0:00:02 > 0:00:05This Elizabethan masterpiece was almost knocked down 80 years ago
0:00:05 > 0:00:07and put up for sale as scrap.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25Today, we've got our work cut out for us,
0:00:25 > 0:00:29as we help a couple up sticks from Australia and touch down in the West Country.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32And we have a lot to squeeze in.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Four armchairs, three or four coffee tables.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- How much coffee do you drink? - They're more like side tables.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45But thankfully, our country homes rise to the occasion.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Wow!- Wow. - Well, I'm going to say wow now.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50So will this house hunt end happily ever after?
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- It's ideal. - That's what I want to hear.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- David, what's going through your mind?- Don't worry about him.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03This is Montacute House in Somerset.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Despite being nearly torn down in 1931,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10it's now one of the best-preserved Elizabethan houses in England.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13It was built at the end of the 16th century for Sir Edward Phelips,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16a prominent lawyer who, in the trial of Guy Fawkes,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18opened the case for the prosecution.
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Now, I'm hoping to escape being hung, drawn and quartered here
0:01:21 > 0:01:24but I do hope that this particular house hunt
0:01:24 > 0:01:25does go off with a bang.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Somerset is definitely a rural cracker.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Sandwiched between Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire in the West Country,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38it's classic English countryside at its best.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41A picture of apple orchards and endless fields,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45it's an agricultural region, with some 3,000 farms
0:01:45 > 0:01:47busily producing fresh food for the kitchen table
0:01:47 > 0:01:52with two of its most famous products being scrumpy cider and Cheddar cheese.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54If that's not enough to tickle your taste buds,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56how about this for a roll call?
0:01:56 > 0:01:58It boasts 20 historic market towns,
0:01:58 > 0:02:00countless chocolate box villages
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and a couple of the UK's most beautiful cities -
0:02:03 > 0:02:06architecturally stunning Bath in north Somerset,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08a World Heritage Site, no less,
0:02:08 > 0:02:13and in the middle of the county, is the small but perfectly formed Wells.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16With a wealth of character houses county-wide,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19it's easy to see why so many people want to escape here.
0:02:21 > 0:02:25Every year, around 20,000 people choose to relocate to Somerset,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27the majority of which are from the southeast.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32Many of these people are entrepreneurs looking to establish new businesses here
0:02:32 > 0:02:34or existing companies relocating.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Somerset has the highest proportion of business start-ups
0:02:37 > 0:02:39out of any rural county in the UK.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41So bear that in mind
0:02:41 > 0:02:45as we take a look at a selection of homes on the market at the moment.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49This grade II listed 19th century mansion in Minehead
0:02:49 > 0:02:52was built for a Scots businessman who relocated here.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Scottish baronial in style,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56it's been renovated by the current vendors
0:02:56 > 0:03:00and has four sumptuous reception rooms and six bedrooms.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Set in one and a half acres and overlooking the coast,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06you could be king of this castle for £1.5 million.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10If you like to mix traditional with modern,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12this three-bedroom cottage could be for you.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Recently extended, cosy character rooms sit well
0:03:15 > 0:03:18with expansive contemporary living spaces.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Set in three quarters of an acre,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23you could be lounging around on the outskirts of Yeovil
0:03:23 > 0:03:25for £625,000.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28For real traditionalists,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31how about this grade II listed 17th century thatched
0:03:31 > 0:03:32near the Quantock Hills?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It's cosy-cottage living at its best,
0:03:35 > 0:03:37with two reception rooms, a country kitchen
0:03:37 > 0:03:39and three bedrooms.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43This will set you back £365,000.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47So there you are.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50A selection of properties on the market here in Somerset.
0:03:50 > 0:03:52And if that's whet your appetite for more,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55wait till you see what we've got lined up for today's buyers.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Time to find out who they are.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Ex-pats David and Karen have lived in Western Australia
0:04:01 > 0:04:03for 42 and 22 years respectively.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08But when David retired recently and Karen was offered a plum job at a Bristol hospital,
0:04:08 > 0:04:12they couldn't resist the call of Blighty's beautiful countryside.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Since arriving here a few months ago,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16they've been renting an apartment in Bristol.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20However, the Perth home they sold was a lot bigger.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26We lived in the Hills area, we were on the escarpment.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Four bedrooms, lounge, library,
0:04:30 > 0:04:32plus externally, we had a beautiful pool area,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36ideal for casual entertaining and we had views.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38To die for, absolutely to die for.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41That's a lot to live up to,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43so what are they expecting from a home here?
0:04:43 > 0:04:48Open-plan living because that's what we've enjoyed.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Because I have an interest in carpentry,
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I need to have some form of workshop,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56so I definitely need a garage.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59- I've got 49...- Boxes of tools! - ..boxes of tools to come.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03And tools aren't the only things heading their way.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07In 6 to 8 weeks, a massive 40-foot container is arriving
0:05:07 > 0:05:09with all of their worldly goods,
0:05:09 > 0:05:12which sounds to me like a lot of belongings.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14We have chaise longues,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16a monks' dining room suite,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18which is a very long dining room suite.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21We have two chesterfield loungers.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25We've got Italian glass coffee tables.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Big furniture will obviously mean big rooms
0:05:28 > 0:05:30but what about the fine details?
0:05:30 > 0:05:33We definitely want three bedrooms
0:05:33 > 0:05:37because David would like to convert one into a study if that's possible.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40We really want something that does have that character
0:05:40 > 0:05:41and that flavour.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44That barn conversion is a...
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I think it's top of our list, in actual fact, without a doubt.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50And how important is outside space?
0:05:50 > 0:05:55We'd like to have something that's detached, that is rural,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59and we'd like to have something with maybe a quarter or half an acre.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03It's a sizeable wish list, so do they have the money to match?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06They've sold up in Oz and are cash buyers
0:06:06 > 0:06:08but how much do they want to spend?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11£400,000.
0:06:11 > 0:06:16But we could be persuaded to go up to five for the right property.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23So how does property in Australia compare with property here in Somerset?
0:06:23 > 0:06:28Well, the average price of a detached house in Perth is £308,000.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33In Somerset, that price goes down to £273,000,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36so in theory, prices compare quite favourably.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39In practice, though, I think it might be slightly different.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43Australia is a huge place and properties over there are a whole lot bigger.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49As Karen will be working in Bristol,
0:06:49 > 0:06:52she wants to be within a 40-minute commute,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55so we're focusing the search in the north of the county,
0:06:55 > 0:06:57in the countryside around the A37.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00We've lined up some stunning Somerset homes to view
0:07:00 > 0:07:03but I won't reveal their price tags until the end of the tours
0:07:03 > 0:07:06and finally, there's a mystery house.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10So will it be the dream country pile or a pile of rubble?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Good morning.- Good morning, Jonnie. - Welcome to Somerset.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- Are you missing Australia? - Yes, of course.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- Are you?- Yes.- There are things that we miss
0:07:24 > 0:07:28but there's some exciting things occurring in the future here.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33So you're committed purchasers with a very limited timescale.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- Yes, we are. - The pressure is on today, then.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- If we find a house today, you'll put an offer in?- We definitely are.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43Yes. Without a doubt.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- How much money have we got to spend? - Well, there's the logical area,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49- which is 400.- OK.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52And then, of course, there's another opinion.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54- Karen?- £500,000.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59Well, that's £100,000 difference. Are we going to be falling out?
0:07:59 > 0:08:02No, I just want bang for my bucks, that's all.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07The difference here, the UK property market has taken quite a dip
0:08:07 > 0:08:11but that doesn't mean there's lots of bargains around for you guys.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14There's not a dense population of £500,000 houses.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19Also, people haven't put their properties onto the market in such numbers.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23There's less to buy, therefore the demand has stayed fairly high,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26so if we find the right house,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29you won't be able to negotiate a rock bottom price.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Let's go to the first house and we'll go from there.
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- That would be great.- Great. - Thank you.- Sounds good. Thank you.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41So for a top budget of £500,000,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Karen and David have their heart set on a detached barn conversion
0:08:44 > 0:08:47or a very spacious character property.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50They'd like large open spaces for all their furniture,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53a minimum of three bedrooms
0:08:53 > 0:08:56and whilst Karen is after a large kitchen will all the mod cons,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59for David, it's the outside space that matters,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02a quarter of an acre plus, and most important of all,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04a garage for all of his power tools.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06It's a wish list to keep us on our toes.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We're kicking off today's property search in Dean,
0:09:14 > 0:09:1624 miles south of Bristol.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18It's a very rural setting
0:09:18 > 0:09:21but just a few miles away is the village of Stoke St Michael,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24with a post office and shop and traditional 17th century pub.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28However, there's no time for sampling local delights now,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30as we need to check out our first house.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38So, then, could this be your house in Somerset?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Possibly, yes. It looks very interesting from outside.
0:09:41 > 0:09:46It's certainly what we'd associate with Somerset, for sure.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52- Well, hopefully, this is one of the reasons you chose Somerset - traditional buildings.- Absolutely.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- The views.- Look at the hills. - They're beautiful. Absolutely fantastic.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Let's look inside.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02'This obviously isn't the big old barn conversion Karen and David seem to like
0:10:02 > 0:10:04'but it's no eensy-weensy cottage, either.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09'Built in 1850, it was renovated and extended in 2008
0:10:09 > 0:10:12'and offers a good mix of character and mod cons
0:10:12 > 0:10:14'with pretty spacious accommodation.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'But will it be enough for all their furniture?'
0:10:18 > 0:10:21So through the hall, come right into the living room, here.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Now, then. What are you thinking?
0:10:26 > 0:10:28Very quaint.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Yeah?- Very quaint.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- Get a couple of big sofas in here, couldn't you?- I don't think so.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Not the size that ours are, no.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Two of them, then four armchairs,
0:10:39 > 0:10:43three or four coffee tables.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45How much coffee do you drink?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Three or four...? - They're more like side tables.
0:10:48 > 0:10:53- We're not trying to move your entire container of furniture into one room, are we?- No.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- As a living room, could this work for you?- It's got potential.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Yeah, nice feel about it. - Nice feel. OK.
0:10:59 > 0:11:04- It's quite impressive to start with. - There's more accommodation to come. - OK.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Now, the kitchen is a much more contemporary affair.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10This is amazing.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Absolutely incredible.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Wow!
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- It's lovely.- It's brilliant. - Fantastic.
0:11:17 > 0:11:23- Very impressive. Open plan. And you wouldn't get that impression from that room.- You wouldn't.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27That's why I think this house gives you the best of both worlds, so far.
0:11:27 > 0:11:33You've got this open plan feel but you also wanted this character,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35something you couldn't get in Australia,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- and that's the mid-19th century living space.- Yes.- Sure.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Surprise, surprise.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42- Impressive.- Really nice.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44OK, well, let's keep on the impressive tip,
0:11:44 > 0:11:48because there's more accommodation through this way.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Now, then.- Good grief.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Wow.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54- That's surprising. - It is just lovely, isn't it?
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- You wouldn't expect that, would you? - Very nice. It's spacious.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02It's got what we're looking for in terms of it's light, it's open plan.
0:12:02 > 0:12:07And the size, it's very generous for a dining area, isn't it?
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Through that door, you've got a utility
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- with a downstairs loo and shower room.- Oh!
0:12:12 > 0:12:15So you've got a lot of accommodation down here.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Time to go upstairs. OK?- Excellent. - Thank you.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23'Perhaps these two need to consider ditching a chaise longue or two
0:12:23 > 0:12:26'if they're going to fit in to a new home here
0:12:26 > 0:12:28'but all in all, we're off to a good start
0:12:28 > 0:12:31'and upstairs shouldn't disappoint, with five bedrooms in all.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35'There are two double guest bedrooms and two single rooms,
0:12:35 > 0:12:37'so plenty of options for office space,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39'and there's a good-sized family bathroom.'
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- So the master room. - Oh, my goodness, it's beautiful.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- Absolutely beautiful. - It's impressive.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52This part of the property was the most recent addition
0:12:52 > 0:12:55but because it's a new part of the building...
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- You remember I told you there was a downstairs shower room?- Yes.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02That means there's plumbing this end of the building, so they've put this in.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06I think this en suite is a pretty good size. Have a look.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09It is for English standards. It's fantastic. Very good.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12And it's got a shower cubicle, which is good.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Sounds like we're ending on a high. Let's go outside.- Definitely.- Good.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21The entire property sits on just under a quarter of an acre plot.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25The garden does surround the house, though, so will that be enough?
0:13:26 > 0:13:30So the garden here and then the house way back there.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34You can see the different ages of the house now more prominently.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Yes. It has a lot of character.
0:13:36 > 0:13:42Now, what you haven't seen is to the other side of the house, there's a small side garden
0:13:42 > 0:13:45and, lo and behold, at last...
0:13:45 > 0:13:47- A garage.- The garage.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49LAUGHTER
0:13:49 > 0:13:52All right, we need to start talking about price.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55How much do you think this home is on the market for,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58in sterling, not Australian dollars?
0:13:58 > 0:14:03I would think we'd have a price somewhere around 425, perhaps.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I would say 475.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- 475. Well...- Phoo!
0:14:10 > 0:14:13You're either very lucky or very good, David.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16It's on the market for, spot on, £425,000.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Oh! That's brilliant, isn't it? - Lottery.- You're amazing.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21Yes, we'll get a ticket.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24It's a great opportunity for you guys to have a look around,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28see where all this furniture is going to go, where it can squeeze into
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- and we'll have a chat later on. - OK.- Sounds great. Thank you.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37On the market for £425,000,
0:14:37 > 0:14:41there's a lot more to this 19th century cottage than meets the eye.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44It has the traditional, cosy character living room
0:14:44 > 0:14:48but it has been extended to include a huge kitchen diner,
0:14:48 > 0:14:49five bedrooms
0:14:49 > 0:14:51and it has a pretty garden
0:14:51 > 0:14:54with the all-important tool shed for David.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I don't want to tempt fate but I think our first property has gone down well
0:14:58 > 0:15:00with our folk from down under.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04When I first saw the property, I thought it looked quaint but small.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08And then when I came inside and had a good look, it amazed me
0:15:08 > 0:15:11because it lends itself to being open plan.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14The lounge itself is a little bit on the small side
0:15:14 > 0:15:16but the rest of the house is perfect.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21There are areas of the house which are superb, absolutely superb,
0:15:21 > 0:15:26but there are some modifications that are required here to meet our criteria.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29At the end of the day, our choice of home
0:15:29 > 0:15:33no doubt will mean that we have to compromise
0:15:33 > 0:15:34in terms of our furniture.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37As a first property, it's fantastic
0:15:37 > 0:15:39and it's excellent value for money.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45- How did you get on? Good look around? - Yes, fantastic.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48A good morning's work. We've got another one to see. Let's go.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49Sounds great.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Somerset's landscape has been shaped by farming
0:16:02 > 0:16:06since the first Anglo-Saxon settlers reared sheep, wove wool
0:16:06 > 0:16:07and made cheese.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09So it shouldn't come as any surprise
0:16:09 > 0:16:14that this most rural of counties is home to 20 historic market towns,
0:16:14 > 0:16:18medieval trading places that grew up to support the surrounding farming communities
0:16:18 > 0:16:21that are so popular with buyers today.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Historically, one of the most important was Somerton,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28after which Somerset takes its name.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32It was awarded its market charter in 1255 by Edward I
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and was briefly Somerset's county town.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Long-time strangers to England, David and Karen,
0:16:39 > 0:16:40were eager to explore
0:16:40 > 0:16:46and earlier in the week, met up with local historian Nancy Longmaid for a guided tour.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49This is our market cross or butter cross,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54built in 1673 by Sir Edward Hext.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56It's right in the centre of the town.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59It was designed so that butter and cheese could be sold
0:16:59 > 0:17:01without melting in the sun
0:17:01 > 0:17:03and fruit and vegetables could be sold
0:17:03 > 0:17:06without the sellers sitting in the rain.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Oh, amazing.- It's really a market hall with open sides.
0:17:10 > 0:17:14I notice there's a high shine to the actual steps.
0:17:14 > 0:17:15What creates that?
0:17:15 > 0:17:19- I think they've been sat on regularly.- Oh!
0:17:19 > 0:17:23So it's really polished up by 300 years of bottoms.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24LAUGHTER
0:17:24 > 0:17:29Somerton's glory days had come and gone by the 17th century
0:17:29 > 0:17:32and today, although it's still well-stocked with amenities,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35it's more a village than a busy metropolis.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40However, a plethora of fine historic buildings belie its previous wealth,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43including the grade I listed medieval church,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Somerton's oldest building, which presides over the town.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53This is the church of St Michael and All Angels.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The building was started in about 1300
0:17:56 > 0:17:59and completed in about 1500,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02when this magnificent roof was added.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06As you can see, it's very elaborate and very beautiful.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09In the triangular spaces between the beams,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13you'll see there are large carved pairs of dragons
0:18:13 > 0:18:19and it's thought that they are copied from Chinese silk fabrics.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22There was a silk industry in Somerset
0:18:22 > 0:18:25and it's thought that the skill and the knowledge
0:18:25 > 0:18:30came direct from China, along the great trade routes.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34It's believed that this roof was brought from Muchelney Abbey
0:18:34 > 0:18:37and that it was carved by the monks in about 1500.
0:18:37 > 0:18:42- I'm told that there are 640 panels...- Good grief. - ..in the roof.- That's amazing.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46And the carvings at the points where the beams cross
0:18:46 > 0:18:48are all different.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50It takes a great deal of time to study them
0:18:50 > 0:18:54and it's actually best done lying on one of the pews.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Well, no time for resting on our laurels, or backs,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04as it's on with the property search.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08For our second offering of the day, we're off to Holcombe,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11which, at 19 miles, is slightly closer to Bristol
0:19:11 > 0:19:13for Karen's daily commute.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16It's a pretty village with some good period housing stock.
0:19:16 > 0:19:21The population of around 1,000 people congregates at two churches,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23two pubs and there's a post office,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27so it shouldn't be too difficult for Karen and David to integrate into the community.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32Karen and David, what do we think of this one?
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Very interesting. I like the elevation to start with.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39I knew you would because of the windows, yes.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Dormer windows, garage.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- Straightaway, we're pleasing David. - Yes.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47The original part was built in the 1950s.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51It was built as a dormer bungalow but as you can see, they've extended it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52Very interesting.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56'I think this property could have the wow factor they're looking for
0:19:56 > 0:19:59'but it's a slightly unconventional layout,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01'so they will need to bear with me.'
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Now, then, this, believe it or not, is one of the reception rooms.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- Right.- It looks like a bedroom.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14A-ha! Ignore the furniture and start to see maybe your furniture in here.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16I'll give you a quick clue.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20There's three reception rooms of this shape and size.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21- OK.- Oh, right, OK.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24The windows are great. The outlook's good.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27David's gone quiet. That worries me.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Yeah, because mentally, I'm positioning furniture straightaway.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Hold that thought. You've seen this.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Let's go to one of the other reception rooms.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Now, then, this is the second of the three reception rooms.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45Right.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- It's...- Mmm.- ..tight.- Yeah.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51- Tight?- Yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54'There's no denying these rooms aren't massive
0:20:54 > 0:20:57'but with the third one across the hallway, there are plenty of them.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01'However, this is by no means the main event.'
0:21:01 > 0:21:02Now in my opinion,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06the house is starting to take on a whole new personality and feel
0:21:06 > 0:21:08from this room onwards.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I agree. It's great. It's got good working space.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- David?- I have to say that, size wise, fine,
0:21:15 > 0:21:20but the wow factor that I'm looking for isn't really here yet.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24OK. That wow factor, as you call it, could well be through here.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25All right.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30Wow! It's fantastic. Absolutely fantastic.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33It's open, it's spacious. I like the staircase.
0:21:33 > 0:21:35I like the light
0:21:35 > 0:21:39and if anything, that table would be wider than ours.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41You mean there's a piece of furniture in Somerset
0:21:41 > 0:21:43that is bigger than what you have?
0:21:43 > 0:21:47- It's not as long but that one's wider.- That's wider, definitely.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Well, I'm going to say the word wow, now.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Knowing what you know now, this is a big room,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56I know you want a really big living space...
0:21:56 > 0:21:59Perhaps, I don't know what you think,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02could one of those reception rooms become a dining room
0:22:02 > 0:22:04and this becomes a huge living room?
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Yeah, that's a possibility.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10There's a myriad of different things that can be done
0:22:10 > 0:22:12when you've got this number of rooms.
0:22:12 > 0:22:13Great possibilities.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16And you can spill out onto the sun deck, there.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Now, before we go elsewhere, through that door there,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23you've got a utility and a shower room and a loo.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Plus, you've got internal access to the double garage for you, David.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- That's perfect.- That's better still. Very good.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- Perfect.- Good. Let's look upstairs.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36'Well, I knew we'd get there eventually.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39'Hopefully, upstairs will make an equally good impression.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40'There are four bedrooms.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43'A bright double is ideal for guests.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46'There's a further double, one single and the family bathroom,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49'so again, plenty of options.'
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- The master.- This is lovely, isn't it? Absolutely lovely.- Very effective.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- Yes. Now we're talking. - Now we're talking.- Now we're talking.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01You'd need a wardrobe of some description.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Don't worry about that. It's all catered.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06You've got a really generous walk-in wardrobe here,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08plus you've got an en suite here.
0:23:08 > 0:23:09I think it's quite nice.
0:23:09 > 0:23:15The decor's nice and the window, the views, they're lovely.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- They're the Mendips that you can see in the distance.- Is that right?
0:23:18 > 0:23:22'Well, I think we've stepped up to the mark inside.
0:23:22 > 0:23:23'Let's see how we do outside.
0:23:23 > 0:23:28'It's a good-sized plot but there's going to be a new addition at the end of the garden
0:23:28 > 0:23:29'that might be a deal-breaker.'
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Now, here we are out in the garden.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41Our boundary are these small, young fir trees and this laurel hedge.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42- Yes.- Right.- OK?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44It goes right round there and to the front.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49Behind us is the owner's new accommodation that they're building.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52It's lower than this house, so you're not going to be overlooked.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56- So predominantly, most of the views will be maintained.- Right.- OK?
0:23:56 > 0:24:00You've seen the house. Who wants to go first about guessing the price?
0:24:00 > 0:24:04I would say... Four...
0:24:04 > 0:24:0530?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07David?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- 450.- 450.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Pretty good guess.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17This house is on the market for offers around £465,000.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18Mm.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21You've indicated that the current owners
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- are in the process of building this home below.- Yeah.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27They're going to be, I would say,
0:24:27 > 0:24:29anything up to four, five months away
0:24:29 > 0:24:31from having something to move into.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34That's not really going to suit our criteria.
0:24:34 > 0:24:35That could be a problem for us.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40I've told them that you could, possibly, if you liked the property,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43move in within six weeks - could they move out?
0:24:43 > 0:24:46They said they'd move out this weekend if you liked it.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- They're keen!- They would move into rented accommodation.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Go inside the house,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54think about whether or not this could be suitable for you.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57- That's a fair comment.- I'll catch you in a bit.- Thank you.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06This is a lot of property for offers around £465,000.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10It has three reception rooms, a huge open plan kitchen diner
0:25:10 > 0:25:12that they could use as a living area,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16four bedrooms, David's double garage, fantastic views
0:25:16 > 0:25:18and a good-sized garden.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Speed is of the essence with this relocation
0:25:20 > 0:25:23and the owners of this house are happy to move quickly,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27before setting up home at the bottom of the garden, that is.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29I liked the elevation immediately
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and, of course, seeing the additional parking space,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35plus the garage - great start.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38To me, this particular area is quite stunning.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I find it very attractive. It's got a nice feel about it.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Yeah, I'd second that.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46My heart tells me to not be impulsive,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49to think about it, to be analytical
0:25:49 > 0:25:52and to come back again and a chat with my husband.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02So, then, that is two potential homes you've just looked around.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- A lot to take in, isn't there?- It is.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- OK, let's call it a day, shall we? After you.- Thank you.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21With the sun setting over the Somerset countryside,
0:26:21 > 0:26:24that's it for our first day of house hunting.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32Coming up, we have one last chance to find the dream home.
0:26:32 > 0:26:35However, it's the mystery house, which is always a gamble.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38I've not been entirely honest with you both.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39That wouldn't be a first.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Yeah, that might be true.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45But could it pay off if the price is right?
0:26:45 > 0:26:48Sold! Sold. Where do we sign?
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Karen and David want to move to rural Somerset
0:26:53 > 0:26:55and find an idyllic country cottage
0:26:55 > 0:26:59that also has to have large, light open plan living areas.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Now, for me, both the properties I showed them
0:27:02 > 0:27:03gave them just that
0:27:03 > 0:27:07but I don't think they've fallen in love with either of them.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10So it could all come down to the final property,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12which, of course, is the mystery house.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13Let's see how we get on.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21So you know what's coming up. It's the mystery house.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22Yes.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Any ideas what this house might be for you?
0:27:26 > 0:27:29- We're a little...- Apprehensive!
0:27:29 > 0:27:32..apprehensive about what you might be presenting us with.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35We presume you've taken our budget into consideration,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37trying to halve it for us,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40and give us twice as much in terms of value.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43I don't know what he had for breakfast there, Karen,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45but it's not looking good.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Half the budget, twice the space - it sounds more like a miracle house
0:27:51 > 0:27:52but you never know.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55We're heading to Wells, which at 21 miles south of Bristol,
0:27:55 > 0:27:58is within Karen's 40-minute commute time,
0:27:58 > 0:28:00give or take a couple of minutes.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03And cities don't come much prettier or more compact.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06In fact, Wells is England's smallest city
0:28:06 > 0:28:10but its impressive medieval cathedral isn't lacking in stature.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14There's certainly no shortage of interesting architecture.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18Vicar's Close is believed to be the oldest purely residential street
0:28:18 > 0:28:19still intact in Europe.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Bringing the city bang up to date, though,
0:28:22 > 0:28:23is the busy high street,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25which runs the full gamut of amenities,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28including some very fine watering holes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32However, the mystery house is a five-minute drive out of the city,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34on a very exclusive private development
0:28:34 > 0:28:38set in 200 acres of prime countryside.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The mystery? Well, it's not actually built yet.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Let's see how this goes down!
0:28:46 > 0:28:48So the mystery property.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51What do you think of this as an environment, first of all?
0:28:51 > 0:28:53- I want to be here.- Do you?- Yes.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54- Good.- I do.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- It's ideal. - That's what I want to hear.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00David, what's going through your mind?
0:29:00 > 0:29:01Don't worry about him.
0:29:02 > 0:29:03I like this.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05It's got the rural aspect.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Love it. The views are brilliant.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10- Spectacular, I will say.- Good.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Now, the developers are building a spa here.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16You're going to have a swimming pool, a gymnasium,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19a library stroke reading room, outside sun terrace -
0:29:19 > 0:29:21it's going to be fantastic.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25But also, you're going to have a few neighbours.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28This entire development will have 15 homes on it.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Just 15. So you're going to have a little community
0:29:31 > 0:29:36- but with all the facilities of a city on your doorstep.- Sounds great.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38- What do you think? - It's like a health farm.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40This could be a new healthy lifestyle.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Do you want to look further in? - Yes, please.- Come on.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46So far, so good
0:29:46 > 0:29:48but let's go and see how the plans stack up
0:29:48 > 0:29:50for the proposed property.
0:29:50 > 0:29:55- This...- Very impressive.- ..comes out of that, half of that building.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57Absolutely fantastic.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- When?- As soon as someone gives them the go-ahead.- A-ha.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03The compromise with this property here
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- is the fact that you can't have it in six weeks.- Right.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08You'll struggle to have it in six months.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12It's more likely this will be finished for you in eight months.
0:30:12 > 0:30:13That is the compromise.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- So look at that.- Yes, will do.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Facing out that way, so you're not looking at any neighbours.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22This beautiful glass gable will look out onto those open fields.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24Fantastic.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27And to give you an idea of what the finish will be like inside...
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- we're going to look at this. It's the show home.- Uh-huh.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35So far, is this the sort of product
0:30:35 > 0:30:37that you could see yourself buying into?
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Oh, most definitely. Most definitely.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44Well, Karen's sold but David's the practical one.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Obviously, developments like this come at a cost
0:30:46 > 0:30:51and there's a service charge and ground rent of £2,800 per year.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55It's leasehold, which runs for 999 years,
0:30:55 > 0:30:59and David will be glad to hear each house will have its own garage.
0:31:02 > 0:31:03So...
0:31:05 > 0:31:07what do we think of this finish?
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It's got that modern feel about it,
0:31:09 > 0:31:14yet outside, it's got the character of a very nice barn.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- It's perfect.- Very impressive. - This is good news, isn't it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:21Let's get into the kitchen because that's when you see how well it's been done.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23So we're still open plan...
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- but you do have your own specific kitchen area here.- Perfect.
0:31:28 > 0:31:34The new build over there is bigger, by some, perhaps, 50% bigger.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36But also, what I've learnt about you two
0:31:36 > 0:31:39is I don't think there's a man on this planet
0:31:39 > 0:31:41that has built what you're after here in Somerset.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44This gives you the opportunity to do just that -
0:31:44 > 0:31:47to build your own house or get someone to build it for you
0:31:47 > 0:31:50but to your own specifications, to your own layout.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- It's got dream property written all over it.- It has.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- I guess...- It's got our name written on it, actually.- Ha!
0:31:56 > 0:31:59- This one's away. - It's got Karen's on, anyway.- True.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02The decor and finish is already a hit with these two
0:32:02 > 0:32:06and the fact they'd have design input on the semi-detached barn
0:32:06 > 0:32:09is obviously doing the trick for Karen.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11The plans consist of a large open plan kitchen
0:32:11 > 0:32:14with a living room diner on the ground floor.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17The first floor will have two bedrooms and a family bathroom
0:32:17 > 0:32:21and the top floor will consist of a huge master en suite.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23So that's the interior sorted.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Now let's turn our attention to the outside space.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Now, I am a little concerned
0:32:30 > 0:32:33that we're not giving you the right amount of outside space.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Well, I've held something back. I've not been entirely honest with you.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39That wouldn't be a first.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41Yeah, that might be true.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45There is also 200 acres
0:32:45 > 0:32:49of agricultural farmland and woodland at your disposal.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Included within this farmland is also a fishing lake
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- that you also get to use.- Right.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?- All I need is a bike.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01A bike! And you also need quite a bit of cash
0:33:01 > 0:33:02but how much?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I'd put it around 475.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Mm. 520?
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- 520? You think I've gone over budget?- Possibly, possibly.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13- It's a mystery home, so possibly. - You're quite right.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Well, that one that hasn't yet been built
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- is bigger than the one we've looked around.- Sure.
0:33:19 > 0:33:25That will be made available for offers around £450,000 but...
0:33:25 > 0:33:27Sold! Sold!
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Sold! Where do we sign?
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- Really?- Mm. The mystery house has made it for me.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- I'll catch up with you in a bit. - Thank you very much.
0:33:37 > 0:33:38Phew!
0:33:38 > 0:33:41I was worried they would be upset
0:33:41 > 0:33:44that they couldn't move in straightaway
0:33:44 > 0:33:47but they've got an option here, it's ready made,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50but they've got an amazing opportunity to get something
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and design it themselves.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I think even David was smiling then.
0:33:54 > 0:33:59So £450,000 is what it would cost David and Karen
0:33:59 > 0:34:01to buy this semi-detached barn.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04The catch? They'll have to wait eight months for it to be built.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08But once finished, it will have a big open-plan living area,
0:34:08 > 0:34:10including a modern kitchen and three bedrooms.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Set in a 200-acre development,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16they'll also have the use of the communal grounds,
0:34:16 > 0:34:17sauna and gym,
0:34:17 > 0:34:19all of which incur an annual service charge
0:34:19 > 0:34:21of £2,800.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23If I was a betting man,
0:34:23 > 0:34:26I'd think the mystery house could be a winner.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29I think that the development across the road
0:34:29 > 0:34:31is going to be perfect.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33We can plan the floor plan ourselves.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36The total concept is absolutely out of this world.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38It's going to be our dream home.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42I must say that I've been so impressed by this property
0:34:42 > 0:34:44and I'm thrilled, really thrilled.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48- What do you think? That's a magnificent view.- It's lovely.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50What we're going to have to be sure of...
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- You planning the new house? - Yes! How did you guess?
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- How did you know that? - It's very exciting, isn't it?- It is.
0:34:57 > 0:35:02Well, look, there's so much to think about, let's find somewhere nice and quiet for a discussion?
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Sounds great.- Come on.- Let's go.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18Now, Australia may take first place in the sunshine stakes
0:35:18 > 0:35:22but when it comes to period housing, Blighty wins hands down.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27I'm taking the opportunity to further explore one of Somerset's finest,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29grade I listed Montacute House,
0:35:29 > 0:35:33a perfectly preserved example of Elizabethan architecture.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Curator Grahame Meaden has kindly offered to show me around.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- What a beautiful building. - I know, it's fantastic
0:35:41 > 0:35:43and I have the pleasure of working here.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45That's quite some privilege.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47The house was actually finished in 1601
0:35:47 > 0:35:52and it was built by a wealthy lawyer, Edward Phelips.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56The house's status and his status went together.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Montacute house was saying, "Look at me, look how well I'm doing."
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Modesty probably wasn't one of his traits.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07No. The Elizabethans, as a generation,
0:36:07 > 0:36:11were very much into "splash your cash", show it off.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14If you build it, build it tall and show off with glass.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17Glass is the thing that really makes the building.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20'Compared to our obsession with glass today,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22'this may now look small fry
0:36:22 > 0:36:26'but back in the 1500s, mullioned windows were at the cutting edge
0:36:26 > 0:36:28'of architectural innovation.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30'Built from local Ham Hill stone,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34'this three-storey mansion took 13 years to build.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37'It's a pastiche of the traditional gothic style
0:36:37 > 0:36:39'that was so popular in medieval England
0:36:39 > 0:36:41'and new Renaissance ideas
0:36:41 > 0:36:44'that were arriving from the Continent at the time.'
0:36:49 > 0:36:52This is a very impressive room, isn't it? Is this the library?
0:36:52 > 0:36:56Library now but originally, it was the great chamber,
0:36:56 > 0:36:58the most important room in the house.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01It was the room that the most expense was spent on.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03If you look at the fireplace, for instance,
0:37:03 > 0:37:05that's Portland stone.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07The rest of the house is local Ham stone
0:37:07 > 0:37:09but this was brought from the coast of Dorset.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Wow. It must have taken days.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16It's very impressive. You can see the lack of modesty again.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18It's very much a showing off room, isn't it?
0:37:18 > 0:37:21People came here and felt small, felt insecure.
0:37:21 > 0:37:26If he was doing business, he wanted to impress his guests.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29This fantastic armorial glass around the top of the windows
0:37:29 > 0:37:32is almost saying, "Look at these people I know."
0:37:32 > 0:37:35'And those crests were of the most influential families in the country,
0:37:35 > 0:37:40'including Elizabeth I - sure to seal any business deal.'
0:37:41 > 0:37:45This is, as anybody can see, such a hugely impressive building.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I'd imagine staff and butlers waiting for you, dressed smartly,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51as you pulled up in your carriage.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55- How many members of staff would they have had? - It is difficult to say
0:37:55 > 0:37:58but a lot less than it was in later periods.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01When you went into the Victorian period
0:38:01 > 0:38:04and you have a butler and maids and servants,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07it was far more rustic in the Elizabethan times.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11- You may have had your servant sleeping at the foot of your bed. - Really?
0:38:11 > 0:38:13And that's where he'd stay.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19This is a very wide, solid staircase, Grahame.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Yes. It's quite interesting.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25One of the stories of the property is that the Phelips children
0:38:25 > 0:38:29actually led their ponies up here, up to the Long Gallery.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- It would certainly take it. Let's see where they took them.- Come on.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Come in.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- Lovely door, this is. - Yeah. Best English oak.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Wow. This is obviously the Long Gallery.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50I can see why they've called it that.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- How long is it? It's huge. - 172 feet from end to end.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57It would be great for cricket practice.
0:38:57 > 0:39:03I understand these were used for, what would you say? Light exercise.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Yeah. Terrible weather, what are you going to do?
0:39:05 > 0:39:09You wanted to have a nice walk. Why not walk in your own house?
0:39:09 > 0:39:14What I've been impressed with is the fantastic condition it's all in
0:39:14 > 0:39:15for such an old building.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Has it always been that way?
0:39:17 > 0:39:21The house actually fell on hard times in the 1920s
0:39:21 > 0:39:24and the family actually put the house up for sale
0:39:24 > 0:39:27but it was actually offered for scrap value.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- So who came to the rescue? - It was actually Ernest Cook, Thomas Cook's grandson,
0:39:31 > 0:39:35who purchased the house for the Protection Society of Historic Buildings
0:39:35 > 0:39:39and he gave it to the National Trust in 1932.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44It needed a lot of work doing to it and has done ever since.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- Out of interest, how much did he buy it for?- £7,000.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Seven grand for this?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51I suppose it was quite a lot of money back then
0:39:51 > 0:39:54but it would be worth going back in time for.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56'A truly impressive home
0:39:56 > 0:40:00'but it's now time to find out if we've unearthed something just as special
0:40:00 > 0:40:02'for today's hopeful buyers.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'Coming home from Oz is a huge move,
0:40:08 > 0:40:12'so finding the dream house is top priority for David and Karen.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14'Although there does seem to be a clear winner,
0:40:14 > 0:40:17'I think they've liked elements of all of our properties,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21'so a chance to go over details might clear up any questions.'
0:40:22 > 0:40:25Three properties, two days of house hunting
0:40:25 > 0:40:27but only one can be a favourite.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30Now, all three houses involve quite a compromise.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Let's find out from David and Karen which one will be their favourite.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Well, then, we've had lots to think about, haven't we?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46We certainly have.
0:40:46 > 0:40:47Let's start at the top.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50I thought property one would suit you down to the ground.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54That first property was lovely but not suitable for our needs.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57It was too small in terms of the living space.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01I liked the kitchen and dining but other than that,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I didn't see David and I actually living there.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07So property one doesn't sound like it's going anywhere for us.
0:41:07 > 0:41:12Property two had that amazing extension with that huge living space
0:41:12 > 0:41:14with the ceiling and the beautiful gallery.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17There's no doubt about that house.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21It really had a lot of features that we were looking for.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24But again, there was a lot of capital needed
0:41:24 > 0:41:28to change the three reception rooms to meet our criteria.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33After property two, I was thinking that I should've been looking for a warehouse.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35The pressure was on with the mystery house
0:41:35 > 0:41:39and then we went to the mystery house this morning and what do we think?
0:41:39 > 0:41:43I couldn't believe what we saw. It was just magic.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- Your face lit up when you saw that, didn't it?- Absolutely. Fell in love with it immediately.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50We're going to go back and talk to these people some more.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Wow. That's quite something, really,
0:41:53 > 0:41:55because, let's face it,
0:41:55 > 0:41:59if you're interested in the property that hasn't yet been built,
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- you can't move into it straightaway, so...- Acknowledged.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- We've got all this furniture going into storage.- That will be the case.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09We've got to be practical
0:42:09 > 0:42:13and if we want something that's going to be suitable for our needs,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16then we're going to have to put our furniture in storage.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Well, I wish you the very best of luck.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21- Please let us know how you get on. - We will.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- Thank you.- Thank you for your help.
0:42:28 > 0:42:33David and Karen have moved from the other side of the world to set up home in Somerset.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I thought we'd struggle to find anything suitable
0:42:37 > 0:42:40but it just goes to show - with a bit of lateral thinking
0:42:40 > 0:42:41and a bit of compromise,
0:42:41 > 0:42:44we may well have just found their dream home,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47if not for now, for some time in the future.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48We'll see you next time.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51'Well, I'm sad to report
0:42:51 > 0:42:54'that on further inspection of the mystery house,
0:42:54 > 0:42:56'they decided not to go with a leasehold property.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59'So near and yet so far!
0:42:59 > 0:43:01'Fingers crossed they'll find their dream soon.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05'If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:05 > 0:43:09'in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:09 > 0:43:15'please apply online at:'
0:43:35 > 0:43:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:37 > 0:43:39Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk