0:00:02 > 0:00:04Imagine finding a 500-year-old painting
0:00:04 > 0:00:07of one of England's most famous monarchs on your living room wall.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10That's what happened to the owners of this house
0:00:10 > 0:00:12when they were doing a spot of redecorating.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14So who was it and where am I?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Find out in just a moment.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50'On today's show, I'll be helping a British couple
0:00:50 > 0:00:52'head back to their homeland,
0:00:52 > 0:00:55'after spending over 30 years living in Belgium.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58'They're very honest with their reactions to our properties.'
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Right...erm.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04A little hesitation on the kitchen, I have to say.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08'But as our house hunt progresses, that starts to swing in our favour.'
0:01:08 > 0:01:11I'm getting a twinkle in your eyes.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12You really are speechless.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Yes...which is unusual!
0:01:18 > 0:01:21Today, I'm in Somerset, in the village of Milverton.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24This unique mural of King Henry VIII
0:01:24 > 0:01:27was discovered in this house just a couple of years ago.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29The only other wall painting of Henry VIII
0:01:29 > 0:01:31in the Palace Of Whitehall
0:01:31 > 0:01:34was destroyed, when it was burned down in the 16th century.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37This mural is here because this used to be home
0:01:37 > 0:01:39to the Archdeacons of Taunton,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41which included Thomas Cranmer,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44and he went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48who helped King Henry VIII to break away from the Catholic church
0:01:48 > 0:01:50and set up the Church of England.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55This mural is thought to be an expression of loyalty to the king.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57'The historic county of Somerset
0:01:57 > 0:02:00'is situated along the edge of the Bristol Channel,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02'and has plenty other hidden gems on offer,
0:02:02 > 0:02:06'boasting a wonderful mixture of countryside and coast.'
0:02:06 > 0:02:09To the south of the county, you'll find Exmoor National Park,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13with its sweeping moorland giving way to a dramatic coastline.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Moving inland, the terrain softens,
0:02:15 > 0:02:17as the flat lands of the Somerset Levels
0:02:17 > 0:02:19stretch out for miles,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and is home to some wonderful wildlife.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25But it's not just its natural beauty that draws people here.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27This is the legendary home of King Arthur
0:02:27 > 0:02:30and the historic location of Wells, the smallest city in England.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Throughout Somerset, you are also reminded
0:02:33 > 0:02:36that this is a county proud of its local produce.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40'Indeed, one of its most famous exports is Cheddar cheese,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43'originally matured in the ancient caves of Cheddar Gorge.'
0:02:47 > 0:02:51Although Somerset is cheaper than neighbouring Devon and Dorset,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53the average price of a detached house here
0:02:53 > 0:02:56will still set you back around £265,000.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00That's 14,000 more than the national average.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02But if you do your property market research,
0:03:02 > 0:03:05you'll soon find homes close to places such as Bridgwater
0:03:05 > 0:03:08around 100,000 less
0:03:08 > 0:03:12than those in the highly sought-after cathedral city of Wells.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14But do beware of the heritage villages
0:03:14 > 0:03:17such as Montacute and Hinton St George.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Here, prettiness comes at a price.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23You can expect to pay a premium of up to 15 or 20% more
0:03:23 > 0:03:26than for a similar property in the surrounding villages.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29'What you'll definitely find across the county
0:03:29 > 0:03:31'is an array of architectural styles,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33'ranging from Georgian-styled townhouses
0:03:33 > 0:03:36'to Victorian-type cottages in the villages.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40'One of the most common building materials in the south of the county
0:03:40 > 0:03:44'is Hamstone, still quarried locally at the site of Ham Hill.'
0:03:44 > 0:03:47This two-bedroom, semi-detached stone property
0:03:47 > 0:03:52in the village of Hinton St George is on the market for £150,000.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55If you're after a home nearer the centre of the county,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58then the area around Glastonbury is sure to appeal,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01with its range of blue Lias-stone properties.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04Prices for a four-bedroom semi-detached house here
0:04:04 > 0:04:08can start upwards of £350,000.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10As you travel northwards,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Blue Lias properties give way to deep-red sandstone,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16often seen in villages such as East Harptree
0:04:16 > 0:04:17and Compton Martin.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19'This three-bedroom house in Milverton
0:04:19 > 0:04:24'is currently on the market for £275,000.'
0:04:26 > 0:04:29There are some beautiful properties in this county.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Will any of them be up to our buyers' expectations?
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37'Retired teachers Jim and Jen
0:04:37 > 0:04:40'live in a four-bedroom house on the outskirts of Brussels,
0:04:40 > 0:04:41'in Belgium.'
0:04:41 > 0:04:43We live in a very nice area.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47We live in a house we bought about 23 years ago,
0:04:47 > 0:04:52and during that time we've done quite a lot of work to it, haven't we?
0:04:52 > 0:04:54The house needed loving care.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57But now they've decided to return to Britain,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00so they can spend more time with their children and grandchildren.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Quite simply, our children are all here in the UK
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and we'd just like to see a bit more of them.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11They're currently staying at their daughter's house in Dorking, Surrey,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15and while it's meant they've been able to spend much more time with their family,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19they're now more ready than ever to begin the next stage of their lives.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22Time is probably getting right now,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26because if we come across now, we're still young and active,
0:05:26 > 0:05:31and we want to perhaps establish ourselves in a new community.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33After talking to some of their British friends,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and trawling through countless websites,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38they've decided on Somerset for their new rural retreat.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43We both like rolling countryside, we like hills and moorland.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48You were born in a fishing village in Northern Ireland.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51so the sea has a part to play, as well.
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Somehow, that area seems to have all of those things.
0:05:56 > 0:06:01So we feel we're getting the best of both worlds, don't we?
0:06:01 > 0:06:04And they have plenty of ideas on how to spend their days.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Once we move, I would love to spend more time cooking.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12It's something I enjoy,
0:06:12 > 0:06:16and if I can spend time in a nice, big, airy kitchen,
0:06:16 > 0:06:18then I'll be very happy.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20And also going round antique fairs,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24so, again, I hope we'll be able to get out and about in the local towns and villages.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28I hope to be able to get involved, in some way, in football.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Perhaps training with one of the local clubs?
0:06:31 > 0:06:33Perhaps training with one of the local clubs.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Just one more thing to pinpoint, and that's the finances.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Even though they realise they'll need a bit of flexibility
0:06:39 > 0:06:41as they are returning to the UK from abroad.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43It also perhaps dependent
0:06:43 > 0:06:47on what happens to the exchange rate between the euro and the pound.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52To be realistic, we've set our budget at £300,000.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Jim and Jen want us to focus their house search around the southern part of Somerset,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03preferably close to the town of Yeovil.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05'I caught up with them to delve deeper
0:07:05 > 0:07:08'into what type of property they're after.'
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Welcome to beautiful Somerset.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13Great choice of county. Have you spent much time here?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15We've spent a few days here,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17and we like what we've seen.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19A lot of friends have recommended it, that was part of the decision
0:07:19 > 0:07:21to look here.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22What are we looking for?
0:07:22 > 0:07:24An absolute minimum of two bedrooms,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28but I think three would be really what we need.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Correct...because we've got a big family.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33What's important for you, Jim?
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- A nice-sized garden... - A vegetable patch.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Oh, yes, the vegetable patch.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41That will be something new for me,
0:07:41 > 0:07:43but it's something we have to do.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45That leads into my kitchen,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48because I'd really like a nice, spacious kitchen
0:07:48 > 0:07:50with an eating area.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Somewhere you can live during the day.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- A vision of The Good Life, I'm getting here.- Absolutely!
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Jim out there producing the goods
0:07:57 > 0:08:00and you're in there cooking and baking,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02then everyone comes for the party... Hopefully.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- ..in the right house?- Yes.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- I think we should get going.- OK.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13'For a maximum budget of £300,000
0:08:13 > 0:08:16'Jim and Jen are after a modest-sized property
0:08:16 > 0:08:17'that doesn't require any work.'
0:08:17 > 0:08:20They would like a spacious kitchen/diner,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22a living room with cosy open fire,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25three bedrooms, so they can have family and friends to stay,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28and a garden big enough for a vegetable patch
0:08:28 > 0:08:31and not too far from local amenities.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34We'll take Jim and Jen to see three fantastic houses,
0:08:34 > 0:08:36but I won't tell them the price of each
0:08:36 > 0:08:38until they've had a guess first.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41As ever, our final offering is they mystery property,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45which will hopefully entice them with its stately splendour.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53We start our journey in the village of Norton-sub-Hamdon,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55around nine miles west of Yeovil.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00Its quiet lanes are lined with traditional Hamstone houses and cottages,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03the stone also being a defining feature of the church,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06which dates back to the 13th century.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Jim and Jen have asked for a location
0:09:09 > 0:09:11with a strong community, which this village delivers,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15as it has a football club, a ladies' group and even its own flower show.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19'Our first property puts them at the heart of all of this.'
0:09:19 > 0:09:21Right, here we are.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26This is the first property of our little tour.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29That's a lovely smile from you, Jen.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33I know, I love the stonework. That's really nice.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35From the outside, for me, it looks really nice.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37I wasn't expecting it...
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I wasn't expecting it at all...from outside, no.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43It's got lots of character, hasn't it?
0:09:43 > 0:09:44It's interesting you said it has.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48It's believed to be about 150 years old,
0:09:48 > 0:09:50but converted seven or eight years ago.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51So the work's done.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- The work's been done fairly recently. A bit of a barn conversion.- Right.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Ever thought of living in a barn conversion?
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Never thought about it, but why not?
0:10:00 > 0:10:04No, we're open to anything. I want to see inside!
0:10:04 > 0:10:06"Open" is the word, and we are standing
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- in the garden.- Right.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- This is what you get with this property.- OK.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Maybe not quite as big as we might have planned.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19- Things to think about.- Yes. - But as you said, you just want to get inside, don't you?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Yes, I'd like to look inside. - Let's have a look.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26'After an initial positive reaction to the property itself,
0:10:26 > 0:10:29'they seem a little disappointed with the size of the garden.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33'Let's see if we can get back on track as we check out the interior.'
0:10:33 > 0:10:35In we come.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Barn conversion, open-plan living.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Here we are in your living room area-come-dining room.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43Yes.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45I like the flooring.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48That's the first thought for me.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50What kind of wood is it?
0:10:50 > 0:10:52Oak flooring and under-floor heating.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54Should be nice and warm and cosy.
0:10:54 > 0:10:59- It does mean we don't have an open fireplace for this property.- Right.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- One feature we haven't quite managed to get...- OK.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04..but I think we get there with everything else.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07The kitchen is back this way.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Right, erm...
0:11:15 > 0:11:18A little hesitation on the kitchen, I have to say.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23I'm a little concerned about the storage, although I guess
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- this might be a pantry?- It IS a nice, big pantry, quite deep.- OK.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29A huge range cooker.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31Yes, that is very nice.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34A good butler sink and that big pantry.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- There's storage where you don't think there might be here.- Right.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41But I am just a little bit concerned about the size.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Let's have a look upstairs at the master bedroom.- OK.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51'Our characterful first property
0:11:51 > 0:11:53'doesn't seem to be measuring up to their expectations.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56'However, they do get their three bedrooms,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59'two of which are on the ground floor and are both doubles.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03'Time to head upstairs and get their verdict on the master.'
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Take a look at this.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- The size is good, isn't it? - I wasn't expecting this.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Plenty of space.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Very surprising, absolutely!
0:12:16 > 0:12:17And what's in here?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20You have an en suite bathroom, have a look.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23You have the main family bathroom behind
0:12:23 > 0:12:25and your own one here, a shower.
0:12:25 > 0:12:26That's fine.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30A nice walk-in shower, which we'd prefer, so that's good.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Just one question. Where are my clothes going to go?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35In this tiny cupboard there?!
0:12:35 > 0:12:38There's a storage there, but as you can see,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40they haven't finished using all the space here,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43so you could get some bespoke wardrobes put in here
0:12:43 > 0:12:45to take up some of the space.
0:12:45 > 0:12:46Shall we go outside now
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and have another look at that garden, take it all in,
0:12:49 > 0:12:50- and guess the price?- Oh, gosh!
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- After you.- Yes.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59'Unfortunately, it seems Jen's concerns about space
0:12:59 > 0:13:01'continue to be an issue for her,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04'but they are supposed to be downsizing.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06'Let's see if the price will lift her mood.'
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Well, that's it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13You've seen the property.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Now it's time to have a think about how much you think
0:13:16 > 0:13:18it's on the market for. Let's start with you, Jim.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20265.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21Jen?
0:13:22 > 0:13:24310?
0:13:24 > 0:13:25310?
0:13:25 > 0:13:28It's quite a disparity between your guesses.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30You've been doing the same research(?)
0:13:30 > 0:13:31THEY LAUGH
0:13:31 > 0:13:33I'll put you out your misery.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36This property is on the market for £300,000.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Bang on budget?- Bang on budget.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41That's surprising.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43Good for you, not so good for you, there.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45You now have a picture
0:13:45 > 0:13:48of what a property bang on your budget looks like.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52So go back in, have another look, now you have that information,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- and I'll see you later on and we'll keep moving.- OK.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Thank you.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59'Priced within their budget, at £300,000,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02'this property may not have set their hearts racing,
0:14:02 > 0:14:06'but it does provide them with many of the elements they asked for.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09'It has a spacious living room with oak flooring,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12'three bedrooms, including a master en suite,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15'a garden with a patio area, perfect for outdoor dining,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18'and it's located on the edge of a vibrant village.'
0:14:18 > 0:14:22This property has certainly opened my eyes.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25I was amazed...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28when we went through the door and walked round the house.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30It is spacious inside.
0:14:30 > 0:14:35It surprised me, but I could see how we could make that space
0:14:35 > 0:14:37work even better for us.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39For me, though,
0:14:39 > 0:14:42I'm a little disappointed at the kitchen.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I would like a kitchen with a little bit more room in it.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- Hiya!- Hi.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Think you've seen enough now? - I think so, yes.- Yes.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- You've got a feel for it? - Very interesting.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Excellent. There's more to see, so let's keep moving.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09'Somerset's dramatic landscape and historic villages
0:15:09 > 0:15:12'may have inspired famous literary figures,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15'such as Wordsworth and Coleridge,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18'yet the county also has a strong sporting heritage,
0:15:18 > 0:15:20'boasting a renowned cricket club,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23'with past players including Ian Botham and Viv Richards.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25'Somerset's residents
0:15:25 > 0:15:28'are also keeping alive another historic English game, skittles,
0:15:28 > 0:15:32'which has been played at its inns for centuries.'
0:15:32 > 0:15:34As Jim and Jen are keen to get involved in the community,
0:15:34 > 0:15:38earlier in the week we sent them to the village of Bradford on Tone
0:15:38 > 0:15:41to meet Ken Hawkins from the Foresters skittles team.'
0:15:41 > 0:15:45Thought to date back to the fourth century, when it was played by German monks,
0:15:45 > 0:15:49variations of the game have long been popular across Northern Europe.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53You cannot play skittles unless you have the proper drinks.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55I don't know which way round you like them.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Ooh! Thank you very much!
0:15:58 > 0:16:00So now you can feel part of us.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Our players have decided to go head-to-head,
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and it's Jen's team up first.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14The alley is around 24-feet long,
0:16:14 > 0:16:17and there are three throws for each player.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Time to see if Jim can get a strike and lead his team to victory.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28The question is, which of our buyers' teams
0:16:28 > 0:16:31has come out on top?
0:16:31 > 0:16:37Done the score, and by one pin, Jim's team is the winner.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39THEY CLAP
0:16:39 > 0:16:44Jim, if you'd like to come forward,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- I'll hope you'll look after this solid-silver trophy.- I will.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52It seems that Jim is the "kingpin" of the skittles alley.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Let's see if we'll get a "lucky strike" on our line-up of houses
0:16:55 > 0:16:58as our property search continues.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06We're travelling around 70 miles west of Yeovil
0:17:06 > 0:17:08to the market town of Ilminster,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11which, with over 180 listed buildings,
0:17:11 > 0:17:13has a church that dates back to 1450.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16It's home to a wide range of amenities,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19including independent shops, a theatre,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and plenty of pubs, to enjoy the local ales and ciders.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25'But what will Jim and Jen make of it?'
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I wanted to show what a local market town you could have near you
0:17:28 > 0:17:30and what life could be like in Somerset.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- What do you think of it? - So far...great.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Is this the quintessential English town you were looking for?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38I think so, because it's not too small.
0:17:38 > 0:17:39It has a variety of shops,
0:17:39 > 0:17:43a beautiful church and all the amenities, I think,
0:17:43 > 0:17:44that you would want.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47Looking forward to seeing what you've found for us.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Before we do, why not soak up a bit of the community?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Imagine having this on your doorstep.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00A lovely cheese counter and deli,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03connected to the butcher's.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Here we have the local butcher. Hello!
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Good afternoon.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- What's it like living round here? - Absolutely fantastic.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12You might find it a bit too fast for you here, after Belgium(!)
0:18:12 > 0:18:14But you can adjust.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Where we are now is just in the centre.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19I call it "the Somerset jewel in the crown."
0:18:19 > 0:18:21It's a wonderful spot to be,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23easily accessible,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26but also some lovely villages and everybody pulls together.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28This has been a great detour, but shall we get back to it?
0:18:28 > 0:18:30Yes, certainly.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- Thank you very much.- Bye-bye.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38'Our second property is just three miles from the centre of Ilminster.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40'It offers them attractive character
0:18:40 > 0:18:42'in a peaceful, rural setting,'
0:18:42 > 0:18:43It's very rural here.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46- Absolutely, we're in the country. - We ARE in the country.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49That said, the property we're taking you to is nestled in this
0:18:49 > 0:18:51beautiful little row.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- IN fact, it's this one here.- Oh.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56It's almost a "wow"(!)
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Almost a "wow"!
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It probably is a "wow", actually. Looks nice, doesn't it?
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Yes...
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Come up and take a closer look. You're taking it all in.
0:19:05 > 0:19:06If you stand up here,
0:19:06 > 0:19:11what I love about this property...is that.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Oh, that is a view.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15That IS a view.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- "View" is definitely on your wish list.- It is, it is.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20What d'you think, Jim?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22Hard to beat.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24- You've gone a bit quiet, Jim.- Yes.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26I remember that feeling.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- The feeling you got when you bought your last house?- Yes.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Who knows?- Who knows? - We better see inside.
0:19:35 > 0:19:36We HAD better see inside.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39I love that you have a good feeling about it. I do, too.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42Let's go inside and look at what the property offers.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46'Jim clearly loves the location of this house,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49'which we can hopefully build on as we move inside.'
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Come on through...
0:19:52 > 0:19:55into the living room.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57Oh!
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- It has a wood-burning stove.- It has!
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Come in, Jim.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Have a look at that fireplace.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Gosh, that is lovely.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Wonderful fireplace.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12I'll get you a twinkle in your eyes.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Yes.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16You really are speechless.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Yes, which is unusual! SHE LAUGHS
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It's certainly touched you, Jim.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Let's see what we can do with the kitchen, shall we? - Oh, please! Fingers-crossed.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Out that way, I'll show you through.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Right through here.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Jen, what do you think?
0:20:37 > 0:20:39There's the kitchen!
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Is this a kitchen(?)
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Is it a kitchen as you would have designed it?
0:20:44 > 0:20:48You can see, it opens up into...an open plan area.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50There's a big dining table over there.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52You have the central island.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Yes. I'm just trying to take it all in, actually.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- The features in this room... - The features, yes.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00..are beautiful. We're surrounded by oak.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Not any old oak, it's oak from the local sawmill.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06It's a bespoke kitchen, designed and fitted.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08HE SIGHS
0:21:08 > 0:21:10I'm speechless, I really am.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12From the moment I stepped through the front door.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14It looks nice.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Dying to see the rest.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- Is that feeling still there? - It's still there.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21We'll go upstairs now and show you some more.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23- There are three bedrooms.- Good.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26I think you'll like the amount of storage space.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- THEY LAUGH - Come on.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32'On the first floor, there are three bedrooms.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35'One is currently being used as a study
0:21:35 > 0:21:38'while another is a light and spacious double.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41'On this floor, there's also a lovely, refurbished bathroom
0:21:41 > 0:21:44'that now boasts a fabulous roll-top bath.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46'But we're looking at where THEY could be sleeping.'
0:21:46 > 0:21:50This is the master bedroom.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54I think you get great views from lying on a bed just there.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58A window either side, so it's lovely and light.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00Fresh, isn't it?
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Doesn't disappoint, does it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04No, it doesn't, and it's not in the least bit cramped.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06There's plenty of room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07We have a big bed
0:22:07 > 0:22:11and there would still be ample room in here.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Not only ample room, but an en suite, as well.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Oh, excellent.- We do have a shower,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19again with views looking out.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22The deciding factor could be the garden?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Whoa!
0:22:24 > 0:22:27You'd forgotten all about the garden, hadn't you, Jim?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30"Garden? Vegetable patch?" Shall we go outside and have a look?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33After you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'Our buyers seem to be sold on the inside of this property,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42'but let's see if the outside holds the same appeal.'
0:22:42 > 0:22:44And this is it.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46Oh, delightful.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Jim, is this up to your expectations?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Well above.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54A water feature! THEY LAUGH
0:22:54 > 0:22:57I've tried one for years. Never succeeded.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00There you go, this one comes with it!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02You don't need to bring that one you keep mending!
0:23:02 > 0:23:07You can see they have a great space there, so you have the outside entertaining area.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Barbeques,
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Friends over, family.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13You haven't mentioned the veg patch for a while,
0:23:13 > 0:23:15but if you did still want one,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17the neighbours have used that area there.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20You have a slightly narrow area of the garden to create one,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23with railway sleepers dividing it up, which would be
0:23:23 > 0:23:25- quite a nice feature, I think. - Yes.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28You both seem to have liked this property a lot?
0:23:28 > 0:23:30The one thing we don't know yet is how much
0:23:30 > 0:23:32you'd have to pay to own it.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35So, Jen, how much do you think it's worth?
0:23:35 > 0:23:39I'll be really hopeful and say 320!
0:23:39 > 0:23:42OK.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45350-360.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Is that out of your price range?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50It's something we have to think about.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52It would be stretching a long, long way.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Maybe too far, I don't know.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- Put us out of our misery.- I will.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03This property is on the market at £325,000.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- Probably seems...- Look at Jim. - ..reasonable price.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10They're looking for offers.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Is that within range?
0:24:13 > 0:24:15It COULD be.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17It could be.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20With a little bit of financial jiggling!
0:24:20 > 0:24:22THEY LAUGH
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- Could we have a wee walk up? - Of course you can.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Go and have a look around this garden, take it all in,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31- cos you've really enjoyed this property.- We have.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33- You have a lot to think about. - We do.- We will talk later.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Off you go. - BOTH: Thank you.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39A lot to think about there.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Jim was speechless throughout that house tour,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and I think the price of the property
0:24:44 > 0:24:46has REALLY blown him away.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Do they love it enough
0:24:48 > 0:24:52to stretch that little bit further and buy it?
0:24:52 > 0:24:56'Jim and Jen seem smitten by this immaculate property.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58'At £325,000,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01'it is slightly over their preferred budget,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03'but it's worth serious consideration,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05'given that there's no work needed.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08'It has a good-sized living room with inglenook fireplace,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11'a spacious kitchen/diner with oak flooring,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14'three bedrooms, which include plenty of storage,
0:25:14 > 0:25:18'a back garden with a paved area for outside entertaining,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21'and it's surrounded by gorgeous countryside views.'
0:25:26 > 0:25:29I think we could make a vegetable patch out of this.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- Quite a big one.- Mm, yes!
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- You wouldn't need to use it all, would you?- No.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- What do you think, from about...? - From about here...just to there.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41That would do for starters, wouldn't it?
0:25:41 > 0:25:46- A project for you.- OK. I'll accept that.- I think you could manage that.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48When we walked up to the house,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50we just looked to the right and saw the view,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53and I thought, "I asked for a view.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55"And we got one!" Beautiful.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I did not expect to see this.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Normally when I'm stepping through a door,
0:26:01 > 0:26:03I haven't got a buzz.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06The buzz came the minute I came through the front door.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08The kitchen, superb.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13Its layout could not be bettered.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16The gardens, we love.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21Literally...it can't be beaten.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It's so peaceful out here!
0:26:26 > 0:26:29I could stand here all day and take this in.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31I'm looking forward to lying in bed!
0:26:31 > 0:26:33Ah, you LIKE it!
0:26:33 > 0:26:36- A successful first day, I think.- I think so.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39- You probably need a bit of a rest. - You've given us so much to think about.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Good, that's the idea. Come on.- Thank you.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03'As evening falls over the Somerset countryside,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'it marks the end of a very positive first day's house-hunting.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14'With a budget of £300,000,
0:27:14 > 0:27:18'Jim and Jen are saying goodbye to 30 years of living in Belgium
0:27:18 > 0:27:20'to start a new life in Somerset
0:27:20 > 0:27:23'with the aim of being much closer to their family.'
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Of the properties they've seen so far,
0:27:25 > 0:27:27there's been a lukewarm reception to house one,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29a barn conversion,
0:27:29 > 0:27:32but a rapturous response to house two, the country cottage
0:27:32 > 0:27:34with breathtaking views.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37'Coming up, could our mystery house tempt our buyers
0:27:37 > 0:27:39'to become lord and lady of the manor?'
0:27:39 > 0:27:41I wasn't expecting this.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- THEY LAUGH - Certainly surprised you!
0:27:44 > 0:27:47'I meet some inhabitants who, surprisingly,
0:27:47 > 0:27:49'are very much at home here.'
0:27:50 > 0:27:52It's day two of our property search
0:27:52 > 0:27:56and I get the feeling that Jim and Jen are really embracing this experience.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59They're excited about the move back from Belgium,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02and I think they're now beginning to understand
0:28:02 > 0:28:05just how far their budget will stretch back here in Somerset.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08With the two properties we've shown them so far,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12they are starting to create a picture of what home here might look like.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16But with the mystery house, we'll redefine, and even challenge, that vision.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23What do you think we might show you with the mystery house?
0:28:23 > 0:28:29My goodness! Maybe...something that needs a bit of work?
0:28:29 > 0:28:33Is there anything you're hoping for, secretly would like to see?
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Apart from lots of cupboards in the kitchen and workspace!
0:28:37 > 0:28:40And not too much land...
0:28:40 > 0:28:45for me to get myself lost in the flowerbeds, and Jen having to come out and rescue me.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Not too much land? OK.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52Let's see what we've got up our sleeves for you.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56'For our mystery property, we're heading three miles south of Yeovil
0:28:56 > 0:28:57'to East Coker.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00'This farming village, famed for its thatched cottages
0:29:00 > 0:29:02'and built from local Hamstone
0:29:02 > 0:29:07'has been immortalised by TS Eliot in his poems known as The Four Quartets.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11'Eliot clearly loved this area of the world, and asked that
0:29:11 > 0:29:13'his ashes be buried in the local churchyard.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17'Admirers of his work continue to make pilgrimages to the village.'
0:29:17 > 0:29:20'For our mystery house,
0:29:20 > 0:29:22'we're hoping to combine a stunning rural location
0:29:22 > 0:29:25'with our buyers' request to be close to community.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28'The gamble is their neighbours are living under the same roof,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31'albeit a rather large one, as they'll see.'
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Here's something different for you. Welcome to the mystery house!
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Oh, gosh!
0:29:37 > 0:29:40It's a grand old manor house, built in 1801.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43It's had various incarnations over its lifespan,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46but currently, it's now five separate homes
0:29:46 > 0:29:47with another four on the grounds.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49One of them could be yours.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Gosh, that's certainly really different, isn't it?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- I wasn't expecting this. - THEY LAUGH
0:29:54 > 0:29:56It's certainly surprised you!
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- What do you think of something so grand? You asked for character. - We did.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Well...I'm intrigued!
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I'd love to just have a look inside.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08- Don't know what to make of it at all?- No, we don't!
0:30:08 > 0:30:11We'll look inside. I think that'll help it make sense.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13'The interior of this Grade II* listed manor house
0:30:13 > 0:30:15'is certainly an imposing sight.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18'Hopefully our buyers will feel more at home
0:30:18 > 0:30:20'when they see inside.'
0:30:20 > 0:30:22This is a shared entrance hallway.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24That's to your neighbour's house.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27We come through here.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32I think you'll find that the grandeur and splendour continues...
0:30:32 > 0:30:34in here.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Gosh, the lounge!
0:30:36 > 0:30:40I feel this is a little different to anything you'd have looked at?
0:30:40 > 0:30:42It wouldn't have come up on your radar?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- You hit it right on the button there! - THEY LAUGH
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I'm a little bit speechless!
0:30:47 > 0:30:49It is a bit overwhelming.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52The current owner's obviously got fantastic furniture,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55and it's very personal taste here.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59So you have to use your imagination a little bit with this one
0:30:59 > 0:31:02to take all that out and think of this as a beautiful space.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Let's look at the kitchen.- OK.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11So, Jen, here is the kitchen.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- It's not an open-plan kitchen/diner. - No, but it's well-fitted.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20- It really is. - It's very well-fitted, actually.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22- It has a lot of storage and cupboard space.- It has.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Everything's tucked away,
0:31:24 > 0:31:27so your fridge-freezer, washer-dryer,
0:31:27 > 0:31:28dishwasher under there.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31And still plenty of cupboards and workspaces.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33It's a very workable kitchen.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37I could work with that. And the view is very pretty.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41We will take a look outside in a while, but let's go upstairs and see the bedrooms.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44This property comes with three. After you.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50'A slightly muted response to the kitchen,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52'but as we head to the first floor,
0:31:52 > 0:31:55'we'll stop off at the largest of the three bedrooms.'
0:31:58 > 0:32:01This is the first bedroom, and it's the master.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05A little small.
0:32:05 > 0:32:07I thought you might say that. I think again, though,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10it has got a fairly big bed and I can see your point.
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Theatrics with the furniture and there's quite a lot going on,
0:32:13 > 0:32:16so take that away - it's a nice room.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18You have an en suite bathroom,
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- and you could open up these windows and get a lot more light in.- Yes.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Take away the curtains a little bit.
0:32:24 > 0:32:25It's got great light coming in here.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27But it IS only one of three,
0:32:27 > 0:32:29and if you think this is a bit small,
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- you might prefer the upstairs bedroom.- OK.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- Shall we look at that?- Yes, please.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38'There is one other bedroom on this floor,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42'which is bright and airy with fabulous views over the grounds.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45'There's also a modern family bathroom.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48'Time to see that other bedroom on the next level.'
0:32:48 > 0:32:51So, up here, the final bedroom...
0:32:51 > 0:32:55- which affords a lot more space, so it could be a master.- Yes.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59And it has two defined areas, hasn't it?
0:32:59 > 0:33:02You could possibly have a little dressing area.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05'I get the feeling our buyers are not convinced
0:33:05 > 0:33:06'this house could work for them,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10'but I know the fabulous country setting WILL impress.'
0:33:10 > 0:33:13'The property has its own private garden with rockery and terrace
0:33:13 > 0:33:18'and also adjoins the magnificent Alden Country Park.'
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- Splendid.- This is your own little garden terrace/rockery.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I think the current owner's done a great job.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28Very, very pretty.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29Isn't it gorgeous?
0:33:29 > 0:33:32The neighbours are right next door.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34These grounds are communal
0:33:34 > 0:33:36and it comes with 3½ acres of communal grounds,
0:33:36 > 0:33:39so if you're looking for space, there's plenty out here.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41The good news for you, Jim, is,
0:33:41 > 0:33:44although there are 3½ acres, you do not have to do all the gardening.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46A gardener comes round once a week.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49I haven't forgotten your veggie plot, either.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52There's an allotment open to all the owners here.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54You can really make it part of the community,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57all work together in growing your vegetables.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59That's a good idea...
0:33:59 > 0:34:01That's an excellent idea.
0:34:01 > 0:34:02..as you said, to meet the neighbours.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06A tremendous property, but it does come at a price.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09How much do you think our mystery house is on the market for?
0:34:09 > 0:34:11What will you go for?
0:34:13 > 0:34:14300.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Mm.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18I would like to think slightly below,
0:34:18 > 0:34:22but I think it'll be slightly over. I'll go 310.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25310? OK.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29This is actually on the market for £325,000.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31'Tis more, 'tis more.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- We still have to sharpen up those skills on the Somerset property market, haven't we?- We have.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39Spend some time, have a wander round,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42now you've had the initial look. We'll talk about it all later on.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- You have some decisions to make. - OK, then. Shall we have a look?
0:34:46 > 0:34:50'Slightly over-budget at £325,000,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53'our manorial mystery house does offer them
0:34:53 > 0:34:55'an individual, historic home
0:34:55 > 0:34:57'in a glorious setting.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59'All-in-all, it has a large living room
0:34:59 > 0:35:01'with stone fireplace,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04'three double bedrooms, including one with an en suite,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07'and it's set in over three acres of grounds,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10'which are only a short distance from local amenities.'
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I think the mystery house is a very attractive house,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18and has a lot of character,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20being in such a prestigious building,
0:35:20 > 0:35:25but I didn't get the feeling it was right for us.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27More in terms of space.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31I know we're going to downsize, but this might be downsizing
0:35:31 > 0:35:33one stage too far at this time.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38The mystery house has come a little bit early for us.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40We have still got
0:35:40 > 0:35:42a lot of vigour in our bodies... to do things,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46rather than have somebody else doing it.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50Let's be honest, if you want to stay fit,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54good gardens and a bit of work in potting sheds, etcetera
0:35:54 > 0:35:56would do that for us.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03It's so tranquil out here, it's beautiful!
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- It's a lovely sunny spot. - It's a great sunny spot.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Shall I leave you there?
0:36:07 > 0:36:10You could do, but I think we'll find somewhere for you to sit,
0:36:10 > 0:36:13and let's go over all the properties you've seen.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30'Along with beautiful market towns and villages,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34'Somerset's countryside is defined by its agricultural heritage,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36'in particular, dairy farming.
0:36:36 > 0:36:41'In recent years, some have taken a more diversified approach to keeping livestock,
0:36:41 > 0:36:43'such as here at Lower Oakley farm,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46'near the village of Chilthorne Domer.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48'These are water buffalo,
0:36:48 > 0:36:51'and although their milk can be used to produce mozzarella cheese,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54'they are reared here for their highly-prized meat.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57'However, their presence also brings benefits
0:36:57 > 0:36:59'to Somerset's natural landscape.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03'I'm meeting farmer Tony Corpe, who's been breeding them for the past 15 years,
0:37:03 > 0:37:05'to find out more.'
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Tony, what a magnificent herd you have here.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Though I didn't expect to find them in Somerset!
0:37:11 > 0:37:15What led you to breed water buffalo rather than traditional cattle?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Initially, I was a dairy farmer,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21but was too small, and I decided to get out...
0:37:21 > 0:37:24and breed up water buffalo
0:37:24 > 0:37:27with the intention of doing mozzarella cheese,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30but you need a lot of water buffalo to have enough milk,
0:37:30 > 0:37:31so eventually,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35we ran them as a settler herd, and we do it for meat.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38'In the past, Tony also farmed out a few of his herd
0:37:38 > 0:37:40'to a local nature reserve,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43'since it's been recognised buffalo can play an important role
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'in maintaining wetland areas.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48'By using them as conservation grazers
0:37:48 > 0:37:50'on the Somerset Levels and moors,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52'they naturally control the build-up of course vegetation
0:37:52 > 0:37:56'and help preserve a habitat which ideally suits them.'
0:37:58 > 0:38:00They do seem very friendly,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02and seem to have pretty calm personalities,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04despite the aggressive-looking horns.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- What are they like to work with? - They're not too bad.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10You have to be careful with them
0:38:10 > 0:38:13when they have the calves, like you would with ordinary cattle.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15How many calves do you raise each year?
0:38:15 > 0:38:19Roughly one a year from each cow.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22They have a longer gestation period than normal cows.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25It's usually ten, rather than nine, months.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- How many cows do you have here? - 81 here, at the moment.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31How old are the calves before they move on?
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Roughly six or seven months old.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36When they're about half the size of their mothers.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Then we take them away and they graze on their own
0:38:39 > 0:38:41and grow into big buffalo.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44'It's been a fascinating insight into how versatile
0:38:44 > 0:38:47'these majestic animals can be.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51'They're certainly an eye-catching feature of Somerset's landscape.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54'But now, we must find out if Jim and Jen
0:38:54 > 0:38:56'are any closer to setting up home here.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Finally, after a pretty busy couple of days,
0:39:02 > 0:39:04we get to sit in the sun, have a bit of a rest.
0:39:04 > 0:39:0730 years in Belgium, making this move to Somerset,
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- it's a bit of a journey for you, isn't it?- It is, it is.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Although we're looking forward to it, it will be very sad
0:39:14 > 0:39:16when we leave, isn't it?
0:39:16 > 0:39:19I would echo the same sentiments.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21It will be quite difficult.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- It will be a big change.- There will be lots to look forward to.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29Absolutely. Obviously, having the right home is a really important part of that.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33In our time together, we've looked at three fairly different properties.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Shall we go through them and reflect on what you saw?
0:39:36 > 0:39:39The first one, that lovely barn conversion,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41the old carpenter's workshop,
0:39:41 > 0:39:44what were your thoughts when we first approached the property?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46I think I was smiling.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50It was a good first impression, wasn't it?
0:39:50 > 0:39:52It was,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54but when I got round from the road,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56my mind started to change.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00There were positive features about that house, but for me,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03the kitchen didn't really work for me.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06There was some storage problems.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10The sloping roofs upstairs - it was difficult to see
0:40:10 > 0:40:12just where we would store everything.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15How did you feel about having two bedrooms downstairs?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Already in our own house,
0:40:17 > 0:40:18we have two downstairs
0:40:18 > 0:40:22and two upstairs, so that didn't bother us at all.
0:40:22 > 0:40:23Overall, the vision, for me,
0:40:23 > 0:40:25it was negative.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28OK. I know it's very important for you, how you feel
0:40:28 > 0:40:29as you approach a property,
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- so we had a great result with house two, didn't we?- Yes.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33If I recall,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36you went in going, "This feels right."
0:40:36 > 0:40:38I have to say I was blown away.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I was not expecting that at all.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45The further I went into the house, the better it got.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47Yes, a tremendous find.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Having seen those two houses,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I think we now realise we have to stretch our budget a little bit
0:40:52 > 0:40:54to get what we really want.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57It was evident between the first and the second house
0:40:57 > 0:41:02that, for more money, you got more space and more storage,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06and all those things on our wish list started to come together.
0:41:06 > 0:41:07Just to mix things up,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10while you had all those thoughts running through your minds,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13we took you to the mystery house.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15That really was a bit different.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17We took you to a converted manor house,
0:41:17 > 0:41:19very grand, with 3½ acres.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22What was that like to look at?
0:41:22 > 0:41:23Amazing.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28To drive up there and say, "Welcome to my home"
0:41:28 > 0:41:29must be quite marvellous.
0:41:29 > 0:41:32But I think if you took us there
0:41:32 > 0:41:35in ten or 12 years' time
0:41:35 > 0:41:36we might have been quite tempted,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38but for the moment, for us,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41it was taking downsizing one step too far.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Very, very nice,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45but probably not really suited to what we're looking for.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47What next for the two of you?
0:41:47 > 0:41:52We'd really love to go back to house number two.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54Definitely. When we walked into the house, that was it.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57That's fantastic. I love it when a plan comes together.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59So you love one of our properties.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04How d'you feel overall about the move back to the UK now?
0:42:04 > 0:42:06Once we've done it, I think we'll love it.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09It will be hard to leave, but once we've left,
0:42:09 > 0:42:11there's so much here for us to explore.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15It's been a real pleasure to spend time with you on this part of the journey.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17I can feel what a big change it will be, but I love how
0:42:17 > 0:42:21you've embraced it and got into it and it's been so much fun.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24I think it'll be lots of fun for you in the future, as well.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Thank you very much for your help.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33What a fantastic result!
0:42:33 > 0:42:36For Jim and Jen, this is a really big move.
0:42:36 > 0:42:3930 years in Belgium and now they're coming home.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43I think, they've not only fallen in love with Somerset,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46we may also have found them their dream home.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53'Jim and Jen did go back to see house two
0:42:53 > 0:42:56'and decided to put in an offer, but, sadly, it was rejected.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00'However they still hope to make Somerset their new home soon.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03'If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06'Northern Ireland or England and need our help,
0:43:06 > 0:43:11'please apply online at...'
0:43:33 > 0:43:36Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd