally, closer to the house, there's an enclosed private garden
0:34:06 > 0:34:09with a selection of fruit trees.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13So you've seen the house, that amazing workshop/barn,
0:34:13 > 0:34:14got all this land...
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- COCK CROWS - ..how much do you think it's worth?
0:34:17 > 0:34:20You have to fight against all the animals.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25I think this is going to be right at the top of the price range,
0:34:25 > 0:34:27I think we're talking £700,000.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29OK, Florence?
0:34:29 > 0:34:36I will go just a little under, just for fun, £685,000.
0:34:37 > 0:34:42Terry's got a new job as an estate agent, absolutely on the nose.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43£700,000.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47- I'm not surprised. Quite a place, isn't it? - There's an awful lot here.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50There's a lot to see, why don't you go and have a wander round?
0:34:50 > 0:34:52I know you're dying to do it.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Yes, we'll go have good wander round.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57Fight your way through the wildlife...
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Let's hope we don't upset the goose again. - No, they make a racket.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09For £700,000, the mystery property combines
0:35:09 > 0:35:12a wonderful six-bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14a substantial thatched barn,
0:35:14 > 0:35:18and a smallholding, all set in eight acres.
0:35:18 > 0:35:24It may be £50,000 over budget, but this place delivers on all fronts.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28It's got the space for Terry's cars, plenty of land for rescue animals
0:35:28 > 0:35:32and it's full of Devonshire charm.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35You'd have trouble getting permission to knock through the walls.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Maybe less a question of knocking walls down as putting something in to separate them
0:35:39 > 0:35:42by stairway to have one set as offices...
0:35:42 > 0:35:44You just block off the corridor through the rooms
0:35:44 > 0:35:50and use the staircases to access the ends of the house.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54Amazing place. It's got everything we need.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58It's a little frightening to take on something like this.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01The barn and that is everything I need.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06The only concern is that it's right at the top of our price range
0:36:06 > 0:36:08and it needs quite a bit of money spent on it.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Right, you two. Have you seen enough?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Yeah. A lot to see.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16I could do with another day to see it all, but...
0:36:16 > 0:36:20Unfortunately, we're out of time, so let's take you somewhere quiet
0:36:20 > 0:36:23where you can have your own discussions,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- cos you've got some serious thinking to do.- We have that.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39Rural life has always centred on the changing seasons,
0:36:39 > 0:36:43and after the harvest, the early autumn markets became
0:36:43 > 0:36:46a permanent fixture in the agricultural calendar.
0:36:46 > 0:36:52Apart from their economic importance, these markets had great social significance,
0:36:52 > 0:36:57and by the 19th century, had evolved into what we now recognise as country fairs,
0:36:57 > 0:37:02typified in the West Country by the annual spectacle at Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Why is this fair so special, do you think?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08It's a real country fair in the true sense of the word.
0:37:08 > 0:37:12It's a show and a fun day and a real village event.
0:37:12 > 0:37:16Even though it is such a miserable day here today...
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- It's liquid sunshine! - You've got liquid here, I can see.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22You've got to keep a good man going, haven't you?
0:37:24 > 0:37:27Held on the second Tuesday in September,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31the earliest written record of Widecombe Fair dates back to 1815,
0:37:31 > 0:37:36but it's thought that a cattle, sheep and pony sale was held here long before then.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Every year, dozens of competitions are held,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43from the best local livestock to the more eccentric terrier racing.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45CHEERING
0:37:48 > 0:37:50And in honour of the lyrics to the folk song,
0:37:50 > 0:37:54another highlight is the unique Uncle Tom cobbly race,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57first run in 1923.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06However, one of the major attractions this year must be the lamb-shearing contest.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11With four different classes,
0:38:11 > 0:38:15the aim is to shear off the fleece as cleanly as possible against the clock.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18This takes strength as well as skill and speed.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21You know what? It's got quite a greasy feel to it.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23That's the lanolin in the wool, you see.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28That's what you ladies will be paying for for your hand creams and all the rest of it.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- It's the lanolin.- I should cut out the middleman, shouldn't I?
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- When you shear, your hands get very soft.- I can feel it already.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38- It's very greasy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- So I know a good shearer cos he's got soft hands.- Indeed.
0:38:41 > 0:38:47As well as professional tournaments, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone to join in and have a go,
0:38:47 > 0:38:52though I doubt hay-bale throwing will do the same wonders for my hands as the sheep's wool.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Yay!
0:38:56 > 0:39:01But it's not just traditional skills that are put to the test at the fair.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Owners of vintage agricultural machinery come from all over Devon
0:39:05 > 0:39:07to exhibit their trucks and tractors,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and all sorts of local produce are on sale.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13Despite the appalling weather conditions,
0:39:13 > 0:39:17it's clear to see why thousands of people flock here every year.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21It's a true celebration of Dartmoor life at its best and quirkiest.
0:39:21 > 0:39:26- And God save the Queen! - DOG HOWLS ALONG
0:39:29 > 0:39:32We've given Terry and Florence some time to weigh up
0:39:32 > 0:39:36the three very different properties of our house tour
0:39:36 > 0:39:40so now it's time to find out if any of those houses have tempted them.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Well, you two,
0:39:47 > 0:39:51I think Devon has shown us all the seasons in a few days, hasn't it?
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- It certainly has. - We've all got wet at some point.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58But it has been fantastic. We really have travelled around.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Have you enjoyed yourselves?
0:40:00 > 0:40:03- Very much indeed.- Immensely. - It's been a lot of fun.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Cast your minds back to the very first property we saw.
0:40:06 > 0:40:09Tell me what you thought about that.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Fantastic views, great outbuildings,
0:40:13 > 0:40:18lots and lots of land. House just didn't work for us, unfortunately.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23It would need a lot of work to make it do what we need it to do
0:40:23 > 0:40:26and also the basic house wasn't really big enough to start with.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30The second property we went to see was very different,
0:40:30 > 0:40:31situated in a courtyard.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34It was the old barn with that beautiful creeper going over it.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Very autumnal.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40First impressions, you were both really struck by it, weren't you?
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Loved it.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44And I actually loved the house and the interior of the house,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46the whole barn effect,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49the open plan, the three floors,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52lovely land, absolutely phenomenal views outside as well.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Just...just stunning views.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- I've never seen as good views as that before.- But...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02it didn't have Terry's workshops or space outside.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05There was no workshops that would work, as such.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08What was there was far too small and far too low.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- Lastly, of course, we can't forget it, the mystery house.- Ha-ha! Yes.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16I have two thank you, Nicky, and Escape To The Country,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19because, to be quite honest, on paper,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22we wouldn't have gone to look at that house
0:41:22 > 0:41:24because thatched, old cottage,
0:41:24 > 0:41:27I would have imagined small rooms,
0:41:27 > 0:41:31low ceilings, beams would have been pretty and inglenook fireplaces,
0:41:31 > 0:41:34but very small, perhaps dingy, little windows,
0:41:34 > 0:41:36so we wouldn't have gone to look at it
0:41:36 > 0:41:39and I was very, very surprised at how spacious it was,
0:41:39 > 0:41:44and how light it was when we went to have a look at it, so a big thank you there.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48It was an impressive house. It was huge, wasn't? All that land.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49And it had its own thatched barn.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Even I was getting excited and I don't need a workshop!
0:41:53 > 0:41:54- Grade II listed.- Yes!
0:41:54 > 0:41:56THEY LAUGH
0:41:56 > 0:41:58So there's lots of pluses.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02Any concerns with that one or were they all surmountable?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Just a few, mainly financial.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08It was right at the top of our budget, which was OK,
0:42:08 > 0:42:10but it did need a lot of money spent on it, really.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13So, Terry and Florence, what's the next step,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16having seen these properties, explored the county,
0:42:16 > 0:42:18what's the next move?
0:42:18 > 0:42:21The next step is to get our house sold,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25so we're in a position to put bids in and seriously go after something.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30And as soon as we've got a sale on our property, we're both agreed
0:42:30 > 0:42:33we'd be very interested in going back to the mystery property...
0:42:33 > 0:42:37- That's fantastic! - ..seeing if it's still on the market and if we can go with it.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41Well, I hope you manage to sell your property very quickly.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- And that you come back down here as soon as you can.- Lovely.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48- For definite.- Thank you both. - Thank you as well, and thanks to the whole team.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Well, it looks like the mystery property has worked its magic again.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Let's hope Terry and Florence manage to sell up quickly
0:43:01 > 0:43:06and make that beautiful Devonshire longhouse their new home.
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Join us again on Escape To The Country.
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0:43:14 > 0:43:17Wales, Scotland or England and need our help,
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