0:00:02 > 0:00:04Offering panoramic across today's county,
0:00:04 > 0:00:05this hilltop vantage point
0:00:05 > 0:00:09was once the site of a bustling Iron Age hill fort.
0:00:09 > 0:00:14Covering 200 acres, it's the largest of its kind in England.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16So, where am I?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Keep watching to find out.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51In today's show, I'll be helping a couple move to the country
0:00:51 > 0:00:54to start the next chapter of their lives.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57And our house search certainly has plenty of highs.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58Can we move in?
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Get your cheque book out.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03It's got the "Ooh!" factor.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07It's got the ooh, the wow, and everything factor at the moment.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09But will the surprise of our mystery house
0:01:09 > 0:01:11top the lot?
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Where on earth did you get this from? It's beautiful.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19This is Ham Hill in Somerset.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23From here, you get sweeping views of south Somerset,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Exmoor and the Mendips.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28It's also a great place to spot
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Fosse Way, Cadbury Castle and Glastonbury Tor.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Now, between 1750BC and 43AD,
0:01:36 > 0:01:38this was a busy centre
0:01:38 > 0:01:40for the local Iron Age tribespeople.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And this site is of such importance
0:01:43 > 0:01:46that in 1994 it was designated as
0:01:46 > 0:01:50a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52Now, everyone from the Romans to the Victorians
0:01:52 > 0:01:54have made use of this site.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57And the Hamstone that is quarried locally
0:01:57 > 0:02:01has been used extensively to build villages throughout the region.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04But Hamstone isn't the only building block
0:02:04 > 0:02:06behind Somerset's success.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Tucked into the southwestern arm of England,
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Somerset's varied landscape forms the bedrock
0:02:12 > 0:02:14for many ancient sites.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19One of the most recognisable has to be Glastonbury Tor,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22which towers 520 feet over the Somerset Levels
0:02:22 > 0:02:27and has served as a place of pilgrimage for 2,000 years.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29The county's rich geology is echoed in its architecture,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33which aside from the honey-coloured Hamstone
0:02:33 > 0:02:36includes the distinctive Blue Lias buildings
0:02:36 > 0:02:38found in market towns such as Somerton.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Somerset's mild climate and fertile soil
0:02:42 > 0:02:44underpins its incredibly strong farming heritage,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48and the green pastures that stretch across the landscape
0:02:48 > 0:02:51provide a vision of classic rural England
0:02:51 > 0:02:53that can rival anywhere in the country.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59In the county of Somerset,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01an average detached property
0:03:01 > 0:03:04comes at £11,000 above the national average.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07But prices here compare far more favourably
0:03:07 > 0:03:09than in neighbouring Dorset,
0:03:09 > 0:03:11where an average detached property there
0:03:11 > 0:03:15is going to cost you a whopping £58,000 more,
0:03:15 > 0:03:17which makes Somerset a great choice
0:03:17 > 0:03:22for buyers wanting fabulous countryside at an achievable price.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25So let's take a look at what's currently on the market
0:03:25 > 0:03:27here in the county.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30For £295,000,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34this delightful three-bedroom cottage in Higher Odcome
0:03:34 > 0:03:36features Somerset's renowned Hamstone
0:03:36 > 0:03:38and has a cosy fireplace.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41It also has a detached garage.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45£495,000 could buy you
0:03:45 > 0:03:49this four-bedroom character cottage in Peasmarsh.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51There's slate flooring in the kitchen/diner
0:03:51 > 0:03:55and a stone fireplace, which adds real rustic charm.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Outside offers a generous third-of-an-acre garden.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03Or for a bigger budget of £725,000,
0:04:03 > 0:04:08this impressive five-bedroom property in Bishops Lydeard
0:04:08 > 0:04:10would certainly be worth a look.
0:04:10 > 0:04:11A fantastic inglenook fireplace
0:04:11 > 0:04:13takes centre stage in the sitting room
0:04:13 > 0:04:19and the exposed beams are offset by the light, high-spec interior.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21What's more, it sits in around one acre
0:04:21 > 0:04:24of beautifully landscaped gardens.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Some lovely properties there currently on the market.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Time now to meet today's buyers.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33Retired couple Geoff and Jenny
0:04:33 > 0:04:36have lived in their current home in Buckinghamshire
0:04:36 > 0:04:38for the last 35 years.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41During that time, Geoff has put his building skills to good use
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and transformed their former bungalow
0:04:44 > 0:04:46into a five-bedroom property.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49And when they find their new house in the country,
0:04:49 > 0:04:53it's something he definitely wants to do again.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Now that I'm retired, I need something to be doing.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57I'm a builder, or I was a builder,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and I enjoy building. It'd be nice to have a project.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Yes, and I can confirm he definitely needs a project,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07because since he retired, he's been getting under my feet!
0:05:07 > 0:05:12So somewhere that needs a little bit of building
0:05:12 > 0:05:14or a lot of building, that'd be fine by us.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I'm the builder and Jenny is my labourer.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Yes, I'm very good with wheelbarrows
0:05:19 > 0:05:21and passing screwdrivers and hammers.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25This husband-and-wife team of 38 years
0:05:25 > 0:05:28first met when they were neighbours in the same street.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32But now, living by a busy road has taken its toll,
0:05:32 > 0:05:33so, over the past six months,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36they have got stuck in to some serious research,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38which has focused on the southwest of England.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42And mindful that they want to carry on playing golf when they move,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45they've settled on Taunton
0:05:45 > 0:05:46as their desired location.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50We've looked at various areas.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52We've spent a week in Somerset
0:05:52 > 0:05:54in the winter.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56We haven't actually looked inside any properties,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00but we've got a pretty clear picture of what we're looking for now.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Part of that is light, airy rooms,
0:06:03 > 0:06:07but they also have a number of other criteria we need to factor in.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Ideally, we would like three bedrooms,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11with two bathrooms,
0:06:11 > 0:06:14a large kitchen/diner,
0:06:14 > 0:06:15a good utility room...
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Log-burner, range cooker
0:06:18 > 0:06:20and...
0:06:20 > 0:06:22a large garden. Large mature garden.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24On top of this,
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Jenny would like a couple of acres of land for her outdoor projects.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31I would like to keep some bees,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34some chickens,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and if we were able to get the land, maybe a couple of donkeys,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40because I have an affinity to donkeys,
0:06:40 > 0:06:41but we'll see how that goes.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45As if house and land won't keep them busy enough,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48they're also keen to find a local mooring for their narrowboat,
0:06:48 > 0:06:51which they currently keep in Rugby, Warwickshire.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54So with their bricks and mortar now on the market,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57they've nailed down the finances for the move.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00If the property was to tick all of our boxes,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03we'd be quite happy to pay £350,000.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12So Geoff and Jenny want a house that they can fall in love with,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15but they don't mind a labour of love,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18as Geoff is rather keen on a renovation project.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Jenny, she fantasises about keeping bees and donkeys,
0:07:23 > 0:07:27so ideally, she wants a garden of around two acres.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Add to the mix their desire for open, spacious rooms
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and three bedrooms,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34two of which being en-suite,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37and it's clear they have very high expectations.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41We'll have to see if all this is achievable on their budget
0:07:41 > 0:07:42here in Somerset.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48We're focusing Jenny and Geoff's house search
0:07:48 > 0:07:51around the Taunton area, just as they requested.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54I'll be showing them three Somerset stunners,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56but, as ever, I won't be revealing the price
0:07:56 > 0:07:59of each until they've had a guess first.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01The last property is our mystery house,
0:08:01 > 0:08:03which is my chance to show them
0:08:03 > 0:08:05a different dimension to their search.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Geoff and Jenny, welcome to a rather damp Somerset today.
0:08:13 > 0:08:18Yes, it's wonderful, isn't it(?) Sunny Somerset. There you go!
0:08:18 > 0:08:21Let's talk money. What's your top budget? Remind me.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23Ideally, about £350,000,
0:08:23 > 0:08:26but we could stretch a little bit further if necessary.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27- OK.- Yes, I'd go with that.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Maybe 375, 380, absolute tops.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Right. And that could be a project you're going to do up?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Yeah. If it was a project, that would have to make allowance
0:08:36 > 0:08:39for the fact that I'd need the cash to do that sort of work,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43but being a builder, it won't be as expensive for me as it would for someone else, obviously.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Very true.- Especially with the cheap labour!
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Very handy - married to a builder and willing assistant!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50This is a good team.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- You do know Somerset quite well. - Yes.- Yes.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55We're going to spread the net a little bit further
0:08:55 > 0:08:57around the county.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- Shall we get out the rain and jump into the car?- Good idea.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Geoff and Jenny have a budget of £350,000,
0:09:07 > 0:09:10with some additional funds available
0:09:10 > 0:09:12for any projects Geoff wants to get stuck into.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14They'd like...
0:09:14 > 0:09:15a large kitchen/diner,
0:09:15 > 0:09:19character features, such as a log-burner and range,
0:09:19 > 0:09:22three bedrooms, preferably with a master en-suite,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25a large garden,
0:09:25 > 0:09:28and if we can find Jenny around two acres of land for donkeys,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30all the better.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37So how realistic are you of the market in Somerset?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39The property market?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42We've done a fair bit of research on the internet
0:09:42 > 0:09:45and we've looked at house prices.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48We know the sort of thing we're looking for
0:09:48 > 0:09:50is probably just about achievable.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53I love the fact that we can look at projects.
0:09:53 > 0:09:54It opens it up.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56You know what's going to happen, don't you?
0:09:56 > 0:10:01We'll find a house that needs nothing doing to it. You'll be twiddling your thumbs, Geoff!
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- You'll have to play even more golf. - I'll get myself a job!
0:10:10 > 0:10:12We're starting our journey heading east from Taunton
0:10:12 > 0:10:14to the village of Yeovilton.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Just a few miles away is Ilchester,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20a village with heritage stretching back to Roman times.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23Ilchester offers an array of amenities
0:10:23 > 0:10:26and the local Somerset Blue Lias stone
0:10:26 > 0:10:28is a distinctive feature of its buildings.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32Back in Yeovilton, our first house is a detached property,
0:10:32 > 0:10:34set at the end of an extensive driveway.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39And here is your first property
0:10:39 > 0:10:40in Somerset.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I looks great.- It's quite substantial, isn't it?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45That's one detached house, is it?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48That is one house. Originally, it was a three-bedroom village house,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50built in the 1970s
0:10:50 > 0:10:52and extended out by the current owners
0:10:52 > 0:10:54about three, two years ago.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57And they have extended it, as you can see.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- Yeah. It looks very promising. - It's nice.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Shall we head straight in?- OK. - Good idea.
0:11:03 > 0:11:04As we dive for cover from the rain,
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Geoff and Jenny will see that the modernised interior
0:11:07 > 0:11:10of this property is just as substantial.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18So, as you come into the property, you've got a downstairs shower room off the hallway,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20you've got a reception room.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23This is the snug - I like to call it a snug.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26But I wanted to bring you straight into
0:11:26 > 0:11:29a very large kitchen/diner.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- Beautiful, isn't it? - This is very nice.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34Yeah. Yeah. It's great.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- The units are hand-made, aren't they?- Yes.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- They are. Got a huge range there. - Absolutely brilliant.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Good! This is great.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Just behind us, there's a utility room
0:11:45 > 0:11:47with the sink and the white goods there.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Then to the left of that, there's a door.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Geoff, you're going to love through there.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52It's a garage.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- Great.- Single width, double in length.- Right.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59Perfect for your golf clubs, your bikes, all your bits and pieces.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- That's exciting.- Let's continue.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04Those spacious proportions continue next door
0:12:04 > 0:12:06in the main reception room.
0:12:07 > 0:12:08So here's the sitting room.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- Nice size.- And as you can see, they've decorated everywhere.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14It's immaculate.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- Beautiful.- Absolutely immaculate.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- And a working fireplace, hopefully. - Yes.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20The original fireplace was there.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Obviously, they've changed the surround,
0:12:22 > 0:12:24but it is a proper fireplace.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And you've got access to the garden here as well.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30They've got a lot of furniture, actually, in this room.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Is this the sort of space you were looking for?
0:12:33 > 0:12:37We've got a fairly large lounge at home, so...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40But the furniture we've got will fit nicely in here,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- no problem at all.- Yes, it would go very nicely.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44It's good.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- Happy?- Yeah.- Yeah, definitely.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Shall we head upstairs now?- Why not?- OK.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Excuse me. Thank you.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53With the downstairs rooms covered,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55we'll explore upstairs,
0:12:55 > 0:12:57which gives them five potential bedrooms,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59all of which flow off the landing.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03Coupled with two bedrooms large enough to be doubles,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05there are two single rooms
0:13:05 > 0:13:07along with a useful study
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and a fair-sized family bathroom.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15- Shall we go and see where your room is?- Sure.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20And the far end is entirely their domain.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25Now, a very, very large en suite
0:13:25 > 0:13:27with separate bath and shower.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28That looks really nice.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- And here's your bedroom.- Oh, OK.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Not perhaps the largest,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35but they do have quite a lot of furniture in here.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- They do, and it's big, heavy furniture, isn't it?- It is.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41So, yeah. It's a nice size still.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43It's a good size for a double bed.
0:13:43 > 0:13:44And, er...
0:13:44 > 0:13:46nice outlook.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47Oh, yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53This property delivers the large, airy interior they asked for,
0:13:53 > 0:13:55but although the garden is pretty extensive,
0:13:55 > 0:13:59it falls short of giving Jenny two acres for her donkeys,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02although there is land locally that they could rent.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Let's brave the weather
0:14:04 > 0:14:07and get Geoff's take on the home for his tools.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- What about that for a workshop, Geoff?- Yeah, that's great. That would work wonderfully.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Who wants to go first?- He's going first. He's the builder.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Geoff, over to you. How much is this house on the market for?
0:14:19 > 0:14:22I'm going to plump for about
0:14:22 > 0:14:24£365,000.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Mm-hm. Well, I'd say,
0:14:27 > 0:14:29although it's five-bedroomed,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31some of the bedrooms are quite small.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34So maybe 345?
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- OK. Interesting.- Right...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40It's been on the market for a few months.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42They have recently lowered the price.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45They are looking at offers in excess of
0:14:45 > 0:14:48£350,000.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Oh, OK. So I was...
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Not far out.- No, both of you, very good.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Well, with this rain coming down, let's all head back inside
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- and I'll let you have a wander around on your own.- Lovely.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59- After you.- Thanks very much.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02What a day!
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Priced at £350,000,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10there's money left in the pot for Geoff to busy himself
0:15:10 > 0:15:12with those upstairs alterations.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16This property is a good opening gambit
0:15:16 > 0:15:18and provides them with
0:15:18 > 0:15:22a huge sitting room, complete with the fireplace that Jenny asked for,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24an enormous kitchen/diner,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27five potential bedrooms including a master en-suite,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31along with a large, low-maintenance garden.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34What's more, it's in their ideal location,
0:15:34 > 0:15:36within easy reach of Taunton.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38It's a very nice house.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40I particularly like the kitchen.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42I think the kitchen's been extremely well done.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45The lounge is nice.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Not sure about upstairs. I suspect the alterations
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I would want to do would probably cost in the region of
0:15:50 > 0:15:53between £15,000 and £20,000.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Um...
0:15:55 > 0:15:56That's doing the work myself.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57A superb house.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00It's got plenty of space
0:16:00 > 0:16:03upstairs and downstairs,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and the kitchen is to die for.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- Have you seen enough? - Yes, definitely.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- Good start?- Excellent start.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30Geoff and Jenny are particularly drawn to the rural scenery
0:16:30 > 0:16:32surrounding Taunton,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34Somerset's county town.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Taunton's architecture, from its Grade I listed castle
0:16:37 > 0:16:40to the elegant Georgian terraced buildings
0:16:40 > 0:16:42stands testament to its prosperous trading past,
0:16:42 > 0:16:46which was underpinned by its ability to act as hub
0:16:46 > 0:16:50for the transportation of goods along local rivers and canals.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53Created in the early 19th century,
0:16:53 > 0:16:54the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
0:16:54 > 0:16:58remains an enduring example of this heritage.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Although nowadays it's known as a popular stretch for tourists
0:17:01 > 0:17:03on leisure boats.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07As Geoff and Jenny are keen to find a mooring for their narrowboat
0:17:07 > 0:17:09when they move,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11earlier in the week, we sent them to meet
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Somerset Waterways Development Trust.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Well, the canal was completed in 1827
0:17:17 > 0:17:21and the waterway then went from Taunton to Huntworth,
0:17:21 > 0:17:23on the River Parrett,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26but then of course the railway had reached Taunton by 1842.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30And that gave the canal company serious competition,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34and by 1907, there was no commercial traffic on the canal at all.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36The canal continued to deteriorate
0:17:36 > 0:17:37until he Second World War came along.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41The Government thought that a defence line needed to be built
0:17:41 > 0:17:43in Somerset.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47They built pill boxes along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal
0:17:47 > 0:17:49and some of these are still there to be seen.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55These military shelters have an eerie presence on this quiet canal,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57which had to wait decades to be restored.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00It was reopened in 1994,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02and its 15-mile stretch passes through
0:18:02 > 0:18:06a range of protected Sites Of Special Scientific Interest,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09which our buyers would be able to enjoy at close quarters,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12using their own narrowboat.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15We have a 46-foot narrowboat,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17so would we be able to have it on this canal?
0:18:17 > 0:18:18Will we be able to turn it round?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20Yes, there would be no problem there.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21There's six locks
0:18:21 > 0:18:25and they take boats, in theory, 13 feet wide.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29For their size of boat, a British Waterways licence would cost them
0:18:29 > 0:18:31just over £700,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34with mooring fees in the Bridgwater area setting them back
0:18:34 > 0:18:36around £1,000.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Mindful of their boating aspirations,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44we're continuing our house search
0:18:44 > 0:18:46just six miles away from the amenities of Bridgwater
0:18:46 > 0:18:49in the village of Moorland
0:18:49 > 0:18:51in the heart of the Somerset Levels.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Nearby, the hilly outcrop of Burrow Mump, topped with the remains
0:18:55 > 0:18:57of its early Victorian chapel
0:18:57 > 0:18:59is a magical landmark,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02where it's believed King Alfred sought refuge
0:19:02 > 0:19:04from the invading Vikings.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Situated alongside the River Parrett
0:19:07 > 0:19:10is our second offering, which comes in the shape of
0:19:10 > 0:19:12an extended country cottage.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17So what are your first impressions of the actual cottage itself?
0:19:17 > 0:19:19It looks very nice.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20It looks very, very nice.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22It's got the "Ooh!" factor?
0:19:22 > 0:19:25It's got the ooh, the wow, and everything factor at the moment.
0:19:25 > 0:19:29- The house itself is about 100 years old.- Right.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32But it's had substantial work done in the past ten years.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Has it left any for you-know-who?
0:19:36 > 0:19:41I think there's always room for the personal touch, Geoff.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42- Shall we take a step inside? - Good idea.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44Come on.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47With such a great first reaction
0:19:47 > 0:19:49to the attractive facade of our cottage,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52I'm hopeful we can keep the momentum on the inside.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00So, front door leads straight into...
0:20:00 > 0:20:01at the moment, it's a dining room.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04OK. It's nice. It's very nice.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07It's lovely. It's what I'd expect a cottage
0:20:07 > 0:20:10dining room or whatever they want to call it...
0:20:10 > 0:20:11- Yeah.- ..to be like.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13And you can see they've done a lot of work.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16They've stripped all these floorboards back.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- It's very unusual to see that sort of thing.- I've never seen anything like that.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21- This is something new to me.- Yeah.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I think it gives it quite a nice warm feel.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28The dining hall leads through to the main sitting room,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31which also features a wood-burner as a lovely focal point.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35But we'll about-turn and see what they make of the kitchen.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Ooh!
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- What do you think?- It's lovely. It's wonderful. It is just what I want.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Can we move in?
0:20:45 > 0:20:47Get your cheque book out!
0:20:47 > 0:20:48I've got bad news for you.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51I won't be able to get into that corner to do the washing-up.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- Oh, no!- It's too narrow.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Geoff, we'll have to find you a dishwasher somewhere.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57We've got a dishwasher
0:20:57 > 0:20:59and it would definitely fit in there.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Look at that cooker!- You've got a solid-fuel range there
0:21:02 > 0:21:04for cooking, and also heats the water
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and provides some of the heating for the house.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10The rest is oil-fired,
0:21:10 > 0:21:12so you can use both systems.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Yeah.- This is just my style.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- Well, let's hope we continue on that same note.- Let's hope so!
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Let's see if they love the next room as much.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25You two have an impressive conservatory at home.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Not as impressive as this one.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- This is nicer.- Is it?- Yes.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33And it brings the garden in.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- People always say that, but it's so true.- It does.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's lovely. I LOVE what I'm seeing.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41I'm so pleased!
0:21:43 > 0:21:46Downstairs is getting high marks from Jenny.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50The conservatory leads through to an area currently used as a study.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53There's also an adjoining utility room
0:21:53 > 0:21:55and WC with a separate shower cubicle.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57But we'll head upstairs,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59which offers three bedrooms,
0:21:59 > 0:22:01to get their verdict on the master.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- It's a fairly good size, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08In a cottage like this.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- Plenty of storage.- Yeah.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Yeah.- This is nice.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Plenty big enough.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16So, you've just got the one bathroom upstairs,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19but you also have that shower room downstairs,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21just off the utility room
0:22:21 > 0:22:23and the office.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25Is that going to be a problem for you?
0:22:25 > 0:22:26I don't really think so.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28There's only the two of us.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29Yeah.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Apart from when we have guests.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33You could always go out and bathe in the river, couldn't you?
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Of the two remaining bedrooms,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40one is large enough for a double bed
0:22:40 > 0:22:42and the other is a single,
0:22:42 > 0:22:43which is currently fitted with bunk beds.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46OK, downstairs. Let's see the garden.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Overall, the cottage has made a really strong impression
0:22:50 > 0:22:52on our couple,
0:22:52 > 0:22:56but as we know, the outdoor space could be a deal-breaker for Jenny.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01So...the all-important garden.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Yeah, lovely, isn't it?
0:23:03 > 0:23:05It's gorgeous.
0:23:05 > 0:23:06Good!
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It could be perfect for the two of you.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11It is really nice.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13And it's looked after,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15it's cared for, and this is...
0:23:15 > 0:23:17well, I would say, a mature garden,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- and that's what I'd like.- Good.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21So, Jenny, come on, then - guess the price.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Top of our budget - 380.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25OK. Geoff?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- What are you thinking?- I'm going to be very optimistic
0:23:28 > 0:23:30and say 365.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33I like the little cheeky smile as he said "optimistic"!
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Yeah, he is optimistic, isn't he?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37It has only just gone on the market.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39The current asking price
0:23:39 > 0:23:42is 300...
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Yeah...?
0:23:43 > 0:23:45and 25,000 pounds!
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- That's fantastic!- Oh, Geoff, when can we move?
0:23:48 > 0:23:49We'll have it!
0:23:51 > 0:23:52- 325?!- 325.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55It has only literally gone on in the last two days.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59So, does anyone fancy having another look around the property?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Yes, please!- I thought you might.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Go on!
0:24:05 > 0:24:06Our beautiful cottage
0:24:06 > 0:24:08comes with an appealing price tag,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10which certainly put a smile on their faces.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Under budget at £325,000,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16and deceptively spacious,
0:24:16 > 0:24:20it gives them two reception areas with wood-burners,
0:24:20 > 0:24:23a huge kitchen/diner with a range,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27and a stunning conservatory that overlooks a mature garden.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29This house is beautiful.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32It's very picturesque
0:24:32 > 0:24:35and it would fit our needs perfectly.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39Possibly the garden might have been a little bigger,
0:24:39 > 0:24:41but I think it's a compromise worth making.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44There's one or two little things want doing,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47but generally speaking, it's in sensational condition.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50It would be just about perfect.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I'd give it at least 9 out of 10.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55This house is almost as good as it gets for me.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58I can imagine myself sitting in the conservatory
0:24:58 > 0:25:01on a winter's day, watching the birds feeding.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03And on a winter's night,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06sitting in front of that beautiful log fire.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- All right, the two of you? - Yes, thank you.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13- That was lovely.- Good.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- It seemed to be a good way to end the day.- It was superb,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and you're going to have to work really hard to beat that one.
0:25:19 > 0:25:20I'm quite sure you can't!
0:25:33 > 0:25:36As the evening falls over the Somerset skyline,
0:25:36 > 0:25:38the first day of our house hunt comes to an end.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Armed with their £350,000 budget,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Geoff and Jenny want to leave behind a lifetime
0:25:51 > 0:25:54spent in Iver, Buckinghamshire,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57and head southwest to glorious Somerset.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01There's no doubt they love the space and character feel
0:26:01 > 0:26:03of our second property,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06although there wasn't really a project in sight for Geoff.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09But he'd better put his development hat on,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11as coming up, it's our mystery property.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13It needs bringing up to date.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I'm actually thinking that this wall might disappear.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19And I get close up to the foundations of this county.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- That's nerves.- See, I don't...
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- Ooh, now I've gone a bit deeper. - That's OK.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30We've shown Geoff and Jenny two properties here in Somerset
0:26:30 > 0:26:32which, to be fair, neither of them
0:26:32 > 0:26:35needed an awful lot of work doing to them.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38The first house they both took to instantly,
0:26:38 > 0:26:41but the garden was deemed too small by Jenny.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44The second property - that scored highly,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48with both of them falling in love with it at first sight,
0:26:48 > 0:26:50ending our day's search on a high.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Today it's time for the mystery property.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58Now, so far, Geoff hasn't had a renovation project he can sink his teeth into.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01Let's see how he gets on with this one.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Our mystery house takes us towards southern Somerset,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09to the village of Barwick,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11just a ten-minute drive from Yeovil.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Within this rural setting
0:27:13 > 0:27:15is the 300-acre Barwick Park,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18dotted with five eye-catching follies,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20built back in the early 1800s.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Rather like these follies,
0:27:23 > 0:27:25our mystery property is a gatehouse,
0:27:25 > 0:27:26full of curious quirks,
0:27:26 > 0:27:31which also gives Geoff plenty of scope to get into a project.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37So...come and marvel at your mystery property.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- Oh, yes!- Wow!
0:27:39 > 0:27:41ALL LAUGH
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- I love it!- Where on earth did you get this from?
0:27:43 > 0:27:45It's beautiful.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- It's stunning.- It's absolutely incredible.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49Look at it!
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Driveways and gates and...
0:27:51 > 0:27:54I've never seen anything like... or been in anything like this.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56I have never been inside a gatehouse before.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- First for me.- That makes two of us. - Absolutely not.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Three of us.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03So the mystery house has given us the wow factor straight away.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Definitely.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06I love the stone on it.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07It's all original, presumably?
0:28:07 > 0:28:09It is. That's all Hamstone.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Before it starts to rain, shall we head on inside?
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- I think it's time to look around. - Definitely.- Let's do it.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Our mystery property is deceptively large,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21with two wings constructed from Hamstone
0:28:21 > 0:28:23added in the late 1970s.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26It also includes a spacious garage.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28But as Geoff and Jenny will see,
0:28:28 > 0:28:32the original part comes with some extraordinary dimensions.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36So, welcome to the octagonal room.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Wow!
0:28:40 > 0:28:41Double wow!
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- That's incredible.- Amazing.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45Absolutely amazing.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Well, it is our mystery house.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48So what do you both think?
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Well, I'm...
0:28:51 > 0:28:54virtually speechless, because there's just not enough superlatives
0:28:54 > 0:28:58that I can say to describe how I feel about it.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59It's beautiful.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01I think it's incredible.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04It's wonderful!
0:29:04 > 0:29:06If you want character,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09- and quirkiness...- We've got it here, that's for sure.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12Certainly have. And your windows are quite spectacular, aren't they?
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Yeah. I love them.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15First room...
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Top marks?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20- Yeah.- Yeah. For the quirkiness and for the wow factor.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- Yeah.- Good.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25- Right.- I could definitely imagine living here.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27That's a very good start!
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Let's continue through to the kitchen.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- It's not a bad size, is it?- It's not a bad size.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37It really needs refitting, doesn't it?
0:29:37 > 0:29:41It does. The house hasn't probably had a lot of work done on it
0:29:41 > 0:29:43since the late '70s, early '80s.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46But even so, I mean...
0:29:46 > 0:29:48there's a lot of this I would actually keep.
0:29:48 > 0:29:49It's nice.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51It's nice and light as well.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53It needs a general refit.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55It needs bringing up to date,
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- but it's OK.- OK.
0:29:57 > 0:29:58Let's continue.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04So the kitchen leads through to this room.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08So it could be a utility room. It's currently used as a big office.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13It's...it's bigger than I thought it would be,
0:30:13 > 0:30:14- this room.- Yes.
0:30:14 > 0:30:16I'm actually thinking
0:30:16 > 0:30:17that this wall might disappear.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- And make it one big open-plan kitchen?- Yeah.
0:30:21 > 0:30:22Yeah.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25So let's take you through and show you the bedrooms,
0:30:25 > 0:30:26all on the same floor.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Now that Geoff has started thinking what changes he might make,
0:30:33 > 0:30:36we'll retrace our steps and explore the other wing.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Leading off the corridor,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42the family bathroom is in need of his updating magic.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46There are three double bedrooms, two of which are a good size for guests.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49But let's see what they think of the master.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52With this bedroom,
0:30:52 > 0:30:54you get a fantastic view of the park.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Beautiful, isn't it? - I like this place,
0:30:58 > 0:30:59and I love that view.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Yeah.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02So...
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- work could be done.- Yeah.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08There's always a possibility of doing all sorts of things
0:31:08 > 0:31:09when he's involved!
0:31:09 > 0:31:12So, just walking around, before I take you outside,
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- is this a project that's intriguing you?- Yes.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18- It's a project I'd love to do. - Really?
0:31:18 > 0:31:20That's quite definite.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23- Jenny?- Yes, it's a project I'D love him to do as well!
0:31:23 > 0:31:26I've stood out there making designs in my head.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29- Let's take you to the garden.- OK.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Because then you can really appreciate
0:31:32 > 0:31:34the 300 acres that are around us,
0:31:34 > 0:31:37and talk about the land,
0:31:37 > 0:31:39and how much all this is on the market for.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41OK.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45Our mystery house offers them a unique proposition
0:31:45 > 0:31:48and gives Geoff the chance to put his mark on it.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Outside also gives him a good-sized garage
0:31:51 > 0:31:53to store away his building tools,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56while Jenny gets a garden of around a third of an acre,
0:31:56 > 0:31:58with views that are hard to beat.
0:32:02 > 0:32:03What a view!
0:32:03 > 0:32:06This is my money shot!
0:32:06 > 0:32:08I had to get you here, didn't I?
0:32:08 > 0:32:10It is lovely.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Is that a folly?- It is a folly.
0:32:12 > 0:32:13It's called Rose Tower.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Rose Tower.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17And apparently, there's three others on the grounds,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19so when you get your dog and you explore,
0:32:19 > 0:32:21you can go and find them.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24It's as if it's your own stately home, looking out!
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- It is! - But it does all come at a price.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Back to reality for the two of you, I'm afraid.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33How much is this house worth?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I think we would comfortably spend
0:32:36 > 0:32:39between £70,000 and £100,000 here.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43So, on that basis, I'm going to say it's on the market for about...
0:32:43 > 0:32:46260 to 265.
0:32:48 > 0:32:49OK.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51The house will need a lot of work.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54The garden, obviously, will need a lot of work.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56I have to go along with Geoff's sort of price
0:32:56 > 0:32:58and I will be really cheeky
0:32:58 > 0:33:03and put it below the 250 threshold,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06so I'll go £249,995.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08You're way out, I'm afraid.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09Thought we might be.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11You're way, way out.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15- Go on.- I don't want to give you this now.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19£360,000 is the asking price.
0:33:19 > 0:33:20Wow!
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It's beautiful, but...
0:33:22 > 0:33:25It's lovely, but you're going to spend £100,000 on it.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28I could tell you were both instantly taken with it.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31I tell you what, why don't you go back inside?
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- I'll catch up with you later. - Thank you.- Cheers.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Priced at £360,000,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43our mystery house comes with wonderful character
0:33:43 > 0:33:45and is under their top budget threshold.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47But it provides them with a dilemma
0:33:47 > 0:33:50as to how much they would need to invest
0:33:50 > 0:33:51for their alterations.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55However, we couldn't pass up on the opportunity
0:33:55 > 0:33:58to show them this real architectural one-off,
0:33:58 > 0:34:01which has a main reception room in the round,
0:34:01 > 0:34:04a kitchen ripe for renovation,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06three bedrooms
0:34:06 > 0:34:08and a third-of-an-acre garden,
0:34:08 > 0:34:12all wrapped up in the extraordinary setting of a manor estate.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15This was a really unusual property.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17When we first walked up to the front door,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20I could see that it was going to be something really different.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22When we came in, I wasn't disappointed.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25I was just amazed at the quirkiness of it.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27And I would have loved to have lived in it.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29I think this is a fantastic house.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32This room in particular
0:34:32 > 0:34:34is phenomenal.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36This room needs some TLC
0:34:36 > 0:34:38and the whole building generally
0:34:38 > 0:34:40needs to be brought up to date.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Um...
0:34:42 > 0:34:46It's unfortunate that our budget wouldn't stretch far enough
0:34:46 > 0:34:49to allow us to actually buy the house and do the work.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53- All right, you two?- Yep.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57House search of Somerset is now officially over.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59We've shown you all three houses.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01You've got some serious thinking to do.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02Oh, yeah!
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Six miles from Yeovil
0:35:14 > 0:35:15is Ham Hill,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19which overlooks the 400-acre Ham Hill County Park,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22which annually attracts over a quarter of a million visitors.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Yet human activity here stretches back 4,000 years
0:35:26 > 0:35:28to the Bronze Age,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and although nowadays it's a protected site,
0:35:30 > 0:35:34the Hamstone has always been a valuable commodity.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37It's been quarried since Roman times,
0:35:37 > 0:35:39reaching a peak in the Victorian era,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42when over 200 small quarries operated locally.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46Although many of them closed by the early 20th century,
0:35:46 > 0:35:47a couple still exist,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50one of which has expert stonemasons on hand
0:35:50 > 0:35:53to craft this unique type of limestone.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I've come to meet the manager, Saul Harvey,
0:35:56 > 0:36:00to find out more about the resonance of Hamstone to the area.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Saul, driving around Somerset,
0:36:03 > 0:36:06I mean, this county's known for its chocolate-box cottages.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Beautiful, and they're made from a particular stone.
0:36:09 > 0:36:14Hamstone. And it has that very distinctive colour -
0:36:14 > 0:36:16it's sort of a yellow honey colour, isn't it?
0:36:16 > 0:36:17Why has it got that particular colour?
0:36:17 > 0:36:20It has iron ore
0:36:20 > 0:36:23in the stone. It gives it its colour.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24It's a limestone.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26It's 160 million years old,
0:36:26 > 0:36:27which makes it Jurassic.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31It was once a warm, shallow sea
0:36:31 > 0:36:33somewhere near the Equator.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35And it's basically millions of little seashells
0:36:35 > 0:36:38that died and fell to the bottom of the sea
0:36:38 > 0:36:41and they were crushed and compacted to form the stone we see today.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Quarrying here is carefully managed,
0:36:45 > 0:36:47as it's such a sensitive historic place.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49But bearing in mind that the modern machinery
0:36:49 > 0:36:53can turn out 100 stones this size a day,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56it looks like stone will be quarried here for the next 50 years.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00On site, there are three stonemasons
0:37:00 > 0:37:03and an apprentice, who use their craftsmanship
0:37:03 > 0:37:06to cut and carve this beautiful stone.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09And I'm going to get a handle on how to get started,
0:37:09 > 0:37:12under the expert guidance of Ashley Williamson.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16- So what are you doing here?- It's fairly simplistic masonry.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19In the end, it's going to be an overflow section.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21The stone in itself is a voussoir for an archway.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- It's a what?- A voussoir.- A voussoir?
0:37:23 > 0:37:25- What's a voussoir?- It's a section of an archway.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Is this Hamstone?- This is Hamstone.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30And is it easy to work with, in your opinion?
0:37:30 > 0:37:32It's variable.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34In texture, it can be hard in one spot, slightly softer in another.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37So you have to be fairly careful as you're going along.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Right, you show me, then hopefully, I will follow your lead.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41The trick is
0:37:41 > 0:37:43to try and start a little bit proud of the line.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Don't aim for the line immediately.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47So start, and just take a...
0:37:47 > 0:37:49little edge off there.
0:37:49 > 0:37:50And then gradually work your way down.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53And it's tiny, tiny fragments
0:37:53 > 0:37:54of the stone.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Yeah.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59You really try to avoid taking big pieces.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02I realise it's precision work, but that is something else.
0:38:02 > 0:38:03Yeah...
0:38:03 > 0:38:06It's just...a game of patience, really.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08- But it's, um...all yours.- OK.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12- So...- So, chisel generally...
0:38:12 > 0:38:14to allow plenty of movement in your arm and your wrist,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16we generally hold them like that,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18with your four fingers wrapped round and your thumb just there,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20so you can kind of...
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- So if I'm right-handed, that goes in the right hand?- Yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- OK. And I'd better put on the specs, hadn't I?- Just for safety's sake.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Right.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31OK.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32Here we go. So...
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Hold it like that? No.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36Yeah, that's basically it, then...
0:38:36 > 0:38:40- so the chisel's coming out from the end.- That way?- Yeah.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41And slightly lower pitch.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- There?- That's it.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- Just a gentle...?- Generally about 45 degrees to the stone.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Concentration...
0:38:51 > 0:38:53I'm not really going too deep, am I?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55That's nerves.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- See, I don't... Oh, now I've gone a bit deeper.- That's OK.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Split the difference between the two
0:39:00 > 0:39:02- and you'll be just about there. - Really?- Yeah.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- Is that better?- That's good.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09Hmm...not quite...
0:39:09 > 0:39:11as smooth as yours!
0:39:11 > 0:39:14But with a few more hours...
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- I think it might improve. - I'd say 20 minutes, if that.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- Ashley, thank you very much indeed. - No problem. It's been a pleasure.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22I think Ashley's being kind,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24because it takes a lot longer -
0:39:24 > 0:39:27three years as an apprentice, in fact -
0:39:27 > 0:39:28to learn the age-old skills
0:39:28 > 0:39:31which help shape this precious local material.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Well, Somerset seems to have hit the spot
0:39:40 > 0:39:42for our golfing couple.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46Both Jenny and Geoff love two of the houses that we've shown them.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49But do they have a particular favourite,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51and if so, what's their next step going to be?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Let's find out.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01So let's start with the very first property that you saw
0:40:01 > 0:40:03in the village of Yeovilton.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06When we first walked in there and went into the kitchen,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09I thought, "This is beautiful. This could be for us."
0:40:09 > 0:40:11But the bedrooms were just a little too..
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Well, they were quite a bit too small.- Yeah.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16And it would seem silly to buy a five-bedroom house
0:40:16 > 0:40:18then convert it back to a three-bedroom house.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21You're paying a premium for the extra bedrooms,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23which you're then spending to get rid of.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24That would be silly.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27And then, to crown it, we went into the garden.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29And...
0:40:29 > 0:40:31it just wasn't big enough.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34We then took you more to the centre of the county,
0:40:34 > 0:40:36a little bit closer to Taunton,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38and we showed you a cottage.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40I don't think I need to say any more, do I?
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Bingo!
0:40:43 > 0:40:44It was superb.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45It was.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47I can't say anything more, really,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50than we walked in, we loved it.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53As we walked round, we loved it more.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55We went upstairs - it was great.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58We went in the garden - it was lovely.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00What else can I say?
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Strangely enough, the bedrooms weren't very big,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04but they were fine.
0:41:04 > 0:41:05The house was just so gorgeous.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08I don't think, to be fair, that the garden in that house
0:41:08 > 0:41:11was much bigger than the first house that we saw,
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- but it was so nicely landscaped. - And laid out.
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Very well laid out. Laid out neatly.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17It just made all the difference.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20It did seem to get the thumbs-up from start to finish.
0:41:20 > 0:41:25But let us not forget our third and final house - the mystery house,
0:41:25 > 0:41:28which always works so hard for us!
0:41:28 > 0:41:30The gatehouse.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32It almost put number two into touch!
0:41:34 > 0:41:35You really scared me. I thought...
0:41:35 > 0:41:37This is going to be difficult.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39It's a beautiful, beautiful gatehouse.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- It was.- And with sufficient money to spend on it,
0:41:42 > 0:41:43it could be sensational.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46The sticking point was how much it was going to cost.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I'm afraid we really made a mess of that, didn't we?
0:41:48 > 0:41:50Yeah, we didn't get that quite right.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Well, perhaps you were hoping.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Your price was quite a bit under!
0:41:56 > 0:41:58We know why it's on the market for that amount of money -
0:41:58 > 0:42:01because of the location, and it is so unique.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02But you do have to balance it,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05and you know better than anyone, being a builder.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07We were getting very close. Three, we were nearly there,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09but two does seem to be the winner.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- Yeah.- Yes, it is.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Now, I don't want to get too excited,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15but...
0:42:15 > 0:42:16I'm going to have to ask...
0:42:16 > 0:42:18Where do you go next?
0:42:18 > 0:42:19We've already spoken to the agents
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and we're going to wait a week
0:42:21 > 0:42:23and then put an offer in.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24How brilliant!
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Oh my goodness, I hope it's accepted
0:42:26 > 0:42:29and I really do hope that everything goes through.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31That is the most fantastic news.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Thank you both so much.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- We will be keeping our fingers crossed. Do let us know.- We will.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Well, there you have it.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48It sounds like we've found the perfect escape to the country
0:42:48 > 0:42:50here in Somerset for Geoff and Jenny.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53They're looking to put in an offer
0:42:53 > 0:42:55for that cottage by the river early next week,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58and we certainly hope it works out for them.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00Until next time, bye-bye.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Geoff and Jenny are hoping to put an offer in on house two,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and are waiting to secure the sale of their current property.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:11 > 0:43:14in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,
0:43:14 > 0:43:16and need our help,
0:43:16 > 0:43:18please apply online at...
0:43:29 > 0:43:31Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd