0:00:02 > 0:00:04One of the great joys about working on Escape To The Country
0:00:04 > 0:00:08is of course the opportunity to see some really beautiful bits of the British Isles
0:00:08 > 0:00:10and this beach behind me is just one of them.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15But it's also home to a unique seaside resort that's based on a novel.
0:00:15 > 0:00:16So where are we?
0:00:45 > 0:00:50In today's show, I'll be helping a couple who have lots of gusto
0:00:50 > 0:00:54but, by their own admission, are rather inexperienced in the art of house pricing.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Well...- You're well wrong, Jen. - You're both well wrong!
0:00:58 > 0:01:03However, our line-up of properties certainly seems to strike a chord.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I love this idea of the old with the new, I really do.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14Today we're in North Devon and this is the beach at Westward Ho!.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Westward Ho! is famous for two things,
0:01:16 > 0:01:21in particular that it's the only place name in the UK that ends with an exclamation mark,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24and the second thing is that really this shouldn't be here at all.
0:01:24 > 0:01:29In 1855, a guy called Charles Kingsley wrote a book called Westward Ho!,
0:01:29 > 0:01:34and in 1863, a Victorian entrepreneur by the name of Lord Portsmouth,
0:01:34 > 0:01:36keen to cash in on the book's success
0:01:36 > 0:01:39and of course the growing interest in Victorian seaside resorts,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42built it on an empty stretch of beach.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44A clever bit of marketing, really.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Forming the central part of the south-western arm of England,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Devon is blessed with beautiful coastline,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57including those expansive shores around Westward Ho!.
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Its numerous creeks and bays are home to a raft of sailing enthusiasts,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05who maintain the county's link with a nautical tradition
0:02:05 > 0:02:08that stretches back many centuries.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Moving inland, Exmoor is one of Devon's two national parks
0:02:12 > 0:02:17and home to a protected landscape shaped both by nature and agriculture.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22The second, Dartmoor, is notoriously the wildest of the West Country moors
0:02:22 > 0:02:27which, although rugged, still possesses a timeless beauty.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29So, whether it's countryside or coast,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32the vision of rural England that Devon conjures up
0:02:32 > 0:02:36remains a compelling option for many aspiring escapees.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Let's face it, we'd all love to live beside the seaside if we could,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50but house prices in seaside resorts over the last decade
0:02:50 > 0:02:55have risen dramatically, in some areas by as much as 128%.
0:02:55 > 0:03:01In hotspots such as Devon, Cornwall and even Dorset, gains have been even higher.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Here in Devon over the last 10 years,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08your average detached has risen from £149,000 to almost double,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11but for all the financial woes that come with this sort of setting,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14house-hunting here remains as popular as ever.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Here are some of the offerings currently on the market.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22A traditional Devon thatched cottage in Weare Giffard
0:03:22 > 0:03:24could be yours for £285,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Inside, the brickwork and beams in the kitchen add a quirky charm
0:03:29 > 0:03:32and it's complemented by the wood-frame conservatory.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36Outside, the garden includes mature fruit trees.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42Priced at £565,000, this six-bedroom home in Combe Martin
0:03:42 > 0:03:47has been sympathetically extended to offer up great sized rooms for modern living.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49It includes features such as the stone fireplace
0:03:49 > 0:03:53with wood burner in the living room and a kitchen complete with a range.
0:03:53 > 0:03:58Outside, the land amounts to a generous 6.5 acres.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00And, for those with deep pockets,
0:04:00 > 0:04:06this 18th-century former mill house in Lurley is priced at £685,000.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10It provides a harmonious mix of authentic features
0:04:10 > 0:04:12such as the huge inglenook in the sitting room
0:04:12 > 0:04:14and a newly bespoke-fitted kitchen.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19Along with five bedrooms, there are just under four acres of land.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24No surprise, some wonderful properties in this gorgeous county,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28a place which I hope today's buyers may eventually call home.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Phil, a retired RAF Wing Commander, and Jenny, a former nurse,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38have been married for 25 years and are currently in their 14th home.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40After living around the world in married quarters,
0:04:40 > 0:04:44this five-bedroom Georgian terrace in Worcester
0:04:44 > 0:04:46was in fact the first home they ever bought,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49and even that was just five years ago.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52However, now their two children have flown the nest,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56they plan to embark on a completely different adventure together.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58We think the time is right to move now because I retired
0:04:58 > 0:05:04from the Royal Air Force Regiment last year after almost 34 years.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07The children are both starting work in London
0:05:07 > 0:05:12and we think, "OK, that's it," we have to draw a line and move on with the next phase of our life.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15We've always wanted to go and live by the sea.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17We want to move to the coast
0:05:17 > 0:05:23because I was born on the Isle of Wight, I lived all the time by the sea as a child.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24In all our postings,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27we always seem to have been near the sea somewhere as well and
0:05:27 > 0:05:32I have this vision of myself walking the dog along the coastal paths
0:05:32 > 0:05:35and just enjoying the fresh air and looking at the sea.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40But Phil's list of pursuits are far more adrenaline fuelled.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43I like kite surfing and I want to get Jenny into kite surfing.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48Both the children kite surf and we both want to learn to surf.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51Now, you know, old dogs, new trick, might not work,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55but we're determined to try before we're too old.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00Meanwhile, Jenny's love of entertaining is a key factor in what she wants from their next house.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05I would love a nice big kitchen / family room
0:06:05 > 0:06:09because I would just love to have lots of people around me in my big kitchen,
0:06:09 > 0:06:13cooking their meals and drinking glasses of wine in my big kitchen.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16A garden more than a courtyard.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Not necessarily acres and acres, but it would be nice to have a garden.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- He wants to have chickens, so... - Yeah, I like eggs!
0:06:25 > 0:06:27No, no, no, yes, no, chickens.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30But I think I'm rapidly turning into a grumpy old man
0:06:30 > 0:06:35and becoming increasingly intolerant of other people so privacy would be nice.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39You know, just our own little piece of land and an Englishman's house is his castle.
0:06:39 > 0:06:44- But not deserted. - Well, deserted-ish!- Hmm.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Compromise, darling.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50All that said, they're pretty open-minded on the style of their next property.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52We do prefer something with a bit of character.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55I used to say I wouldn't look at modern houses
0:06:55 > 0:06:58but nowadays I keep looking at modern houses and they're not...
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Some modern houses are made to look quite old and they look quite nice.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05With their house on the market for £485,000,
0:07:05 > 0:07:09they've already pinpointed how much they can spend on their move to Devon.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Our budget for the next property is £500,000
0:07:12 > 0:07:15but that is absolutely the top whack.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23Of course it's a very common thought to want to take your home with you
0:07:23 > 0:07:24and transport it somewhere new
0:07:24 > 0:07:27but there's more to a home than just bricks and mortar.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30They're made up of thousands of hopefully very happy memories.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35There's no doubt that Phil and Jen, with their infectious lust for life,
0:07:35 > 0:07:37will fill their new home with plenty of those.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39I've just got to find it for them.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42But, as ever, that could be easier said than done.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47Fortunately, Phil and Jenny are pretty flexible about location
0:07:47 > 0:07:50although, clearly, being near the coast is an important factor.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53However, we may need to venture inland
0:07:53 > 0:07:55to get them the most we can for their money.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59We've lined up three delightful but very different Devon homes for them to see,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03but, as ever, they won't find out the price of each until they've had a guess first.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07The last of these is our mystery house which could see them
0:08:07 > 0:08:10rolling up their sleeves for a shot at their dream home.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16- Phil, Jen, lovely to see you down here at long last.- Thank you.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19This is quite a moment, isn't it, because, as I understand it,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22this could be the second house you've bought in your married life.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27I know. Frightening, isn't it? We've only had, well, yes, one house of our very own.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31We've had 15 homes in our 25 years of marriage.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34And this of course is down to service life, Phil.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Yeah, we've traipsed around the world. No complaints!
0:08:36 > 0:08:40It's been an absolute blast but we want to settle down now.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Just give us a sense of the sort of property you're after
0:08:42 > 0:08:45because you've lived in so many. I know character is top of the list.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50I think entertaining, for me, is a big love of mine
0:08:50 > 0:08:53so I think a big kitchen, big homely,
0:08:53 > 0:08:58maybe a nice big log burner stove, something like that.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00I do love family and I love friends
0:09:00 > 0:09:02so something like that for me would be lovely.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- And at long last having these permanent roots where everybody knows where to find you.- Yes!
0:09:06 > 0:09:09That's true. I think in people's address books, you know,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11there's so many crossings out and changes of address for us.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14We're going to save a fortune on change of address cards
0:09:14 > 0:09:16so we can put that towards the house.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Good, well let's talk about money since we've reached that point.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Around about half a million.- Yes. - God, is it?- Yes.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- When you put it like that it sounds pretty good.- £500,000.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Never thought of it as half a million. Right, will that work?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I think it will work. Yeah, I think so.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34In this part of Devon, you're never that far from the coast
0:09:34 > 0:09:38and of course you have Exmoor to play with as well so you're spoilt for choice.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42I know the outdoor life is something that you've both really put centre-stage
0:09:42 > 0:09:44of what you've got up to over the last 25 years.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- Yes, it is.- So, you know, let's see what we can find you.- Great.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- Follow me.- Look forward to it. - Come this way.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57With a top budget of £500,000,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Phil and Jenny would like their Devon home to come with character features
0:10:01 > 0:10:05and provide them with a large sociable kitchen-diner for the family.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Outside they want to upsize on garden space for barbecues
0:10:08 > 0:10:09and keeping chickens,
0:10:09 > 0:10:12and it also needs to have good access to the coast
0:10:12 > 0:10:14for surfing and dog walking.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23So, putting character and coast at the top of the agenda,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26we kick off our property search in the village of Bucks Mills.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Along with a post office and local shop,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32it also has a footpath which leads down to the sea.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Among the array of traditional and stone-built cottages
0:10:36 > 0:10:39is our first house, which is just a 15-minute walk from the coast
0:10:39 > 0:10:43and provides them with much more than first meets the eye.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47There we are. Let's just settle here and take it all in.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- Property number one.- Wow, yes. - First impressions, it's great.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- Yeah, I mean, you wanted character. - We have got character.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Thatch, I'm a bit worried about thatch.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Can you reassure us about the thatch?- I can reassure you.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03It's a material that's been used for roofing for centuries.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05This is Norfolk Reed.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09It's good for, I'd say, another 25, 30-odd years.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11It looks terrific insulation, is it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15It's brilliant, it's fantastic stuff. How old do you think it is?
0:11:16 > 0:11:20Actually I suspect not that old.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I think it's maybe made to look old, I don't know.
0:11:22 > 0:11:28- You may be right, sir.- Really?- This was built in 2006.- You're joking.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Really?- The whole thing is brand-new.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- It's because it's got new windows and things like that.- Let's look inside.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38This house may only have been built a few years ago,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42but the features inside give it real traditional integrity.
0:11:43 > 0:11:50- Right, come on in. Yes?- Yes! - Got that nice little cottagey feel.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- I know entertaining is a thing, Jan, so come and have a look in here. - It is.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Oh, nice, yes.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- Yes.- Yes?
0:11:58 > 0:12:04- I love these beams. - Nice little window seats and so on. Really nice detailing, this.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08For something that's new, yes, they've made it look very old.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Come on through here, this is quite sweet. This is the main living room.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- You wanted a great big wood burner. - I did!
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- That's what I said this morning. - There you go.- It's lovely.
0:12:17 > 0:12:23It's lovely and cosy, isn't it? Very warm, inviting room.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27- Somewhere they've managed to find a bread oven. - I was just going to say that.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31I mean, the attention to detail to make it feel older than it is
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I think is second to none actually, to be honest.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Yes, it's super, really nice.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Great responses.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Let's see if they warm to the kitchen. OK, Jen.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Oh, yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47Oh, that's really nice. Look at that, yes, lovely.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49I mean, is it big enough? That's the key question.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52I suppose yes because you've got this big open space here.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56I suppose it depends on the storage. You don't quite know what's behind all the cupboards.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Off the kitchen, a utility room does give Jenny extra storage space
0:12:59 > 0:13:01for white goods.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03We'll head upstairs to explore the three bedrooms,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06which are all of a good size.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08They include a double room with sloping ceiling
0:13:08 > 0:13:12and a second potential double currently set up as a study.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14There's also a spacious family bathroom,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17which is furnished in a simple rustic style.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21But let's take a look at what could be their new sleeping quarters.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24This is the master. How about that?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27LAUGHTER
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Our bed at home is huge
0:13:30 > 0:13:32so this room would certainly fit our bed.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Yes, it's excellent.
0:13:35 > 0:13:40If this were the real thing, let's say 17th-century, space for wardrobes...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Not a consideration.- It never was.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- Central heating wasn't big in the 16th century.- No, indeed.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50And the floors are all level, but you know, but nice and bare.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52I love this idea of the old with the new.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55With the house covered,
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I think Phil and Jenny have seen the merits in this modern reworking
0:13:58 > 0:14:02of a character cottage, which leaves them with absolutely nothing to do.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Outside there's a garage and a workshop,
0:14:05 > 0:14:09plus half an acre of garden which should please Phil
0:14:09 > 0:14:11as there's plenty of space for his chicken coop.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14But, how much does it all cost? We've seen the house now.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21A modern, characterful thatched cottage. Built in 2006.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25We're only a mile and a half from the sea. How much is it worth?
0:14:25 > 0:14:31- Jen?- 445.- I would've said 475.- 475?
0:14:31 > 0:14:34But I don't know what a premium you'd pay for being close to the sea.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- Well, you are going to pay a premium.- So I'm wrong?- Well...
0:14:37 > 0:14:41- You're well wrong, Jen. - You're both well wrong.- What?
0:14:41 > 0:14:48- There goes your conservatory! - This is on the market now for 525.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- Oh, wow.- But then we have to take it as it is.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54There's nothing we can do to it because we have no more dosh.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- No.- We couldn't even pay to clean the windows, that's it.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- But, you know...- That's because of the proximity to the sea, is it?
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Always going to be a premium, always going to be.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07That's the way of these things. We all love to live by the seaside.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- Go and have a look and I will catch up with you later.- OK.- Thanks.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12Off you go.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21Granted, our first property is over budget at £525,000,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25but a sensible offer could land them a character home
0:15:25 > 0:15:28which gives them practically everything on their wish list.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32It provides them with two reception rooms bursting with features
0:15:32 > 0:15:34and great for entertaining.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It also has a large kitchen-diner
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and upstairs the three bedrooms include a huge master suite.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44And it's all wrapped up in a generous half acre plot
0:15:44 > 0:15:49in their perfect location within walking distance of the sea.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51It's nice to be so close to the coast.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I guess it would only be a five-minute drive,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56which would be lovely for me and my dog walking,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00and you can see the sea from the upstairs window so that's nice.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I do like a kitchen full of people and I think this kitchen is small
0:16:03 > 0:16:05so there would be a lot of shoulder rubbing.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09We do have a lot of furniture we've collected over the years
0:16:09 > 0:16:12and I'm not sure where it would fit in.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16Neither Jenny nor I were looking for a new-build,
0:16:16 > 0:16:20and yet here's a property built in 2006, and I love it,
0:16:20 > 0:16:25but it's built along 17th-century lines and style.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29I know there is scope to put a fourth bedroom above the outhouse
0:16:29 > 0:16:33but we wouldn't have any money to do anything to the outhouse
0:16:33 > 0:16:39so I think a lot of that £500,000 is a premium for being so close to the coast.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Ah, Jen, out you come. Happy? - Yes, it was good.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Really interesting, thank you.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52I think that outbuilding also offers you a few possibilities with this one
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and you don't have to do it all at once.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- I hope not because we won't have any money to do it!- Ha-ha! Come on!
0:17:09 > 0:17:14The north Devon coastline is peppered with some gorgeous villages, such as Berrynarbor,
0:17:14 > 0:17:19which is situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22There's no doubt its charming cottages and 15th century church
0:17:22 > 0:17:27have helped it win a host of awards for the best kept village over many years.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30To maintain their love of watersports,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Phil and Jenny would need to head to nearby Croyde
0:17:33 > 0:17:37and just a couple of miles from there is an area known as Lee Bay.
0:17:37 > 0:17:43In order to acquaint them with the natural spoils of Devon's shores, we sent them to meet Paula Ferris,
0:17:43 > 0:17:48the founder of the charity Coastwise, to discover some of the rich marine life
0:17:48 > 0:17:52that lies hidden in the scattering of rock pools at low tide.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55Here we come to an upper shore rock pool.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- This limpet is feeding and it will move up to a metre a day.- A metre?!
0:18:01 > 0:18:05And as it moves, it leaves a little trail,
0:18:05 > 0:18:08so that it wants to go back to its home,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11where it started, it can follow that trail back.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16And it grinds itself into the rock so that it fits really snugly
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and if the rock pool evaporates,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23as it will do in summer, it's got a little moisture in its shell
0:18:23 > 0:18:26that will stay there because of the snug fit it has to the rock.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30It starts off as a male and as it gets older,
0:18:30 > 0:18:35and my female colleagues say "and wiser", it becomes a female.
0:18:35 > 0:18:40Certain types of anemone also thrive in these bright shallows.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43It's called snakelocks anemone.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48It's green because of the algae that it has in its tentacles,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52which photosynthesise and provide it with food, with sugars.
0:18:52 > 0:18:58They can supplement the food they get from the sun by capturing food
0:18:58 > 0:19:04in their tentacles and they fire tiny darts at their prey.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Children like to put their fingers in and feel the tug.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10If they then rub their eyes, they would be in trouble.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- Their eye would react adversely. - Good Lord! It's all kicking off in the rock pools!
0:19:15 > 0:19:20As their reconnaissance mission continues, Phil lands a surprise catch.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26- Ah!- Oh, what have you got? - What is it?- You've got a blenny.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Quite a good sized blenny too!
0:19:28 > 0:19:34- Really? It's a good size! - Do you want to put him in here? - Favourite fish in the rock pool.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37He's a shore fish, which means he can breathe in or out of water.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40They take on the colour of their surroundings.
0:19:40 > 0:19:46- The longer he stays in that white tray, the paler he will get. - You can see him going pale.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50It's a real lesson in how all these species have developed different
0:19:50 > 0:19:54survival strategies to cope with the unpredictable tidal conditions.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58If you fancy rock pooling, it's advisable to start out
0:19:58 > 0:20:02in an organised group, as the tide can suddenly turn.
0:20:02 > 0:20:07But the golden rule is to be respectful of these largely hidden but fragile gems.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16In a bid to get Phil and Jenny more for their money,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18our house search continues inland,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21close to the town of South Molton,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23giving them a 45 minute drive to the coast.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26With its Georgian buildings and range of shops,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29it's certainly an appealing location to explore.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33Our second property is set on a hill, with fantastic views down the Taw Valley
0:20:33 > 0:20:38and comes in the form of a barn conversion dating back to the early 1900s.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Which one is it?- I don't know. I'm confused.- So am I.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- Tell me it's all of it!- I'd love to tell you it was all of it.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- It's that bit there.- OK.- OK.
0:20:51 > 0:20:56So technically, we're in something of a sort of semi-detached situation.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01But you've got an acre and a half that goes behind it that way.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- Just for us?- Just for you.- OK. - You've got plenty of garden space,
0:21:05 > 0:21:10but we are within this sort of courtyarded arrangement.
0:21:10 > 0:21:11Good for neighbours.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Again, probably something you wouldn't have looked for on paper, I suspect.
0:21:15 > 0:21:21- Probably not. But we're open minded, Jules.- As ever. Follow me.- Lead on.
0:21:22 > 0:21:27'That's the spirit, Phil, because the way in which this barn conversion's been renovated
0:21:27 > 0:21:29'will certainly put a smile on their faces.'
0:21:29 > 0:21:32OK, Jen. Yeah?
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- Oh, yes.- This isn't probably what you were expecting.- No, it's not.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- No, that's good.- A little bit bigger than this morning's kitchen.- Yes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- This is a nice kitchen. - This is a very expensive kitchen.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48The other thing to point out is that,
0:21:48 > 0:21:51bearing in mind the neighbours to our left there, that whole wall
0:21:51 > 0:21:55has been soundproofed, downstairs and upstairs, professionally.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- You can't hear a thing.- Ah, that's a plus.- They really have gone for it.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Under-floor heating throughout. Upstairs and down.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08- Wow, look at this kitchen!- It's brand new. Everything stays as well.
0:22:08 > 0:22:14- Very nice. Fab kitchen. Love it. - I could certainly see the family in here.- Yes.- It's good.
0:22:14 > 0:22:20- All the young 20-somethings. Yeah, good.- OK. Happy. Phew!
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- Upstairs is not what you think either.- Right.- Really?
0:22:24 > 0:22:27It's the living room. Come and have a look at this.
0:22:27 > 0:22:32Down here, there's also a lobby next to the staircase, which is currently being used as a study,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36but let's see what they make of the main event on the next floor.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- This is quite different. - This is nice too. Lovely.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45For all the fact it's brand new, we've got you a wood burner.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Yeah, like it.- Very good. - It's quite clever.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51If they'd put the living room downstairs,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54they wouldn't have got as many bedrooms in the place,
0:22:54 > 0:22:57cos you've got three down there, and you wouldn't have had this.
0:22:57 > 0:23:04- Making it with this ceiling with the light and so forth.- Yes. It is nice. It is lovely.- Yeah.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- It's lovely, yeah.- You've quite lit up, Jen.- I like it, I do like it.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- Good.- I think it's cos it's light.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13Time to head back downstairs,
0:23:13 > 0:23:16where there's a beautifully high-spec family bathroom
0:23:16 > 0:23:18and the three bedrooms.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21There's a single and a nice sized double guest room
0:23:21 > 0:23:23with access out to the garden.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27Let's check out the master, which has the added bonus of an en suite.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33- Very nice. Come on in, Phil. - Yeah, very nice.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- We didn't have an en suite with that other one.- No, we didn't. I love it. It's a really nice room.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41We've got this engineered oak floor, under-floor heating again.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Nowhere's encumbered with radiators. You can put your furniture where you want.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- It is beautiful.- Under-floor heating, is it efficient?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Incredibly efficient. It's the most efficient way of doing it.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55It's always on low. It maintains a lovely heat.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58And being a new-build, everything will be insulated.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03There's no point having a great heating system if the walls aren't insulated.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06All the windows are double-glazed and soundproofed again.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- You'll be as warm as toast. - Yeah. It's beautifully made.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13- Very nice.- Let's go out there.- OK.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- And see if we can work some magic. - Yeah, it's a nice day for it.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22This high-spec barn conversion serves up a ready-made home, whilst giving them plenty of space
0:24:22 > 0:24:25for the children and friends to spread out in.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Outside, the property is surrounded by a large secluded patio.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33But whilst the neighbouring properties are a plus for Jenny,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I suspect Phil may have reservations.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38However, the elevated setting of their 1.5 acres
0:24:38 > 0:24:40is a great vantage point
0:24:40 > 0:24:44from which to soak up those stunning countryside views.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Let's have a think about the price then. Who went first last time?
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- I did. And I got it drastically wrong.- Oh, streuth! No pressure.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56I would say...470.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- 470, yeah.- OK, I'll say 495.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03495.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- And no garage!- And no garage. - 470 and maybe a garage!
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- Well, you'd definitely get a garage for 425.- 425?!
0:25:11 > 0:25:15- That's what this is?- 425.- I think the price is quite interesting.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18- The price has made you smile. - It's a three-bedroom house.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21We've just been to a three-bedroom house, 525.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24£100,000 difference because we're half an hour inland.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Yep, and you get a view and you get an acre and a half.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29And close neighbours.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- Go on, off you go. I'll catch up with you later.- Cheers.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38Priced at £425,000,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42our high-spec barn conversion is significantly under budget
0:25:42 > 0:25:46and gives them that immaculate kitchen-diner which Jenny loved.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50It also has an upstairs living room with woodburner.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52The three bedrooms include a lovely master en suite
0:25:52 > 0:25:57and it comes with one and a half acres of land with good views.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02House number two, I just loved the kitchen. It's fabulous.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05It's a great kitchen to entertain.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10I can just see my family here, sitting round the table, and it would be lovely.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The bedrooms, they're a bit smaller than I'd hoped for.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17And small for the amount of furniture we have.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- We seem to have a lot of furniture to fit in.- It's beautifully appointed.
0:26:21 > 0:26:27It's wonderfully well done. And it's £100,000 less than the first house.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32Which goes to show the premium you pay for being close to the coast.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36So, financially, it's attractive, but I think, as I get older,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39I must recognise I'm becoming increasingly grumpy
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and I value my privacy.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I just think this house, it's too close to other houses.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49It's effectively a terraced property.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Right, guys. Out you go.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58So that was it, the end of property number two. Glad you've seen it?
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- Oh, yes. For sure. - I know it's not something you'd have looked at on paper,
0:27:02 > 0:27:06- but we're building a picture of what's available in Devon.- Yeah.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Have we spent your money yet, I wonder?
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Ah, that nervous laugh says it all! Come on, follow me.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24With evening falling over the Devon countryside,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27Phil and Jenny have a chance to sleep on what they've already seen,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30as the first day of our house search draws to a close.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42They may be retiring, but dynamic duo Phil and Jenny don't plan to rest on their laurels
0:27:42 > 0:27:45when they move from their Worcester townhouse to Devon.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51With separate passions for surfing and socialising, they are green about the process of house buying
0:27:51 > 0:27:55after spending most of their married life in armed forces accommodation.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58Finding a large family home they love near the coast
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and for their budget is proving a real challenge.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05For our mystery house, we're going to ask them to rough it.
0:28:05 > 0:28:09- It's very me.- Is it? - It's a bit shabby and it's me!
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Shabby and rundown.
0:28:12 > 0:28:17And I catch up with some of our previous house buyers, who are now enjoying the good life.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21One more day and one more property to come.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23It is of course mystery house time.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27With our final property, I'm taking a little bit of a gamble.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31But you know what they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39I get the sense that we haven't quite swept you off your feet.
0:28:39 > 0:28:45Erm... That's probably true. But it's been really worthwhile.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50You gain a lot by looking at properties that are not necessarily right.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53You learn a lot from it.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- So yeah, but we're looking forward greatly to today and the mystery house.- I hope you like it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:03It'd be lovely to see you both get sorted and get down here as quickly as possible.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Amen to that.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10For our mystery house, we're staying inland,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11as we head to Dolton,
0:29:11 > 0:29:14which is about half an hour's drive from the coast.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17It's a thriving village, complete with three pubs,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21a post office and a well-stocked local shop.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26Tucked away off a quiet country lane and surrounded by open farmland with just one neighbouring house,
0:29:26 > 0:29:30our mystery property comes in the form of a grade II listed stone barn conversion.
0:29:30 > 0:29:35And with this offering, we're throwing down the gauntlet of a project.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37It's the mystery house for several reasons.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42Everything else we've shown you so far has been in tip-top condition.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44You've sussed us out.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47OK, which is lovely cos it gives you the choice of having something
0:29:47 > 0:29:50you can move straight into, and you can move straight into this one.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54But as you can probably tell, it does need a little bit of TLC.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- However, it is by far the biggest property.- That sounds good.
0:29:59 > 0:30:05- I'm pleased already.- I like it, actually. Yeah, it's right up there. - My first impressions are good.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- OK, let's have a look inside. - Jules, you don't sound so sure!
0:30:09 > 0:30:12While our mystery property needs a bit of work,
0:30:12 > 0:30:17hopefully they'll find the potential of the kitchen an exciting prospect.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Have a look at this!
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Oh, yeah.
0:30:21 > 0:30:26- Come on in.- Ooh.- What do you think? - I love it. It's very me.- Is it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- It's a bit shabby and it's me. - Shabby and rundown.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- Needs tender loving care. - I was a bit worried.
0:30:34 > 0:30:39I thought you'd responded so well to the pristine finish of the previous two properties.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43That's what I strive for, but I know I am more shabby than pristine.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47- OK. It's massive. You wanted a big kitchen. This is it.- Yeah.
0:30:47 > 0:30:53- You don't get any bigger, do you? - No. All the walls have been lime rendered, which is terrific.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58That means it breathes, they've gone about it with an eye to...
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Proper kind of building conservation.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04At the back of the kitchen is a handy utility area.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08And the entrance hall benefits from a spacious cloakroom.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Let's take a look at the main sitting room.
0:31:11 > 0:31:17- Come and have a look.- Very nice. - Come on in, Phil.- I love it.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Oh, gosh, yeah!
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- A little gallery.- You can see where it needs a little bit of attention.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28But you get a real sense of this lovely lime plaster that's been put on the inside.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32I just love the sense of space. It's fabulous. And light.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37There's a lovely multi-fuel burner in there. You've got a lovely focal point to the room.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41And these, two sets of double doors, going out to a terrace,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44which is gravel, but you can improve that.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47You can just get a sense of the views beyond.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- I love it. There's so much space. - Mmm.- Well, this is just a part of it. - Really?
0:31:52 > 0:31:57The secret little door at the end leads to a surprise annexe that we'll visit later.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02We'll turn our attention to what lies upstairs off the galleried landing.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Here, there are four bedrooms, which file off the hallway,
0:32:06 > 0:32:09consisting of two doubles and a single.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13And they all make use of the family bathroom.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17We'll head to the main bedroom to see if it meets their expectations.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- Oh, nice. Nice size again, isn't it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24And you've got the space in the ceiling.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28- You've got that feeling of space. - Terrific.- And it's en suite.- Yeah.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- Could we get our bed in here? - Erm... Maybe.- Probably, couldn't we?
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Across that way?
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Our tour is far from over, as our mystery house also gives them
0:32:37 > 0:32:43an annexe, which will hopefully fire the imagination of our project novices.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46This is a whole new thing.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- It is, isn't it? - It just goes on, doesn't it?
0:32:49 > 0:32:55At the moment, it's something of a self-contained flat, if you like.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Upstairs, two more bedrooms which I'm going to let you explore later.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04That is a dedicated woodburner, not multi-fuel.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08It's got all the elements. There's a kitchen area and so forth.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- It's a good house for Christmas. - Yeah. It's a lovely house.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I love it. It's got so much potential.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18They didn't ask for an annexe, but our mystery property
0:33:18 > 0:33:22seems to be unlocking options they hadn't even thought about.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26Outside in the courtyard, there's also a double garage,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30a useful storage space for all their outdoor sports gear.
0:33:30 > 0:33:36We'll head back through the living room, to the garden, and the views over open fields beyond.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43- So.- Lovely.- Very nice. - You know what's coming.- Oh!
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I'm not good at this.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49- I'm going to get you to go first. - Yes!
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- OK, erm... - How much is on the market for, Jen?
0:33:53 > 0:33:57Taking everything into consideration, I reckon 420.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02- 420, yeah. - And I'm going to hope for 400.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- 400.- Hope for 400.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11Your budget is £500,000. You clearly need to spend a bit of money here.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15This is on the market for offers in excess...
0:34:15 > 0:34:18of £430,000.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- I was closest.- Now...
0:34:21 > 0:34:28But, it is open to sensible offers, which I think would bring it in under 430.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Yeah.- So you may not be far off.
0:34:30 > 0:34:35- It has potential, it really does. - It has got Day family written all over it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Good. Well, go and explore the Day family home.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Off you go! I'll catch up with you later.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Brilliant! Well, I have to say, that was a result.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Our mystery house may have come up trumps.
0:34:46 > 0:34:53I was nervous about this one because the finish wasn't as perfect as our previous two. But they love it.
0:34:57 > 0:35:04At £430,000, Phil and Jenny still have the chance to see where a reasonable offer might get them.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07This property gives our buyers a jaw-dropping family sitting room,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11along with a massive kitchen-diner.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14There are four bedrooms with a master en suite,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17plus there's a two-bedroom annexe thrown into the mix.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I just love the kitchen. It's me.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22It's just got Jenny Day written all over it.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26It's homely, it's sort of scruffy round the edges,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29but that's me really. It's good. I love the kitchen.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33The separate dwelling is interesting. It's sparked another interest in me.
0:35:33 > 0:35:39Originally, I had thought of bed and breakfast or maybe self-catering contained annexe,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41some holiday let or something like that.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45I'd put to the back of mind, thinking I couldn't afford it.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48But now maybe it's a possibility again. I don't know.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52We'll have to explore the local area a little more. That's what I'd like to do.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56I like it a lot. I think it is a project.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59I think there's a lot that we'd like to do to the place.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03If we could get it for the right price, we'd have the money to do what we want to do.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07I can see Jenny here. I can see she's excited.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10I think the children would love it.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12It's all about the money.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18- Well, how about that?- Yeah.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- Our mystery house has been rather exciting.- It has.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23I like it, very much.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- I had a good feeling about the mystery house this morning.- Good.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31- It's great.- Excellent. I'm delighted it's rung a few bells.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35The key thing now is to go and have a think about it.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- A lot to think about. - And we'll have a chat.- OK.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Thanks.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49One of the big questions we always get asked on Escape To The Country
0:36:49 > 0:36:53is how many people actually buy the houses that you show them?
0:36:53 > 0:36:54More than you might think.
0:36:54 > 0:37:00Here in Devon, Denise helped turn one lucky couple's dream into reality.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04With their big, £1.2 million budget,
0:37:04 > 0:37:08Lynn and Jonathan wanted to move from London to a country home
0:37:08 > 0:37:11that also gave them a sizable holiday let business.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Denise showed them a beautiful farmhouse
0:37:14 > 0:37:16with five existing holiday cottages
0:37:16 > 0:37:17near the hamlet of Huntsham.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19They were clearly very excited.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21It's right there with your criteria
0:37:21 > 0:37:25and it is bringing this huge smile out of you!
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Having fallen in love with the place,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31they bought it and moved in in July 2010.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35I caught up with them to find out how their life has changed since.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40Give me some of the high points over the last 18 months or so.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Well, people have been really welcoming, actually, around here.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48When we first moved in, we had a few people come up from the village
0:37:48 > 0:37:52to say hello and introduce themselves and offer to help out.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56Then there was a tea party in the village soon after we arrived
0:37:56 > 0:37:59so we met most people in the village that day.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01There has been various events
0:38:01 > 0:38:05and a street party for the Royal Wedding down there and it is great.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07There's young families there
0:38:07 > 0:38:10and the locals have been really friendly and welcoming.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Since you bought this place, we've had at least one,
0:38:14 > 0:38:17if not two pretty harsh winters.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20How have you found it, were you completely snowed in?
0:38:20 > 0:38:24We were snowed in - it was pretty harsh actually.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26We had frozen pipes in two of the cottages.
0:38:26 > 0:38:30One burst when it thawed a bit.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34- So you became a plumber overnight? - Yeah!
0:38:34 > 0:38:39I think we're really geared up for another winter like that.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Hopefully we won't have one quite the same.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44We have friends locally who run a similar business
0:38:44 > 0:38:47who actually have a tractor to tow people in and out of the property,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50which is quite a nice idea, isn't it?
0:38:50 > 0:38:51So, you'll be buying a tractor soon?
0:38:51 > 0:38:54We made friends with a neighbouring farmer, put it that way!
0:38:54 > 0:38:55When they moved in,
0:38:55 > 0:39:00the holiday lets came with a turnover of around £68,000 a year.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03However, Jonathan and Lynn have built on this income
0:39:03 > 0:39:06with some very impressive results.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Talk me through the business because that's what this was driven by,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11you wanted a viable business.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14You got one here. The books are already busy, I gather?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16We are pleased with the way it's going.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Business this year is up by about 35%.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- And that's just in a year.- 35%?
0:39:24 > 0:39:26- We've been working very hard. - I bet you have.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32How much time have you had to devote to the main house itself?
0:39:32 > 0:39:37Very little, we still have two rooms full of boxes!
0:39:37 > 0:39:38No regrets?
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- No regrets.- No.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42It's hard work,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45I don't think we realised how much work it really would be
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- but we haven't looked back, have we? - No.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51But for anybody watching this now,
0:39:51 > 0:39:55what would be your parting words of advice for them?
0:39:55 > 0:39:58I'd probably say, do it.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03We did quite a lot of research before we actually bought this place
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and that was all worthwhile.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08We ended up buying the right place for us.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10The research was important but actually taking the step
0:40:10 > 0:40:14and moving down here and starting a business -
0:40:14 > 0:40:17that was a big step for us.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19We're really glad we did it.
0:40:19 > 0:40:23It's great to see that Jonathan and Lynn's efforts are paying dividends
0:40:23 > 0:40:27and that they have been successful in realising their ambition
0:40:27 > 0:40:29of escaping to the country.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34Right, final part of the show - it's decision time.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42Let's just remind ourselves of all the excitement we've had
0:40:42 > 0:40:45and the properties that we've seen.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47The first one, the thatch,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50which you had some reservations about because of the thatch
0:40:50 > 0:40:52but hopefully we've overcome them.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- Phil, what are your thoughts? - First impressions were favourable.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58I particularly like the way it had the best of both worlds.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It was a new-build but in an old style.
0:41:00 > 0:41:05I really did like that but as we went through the property,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08it quickly became apparent that it was going to be too small.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Property number two then, altogether different.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- The kitchen, which you seemed to really like?- I did like it.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17On first impressions, it really had the wow factor
0:41:17 > 0:41:20and I thought, wow, it was great.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22It was just pristine, it was lovely.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24The kitchen was the strong point, I acknowledge that.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27But for me, quite honestly, the rest of the house just didn't fly.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29From when we pulled up in the courtyard, I thought,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31it's not going to work.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I did feel I was pushing uphill a bit.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36A little bit but I do acknowledge it was a beautiful house
0:41:36 > 0:41:38and beautifully well done.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Our mystery house?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I had no idea how you two would really respond to it,
0:41:43 > 0:41:47but to my great surprise and pleasure, you really lit up?
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Yeah, we liked it.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52The isolation factor, for me, is still is a factor
0:41:52 > 0:41:54and I'm still not sure about that.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59But it was very Day family, it was very us. We really liked it.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03It's really exciting, perhaps that's too strong a word,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05it's encouraging.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08How are we doing in terms of you guys coming to Devon?
0:42:08 > 0:42:12This trip has definitely reinforced and reaffirmed our belief
0:42:12 > 0:42:13that Devon is the place to be.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15I'm delighted we've been able to help.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18Fingers crossed, it's not a case of if but when you move here?
0:42:18 > 0:42:21- I think so, definitely.- Brilliant.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Well, as you can see, the sun is beginning to set.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32The show is nearly over, as indeed, is the summer.
0:42:32 > 0:42:37This field of corn has been cut, the stubble is rustling under my feet.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39But what do I make of this little house hunt?
0:42:39 > 0:42:43For a couple like Phil and Jen who have moved over a dozen times
0:42:43 > 0:42:45in the 23 years of their married life,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48but who've only bought one house together,
0:42:48 > 0:42:52I think they found the whole process of house hunting itself pretty revealing.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56I like Phil's parting thoughts, the idea that looking at houses
0:42:56 > 0:43:00is as much about figuring out what you don't want, as what you do.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03When you finally walk into something that actually feels right,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05as they themselves have discovered,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08the results can be pretty surprising.
0:43:08 > 0:43:10I'll see you next time.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:13 > 0:43:16in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or England
0:43:16 > 0:43:19and would like our help, then please apply online.
0:43:40 > 0:43:42Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd