0:00:02 > 0:00:03This flag fluttering above me
0:00:03 > 0:00:07is a colourful representation of the county I'm in today
0:00:07 > 0:00:09but where do YOU need to go to see it?
0:00:09 > 0:00:11Find out in just a moment.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44On today's show I'll be helping one lady and her dog find space
0:00:44 > 0:00:45and peace in the countryside.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47And early on in our house search
0:00:47 > 0:00:50a dining room gets her in the party mood...
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Lovely, I can see a great big family Christmas there.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55..but later a kitchen fails to measure up...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58There's not enough work surface. That would be my first thought.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02..so can the charm of our mystery house win her over?
0:01:06 > 0:01:10Today I'm in Devon, which in 2006 gained official recognition
0:01:10 > 0:01:12for having its very own flag.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Now, despite its recent design,
0:01:15 > 0:01:18the colours very much tell the story of this county's landscape.
0:01:18 > 0:01:23The green signifying the lush hills, the black the dramatic moors,
0:01:23 > 0:01:27and the white, the coastline and the chalk clay mining industry.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Now, with such iconic imagery,
0:01:29 > 0:01:31it's clear to say why the people of Devon
0:01:31 > 0:01:34are so very proud of their county's rich heritage.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40As well as being the only English county with two separate coastlines,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42over half of Devon's landscape is preserved
0:01:42 > 0:01:46and maintained with special protected status.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Besides being the third largest county in England, it's also one
0:01:49 > 0:01:54of the least populated, particularly in northern and central areas.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Mid Devon is sandwiched between the open moorland
0:01:56 > 0:01:58of Exmoor National Park in the north
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and the tors and rivers of Dartmoor in the south.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The River Dart, which meanders through this national park,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06is not only a haven for wildlife
0:02:06 > 0:02:09but has shaped the heritage of its towns.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Sitting on the banks of its estuary, the historic port of Dartmouth
0:02:13 > 0:02:15has been a point of entry and departure for ships
0:02:15 > 0:02:16over the past millennium,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20and its seafaring character is still very much alive to this day.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Devon's beauty does come at a price.
0:02:26 > 0:02:31The average detached property here will set you back around £287,000,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35that's some 33,000 above the national average
0:02:35 > 0:02:37and the south coast is particularly expensive,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40with properties in seaside towns, like Dartmouth,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43sometimes commanding double the national figure.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46However, if you move away from the coast or further inland,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48to areas like the north of Dartmoor,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50you will find that your money goes a little bit further.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52So, whatever your budget,
0:02:52 > 0:02:56you're sure to find a rich mix of property styles here in Devon.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Devon's signature building type is the longhouse,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01typically built of cob or rammed earth,
0:03:01 > 0:03:05where the farmer lived under the same roof as his animals.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Although longhouses are a common sight across the county,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11they are particularly concentrated in and around Dartmoor.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Often dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17these narrow dwellings retain an authentic charm,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20like this four-bedroom property in Loxbeare,
0:03:20 > 0:03:24which is on the market for offers above £400,000.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Since the Bronze Age, Dartmoor granite has been mined
0:03:27 > 0:03:30extensively here, however, the quarrying of this durable
0:03:30 > 0:03:33natural resource dwindled in the last century
0:03:33 > 0:03:37so that now it's a highly sought after building material.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39A traditional property on the edge of the market town
0:03:39 > 0:03:43would cost upwards of £200,000.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Perhaps one of the most recognisable property types in the county
0:03:47 > 0:03:51are the thatched cottages that lie in the rural valleys and hamlets.
0:03:51 > 0:03:52They often come at a price
0:03:52 > 0:03:54but, if you're up for a renovation,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56this four-bedroom property in Chulmleigh
0:03:56 > 0:03:59could be yours for £165,000.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Let's see if any of these styles suit today's buyer.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11Janet lives in a four-bedroomed 1930s property in Fleet, Hampshire.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Even though she was born and raised in a city,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15urban life no longer appeals.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16I'm a country girl at heart
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and I've just got this real hankering to move to the countryside now.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22Fleet's getting quite built-up,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24there's been one new housing estate built
0:04:24 > 0:04:26and it's going to get very, very crowded round this area,
0:04:26 > 0:04:30so I just want the open space of the countryside now.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34She has her heart set on Devon and the more rural the better.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36'I'd like to be inland,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38'I don't mind a small village location,'
0:04:38 > 0:04:41but I don't want anything that's getting on to be a town
0:04:41 > 0:04:44and I'm quite happy to be fairly isolated as well.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46I don't mind if it's not near neighbours.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48That suits me down to the ground.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Janet will be accompanied on the move by her beloved dog Shadow
0:04:52 > 0:04:55so the house has to suit both their needs.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Janice loves making cakes and Shadow needs more outside space.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Probably my two main criterias is the kitchen
0:05:02 > 0:05:05and the other thing is the garden. I need a bigger garden.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09It'd also be quite nice to have an annexe or an outbuilding,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11whether it's converted or unconverted,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15cos I quite like the idea of getting back into holiday accommodation
0:05:15 > 0:05:19and it would be a source of income for me as well, once I move.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21When she finally moves to Devon
0:05:21 > 0:05:24she has her own plans on how to make new friends.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27One of my hobbies is dog training and dog agility.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31He enjoys it, I enjoy, I've met some really, really good friends
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and its a really good way of socialising.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Family is important to Janet
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and her three sisters are happy to help in any way they can.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42My sister Jo will be coming with me to look at houses.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I think she's going to be a great help to me
0:05:44 > 0:05:46because she's very sensible anyway
0:05:46 > 0:05:47but she'll bring me back down to earth
0:05:47 > 0:05:50if I'm looking at things which I really shouldn't be looking at.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Jo is older than Janet
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and feels she can offer her some good sisterly advice.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I've obviously known her since we were babies
0:05:58 > 0:06:02so I've seen her go through all the houses that she's lived in
0:06:02 > 0:06:04and I know where she's been happiest,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and I think that I could probably recognise
0:06:07 > 0:06:12a place that she would be happy again in, which would be lovely.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15And Jo hopes there will be some benefits to her sister
0:06:15 > 0:06:18living in such a beautiful part of the country.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21We had some lovely, lovely holidays in Devon and Cornwall so,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24yeah, we would definitely be visiting.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27Got to make sure that the spare room's REALLY good!
0:06:27 > 0:06:30You don't want much, do you? THEY LAUGH
0:06:30 > 0:06:32With her house already on the market,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Janet has a clear idea of what she has to spend on her new home.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40My maximum budget for the move is £425,000
0:06:40 > 0:06:45but for that I would like to see a holiday business opportunity.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Janet wants to immerse herself in the heart of the countryside
0:06:51 > 0:06:54but she also wants to be within easy reach of the coast
0:06:54 > 0:06:59and have good transport links to friends and family living in London.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02We'll be focusing our house search on the villages of Central Devon,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05around Dartmoor National Park.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Time to meet her and sister Jo
0:07:06 > 0:07:09to find out more about the specifics of the move.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Hello, good morning, ladies! - Morning.- Morning.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Thank you for bringing me out here to Devon.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16So, what's attracted you to this county?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18It is the beauty of it, the open spaces.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20You've got the moors, you've got everything
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and, if you want, you got the seaside.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26You're living in Hampshire, Fleet, at the moment so quite townie.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28It's becoming quite a big town
0:07:28 > 0:07:31and it's just not the same as it used to be.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33So, now you're looking for something a lot more rural?
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Yes, yes, I like rural. I do rural.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38I'm much more of a country person than I am a town in person.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41You got the support of all your family with this move.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Jo, what do you think is important for Janet in this house?
0:07:44 > 0:07:45I think a little bit of land
0:07:45 > 0:07:49because she's missing that at the moment and a big kitchen.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Somewhere that she can do her cooking, she loves cooking.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54And I understand it's not just a property you are looking for,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56there's also potential for a business?
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Something with an annexe or something that's got a building
0:07:59 > 0:08:03that could possibly be converted to a holiday let would be ideal.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04The house itself, has it got to be huge?
0:08:04 > 0:08:08No, not particularly, cos it's only for me and my dog, and my visitors.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10And the property itself, I mean, how many bedrooms,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- what you wanted to be like? - I'd like three bedrooms, really.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Three bedrooms minimum. And I prefer the older style property.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19A quirky house or a house with character, at least.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- Yeah!- Anything else?! I'm going to stop you right there!
0:08:23 > 0:08:25The good thing is we have found
0:08:25 > 0:08:27three wonderful properties to show you.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30- One of them is the mystery house. - Yes, I'm looking forward to that!
0:08:30 > 0:08:33- But, for now, shall we go and have a look?- Yeah.- OK, lovely, thanks.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41With a maximum budget of £425,000,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Janet would like a detached three-bedroom character home.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48She has her heart set on a spacious kitchen for baking cakes
0:08:48 > 0:08:52and she'd like a large garden for her dog to run around in.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Finally, she'd like an outbuilding or annexe
0:08:54 > 0:08:59to convert into a holiday let, all wrapped up in a rural location.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03We've got some superb country homes to tempt our buyer with,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06although I'll be keeping quiet about the price tag
0:09:06 > 0:09:08until the end of each house tour.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11As ever, our final choice is the mystery property,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14which takes our house hunt in a completely different direction.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Now, it's time to hit the road.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21You are thinking of starting a business,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- that's a big change, isn't it? - It is.
0:09:23 > 0:09:28I would like to have a holiday let because I like meeting people.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31It's a nice sociable thing to do as well.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33It's something that you'd like to start small and grow or...?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35I just want one to start off with, I think,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37because that's enough for me to cope with on my own.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39And then see how it goes.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41And I'd like to have something that could be dog friendly,
0:09:41 > 0:09:44which is another reason why I, sort of, wanted the countryside
0:09:44 > 0:09:47because it would be a much, much better place for dogs.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- Especially Shadow! - It would, he's going to love it!
0:09:50 > 0:09:53He's going to love it - as long as there's not too many sheep!
0:09:56 > 0:09:59For our first property we're travelling 20 miles
0:09:59 > 0:10:03north-west of Exeter, a short drive from Chulmleigh.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Dating back to Saxon times,
0:10:05 > 0:10:09this quiet town still retains its historic charm.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12The streets are full of thatched buildings,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16local pubs and a church dating back to the 14th century.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17It looks picture perfect
0:10:17 > 0:10:20but to give Janet an insight into the community,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23I'm taking her to meet a local shopkeeper
0:10:23 > 0:10:26to learn more about what it's like to live here.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27The village shop.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30I mean, it's the heart of a village, really, isn't it?
0:10:30 > 0:10:33You must get to know everything that is going on in Chulmleigh.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35We do and we are a gathering place,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38and I'd recommend any small shop anywhere
0:10:38 > 0:10:40to open a little tearoom as well.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- Do you get many tourists here? - A few. They do come through.
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- A lot of walkers but generally we rely on our local trade.- Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50So, a really good village community here?
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Definitely, yeah, it's fabulous. I've never known a place like it.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Really haven't.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59- You stock an awful lot of local produce as well, don't you?- Yes.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01The cheeses, and that, a lot of the local cheeses.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Yeah, we're trying keep local.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- What's so special about this village?- I would say the people.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10The people, the charity, what they do for charity is amazing.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15- I've never known a community to give so much.- That's very good to hear.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17Well, I think we're going to be looking at a property
0:11:17 > 0:11:18not so far from here so...!
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- Good luck.- Thank you!
0:11:22 > 0:11:25With an idea of the community she would be buying into,
0:11:25 > 0:11:27it's time to take Janet to our first house,
0:11:27 > 0:11:3111 miles away in a splendid rural setting.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Right...this is it.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Much bigger than I was expecting! - Yes!- Is it just one house?
0:11:37 > 0:11:39Good question.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42It's actually two former cottages knocked together to make one.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45- So it's not too much for you then? - No.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47That kind of size is what you're looking for?
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- Yeah, the family would like that one as well!- I think so.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Yeah, there's a big smile on your face!- I think so!
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- It's a fantastic start. - I do like the start, yeah.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Let's take a look inside.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02This wonderful property is made of traditional stone, cob and brick.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Just the ticket for Janet, who wants a period home full of character.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Let's hope her enthusiasm continues as we step inside.
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- Now, how about this for a kitchen? - It's lovely.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- I've just spotted the range.- Have you ever cooked on one of those before?
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- No!- That'll be a new experience, won't it?- It will be.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25I hear there's a real art to it and it is a big kitchen
0:12:25 > 0:12:28because the size of that table is enormous.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31If that wasn't there you'd really see how big it is.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34And, as well as all this space that you have,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36you also have a big walk-in pantry.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Ideal!- Lovely.- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Through there you've got a little utility room
0:12:41 > 0:12:43but then it leads through to an even bigger one,
0:12:43 > 0:12:44which runs along the side, there.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48It's like a real laundry room and then leads to the outside.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Wonderful.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53Even though it's a nice size kitchen it's still cosy, isn't it?
0:12:53 > 0:12:54It is very cosy.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56You can imagine everyone sitting while you cook.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58What a cracking start to our house tour.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00I've loved the way you've reacted to the kitchen
0:13:00 > 0:13:03and I think you're going to continue to love this property.
0:13:03 > 0:13:04Come with me, this way.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Fantastic dining space, with another fireplace.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Oh, yeah, this is really nice. - Really nice, yes, lovely.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- And through here, look at this for a living room!- Oh, I like this.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- It's cosy, isn't it? - It's a good size as well.- It is.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- But, again, it's big, it looks cosy. - It does.- Even though it's a big size.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- I like the fireplace again.- Yeah. - And nice and practical with the dog.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- Yeah.- Very practical for the dog. Yeah.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36And even more space cos they've built this conservatory out here
0:13:36 > 0:13:38so you can enjoy the sunshine, when it comes.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41You've got a cosy sort of more wintry evening room.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Through there we've also got two good spaces,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46which are currently used as offices, studies. Do you need that?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48It's always handy!
0:13:48 > 0:13:51I can see the family in the dining room at Christmas.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I can see everybody sitting around the table in front of the fire
0:13:54 > 0:13:57and it would be lovely. I can see a great big family Christmas there.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01If you're seeing Christmas here, then that's a good sign, isn't it?
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Just needs somewhere for them all to sleep now.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04There is that, isn't there?
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- So, shall we check out upstairs, in the bedrooms?- OK.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Upstairs there are five bedrooms in total,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15giving the family plenty of space to stay in a range of single
0:14:15 > 0:14:19and double rooms, which are served by two bathrooms...
0:14:20 > 0:14:23..but we'll take a peek at the master.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Now, Janet, this could be your bedroom in this property.
0:14:27 > 0:14:32This is a nice bedroom, isn't it? I like the low-down window. Yeah.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- This is a really nice size again, isn't it?- It is, yes.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38It's big enough and you've got the wardrobe, over there.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Built-in storage, so that's always handy and there's enough room
0:14:41 > 0:14:45for another wardrobe, so there's plenty of storage in here.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47The house seems to be a winner on the inside
0:14:47 > 0:14:51and outside the whole plot extends to a third of an acre
0:14:51 > 0:14:55but there's something else that I hope will get Janet excited.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57See, a double garage, there,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01- and you'll probably notice that window at the top.- I did, yes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Now, it is still a garage at the moment but it has been boarded
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and it's got two floors,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09and it's got plumbing, and electricity already.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- OK.- So, I know what you're thinking! - Yeah, yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- I'm thinking potential annexe! - That's it, yes, yeah.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19A lot of house with the potential for a business.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22The question is, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- I would go 470.- I'm going to go a bit little bit less than that.- Yeah?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Yeah, I'm going to go for... Yes, I'll give it 440.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32At 440, could you stretch to that?
0:15:32 > 0:15:34I'd have to consider it because of the amount of work
0:15:34 > 0:15:38that I'd need to do to convert it for the business.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- Well, let me help you out here, shall I?- Yeah.
0:15:40 > 0:15:46This house could be yours for £395,000.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- BOTH:- Good grief!
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Now, I wasn't expecting that at all! No.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52I mean, you could do all the work.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I could do all the work and still, probably,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57keep within my 425 budget, top budget.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59That's really surprised me.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Yeah, that surprised me, actually, as well. I'm shocked.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04It is a lot of property for the money.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- An awful lot of property for the money.- It is.- Yeah.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- Worth serious consideration. - It is, yeah. Yeah, definitely.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12OK, thinking caps on.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13Head over to that annexe and have a look,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16and start thinking about what you could do with the spare cash,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- and your new business.- OK, great.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- Off you go, I'll see you later. - OK, thanks.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Under budget at £395,000,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27the price and potential of our first property
0:16:27 > 0:16:29was a welcome surprise for Janet.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33It provides her with a large sitting room featuring exposed beams
0:16:33 > 0:16:35and a fabulous fireplace.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39There is a kitchen with plenty of workspace for Janet's baking,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42it has five bedrooms and there's a double garage
0:16:42 > 0:16:44with an upstairs studio room
0:16:44 > 0:16:46that could be converted into a holiday let,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49subject to appropriate planning consent.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Oh, yeah, Janet, this is a good space.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- I can see this converted.- Yeah.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- If you had a bedroom and then a bathroom.- Yeah.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03If you wanted to make it into a holiday cottage, little cottage.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06When I first saw the property I was quite surprised,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08actually, I was very surprised at the size of it.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It was far larger than I thought,
0:17:11 > 0:17:14or even imagined it would be possible to have.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Shadow would have a lovely time out in the garden.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20He could be out there to his heart's content, he's a real outside dog.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24The property has so much potential, with it being under the budget.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I think that this property is just right for Janet.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29I can see her in it.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31I love it and if I was looking
0:17:31 > 0:17:34I would certainly be interested in moving here.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35BELL RINGING
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Now, that is one bell, isn't it?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42There we go, seems to have done the trick.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45That was the only way I was going to get you out of there, wasn't it?
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- It was, yeah!- Ring that bell. This is only the first house.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- The weather's taken a turn. - It certainly has, yeah.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Onto the next one, come on.- OK.- OK.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Dartmoor National Park is home to 450 miles of public footpaths
0:18:07 > 0:18:10and is an outdoor playground for three million visitors
0:18:10 > 0:18:15who come here to climb, horse ride or walk its rugged terrain.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16However, there is a dangerous
0:18:16 > 0:18:19and wild side to this area of natural beauty -
0:18:19 > 0:18:21it's easy to lose your bearings,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24especially as the unpredictable Dartmoor weather
0:18:24 > 0:18:26can close in at any time.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Last year one person every week went missing
0:18:29 > 0:18:32or lost their way on the moor.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36For this reason, the Dartmoor Rescue Group is a vital lifeline.
0:18:36 > 0:18:41Set up in 1968, the team is now made up of 120 volunteers
0:18:41 > 0:18:44and they also have four-legged help at hand.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47With Janet's experience of training dogs,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50earlier in the week we sent her to meet dog handler Dave Humphrey
0:18:50 > 0:18:54and, of course, one of their very special canines.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Hi, I'm Dave.- Hi, I'm Jo. - And I'm Janet.- Welcome to Dartmoor.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59This is Rusty and Didi's in the back.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02I'm a member of the Search and Rescue Association
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and based, literally, on Dartmoor, Exmoor and Cornwall.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10What we do is we, basically, go out and look for missing persons,
0:19:10 > 0:19:14and vulnerable people on the moors. We're out in all weathers.
0:19:14 > 0:19:15Are you called out often?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Yeah, looking at, last year,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21I think there was 187 callouts for missing people.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- They do it by scent, the dogs? - The dogs do it by air scent.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27They're searching across the wind for the strongest human scent
0:19:27 > 0:19:29they can find and they'll follow that to its source.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- How long do they take to train?- The training is roughly about two years.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35You start them off six to eight weeks on speaking on command,
0:19:35 > 0:19:36barking for their dinner,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and then you extend various exercises all the way through.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43The dogs play a key role in Dartmoor's search and rescue team,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46allowing the crew to find people lost on the moor in thick fog
0:19:46 > 0:19:48or complete darkness.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50Although the dogs track by scent,
0:19:50 > 0:19:55the exercises also test their listening and concentration skills.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57So, one of the exercises we'll do is what we call,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59basically, the speak on command.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03We'll stand in a triangle and the exercise is that we are going
0:20:03 > 0:20:06to give you the toy, Janet, and you will throw it to each of us in turn.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09The dog should sit in front of the person with the toy and bark,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11then the toy goes to the next person.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15When it gets back to you and he sits and barks, that's the reward.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18And that is his signal when he finds somebody.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20So we will start with Janet.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41The dogs train for 20 hours every week,
0:20:41 > 0:20:44but in order to simulate real-life emergency conditions,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47they enlist the help of volunteers called dogs' bodies.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51These volunteers hide away in a secret location in all weathers,
0:20:51 > 0:20:56waiting to be found by the search dogs. Sometimes for hours.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57Go on, find him!
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Away you go. Find him!
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Go on. Away, find.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16Good boy! There you go.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22What a good lad! Good boy. Good boy!
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Janet and Rusty the dog have found what
0:21:25 > 0:21:27they were looking for on the moors.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Fingers crossed we have a keen nose for finding our buyer
0:21:29 > 0:21:33a perfect property as we return to our house search.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Our second property is around 19 miles west of Chumleigh.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43It's close to Great Torrington,
0:21:43 > 0:21:47a small market town perched on an inland cliff with spectacular views
0:21:47 > 0:21:52of the surrounding countryside and with the River Torridge below.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Its geographical position meant that it played a historically
0:21:55 > 0:21:57important role in the English Civil War.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00In 1646 the Battle of Torrington marked the end
0:22:00 > 0:22:02of Royalist resistance in the West Country.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07Let's hope Janet will remain onside when she sees our second offering.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12A bit of sunshine, lost the rain, and here's the property.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- Very different to the last one.- It is, isn't it?- And looks interesting.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20I like the look of it.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23But one of the big draws of this property, and the reason
0:22:23 > 0:22:26we really wanted to see it is because as well as the house,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29it comes with an up-and-running holiday let business already.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34That's made you smile! Changing things already, yes?
0:22:34 > 0:22:37I think I have warmed you up to this a little bit more now.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39Come and have a look inside.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44That open-minded response is encouraging,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47which hopefully we can build on inside.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Straight through to this side of the house,
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- which gives you your living room. - OK. It's got its fireplace again.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01Yes, a fireplace with a wood-burning stove, a conservatory.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Big enough, isn't it?
0:23:03 > 0:23:05We started this side, let's wander over there,
0:23:05 > 0:23:10cos we've got the kitchen, a bit more space. After you.
0:23:12 > 0:23:17- This isn't a bad size, is it? - No. It isn't big enough, though.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20- Straight to the point. - There's not enough work surface.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22That would be my first thought.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26But then you don't have to do the cakes, necessarily.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31I do like a big kitchen and I do like my big work surface.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34But out that door, you now have a dining room space out there,
0:23:34 > 0:23:38so there is always opportunity for you to maybe look at changing
0:23:38 > 0:23:42things around, and a utility room, as well.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45The bigger picture of this is the business that comes with it, too.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48Upstairs first. OK.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52As we continue, I'm sensing Janet is not really warming to this property.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56But maybe the three bedrooms upstairs will win her over.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58There are two singles, one of which is currently being
0:23:58 > 0:24:02used as a study, and there is a good-sized family bathroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06But we will explore the master. So, good-sized double bed.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10You've got the wardrobes and quite a lot of storage.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16- What are your thoughts? - It's small.- It's a workable size.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22I mean, it's a bedroom, isn't it?
0:24:22 > 0:24:26It is workable and at least it has got all the storage,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- which is a bonus. - How are you feeling in this house?
0:24:30 > 0:24:34I don't get much feeling for it, but I'm going to wait until I see the holiday side of it.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Shall we help put this in perspective, then?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Go and have a look at that holiday let business. Back down the stairs.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Because that might be where you would like to stay, anyway.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46And I'll change your mind for you then!
0:24:46 > 0:24:49It seems like it's going to take something really special
0:24:49 > 0:24:51to get Janet to change her mind about this house.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55And that's exactly what I've got in store. Right.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01- Come and have a look at this.- Can I let the house and move in here?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I knew you were going to say that!
0:25:04 > 0:25:07That would be an option, wouldn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:11- This is very well done, isn't it? - It is, it's lovely.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15You've got this lovely living area, a dug-down area to create
0:25:15 > 0:25:19a lovely kitchen, two good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- I think they've done a fantastic job.- They have. It's lovely.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25There's a little bit more to show you, because it's not just this.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28You have some outbuildings and gorgeous gardens.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30Let me show you that. Back this way.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35It's good to see Janet finally smiling.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39She clearly loves the holiday cottage, but will that be
0:25:39 > 0:25:42enough to persuade her that the main house could work well as her home?
0:25:42 > 0:25:44I'm sure we'll find out soon enough
0:25:44 > 0:25:47but first we are viewing the garden.
0:25:47 > 0:25:48A gorgeous garden.
0:25:48 > 0:25:49It has got so much character.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52I think they've done a really great job.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54From here, you can see the house, obviously.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57You've got this lovely pond and the little bridge,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00looking over to the holiday let.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03This is a great space for guests to sit and hang out.
0:26:03 > 0:26:09You also get this triple garage, so loads of storage, space for cars.
0:26:09 > 0:26:10The little bonus at the back,
0:26:10 > 0:26:15you have a chicken coop, and the chickens come with the property.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18- That's it. You've seen it all.- Yes.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Now you get the total picture of this property.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- You understand why we've brought you here?- Yes, I can understand why.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29So now it's the big question. How much?
0:26:29 > 0:26:32I'm going to go for 450.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37And I was rubbish last time, so I'll give it a go.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41I would say possibly a little less, 440.
0:26:41 > 0:26:47Mm, you're getting better. You're going the wrong way.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52This property is on the market at £410,000.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56OK, so that's still within my budget.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58And you wouldn't have anything to do...
0:26:58 > 0:27:01No, that's perfect to just go.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Well, go and have a look around, and think about it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07Because it's a very, very different proposition than the first.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12But equally within grasp. Off you go. I'll see you later.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16That's thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18The house hasn't got the character of the first,
0:27:18 > 0:27:23but it does offer a great business that is up and running.
0:27:23 > 0:27:26And you can see the cogs going round in Janet's head.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Although it seems Janet hasn't fallen in love
0:27:31 > 0:27:35with our second house, priced at £410,000, it is under budget,
0:27:35 > 0:27:39and offers her a generous package with business potential.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43It has a large living room with fireplace, three bedrooms,
0:27:43 > 0:27:49a mature garden with a pond and a two-bedroom holiday cottage.
0:27:49 > 0:27:50Oh, now, this is a nice space.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I can see this, changing it into a kitchen for my cake-making.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58You could because it's got plumbing already.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01And it's obviously got electricity here.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03And you've got plenty, if you played it all out,
0:28:03 > 0:28:07a great big work surface.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10My initial thoughts on the house is, uh-oh,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Janet's not going to like this.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15But then there was the prospect of the holiday let,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18which was very important.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20When I initially saw the house,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I just didn't think it was for me at all.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26It didn't seem to have the character that I would want in a house.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29This could be my last move.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33It could be where I want to sort of end my retirement days, as well.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35So I have to consider, is that house
0:28:35 > 0:28:38I would like to stay in for the rest of my life?
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Or am I just using this as another stepping stone?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It's still gloriously sunny out here. It really has brightened up.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- Had a good look round now?- I have, yes.- It's been a long day, come on.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Let's go find somewhere to sit down.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06As the sun sets over the Devon skyline,
0:29:06 > 0:29:09it marks the end of the first day of our house hunt.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19With a budget of £425,000, Janet wants to escape the town
0:29:19 > 0:29:23of Fleet in Hampshire and pursue a dream of living in rural Devon.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28Our two properties so far have provoked very contrasting reactions.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31But the kitchen failed to impress in one house,
0:29:31 > 0:29:33and she was enraptured with the other.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36But it's never a done deal until we've seen the mystery house.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- This is beautiful!- And I'll be tasting a local delicacy.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Mmm! That's delicious!
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Yesterday we showed Janet two very different properties.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51The first offered her a near-perfect home
0:29:51 > 0:29:54but with a business that she would need to start from scratch.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56The second, the business was a going concern,
0:29:56 > 0:29:59but the property, she'd probably have to do a little bit of work on.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03So, for our mystery house, we're just going to keep it simple,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05and see how she reacts to that.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Our last location is found 20 miles south of Great Torrington,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16close to Okehampton.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19This vibrant market town, located on the edge of the
0:30:19 > 0:30:23Dartmoor National Park, has a rich architectural heritage from the time
0:30:23 > 0:30:27when it served as a staging post on the London to Cornwall route.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31A couple of miles from here, our mystery property offers up a slice
0:30:31 > 0:30:35of local history in the form of this stunning 18th-century cottage.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Traditional and picture postcard it may be,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40but there is one essential element missing.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42House number three!
0:30:42 > 0:30:46And you can get a good view of it from about here, I'd say.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Beautiful. It's absolutely beautiful. So, so pretty.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- What are your thoughts of having a thatched roof?- Wonderful.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- Oh, good.- I love it. I love the idea of it.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00This is not the only thing with this mystery house, the thatched roof.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03The other thing is that it doesn't come with an
0:31:03 > 0:31:06up-and-running business.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09This house is all about you, your lifestyle
0:31:09 > 0:31:13and getting a gorgeous country cottage in Devon, OK?
0:31:13 > 0:31:16- How do you feel about that? - Relaxed. It sounds relaxing.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20It doesn't give an income, but there's always other ways.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25The outside is certainly gorgeous. Let's go inside and have a look.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27The smiles and laughter say it all.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Janet has already fallen head over heels in love
0:31:30 > 0:31:33with the exterior of this 300-year-old cottage.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Let's see if she'll be impressed by the interior.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- Right.- This is beautiful. - Oh, wow.- Wow indeed.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47This is absolutely beautiful.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50You've got the beams, oak beams, all they way through,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52- and a huge hallway, isn't it? - It is a huge hallway, isn't it?
0:31:52 > 0:31:54It's almost like another room.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Well, if you're impressed with this, you're going to love the next room.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59I can't wait to see it.
0:32:02 > 0:32:08- Right.- This could be the living room.- This is gorgeous.- Oh, lovely.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- That fireplace is just... - So impressive, isn't it?
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- Proper inglenook, got a bread oven. - Yes.- Heats up the house.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18The chimney goes right upstairs. So you've got warmth running through.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- And the whole family fitting in here?- Oh, very easily, yes.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Like it! Already thinking about how you might fit in,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27and we haven't even seen the kitchen yet. Come this way.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34Lots of lovely areas, great features throughout this property.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Down here, the kitchen.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Oh, this is a nice kitchen.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- Oh, this is lovely, isn't it?- Yes.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- Oh, look at the fireplace in it as well.- Again, another bread oven.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Yes.- Really deep windows and thick walls.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Means you have a lovely warm house in the winter, cool in the summer.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- Yeah.- Is this big enough for your baking?- Definitely.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00There's lots of work surface.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02And the feeling on not having a business,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- maybe just enjoying your home for a while?- Yeah.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- Let's check out upstairs.- OK.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10I know how important the kitchen is to Janet
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and this one is clearly the icing on the cake.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Let's hope she gives upstairs the thumbs up.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20There are four bedrooms, including the one where Janet could be sleeping.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Come on through.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26This is a nice size as well, isn't it?
0:33:26 > 0:33:28I see you poking your head around there.
0:33:28 > 0:33:34- We've got an ensuite shower room. - Very nice. Yeah. It is a nice room.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- Could you picture it being your bedroom?- Yeah.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41Oh, that's very positive. No hesitation there.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Is this what you have been picturing your little sister moving into?
0:33:45 > 0:33:49This is something that I think she will be really, really happy in.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Yeah.- Oh, decisions, decisions.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54But you've got to see the garden yet. Come this way.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Besides the family bathroom, there are three further bedrooms.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01One is set up as a study and two generous doubles offering
0:34:01 > 0:34:05plenty of accommodation for visiting family when needed.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09Now it's time to step outside and take a look at the back garden.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13Come on out here. It really is gorgeous, this garden.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Quite a lot of space and a wonderful view
0:34:16 > 0:34:19of the back of the house from here. It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- It is, it's lovely. - It's lovely.- Yeah.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- So, all in all, your garden is about half an acre.- Wow.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28From back here, you've a utility room, this lovely little shed.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32- I love this little area here, the patio.- Yeah.- Great vantage point.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36And as you can see, the garden goes down there. And there is this!
0:34:36 > 0:34:37A garage they put a thatched roof on
0:34:37 > 0:34:40so it is in keeping with the rest of the house.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42So how much do you think it is on the market for?
0:34:44 > 0:34:47I'm actually going to go just slightly under my 400.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50I'm going for 390. Yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I'm going to go 410.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58This property will cost you £425,000. Right on your budget.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- Still very good, isn't it? A good price.- It is, yeah.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- About 30 grand more than you thought it was.- Still pretty.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09- Well, go and enjoy that beauty. Go on, revel in it.- Thanks.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11- And I'll see you later on.- OK.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Janet seems bowled over by our mystery property,
0:35:17 > 0:35:21although it means she would have to ditch the holiday let idea.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Bang on budget, this 18th-century character cottage gives her
0:35:25 > 0:35:28a generous living room with exposed stone fireplace,
0:35:28 > 0:35:30a great kitchen for her baking,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33four bedrooms and a generous garden for the dog.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- Oh, this is a really, really big room as well.- Oh, gosh, yes.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- It is a great size.- I think it's almost as big as the master bedroom.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43I love that big area up there.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47It's definitely good for keeping loads of knick-knacks, or clutter.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- No, no clutter.- No clutter.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- Knick-knacks. It's lovely. - Yeah, it's beautiful.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Really unusual.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57As soon as you walk up and see the property, it is so chocolate box
0:35:57 > 0:36:00and typical of what you expect to find in the Devon countryside.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03It's probably what I was born to live in.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06This is probably the house that does get me more excited
0:36:06 > 0:36:09about moving to Devon more than any of the others at this stage.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13And it's really worth serious consideration, I think.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15As soon as I saw this house, I thought, yes.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17The style of the house is so Janet.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20She has really got to think seriously about this
0:36:20 > 0:36:24with the financial aspects and the lifestyle change, really.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- Hello, there.- Hello. - Seen everything now?- Yes.- Yeah?
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Got your head around it all?- Yeah, I think so. It's a lot to take in.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37It sure is, isn't it? Let's go and sit down somewhere
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- and see if you have made any decisions.- Yeah, OK.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54For centuries, Devon's landscape
0:36:54 > 0:36:58and its natural resources have played a key role in its economy.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01While farming is the dominant feature inland,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04historic coastal villages have looked to the sea.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07The waters of the south coast are home to one of the largest
0:37:07 > 0:37:10and most productive brown crab fishing fleets in the UK,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14netting an income of £6.8 million a year.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18It is also home to its own native species, the South Devon brown crab,
0:37:18 > 0:37:22which is gaining recognition as a seafood delicacy.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25To find out more about its heritage and growing appeal,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27I took a trip down to the quayside at Teignmouth,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30to meet local crab fisherman Rob Simmons.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- Hello. You must be Rob. - Hello.- Busy out here.- Yeah.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38So we've got crab and lobster in here.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42Very well known in this region for the Devon crab, it's a famous...
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- It's the taste, I would say. - It's the taste?- Oh, I think so.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49I think our crab down here has got more flavour than any other crab.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51So what makes them so tasty, what makes the Devon crab special?
0:37:51 > 0:37:56You get two types of meat in our crabs, not just one, they don't just eat the claws.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00You can go into the head of a crab and you can eat the brown meat,
0:38:00 > 0:38:04which a lot of people don't know is absolutely full of Omega-3.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06I would love to have a go at cracking a crab.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Well, I think we could organise that for you.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13Rob runs a local restaurant a short walk from the quay.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17So, using a cooked crab, I'm going to be shown how to extract the meat.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- There is clearly a technique to it. - We start like this.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23There is a little knack to pulling the legs off.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- This is how I do it. Like that. It all comes out in one.- Right.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Can you see the meat on there?- Yeah. - This is just the start of it.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Now, you do the same with the claw.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33Pull it backwards. And the meat comes out of that.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36- Oh, look at that! That's a good bit of crabmeat.- That is.
0:38:36 > 0:38:40I'm going to let you have a go in a sec. I'll let you have a go.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42If you want to do one at a time.
0:38:42 > 0:38:47- There, got some sinews there.- Yeah. And we try the claw as well.- OK.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- The claw is the same principle? - The same principle, take it back.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Oh, look at that!
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- That's it, that's lovely. - It's fantastic, isn't it?
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- There's sinews on that as well.- A good bit of meat there. There we go.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- At this stage, would you like to try a bit?- I would love to.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Just try a little bit.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03Try a little bit of this.
0:39:05 > 0:39:06Mmm, that's delicious!
0:39:06 > 0:39:08But apparently,
0:39:08 > 0:39:11it's the brown meat that is the tastiest part of the crab
0:39:11 > 0:39:14and this is found in the main cavity of the shell
0:39:14 > 0:39:18and is valued as a delicacy in many parts of the world.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21What we would do now, is mix that with that. Do you want to try it?
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Just do that.- Shall we?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27It doesn't look attractive at the moment, but it will in a minute, I promise you.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30And you have to try and give me your honest opinion of what you think.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32I won't be offended if you don't like it mixed.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35If you don't like the look of it, but... That's, you know...
0:39:35 > 0:39:38It looks as if it's in mayonnaise or something.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40Doesn't smell of anything.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- Actually really nice. - Do you prefer that? The truth.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45Or do you prefer the white meat?
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- Yeah, I prefer this. - You do, yeah, I prefer that.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50That was absolutely delicious and a real experience.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54- I have learned so much and it's tasty, too!- Thank you very much.
0:39:54 > 0:39:55- Thank you very much.- Cheers.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02It has been wonderful to see a traditional industry thriving out here in Devon.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05But right now, it's time for me to get back to Janet to see
0:40:05 > 0:40:07if any of our properties have grabbed her.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14We have picked a lovely spot here, haven't we? It's gorgeous.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Yeah, very peaceful, very relaxing.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19- This is what it's all about, isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22We saw three very different properties, didn't we?
0:40:22 > 0:40:24We started with that huge house, five bedrooms.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26Was it too big for you?
0:40:26 > 0:40:29A lot bigger than I thought I'd get in this part of the country.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32I could really see lovely big family gatherings there.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34And I could see me getting lost because it was like a maze
0:40:34 > 0:40:37and you could just go everywhere and it was beautiful.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Now, Jo, you were brought along as the voice of reason.- Yes.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42What were your feelings about that property?
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I loved the property. I thought it had lots of potential.
0:40:45 > 0:40:50I liked the idea of it having potential for a small holiday let.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54And I thought it was beautiful.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58It did leave you money to convert that the garage into a holiday let.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- How are you feeling about that sort of decision now?- It's...
0:41:02 > 0:41:06I think it's probably quite a contender, because of that.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I think because it has got that potential.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12The second property offered something very different.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15An up-and-running business and the house, well,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17you would have to do a bit of work on it.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19It was all about the business with that one.
0:41:19 > 0:41:23And the house was not quite what I would have had in mind.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26I definitely didn't feel that you thought it was the right house.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32I thought... Don't know, don't think that this is really quite Janet.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34But the mood definitely changed
0:41:34 > 0:41:36when you saw the potential with the business.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40It was a lovely holiday let and we could see the potential
0:41:40 > 0:41:45and the sense in having a property like that.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48It was just whether I was willing to compromise on the house
0:41:48 > 0:41:50for the sake of the holiday let.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52And, finally, the mystery house.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56Now, there was no business at all with that. Very different.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00It definitely was the perfect, ideal, chocolate box house, yes.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- And picture postcard. Yes.- What did you feel about that property?
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I felt at home.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10It felt like a home and the minute you walked through the door,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13you felt like you were home. It was just perfect.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Have you ever had that feeling before?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19No, not quite so strongly as that property.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22So, are you going to put an offer in on any of our houses?
0:42:22 > 0:42:26- I think you have set your heart on the third, haven't you?- I have, yes.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29As long as I can figure a way to make sure I could finance it.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32That's great news. I wish you all the luck in the world.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35- It will be fantastic for that to become your home.- Thank you.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- You will let us know how you get on? - I definitely will, yes.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- Yes, and thank you for the experience.- It has been a pleasure spending time with you
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- and I hope you make the move soon. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53This week, Janet was really looking for a big change in her life
0:42:53 > 0:42:56and she had a very fixed idea about what that would be.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59But I did have a hunch she was going to fall for that mystery house.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02It was the fairytale home that she had always dreamed of
0:43:02 > 0:43:05and it didn't even come with a business,
0:43:05 > 0:43:08which has given Janet the opportunity to re-imagine anew
0:43:08 > 0:43:10the vision of what her new life will be like.
0:43:10 > 0:43:13I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or England,
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