0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today, I'm in a county famous for a landscape
0:00:04 > 0:00:07bursting with reminders of its prehistoric past.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12These mysterious stone circles date back over 4,500 years.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Where am I? Find out in just a moment
0:00:15 > 0:00:17as we escape to the country.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47On today's show, I'll be helping a couple
0:00:47 > 0:00:50fulfil a dream they've had for 30 years
0:00:50 > 0:00:52of retiring to the country.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53It's just the right size.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- It's warming, isn't it? It's nice.- It is.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00But the more challenges we chuck at them, the more excited they become.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03This is a potential nightmare. You like the look of this?
0:01:03 > 0:01:06Absolutely, yeah. I'm really up for this.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- Why?- It's just got everything we've been looking for
0:01:09 > 0:01:12but we haven't been able to find. You've done it.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Today I'm in Cornwall, on the edge of Bodmin Moor,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19an area rich in early prehistoric sites.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Now, there are over 15,000 of these dotted across the county,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26but this one behind me here is one of the largest.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27Known as the Hurlers,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30it's thought that these stones were once local men
0:01:30 > 0:01:34that were turned to stone for playing hurling on the Sabbath.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36But ancient history isn't the only thing
0:01:36 > 0:01:39this wonderful county has going for it.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45With 300 miles of coastline wrapped around the country,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Cornwall's 165 beaches are in a league of their own
0:01:48 > 0:01:51with Bedruthan Steps and its volcanic pillars
0:01:51 > 0:01:52a spectacular sight.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57Of Cornwall's 12 designated areas of outstanding natural beauty,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Bodmin Moor is the only one completely inland.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03The granite that underlies this wild and rugged terrain
0:02:03 > 0:02:06is a defining feature of the buildings
0:02:06 > 0:02:09found in its moorland towns and villages.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12This region offers up the perfect package of coast and countryside,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16so understandably house buyers are keen to put down roots here.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26David and June may now have retired, but they keep busy
0:02:26 > 0:02:27by looking after the grandchildren
0:02:27 > 0:02:32at their daughter's house on the outskirts of Fareham in Hampshire.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33We are a really close family
0:02:33 > 0:02:36and we spend holidays abroad together.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Every Christmas,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- they all congregate in our house. - They descend on us, don't they?
0:02:42 > 0:02:43Easter time.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47We've just got a wonderful relationship
0:02:47 > 0:02:50'with our two daughters and our grandchildren.'
0:02:50 > 0:02:52I have said to our daughter,
0:02:52 > 0:02:55if she'd like to sign the adoption papers, we'll take them on.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59- We have them that often, but we love them to bits.- Yes.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04Although they have spent much of their lives in and around Fareham
0:03:04 > 0:03:05and have strong family ties there,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09they now want to act on an idea they hatched 30 years ago
0:03:09 > 0:03:10and move down to Cornwall.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13They have opted to look in the Launceston area
0:03:13 > 0:03:17and have a clear picture of what their Cornish property must deliver.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20On approach, I'd like to see granite stonework,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I'd like to see a nice slate roof, if possible,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26and going through the front door, if it's got a beautiful entrance
0:03:26 > 0:03:29so when people come, we can welcome them
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and then we move on into the lounge -
0:03:31 > 0:03:34nice size, because we always have the family with us.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38They're often visiting. Christmas, we've had as many as 18 people.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41June loves to entertain.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Three bedrooms. One bathroom's sufficient.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48If a bedroom has an en suite, superb.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51But the kitchen, if it could accommodate our table and chairs,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53that would be nice.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58'I would like perhaps a feature fireplace.'
0:03:58 > 0:04:00Inside, quirkier the better.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02And we'd like a garden which is wrap-around
0:04:02 > 0:04:06so that any time of the day, we could sit in the sun if we wanted.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10June and David have renovated many properties together
0:04:10 > 0:04:12and are clearly quite a formidable team.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16We've now been married for 44 years this year.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18We read each other's minds.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23We'll know exactly what we want together.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- It's...- It's...- We just know what we want, don't we?
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- We complement each other. - We do, yeah. Yeah.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31It will be perfect.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- I've got the brains, you've got the brawn.- Yeah.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39So far, their house-hunting efforts in Cornwall have come up short,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42but the money's already in the bank from the sale of their house,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and they've set their sights on how much they're ready to spend.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Our budget is £300,000.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Well, let's hope we can find a fantastic property
0:04:53 > 0:04:55that matches June's brain with David's brawn.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58For their budget of £300,000,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01they're after a detached property with at least three beds,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03maybe a renovation project,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06and the house itself needs to be on the edge of or close to a village
0:05:06 > 0:05:09with a good-sized garden or maybe even land.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10With these strict requirements,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13David and June have already come to Cornwall in the past
0:05:13 > 0:05:15in search of their perfect property.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17But they've gone home empty-handed.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Let's hope this time, we can do a bit better.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25David and June want to focus their search inland
0:05:25 > 0:05:28in the hope they'll get a bit more for their money.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30At their request, we'll base our house search
0:05:30 > 0:05:32around the market town of Launceston.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36We've picked three very different properties to show our couple,
0:05:36 > 0:05:39but I won't reveal the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42And there's always an outside chance
0:05:42 > 0:05:45that our mystery house could be the answer to their prayers.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Well, David and June, welcome to Cornwall.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- Beautiful day, isn't it? - It is.- Yes, superb.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52You've hand-picked the day for us.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Well, I try to sort everything out, to be honest.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- Exciting time, isn't it? - It is, very.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- A complete move to a new part of the world for you guys.- Yep.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Why Launceston area of Cornwall?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Well, it's mainly down to budget.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09You get more for your money inland.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- Yep.- And, you know, we've gone past the beachy stage of our lives
0:06:14 > 0:06:18and it's only a half an hour, 45-minute drive anyway.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20And I don't surf. I don't sail.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22THEY ALL LAUGH
0:06:22 > 0:06:26Let's not waste any more time. Let's get on with the first property.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32For their budget of £300,000,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35June and David want a detached period property
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and would relish the idea of a renovation project.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39However, it must give them
0:06:39 > 0:06:41a large family living room
0:06:41 > 0:06:43with a feature fireplace,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46a kitchen, along with space for a family sit-down meal,
0:06:46 > 0:06:47three bedrooms
0:06:47 > 0:06:50and a wrap-around garden in the region of half an acre -
0:06:50 > 0:06:53all lying within easy reach of a village.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00We're kicking off our property search in the hamlet of Trekenner,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03just five miles from all the amenities of Launceston
0:07:03 > 0:07:07but with a good pub only 15 minutes' walk away in nearby Treburley.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Back in the heart of the hamlet,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11we find our first property,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14which comes complete with its own garage.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Now, the house, this rendered detached number,
0:07:17 > 0:07:18what are your thoughts?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- I like it. - Yeah, I like it.- I really do.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22There's a lot of history attached to this.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Now, 1650 was when it was built.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29Initially, it was a two-up two-down cob house. In more recent times,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32it's been a dairy, I think in the 1960s, it was even a post office.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35You can still see hints of its past there.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Not too far to take the letters.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Does this house say David and June?
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- Yeah, I think so.- Yes.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- I think so.- It's nice.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46But I'll give you my decision when I've seen inside.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49OK, let's not halt that decision any longer.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- Right, let's go.- Thank you.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Well, I'm happy with that as a first reaction.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Inside, David won't find a project,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00but there are lots of character features I hope they like.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05Right, now, you'll instantly notice some 1650 proportions.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10Yes! It's just the right size.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- It's warming, isn't it? It's nice.- It is.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- Oh! There's... - Our table would fit there.- Yeah.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- You've pointed at something. What's that?- That's the range.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22Now, quite a treat. A lot of city people might think, "Gas, big deal."
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Everything in this house is mains. Mains drainage, mains gas.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29At the back, there's a useful cloakroom,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33but will they settle for the unusual layout next door?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Now, what do you think of this bathroom?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- Oh, right.- OK.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- You got a separate shower.- Yes.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Is there one upstairs?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Ah.- Now, there's a potential hiccup.
0:08:44 > 0:08:45- There isn't?- No.- OK.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Well, what do you think about having
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- just a downstairs-only bathroom? - I could live with that.
0:08:50 > 0:08:51I could live with that.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55It's great that they're being open-minded about the quirks
0:08:55 > 0:08:57which inevitably crop up in an older property.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59Time to head to the front of the house
0:08:59 > 0:09:01and check out those character features.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Now, then, this is where I think
0:09:03 > 0:09:06the real history of the building comes out
0:09:06 > 0:09:07and it's illustrated here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Now, what was one of the key features?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- Fireplace.- Fireplace.- That's lovely.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16I read this would have been quite a small house. They've opened it up,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18and you get a good-sized living space.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19- It's a good size for us.- Yes.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21So downstairs...
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Good.- Thumbs up? - Oh, yes, definitely.- Definitely.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26Brilliant. Upstairs, let's see, shall we? OK.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31'It looks like family Christmases around the fire are sorted,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33'so let's see if they think there's enough space
0:09:33 > 0:09:35'in the three bedrooms upstairs.'
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Children's bedroom.- It is, yes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Now, one of three, I thought, and this is the smallest.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- It's not a bad size for a cottage. - No, it's good.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46You could even put a double bed in there, couldn't you?
0:09:46 > 0:09:50- You could.- Or bunk beds if it's children staying here?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- Yes.- Now, then, bedroom number one.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I'll walk you past two and we'll go into three.- Three, yes.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57Now, mind your head, mind the step.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05Bedroom two through there. I think that's definitely a children's room.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06This is your master bedroom.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- Yes. Oh, beautiful floorboards. - Yeah. Nice size.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14And upstairs, big enough for you guys with guests staying?
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Yeah.- Internally, it sounds like
0:10:16 > 0:10:19this house is doing it for you guys,
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- but outside was a big thing for you. - It was.- Nice big garden.- Yeah.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- Let's see what do you think of that. - OK.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Outside delivers the wrap-around garden they asked for, and all told,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31amounts to about a quarter of an acre
0:10:31 > 0:10:33with plenty of scope for landscaping.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37There's a separate zone which David could develop for the grandchildren.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Now, what about the price?
0:10:39 > 0:10:42So now you've seen the house, inside and out,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- Who wants to go first? - June.- I'll go first.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- You're good at this.- Yes. Um...
0:10:48 > 0:10:49295.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51OK, June. 295.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Well, as the majority of the work's been done,
0:10:55 > 0:10:56310.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58310?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Good guesses, both of you.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03June, you are good. It's on the market for £295,000. So well done.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Why don't you go back in? Have a look at the rest of the garden,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- look inside the house.- Yes, thank you.- Thank you.- Catch you later.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Under budget at £295,000,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18this charming cottage is a great retirement option,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20as there's no work needed.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24It's in great decorative order and gives them a spacious kitchen,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27a large living room with traditional features,
0:11:27 > 0:11:28three bedrooms
0:11:28 > 0:11:31and that quarter-acre wrap-around garden
0:11:31 > 0:11:35with far-reaching views over Dartmoor.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39The outside is pleasing to the eye.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42The inside is beautifully done.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46The bedrooms are more than adequate for size.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50The lounge is cosy, the kitchen is just the right size.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53The garden is the right size.
0:11:53 > 0:11:54I can do a lot with that.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58The proximity of the neighbours might be an issue with us.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00They're just too close.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11We're continuing our house search
0:12:11 > 0:12:13just half an hour's drive from Launceston,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16near the historic market town of Bodmin.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Its grand civic buildings, made of local granite stone,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23serve as a reminder that this was formerly Cornwall's county town.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25A couple of miles away,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29in a fantastically rural spot, is our second property -
0:12:29 > 0:12:32an historic tin mine engine house, which really throws
0:12:32 > 0:12:35down the gauntlet to David in terms of a renovation project.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Into this sleepy hollow
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- we find a quirky house. - Oh, my goodness me!
0:12:41 > 0:12:44Oh, my goodness.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- Lovely slate roof.- Yes. - That is incredible.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Look at the size of the slates on that roof.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Yeah.- And also the roof looks... - In good condition, doesn't it?
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- It looks in decent shape.- It does, yes.- Looks can be deceiving.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59There is a lot of work to be done to this place,
0:12:59 > 0:13:01but first of all, let me explain what we've got here.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Yes.- You've got a home,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06potential business,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09and a huge, huge project.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12Residential accommodation is the first half,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- just beyond those French windows. - Yeah.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16According to planning consent,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19the next part of the building
0:13:19 > 0:13:22is for letting accommodation - holiday lets, if you like.
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Now, beyond that, that is your major, major project.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29It's up to you what you do with it.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31That could be a project to end of projects, couldn't it?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- It's ticking boxes.- Good.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36David really means business,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40but it's no mean feat to transform this into a comfortable home.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43Right, then.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Tell me what you think now.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- Oh, my goodness.- Oh my goodness. - This is just what we're looking for.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Not overdone with beams, still a bit of height.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's amazing.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00To a lot of people, this is a potential nightmare.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- You like the look of this? - Absolutely, yeah.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- I'm really up for this.- Why?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07It's just got everything we've been looking for
0:14:07 > 0:14:09but we've not been able to find. You've done it.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- Let's see more, shall we? - Yes, please.- Follow me.- Yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16OK. Here's a good place to start
0:14:16 > 0:14:18to get an idea of the geography of this place.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22You've got a downstairs loo, bathroom and shower,
0:14:22 > 0:14:24and, now it's up to you,
0:14:24 > 0:14:27maybe a spare bedroom or an office,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29whatever you want to use it for.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- A study? Yes.- You don't have to walk straight into the kitchen.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- You've got this lovely entrance hall.- That's nice.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37In addition to the single bedroom downstairs,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40there are two good-sized bedrooms upstairs, one with its own
0:14:40 > 0:14:44en suite. It all needs a bit of a cosmetic overhaul,
0:14:44 > 0:14:47but let's see if we can keep up the positive momentum in the next room.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I don't think size is an issue with this place.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53My goodness, that's a good size.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It is.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56Look, this has been done up.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- You can see it's been done up, post '60s.- Yes.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00There's quirkiness to it.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03You look at that upright there, it's a railway sleeper,
0:15:03 > 0:15:07but I don't think every piece of wood here has to stay.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09- A lot of this is faux, tacked to the ceiling.- Yeah.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So you can make it whatever you want it to be.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15It's just a really good, adaptable space, isn't it?
0:15:16 > 0:15:20I'm delighted that they're embracing this project with such enthusiasm.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24June and David seem to be grabbing this amazing development
0:15:24 > 0:15:26opportunity by the horns, so here's hoping they're not
0:15:26 > 0:15:30fazed by the space and work needed outside.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- You can see a lot of land here, can't you?- You can, yes.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Tell you just how much. Pretty much as far as you can see
0:15:36 > 0:15:38on that fence line, there.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40The other side of that lovely old oak,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42all the way around,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45just over 1.3 acres.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49It's very hard to value this place, because it's fairly unique.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51You've got a piece of Cornish history,
0:15:51 > 0:15:55but you can live in it, but you get all this land as well.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- How much do you think it's on the market for? - I think this is going to be cruel,
0:15:59 > 0:16:01and I think it's way over our budget.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04I'm going for 330.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06OK. 330, David.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I'm going to be a real skinflint
0:16:09 > 0:16:12and say 275.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14When this first came on the market, it WAS 330.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18It's now on the market for 309,950.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20That's not a bad price, is it?
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- No, well, in your eyes, I'll give you that.- Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Now, this is a huge undertaking for anybody,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29so why don't you go and have a look around the land?
0:16:29 > 0:16:31I'm sure you're dying to get into that barn, as well.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Help yourself. You've got a short amount of daylight left.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Use it. And I'll catch you later.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40- Thank you very much. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Although this converted engine house is over their budget
0:16:47 > 0:16:51by nearly £10,000, it could provide them with an income
0:16:51 > 0:16:55from the holiday let possibility and is a one-off opportunity
0:16:55 > 0:16:59to create a fantastic home from a local piece of Cornish history.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02As it stands, it gives them a huge kitchen-diner,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06an enormous living room, perfect for those family gatherings,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09a potential earner from the holiday let annexe
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and one and a third acres of land,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15all set in a spectacular rural location
0:17:15 > 0:17:17but with Bodmin just a couple of miles down the road.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21This house has really given me food for thought.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24There's a lot to take in, but I do love it.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I absolutely love this property.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29I particularly want to do something up.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33The potential is there, and there's a possible income from some of it.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38As evening falls over the Cornish skyline,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41the first day of our property search draws to a close.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49Well, a good day yesterday, wasn't it?
0:17:49 > 0:17:52We had wonderful weather and we had great properties.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Two very different properties, mind you.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57But great reactions in both of them, nonetheless.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00Although, having now slept on it, I've started to get the impression
0:18:00 > 0:18:03that maybe David was more keen on that big project
0:18:03 > 0:18:05that the second house gave them than June.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08But another wonderful start to the day today,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10and we've got the mystery house to look at.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14As ever, it's here to challenge the expectations of our house hunters.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15But one thing's for sure,
0:18:15 > 0:18:19June and David should be getting their fair share of quirky.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29What are you expecting now from the mystery house?
0:18:29 > 0:18:30I don't really know.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33- What would you like it to be? - OK. I'll compromise.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37I don't necessarily need a moat and portcullis.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- I can safely tell you that it's not a castle.- OK.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42But that's all I'm going to tell you.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44There's history attached to this property.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48One thing beginning with Q that this property has,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50and that is something you've asked for, is quirky.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- So we're sticking with that theme. - That's brilliant.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Everything else is off piste.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00For our mystery property,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04we're doing a complete U-turn on giving David his renovation project.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06We are, however, heading closer to Launceston,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09around eight miles from the attractive moorland village
0:19:09 > 0:19:11of Altarnun with amenities that include
0:19:11 > 0:19:13a pub, a post office
0:19:13 > 0:19:15and a village shop.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Its 15th-century parish church
0:19:17 > 0:19:18is known as the Cathedral on the Moor,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23and this granite stone is a defining feature of the local architecture,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27as we find with this Wesleyan chapel conversion dating back to 1875
0:19:27 > 0:19:31where the hard work's already been done.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Ever thought about living in a church?
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Didn't have it down as an option, but yeah, OK.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39A couple of little bits and bobs which make this the mystery house.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43Obviously, it's a converted church. It's very, very different inside.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- But also, your garden is split. You have a garden to the back.- Yes.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50You've also got a vegetable patch raised up there as well.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52- That's novel.- It is novel, isn't it?
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Yes. Let's get in there, then.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57Shall we? All right, come on, then.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01'They may not have thought of hosting family gatherings
0:20:01 > 0:20:05'in a chapel, but as they'll see, inside, it's surprisingly homely.'
0:20:05 > 0:20:07The buzz word here is space.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10This is huge, isn't it?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Hasn't it been nicely done? - It has.- I really think it has.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Very tastefully done, yes. - I really do.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- The decor in here is how we would want to live.- Is it?!
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- Exactly.- Yes.- Yes.- Well, take the furniture out
0:20:22 > 0:20:25and you do have what a lot of agents would call a blank canvas.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- But what they've kept here, I think, has been pretty clever.- Yes.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- Obviously, you've got the pew. - That's nice.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- But even the shelving is a pew with a top on it.- Right!
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Wow.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39I think there's a new altar in town.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43- There's a wonderful wood burner. - That's large enough, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46'I know downstairs space is really important to them,
0:20:46 > 0:20:51'so let's see if the proportions of the kitchen measure up.'
0:20:52 > 0:20:57- Now, then, another good-sized room, I think you'll agree.- This is nice.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- Isn't it light?- Yes, really light.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Deceiving too, isn't it? Cos it's a good size.- Yeah.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05I'm glad you like the style of this,
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- because if you didn't, it would be an awful waste.- Yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- So two rooms down, still smiling? - Yes, definitely.- Yes.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14'They've definitely warmed to the large,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16'convivial living spaces downstairs,
0:21:16 > 0:21:19'so let's head up the impressive wooden staircase
0:21:19 > 0:21:22'and take a look at the two bedrooms.'
0:21:23 > 0:21:25Now, the architect has had to box fairly clever
0:21:25 > 0:21:28with this conversion, because it's always difficult
0:21:28 > 0:21:31to get a wonderful, large living space downstairs,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35but still get bedrooms above when you've got windows like that.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37One of the reasons they've managed to get
0:21:37 > 0:21:39this lovely, galleried landing
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- is you've got windows on the other side of the building.- Right.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44And that's where the bedrooms get their natural light.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Are they too small?- Very deceiving.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- No. And it's not just a box, is it?- No.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's quirky. Definitely quirky.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Well, that is your new middle name.
0:21:58 > 0:21:59It is.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Next door, there's a bathroom project in the making,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07just ready for David if he wants to put his own mark on it.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10And back downstairs to the rear of the kitchen is a utility area
0:22:10 > 0:22:13and a small office which they could convert
0:22:13 > 0:22:16into a very workable third bedroom.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22Do they think they could transform outside into their Garden of Eden?
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's not the biggest garden in the world, I know.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28But the bonus for you is, it needs some work, David.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31Oh, yeah. I can do this, yeah. I can already see the plants,
0:22:31 > 0:22:32where they're going to go.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- It's done its job, I think, as a mystery house.- Yes.- Definitely.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38It's different, it's quirky,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41but the big question is, how much is it on the market for?
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Oh, cripes. I'd forgotten about that.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Well, keeping you on your toes.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47290.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49290 from June.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53It's not large, is it? So I'm going to go 395.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56£310,000.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00- Bit of a surprise? - Well, for the lack of garden...
0:23:00 > 0:23:03I know the area is lovely.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05What's the most important thing when we value property?
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- It's the location. - It is, yes.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09We're back towards Launceston again.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Let's not forget, you've got that vegetable patch over the road.- Yes.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Go back inside, get to know it a little bit better. All right?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- OK, then.- See you later.- Yes.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23Priced at the £310,000, a our mystery chapel conversion
0:23:23 > 0:23:24may come in a surprise form,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28but it does provide a huge living room with that a wood burner,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31a great focal point for family get-togethers,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33a sociable kitchen/dining room,
0:23:33 > 0:23:36the potential for three bedrooms
0:23:36 > 0:23:39and a garden with amazing views towards Dartmoor,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and all of this falling within their search area,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43just eight miles from Launceston.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46This house totally surprised us.
0:23:46 > 0:23:51From the outside, you wouldn't expect so much inside.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56I think we would consider a chapel conversion,
0:23:56 > 0:23:59but then normally they would be out of our price range.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02I could quite happily live in here and I think June could too.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06This is actually, believe it or not, a contender.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16So, after a couple of days and three property viewings,
0:24:16 > 0:24:17I really feel that David and June
0:24:17 > 0:24:21have seen the best of what their money can buy them in Cornwall.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22I'm about to find out now
0:24:22 > 0:24:24which of their three properties is their favourite.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27But I've got the sneaky suspicion that David has already had
0:24:27 > 0:24:30his heart stolen by one of the properties.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And I think you know which one I mean.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39- So, it's been an eventful couple of days, hasn't it?- It has.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Let's go back to the first day of property hunting, then, shall we?
0:24:42 > 0:24:46The first house we looked at was a little detached cottage.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49What are your thoughts on that now we've come away from there?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I liked the look of the property.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- Yeah?- The lounge...
0:24:54 > 0:24:59with the fire in it was lovely and quirky,
0:24:59 > 0:25:02and the kitchen was a good space.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04When we got outside of the first property,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06it was your wrap-around garden,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09but you didn't seem as enthused as I'd hoped you'd be.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- The size was fine. - Right.- It wasn't...
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The slope was far too steep.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I would have had to have terraced it, I think.
0:25:19 > 0:25:24I got the feeling it was a good start but just wasn't for you.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- That's right.- And maybe, in hindsight, that was
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- because there wasn't enough of a project there for you...- Yeah.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32..which there certainly was in the second property
0:25:32 > 0:25:35that I showed you where you had...
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- Well, it was a semi-converted tin mine, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39You didn't seem daunted
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- by the amount of work to be done there, June?- No, no.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45It was almost liveable. Once it'd had a good clean through
0:25:45 > 0:25:49and perhaps carpets renewed and decorated,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51it was liveable.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55What do you think you'd want to do now, looking back on it,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58in regards to the holiday letting part of that building?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01- I think it would be a good idea. - You'd keep it as it is?
0:26:01 > 0:26:04- As a holiday let.- Yes. You agree, June?
0:26:04 > 0:26:06I would bring it into the main part of the house.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10You have been on the same page in everything we've looked at,
0:26:10 > 0:26:12but we've got a slight difference of opinion.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14But if I hold my hands up, it's quite a way
0:26:14 > 0:26:16out of your original search area around Launceston.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18This was more the Bodmin area.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21So today, it was mystery house time.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Back to the area of Launceston, at least.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26And you stood outside a converted chapel.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- What were your first thoughts? - It wouldn't have crossed my mind...
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- No.- ..to look for one.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- I think you were exactly the same. - Exactly, yes.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37We walked in through those doors,
0:26:37 > 0:26:42and then you were met with that huge expanse of living space.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- What did you think? - That was just stunning, wasn't it?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47It was good. That would suit our needs.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51But there again, you started to talk about your family
0:26:51 > 0:26:55and family coming down to spend time here, and I started to think,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58they're considering this could be a potential home,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- which excited me, certainly.- Yes. - So...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04have you had enough time to think about what your favourite
0:27:04 > 0:27:07out of these three properties might be?
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- I have.- I have. We both have, yes.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I think my favourite was
0:27:13 > 0:27:15the one at Bodmin.
0:27:15 > 0:27:19Before we go back home, we're going to research the area.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- What a great idea.- Yes.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- I think you're going to do some finances, aren't you?- Yes.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26I've had a thoroughly good time showing you round
0:27:26 > 0:27:29and I've loved the fact you've been so open-minded as well.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- So best of luck with your research. - Thank you very much indeed.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Thank you very much for making us feel so special.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Well, when I first met David and June,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41I could tell they were really committed to a move to Cornwall
0:27:41 > 0:27:44and rather excited about the fact.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47But for me, well, I was rather daunted, to be honest with you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49I knew they'd already come down here before
0:27:49 > 0:27:51and failed to find the right property.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55That's because they had what I'd consider a rather limited budget
0:27:55 > 0:27:58for all they wanted. But because they were able to compromise,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01I was able to show them a property that gave them
0:28:01 > 0:28:05the quirks and character they're after, a project for David
0:28:05 > 0:28:07and all that land in a rural location.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10What they need to do now, though, is go to Bodmin,
0:28:10 > 0:28:11see if it's the town for them.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13Fingers crossed it is
0:28:13 > 0:28:15and then fingers crossed they can put an offer in
0:28:15 > 0:28:17and maybe move into a new home
0:28:17 > 0:28:20that will provide David with something to do in his retirement.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21See you next time.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24If you would like to escape to the country
0:28:24 > 0:28:29in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32please apply online at...
0:28:32 > 0:28:34bbc.co.uk/beonashow
0:28:50 > 0:28:53Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd