0:00:02 > 0:00:05This 800-year-old bridge is constructed out of slabs of granite
0:00:05 > 0:00:09that are four and a half metres long and each weigh eight tons.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12Find out where this impressive,
0:00:12 > 0:00:15medieval feat of human endeavour is in just a moment.
0:00:45 > 0:00:46'On today's show,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48'I'll be helping a couple turn their back on town living,'
0:00:48 > 0:00:52and employ traditional skills to build their future in the country.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56Our first house casts a spell over our buyers.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Magic, isn't it?
0:00:57 > 0:01:00But later, our house hunt turns things on its head.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- No clues from the outside at all what was happening inside.- Exactly.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Today, I'm in Devon, and this is the Postbridge Clapper Bridge,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13which is right in the heart of Dartmoor.
0:01:13 > 0:01:14It was built in the 13th century,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18and was one of the main crossing points for pack horses laden
0:01:18 > 0:01:22with tin on the way across the East Dart, towards Tavistock.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25It now stands very proudly next to its modern counterpart,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28which was built in the 1780s, and they are both very good
0:01:28 > 0:01:31examples of the heritage that this county is home to.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Bordering Cornwall to the West,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38and Somerset to the East, Devon is England's third largest county.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Within its borders, the South Hams district
0:01:42 > 0:01:45stretches from Torquay to the outskirts of Plymouth.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Falling within a designated Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52its dramatic sandstone cliffs make up part of South Devon's
0:01:52 > 0:01:54heritage coast.
0:01:54 > 0:01:55Along its 50-mile stretch,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59there is some hugely diverse scenery to take in,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03from the golden beaches of Slapton Sands, to the tree-lined
0:02:03 > 0:02:07Dart estuary, and the pretty village of Stoke Gabriel.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Sheltered by the granite uplands of Dartmoor National Park, South Hams
0:02:11 > 0:02:14enjoys one of the mildest climates in Britain.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Inland, this is deepest Devon country,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20a landscape defined by hedgerows
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and the richly-wooded valleys of the Avon and the Dart.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27All in all, this part of Devon presents a timeless picture
0:02:27 > 0:02:30of what many believe to be rural England at its finest.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36The beauty and popularity of the county is reflected
0:02:36 > 0:02:38in Devon's house prices.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40The average detached house here costs £287,000,
0:02:40 > 0:02:45which is £33,000 above the national average,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48and in some places the difference is even greater.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52In South Hams, the most pricey district, places like Salcombe,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56or Dartmouth, you'll pay double the normal house price.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58However, if you go west towards Plymouth,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01or up on the fringes of Dartmoor, your buck goes a little bit further.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03And wherever you are in the county,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08the heritage is reflected in a wide variety of housing styles.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12It's easy to spot the particular features that define properties
0:03:12 > 0:03:16here in South Devon - one being the predominance of hung slate.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Hanging these thin tiles on stone houses makes them waterproof,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22it's like placing a roof on the side,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26protecting the building from the coastal elements.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29This lovely, three-bedroomed detached house in Dartington
0:03:29 > 0:03:33is on the market for £395,000.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Many coastal villages and towns,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39which started life as busy ports, back in the 16th century,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43were transformed and gentrified as they became popular seaside destinations.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46You'll find large period properties in the Dartmouth area
0:03:46 > 0:03:51come at a cost, such as this five-bedroom Georgian house,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55priced at £895,000.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58But Devon is perhaps best known for the thatched,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02chocolate-box cottages that lie scattered across its valleys.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06For a slice of this rural dream, you can buy this four-bedroom
0:04:06 > 0:04:10cottage in Dartington for £475,000.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15A beautiful variety of different architectural styles,
0:04:15 > 0:04:20but will any of them please today's housebuyers? Let's meet them.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Tim, a retired IT consultant, and Mo
0:04:23 > 0:04:26live on the outskirts of Peterborough in Cambridgeshire,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29and have been married for nearly nine years.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31We first met when we lived in the same road.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35In fact, we were opposite each other, so knew each other as friends,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and then we really got together, romantically,
0:04:38 > 0:04:42when we did amateur dramatics, a play, together.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44They have already sold their property,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and are living in a rented, four bedroom detached house.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51They are keen to find their country home as quickly as possible.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55Now's the right time for us to move, because we have been in limbo
0:04:55 > 0:04:57for three to four years,
0:04:57 > 0:05:02and we very much want to live in a rural situation.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05We used to live on a small farm in Northumberland
0:05:05 > 0:05:08and we really loved the lifestyle there and the countryside.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Tim's love of country living goes hand-in-hand
0:05:11 > 0:05:13with his passion for traditional crafts.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16When we had the farm in Northumberland,
0:05:16 > 0:05:21in order to maintain the property I actually learned about
0:05:21 > 0:05:26dry stone walling and roofing, and lime mortar pointing.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29I've gone on to do things like stained-glass work
0:05:29 > 0:05:31and furniture painting and upholstery,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and that's the sort of thing I would like to do more of.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Mo is also flexing her creative muscles, as she is currently in the
0:05:38 > 0:05:41throes of writing a novel. However, with this move, she also wants to
0:05:41 > 0:05:45plough her energy into getting out and about with her dog, Jack.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Being able to run across the moor, for instance,
0:05:48 > 0:05:50instead of on the roads.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53And it would be lovely to maybe join a running group and that
0:05:53 > 0:05:57would be a good way to make friends and meet people, as well.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00And the moorland Mo has in mind is Dartmoor,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03as our buyers would like to settle down in South Devon.
0:06:03 > 0:06:07And this part of the country holds a special place in Tim's heart.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10One of the reasons I have been drawn back to that area
0:06:10 > 0:06:12is because I grew up in Torbay.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15I thought, one day, I would take Mo down,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19and show her around again, and see if it was an area that she liked.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23We had a little look at North Devon as well, but we found that
0:06:23 > 0:06:26the South Hams, particularly, was perfect...
0:06:26 > 0:06:28We just, kind of, fell in love with it.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31You are surrounded by great beaches
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and you can be on Dartmoor in 20-25 minutes.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yes, it is the best of both worlds.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Knowing the area well
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and understanding its appeal to holidaymakers has inspired
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Tim to think of a business idea that could be run from home.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48One of the things that we have looked for quite actively
0:06:48 > 0:06:50is somewhere with some tourism potential.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53If we had somewhere that had a small holiday let,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56that you could guarantee would be a regular income,
0:06:56 > 0:07:00that would be a tremendous bonus, but whether it's that,
0:07:00 > 0:07:05or a workshop in a different type of business, we are flexible.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Tim and Mo appear to be perfectly poised to make the move.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12They just need to find the perfect house.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16The budget for our move is £500,000.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20If it really had everything that we could possibly want,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23then we would be prepared to go a little bit higher.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Tim and Mo have asked us to keep our search
0:07:36 > 0:07:40as close as possible to their favourite area of South Hams.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43However, it is an expensive region, so it is certainly going to
0:07:43 > 0:07:46be a challenge to meet all the demands on their wish list.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49I caught up with them on Devon soil to find out
0:07:49 > 0:07:53more about the specifics of what they want in their next property.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54- Welcome to Devon.- Thank you.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57It's a beautiful day, you're brought lovely sunny weather.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01You've been house hunting down here for three years, is that right?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Two, probably two years, seriously.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07What exactly are you looking for, in terms of spec for the house?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10We definitely want a period house, something with character
0:08:10 > 0:08:14and features and fireplaces and that sort of thing.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16OK, so how many bedrooms are you looking for?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18Well, three, minimum.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21But the downstairs space is really important to us,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25because it's just the two of us, so a bottom-heavy house would be good.
0:08:25 > 0:08:30A bit more preference on the kitchen, eating and lounge areas.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33OK, so you also what outside space, how much outside space do you want?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36An acre would be fantastic.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38In terms of outside, any outbuildings,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40anything you would need there?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42That's certainly something I've been quite keen on -
0:08:42 > 0:08:46some unconverted outbuildings which have potential either to
0:08:46 > 0:08:50convert for holiday letting, or use as a workshop, for example.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54OK, so you want three bedrooms, lots of outside space, outbuildings,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58and a big flowy kitchen/dining room downstairs.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00And what's your budget?
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Well, the budget is £500,000.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06We have a very small contingency
0:09:06 > 0:09:10which we would like to have, obviously, to do on the house.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Well, the thing is, you do have a big, hefty budget,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15but South Hams, really would pressurise that,
0:09:15 > 0:09:20as I'm sure you know, Salcombe, and the coast is incredibly expensive.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22So, we're going to push you a bit inland, I'm afraid,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25to be realistic, to get all the things that you want.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28We'll maybe take you to places you hadn't considered,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31but we do have three very lovely houses.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- Good.- No time like the present, let's go.- Let's go.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Tim and Mo have a preferred budget of £500,000,
0:09:38 > 0:09:43which they would increase to £550,000 for the perfect property.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46They would like a period home with character features,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50a large living area, a minimum of three bedrooms,
0:09:50 > 0:09:54plenty of land for their wild flower meadow, and outbuildings
0:09:54 > 0:09:58that they could convert to holiday lets and a workshop.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02We've carefully selected three properties that we hope will
0:10:02 > 0:10:05meet their expectations and, at each one, I will ask them
0:10:05 > 0:10:07to guess what the price is, before I reveal it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10The last in our line-up is the mystery property,
0:10:10 > 0:10:13which comes with a royal seal of approval.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22For our first house, we're heading to Liverton,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25about 13 miles north of the South Hams border.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29This small village offers our buyers every convenience
0:10:29 > 0:10:30they need on their doorstep.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33A post office and shop, along with a welcoming pub,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37which is a great place to meet the local community.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Just down the road is our first property,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42which comes in the form of a traditional farmhouse.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43Come on in.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- House number one.- It's lovely.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- Very nice. - Yes, it is nice.- Nice garden.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52As you can see, it was originally a Devon longhouse,
0:10:52 > 0:10:56a long thin house, and then it was extended, and extended,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59so you are in a little enclave of properties.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00There is a real community.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03What are your first impressions of the actual building?
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Yes, it has got some nice character about it.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10Yes, I love the thought of the Devon longhouse and having that history.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Let's have a look inside.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15They have warmed to the setting and the historic bones of this
0:11:15 > 0:11:20stone-built property, so let's see what they make of the interior.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22Come in. Mind your head there.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27Straight into the kitchen-diner.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28- Right.- Wow!
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Yes, it is quite wow!
0:11:30 > 0:11:32It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:11:32 > 0:11:34They've really done a lot of work in here, about two years ago -
0:11:34 > 0:11:35it's almost brand-new.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38It's a beautiful size, isn't it...
0:11:38 > 0:11:40It's like the perfect...layout,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42with an island, and then a table.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45I spotted the range straight away.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48What's nice is, round the corner you've got a utility room with
0:11:48 > 0:11:51all the white goods, your washing machine and stuff, and a loo,
0:11:51 > 0:11:52so that's quite handy.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56And then these doors that lead out to a very nice terraced, actually, decked area -
0:11:56 > 0:12:01a big space where you can have your evening meal, breakfast.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02Lovely.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05It really does tick a lot of boxes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- So, a round of applause for the kitchen, it seems.- Absolutely.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- No drawbacks, no negatives. - No, good start.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Let's hope it continues into the sitting area, let's go through here.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Here we are.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20So, historically, more of the same, that long,
0:12:20 > 0:12:23simple, rectangular space of the longhouse.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Yes, but it's a nice-sized space...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- and a wood floor. - I like the fireplace.
0:12:28 > 0:12:29Yes, a great, proper, old hearth,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32with granite lintel across the top, which is very nice.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37- Yes, this feels more...- It's nice, I could snuggle up in the winter...
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Actually, through the door is the original porch,
0:12:40 > 0:12:43so that would've been the original entrance, and they have got that
0:12:43 > 0:12:47separated off as a dog room, because they've got three cocker spaniels.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- OK.- So, that could be...Jack's room.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Tim and Mo are reacting quietly,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57but positively, to what they have seen so far.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Long may that continue, as we move upstairs.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03On the first floor, there are four bedrooms,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05three of which are light, tastefully decorated,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and have use of the bright, modern family bathroom.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Time to see if their room measures up.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Tucked away at the end is the master.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18OK. Not huge, but...
0:13:18 > 0:13:22They have put in a lot of fitted wardrobes, and a little en suite.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26So, it's not huge.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30But, I guess it got an en suite, and it's next to the bathroom,
0:13:30 > 0:13:31so it's quite nicely placed.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33Yes, so you could have this end of the house.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- It is beautifully done, isn't it?- Yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Land is important to you, so, if you excuse me,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41I will lead you out onto your land.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45Overall, I would say mixed reactions to this house.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47However, outside, along with the double garage,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51this property comes with an impressive parcel of land.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54And your land goes right up to this top fence,
0:13:54 > 0:13:59and then down into this paddock, and back down to the house.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- It's quite a lot.- Its 2.75 acres...
0:14:04 > 0:14:08..and then you've got this, a beautiful, purpose-built stable
0:14:08 > 0:14:11block - big size...
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- It's enormous.- ..overlooking the pond and the waterfall.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- It's magic, isn't it?- It is.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21So, the long-term plan might be that you could convert this -
0:14:21 > 0:14:25subject to planning - into a holiday let.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27That would be perfect.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Bliss and lovely, but how much does it cost?
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Ooh...- Good question.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36I think it would have to be 550.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41I would say a bit less than that, maybe 525.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45Well, because of the land, it's actually a bit more,
0:14:45 > 0:14:49it's over your budget, I'm afraid. It's on at 565.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- OK, that's not a surprise.- No.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54I thought it could have been over our budget.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Yes, I was just a bit hopeful.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00Why don't you have a look around inside again, at that those bedrooms upstairs,
0:15:00 > 0:15:03and actually just wander around the land, to get the lie of the land?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I will see you out front and then we can continue our tour.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- OK, thank you.- Thank you.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15Over budget at £565,000, this characterful farmhouse has
0:15:15 > 0:15:19perhaps served as a bit of a reality check for our buyers.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21It provides them with a fabulous kitchen-diner,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23two and three-quarter acres of land,
0:15:23 > 0:15:27and a stable block that could be converted into a holiday let.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28It's a nice house,
0:15:28 > 0:15:31and coming through that first door into the kitchen, I thought,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34that was a lovely first impression.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38Definitely the kitchen/family eating space that we were wanting.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41The fact that it is an old house, as well, I mean,
0:15:41 > 0:15:47just seeing thick walls again and a few beams around...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50just is ideal.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53I think the master bedroom was maybe a bit small,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57smaller than I was hoping, but on the plus side, it did have four bedrooms,
0:15:57 > 0:16:01so we could use one of the bedrooms as a dressing room,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04so it's got that possibility.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07I can't quite read whether they like this property or not,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09it could go both ways.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- Still, we have other houses to show them. Hello!- Hello.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- Some thoughts on this one? - Yes, I really like this.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Yes, there is a lot to think about, this one.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Cards close to your chest.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22Let's go and see the second one.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37The drama of South Devon's coastline and moorland has earned it
0:16:37 > 0:16:40protected status as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46The coastal towns and villages here also possess a rich heritage.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50The area is home to over 1,200 listed buildings, and many
0:16:50 > 0:16:54of its villages and settlements date back to at least the 14th century.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59One such place is the vibrant fishing port of Brixham.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02In the Middle Ages, it was the largest fishing
0:17:02 > 0:17:05port in the South West, as well as being a popular
0:17:05 > 0:17:10haunt for smugglers, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15One of the most infamous of these lawbreakers was Bob Elliott,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18also known as Resurrection Bob.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23Legends and tales of Bob and his cronies abound throughout the area.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27So, mindful that Tim and Mo have a background in amateur dramatics,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31we sent them to meet Laura Jury of the South Devon Players,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33a group of actors that specialise
0:17:33 > 0:17:36in adapting local history for the stage.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40I hear that you are interested in amateur dramatics?
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Well, yes, we're part of a drama group where we live,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45so, tell me about yours.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48We have been going since 2005,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52since then we've just been turning over, mainly with
0:17:52 > 0:17:55plays about local history, because that's our speciality.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56And where do you perform?
0:17:56 > 0:18:01One of our foci, for want of a better term, is bringing theatre
0:18:01 > 0:18:04to people that can't automatically, or don't want to attend
0:18:04 > 0:18:08a formal theatre, so they're more comfortable in a community setting.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09Right.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Laura, and some of the other players are acting out a short
0:18:11 > 0:18:14scene from their recent play, Resurrection Bob,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and they've invited Tim and Mo to get involved.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20But, first, they will need to rehearse their roles.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23I've had a little talk with the rest of the group...
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Bob Elliott...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29..and his lovely wife, Maria.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30Oh. Here we go.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Fewer lines, Bob, but you've got the big laugh.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- That's a good thing.- Yes.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40"Bob's dead, and you ain't going to search here at a time like this.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42"Shame on you."
0:18:42 > 0:18:43"It's Bob."
0:18:43 > 0:18:44"Fine evening, lads!"
0:18:44 > 0:18:47"Oh, my God!"
0:18:47 > 0:18:49It's time for the final curtain call,
0:18:49 > 0:18:53so Tim and Mo had better climb into their costumes, in time
0:18:53 > 0:18:56for Resurrection Bob to make a final appearance.
0:18:56 > 0:18:57We have come to search the house.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Search?! Did you not see the person here earlier?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Have you no heart at all?
0:19:02 > 0:19:04At a time like this - the shame!
0:19:04 > 0:19:06We do, but it is my duty, ma'am.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Hah, duty!
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- Nice evening, lads!- Bob! Oh, my God!
0:19:14 > 0:19:17How strange, they seemed quite chatty before.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Look what you've put me through!
0:19:19 > 0:19:20GASPS
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Well, it seems Tim and Mo are a bit of a hit in their own right,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27but let's hope we can leave the trouble and strife there,
0:19:27 > 0:19:28as our property hunt continues.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34For our second property,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36we're heading to the village of Horrabridge.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Set in a charming, riverside location on the doorstep
0:19:39 > 0:19:43of Dartmoor, the name means "bridge on the boundary",
0:19:43 > 0:19:47very much in keeping with its position, which spans four parishes.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51The bridge itself is the oldest in West Devon,
0:19:51 > 0:19:55and the River Walkham that runs through here is famous for its salmon.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Following the river to the outskirts of the village is where
0:19:58 > 0:20:00we find our stunning second property.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05You have your own water that comes straight off the moor,
0:20:05 > 0:20:06- on what they call a leat.- OK.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09That's local word for a brook.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And this is the property I want to show you. All of it.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13- Oh, it is enormous.- Yes.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16And stone, which is lovely.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Local granite, cut from the land just behind.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21It is a beautiful property, I think.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23I don't want put words in your mouth, but...
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Well, it looks fantastic.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29It has been renovated very extensively in the last seven years,
0:20:29 > 0:20:32but I know you're itching to get inside, and I'm itching to show you,
0:20:32 > 0:20:33as it's a very interesting house.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36It's upside down, so we're going upstairs first.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40This has certainly has real stature from the outside,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and, inside, holds some real surprises.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Here we are!
0:20:47 > 0:20:49THEY LAUGH
0:20:50 > 0:20:51That's a bit different!
0:20:51 > 0:20:52Isn't it?
0:20:52 > 0:20:56- Yes.- Very open plan, it's lovely.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00It's a beautifully designed space, isn't it?
0:21:00 > 0:21:03The engineered, oak floors.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- I love it.- You love it?- I do love it.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- Is this your sort of style?- Yes.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Well, it's what I'd LIKE to be my style!
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- It's kind of unstructured, I like that about it.- Yes.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So, there is a space round there, which is the dining room.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22You've got a snug room down there, which could be an office,
0:21:22 > 0:21:25or whatever you like, it's a nice space which can explore later.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28I want to take you to the main sitting area...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30mind the step.
0:21:30 > 0:21:31OK.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Now, this is your sitting room. - Cor!- It could be.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35It's another big room, isn't it?
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- Lovely.- Another surprise room.- Yes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41I can't really tell whether you like it or not.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I think we're...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46..it's just really, really different.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48It's just not what I expected.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51We're just genuinely surprised. No clues from the outside at all
0:21:51 > 0:21:53of what was happening inside.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Exactly, yes. And those lovely steps down into the garden.- Yes.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00And these simple little fireplaces with the kind of log burners.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Yes, I like that.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05You could make it cosy, couldn't you?
0:22:05 > 0:22:07Could YOU make it cosy, though?
0:22:07 > 0:22:09I'm still not getting an idea whether you actually like it!
0:22:09 > 0:22:13I really like it, I do really like it...
0:22:13 > 0:22:15I'm just, I can sense that you don't...
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I'm... It's the upside down thing.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20There's a lovely garden room which we'll look at in a moment,
0:22:20 > 0:22:23but let's look downstairs, since you mentioned the upside down.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Mo clearly loves this house, but I'm sensing she's holding
0:22:26 > 0:22:31back as Tim tries to get his head around the topsy-turvy layout.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34As we head downstairs to see the four bedrooms,
0:22:34 > 0:22:37let's hope it all starts to make more sense.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Again, mind the step.
0:22:39 > 0:22:40Lots of steps in this house.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43So, you have four bedrooms downstairs, and you can feel
0:22:43 > 0:22:45the temperature's much cooler down here, because it's slate
0:22:45 > 0:22:49floors throughout, although it has underfloor heating downstairs.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Yes, lovely.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53They have got this very interesting, sort of oak panels,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56these walls made of huge, wide panels of oak.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58- I've never seen that before.- No.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01This one has got an en suite, and then there is another room,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04which is probably a bit bigger, that also has an en suite.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- This is the sunniest.- OK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Thoughts?
0:23:09 > 0:23:11It's very...individual.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Did it immediately grab you?
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Yes.- Ah, OK! So, now I'm understanding.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It really grabbed you, but you're not so sure.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21Oh, no, it's actually...
0:23:21 > 0:23:24I like it, it's just getting used to it.
0:23:24 > 0:23:25Maybe we should go outside,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28because then maybe you can get the whole gist of the house.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30From the back it makes more sense.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Let's have a look at the beautiful gardens.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37Tim still seems stunned by the style and unconventional layout.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40On this floor, there are two other bedrooms, one of which also
0:23:40 > 0:23:44has an en suite, and there's a well- decorated family bathroom.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49Time to head outside and take a view on everything it offers.
0:23:49 > 0:23:50If you come here,
0:23:50 > 0:23:54you get better understanding of how the house works.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59You can appreciate the building better, I think, from this side.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03So, this is the garden room that they have just put on, it's a recent addition.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05It's very nice, it is a good addition, isn't it?
0:24:05 > 0:24:07It is, isn't it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:08And you have quite a substantial garden,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11it stretches quite a long way along this fence here,
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and into a bit of that woodland there.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18And there is the option, if you're interested, of buying seven acres
0:24:18 > 0:24:23of land just beyond there, which is a really lovely bit of pasture.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24All right.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Let's talk money, I mean, how much, do you think just this garden
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and the property is?
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I would say 540.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34How about you, Tim?
0:24:34 > 0:24:38I'm probably going to go higher this time and say 575.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41Well...
0:24:41 > 0:24:45if you split the difference, this is on the market for 550...
0:24:45 > 0:24:47OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50..so this is just right at the top of your budget, but there is also -
0:24:50 > 0:24:53when we came in you probably didn't see it
0:24:53 > 0:24:55because you were too enthralled by the main event -
0:24:55 > 0:24:59but behind you there was a stable block double-garage
0:24:59 > 0:25:01which could, with the planning office,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04you could perhaps think about converting, into a workroom,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06or maybe a holiday let.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08- OK, possibly.- Further down the line.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Why don't you go and have a look at the land behind you,
0:25:11 > 0:25:15that might tempt you to put that into your negotiations,
0:25:15 > 0:25:19and then have a look a bit more around the house,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- and this garden, and I'll see you out the front?- OK.- Thank you.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23The gate's just round there.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Well, did you know whether they liked it or not?
0:25:29 > 0:25:32I had no clue, it was a very, very ambiguous walk round.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35I think Mo really liked it, not so sure about Tim,
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and I'm not sure who has the casting vote.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I know that I liked it, so I'm hoping it grows on them.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Priced at £550,000, this pretty comes in on budget,
0:25:50 > 0:25:52and delivers on many fronts.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55It gives them a large, open plan living area,
0:25:55 > 0:25:57with oak beams throughout, four bedrooms,
0:25:57 > 0:26:02two with an en suite, stables which could be converted into a workshop
0:26:02 > 0:26:08for Tim, and the opportunity to buy seven acres of additional land.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10This is a lovely addition, isn't it?
0:26:10 > 0:26:11It's a good size, isn't it?
0:26:11 > 0:26:14You could get a proper table or a sofa in here.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16What's nice is that you can come out of the kitchen,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and then flow through to the garden.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21This property is hard to gauge from the outside.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25When I first walked in, my impression was one of space
0:26:25 > 0:26:30and light and it was just very, very unusual.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32I loved the feel of it straightaway.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36I feel this is quite romantic in a way, so, you know...
0:26:36 > 0:26:41maybe it's telling me something about what appeals to me personally, my taste.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45This is beyond the boundary of where we were looking,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47it's definitely not in the South Hams.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49Having said that, we have always said that
0:26:49 > 0:26:52if we found the perfect house, then, you would stop
0:26:52 > 0:26:54and weigh up the priorities again,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57and I think this is one of those houses.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- Hello.- Hello.- I've come to collect you.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05All done here, so, I'll give you little time to rest
0:27:05 > 0:27:07and reflect on what you've seen.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22As the sun sets over the Devon coastline, it marks
0:27:22 > 0:27:25the end of a thought-provoking first day's house-hunting.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35With a maximum budget of £550,000,
0:27:35 > 0:27:37Tim and Mo from Peterborough in Cambridgeshire
0:27:37 > 0:27:41are keen to head to South Devon where Tim spent his childhood.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44Mindful that they are after a country home with land
0:27:44 > 0:27:46and outbuildings, our two properties
0:27:46 > 0:27:49so far included a traditional longhouse,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52bursting with period features, which they loved, but, when it came to
0:27:52 > 0:27:57house two, Tim couldn't quite get his head around the upside-down layout.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01But will the mystery house give them a fresh perspective?
0:28:01 > 0:28:02That is a special view.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04It's like a picture.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07And I discover how this native breed of pony plays
0:28:07 > 0:28:10such an important part in conserving Devon's landscape.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16It was interesting yesterday, to see Tim
0:28:16 > 0:28:20and Mo rub up against each other a little bit about house number two,
0:28:20 > 0:28:21because it seems that maybe
0:28:21 > 0:28:24they have different visions of what their dream house here in Devon is,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27and that might explain why they have been three years searching for it.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30The other factor is Tim's memories of his childhood
0:28:30 > 0:28:32holidays down by the sea.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35He really wants a location that is close to the coast in South Hams,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38but in our search we just haven't found it in their budget.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42So, for the mystery house, we're shaking things up just a bit more,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45by putting them right in the middle of another Devon tourist attraction,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49and putting some flesh on the bones of their dream of a holiday let.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55You have been hunting for a long time,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58and where you ideally want to live is very expensive,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01I mean, are you...? You've talked about compromise,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04but are you willing to compromise on the location?
0:29:04 > 0:29:09When it came down to it, location was pretty much the crunch for us.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13We would be prepared to perhaps compromise on other things to
0:29:13 > 0:29:16be in the right area.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18And so, what other things would you compromise on?
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I think that is just the unknown, and it is hard,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24you can't really prescribe, because no two houses are the same.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30The nearest substantial town to our mystery house is Ashburton.
0:29:30 > 0:29:33Set on the edge of Dartmoor, this vibrant community
0:29:33 > 0:29:37is home to a range of historic buildings which house many
0:29:37 > 0:29:41independent retailers, such as this fish deli, run by Nick Legg.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- So how long has the deli been open?- Nine years now.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48And are there a lot of new folk moving into the area?
0:29:48 > 0:29:53Yes, the last four or five years I've really noticed that.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57I mean, it is a nice lifestyle here, there are great things to do,
0:29:57 > 0:29:59and so it is attracting a lot of people.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02So, what's the best thing about living in Ashburton?
0:30:02 > 0:30:04I think it is the fantastic setting here,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07you're close to the moor, you're close to the sea,
0:30:07 > 0:30:11last night I finished work, went home, kayak on top of the car,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13in 20 minutes we were fishing in the sea. It's lovely...
0:30:13 > 0:30:15Is this something you caught last night?
0:30:15 > 0:30:19One of those were, yes, it's not as big as I'd like,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22but, that one there, I caught off our kayak.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- We really are blessed with fantastic produce.- Come here!
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- Yes.- Come here, please do!
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I am going to have to whisk them off to a secret destination...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Lovely to see you. Good luck.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Nice to meet you, we will come again.
0:30:35 > 0:30:36- Yes, brilliant.- Enjoy your fishy day!
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Cheers, bye.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42Seven miles from lively Ashburton is our substantial mystery house,
0:30:42 > 0:30:45which combines home and holiday let.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49So, this is the mystery house.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51So, you know the spot.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Yes, I am familiar with it.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's right next door to Badgers Holt, which is a lovely
0:30:55 > 0:30:59little stretch of river, but with a very popular cream tea venue.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02And, of course, it's on quite a busy road.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Let's see if the inside will win you over.- OK.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08They may have initial reservations about its position,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11but I have a feeling that once they explore inside
0:31:11 > 0:31:15our mystery property, they will have a whole different view on it.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Now, I know you're not mad keen on upside down living,
0:31:17 > 0:31:19so I want to reassure you, that there is actually living
0:31:19 > 0:31:23space downstairs, but, I think the killer view is up here.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34Here we have it!
0:31:34 > 0:31:37- That is a view.- It is, isn't it?
0:31:37 > 0:31:39This is the reason we brought you here,
0:31:39 > 0:31:41so we might as well come here first.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45- Yes, it's lovely.- That is a special view, isn't it?
0:31:47 > 0:31:52So, this is built on top of the long granite stone house underneath,
0:31:52 > 0:31:53so this was a later addition,
0:31:53 > 0:31:56you can see these very high-vaulted ceilings,
0:31:56 > 0:32:00and this beautiful bay window, looking down to Badgers Holt there.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02It's extraordinary, isn't it?
0:32:02 > 0:32:05It's lovely. It's like a picture.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09It is a picture, absolutely.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10I like this room.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12They originally had the whole house as a B&B,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14so they had the downstairs room,
0:32:14 > 0:32:15with a kind of guest lounge,
0:32:15 > 0:32:17and this was their private lounge,
0:32:17 > 0:32:20but you could do whatever you like, you can make this the workroom,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23you can make this the summer sitting room.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Because downstairs you have a big dining room and a big sitting room,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29with granite fireplaces.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31It's kind of our sort of house, really.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35It is... It feels like the right style of property.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Those breathtaking views have swept aside some concerns about location.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43As we are already upstairs, I'm going to show them
0:32:43 > 0:32:46one of the bedrooms, which also takes in that astounding scenery.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52It's more of the same, really, but you kind of expect it in this house,
0:32:52 > 0:32:57- that when you wake up, you open the curtains and you see the view.- Gosh.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00Absolutely, yes. That's a great view again.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04So, it has four bedrooms, three, really good-sized,
0:33:04 > 0:33:06all this size, and all with en suites,
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and then one small bedroom that's just a sort of boxroom or a guest room.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11- And then a family bathroom.- OK.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13That's pretty good.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Obviously, because of its legacy as a B&B...
0:33:16 > 0:33:19I guess that option still applies.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22It's a definite possibility, yes.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Well, there may be other options.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26OK, interesting!
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Let's have a peek in the kitchen.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30'I am such a tease.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32'The mood has definitely lifted, though,
0:33:32 > 0:33:36'and I think they're starting to see the merits of our mystery house.'
0:33:41 > 0:33:44So, we're downstairs now, in the kitchen.
0:33:44 > 0:33:45In the kitchen, yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47This is proper country kitchen.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48Proper country kitchen, yes.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Good size.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52So, is this what you're looking for in the kitchen?
0:33:52 > 0:33:57Yes, this is very much almost the perfect size, absolutely.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59I think this is a great size.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Yes, it feels very spacious.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06OK, inside, good points - location is a problem,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09I appreciate that, a little bit, so, you might be wondering,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12did they bring us here for the kitchen, or the view?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Well, the twist of the mystery house
0:34:14 > 0:34:16is actually outside in the garden, so...
0:34:18 > 0:34:21'This property is set in a plot of around a quarter of an acre,
0:34:21 > 0:34:24'all wrapped up in spectacular scenery.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28'But it is not the views that are going to catch their eye this time.'
0:34:28 > 0:34:30So, look what's in the back garden!
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Your own, stone-built cottage...
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- holiday let.- Holiday let.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Up and running, up and running!
0:34:38 > 0:34:39Right!
0:34:39 > 0:34:42All...ready to roll, in fact,
0:34:42 > 0:34:45they're selling it with all the furniture inside,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47so you have got a kitchen/diner downstairs,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- and a big sort of living/sleeping area upstairs.- Right.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54- It is booked all year round.- Yes.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- This looks great, doesn't it? - It's beautiful.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59And again, woodland, that goes all the way down to the river's edge.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Yes.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04So, it's you and Prince Charles that are the only people who have
0:35:04 > 0:35:06fishing rights on that stretch of the river.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08I'm just saying, that's the way it is.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10- Hey.- We can share fish and chips.
0:35:12 > 0:35:13And then a single garage,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16which you could perhaps turn into your workshop.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17I could use it as well, yes.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20But first, how much do you think this whole little parcel costs?
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Ooh...
0:35:24 > 0:35:25Oh...
0:35:26 > 0:35:28..very difficult.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30I'm going to say 510.
0:35:30 > 0:35:31Possibly 535?
0:35:31 > 0:35:34The two of you have been very consistent, you've always
0:35:34 > 0:35:38been straddling the price, it's actually on the market for 525.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40- OK.- OK.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Obviously, with a little bit of room to manoeuvre, but,
0:35:43 > 0:35:46it's a very different offering, that's why it's the mystery house,
0:35:46 > 0:35:48so why don't you look inside
0:35:48 > 0:35:50and see whether you're getting your money's worth in there?
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- OK.- Thank you.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59On the market for £525,000,
0:35:59 > 0:36:03our mystery property certainly comes with some surprise elements.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07The vaulted living room has the most spectacular views,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10there is a spacious kitchen/diner, four bedrooms,
0:36:10 > 0:36:14three with en suite, and there is a two-bedroom, detached barn,
0:36:14 > 0:36:19that is already a successful, up-and-running holiday let.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Well, I think this is a lovely house, very much the sort of style
0:36:23 > 0:36:25and period we like.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28I think, the best thing about this house is the views,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32the views are amazing, from virtually every window, it's really beautiful.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36The most obvious downside is the road.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38Having said that, that can be a plus,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41if you're trying to do something with tourists.
0:36:41 > 0:36:47As far as the holiday let side goes, I was delighted, actually, when I saw
0:36:47 > 0:36:51that, and it's probably the biggest grin I've had since we've been looking.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55I think it is very good in terms of offering good business,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58but the downside is that it is...
0:36:58 > 0:37:00it will be very noisy and very busy,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02probably all year round.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06OK, so we've seen all the properties,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10time to gather our thoughts and think about what we've seen.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- OK.- Come with me.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Devon is largely a rural county,
0:37:26 > 0:37:31and at its heart is Dartmoor 370 square miles of rugged heather
0:37:31 > 0:37:35covered moorland, with national park status.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40As well as the tors, moors and bogs of Dartmoor, the national park
0:37:40 > 0:37:44is also home to a unique, indigenous breed of animal, the Dartmoor pony.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Moorland ponies are an integral part of this landscape.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52As well as drawing in visitors, they play a vital
0:37:52 > 0:37:56role in grazing the moor and maintaining its character.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58I have come to meet Drew Butterfield,
0:37:58 > 0:38:02of the Dartmoor Heritage Pony Trust, to find out more about these
0:38:02 > 0:38:05endearing animals and the threats they face.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06So, talk me through the model,
0:38:06 > 0:38:08what are we looking at here as a prime Dartmoor pony?
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Yes, this is a very typical example of the Dartmoor, his colour,
0:38:12 > 0:38:16he's a bay, which means he is brown on the top, and then his mane
0:38:16 > 0:38:22and tail and the legs are black, and they are iconic to the area.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25You can trace Dartmoors back 3,500 years,
0:38:25 > 0:38:29there's been ponies on Dartmoor that long, right back to the Bronze Age.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33If you come forward to 350 years ago, they were used in the tin mines, they
0:38:33 > 0:38:37were used to pull the tin ore out, and then used as pack ponies.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Ponies are the one animal that stay out on the moor right the way
0:38:40 > 0:38:44through the year, and they are our organic scrub cutters.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47What the ponies do is create this different level of habitats,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50which is ideal for invertebrates, and particularly the fritillary
0:38:50 > 0:38:54butterfly, but the Dartmoor pony is currently under threat...
0:38:54 > 0:38:55The purebred Dartmoor pony?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57The purebred Dartmoor, on Dartmoor,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00is actually an endangered species, so that is why we exist,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03and if we don't do something about it now,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06then there is a potential issue, that we
0:39:06 > 0:39:09really could lose a very important part of our cultural heritage,
0:39:09 > 0:39:13so our charitable objectives are to support the pony keepers,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16which, in turn, means that we keep the Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21I'm now heading out on to the moors to meet Hannah Fursdon,
0:39:21 > 0:39:22'one of the pony keepers.'
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Now, you are a pony keeper?- Yes.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Now, just explain a bit about what that actually means.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Well, we basically live on Dartmoor, we are commoners of Dartmoor,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34and as a result we have the first rights to
0:39:34 > 0:39:37put our animals on the common, and we have got the ponies out,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40and they are all well managed, there's a drift every year,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42when they all come in, and that is really when we
0:39:42 > 0:39:46do a lot of the worming and the hoof work - we just give them a full MOT.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Now, Drew was explaining how the
0:39:48 > 0:39:50ponies are good for the landscape, they go through the bracken,
0:39:50 > 0:39:53but presumably you as a keeper are also interested in selling them?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Yes, of course, we handle all of our foals to give them
0:39:56 > 0:39:58a good foundation of training.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Handling is like breaking them in?
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Yes, it means they can go on and have good ridden career,
0:40:02 > 0:40:04as a riding pony.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06So, the idea of this work,
0:40:06 > 0:40:11is really to maintain a good breeding stock of purebred Dartmoor?
0:40:11 > 0:40:15Yes, well, we were very selective when we bought our mares
0:40:15 > 0:40:19and our stallion to make sure we got the best possible when we started breeding.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21If this wasn't here, if you weren't doing the work,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23what is the worst case scenario?
0:40:23 > 0:40:27We would probably lose the population of Dartmoor ponies on Dartmoor.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29It is important to keep the Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor
0:40:29 > 0:40:31because of the ecology here.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Thank you very much, really fascinating.
0:40:36 > 0:40:40A very pleasant afternoon with my four-legged friends here on Dartmoor,
0:40:40 > 0:40:43but time now to find out how our two-legged friends, Tim and Mo,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47are faring in the decision-making about the houses we have shown them.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55So, our week in Devon is drawing to a close.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59The first house, did you not feel that we'd given you your dream home?
0:40:59 > 0:41:02You walk into that house and the kitchen is so knock-out,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04that is immediately a fantastic impression.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Yes, I think the fact that it was done,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09and done to a very high standard, was very impressive,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12and you couldn't help but like that immediately.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17And the stable block, not just did it have acres, you know, you went
0:41:17 > 0:41:22up and there was that amazing stable block, with all that potential.
0:41:22 > 0:41:23So, we went further west,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25and gave you the possibility of lots of land,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27and a very interesting house, the second house,
0:41:27 > 0:41:29what are your thoughts about that today?
0:41:29 > 0:41:33- Well, that's where we came apart a bit.- Yes, a little bit.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I thought the interior of that house was lovely,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40it just really had something about it that appealed to me.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44I felt straightaway that it was a very individual house,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46but I'm afraid, it was just the location,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48and because as much as I might have liked the house,
0:41:48 > 0:41:51and we did like the house, definitely,
0:41:51 > 0:41:56it grew on me as we were there...
0:41:56 > 0:41:58but you are then still considering
0:41:58 > 0:42:01your distances from the other things which you are looking to do.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03And what about the mystery house?
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Well, that is really interesting, because it has got so much potential.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12We could do B&B, and there is that holiday let, which is set up
0:42:12 > 0:42:16and ready to go, and it is just a really lovely house,
0:42:16 > 0:42:20every room is nice, the views are fantastic.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Yes, the actual age and fabric of the actual house is
0:42:23 > 0:42:26absolutely perfect, that's what I like.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28But? There is always a but.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31This usually starts... The next sentence begins with the location.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33Yes.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37I think if it was just set back off the road, and a little quieter,
0:42:37 > 0:42:42then we would be very likely talking about a house purchase.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45It's been really interesting showing you around,
0:42:45 > 0:42:46and I really hope that it does work out,
0:42:46 > 0:42:50I mean it is a tough nut to crack, but, I really hope that it happens.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- Thank you.- Thank you very much for your help.- Pleasure.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00Challenging Tim and Mo's love affair with the South Hams has
0:43:00 > 0:43:03proved more tricky than I thought.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05We give then beautiful houses, we give them lots of land,
0:43:05 > 0:43:07and we give them a holiday let,
0:43:07 > 0:43:12but in the end it was location that they wanted, and that defeated us.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14Still, I hope that they prove us wrong,
0:43:14 > 0:43:17and find very quickly what they were looking for, and I hope
0:43:17 > 0:43:21that you join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24And if you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Northern Ireland or England and need our help, please apply online at...
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