Devon Escape to the Country

I'm at the country retreat of one of the nation's most renowned authors,

who described this as "the loveliest place in the world."

So who lived here and which county am I in? Find out in just a moment.

It's a show of firsts today,

as we help a lovestruck couple who've never actually shared a home before

find a property for them to cosy up in together.

I can see myself watching telly here in front of the fire, definitely.

They also want to partner up to try their hand at running a guest house.

So we open the door to some top-notch lodgings.

Wow!

-Goodness me!

-This is five-star accommodation, isn't it?

And the surprise finale could see one of them carried over the threshold.

Oh, my God!

Today I'm in South Devon at the Greenway estate, home to crime writer Agatha Christie.

Born in Torquay in 1890,

the county was always close to Christie's heart

and her writing, as she based 15 of her novels in the county.

Now, she bought Greenway back in 1938,

and holidayed here every single summer until her death in 1976.

And although many of her whodunit plots were inspired by this beautiful environment,

she never actually wrote here,

seeing this purely as a place for relaxation.

Something that can be said for the county as a whole.

Sitting in the centre of the southwest sleeve of England,

Devon faces out over the Atlantic to the north

and the English Channel to the south.

Its two coastlines are peppered

with a number of fashionable Victorian resorts,

such as Dartmouth, down on the southern shores,

while set into the North Devon cliffside,

you'll find Lynton and Lynmouth,

connected by its funicular railway, which opened in 1890.

Historic transport links are also evident

in the nearby estuary town of Bideford,

whose landmark bridge dates back to the 15th century.

Moving forward to the present day,

many of the eight million visitors to the county come here

for the dramatic surf, sailing opportunities,

or to navigate its extensive cycling and walking routes.

In fact, the 630-mile-long South West Coast Path

that wraps around both of Devon's coasts

is the longest footpath in Britain.

Whilst properties values here in Devon have dipped by around 10% since their peak back in 2007,

the average price of a detached house here

is still just shy of £289,000.

That's around £30,000 above the national figure.

Now, the South Devon hotspots of Salcombe and here in Dartmouth

still carry a premium,

due in no small part to the stunning coastline

and, of course, the plentiful period property that is always sought after.

But no matter where you look, I think it's fair to say

that Devon offers rich pickings when it comes to its property stars.

Thatch is a particular hallmark of many traditional rural properties in the county.

From two-bed cottages to the classic Devon longhouse,

thatch was the main roofing material before the 1900s.

This four-bed cottage in Torquay

would set you back £535,000.

Staying by the sea, many coastal resorts

retain their fine Georgian and Victorian buildings,

but they can command a hefty price tag.

This blue six-bedroom townhouse in Dartmouth has harbour views,

but you would have to dig deep,

to the tune of £1,350,000.

Luckily, for a fraction of the price, there are many coastal villages and ports

where the cost of an attractive two-bed period cottage

can start at a much more affordable £200,000.

Time to meet today's buyers to find out exactly what they're looking for.

Transport policeman Jerry and his partner Louise,

a social care manager, currently live separately

in the busy Worcestershire towns of Pershore and Evesham.

They met two years ago, after a chance meeting in cyberspace.

We were both internet dating,

and I did an electronic wink at Jerry.

It took him a few weeks to respond, I must say.

But we met at the end of February two-and-a-half years ago.

Yeah, we met and we had coffee in the town centre here,

and we never looked back.

However, there is another lady in Jerry's life.

Well, Pint Pot is my passion. It's a small boat I've got on the river.

Louise comes with me. You love it too - she's your pash as well.

Making a picnic up and going down on the river -

it's just an ace way to spend the day.

As well as pleasure, business is a driving factor of this move

and with retirement on the cards in the near future,

they want to bring a new career to their front door.

This move is around a business opportunity as well,

so we want to be able to run a bed and breakfast.

We need to be part of a community, so obviously, we need to make friends. I'd hate to be in glorious isolation.

They're attracted to the rural splendour of the West Country,

which is also a popular draw for tourists.

We'd really like to move to Devon,

mainly because it's a beautiful county,

and it's coastal...and rivers, and obviously, beautiful moorland.

So we thought that would be a really good opportunity for bed and breakfast,

although our idea of hell would be on a seafront in a row of bed and breakfasts.

We'd like an individual property,

lovely location, but it's got to bring in the business.

And for their first love nest, they have a clear list of priorities.

Kitchen - functional kitchen, a utility room, cos obviously, there'll be lots of washing and ironing,

and at least four bedrooms,

letting bedrooms, and obviously, owners' accommodation.

I'd quite like a large garden, because I'd love to do teas,

have a tea garden. And you'd quite like chickens if it was appropriately big enough.

I'd love to keep chickens, yes. Fresh eggs.

-Yeah, for the breakfasts!

-Exactly.

They've settled on how much they have to spend on this move.

Our budget would be £500,000,

which would be inclusive of everything.

Any work needs doing would have to come out of that grand total.

The right location is key for prospective B&B guests,

so Jerry and Louise would like us to base their property search

near to good road links through southern Devon,

to attract tourists exploring the scenic West Country.

Time for me to find out more about the very first home they want to buy together.

Well, first of all, welcome to Devon.

Beautiful, isn't it? Look at it.

-Glorious. Renews the soul.

-Does it?

-It does, yeah. I think it's fabulous.

-Is that why we're here - to renew our souls?

Well, I think we're on the cusp of some great changes in our lives.

And this is part of it.

OK. The dream is to run a B&B in Devon, but that's going in at the deep end here.

Can we also look at houses with maybe...the ability to earn your money?

Yeah. We need an income, so a B&B would be the top favourite,

but we're ready. We're open to other opportunities.

-Are you?

-We are.

-It sounded like you're telling him that then.

No, I was looking for affirmation. I was looking for the nod!

Let me give you the nod. The nod's there.

Well, all right. This is...

This is your escape to the country.

-Absolutely.

-We also need to focus on a nice place for you to live.

-Exactly.

-I think this is going to be very interesting,

because I think we'll find differences of opinion.

We'll also find out, you know...

who maybe has the casting vote.

I don't think there's any doubt there.

-Over here, I think!

-Absolutely!

This is going to be fun, because... This is going to be a learning process for you guys as well.

You'll be finding out a bit more about each other you didn't already know.

-That's so true. Are you ready?

-Yeah!

Right, the roller coaster starts this way. Come on!

As they move into the next important chapter of their lives together,

Jerry and Louise have a top budget of £500,000.

They want their first home to be an individual property with character

that has the potential

for a one-bedroom private living area for them

and at least another three en-suite bedrooms for the B&B business.

Spacious kitchen and dining areas are vital to cater for guests.

Then, finally, the location needs to be well-connected to transport links

and, of course, close to the water for Jerry to moor his beloved boat.

We selected three superb properties which meet their criteria

in different ways.

And, as usual, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

The final option is, of course, our mystery house,

which will really test their commitment to a new vocation.

We're getting our property search underway four miles south of Exeter

in the village of Kennford.

Set in what local residents call the Happy Valley of Kenn,

it's served by all the essential amenities, such as a pub,

a shop and a post office.

Importantly for our couple, it's a popular stopping place for tourists,

both exploring the county and travelling onward to Cornwall.

Our first house lies on the edge of the village

and is a modern build that I hope has the unique spec Jerry and Louise were hoping for.

For the first property, I give you this.

Wow!

Modern.

Modern. Built... Well, it was finished about a year ago.

-Just less than a year ago.

-Oh, wow.

You said you wanted character. I think there's enough character inside for you.

-It's got character on the outside. The slate front adds character.

-It does, yeah.

Strangely enough, you appear to be in the middle of nowhere,

but I can hear the main road, so we know we've got good connections.

Let's get inside. I think you're going to be very impressed. I hope you are, anyway. Follow me.

Now, this property doesn't run as a business,

but it has an unusual upside-down layout,

where the entire ground floor is given over to bedroom suites.

And I think this arrangement has great B&B potential.

So let's start with a bedroom.

-Big.

-Wow!

-Yeah, wow!

Really big, isn't it?

-It's lovely.

-Cos I'm thinking,

as lovely as this room is - sorry - it's probably for the guests.

I think so.

I would be hugely impressed with getting a room of this size,

this sort of space.

Now, as far as en suites go, I think

this is one of the biggest I've ever seen. Take a look at this.

Another big room. Wow!

Goodness me.

It is fabulous.

-This is five-star accommodation, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

It's all done to a very high specification, isn't it?

Our buyers, or their guests, would be spoilt for choice down here,

as there's yet another magnificent bedroom with en suite.

But there are four bedrooms in total.

The other two are up on the first floor,

and include a double room with a Juliet balcony and en suite,

as well as one that could be offered as a twin room,

also with its own en suite shower.

That's four Bs for beds

and the next B is for breakfast.

Fairly decent size.

Wow!

Look at that.

It's beautiful.

-So would you have this as the dining area for your B&B?

-Yeah.

You know, you've got breakfast for six people.

I think the kitchen's probably big enough for you.

-Yeah!

-Yeah, just a bit.

Shocking, really.

I'm just really shocked at...

-And me. I am as well.

-I like it.

-Pleasantly shocked.

-Yes. Yeah.

Mapping out a property to accommodate paying guests and a home life

takes a lot of thinking through.

But upstairs on the top floor,

there is one last room that has "personal space" written all over it.

This was something that I really wasn't expecting.

That makes a difference.

This makes it more attractive now.

Cos this is a big, usable room, isn't it?

Very much so.

One thing all my ex-clients said to me was,

they gave their best accommodation away to their guests

and they always craved sanctuary.

-Yes.

-This is here. Let's keep going back to this.

You're not looking for an out-and-out business. This is your escape to the country.

You're looking for the first house - first home - to enjoy together.

Yeah.

Smiley, smiley.

So...whistle-stop around the house.

Let's take a quick peek at the garden, but also,

this is your first opportunity to start thinking about price.

-All right?

-Hmm...

"Hmm" indeed!

The garden area is tiered over three levels

with two decked terraces

as well as lawned areas,

all with far-reaching views over the Kenn Valley.

How much do you think this house is on the market for, then?

I think it's built to an incredibly high spec.

And I probably think it's over our budget.

I'd go 525.

It's a charming building.

I'm going to go 510.

-Spot on. £525,000, yeah.

-Really?

On your side here,

with the stamp duty threshold of £500,000,

I think there's a deal to be done here on budget.

-Do you?

-That's exciting.

-It is.

It's...

-Fantastic.

-Strong contender.

So have a good look around. Have a look at the bedrooms and see which one you want for your own.

OK? Cos this is a balancing act

between your dream accommodation for yourselves

and something for your guests that can earn you some money.

And I'll meet you out the front whenever you're ready.

-OK?

-Right.

-Yeah.

-See you in a bit.

I don't think they were expecting to see a property like this.

But even though it's just a house at the moment,

this would convert so easily

into a B&B. And...

in a very stylish way too.

A positive start to our property hunt.

Priced at £525,000,

this immaculate modern property is ready to go as a home

and has great B&B potential.

Spread out over three levels,

it comes with four pristine en-suite bedrooms,

an enormous open-plan kitchen/dining area

and a top floor

which they could use

as their private living space.

My first thoughts were that... I was surprised it was a new-build.

It was obviously clearly brand new, out of the box.

But I was impressed.

Inside, I loved it.

It's a bit quirky,

but the glass at the back of the house...

Very nice.

When you walk through the front door, it's breathtaking.

All the solid floors and the staircases

are just phenomenal.

And it just begins to change what you imagine.

We thought around changing a house into a business.

If this is your first house, really excited to see what else you've got in store,

because this has got off to a really good start.

So...discovered all the bedrooms?

Yes.

Do you think you could cope with en suites of that size?

Oh, very easily!

-Yeah?

-Yes!

-Good.

-OK, all done here. Off to the next one.

-OK.

A thorough understanding of the local area is vital

when setting up a business to attract holidaymakers.

So, during the week, we arranged for Jerry and Louise

to take a tour of Dartmouth,

set on the banks of the River Dart estuary.

Trade has coursed through its natural deep-water harbours

since Norman times.

And with its series of terraced streets

navigating the hillside's steep incline,

the town still holds on to its strong historic identity.

Keen to take to the waters when they move,

our buyers met local resident Sir Geoffrey Newman,

whose centuries-old seafaring family operated out of Dartmouth Harbour.

Just at the moment, we're standing on the Kingswear side,

looking across at the wonderful view of Dartmouth.

-Wow!

-And not only Dartmouth.

At the top, can you see, you've got the Naval College,

which overlooks the Dart.

This is the place that the naval cadets

get commissioned into the Navy.

It was built between 1899 and 1905,

and then, of course, below it you have the majesty

and the glory of Dartmouth itself.

And coming across to us, the River Dart, with all the boats on it.

What sort of products were they bringing in and out?

Well, very, very early on,

there would have been wool and grain exports,

right in medieval times, almost.

Nowadays, it is the fish industry.

So we're standing on the crab-fishing quay here,

where they bring in the crab, which is offloaded here,

then distributed right across the country

and, of course, overseas as well.

Much of the fabric of the town dates back to the 17th and 18th century,

such as parts of its cobbled quayside.

So here we are in Bayard's Cove.

And then we've got the fort at the very end,

which is the inner fort, built in 1537,

during Henry VIII's time.

This was the inner defence, in case the outer defence

at the mouth of the Dart failed.

However, a great way to survey the sights is from the water.

Geoffrey's taking them on a tour of the harbour

in a small fishing vessel.

We'll get a fine view of the estuary

and, of course, the Dart itself.

That's the Bayard's Cove, where we were just a few minutes ago.

Looking across there, you will see the inner fort.

So imagine yourself on a vessel, trying to get in here,

with those gun ports there, with guns smoking!

-It wouldn't have been very nice, would it?

-No chance!

-No.

Not surprisingly, Dartmouth's rich maritime history

and scenic coastal beauty

are a huge draw for tourists.

So we're going to continue our house search close by,

in the hope of taking advantage of the ready-made clientele.

And not forgetting Jerry's small boat,

Dartmouth could be an ideal location for recreation

as well as enterprise.

For just a stone's throw away from the waterfront

is our second property, which is again quite a modern affair.

First impressions? Fabulous bedroom window,

but I bet it's not a bedroom, is it?

You're absolutely spot-on.

It's not a bedroom, but you've got that to look forward to.

Let's talk about the outside of this house. What are you thinking?

I like it.

It's in a commanding position.

And it's got all the character.

It's got the slate over the door.

No, it doesn't do much for me.

Difference of opinion.

But we're looking with a view to making it a house/B&B.

Follow me this way.

In an elevated position built into the hillside,

this property is again set out over three storeys.

Down on the ground floor lies a garage

and the first of five double bedrooms

that this house offers.

And it's right next to a separate shower room.

The middle floor is given over to three double bedrooms,

one of which is the next stop on our tour.

Right, then. Let's start

with what I think will be one of the letting bedrooms.

Not a bad size.

I mean, yeah.

-Let's look at the bathroom.

-Do you want a look?

-Yeah.

Have a quick peek. It's en suite.

It's not as big as the first house's en suite.

-But it's all there.

-It's all there.

Further down the hallway is another double room and a family bathroom.

But I think the way this house would work best as a B&B

is to sacrifice the last bedroom on this floor.

This is where it gets interesting for you guys.

-See that small kitchenette and utility?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Well, this is obviously a bedroom layout at the moment,

but I think...three tables for two.

This is ideal for a breakfast room.

Yeah, it's workable, that.

It's light. It's got good views.

-It's a good room.

-And it's a dedicated room.

Very quickly, Louise seems to be jumping on board

as she starts to see the business potential of this property.

What I'm keen to show our buyers, though, is up on the third floor

and could be their very own private hideaway.

Right then.

At the top of the house...

I'm thinking these are exclusively for you.

It's lovely.

-It is, isn't it?

-Yeah. Nice big kitchen.

Massive kitchen.

It'd be a waste to have that as a bedroom.

Remember from the outside you said you liked the look of it?

-Yeah.

-I'm desperate to look out that window.

-Go on, then!

We'll go and have a look.

Oh!

There you go. That's the money shot.

Confining the business side to the lower two floors

means that Jerry and Louise would have

their very own private apartment up here,

which not only benefits from a huge open-plan kitchen and dining area,

with breathtaking views,

but also has a separate sitting room

with wood-burning stove

and is topped off by a master bedroom with useful en suite.

This floor is perfect owners' accommodation, definitely.

Isn't it just?

Oh, you're smiling!

That was an affirmative Louise chuckle.

An affirmative Louise chuckle! I know this now.

Right. ALC - I'll remember that.

What a turnaround from Louise.

After her initial misgivings,

she's now clearly quite excited about this house.

Time to take them both outside into the sloping landscaped garden

and hazard a guess as to what this whole package might be worth.

Now, this is the total of your garden.

OK, now, what I feel would be great for you...

-This is your vehicular access as well.

-Oh, fab!

-So you can pull the car up...

Clever.

Oh, it feels so much better!

-Yes? Really?

-It does.

So...it's that time.

Oh, no.

How much do we think this house is on the market for?

-Well, it's very difficult, because it's the individual building.

-Yes.

It's a one-off, so I'm just going to stick to the...

-budget price of £500,000.

-Right.

OK.

I'm going to go £515,000.

This place is on the market, unfortunately for you guys at the moment,

for £550,000.

Hmm.

The D factor - Dartmouth - it puts a premium on top of things,

and anything with a view...

But it's an asking price. Sensible offer gets a sensible answer.

That's what we always say.

-Why don't you go back inside?

-Yeah, we'll have a look.

-See you in a bit.

Well, it's, I think...

this house for these guys

is just that...

They've become overwhelmed by having the whole penthouse, if you like,

to themselves, and it's in Dartmouth.

They don't know Devon, but they know they'd love to be here.

It certainly feels like a contender, doesn't it?

Priced over budget at £550,000,

this substantial three-storey property

is proof that a prime coastal location doesn't come cheap.

But a respectable offer could put it within reach.

However, it does have great business potential

in the form of three letting bedrooms.

What's more, the top floor gives them an open-plan kitchen/diner,

separate sitting room and an en-suite master bedroom.

This house didn't particularly do it for me at all,

but once inside and sitting in the turret,

I can just see me and Jerry here.

Property two, the first time I saw it, my impression was that I liked it.

I saw Louise's reaction, though,

so that was a worry for me.

And I've watched her attitude change,

and she's been warming and warming and smiling.

I know she likes it. Property one was a winner,

property two's a winner. It's getting more difficult.

Let's see what happens with property three!

Well, I mean this in a good way - hopefully...

I've given you a sleepless night tonight,

-thinking about two properties, maybe?

-Yeah.

Properties that we wouldn't have particularly chosen ourselves.

-They're not bed and breakfasts - they're properties that would have to convert.

-Yes.

So, something to think about, hopefully, and then

the big day tomorrow - something completely different.

-Yeah.

-Let's go and see.

Right then. Let's take you back to the hotel, shall we?

-Yeah.

-Thank you.

As the setting sun reflects on Devon's waterside,

so too can our buyers reflect on the two houses they've seen so far.

With a budget of £500,000,

Jerry and Louise want to leave Worcestershire town life behind

and join forces in the Devon countryside,

where they would like to run a bed and breakfast.

So far, they've seen two impressive properties,

which could be configured to accommodate both a home for them

and a business.

But still to come, our mystery house is an eye-watering proposition.

-You look as if you're welling up a bit - are you all right?

-I know! I can't believe that.

I can't!

Then I'll be savouring one of Devon's home-made delights.

All topped off with a romantic ending,

where there won't be a dry eye in the house.

Happy days!

Here's to a new start.

So this morning, we're in the fairly fortunate position

where Jerry and Louise love both of the properties I showed them yesterday.

But maybe that's making life difficult for them.

They might find it really tricky to decide which one they like best.

Now we're off to see the mystery property today.

And, well, it's going to need to be pretty special to beat anything I showed them yesterday.

But you know what? I think it is.

And it might just help them decide.

I think we've got two contenders at the moment. Is that right or wrong?

-That's right.

-Yeah.

I've never had three, and that's what I'm hoping for.

-OK. That's interesting.

-Yeah.

And...I'm going to put money...

I'm going to put lunch on the fact that I think we've got three out of three.

Wow!

Because we've got two contenders, continue to keep an open mind,

but what makes this the mystery property

isn't what you're expecting.

Mmm.

To reach our final property,

we're heading around 20 miles south of Exeter

to the coastal town of Torquay.

This pretty seaside resort

is one of three towns that make up the English Riviera

and has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times.

And perched high on a hilltop overlooking the bay

is the Victorian villa that we've chosen as our mystery property,

which challenges them to commit to their chosen vocation.

So, your thinking about what the mystery house might be

comes to a rest.

Here we are.

I love this.

Wow!

And it looks as if it's already a B&B.

This is an up-and-running B&B.

Built circa 1840,

it's Grade II listed, as you'd expect.

What's your thoughts?

I think this looks really individual.

It's not in a row of all the same.

Love to see the views, but it's in a good spot.

Inside, well, you're in for a feast of features. Follow me.

The sun is certainly shining on our mystery property

at this early stage.

And inside, this Victorian guest house

presents a picture of period opulence.

Now then.

A proper reception. Bit of a bar area, I think it used to be.

This is a business you can buy.

OK? This is what you asked for,

but you've not run something before.

Someone else has set this up for you.

-Yeah.

-So, keep an open mind. Let's take a look around.

Seeing as this is already an established business,

we're going to focus our attention

on the ground-floor rooms earmarked for guests.

Now...

the dining room, or breakfast room.

-Majestic.

-Majestic?

It is, yeah!

Majestic. Right, OK.

This is where you see the real Victorian features.

And I think these buildings really work as B&Bs,

cos it's a departure from the norm for the guests.

You're so right.

It's different to the norm.

A nice place to spend a weekend.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

So if they're dining here,

the best place to cook would be next door.

In fact, it's set up just that way.

The real engine room of a home, especially a business, though...

This is where the magic happens.

Yeah, it's got everything you need, and it's right by the dining room.

It's perfect. It's perfectly set up.

It's private - you can cook away from the glaring eyes of your guests.

No, this is great.

-This has got Louise written all over it.

-Has it?

Now, the owner has also looked into

making this a destination tea shop.

-Fab idea.

-Yeah?

You've got plenty of room for that, haven't you?

Victorian murder mystery weekends.

Now you're talking. Theme nights - they really do work.

-You can have a bit of fun with that.

-Yeah.

I really admire how Louise's business vision is being fired up by our mystery house.

We'll save the other ground-floor rooms until later,

and go upstairs to explore the guest accommodation.

There are four en-suite bedrooms,

all of which are luxuriously decorated double suites,

with their very own shower rooms.

And the rates the current owners charge here

start at around £70 per night,

based on two people sharing a double room.

This is my favourite, although it's not the biggest.

It's a lovely size.

-Isn't it in character?

-Yeah.

-Would you change anything?

-No.

I'm glad you said that.

Let's find where you would have your own personal exclusive place, yeah?

Something for you guys.

With the guests more than catered for,

it's time to consider where Jerry and Louise would relax

after the working day is done.

Back down on the ground floor, there are two final rooms

that serve that purpose.

They include a double bedroom, currently used as a treatment room

with its own en-suite bathroom,

alongside a beautiful, homely living room.

I can see myself watching telly here in front of the fire, definitely.

Very cosy.

Yeah.

Very cosy. Nice place to relax.

It's just ready to run.

-We wouldn't have to do anything.

-It's totally your genre.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-You wanted a garden.

-Yeah.

This room spills perfectly out onto a raised patio.

-Let's take a look.

-A gin and tonic!

So this is all recently done.

But you've got a garden all on one level. Jerry, what's going through your mind?

You seem to be very happy, Louise. But Jerry, it's your house too.

There's lots of tradition in there,

with modern features - clean, tidy, hygienic.

-It's up-to-date, isn't it?

-Up-to-date.

Now, this is a little unkind, because you've only seen a fraction of the accommodation on offer...

..but you need to try and value it.

Gosh!

£530,000.

Jerry?

It's tough,

but I know this is a special house.

So we'll push the envelope as far as you dare push it.

So I would think £575,000.

Yeah. Well,

this place is on the market for £495,000.

Oh, well done!

I can't believe that!

I might say that price again - I liked that!

Tremendous.

How much again?

£495,000.

Wow.

The advantage of this place,

as I keep pointing out to you,

is it's up and running.

You know, this is...

-You're welling up a bit - are you all right?

-I know!

No, I can't believe that!

I can't.

-Well...

-Yeah.

This is good news.

All right? Have a look around the place. Take as much time as you want. All right?

-Yeah.

-Go and dry your eyes!

Well...pretty good reaction, I think.

Um, look...let's be honest here.

They want to escape to the country, they want a new lifestyle together,

but they also want a business,

and I think this place,

it could be for them, because it's already here.

It's already established,

and they can learn a lot from the current owners.

Could be three out of three this week, do you think?

On the market for a tear-jerking £495,000,

the mystery property is a stylish Grade II listed Victorian villa,

which challenges them to take on a fully established B&B.

It's made up of five beautifully decorated bedrooms,

each with en suite.

There's also a large kitchen and two reception rooms to serve the guests,

along with a comfortable private living area for them.

It took my breath away, because it was everything I wanted, really.

A character property, big windows, a garden...

And it was just so individual.

It was just...ooh, yes!

I think the house, to live in and run a business,

will be...very do-able.

Beautiful escape from where we are,

fresh start. It's what it's all been about.

-You were long enough! There's so much to see, isn't there?

-There is.

-Now then, do I make that three contenders?

-No.

-No?

One.

Well, listen. Let's go and cool off and have a chat. OK?

Sounds sensible to me.

Come on.

Across the swathes of lush green pasture land

that defines Devon's countryside

is the familiar sight of black and white dairy herds.

Yet just 60 years ago,

these hillsides would have been predominantly grazed

by a different breed altogether -

the South Devon cow, known locally as the orange elephant.

Before the Second World War, the South Devon was a dual-purpose breed,

used both for milking and beef.

But the post-war demand for high milk yields

led to the demise of the South Devon as a dairy cow

and the rise of foreign breeds, such as the Holstein and the Friesian

that we see today.

Although still popular for its beef,

by the turn of this century, there were no milking herds of the orange elephant left here in Devon.

But in 2005, Rob and Helen Taverner began a project

to reintroduce this native breed.

Now this is the only milking herd of South Devons in the world.

I've come to their farm to find out more.

One of the native breeds of Devon

-is the South Devon. Used to be very famous for milking. There's one of them.

-This is a South Devon cow?

That's a South Devon cow.

They're nicknamed the orange elephants, because they're bigger than the average cow

and they've got sort of a long face.

-You've bred these cattle, then?

-That's right.

There isn't any other farm in the world still milking South Devon cows.

So we could use all that genetics and that great milking ability

and its creaminess and taste

in the modern age, which was really exciting.

With the breeding programme going from strength to strength,

the herd of South Devons is now 80-strong,

with 30 dairy cows producing around 150,000 litres every year.

A normal dairy cow...

It's quite an intensive way of milking, isn't it?

That's right. They'll produce a huge amount in the shortest space of time.

So they'll probably be on the farm for about five years,

and produce, say, 50,000 litres in their life.

These will probably be on the farm for ten years - they last longer, they're healthier, they're fitter.

-They're hopefully happy cows as well.

-Right.

-And they'll still do 50,000 litres in their lifetime,

but over a longer period.

These beautiful beasts are powerfully built,

supplying a rich, creamy milk,

which has inspired Rob to develop an even sweeter branch to the business.

So, Rob, what do you do with all this milk? Where does it all go?

Some of it goes to the local dairies.

Then some we make into ice cream on the farm here.

-Ice cream?

-Ice cream.

In order to turn this milk into ice cream,

Rob mixes it with eggs, sugar, cream,

and in this instance, chocolate.

The mixture is then left to pasteurise overnight

before it's finally passed through the freezing machine.

This sounds like heaven in a bucket!

And it's lovely and yellow - can you see that?

There you go.

The last bits of chocolate going in there as well, which we've blended in.

Let's not waste any of that! Let's get the chocolate in there.

After ten minutes or so, the ice cream is ready, and for extra indulgence,

we're going to throw in some home-made brownies.

Here you go. Have a taste.

-What do you think?

-Oh, Daisy - she tastes beautiful!

-She does.

Isn't it great to see these wonderful cows

once again producing milk in this fantastic Devonshire landscape?

Time to catch up with today's buyers

to see if we've found the right business opportunity for them.

So let's talk about the properties themselves.

First property was a house,

but you could see the potential straight away, couldn't you?

Yeah.

Two lovely bedrooms with fabulous James Bond bathrooms!

It was, wasn't it?

-The separate upstairs area had all the potential, didn't it?

-Yeah.

And the lovely aspect to the rear, with all the glass.

And then the features at the front.

Dynamic.

-Yeah.

-Really good property.

We left there and I was thinking, "Well, they've seen the potential here."

I thought we had a contender there.

So, in the afternoon, we went along to a house in Dartmouth,

an area you'd already said you'd liked. What were your first impressions then, Jerry?

I thought the frontage of the house was impressive,

and that amazing turret feature at the top,

which we found out inside exactly what secrets it held.

You were essentially getting a penthouse apartment with that property.

It was. It was just like a penthouse.

-I could see us being really comfortable in that apartment upstairs.

-Yeah.

And with the open-plan kitchen...

So, end of day one...

Two properties,

-both with potential, which I think you've come round to, haven't you?

-Yes.

-Yes.

Which is why I was really, really keen on showing you the mystery property today.

An up-and-running B&B.

What were your thoughts when you first came round the corner and saw it, Jerry?

When I first saw it, I was well impressed.

18th-century period property,

all the different angles of the roofs and the chimney

and the windows. It was all happening.

Um...really established front planted area,

trees. Very impressive.

I thought, "Way out of our budget - what are we doing here?"

But then inside, you saw that

you've got all those beautiful Victorian features that your guests would enjoy as well.

-I think that's when the penny started to drop.

-Definitely.

And it was a much older property, period property,

but had been finished to a really high standard

and was somewhere that we would have stayed.

Do I need to ask what your favourite is?

You can, but I'm sure you know.

Go on.

The mystery property, definitely.

The first two were stunning,

but the mystery property

has got it for me.

So what's the next step?

What do you want to do about it?

We need to find some financial guidance, don't we?

We desperately want to generate the money

that's required to bag that property.

-But we will pursue that.

-Yeah?

On the cusp of a new life together, probably.

What do you mean "probably"?

Well...

While we're on the subject, and these good folk from Escape To The Country

have done all this research and hard work for us,

to find a new beginning,

and the perfect property...

I've been doing some work myself.

And I've been researching

the perfect woman that I'd like to spend the rest of my life with.

So, young Louise...

I want to ask you

if you would be...

or do me the honour of...

being my wife.

Oh, my God!

Is that a yes or a maybe?

I'd be delighted to be your wife!

Yes!

Well, give us a kiss, then!

Wow!

Wow!

Thank you.

Happy days!

Here's to a new start.

Oh, listen, congratulations!

Congratulations, mate. That is amazing. Amazing news.

I'm not playing gooseberry any longer. This is brilliant news. Enjoy the moment.

I'm off to get a bottle of fizz, all right?

Catch you in a mo.

Well, Jerry and Louise are nothing if not adventurous.

They want to move to a county that they admit they've hardly ever been to before

and buy their very first home here.

But it also needs to be a business.

But with that mystery property, I think we may have just found it for them.

And, as you can see, they've just committed to the rest of their lives together.

So they're off to a flying start.

Worthy of a celebration, I think.

See you next time.

Jerry and Louise did go back to the mystery house,

and are now in negotiations with the owner.

They have also set a date for their wedding,

so are hopefully set to start

a new life together in the country very soon.

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