0:00:02 > 0:00:04What have a cat, a parson,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07the devil and sunbathing all got in common?
0:00:07 > 0:00:08I'll give you a clue,
0:00:08 > 0:00:12they all have something to do with this prehistoric bridge behind me,
0:00:12 > 0:00:13which is located in a county,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16sometimes referred to as the "Land of Summer".
0:00:16 > 0:00:17No idea?
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Well, I'm not surprised
0:00:19 > 0:00:22but I promise to reveal all in just a few moments.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55On today's show, I'm house-hunting with an exacting expatriate couple
0:00:55 > 0:00:57in search of a Great British retreat
0:00:57 > 0:01:00and initially, they seem difficult to please.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Being very direct about it,
0:01:02 > 0:01:06we wouldn't have even selected to come and see this place. No.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09But in the end, it looks like the Mystery House works its magic.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13At the moment, you sound like you're coming on board on this property.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14It's lovely. So far, so good.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Great. Yeah, really like it.
0:01:21 > 0:01:22Today, I'm in Somerset
0:01:22 > 0:01:26and this prehistoric clapper bridge is known as the Tarr Steps.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Now, legend has it that the devil himself built this
0:01:29 > 0:01:33and then duly claimed of all things, sunbathing rights over it
0:01:33 > 0:01:35and promised to kill anybody that tried to use it.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Now the locals - obviously worried at this prospect -
0:01:38 > 0:01:42convinced a stray cat to cross, which was duly vaporised,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45closely followed by a rather brave parson
0:01:45 > 0:01:48who managed to convince the devil to allow the locals to cross,
0:01:48 > 0:01:51unless of course, the devil fancied sunbathing himself.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54And on a day like today, with those clouds clearing,
0:01:54 > 0:01:55I'd better make haste.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Somerset is bordered by the Bristol Channel to the north
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and Dorset and Devon to the south.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06With just the two cities of Bath and Wells,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and a handful of towns within its border,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Somerset is primarily a rural county
0:02:11 > 0:02:14featuring a stunning selection of landscapes,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17including the undulating uplands of the Mendips,
0:02:17 > 0:02:19the Quantocks and the Blackdown Hills,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21the uncultivated highland of Exmoor
0:02:21 > 0:02:24and the large, flat plains of the Somerset Levels.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Agriculture is a major business here,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29particularly the farming of sheep for wool
0:02:29 > 0:02:32and diary cattle for Somerset's renowned cheeses,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35such as Exmoor Blue and, of course, cheddar.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Now, it wasn't so long ago that Somerset was deemed as rural,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47when in fact it's as remote a county as one could get,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50due in no small part to its... let's say, challenging access.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52In truth, 20 years ago
0:02:52 > 0:02:55the roads and rail links round here weren't that great,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58but the more accessible the county has become,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00the more popular it's proved with house buyers.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02Now whilst Somerset is still cheaper
0:03:02 > 0:03:05than its neighbouring counties of Devon and Dorset,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09the average price of a detached house here is still ?268,000.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12That's ?12,000 above the national figure.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15So, with that in mind, take a look at a selection of properties
0:03:15 > 0:03:17that we've found currently on the market here.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22This three-bedroom whitewashed stone cottage in Spaxton
0:03:22 > 0:03:25could be yours for ?225,000.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28It's packed with charm and original features,
0:03:28 > 0:03:33including an inglenook fireplace and traditional beamed ceiling.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Outside there's a pretty garden with a cobbled patio.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40?435,000 could buy you
0:03:40 > 0:03:44this four-bedroom Grade II-listed barn conversion in Stawley.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Tastefully modernised, it maintains touches of country character
0:03:47 > 0:03:50with a wood burner set within a brick fireplace.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54The property comes with just over an acre of land, including an orchard.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58And if your pockets are deep enough,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01you could splash out on this four-bedroom medieval farmhouse
0:04:01 > 0:04:02in Monksilver.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05On the market at ?750,000,
0:04:05 > 0:04:07it maintains the original beams throughout
0:04:07 > 0:04:10and offers seven acres of attractive lawns and paddocks.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Some great Somerset properties there with three more coming up,
0:04:16 > 0:04:18one of which, of course, is the Mystery House.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20First off, let's meet today's buyers
0:04:20 > 0:04:22who are looking to escape to the country,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26although in their case, they need to escape FROM ONE first.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30Expat Gerry's about to retire from his job as a manager
0:04:30 > 0:04:33with an international drinks company in Bern, Switzerland,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36where he, his wife Beverly and their two children
0:04:36 > 0:04:38have lived for the past 12 years.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40With a son at university in the UK
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and daughter set to attend a school in Taunton,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45they're planning a return to Britain.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47But with no house to call home yet,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50they're staying at this Somerset hotel.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54We've decided to move now cos it fits the whole family framework
0:04:54 > 0:04:57in terms of children and education.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01'So, son to university and daughter to school in England.'
0:05:01 > 0:05:05'We didn't anticipate being there for so long'
0:05:05 > 0:05:07and so the time is just right now.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09We've enjoyed it, certainly,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13but 12 years and now we're ready to come home.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16So, there's no place like home for Gerry and Beverly
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and for them, Somerset is the place that has it all.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22We'd like to move back to the West Country,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25one - because of schooling for the family
0:05:25 > 0:05:27and two - because we have quite a lot of friends
0:05:27 > 0:05:29living down in this area
0:05:29 > 0:05:32and Somerset's just a beautiful county.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34And once back on British soil,
0:05:34 > 0:05:38they're keen to experience all that countryside life has to offer.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41We're most looking forward to coming back to the UK
0:05:41 > 0:05:44so that we can live back in a village location
0:05:44 > 0:05:48that has all the facilities like a pub.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49I'd like to play some golf.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53I'm also hoping that I might be able to start a small business.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55I'm really interested in...
0:05:55 > 0:05:58visiting antiques and maybe renovating some furniture.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00That's what I'd like to do.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I love watching sport so rugby's a great hobby of mine.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05I like golf.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08I currently play in a band in Bern,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11so I'm going to try and cultivate that interest in the local village
0:06:11 > 0:06:15and just, you know, do some parties or whatever, so that's fun.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Well, that's a big list of different activities to keep them busy
0:06:18 > 0:06:22and the wish list for their new property is equally as long.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25A detached, period character house.
0:06:25 > 0:06:33Four bedrooms, master en-suite, big country kitchen.
0:06:33 > 0:06:40Nice stone-flagged floors, a lounge with an open fireplace.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42Well-cultivated garden.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Yeah, and maybe possibly an annexe room for Gerry's music
0:06:46 > 0:06:48or somewhere I can work from.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Their property in Switzerland is already sold
0:06:51 > 0:06:54so they can move quickly and have all the finances in place.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Our budget is up to ?650,000
0:06:58 > 0:07:03but for that, we'd want it to tick all of the boxes
0:07:03 > 0:07:07in terms of our priorities, but we're happy to spend less.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Well, it's great news
0:07:16 > 0:07:20that Beverly and Gerry have sold their house over in Switzerland
0:07:20 > 0:07:21but likewise,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24that certainly piles the pressure on us to find them a home and quickly.
0:07:24 > 0:07:30Now, ?650,000 to find a four-bedroom detached property here in Somerset
0:07:30 > 0:07:32sounds fairly straightforward
0:07:32 > 0:07:36but I get the impression that today's buyers will be...
0:07:36 > 0:07:38discerning, to say the least.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Gerry and Beverly would like us to concentrate our search
0:07:44 > 0:07:47within 20 miles of the Taunton area of Somerset,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50within easy reach of their daughter's boarding school.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53We've found three stunning properties to tempt them with
0:07:53 > 0:07:56and they'll have to guess the price of each before I reveal it.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59The final property is our Mystery House,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03which I think is one that will really push our buyers to the limit.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Good morning. BOTH: Good morning.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11How are we? Fine, thank you.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15Very different to the Swiss Alps, isn't it? Very much so.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19We have a nice house that has Emmental in the foreground,
0:08:19 > 0:08:20and Alps in the back,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22so we get a combination of both.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25That sounds like a wonderful landscape,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and a beautiful vista you wake up to each morning
0:08:27 > 0:08:29that you're going to miss?
0:08:29 > 0:08:30Yeah, absolutely.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34That's one of the priorities in our checklist, that it must have a view.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37A little birdie told me you've already looked
0:08:37 > 0:08:39at a few houses over here?
0:08:39 > 0:08:40Correct.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42We think about 12. Roughly.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45That's no small figure.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49And, I have a selection of some of the houses you've looked at.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Some of these look lovely.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54They are. What's been wrong with them, then?
0:08:54 > 0:08:58You talked about our view of the Alps.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Yes.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03What we got used to in Switzerland were two things.
0:09:03 > 0:09:08A great view. The other thing is we want a traditional kind of house.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Typically, listed buildings have small windows.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11We want a lot of light.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15OK. I have a fair idea of what you're looking for.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18We have ?650,000 to spend.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20But we need to get that done quickly,
0:09:20 > 0:09:21and find you a house.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23I am slightly nervous.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Don't be. Really? Be kind.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29Let's find out if I should be nervous. Thank you very much.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36'For a maximum budget of ?650,000,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39'there's quite a substantial wish list.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42'They'd like a character property, with period features,
0:09:42 > 0:09:44'such as flagstones and open fire.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47'Four bedrooms, one with an en-suite,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49'a large, traditional kitchen/diner,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51'and annexe, or study room,
0:09:51 > 0:09:53'and a well-cultivated garden,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55'with countryside views.'
0:10:06 > 0:10:10'We've travelled around 20 miles from Taunton to Meare.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14'The nearest amenities, such as a church, pub,
0:10:14 > 0:10:16'and shops, including a farm shop,
0:10:16 > 0:10:18'can be found in the nearby village of Wedmore.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22'Our first property is a former gatekeeper's house,
0:10:22 > 0:10:23'which dates back to 1670.'
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Beverly and Gerry.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Property number one.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31Let's start from what I'd say is the weakest part of this house,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33which is this road.
0:10:33 > 0:10:40Yes. I'm really pushing my luck with this one, I appreciate.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43What do you think of how the house looks?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45It's beautiful stone. It looks very nice.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49It looks like Gerry was taught if he hasn't anything nice to say,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51say nothing at all?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Being very direct about it,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56we wouldn't have selected to come and see this place,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58because of the location.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02I wouldn't bother going inside this house.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06Right. It's a beautiful house.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09It's someone's home. We respect that. It clearly won't be your home.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13But, there might be other things where you can tell me,
0:11:13 > 0:11:15"This is something else we're looking for",
0:11:15 > 0:11:18or, "This is another thing we can't have on our home".
0:11:18 > 0:11:22I think we should have a look, and we can cover those points.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24OK.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28'With the downside of this property well and truly considered,
0:11:28 > 0:11:31'I'm hoping the charming interior might encourage them
0:11:31 > 0:11:33'to give this house another chance.'
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Just mind your step down here. Thanks.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Hopefully, the ceiling height's OK.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45What are your thoughts?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47It's a nice, light, bright room.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50It has flagstone floors, which are really nice
0:11:50 > 0:11:51and an open fire.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54So, yeah, it's good.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56And, the nice recessed windows.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58It looks very nice.
0:11:58 > 0:12:04If this was your main reception, would it be big enough?
0:12:04 > 0:12:07As a living room, it's big enough, for sure.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Our furniture would fit in.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13I think this will be a fairly brief house tour, so follow me. Fine.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16You have a good-sized kitchen,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18with a lower ceiling.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21What about the ceiling height for you, Gerry?
0:12:22 > 0:12:26Acceptable. But, the other thing I didn't mention is that,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28medically, I'm claustrophobic.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Are you? Yes.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34So, small rooms, dark rooms don't have a positive effect.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37No, I bet. Which explains why you are keenly interested
0:12:37 > 0:12:41how bright and light a house is inside, as well.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45You wouldn't be comfortable in this ceiling height? No.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50'With Gerry's claustrophobia to add to our list of property challenges,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53'let's move swiftly on to the living space.'
0:12:53 > 0:12:55The other reception room.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59For me, a much more lived-in, cosy feel.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02The fireplace is lovely, it's a feature.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04It feels nice and light.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06That kind of feature, there, is great.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08The wood-burning stove.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10And the exposed stone, as well.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12It's really very nice.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15'With lovely period features high on their shopping list
0:13:15 > 0:13:19'going down well, I'll see if I can keep up the momentum upstairs,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22in the largest of the bedrooms.'
0:13:23 > 0:13:27I reckon this would be the master bedroom.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Would it be big enough, furniture-wise, for you guys?
0:13:32 > 0:13:34Yes, I think so,
0:13:34 > 0:13:35It's a decent-sized room.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37This house has
0:13:37 > 0:13:39six bedrooms on this level.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43There are two bathrooms. I know you asked for an en-suite.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46One of the bathrooms is next door.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49You'd easily be able to go through here, to make this en suite.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Then you still have a separate bathroom.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57You also have an annexe for this property on the ground floor,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59which is one bed, with a shower room.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02I thought that would maybe become your music room,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06or somewhere you could concentrate on your business.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08That works fine, doesn't it? OK.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13'There are muted responses to what I think is a very nice property.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'Let's see if I can convince them of its merits, by showing them
0:14:16 > 0:14:19'the attractively-landscaped grounds outside.'
0:14:19 > 0:14:21The walled garden is a nice feature.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24You also have nice little dining spaces,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26a little place to come and sit.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28There's lots of good features here.
0:14:28 > 0:14:32Personally, I'd like it to be slightly larger.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35But, given this in another location,
0:14:35 > 0:14:36it's really nice.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41OK. How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:42 > 0:14:47I think about ?595,000.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50I'd say ?560,000.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55OK. It's just come on the market at offers around ?630,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Have a good look around the whole property,
0:14:58 > 0:15:01because you can't know too much about a property market,
0:15:01 > 0:15:03and what's available at what price.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11'Within budget, at ?630,000,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14'this attractive, characterful property has a great deal
0:15:14 > 0:15:16'of what they're looking for.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18'There's a big, bright kitchen/diner.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22'Six bedrooms. Enough space for the kids, and friends.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24'Period features throughout, an annexe,
0:15:24 > 0:15:27'and a beautifully-manicured garden.'
0:15:27 > 0:15:32I was extremely disappointed when I first saw this house.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34But, once you quieten down, you need to give it a chance.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37The fact that it's traditional is nice.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40It has a number of features which are good.
0:15:40 > 0:15:41The house is very pretty.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Take this house, and put it in a different location,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I think we would really love it.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Let's chalk this one down to experience,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53and hope we fare better with the second property.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55OK, great. Thanks a lot.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12Residents of Switzerland for the past 12 years,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14it's been a long time since Gerry and Beverly
0:16:14 > 0:16:16spent time in rural Britain.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19We arranged a very British day out
0:16:19 > 0:16:22in the heart of Somerset's beautiful countryside.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25One of the most relaxing ways to see the area is by train.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26The West Somerset Railway
0:16:26 > 0:16:29is one of the busiest heritage lines in the UK.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32Steam trains run regularly along a 20-mile route,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35from Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Our buyers are meeting general manager, Paul Conibeare,
0:16:38 > 0:16:40who'll give them a look behind the scenes.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Right, guys, welcome to our traditional
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Great Western Railway signal box which has been restored here
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and now operates the trains that you'll be travelling on today.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52The red levers are for the signals, the black levers are for the points,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55the blue levers are for the bolts and the white ones are spares.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58We are capturing the days when service was good,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00you'll hopefully have a nice experience
0:17:00 > 0:17:03and it encourages you to travel on the rail network.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Originally built as a country branch line,
0:17:05 > 0:17:10the West Somerset Railway was closed in 1971 as part of government cuts
0:17:10 > 0:17:14following a report by Dr Richard Beeching, the railway's chairman.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19It finally reopened in 1976 and now runs ten locomotives -
0:17:19 > 0:17:22the oldest dating back to the 1920s
0:17:22 > 0:17:24and 30 carriages which date back to the '60s.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34And how many departures on a day like this would you handle?
0:17:34 > 0:17:37Now we're getting up to our peak service, we've got eight a day,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39which is quite a lot for a country branch line. Yeah.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42So there'll be three steam locomotives and a diesel train
0:17:42 > 0:17:43running around today.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So what is the most popular stop?
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Watchet is by far our most popular station. It's a harbour town,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52so a lot of people get off, have a wander around,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55look at the boats, have an ice cream and a cream tea on the seafront.
0:17:57 > 0:17:58A popular local attraction,
0:17:58 > 0:18:03the railway carries around 200,000 passengers a year.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Of the ten stops along the route,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08the first four are within sight of the Quantock Hills
0:18:08 > 0:18:10and the remaining six run through the stunning scenery
0:18:10 > 0:18:12of the Somerset coast.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18OK, guys, thank you for travelling on the West Somerset Railway,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20have good time and good luck with the house-hunting.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Thank you very much. Goodbye. Goodbye.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Well, it's the end of the line for our buyers' railway journey,
0:18:26 > 0:18:30but now it's time for them to get back on track with our house hunt.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39We're travelling nine miles south-west of
0:18:39 > 0:18:42the coastal resort of Minehead to Wheddon Cross,
0:18:42 > 0:18:45which is still within 20 miles of Taunton.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48It's one of the higher villages within the Exmoor National Park,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52at 299 metres above sea level
0:18:52 > 0:18:54and has plenty of amenities including a local pub
0:18:54 > 0:18:58and even an antiques shop, which should please Beverley.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Our second property is a former mill house
0:19:00 > 0:19:04dating back to the 1800s.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06So, property number two,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09there's a distinct lack of public highway nearby.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14What do we think? It's beautiful, beautiful - I like it very much.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19It's a lovely spot. All you can hear is the gurgling of the stream.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Certainly, from the outside it looks beautiful. Definitely.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25I'd say yes to that. I'd just like to have a look inside.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29'We're off to a flying start with this house,
0:19:29 > 0:19:30'and I hope they're as taken with it
0:19:30 > 0:19:32'once they step through the front door.'
0:19:35 > 0:19:38So then, the first room, I think, certainly feels like
0:19:38 > 0:19:42a bit of a later addition, a lean-to, but a nice, light room.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It is. Very nice, very bright, nice size.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49A nice feel about it. Good.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Good entrance. It pours out wonderfully onto the garden there.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55I didn't notice that, yes, that's lovely.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57It looks like a bit of a stove over there. Yes.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Whether it's a working stove... It is a working stove, yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Must be, yes.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04'We've already given them some of the period features
0:20:04 > 0:20:06'they're after here, so let's see if we can
0:20:06 > 0:20:08'build on that in the kitchen.'
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Ah! Much more of a farmhouse-style kitchen I think, this time.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16Absolutely. Yes, very nice. It's workable.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20It's actually comfortable and cosy, somewhere to eat.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But it's not as big a kitchen as we'd envisaged. OK.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27In terms of an ideal kitchen, which is the big country kitchen
0:20:27 > 0:20:32with a central preparation area as well as a sitting area.
0:20:32 > 0:20:33It's not a huge kitchen,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35and if you had the idea of this huge central island,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37and what have you, then...
0:20:37 > 0:20:39This is an old mill, so done up,
0:20:39 > 0:20:41it's more likely to look like an old farmhouse kitchen,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43rather than something more contemporary.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47I think they've made pretty good use of the space they've got.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Yes, good, comfortable. Excellent.
0:20:49 > 0:20:54Very nice. Gerry, happy? Yeah. Happy-ish. Happy-ish!
0:20:54 > 0:20:58It takes a lot to make me happy! I'm getting that impression! No!
0:20:59 > 0:21:02'Well, I hope we can make Gerry happy with our next reception room.'
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Now, then... Ah.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10What are we thinking? Feels a little bit enclosed.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14Yes, not quite as light as all the other rooms, I think.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18I think this window is great. This is for the cosy nights in, isn't it?
0:21:18 > 0:21:20And with that wonderful fireplace roaring away, yes. Yes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24OK. Yes, very nice fireplace. Good.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26Right, let's go and take a peek at one of the bedrooms.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28OK, right, thanks.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Upstairs, there are a total of three generously-sized bedrooms,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36which should all be light enough to suit Gerry,
0:21:36 > 0:21:39along with the family bathroom, plus, on the floor above,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43there's another bedroom which could work as a music room or a study.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Time to find out what they think of the bedroom
0:21:45 > 0:21:48that could be perfect for them, as it has its own en-suite.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52This, I think is the master at the moment, simply because
0:21:52 > 0:21:56you've got an en-suite, so do you want to poke your heads in there?
0:21:56 > 0:21:57OK. Just behind you.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Oh, right, good. That's nice.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Size-wise...
0:22:03 > 0:22:08It's a reasonable size for a bedroom, so I think that works.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11For me, it's quite compact. Yeah.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Therefore, if there is a larger bedroom,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17we may decide to use that as the number one room,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20but certainly as a number two bedroom, or a guest bedroom,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22it works extremely well. Great.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25'With the bedroom surviving the Gerry test - just -
0:22:25 > 0:22:28'it's time to head outside where there's a lot to see.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32'As well as the boiler house and the manicured lawn, there's almost
0:22:32 > 0:22:35'an acre and a half of paddocks currently used for grazing sheep.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38'There's also an old stable which could be perfect for Beverley
0:22:38 > 0:22:41'to fulfil her dream of restoring furniture.'
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Is this of interest to you guys?
0:22:44 > 0:22:48Yes, I mean it's a country view, isn't it?
0:22:48 > 0:22:52It's fine. Well, not really for me, actually, to be blunt.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57I'm looking for sweeping countryside, if at all feasible.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Right.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00'Well, it might not be the Alps,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04'but there is one more part of the garden that I've kept up my sleeve.'
0:23:04 > 0:23:06This, for me, is my favourite part of the property,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09just because of that lovely running water.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Yes, very nice. Great spot, isn't it? Lovely. Very nice.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16What appeals to me is the fact that there are a real mix
0:23:16 > 0:23:20of features here, it's not a bland house, it's not, you know...
0:23:20 > 0:23:21Far from it.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25I think the inside and the outside are pretty complementary.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26So, how much is it?
0:23:26 > 0:23:29?620,000. 620.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I think 610.
0:23:32 > 0:23:37Right. Well, the estate agent, only a few weeks ago,
0:23:37 > 0:23:41valued this house at ?695,000.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45Now, the owners thought that was a little bit on the high side,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47so they put it on the market a couple of weeks ago
0:23:47 > 0:23:49at offers around 650.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Why don't you go and look round and have your tick list in your mind
0:23:52 > 0:23:54and I'll catch you whenever you're ready.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56OK, thank you very much. Thanks a lot.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02Well, 100% improvement on the first house
0:24:02 > 0:24:04and whilst I was a little bit worried that
0:24:04 > 0:24:06this may be a bit isolated,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08it gives them the peace and tranquillity
0:24:08 > 0:24:12and although they didn't ask for it, I think that was a real winner.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I'm pretty happy with how it's gone this afternoon.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20On the market for offers around ?650,000,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24this property is a real step in the right direction for our buyers.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27It has lots of original features,
0:24:27 > 0:24:28an airy kitchen-diner,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30three good-sized bedrooms,
0:24:30 > 0:24:33additional space for a study or music room
0:24:33 > 0:24:36and extensive grounds with lawns,
0:24:36 > 0:24:38paddocks and outbuildings.
0:24:38 > 0:24:43The property is really in an idyllic position -
0:24:43 > 0:24:48a real mix of features, both inside and outside.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51It has enough light inside, you know,
0:24:51 > 0:24:56it certainly will feature quite strongly in our considerations.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I think it's a house I could find myself living in.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03It's got very... It's comfortable inside, but interesting.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05I do like the location,
0:25:05 > 0:25:08and the more I'm sitting here, the more I'm warming to it!
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Here we go. All done inside? Yes. Thanks.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Happy with all you've seen outside as well?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Yes. Indeed. Good. You seem a lot happier. We are. Good.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20That's it for the day. Let's go.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22We're going home, that's why we're happy!
0:25:36 > 0:25:39As evening falls here in Somerset,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41it marks the end of day one of our property search.
0:25:43 > 0:25:48Expat Gerry is about to retire from his job in Switzerland,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52and bring his wife Beverly and their two children back to live in the UK.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54With strong ties to the West Country,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56they've selected the Somerset countryside
0:25:56 > 0:25:58to set up their new home.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01So far, their reactions to our two property choices
0:26:01 > 0:26:03have been like chalk and cheese,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06but coming up, we might just have cracked it with the Mystery House.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Seeing that view would give you a good start to the day.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11'And I catch up with some previous escapees,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13'who've made a new life in the county.'
0:26:13 > 0:26:16We're known as the egg people, aren't we?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I've heard worse nicknames!
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I think that's all they say.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Now today, after I've finished my coffee, of course,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30we're off to see the Mystery Property.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33As ever, it's here to challenge the expectations of our buyers,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36be it location, or even style of the property.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39But one thing I know for sure is, if they don't like it,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I'm pretty sure they'll tell me.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52We've got a bit of time to the next property.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57It's not just around the corner, so prepare to be amazed,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01or I'll prepare to be beaten over the head in disgust.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04We're on the way now, we can't change it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08I'm hoping it will be more like yesterday afternoon's property
0:27:08 > 0:27:09than yesterday morning's.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Good. We're looking forward to it.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I hope that's true,
0:27:13 > 0:27:16as we're travelling over the border into Devon,
0:27:16 > 0:27:19almost double the distance that they wanted to be from Taunton.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23Our Mystery House is four miles from the market town of Crediton,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27with the nearest amenities to be found in the village of Sandford.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Set in an idyllic rural location,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32with fantastic countryside views, our mystery proposition is
0:27:32 > 0:27:36a detached home dating back to the 18th century.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38Now, as it's the Mystery House,
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I wanted to do things a slightly different way round.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I want to start from the outside. Right. I know what you don't want,
0:27:45 > 0:27:48but one thing you told me that you did want was a view,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52and I'm hoping this here is said view.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Right. Really lovely, really different.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I mean, the whole range of features from what I can see here,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02and different levels, everything from sky to grass
0:28:02 > 0:28:05and things between, like lake and rushes.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Lots to fill the eye, really. Yeah, good.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13You've also got quite a bit of land, you've got over five acres here.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14Wow.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17'Well, we seem to have met Gerry's exacting standards
0:28:17 > 0:28:21'with the view and the land attached to this property.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23'I hope the inside can make Beverly equally happy.'
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Now, then...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28Wow! Very nice. Very rustic.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31It is very rustic, but that's sort of what we were hoping for.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34It's an interesting kind of layout,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36because you've got different features.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39It's not a square room, and there's lots that you could
0:28:39 > 0:28:44potentially do with this, in terms of furniture and decor. Yeah.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I think those are the things, painting, decoration,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49we said we could easily do,
0:28:49 > 0:28:52and that's what you think when you see this, it's simple things.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54It's the first time we've talked about
0:28:54 > 0:28:56what you would really want to do to a room.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59And that's no detraction of what's here at the moment,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02but when people start to talk in that manner it means
0:29:02 > 0:29:06they're starting to envisage maybe themselves in that place.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Which is great news to me.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13'With both Beverly and Gerry starting to picture themselves here,
0:29:13 > 0:29:14'I'm going to show them
0:29:14 > 0:29:18'the room which I think could really appeal to them.'
0:29:18 > 0:29:24So, reception room number two has plenty of natural light. Yes.
0:29:24 > 0:29:25This is a modern extension.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30These are Cornish slate, these massive flagstones.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33It's really nice, because it's totally in keeping with
0:29:33 > 0:29:35the rest of the house, although it's modern.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37You've got views either side.
0:29:37 > 0:29:41You could actually see the horse in the top paddock, as well.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44At the moment you really sound like you're coming on board.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Yeah, it's lovely. I think so far, so good.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Great. Yeah, really like it.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53'Well, while we're on a roll, I'm taking them to see the kitchen.'
0:29:53 > 0:29:58The kitchen, the smallest of all three properties I've shown you.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01Now, you have the further reception room through there,
0:30:01 > 0:30:04which is set out for formal dining, maybe even an office area.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08So, you have this separation, but you don't have the massive kitchen.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10No, I mean, it's a reasonable size,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13but maybe not all of it is utilised as well as it could be.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16I mean, you could actually put in units all the way round,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18to make it more workable.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21Yeah, I think that's what we would do with it.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24The one thing that this allows is for you to adapt it again.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29'Perhaps not their ideal kitchen, but I'm pleased they're seeing ways
0:30:29 > 0:30:32'to change the space to suit their aspirations.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35'There's definitely an air of positivity flowing through
0:30:35 > 0:30:37'our buyers, which I hope continues upstairs.
0:30:37 > 0:30:41'This house has five wonderfully spacious double bedrooms,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44'some with original feature fireplaces.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47'And there are two very generously sized bathrooms.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'But we're heading for the biggest of the bedrooms,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53'which comes with plenty of features.'
0:30:53 > 0:30:56The master suite starts here.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59So, Beverly, you've got a dressing room there,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02then you have a shower room and a loo there.
0:31:03 > 0:31:09OK, that's nice. But I thought this bedroom was something else.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13Very nice. It's lovely, isn't it?
0:31:13 > 0:31:15It's big enough to fit whatever you want.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Waking up here in the morning
0:31:17 > 0:31:21and hearing nothing other than the local wildlife,
0:31:21 > 0:31:25and seeing the view out there, would give you a good start to the day.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27It's great.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30It is great, isn't it? It is great, I really like it. Good.
0:31:30 > 0:31:34'I think we can safely say the Mystery Property
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'has worked its magic, but how much do they think the house
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'and those breathtaking views cost?'
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Well, I don't think you'd ever grow tired of coming out here, would you?
0:31:43 > 0:31:46No, there's always going to be something new,
0:31:46 > 0:31:48every day, going on in the garden.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50I know you asked for Somerset,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53and going over to Devon, Devon is a more expensive county.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56I don't know whether that was one of your
0:31:56 > 0:31:59rationale behind choosing Somerset, but we're here,
0:31:59 > 0:32:02and we've have managed to find this wonderful property.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07How much do you think this place is on the market for?
0:32:07 > 0:32:11I would think it's 650. I'd agree with 650.
0:32:11 > 0:32:17OK. It's on the market for offers around ?625,000.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21A good guess, but, you know, a bit cheaper. Yes.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24BIRD CALLS Hear that? The sound of nature.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Well, that, that's better.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29Go back inside, you've got plenty of time.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31I'll catch you whenever you're ready.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34OK, great, thank you very much. See you later. Bye.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37HE SIGHS
0:32:37 > 0:32:41This, this is the face of relief.
0:32:43 > 0:32:48'So, within their budget, at offers around ?625,000,
0:32:48 > 0:32:51'this property handsomely delivers on their demands.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55'It's a character property with original period features,
0:32:55 > 0:32:56'there's five bedrooms,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59'so plenty of space for an office or music room,
0:32:59 > 0:33:02'it has a reasonably sized kitchen/diner,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04'plus five acres of land with stunning views.'
0:33:05 > 0:33:10When we came through the gates at this house, I was so happy.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14I just looked at the view and the Lakes,
0:33:14 > 0:33:19which was something I just didn't expect, and I was bowled over.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23It's really, really beautiful. Do I want to live here?
0:33:23 > 0:33:24Yes.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27I love it, I love it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30And, also because I can see one of the important things
0:33:30 > 0:33:32is the family.
0:33:32 > 0:33:37SHE SOBS
0:33:37 > 0:33:42Oh, God, I don't get emotional!
0:33:42 > 0:33:48It's funny, because you can have the best scorecard in the world,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50but actually feeling in your heart,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53in your heart in the first three or four minutes
0:33:53 > 0:33:57is the critical element of it.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02Quite frankly, if we can afford it, it's quite likely that
0:34:02 > 0:34:06we'll think harder about putting in an offer for this property.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11There's quite a bit to do here, but I don't think it's too dramatic,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14too difficult, just a bit of hard work, and get some help.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17We could get some help to do it.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21You sorting out your staff? It's a great place to sit. Me, I think.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25You're going to be busy in your retirement if you buy this place.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Yeah. It's a great place to sit down here,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30a glass of wine in the evening, chat over what's gone on.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34I think I need, maybe, to take you away from this place. No.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Well, I'm sorry, to have a good think about all we've seen,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40and maybe, you know, to look at this objectively.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44Let's go. We can always come back, can't we? Fine, let's.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06So many times in Escape To The Country
0:35:06 > 0:35:08we're asked by our viewers, "what happened next?"
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Or, "we saw that your buyers made an offer,
0:35:10 > 0:35:12"but did they actually go through with it?"
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Well, as we're here in Somerset,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I've come to the village of Barrington,
0:35:16 > 0:35:19where I'm meeting a couple that should answer
0:35:19 > 0:35:23just such questions, because about a year ago they bought this house.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25'Last year, ex-architect Phil
0:35:25 > 0:35:27'and his wife Diane came to Somerset from London
0:35:27 > 0:35:30'with one Jules Hudson, in search of a home to start their retirement.'
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Here's our second property for you to feast your eyes on,
0:35:33 > 0:35:34what do you think?
0:35:34 > 0:35:37Very interesting. And different, I love the brick and the stone.
0:35:37 > 0:35:42'And they were taken with this house almost immediately.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45'Their dream property cost them ?470,000.'
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Well, Diane and Phil, thank you for allowing me into your house.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53A pleasure. First of all, congratulations.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58One year in, blissful year or a stressful year?
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Hard work, but fun, actually. Busy year.
0:36:01 > 0:36:06Now, looking back at the show that you did with Jules,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09good kitchen space is very important to you, and at the time
0:36:09 > 0:36:13it seemed that you were rather excited about this particular room.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17Yeah. Now then, Diane, is this going to work for you?
0:36:17 > 0:36:20Can you rustle something up in here?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22I think I could. I think I could. Yeah.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26You're really excited, aren't you? Yeah, I know.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28It looks fab, doesn't it? Looks amazing.
0:36:28 > 0:36:34Have you spent much time in here? All the time. All the time?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37This is obviously a fruit of your labour. Well, yes, literally.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40There's a village flower and veg show at the weekend,
0:36:40 > 0:36:45and it's a specific recipe to enter the Victoria sponge competition.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50So, you're competing. Yes!
0:36:50 > 0:36:53This is it. Well, it looks absolutely gorgeous.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58Well, there you go. Go on, get that cut! You're teasing me.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01So, what about your day-to-day existence?
0:37:01 > 0:37:04I mean, you've got time to bake cakes,
0:37:04 > 0:37:05you're growing your own veg...
0:37:05 > 0:37:10We had to start by forming a larger vegetable plot itself.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13So, that was quite a lot of hard work when we first moved in. Right.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18Then we decided we wanted to have some chickens. They're fantastic.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22The first time they've laid eggs since we first got them.
0:37:22 > 0:37:23Absolutely. Brilliant.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27I think one the big advantages that we've had, certainly,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30to integrate into the community, is the chickens, in a funny way.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Really? Well, when our kids were small,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36you'd meet other parents at the school gate,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40and this way, people who are meeting us at our gate, to buy the eggs!
0:37:40 > 0:37:43It's been a real introduction.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47We are known as the egg people, aren't we?
0:37:47 > 0:37:49I've heard worse nicknames!
0:37:49 > 0:37:52I think that's all they say.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55I think the key to it is getting involved in the community.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56You guys have clearly
0:37:56 > 0:37:59had a very successful move to the countryside.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02What advice would you give to anybody looking
0:38:02 > 0:38:03to make their escape to the country?
0:38:03 > 0:38:09I would say if you are thinking about doing it,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12don't just think about, go ahead and do it.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Make it happen, because that's what we did, and it's well worth it.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22'Outside, Phil and Diane have set up a veritable kitchen garden,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26'growing courgettes, sprouts, leeks, carrots, squash, peas and beans.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31'Diane's even found the time to make her own relish.'
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Are you or could you be self-sufficient?
0:38:33 > 0:38:35That's what we're hoping.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40I'm contemplating whether to start breeding chickens to actually eat.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Wow! For us to eat. No-one else.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46No more trips to the supermarket.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49I make my own bread as well and the cakes, so...
0:38:49 > 0:38:51How long are your days?
0:38:51 > 0:38:53'And with Phil's DIY project
0:38:53 > 0:38:57'to develop the outbuildings into residential accommodation,
0:38:57 > 0:39:01'they really seem to be making the most of their retirement dream.'
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Well, I'm so pleased for you.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06I know Jules is over the moon for you both.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Lovely to meet you both. Good luck. Thanks a lot. Thanks for the cake.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It was great to meet Phil and Diane
0:39:18 > 0:39:21and not only sample some of Diane's lovely baking,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24but also hear about one of the many success stories
0:39:24 > 0:39:26we have here on Escape to the Country.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Time now to catch up with Beverly and Gerry
0:39:28 > 0:39:31to see if we've managed to chalk up another one.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Well, well, well. It's been a good morning, hasn't it?
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Very good. Yeah, a good morning. Let's start at the beginning.
0:39:42 > 0:39:47I know Property One didn't go according to plan.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49It's for someone, but you didn't want the road.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53And that's what put you off. It was a perfectly good house.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55It was never going to hit the bull's-eye
0:39:55 > 0:39:58because of its position right next to the road.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00So the afternoon on day one, yesterday afternoon,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02we went to the converted mill.
0:40:02 > 0:40:07And I think when we drove up, it was a lovely location
0:40:07 > 0:40:11and externally, it was very, very attractive.
0:40:11 > 0:40:12It was in a really nice spot.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14We had a good feeling as soon as we got there.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17It was a very interesting property.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19It was a little bit out on its own,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21so we didn't particularly want that.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23But we ended on a high, I think.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Positive things were being spoken about the second property.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29Yeah. It was quite quirky. It had some really good features.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33It was a comfortable property to be in.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Yes. So, today, a new day,
0:40:37 > 0:40:42I was almost thinking I was starting with a clean slate.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44I was hanging everything on the Mystery House.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48The instant we saw that view, we knew this was something special.
0:40:48 > 0:40:54The five acres and the general mix of features that you get,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56in terms of different gradients, different looks,
0:40:56 > 0:41:01reeds, lakes, that kind of thing, it's a really neat mix.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Good. And then, when we got inside, you still seemed very positive.
0:41:05 > 0:41:09We think that it has the space, number one,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12two, it has the infrastructure,
0:41:12 > 0:41:16which allows us to actually put our own mark on it.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18I know you were both very keen on the property
0:41:18 > 0:41:21and I've also heard that things got quite emotional
0:41:21 > 0:41:23when you had a bit of time there on your own.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25I know. I've recovered now.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28Don't recover too much. I don't mind that. It is a success.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30But what's the next step for you?
0:41:30 > 0:41:34We've already decided we're going to make an offer on it.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Really? Yes. Definitely. This is fantastic news.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41I was worried we wouldn't get anywhere close to this decision.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43You have to be positive.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47If you feel that in your heart, it's the right thing to do,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50you'll be comfortable living there
0:41:50 > 0:41:53and the family will love coming there during the holidays.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Who wouldn't? If negotiations go well,
0:41:56 > 0:42:01you could be in here within the next couple of weeks or months. October.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Christmas in your new house here in Devon.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06How good is that? Fantastic. Great.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07Good news all around. Yeah.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09Congratulations. Thanks a lot.
0:42:16 > 0:42:20When I found out that Gerry and Beverly had already looked at
0:42:20 > 0:42:24and discarded 12 properties, I was more than a bit concerned.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28I had a good look through some of the sales particulars they had
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and in my opinion, a few of them looked like absolute crackers.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34Certainly what they said they were looking for.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37But that was when they were looking for a house.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39When I showed them the Mystery Property,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42they instantly started looking at that as a family home.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46Why? Well, because they got that all-important feeling.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50That feeling is nothing you can just write down on a wish list.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53So I'm glad to report that we can indeed chalk this episode down
0:42:53 > 0:42:55as another success story.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Because they've already submitted an offer
0:42:58 > 0:43:02which they should be hearing about any minute now.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03See you next time.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09'And the good news is that Gerry and Beverly's offer has been accepted.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11'So hopefully, it won't be too long
0:43:11 > 0:43:13'before they're back in Britain for good.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17'If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:17 > 0:43:19'Northern Ireland or England
0:43:19 > 0:43:22'and need our help, please apply online at...'
0:43:55 > 0:43:57A garden takes time to perfect.