0:00:02 > 0:00:04It's said that the man buried within that elaborate
0:00:04 > 0:00:06and imposing tomb went on to inspire one of the country's
0:00:06 > 0:00:09greatest 19th-century novelists to pen
0:00:09 > 0:00:12one of the most compelling crime stories ever told.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16Some say the tale is rather elementary. But where are we?
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52Today, I'm on a mission to help a dynamic couple set up home
0:00:52 > 0:00:54and a business in the British countryside.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56We get off to a great start
0:00:56 > 0:00:59when a converted chapel really raises their spirits.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Your face is brilliant, you're so excited, aren't you?- Yes!
0:01:02 > 0:01:03Right, let's keep that going.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07And a surprise in our mystery house is too good to be believed.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- Oh!- No, there isn't. - Yes, there is.- No, there isn't.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12There is. It's down here, come and have a look.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Well, today we are in Devon
0:01:16 > 0:01:20and these are the ruins of Holy Trinity Church in Buckfastleigh.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Now, the tomb we saw earlier was that of a 17th-century squire
0:01:23 > 0:01:25by the name of Richard Cabell.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Local legend has it that after his death, his spirit could be
0:01:28 > 0:01:32seen wandering Dartmoor accompanied by his hounds from hell.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The story, it's said, so alarmed the locals that they encased his tomb in
0:01:36 > 0:01:40ironwork and walls to try and keep him and his wayward dogs at bay.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43It's a cracking story, one that went on to inspire
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Hound Of The Baskervilles.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49But take it from me, you don't need to be Sherlock Holmes
0:01:49 > 0:01:52to uncover the other delights that this county has to offer.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Situated in the South West, Devon is the third largest county
0:01:58 > 0:02:03in England and the only one with two distinctly separate coastlines.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06Its rural landscape is defined by a farming heritage
0:02:06 > 0:02:09which stretches back to the Neolithic period.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14It also encompasses two national parks - the wild drama of Dartmoor
0:02:14 > 0:02:18and Exmoor, whose heather moorlands spill over into Somerset.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21Set within the park borders here are the Blackdown Hills,
0:02:21 > 0:02:25an area of outstanding natural beauty whose countryside
0:02:25 > 0:02:28is as well-preserved as the traditional buildings
0:02:28 > 0:02:31that make up its villages, such as Hemyock.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34To the south are reminders of the county's mining past
0:02:34 > 0:02:36which was prolific during the 18th century
0:02:36 > 0:02:39when Devon was Europe's largest producer of copper
0:02:39 > 0:02:42as well as generating half of the world's arsenic.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Moving towards Devon's southern shores,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50the Jurassic coastline is a recognised geological gem.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52The red sandstone cliffs around Sidmouth form
0:02:52 > 0:02:55part of its 95-mile stretch,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57which now has World Heritage status.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02Now, at £290,000, the cost of an average detached property
0:03:02 > 0:03:06here in Devon is some 30,000 above the national figure
0:03:06 > 0:03:08and, let's face it, it shouldn't really be that surprising -
0:03:08 > 0:03:10it's a gorgeous place to live
0:03:10 > 0:03:12and a very popular place in which to move to.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But the great thing for me about the property market down here
0:03:15 > 0:03:17is that it is remarkably flexible.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Yes, of course, there are hotspots,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22particularly on the south coast around Salcombe and Dartmouth,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24but head up to the north of the county,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26and particularly around the north coast,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and you will unquestionably find far more value for money.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33And when it comes to architecture and beautiful buildings, well,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36as you can see, that's one thing that Devon has never been short of.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41As one of the main historic slate-mining areas in the UK, it is
0:03:41 > 0:03:45no surprise that this material is a common sight on properties throughout the county,
0:03:45 > 0:03:50either on the roof or as a protective facade on external walls.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Prices for a three-bedroom detached home in south Devon
0:03:53 > 0:03:56begin in the region of £275,000.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00The array of thatched cottages in the county fit many people's
0:04:00 > 0:04:04vision of a picture perfect rural England.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06From two-bedroom cottages to the classic longhouse,
0:04:06 > 0:04:11thatch was widely used in remote areas before the 1900s.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13This charming two-bedroom property in Witheridge
0:04:13 > 0:04:17is on the market for £129,950.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Well, given properties like that, it's no surprise that
0:04:22 > 0:04:25I love coming house hunting here in Devon.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27And, of course, so do today's buyers.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30They're coming quite a long way, though, so let's meet them.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Russell, a fitness coach, moved to Holland nearly 20 years ago
0:04:35 > 0:04:39where he met his wife, Gerrie, a business analyst.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42But Russell has begun to yearn for his homeland and as for
0:04:42 > 0:04:47Dutch-born Gerrie, she can't wait to move to the English countryside.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It's a dream to, sort of, sell up everything
0:04:49 > 0:04:54and start a new lifestyle together and being away for 18 years, I think,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57you realise just how beautiful England is.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59In Holland, of course, it's totally flat,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02but so much variety in the country here.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06The beautiful landscaping, the area, it's just gorgeous.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09They met nine years ago at the gym where Russell worked
0:05:09 > 0:05:11and the sparks soon began to fly.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- After lots of hours of chatting. - Yeah.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15You know, we just really clicked.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17So, I thought, you know, we make great friends
0:05:17 > 0:05:19and it went on from there, really.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21For this new move, they want to run
0:05:21 > 0:05:25a bed and breakfast where they'll be very much front of house.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28We wanted to be in a beautiful place
0:05:28 > 0:05:33and also we both love to be around people, we love spoiling people.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37And their hearts and business heads have steered them towards Devon.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40The reason that we want to move to Devon is
0:05:40 > 0:05:43because it's such a beautiful part of the world.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46From the business point of view it's a good place.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Devon is a good place to start a bed and breakfast.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52But they won't be going it alone, as Russell's mother,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55who has just retired, is up for the adventure too.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58So, with three people to please in one property,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00they've all decided on their top priorities.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03The most important thing is the location, purely and simply
0:06:03 > 0:06:06because we absolutely can't change that.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08So, in the location I think that one of the most
0:06:08 > 0:06:12important things is the view - we'd like to have a nice country view.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15They've sold their house in Holland, so they're keen to move quickly
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and know exactly how much money they have to spend.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- The maximum budget for our move is £550,000.- For the perfect house.
0:06:29 > 0:06:30When it comes to location,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Russell and Gerrie are happy to keep an open mind and will even
0:06:34 > 0:06:38consider Cornwall, given their need for extensive accommodation.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41However they would like to have countryside views,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43rather than coastal.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44I caught up with them in Devon
0:06:44 > 0:06:48to hear more about the details of their planned move.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Hello, guys, nice to see you.- Hello. Nice to see you.- Hello.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- So, here we are at last. Gerrie and Russell, welcome to Devon. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56On a gorgeous day.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01At long last this great idea of a whole new life is coming to pass.
0:07:01 > 0:07:02- Yeah.- Amazing.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04For years we've been dreaming about this,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07that we really would like to start our own B&B.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Well, this is a gorgeous corner of Devon, but how do you
0:07:10 > 0:07:13feel about a bit of border hopping over into northern Cornwall?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15I think the location is most important.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18The house we can change, but the location, obviously, we can't.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22We're not really fixed on, "Oh, it has to be within 10 miles of..."
0:07:22 > 0:07:25It's more like, "Yeah, when we get in, this is it."
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Now, you've got £550,000 to spend.
0:07:28 > 0:07:33Give us a run down, give us a list, of what you want for that money.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36In an ideal world, about an acre,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39a property on the middle of the land, two bedrooms, if we have people
0:07:39 > 0:07:42coming to stay, a separate annexe for my mum,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46preferably attached, then possibly on the other side of the house,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50maybe slightly separate, three bedrooms, en suite, good size.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53We've got three lovely properties to show you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57They are quite spread out, we've got an awful lot of driving to do today.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00But, I don't know, I'm relatively optimistic, the weather is
0:08:00 > 0:08:03with us, we've got some fantastic countryside in which to be.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- There are worse things to do. - Absolutely.- Absolutely.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Come on then, follow me.- Great.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Russell and Gerrie have a maximum budget of £550,000.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17And that has to include any conversion or refurbishment work.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Their wish list is pretty substantial, as they'd like
0:08:21 > 0:08:24a spacious property with high ceilings, two bedrooms for them,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26and set apart,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30another three bedrooms all with en suite for their B&B guests.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32Russell's mother will also need her own annexe
0:08:32 > 0:08:36and, most importantly, they're after a spectacular countryside setting.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40We've got three charming properties for them to view, and as usual
0:08:40 > 0:08:44I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46The final option is, of course, our mystery house
0:08:46 > 0:08:49which gives them more than they bargained for.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57In a bid to give them as much as we can for their budget,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00we're getting our property search under way in north Devon,
0:09:00 > 0:09:02a few miles from South Molton.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06This small market town is ideally situated to explore Exmoor
0:09:06 > 0:09:08and the surrounding countryside.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Starting life as a Saxon settlement,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13South Molton came to prominence in the middle ages,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16when its marketplace became a centre for the wool trade.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21These days, its historic street are home to a range of local shops.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22A few miles down the road
0:09:22 > 0:09:25and set in a fantastic rural location
0:09:25 > 0:09:27is where we find our first property -
0:09:27 > 0:09:31a conversion whose 1850s origins might surprise them.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Right then, well, this is where it all starts
0:09:34 > 0:09:36with property number one.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39What do you make of that, Russell?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42I like the look of that, it's got some ornate stuff going on,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46I think it looks very solid. It's nice, interesting, nice brickwork.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47Any ideas what it might have been?
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- School, maybe?- No, not really. - It's a converted chapel.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Yeah, is this the sort of thing you might have come
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- and had a look at?- Yeah, I think so. Yeah.- I haven't seen it, so...
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Your face is brilliant, you're so excited, aren't you?
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Right, let's keep that going. Come on, follow me.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Gerrie's enthusiasm is a promising sign as we head inside
0:10:07 > 0:10:09to explore this chapel conversion.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15The property is spread out over three storeys and as we enter
0:10:15 > 0:10:19on the middle level, an impressive entrance leads into the kitchen.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Exciting. Oh, everyone is very excited. Come on in.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Let's keep getting excited. - Oh, I like that.- Wow.- Yeah?
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- I like the floor, as well. - It's nice.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31Really nice, beautiful.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34I mean, you said you weren't bothered about a range or an island,
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- but you've got both of them. - We'll take it!
0:10:37 > 0:10:41- And also, I like the three windows. - Yeah.- Yeah. Russell?
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I think it's got everything. It looks great.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Good. Right, well, let's continue our tour. This way.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54This middle floor also gives them a potential bedroom or B&B dining area,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57although it's currently being used as a music room.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59There's also a bright yet cosy snug with a wood burner.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03But we're now heading upstairs to the top floor,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06where there are three good-sized bedrooms -
0:11:06 > 0:11:08two of which could be used for the B&B.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10All are extremely bright and airy,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14due to the skylight windows that also give superb views
0:11:14 > 0:11:18and the bedrooms on this floor share a light and spacious bathroom.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Now, watch your head.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23They've padded the beams with these kind of pillow arrangements.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- Erm, you weren't so bad there, were you?- No, I was OK.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27ALL LAUGH
0:11:27 > 0:11:29What's nice is that you can see these lovely,
0:11:29 > 0:11:31elaborate roof trusses.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33So you've got the three bedrooms up here
0:11:33 > 0:11:36and then this would be the master.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's not en suite, but it does have this huge dressing area...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- Oh, yeah, absolutely.- ..I suppose behind it.- You could maybe even change it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45You could because you've got the family bathroom next door,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48so all the plumbing is in the right area, as it were,
0:11:48 > 0:11:49so it could be easily done.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52But I suppose the question it begs, really, is, you know,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- how do we work out the accommodation here? Choices are endless.- Exactly.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- Absolutely, yeah.- Come and have a look at this, you'll enjoy it.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01We're retracing our steps downstairs
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and heading to the lower ground floor, which gives them
0:12:04 > 0:12:07self-contained accommodation and living areas.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11Now, this to me is where it all really starts to come together.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The final bit of the jigsaw puzzle. There's a lovely bedroom in there.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Something of a sort of galley kitchen here.
0:12:21 > 0:12:26This is a really nice light double opposite a little bathroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- And then you've got this space. So, well, you tell me, really.- OK.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32I think that it will be good for Mum, because it has a nice...
0:12:32 > 0:12:35It really feels like a nice living area.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- And it's all on the same floor. - OK.- Good.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40And then going even to the garden.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Well, Mum's got her own, you know, courtyard garden if she wants it.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Erm, or guests, I mean, yeah, there's lots of options.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- Absolutely, yeah.- Good, so lots of space, lots of potential.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Absolutely.- Well, that's a story that continues outside.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Let's go and have a look at the garden.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58The space and features around the property include
0:12:58 > 0:13:01a large paved area and a number of outbuildings.
0:13:01 > 0:13:05We're heading past the large double garage to the garden
0:13:05 > 0:13:08which gives us a great view over the entire plot.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10So, here we are, the outside space.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13You've had a little glimpse as we walked up here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15You've got, obviously, a vegetable patch,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19a nice little orchard, we've also got the paddock and so on.
0:13:19 > 0:13:24- All in all, about 1.75 acres. - Ooh.- That's a lot.- That's a lot.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Not bad and, of course, they all enjoy this view.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- But that does depend on the price. - It does depend upon the price.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- Oh, dear.- So, as it's your national currency, Russell, why don't you go first?
0:13:35 > 0:13:41- 535?- 535, yeah. - I think a bit higher.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- I think it's 545.- 545.
0:13:45 > 0:13:50Well, not bad, actually, you have clearly been doing your homework.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54This could be yours for £550,000.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56- OK.- Very exciting.- Very exciting.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Well, off you go.- OK, thank you. - Go and explore
0:13:58 > 0:14:00and I'll catch up with you later. Brilliant.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03I'm delighted - we're in Devon and the sun is shining.
0:14:05 > 0:14:10Bang on budget at £550,000, this sympathetically renovated
0:14:10 > 0:14:12chapel conversion delivers flexible accommodation
0:14:12 > 0:14:15that they can apportion to suit their different needs.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17It gives them a raft of character features,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20including exposed stone walls and beams,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24four bedrooms to divide between them and the B&B guests,
0:14:24 > 0:14:28along with a separate two-bedroom annexe for Russell's mother.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31What's more, the property is wrapped up in 1.75 acres,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36When I first walked into this room,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40I could immediately see it was a kitchen and living room.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44It was like, "Wow." I loved it immediately.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46If I take the house as a whole,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I think downstairs could be ideal for Mum.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51I think upstairs could be ideal for Gerrie and I as a couple.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I'm struggling to find the three letting rooms and, of course,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57because it's the top of our budget, it doesn't leave us
0:14:57 > 0:14:59any money to knock things around.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02Well, one down, two to go.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Come on. Out you come.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Figured it all out yet?- Mm, getting there.- It's a good one, isn't it?
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- It is.- Very good.- I think it's a very good start.- Absolutely.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16Good, and we are all still very excited, aren't we? Yes, good!
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Devon lays claim to being the only county in England
0:15:28 > 0:15:30to have two separate coastlines,
0:15:30 > 0:15:34with the Atlantic to the north and the English Channel to the south.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38This means its shores are home to over 300 miles of dramatic cliffs,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41golden beaches and idyllic fishing ports.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43It was here in the late 18th century
0:15:43 > 0:15:46that gig boats would ferry pilots out into the waters
0:15:46 > 0:15:49so they could help incoming vessels navigate around the rocks
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and bring them safely into harbour.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Each gig boat would compete to get their pilot out first
0:15:54 > 0:15:57and if they failed, they did not get paid.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01It was from this competitive activity that gig racing was born.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03As Russell is a keen sportsman
0:16:03 > 0:16:06and Gerrie is eager to learn more about England's heritage,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08we sent them to meet Gill Gibson,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10vice chair of the Rame Gig Club in Cawsand
0:16:10 > 0:16:14to find out more about these traditional seafaring boats
0:16:14 > 0:16:15of the South West.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17- Hello, nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you too.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20What do you know about gig rowing? Have you done this before?
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Never even heard of gig racing.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Totally new for us, so really interesting to hear about it.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Quite popular down in the South West.
0:16:27 > 0:16:32Most of Devon and Cornwall, most of the coves have all got a gig club.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34How many people are in one boat?
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Six rowers and one coxswain in most of the races.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39OK, if you want to come and have a look
0:16:39 > 0:16:41and I will show you the gigs and introduce you to
0:16:41 > 0:16:44- some of the crew and maybe you could have a go yourself.- Oh, fantastic.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Yeah? Come on, then. Let's go and have a look.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Rame Gig Club was set up in 1992 to revive this regional sport
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and unite the community.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Entire families have been known to row together
0:16:56 > 0:16:59as each crew consists of six oarsmen and a coxswain.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03The local club is quite rightly proud of its achievements.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04This is our boathouse.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09Our boat store started off just as a ramshackle garage,
0:17:09 > 0:17:13back in 1992, up until about 18 months ago,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17and we had it all rebuilt into the boathouse that it is now
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- and these are our racing boats. - Ready to go?
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Yeah, shall we get this boat out onto the beach and give you guys a go at rowing her?
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- Sounds great.- Great.
0:17:25 > 0:17:30Although originally used as aids for navigating the perils of this rocky coastline,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33their dependable seaworthiness meant it did not take long
0:17:33 > 0:17:35for gigs to be turned to other uses.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Smuggling was rife in the early 19th century,
0:17:38 > 0:17:42and for £5, a boat and crew could be chartered to row
0:17:42 > 0:17:44a return trip to the Continent.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49So what you're doing is, everyone is following Aaron and Irene...
0:17:50 > 0:17:54We normally do this without jumping overboard!
0:18:03 > 0:18:06The Industrial Revolution meant that traditional oar power
0:18:06 > 0:18:10was eventually replaced by the muscle of engine efficiency
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and it spelled the decline of the humble gig boat.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16However, the 1990s saw a resurgence in celebrating
0:18:16 > 0:18:19the heritage of these regional boats in Cawsand
0:18:19 > 0:18:22and as a reminder of the energy needed to row them.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Now that they have got to grips with one of the region's
0:18:25 > 0:18:27traditional maritime sports,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31let's hope they continue to apply the same level of gusto to our house hunt.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37So whose idea was it to start a B&B?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Initially, after watching Escape To The Country years and years ago,
0:18:40 > 0:18:45we started to think, "Well, maybe we could do something like that as well."
0:18:45 > 0:18:49We've kind of come full circle, so if you could find a house, it would be amazing.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52What you are trying to tell me, Russell, is it's our fault!
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Absolutely.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57With the aim of finding them the best properties we can,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59our second house takes us
0:18:59 > 0:19:02over the border into Cornwall, close to Lewannick.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04This pretty village is located on the edge of Bodmin Moor
0:19:04 > 0:19:09and offers many of the amenities Russell and Gerrie would like to have on their doorstep,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13such as a church, pub, and local village store with a post office.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Just three miles from here, set in a rural hamlet,
0:19:16 > 0:19:20is our second property, which has period features and has been extended
0:19:20 > 0:19:23and renovated over the last ten years.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27Here you go. What do you think of that then?
0:19:27 > 0:19:31- Well, it's very different to the last one.- Yes.- I quite like the brick.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Not too sure about the extension.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- I like that smaller part, it's the same...- The stone?- The same stone.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- Unusually, your wife isn't saying much. - JULES LAUGHS
0:19:43 > 0:19:47It's because the smaller windows make me sort of think, like,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51"Does it also mean lower ceilings, less light?"
0:19:51 > 0:19:54The whole thing has been renovated over the last six or seven years
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- to produce what is now a very generous, I think, family home.- Right.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- That sounds interesting.- With that has come some modern thoughts.- OK.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Which are... Lots of windows letting in lots of light.- Oh, right.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It's not as dark and as low as you might think.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12What you get is lots and lots of character.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15And that's the joy of it. It's really interesting.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- There is also an annexe.- Ah!- That is very good. Let's go and have a look.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21- Shall we?- Yeah.- Come on, then.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Despite their somewhat reserved first reactions on the outside,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29I'm confident that they will be beaming
0:20:29 > 0:20:31when they see what is on offer inside.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Right, let's start with this one, then.
0:20:34 > 0:20:40- There we are. Yes?- Oh, I like. - That is nice.- Ah!- I like the wood.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- I like the colour of the wood. - Good.- I love this floor.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48The slate is terrific, isn't it? It is, yeah. Big slate, I like that.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50You look a little bit sort of entranced with this one.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Yeah, I like it a lot. I would do this myself.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Good, that's a very good sign.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Let's see if you'd do the rest of the house in the same way.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Come and have a look at this.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04The adjoining dining area has a fantastic flagstone floor
0:21:04 > 0:21:08and leads through to the kitchen. Now, what would you do with this?
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Or would you need to do anything?
0:21:11 > 0:21:13It's a bit smaller than I would hope,
0:21:13 > 0:21:18but still, having said that, there is a table in there.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Through there is a very big utility room,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24which you could...push this wall out. It's only a stud wall.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27If you wanted to, you could effectively double
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- the size of the kitchen going that way.- Look at that window there.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Yep, beautiful view.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37You see, I think this place is really working, isn't it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40I can see there was a little bit of...
0:21:40 > 0:21:44reticence on the outside, but now we've come in, it's hit you, hasn't it?
0:21:44 > 0:21:50- It's very cosy.- Brilliant. Come on, let's go upstairs.- Good job.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Well, thankfully, the more they see of this property,
0:21:54 > 0:21:55the more they are warming to it.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Wrapping up this floor, there is
0:21:57 > 0:22:00a study which could potentially be converted into a B&B guest bedroom
0:22:00 > 0:22:03and there is also a useful WC.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07Time now to explore upstairs where there are two good-sized bedrooms -
0:22:07 > 0:22:10one with an en suite, which could be for the B&B
0:22:10 > 0:22:12and there is also a large family bathroom.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17However, I am going to show them the room I think they'd claim as theirs.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22So finally, this is the one that we think you would probably go for
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- for yourselves.- I like this a lot.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28It's the lightest. It doesn't have the attached loo, the little en suite...
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- No problem.- ..that the bedroom at the end of the corridor has,
0:22:31 > 0:22:32but maybe that's for your mum.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- Mm.- This is very nice.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- Triple aspect.- It is.- It's amazing. - It's great, isn't it?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41So we like the downstairs, we are interested in the three bedrooms
0:22:41 > 0:22:44that are on offer up here with, of course, the family bathroom.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47But the annexe, I think, is really interesting. Come and have a look.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48See what you think.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Whilst the one-bedroom annexe is attached to the main body of the house,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56it also usefully has its own separate entrance.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04There. This is currently the sort of principal room of the annexe
0:23:04 > 0:23:08that is currently being done up as it were. This...
0:23:08 > 0:23:13I suppose you'd describe it as something of a sort of studio en suite.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15You've got the kitchen area out there behind us,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18and another room which at the moment is pretty cluttered
0:23:18 > 0:23:20but could perhaps have been the dining room...
0:23:20 > 0:23:24It's currently a long-term let, so there's lots of stuff in here.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27This is a really good size, the sort of size we were looking at
0:23:27 > 0:23:30as a B&B letting room, and with the en suite this is perfect.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- OK, shall we go outside and finish off with the garden?- Absolutely.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- Right.- Sounds good.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40The garden itself amounts to just over three quarters of an acre
0:23:40 > 0:23:42and has a range of small but useful outbuildings,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44including a shed and greenhouse.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48So now they've seen the lie of the land, it's time to talk money.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Let's remind ourselves of your £550,000 budget.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56So, would you like to go first, madam?
0:23:56 > 0:24:00I think because it's a little bit less land, I'd probably think 515.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03- 515, yeah. - I'm going to be really cheeky.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06I think because it's in Cornwall, it's less land.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08It needs a lot of work doing. I'm going to say...
0:24:08 > 0:24:12Excuse me, it's my turn! I'm going to say 460.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16Well, now, you are sort of... Sort of there, almost.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20The good news is it does begin with a four.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22But it doesn't end with 60.
0:24:22 > 0:24:29- This could be yours for £499,950. - Really?!
0:24:29 > 0:24:30Just under 500.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Well, as with any house tour,
0:24:32 > 0:24:34we have REALLY just scratched the surface.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38- I want you to go and have another look around. Off you go.- Thank you. - Enjoy. Take your time.
0:24:41 > 0:24:48Well under budget at £499,950, this well renovated but rustic farmhouse
0:24:48 > 0:24:52leaves Russell and Gerrie £50,000 for any work they would like to do.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55It provides a generous amount of living space,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58including a study that could be converted into a guest room.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Three bedrooms, one with en suite.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03A self-contained one-bedroom annexe,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06and over three quarters of an acre of land.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11Compared to the first house, this house had less appeal from the outside,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13so that was a bit of my concern.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17Once I came into the living room it really was a buzz for me
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- cos I thought it was amazing. - There is so much possibility.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23That higgledy piggledy - I really like that.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27I think there's definitely a possibility of a B&B for us here.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- Ah, we are done.- We are. - Property two is over.
0:25:33 > 0:25:39- It's been quite a busy day.- It was. - Long day.- Long day, lots of miles.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42The nights are drawing in, so I'm thinking that's it for houses.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46- That's good.- Supper time? - Absolutely.- Fancy a pint?- Yep.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59As the first day of house hunting draws to a close,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02our buyers can sit back and reflect on all they have seen so far.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11With a maximum budget of £550,000,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Gerrie and Russell have said farewell to a busy working life in Holland
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and have set their sights on running a bed and breakfast in rural Devon,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21where they will also be joined by Russell's mother.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Despite going the distance on this rather challenging house search,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26the two different properties they have seen so far
0:26:26 > 0:26:29haven't completely captured their imaginations.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33But coming up, our mystery house raises an unexpected issue.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- You know what I find disappointing about this room?- Go on.- Nothing.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42And I discover a local malting house keeping an age-old tradition alive.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Absolutely fantastic!
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Well, yesterday, to my mind,
0:26:48 > 0:26:51was defined by the liberal use of three words
0:26:51 > 0:26:56and they are in alphabetical order - exciting, interesting and potential.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58It's an intoxicating combination,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01exactly the sort of thing we always hope for on Escape To The Country.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Now, of course, it's time to introduce our mystery house.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07They wanted a B&B and that is exactly what we are going to give them,
0:27:07 > 0:27:11but like many a good mystery house, it's NOT where they think it is.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17As they are flexible on location, we are edging further into Cornwall
0:27:17 > 0:27:20for the mystery property, to the village of St Tudy.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24It's named after a sixth-century monk who helped establish
0:27:24 > 0:27:28monastic sites and churches across the English Channel in Brittany.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31The village has all the useful everyday amenities you would need,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35including a community shop, two churches and a local pub.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39Our mystery proposition is a bit of a gamble
0:27:39 > 0:27:42as it puts the business venture at the top of the agenda,
0:27:42 > 0:27:46which may mean compromises elsewhere.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50At long last, the wait is over. We can reveal our mystery house to you.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- What do you reckon? - I like the look of it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- It looks substantial, doesn't it? - It's really substantial, yeah.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59It's a proper old farmhouse, this one.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03So, why have we brought you here? Well, we think in terms of a business, this is a winner
0:28:03 > 0:28:06because it is already an up and running B&B.
0:28:06 > 0:28:07- BOTH:- No!
0:28:07 > 0:28:13- I all of a sudden saw the... - All the leaflets in the window? Yes!
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- So this is a turnkey business. This is ready to go.- Oh, right.
0:28:16 > 0:28:21- Lots to see. The only downside, really...is the road.- Right.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- We can't have everything.- But it could be your friend.- Exactly.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28It's a road lined with gold, bringing business in.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- It's a hard sell, isn't it? - ALL LAUGH
0:28:33 > 0:28:37The stature of our mystery B&B has certainly sparked their excitement.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Let's hope they are as dazzled by the interior,
0:28:40 > 0:28:42which still retains its Victorian grandeur.
0:28:42 > 0:28:47Well, let's start in here. One of the reception rooms that's on offer.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Oh, that's nice.- Yeah? - Really beautiful.- Isn't it nice?
0:28:51 > 0:28:58Really, I mean... Everything. I like the size, the floor, fire...
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- The corner, seeing...- What I find disappointing about this room...
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- Here we go.- Nothing.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08If the rest of it is like this, this is... This is fantastic.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Do you want the good news?- Tell me. - It is.- Oh, right!
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- It's just like this. - JULES LAUGHS
0:29:14 > 0:29:16Those Victorian proportions continue in the dining room,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19which also leads off the main hallway.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23And where we are heading next is equally as spacious.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27And here...the kitchen.
0:29:27 > 0:29:32- Yeah?- I like it. Great size.- Isn't it? Really nice.- It's all good.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34It's all good, isn't it?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37And it continues through here into this conservatory.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40For the guests, this could be quite nice.
0:29:41 > 0:29:45So they've currently got this sort of setup as more of a kind of
0:29:45 > 0:29:48relaxing area, but I was thinking what about guest dining?
0:29:48 > 0:29:53- That's true. Absolutely. - It's bigger than I thought. I didn't realise it had this corner as well.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55- Good. Let's go upstairs. - Interesting.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58I think we are on track with the space
0:29:58 > 0:30:00and style of our mystery house,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02so let's keep those positive vibes flowing
0:30:02 > 0:30:04as we head up to the first floor.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- Like the stairs.- Lovely, aren't they?- Mm.- Very nice.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10And they lead us up to this lovely, light landing,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14which is a real feature of many a Victorian building,
0:30:14 > 0:30:15as you might expect.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Now, to give you the broad overview,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21we've got three bedrooms on this floor.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Two of them are en suite...- Right.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26So all of that is done. All right?
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Now, that bedroom in the corner has three beds in it,
0:30:29 > 0:30:31three singles at the moment.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35It is served by the family bathroom that is over there.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- OK.- As you can see, this is really ready to go.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41The guests are here, nicely separate.
0:30:41 > 0:30:46- Your accommodation is through this door and up another floor.- Right.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- Interesting.- Come and look at this.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53These three guest bedrooms command a rate of up to £55 a night.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56What's more, their sleeping accommodation also gives them
0:30:56 > 0:30:58a spare room of their own
0:30:58 > 0:31:01in addition to a fantastic master suite.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04Now, the space up here is just terrific.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07It lends itself to all kinds of possibilities.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10Could be...a dressing area. Living area.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15- There is an en suite in there, but this is your room.- It's massive!
0:31:15 > 0:31:21- On your own kind of floor. - It's very light.- Yeah?
0:31:21 > 0:31:25- Oh! But, Mum...- Yes.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Well, we haven't really forgotten all about her
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- because there is an annexe.- No?
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- Yes.- Oh!- No, there isn't?! - Yes, there is.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- No, there isn't?- There is. It's down here. Come and have a look.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37JULES LAUGHS
0:31:37 > 0:31:38Oh, yes!
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Although they are somewhat bowled over by our mystery property,
0:31:43 > 0:31:45there's more to come because Russell's mother
0:31:45 > 0:31:48certainly won't be short-changed with the annexe.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50This part of the building is connected to the main house,
0:31:50 > 0:31:53but it also has its own entrance.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56So you come through the little sort of kitchen area
0:31:56 > 0:31:58with the bathroom attached to it,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01and then you've got this as a bedroom for Mum.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Mm-hm.- It's a good size. - It's bigger than she's got now.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07The other point to make is that that door there
0:32:07 > 0:32:10would connect you back into the main kitchen.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- So that's where the fridge is?- Yes. - Oh, right.- Yes, well-spotted.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16- Oh, you could even open it up again. - Well, exactly, yeah.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17The opening is there.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21And she's also got use of this space through here.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25So, I'm wondering, she might quite like this.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Come on in, Russell. What do you think?
0:32:28 > 0:32:29- That's a surprise.- Yeah.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31So lots of space in here.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34There's even more space outside. 1.7 acres.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37- Wow.- Yeah?- Yeah. Come and have a look. It's tucked away.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41As we move outside,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44the land immediately surrounding the property is mostly lawn,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46but just a short walk away
0:32:46 > 0:32:49is an area that offers even more business ideas.
0:32:49 > 0:32:54Now, they have got permission to have caravans on here too,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57so in terms of your business expanding from just B&B,
0:32:57 > 0:33:00you could entertain the many caravanners
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- that come down to Cornwall on holiday.- Right.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05This does worry me a bit, because there's so much,
0:33:05 > 0:33:07this must be way over our budget.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10What is this one going to cost you, do you think, Russell?
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Well, I think it's over the budget as well, but I'm just hoping...
0:33:13 > 0:33:16- I'm going to go on the budget, 550.- 550?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18- 599.- 599!
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Well, you've just raised it by 50,000.- I know.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25- Bang in the middle. 575. - Right.- Yeah.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- But, they know your budget. They want to sell.- All right.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32- There's a conversation to be had. - Right.- Know what I mean?
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- That's food for thought. - Isn't it just?
0:33:34 > 0:33:38It's going to consume all of your budget, but it's a turnkey business.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41There is money to be made here from the moment you move in.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Go and have a good look around and I will come and find you later.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46- All right.- OK, thank you.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48- Off you go. - OK, thanks, Jules.- Enjoy.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Granted, our mystery property may be over their budget at £575,000,
0:33:55 > 0:33:59but the established B&B guarantees them a ready-made income.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It gives them three spacious reception rooms,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04a large contemporary kitchen,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06five good-sized bedrooms,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08including three for the B&B guests,
0:34:08 > 0:34:11and a one-bedroom annexe for Russell's mother.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15And it all comes in a generous 1.7 acre plot.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18When I first walked along the drive, I thought,
0:34:18 > 0:34:21"This is my idea of what I'm looking for in my mind's eye.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24"This is my dream sort of property, with the drive in,
0:34:24 > 0:34:26"and it's a farmhouse."
0:34:26 > 0:34:28I think when we went upstairs and had a look at what would be
0:34:28 > 0:34:31the guest accommodations, all the basis is there.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34It's got three rooms, which is what we wanted,
0:34:34 > 0:34:36so that was actually, I think, ideal.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38I thought it was stunning.
0:34:38 > 0:34:44I felt very excited, really wanted to get in to see the interior.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47When I walked in, it didn't disappoint me at all.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49It was exactly what I was hoping for.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52I thought the dimensions of the room were great.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I liked the high ceilings. I liked all the details.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56I really thought it was stunning.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- Hey, Gerrie.- Hey.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- Out you come, Russell. All done?- Yes.- All done.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03I've really enjoyed this house tour.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- Absolutely.- I think you have too.- Absolutely.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09But of course, it is only one of three. Lots to think about.
0:35:09 > 0:35:10- Mm-hm, indeed.- Look at him.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Plays it close, doesn't he? Come on.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Often described as fields of gold,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28barley is a beautiful and familiar sight
0:35:28 > 0:35:29across the British countryside.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It is the second most widely grown arable crop in the UK,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36with around six million tonnes produced every year,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39of which a third goes into producing malt,
0:35:39 > 0:35:42an important ingredient in the making of beer and whisky.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Devon is home to one of only four malt houses in the UK,
0:35:45 > 0:35:48still using the traditional malting technique.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51So, as a man who enjoys the odd pint,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53I've come along to the historic Tuckers malting house
0:35:53 > 0:35:57in Newton Abbot to find out more about what goes into my ale
0:35:57 > 0:36:00from Richard Wheeler, who's been working here for 50 years.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- Richard. Hello, nice to see you. I'm Jules.- Nice to see you.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08The business of malt, it's a process that many of us have heard of.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11It's been going on for hundreds, if not thousands of years,
0:36:11 > 0:36:13but what is malt?
0:36:13 > 0:36:16Well, malt is barley,
0:36:16 > 0:36:21which is converted into malt by soaking it, germinating it,
0:36:21 > 0:36:25the whole idea being to convert the starch in the barley into sugars
0:36:25 > 0:36:27which are needed for brewing beer.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28But you're one of the few producers
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- who are still using traditional methods.- Yes, that's right.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35There are only four, as far as I know, floor maltings,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37as we call them, left in the country,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39doing it in the old traditional way.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Why have you stuck with the old rather than embracing the new?
0:36:42 > 0:36:46When you work on such a small scale, traditional floor maltings
0:36:46 > 0:36:49are regarded as producing the best quality,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51and I think it all comes back to scale.
0:36:51 > 0:36:53It's a bit like home cooking.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- And lots of experience? - Well, hopefully.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- Come on then, show me around.- OK.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01The process of turning barley into malt happens in three stages.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04The first phase is known as steeping.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Talk us through the business of steeping,
0:37:07 > 0:37:08for anybody not in the know.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Well, we steep the barley.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14We've got barley which is dried down to 12% to 14% moisture,
0:37:14 > 0:37:16and then we want to get it to germinate,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and to get it to germinate, we need moisture,
0:37:18 > 0:37:21so we have a system where we soak it for about 24 hours,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24drain it off and give it several hours of air,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27and then refill it again with water for another 24 hours,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and finally, after about 50 to 60 hours,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34we drain the water off and the barley is then
0:37:34 > 0:37:36at 45% moisture, approximately.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39The steeped barley is then ready for the second phase.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42The tank is emptied into the germination room,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44and then, using the traditional method,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47it's wheeled into piles using a maltster's barrow,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50where it will then be raked out across the floor
0:37:50 > 0:37:52to a height of 10 to 20 centimetres.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Is it possible to see it in its germinated form?
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- Does it physically change? - There you are. You can see it.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00These little tails, is that what we're looking for?
0:38:00 > 0:38:01Yes, those are the roots.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03The roots are growing, and what we're doing there,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06we're converting the starch in the barley into sugars,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09which is what the brewer wants for brewing his beer.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Finally, the grain is shovelled from the germination floor
0:38:13 > 0:38:15and transported to the kilns.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23- Well, this is a sight, isn't it! - Certainly is.- Absolutely fantastic.
0:38:23 > 0:38:24Amazing. So what's going on here?
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Obviously, this is the final part of the process.
0:38:27 > 0:38:28This is the kiln.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32The malt from the floor, we've seen it germinating down on the floor,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34and they're scraping that across into the elevator,
0:38:34 > 0:38:39going up the main elevator, coming down into this kiln spreader,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42and it's spraying the malt out across the kiln,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and then we start the fire at the bottom, the gas furnace,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48and the heat comes up through to dry the malt.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50And that stops the germination.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51How hot does it get in here?
0:38:51 > 0:38:54Well, just below the floor, we get up to,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57at the final stage, up to about 90 centigrade,
0:38:57 > 0:38:58which is hot, you know.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01And that's baking the malt, giving it colour and flavour
0:39:01 > 0:39:02that we are looking for.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06But how long is it take to dry the contents of a kiln this size?
0:39:06 > 0:39:09It takes us about 40 hours.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12The last 8 to 10 hours are the curing process
0:39:12 > 0:39:14where we're baking the malt
0:39:14 > 0:39:16to give us the colour and flavour that we want.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19So we ought to get out of here, otherwise we're going to be buried.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20We are, aren't we? Right.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Thank you very much, Richard. It's been a real pleasure.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25- You're very welcome. - Yes, let's leave in a hurry.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Well, as you can see, when it comes to making decent malt,
0:39:33 > 0:39:36it is a question of timing, and I suppose in some ways,
0:39:36 > 0:39:39the same could be said for a successful house hunt,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42which reminds me - how are Gerrie and Russell getting on?
0:39:42 > 0:39:45We've let them plenty of time to think about all the properties
0:39:45 > 0:39:48we've shown them, but have they got a plan for the future?
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Well, let's go and ask them.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- How are we?- Good.- Yes?
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- Tired, but good.- Tired, but good.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02That's a good sign, actually.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08We've travelled huge distances in this county in just a few days,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11and we've seen three, I think, very interesting,
0:40:11 > 0:40:14quite different but very viable options.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So...property number one.
0:40:17 > 0:40:22Our old chapel conversion. What are your thoughts on that now?
0:40:22 > 0:40:24I loved that house. I still do.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28I really think it's charming, it's welcoming, I love the location.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30The location was fantastic.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33We asked for an amazing view, and it certainly had that,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36but I couldn't see the potential for the letting rooms.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39Well, then we take you over the border to our second property,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42just into Cornwall. What are your thoughts on that now?
0:40:42 > 0:40:43It was really charming.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46It was clearly an old house, and it had so much...yeah.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Lovely old features, as we went through.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51All the slate flooring, I liked.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55For me, the slight attractive point in that house
0:40:55 > 0:40:58was that a few of the rooms were a bit darker.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02That's the only downside I think I see in that house.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06But also, you highlight some of the cons, as it were,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09the darkness of some of those upstairs rooms in particular,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11but it was comfortably under budget.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15Yeah, absolutely. Because that will give us really
0:41:15 > 0:41:19a possibility of creating the real dream, actually.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Well, then we took you to our mystery house,
0:41:22 > 0:41:23an up and running business.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25Setting the scene for you.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27What are your thoughts on that one?
0:41:27 > 0:41:30That house, for me, was the most beautiful house.
0:41:30 > 0:41:34The whole style of it, the space, everything.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I mean, I really, really, was taken with that.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You blew me away with that annexe I didn't expect.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43And then we went out the back to all that extra land.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45It was just like Wonderland.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47And then I looked at it all, taking it all in,
0:41:47 > 0:41:49and I thought, you know,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52I was really looking for a tiny little business,
0:41:52 > 0:41:55and it's kind of rambling so much, but on the other hand,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57you can always sell bits of land on,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59so it's a definite possibility, I think.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Well, you've clearly got a lot more thinking to do.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04I appreciate this is a really big move for you,
0:42:04 > 0:42:08not least because you're looking for a whole business to go with it,
0:42:08 > 0:42:10and you're also trying to second-guess what your mum
0:42:10 > 0:42:12is going to think and how she's going to feel,
0:42:12 > 0:42:15so it's always difficult when not everybody's here.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Well, guys, it's been an absolute pleasure.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20I hope you are a little bit closer to realising this ambition of yours
0:42:20 > 0:42:22to be here in the West Country.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24So, very best of luck.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Thanks, Jules.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Well, as we have seen, when it comes to property,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35both Devon and Cornwall have certainly delivered this week,
0:42:35 > 0:42:37so where better to finish the show
0:42:37 > 0:42:39than on the border of these two great counties?
0:42:39 > 0:42:41This is Devon.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44That's the River Tamar, and beyond it, Cornwall itself.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48And of course, we've had a terrific couple in Russell and Gerrie.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51You can't help be touched by their excitement and enthusiasm.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54It's as palpable as their focus and determination
0:42:54 > 0:42:58in trying to turn their long-held dream into a reality.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00And so, hopefully, now, they're well on the way
0:43:00 > 0:43:04to making it happen. All the way, in fact, from Holland.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Northern Ireland or England, and would like our help,
0:43:14 > 0:43:18then please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd