North Devon Escape to the Country

It's a well-known fact that if you live in the UK, you're no further

than 75 miles from the sea in any direction but have you ever stopped

to wonder just how many lighthouses we have lining our coasts?

I can tell you, there are 276

providing a welcome beam of light, hope and safety

to sailors off our shores for centuries.

But where do you think this one is?

Join me in just a few minutes and I'll tell you.

In today's show, I'll be taking on the mammoth challenge

of helping a couple find a country home not only for themselves

but also for their business, their animals and their relatives.

I could be quite happy in here even if your mum was in here cooking at the same time.

So space is at a premium but there's always the mystery house.

-That's fantastic.

-Wow.

-Yes, this is very nice.

Well, today, we're in North Devon

and this wonderful building behind me is Hartland Point Lighthouse.

It was built in 1874, designed by Sir James Douglass,

one of the Victorian's most prestigious lighthouse designers.

Like all the lighthouses in the UK, it's been automated

but the good news is that its light

still shines brightly across the Bristol Channel.

North Devon is one of the jewels in the crown of the south-west.

Whether you're looking for fantastic sandy beaches

and hidden coves, or dramatic coastlines and rugged uplands,

there's certainly something for everyone.

And nature-lovers from across the UK flock to Exmoor National Park

to experience the most stunning views

and catch a glimpse of the glorious sight of Exmoor ponies.

Well, if you're a regular fan of Escape To The Country

you'll know that North Devon is becoming

an increasingly popular destination, and no surprise.

Many of us come here in holiday.

In fact, 8% of the housing stock up here is given over

to the holiday business in one form or another.

But of course, all that has had an effect on house prices.

Depending on what you're after, you could expect to spend 16% above the national average.

But if you are prepared to dig that little bit deeper,

there is plenty on offer.

Just shy of £295,000, this three-bedroom

Grade II listed thatched cottage in Little Torrington

retains its original inglenook fireplace.

Outside, the courtyard garden makes the most of its secluded setting.

Or this beautiful five bedroom farmhouse in Muddiford,

with its rustic-style kitchen and mature gardens,

could be yours for £525,000.

But if you can stretch to £675,000, this Grade II listed

thatched property in Middle Marwood is beautifully preserved

and comes with an attached annexe built in a complementary style.

So as you can see, some fantastic properties on offer there.

Some with holiday lets which is just as well

because that's exactly what today's buyers are looking for.

Animal lovers Dave and Michelle run their own pet care business

and have lived in this four-bedroom detached house located

on a busy road in Buckinghamshire for the last eight years.

With their four dogs, they've decided it's time for a change

and have set their heart on a dream move to more rural surroundings.

We would very much like to move to North Devon in and around Exmoor,

predominantly because it offers great riding

and great outdoors for walking, etcetera, especially with the dogs.

We'd like to have our horses on our own land.

But there's more on the agenda than just a house swap.

We currently run a pet caring business but we are looking

at selling that and starting up a new business in North Devon.

We're hoping to take on a business with a couple of holiday lets.

And with the stables we might have with the land,

it would be suitable for people who can bring their horses

on holiday and go riding. Also for walkers and people with dogs.

Their move to the country doesn't only include them and their animals.

Michelle's mother, Pat, and her stepfather, Edwin, are on board too.

They've already sold their home

and put the househunting wheels in motion.

Our current home is now a bit cramped for the four of us

so we're looking for somewhere with more space.

Ideally we're looking for a property with three to four bedrooms,

a couple of reception rooms and a large kitchen-dining area.

We'd like somewhere that would be with character features.

Fireplace, etcetera but would also be up-to-date.

Also on the list are at least six acres to keep horses.

But the main focus for both Dave and Michelle

will be to maintain their links to man's best friend.

Apart from our own four dogs, we have other people's dogs here

staying as part of the pet care business.

Once we move away, I still want to do doggy things.

But of course meeting all their requirements

depends on their budget.

If the property ticks all our boxes, then we will pay £800,000.

Let's face it, how many of us have thought of upping sticks

and then chucking it all in to start a whole new life,

but never really got round to doing it?

Well, most of us, I suspect,

but that is exactly what Dave and Michelle

are trying to do but their list of requirements is pretty ambitious.

They want six acres for those horses,

they want somewhere for Michelle's mum and stepdad and of course

they need those all-important holiday lets

to help pay for it all. It's a bold plan but...I like it.

Dave and Michelle have asked us

to concentrate their property search in North Devon.

They love Exmoor but as it's a national park, house prices can be

at a premium so even with their handsome budget, the pressure is on.

Over the next two days,

we'll be showing them some smashing houses but of course before I reveal how much they cost,

I'll be asking them to guess the price.

Then there's our mystery house which is my chance

to really test their requirements.

Well, Michelle, Dave, how are you? Nice to see you.

-Fine, thank you very much.

-Fine, thank you.

Here we are in glorious Devon, about to start your search.

-We're living the dream, really?

-Absolutely.

-This is a major thing.

-It is for us.

Well, it is for us as well!

You've given us an extensive wishlist of wants.

It's not without its challenges.

But you have given us quite an interesting budget

and I gather there's an improvement on that.

Yes. We're looking at between £700-900,000.

-So we've gone up, what, 100,000 or so?

-Yes.

-Yes.

Let's have a think about your mother and stepfather.

-Yes.

-Whose idea was it to include them in this move?

I think it was theirs!

-So they've invited themselves?

-Yes, it's that sort of scenario.

We'd discussed it and they thought it was a good idea.

So ideally we'd get them and annexe really, I suppose.

-Their own front door.

-Yeah, that would be absolutely ideal, but we're willing to compromise.

You could have them in the same building if you got

-your four or five bedroom place?

-Yes.

-Yes.

We've survived so far so there's a good chance!

There's some great properties on offer,

-let's see what we can find you. Follow me.

-Brilliant, thank you.

It's great news that Dave and Michelle

have decided to raise their budget,

especially given their extensive wish list.

With an increased sum of £900,000, we should be able to show them

a fabulous selection of properties with enough space for them

and Michelle's mum, Pat, and stepfather, Edwin.

Plus there's every chance we'll get the land they want

along with those all-important holiday lets.

We're starting our property search close to the pretty hamlet of Huntshaw in North Devon,

about an hour's drive from Exmoor.

Set amongst unspoiled countryside and with wonderful walking

and bridlepaths on their doorstep,

it serves up the perfect location for Dave and Michelle.

Our first property is a Grade II listed building which in parts

dates back to the 10th century.

-Feast your eyes on house number one.

-That's fantastic, isn't it?

-It's huge.

-Yeah, it's huge.

-Now then, you see the porch?

-Yep.

To the left-hand side of that is the bulk

-of what I'd suggest would be your main residence.

-Yep.

-OK.

-OK?

To the right of it, we've got two windows at the top.

-They are currently apportioned off as B&B lets.

-Right, OK, yep.

But the good news is below those two windows on the right-hand side

-is a self-contained annexe as well.

-That would be fantastic.

This stone gable is interesting though because

this forms something of an L-shape off the main property and this

is a two bedroom self-contained holiday flat.

-Fantastic.

-Yeah? Excited?

-Yes.

-Come on, then, let's have a look.

Brilliant.

Grab the door, Dave. There we are. Look at this.

-Oh, fantastic.

-That's nice.

-Cool little fireplace, isn't it?

Exactly, that is one of the reasons it's Grade II listed,

because that dates from the 10th century.

If you look over your shoulder, that door goes through to the annexe.

'Currently, the annexe is let out to rental tenants.

'There is a sitting room and a reasonable-sized double bedroom.

'Plus, a bathroom and a practical kitchen.

'So it's unsurprising that it reaps a good income, but, decor aside,

'it could also make a superb living area for Michelle's mum

'and step father.'

Bigger than I anticipated.

Well, if you think this is big, wait till you see the rest of it. Come through here.

-There! Be cosy in here?

-Oh, yes. Extremely.

I mean, another gorgeous inglenook.

This one isn't as old as the one next door.

We're in the newer part. We've also got two staircases -

the one on the way again, but you've got that one,

so you can get to the upstairs from either end.

'And just to the right of the stairs is a decent-sized study.'

I think you'd have plenty of room.

Yeah, it's what we need, because we're quite squashed.

A slightly bigger house would be fantastic.

-I think SLIGHTLY bigger is the word!

-An understatement!

Come and have a look at the kitchen.

-OK. Yes?

-Oh, yes.

-This could work.

-Yeah!

At its heart is that oil fire range, which is quite ancient

but still effective.

Through that door is the holiday let.

'This holiday let provides two bedrooms one double,

'the other a twin.

'There is an attractive split-level kitchen-diner and a bathroom.'

OK, follow me. 'Now, for the upstairs.'

We'll start with this one. This is currently set up as the master.

-It's definitely big enough for us.

-Plenty!

A bit of built-in storage over there. Happy?

Well, open that door, this might put a smile on your face as well.

-A little ensuite in there for you.

-Oh, fantastic.

-That could definitely work.

-Shower and so forth.

Right, follow me down the corridor.

'This is a house that just keeps on giving.'

Now, this is one of the bedrooms that the current owners have set aside as part of the B&B.

So you get that kind of feel of master to the more public areas,

if you will.

It's still a huge room - very light, isn't it?

Absolutely, and would still make a lovely master,

if you wanted to change around.

There is a bathroom in there as well.

Of the three rooms that are currently set up for the B&B,

only one of them isn't ensuite.

Right.

'There are two other bedrooms here.

'One is a twin, the other is a good-sized double.

'So that's the main house covered, along with the holiday let

'and annexe. But there is still more to come as we head outside.'

Here we are, back where we started.

This is what I want to end on, Michelle.

They you are. You've got about 5-6 acres here. How fab is that?

Pretty much all that you can see is yours.

What do you think it is on the market for?

I think it is roughly on the market for 800.

-800, yeah.

-I would have thought more, I would have thought 830.

And if it were 830, would that be doable?

You'd be left with £70,000.

-I would be quite interested at that level.

-Yes, definitely.

It's definitely doable.

Well, I'd be interested at 830, I'd be fascinated...

-if it were on the market for £725,000.

-You are joking!

-I'm not!

-No, that is very interesting, actually.

-Isn't it?

-I thought it might be!

-A lot lower than I anticipated.

Very interested.

Wind your way down the back of the property, find your way in,

explore that, and I will catch up with you later.

-Off you go.

-Thank you very much.

-See you later.

-See you later indeed.

Well, that has certainly put a smile on their faces,

and so it should. It is a fantastic price and offers an awful lot.

And as for those ponies, they really do set the scene.

I might go have a chat with them.

This property is currently on the market for £725,000.

For that, you get the main house, with its five bedrooms.

The current owners use three of these as a B&B.

Plus, there is a two-bedroom holiday let

and a self-contained annexe, with double bedroom and all mod cons.

Outside, there are also five acres of land and some stables.

This is sizeable, isn't it?

Do you think your mum and Edwin would enjoy being here?

Actually, I think this would be better used as a holiday let.

Cos the house is so big, we could have them in with us.

Then they could have some of the bedrooms upstairs.

The character of the property is fantastic and the size

of the rooms, for the fact that it's Grade II listed, are really good.

It is above and beyond our expectations of what we wanted

-from a property. We are very excited.

-Hello!

Look at these two? Aren't they gorgeous?

He looks just about your size!

Do know what, I might need some rollerskates.

-But aren't they wonderful? So, are you happy?

-Extremely.

-Had a good explore? Imprinted it on your minds?

-I think so.

And of course the price. You won't forget that in a hurry!

-No, we won't!

-Come on, let's go find another property for you.

One of Devon's highlights, the Exmoor National Park,

is often called the riding playground of England.

As David and Michelle are keen on horses themselves,

earlier in the week, we arranged for them

to join retired vet Jenny Watts on a very different type of ride.

We've been using horses as a means of transport for hundreds of years.

But today's carriage is designed for pleasure.

It has the royal seal of approval too -

the Duke of Edinburgh is patron of the sport.

Once the horse has been harnessed,

it's time for Jenny to drive the carriage towards the practice arena.

He gets a bit claustrophobic, so we need plenty of space.

Jenny has been involved in carriage driving for about 30 years,

so she is a good person to show them how it should be done.

Walk on, Dominic. The first command is "walk on".

If you would like to take the reins, David.

-Just as you would if you were riding.

-Walk on!

-That's right!

Good boy. Walk on.

A brand-new carriage can cost between £2,000-3,000,

but, if well maintained, it could last you a lifetime.

He is a natural, Michelle!

-Yes, that's right. And stand. Yes, that's right.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-OK, enough horsing around for now!

Time to get back on track and find a new home.

Still in Dave and Michelle's favourite location, North Devon,

for our second location we are travelling a few miles south

from property number one towards the village of Meeth.

Exmoor is about an hour and a half away,

but the surrounding countryside is spectacular

and famous for the River Torridge,

the setting for Henry Williamson's book Tarka The Otter.

Access to the house is along a half-mile track,

providing this property with a feeling of blissful seclusion.

-Right. It's property number two time. Yeah?

-Yeah.

-What do you think?

Beautiful barn conversion with an awful lot of space in it

opposite the neighbours there. How does that make you feel?

-At this point, that's fine.

-I mean, they are very good neighbours.

In fact, they're so good,

they are really whoever you want to put in them.

-Because you get that as well!

-OK! You get that as well?

-Yeah.

You get the whole lot.

-Interesting.

-Interesting.

-Yes?

-Yes.

-Have we trumped the last one, I wonder?

-I don't know. Let's see.

-It's going to take some beating, is it?

-Yes!

-OK, good, follow me.

'First, we're going to look at the 17th-century cottage.

'It could be used as a holiday let,

'but would also make an equally good permanent home.'

-You can leave the door, Dave. What do you reckon?

-Wow.

-That has some room, doesn't it?

-Look at your face! Brilliant.

It's going to be a whistlestop tour, there's a lot to do.

Come through here.

This is the cottage kitchen.

-Fab.

-Excellent.

-It's not exactly cottage sized, is it?

It's pretty generous, isn't it? Double Belfast sinks over there.

That alcove is already plumbed, ready to take an oil-fired, cast-iron range.

That's very useful.

Utility room through there, downstairs loo

and all the rest of it - bathroom through there to go with it.

And then behind me, dining room with doors out to a terrace garden.

But there's a lot more.

Come upstairs.

'Back through the living room, there's a staircase leading to the first floor.'

-Now, this would be the cottage's master.

-OK, that's fab, isn't it?

Quite different. This staircase goes up to a kind of loft space.

-It gets loads of light, has built-in storage here.

-That is huge.

Of course, nice little features - the stone coming through

is a signature for this particular building.

And these great big sills really show off the width of the walls,

and its age.

Now, wait there. We've also got you a Jack and Jill bathroom.

So this goes all the way round and back through to there.

But with the Jack and Jill arrangement,

guests upstairs can share it.

'There are also three other bedrooms up here.'

If you were coming here on holiday and you found yourselves

-and some friends in this building...

-Brilliant.

You would, wouldn't you? Not wishing to put words in your mouth, Dave!

-I would definitely say that.

-It's a pretty good way of describing it.

I could see this as a holiday let.

There's the barn, and that is also a holiday let, if you want it to be.

And that's even bigger. Come have a look.

'This, of course, is no ordinary property.

'Across the courtyard is the converted barn,

'which is a real treat.'

You're going to love this.

-Oh, wow.

-Yeah? Obviously, dining area. It's a real warren, this.

We've got staircases going down, corridors left and right.

But it begins to set the scene as to what the barn itself

has to offer over the cottage.

-Yes, nice, airy feel.

-That's the least of it.

Very light and warm and open.

-Now then.

-Oh, wow.

-This is space!

-You know, how else do you describe this building?

It is remarkable in many ways.

Lovely great big wood burner over there that really sets it off.

It has a real loft feel, actually.

There's lots of smiling at the moment. What's really going on?

I have no idea where we'd live, which bit...

Just trying to get the brain to function and think what we could do.

The geography here is something to understand.

Up there, we have what they call the kind of minstrel's bedroom

with a bathroom.

It just goes on. Now, the kitchen in the cottage was nice, wasn't it?

I think you are going to love the kitchen in here.

Have a look at this.

'Back through the hallway, and just before we get to the kitchen, there is even more to take in.'

Another staircase, another bedroom, another bathroom.

-And then this is the main event, kitchen wise.

-This is a big kitchen.

It's a very big kitchen. I think I could be quite happy in here.

Even if your mum was in here cooking at the same time!

Well, you have absolutely bags of room here. It is gorgeous.

-That door goes through to have a guess.

-Not another bedroom!

-Another bedroom and another bathroom.

-Excellent.

'And that's not all.

'There's also an ensuite shower room and a sauna.

'But this marvellous mystery tour is not over yet,

'and I'm going to lead David and Michelle back towards

'the dining room and down another staircase.'

So, here we are, on the lower ground floor, shall we say.

'Here, there's a bathroom and three bedrooms, two of which have

'French doors leading straight out onto the terrace and back garden.'

-Are you beginning to understand it all?

-Yes.

Yes, but it's giving me a sore head. The configuration!

Well, these are nice problems to have!

There is maybe too much of it, I don't know.

'There's no doubt this place does go on and on - adjoining the barn

'is a self-contained annexe with its own private entrance.

'It has a shower room with a separate WC and a kitchen and dining area.

'The open tread staircase leads to a double bedroom.

'There are also separate out buildings,

'comprising a barn for Michelle's horses,

'and pottery shed which could be used as a dog kennel,

'along with a water meadow or paddock, adding up to 14 acres in total.'

-A lot on offer.

-There is.

How far is it going to tax your £900,000, I wonder?

-I think it's going to tax it quite heavily.

-Go on, Dave.

-I'd go straight in at 895.

-895, yep.

I probably go a bit over, maybe 925.

-925. We're definitely pushing the budget there, aren't we?

-Definitely.

OK. Supposing, then...

-..It began with an eight.

-OK. OK.

-800...

-and £50,000.

-OK.

-I think that's a good price for it.

It's an extremely good price.

All right, go back and explore the property,

because there's an awful lot you haven't seen yet.

I will catch up with you a bit later.

-OK.

-Go for a wander, explore that paddock! Meadow, even.

This huge property is currently on the market £850,000.

Included in the price is the four-bedroom 17th-century cottage,

plus the six-bedroom converted barn with adjoining one-bedroom annexe.

Land wise, there is a massive 14 acres, encompassing a paddock,

a water meadow, and much more.

The current owners already run a successful holiday let business

which provides a very healthy income.

If Dave and Michelle want to turn their hand to a new skill

and make some money, they could make use of the pottery,

-which also comes with this property.

-It's a huge property, isn't it?

With lots of potential and lots of things you can do with it.

I'd love the barn conversion.

I can see us living in that, but it's also great rental potential.

We would have to sort that out. And the land so many bits on it.

It's going to keep us really busy.

This property with two houses has amazing potential.

There is a lot to take on in terms of managing the land,

which is not something I'm used to doing.

That is something I'm slightly concerned about.

The rest is just getting our head around where we would live

and how best to make use of rental potential.

Well, it's not over yet.

We're going to let you sleep on it. Tomorrow is mystery house time.

Can we better our earlier two properties? Very exciting.

So, as the evening draws to a close on a tiring but exhilarating day

in North Devon, our buyers could be one step closer to their country dream.

Dave and Michelle want to leave their home and pet care business

in Buckinghamshire behind them and move to North Devon.

They've got a substantial budget of up to £900,000.

They want a home for them, Michelle's mum and step father,

and some holiday lets for animal lovers.

We have already offered up two amazing properties

which completely blew them away.

Wow. That's got some room, hasn't it?

But will the mystery house follow suit?

As you can imagine, we have a great deal of fun

selecting our final, mystery property.

Given the scale of the budget Dave and Michelle have brought,

and the kind of properties this region offers,

this has been no exception.

I think we are all in for a real treat.

But of course our search isn't over.

We have our mystery house still to come.

I wonder if that will throw a spanner in the works?

-It probably will.

-How would you feel if it was in Somerset?

I think we'd definitely still be interested.

Well you should be, because it's an absolute beauty.

-It's the mystery house, we're allowed to do crazy things!

-Looking forward to it.

With the mystery house,

we've taken Dave and Michelle away from their ideal location

of North Devon, and crossed the county border into Somerset.

We are in the village of Withypool - slap bang in the heart of Exmoor.

Our mystery property poses the question of whether they can

get everything they want for their budget in such a prime location.

I'm going to lead them round to the rear of the property

not just because it looks out onto glorious Exmoor,

but also because it sets the scene for the geography of this place.

We've got the main farmhouse there, five bedrooms up there,

numerous reception rooms, and then, here,

on the left, we have a purpose-built two-bedroom holiday cottage.

The other thing about this one, Dave, is that it is an existing

and very successful kennel business as well.

-Is it?

-Yes, another string to your bow.

-OK. Very interested, yes.

-Good.

Have we put the cat among the pigeons yet?

Come another look inside.

With the mystery house, they can run holiday lets for animal lovers,

but, what's more, they also get to run a kennel business,

which they already have experience in.

This farmhouse has been split into two self-contained units

and I think this first section could be ideal for Dave and Michelle.

-Right. Come on in. What do you think?

-It's fantastic.

-Wow.

-Yes, this is very nice.

-Isn't it just?

Now, what you've got here is kitchen-diner and living room,

but we'll go up these stairs and show you one of the bedrooms.

OK. Very intrigued.

OK, so, one in there. A nice double.

Family bathroom in here, and then this...

Now, this is what we're going to call the master bedroom

-at this side of the farmhouse.

-Right. OK.

-This is a fabulous room, isn't it?

-Yeah. And it's light.

Lots of character and beams and...

-I like it, like it a lot.

-This has really lit you up, hasn't it?

-Yes, this is...

-I thought we'd spoiled you thus far,

-but this is a whole new experience, isn't it?

-Yes, it is.

What's going on? What buttons are being pressed?

The buttons being pressed, are the fact that

Exmoor's just over there,

it's possible a very good setup for Mum and Edwin as well.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, the buttons are being lit up, yeah.

Yay! Hurrah!

Well, we haven't even really started, yet. Come down here.

Back downstairs, we're heading through the open plan living area

and outside round the corner to the part of the farmhouse

the current owners rent as a holiday let.

But which could make a good home for Michelle's relatives.

So, here we are, coming sort of round the whole thing.

That's the back of your kitchen. The back of the farmhouse, as such.

Nice access through to boot room, downstairs loo,

which is a link passageway between there and here.

And then the lets are this way.

Now, right, here's the key.

So this is the other end of the farmhouse.

Now. What about this, then?

-This is a fabulous little kitchen, isn't it?

-Cosy.

-Isn't it?

It's very warm.

It's very warm because of that great big range, there.

That's an historic one.

It's an antique one but it's working very well,

-as you can probably tell.

-That's good, yeah.

Now, in terms of the way the setup is,

this is the other end of the farmhouse.

-So, effectively, the farmhouse comes with two kitchens.

-OK.

Now, it's currently given over to holidaymakers.

But, thinking of Pat and Edwin, they could have this bit.

-They could have their own separate area.

-And their own separate door.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-That could work.

And next-door is my favourite feature of the entire property.

So, currently, the holidaymakers are enjoying this living room

with multifuel burner and inglenook.

But that door, there,

-goes through to the big kitchen diner living room.

-OK.

-Right.

Upstairs there are a further three bedrooms,

one of which has an ensuite shower room.

But all have fantastic views of Exmoor.

Plus, there's a family bathroom.

-Making sense?

-Yes.

-So far.

You're so good at keeping up!

I mean, in terms of ambience and feel and character, Dave,

-is this working?

-Yes. Very much so.

This is the cottagey Exmoor, Devon feel that we're looking for,

even though we're in Somerset.

There you go! Notwithstanding the border hopping but, yeah.

And, Michelle, I know proximity is exciting at the moment

to Exmoor and the riding that that offers.

To me, at the moment, it's very feasible to use the space,

so, yeah, definitely, ticking all the boxes at the moment.

Hurray! OK.

Let's go and have a look at the dedicated holiday let.

Follow me, let's go back out this way.

Now, of course, one of the nice things is that the holiday guests

don't overlook you because they have got all this to enjoy.

-Their own separate garden.

-Own little garden but this is it,

this is the purpose-built holiday annexe.

-Now, there's a lovely great big kitchen up there. For guests.

-Fab.

But I think the living room here really tells the story.

When the owners renovated this barn for the express purpose

of creating a holiday let, they were determined to get as much light in

-and make the best of the view.

-Yes.

-They've certainly done that.

-That's a view to die for, isn't it?

-Isn't it just.

Exmoor on your doorstep.

But of course, when it comes to dogs, as well, Dave,

you can think, we don't need to use the farmhouse, that's all us,

we'll concentrate on dogs as well.

There are two double bedrooms upstairs,

making the most of those wonderful views and both with en suites.

Right then, let's go and find some outdoor space

-and maybe some doggies.

-OK.

Look at them. Mum and daughter.

-Oh, really.

-Two Clumbers.

-Hello, you two.

-Hello! How are you doing?

Never mind the dogs, what about all this? This lovely little courtyard.

-I know, it's fabulous, isn't it?

-Isn't it just?

-Are these working stables?

-They are working stables.

And you've got stables in here, too. They've currently been set up as kennels.

But for removing the floor and the kennelling,

they would be stables again.

-I think it really does set the scene for you.

-Yeah, it's fab.

-Yeah?

-Yes.

I think this courtyard really helps to sell it, but follow me.

And, in addition to the stables and kennels,

this property has seven acres of land.

Let's think about the price on this one,

it's our final price guess of the week.

-Haven't been very good so far.

-No.

You're not alone in that, Dave. Don't worry about it.

But, just for fun, what do you think this is on the market for?

Seven acres...

-850.

-850.

I was going to go slightly higher than that, I was going to do 875.

You're right to go higher, Michelle.

-Not enough?

-Not quite enough.

I mean, we're in the heart of the Exmoor National Park.

That has pros and cons attached to it

but it does often accelerate the price rise

for properties of this nature.

-Because of what's on your doorstep.

-I understand that.

And in terms of holiday lets, of course it's a fantastic destination.

And that's why this is booked up.

Never mind what you do with the rest of the farmhouse

and the dog business and all that stuff.

So, this, I'm afraid, is going to set you back a little more.

-But it is still technically under budget.

-Right.

This could be yours for £895,000.

-OK.

-Yes, that's still appealing.

-Still appealing.

-Well, it has been reduced from 950.

-Has it?

-Right. OK.

-Maybe you want to get in quick.

-Maybe we do.

-Maybe you do.

I'm delighted this has lit you up. I mean, it is just a gorgeous spot.

I love it, I think there are some wonderful features in that property.

-We thought you might throw a spanner in the works and you have.

-Good.

It's the mystery house, we're allowed to do that!

Go up there, explore some of the other outbuildings,

check out those kennels, Dave, and see if you might want

to explore that option in terms of your revenue stream.

And I'll catch up with you later.

-Right, OK, thank you.

-Brilliant.

Well, as ever, the mystery house has perhaps done it again.

They say it's thrown a spanner in the works, I say they've got plenty of choice

and that's what Escape To The Country is about.

We're not trying to confuse them,

we're just trying to make them happy, and today, I think we have.

Priced at £895,000, our mystery property provides them

with a farmhouse that's currently split into two self-contained units.

One with two bedrooms and a huge open plan living area

and the other with three bedrooms and great period features.

There's also a purpose built two bedroom holiday let

that's a good money-spinner.

There's the added bonus of the dog kennel business,

something Dave and Michelle already have experience in.

On the seven acres of land, there are stables

and paddocks for Michelle's horses,

all within striking distance

of Exmoor.

Yes, this definitely opens up

more lines for earning money, doesn't it?

Yeah, we could utilise these kennels, I'm sure.

There must be some demand for kennelling round this area.

The mystery house has flicked a lot of switches for me.

It's exactly what we were looking for,

it's just where I want it to be, it can incorporate our dream

of running a business and inviting people down, to come with horses.

Hello! Look at you!

-Hello Jules! Found some friends?

-I have!

Look at them! Aren't they absolutely gorgeous?

Tell you what, if you start breeding these, Dave,

I'm definitely coming back to see you!

-It's a possibility!

-Yeah!

We're going to have to leave them,

and the mystery house, because that's it...

it's thinking time!

It is, and we've lots to think about.

You certainly have! Come on!

As a coastal county,

Devon has a considerable amount of shipping traffic passing its shores.

Hartland Point lighthouse, a Grade One listed building

built in 1827, has been lighting the way for ships over

the north-western tip of Devon for well over 150 years.

I've been offered the chance

to see how it works, and meet a man

responsible for its upkeep, Ian Horsely.

-Ian, nice to see you, mate!

-Hello, Jules, nice to see you!

A gorgeous place to work, Hartland Point,

on a day like this! Does it get any better?

The sun could come out a bit brighter, but it's a nice place.

Ian works for the charity Trinity House.

They remotely monitor 68 lighthouses, 24/7,

every day of the year.

Today is maintenance day and I'm going to lend a hand.

It's an 18 metre climb up a series of step and ladders

to where Ian's workmate, also called Ian,

is already busy cleaning the lens.

It's hard work getting to the top,

but once you reach it, the views are spectacular.

Phew!

Tell you what, it's like being

in a greenhouse in here, Ian, isn't it?

Yes, the old lighthouse keepers

used to grow tomatoes in the lantern room.

Tomatoes? Up here?

-Yes!

-Brilliant!

How often do you have to do this then, Ian?

Once every three months.

Lenses are cleaned, preventing dust and dirt

dimming the light, which is a comfort to all those

seamen who rely on the lighthouse

for their safety out at sea.

There are six bulbs in all,

and between them they give off a flash every 15 seconds.

As a keen sailor myself,

there's nothing quite as reassuring as the warm glow from a lighthouse.

When you've been out at sea all day, it's a bit stormy and dark,

all you want to do is get home safely,

so to have the chance

to play some small part in keeping the lights burning,

is a real treat!

So it's time to wave the lighthouse goodbye

and see which of our properties has lit up

Dave and Michelle's life!

-Well, how are you both?

-Fine, thank you.

Here we are, enjoying a nice cup of tea at the end of our week.

Let's just remind ourselves of our first property.

-What are your reflections on that one?

-Really liked that property.

The house was fantastic

and we could see how it could work for us

and Edwin with the holiday let as well.

-So the buildings were brilliant.

-And the price?

Yes, very good price, because it comes slightly in with our budget,

so we had room for manoeuvre on that.

Our second property did not leave us short of buildings!

No, it was staggering, frankly!

From the buildings, it was brilliant.

I love the barn, but somehow it was harder to work out

exactly where we would fit in that,

and Pat and Edwin would fit in that

and which bit we'd rent.

It was almost too overwhelming.

OK. So maybe we'd given you too much choice there?

-Quite possibly!

-Quite possibly!

JULES LAUGHS

The mystery house threw a spanner in the works!

Yes. Really, really stunning property,

in the right location...

Yeah, it did tick all the boxes.

There were similarities

with the first property in terms of the layout

of the main house certainly.

I could tell, when Michelle looked out the windows,

that most things were right with that!

But obviously, there's a price to go with it.

Well, there is. It was the most expensive of the properties

that we showed you, but it certainly is doable.

It is. We've got to go home,

sit down with Pat and Edwin, probably get them back here

to see those properties, maybe all three,

but certainly the first and the mystery house,

and work out our finances.

As ever, let us know how you get on and I do hope you're able to get it.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much.

Been a pleasure!

You know, it's often said, and rightly so, of course,

that buying a house is unlike any other financial undertaking

most of us will take.

We're going to spend hundreds of thousands of pounds

on something which is, essentially, second-hand

and in today's world, we're just not used to that.

After all, houses to fit us, have to be tweaked and tailored

and that is what Dave and Michelle are going to try and do

with their new home. But I do believe they'll get it right,

and when they do, it'll fit their lifestyle like a glove

and when you want to move down here surrounded by views like that,

who can blame them?

Dave and Michelle loved the mystery house and wanted to put in an offer,

but unfortunately, Michelle's mum and stepfather

decided that it wasn't for them.

So, their hunt continues.

If you'd like to escape to the country

in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England,

and would like our help, then please apply online:

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

E-mail [email protected]