0:00:02 > 0:00:07Welcome to Escape To The Country. All over the UK, there are stone circles just like this one.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11For centuries, scholars have debated their origins and their purpose.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17Often they're surrounded in mystery and intrigue, but in this case, we know all about it,
0:00:17 > 0:00:22so where are we and what does it all mean? Join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44'On today's show, we've been entrusted with helping two self-confessed townies
0:00:44 > 0:00:47'to finally find some rural respite.'
0:00:47 > 0:00:54- That's a bit special.- 'Though they struggle with the right vibes in one place...'- I'm not getting the feel.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56'..we could hit the jackpot.'
0:00:56 > 0:00:59This is absolutely the real "wow"!
0:01:01 > 0:01:06Today, we're in Somerset and this stone circle is in the middle of Ham Hill,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09a local beauty spot towards the south of the county.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Ham Hill itself is an Iron Age hill fort.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15It dates from about 800 BC,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19but since it was constructed, it's also become a source for this -
0:01:19 > 0:01:22gorgeous, honey-coloured, local hamstone.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26The stone circle itself was put up at the turn of the millennium
0:01:26 > 0:01:29to commemorate the struggle and toil of all of those
0:01:29 > 0:01:34who have worked here over the last 2,000 years to extract this stuff,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37but it's the sort of story we shouldn't forget.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43Just imagine what would happen if, in 2,000 years' time, archaeologists of the future didn't know about it.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47They might think the circle was much older than it really is.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54Nestled in the south-west of England, Somerset is bordered by a number of counties,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58including Dorset to the south-east and Devon to the south-west,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02with its northern fringes meeting the Bristol Channel coast.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07Part of the imposing Ham Hill is now a 400-acre country park.
0:02:07 > 0:02:13Its underlying geology has provided the stone used to build much of the county's distinctive architecture.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18Hinton St George is one village that exemplifies the beauty of this stone
0:02:18 > 0:02:20with its warm, ochre-toned houses.
0:02:20 > 0:02:26But one of the county's most iconic landmarks must be the 500-foot Glastonbury Tor
0:02:26 > 0:02:32which soars to the skies with the ruins of a 14th century church standing proudly at the summit.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It's small wonder that this remarkable terraced Tor
0:02:35 > 0:02:39has inspired spiritual speculation for generations.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Now, despite the obvious gloom on the horizon over my shoulder,
0:02:45 > 0:02:51take it from me, Somerset is a beautiful county, especially when the sun is shining,
0:02:51 > 0:02:56and when it comes to house prices, they make for some fairly interesting reading too.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00At £263,000, your average property here is a mere £5,000
0:03:00 > 0:03:02over the national average.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06As with anywhere, there are some places that attract a premium,
0:03:06 > 0:03:11not least the pretty little villages of Combe St Nicholas and Hinton St George,
0:03:11 > 0:03:16but if you want a bit more bang for your buck, head south towards the Dorset border.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Around Yeovil and Ilminster, you'll get a bit more for your money,
0:03:20 > 0:03:26but this is certainly a place with something for everyone, including today's buyers,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29so let's go and meet them and find out what they're after.
0:03:29 > 0:03:36Retired postman Andy caught the eye of his partner Fiona in a shoe shop eight years ago.
0:03:36 > 0:03:42They share this three-bedroom, 1960s detached house in Haywards Heath near the south coast,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45but are looking for a new stomping ground to call home.
0:03:45 > 0:03:51We're both from the outskirts of London and when we moved here, this was escaping to the country,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55but now it's catching up. It's almost like a suburb of London.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59It's a bit too busy now and we want to take that next step to...
0:03:59 > 0:04:01To get back to the country.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06So, the plan is to swap suburban East Sussex for the wilds of the West Country.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11We particularly want to go to Somerset or Somerset-Dorset borders
0:04:11 > 0:04:15because it's an area that we've known, we've been on holiday,
0:04:15 > 0:04:20it's quite close to friends and relatives and...
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Not too far from the sea which is a big plus for me.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And there's another member of their party with itchy feet.
0:04:27 > 0:04:34We've got a fairly large dog, a flat-coated retriever called Toto, who we got from a puppy...
0:04:34 > 0:04:37He's a big dog, so he quite enjoys walking.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42- He needs a lot of exercise, so we need to find some more walks for him.- We do.
0:04:42 > 0:04:48With four legs catered for, there are also half a dozen four-wheelers that take top priority.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51My passion, as it were, are old cars.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Although we have a garage here,
0:04:54 > 0:04:57it's quite small, it's quite tight,
0:04:57 > 0:05:03and I'm getting to the age where I can't contort my body well enough to get into the positions I need to.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Obviously, when we move, we'll have to try and accommodate them,
0:05:07 > 0:05:12so a bigger garage and a bigger drive and I'd be as happy as anything.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18For Andy, it's classic cars, but for Fiona, it's classy cakes.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I love baking.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26I bake many cakes. I've done pop-up tea rooms with a friend of mine.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32At the moment, because I've got no pop-up tea rooms, Andy seems to be eating most of the cakes.
0:05:32 > 0:05:37My must-haves are... definitely a fairly large kitchen.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41The garden we've got at the moment is nice, but it's a little bit small,
0:05:41 > 0:05:47so I'm thinking that I would like a larger garden, possibly grow a few vegetables, not a huge amount.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52Both Andy and Fiona have grown-up children from previous partners,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56but this move represents a defining moment in their relationship.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59We've been together for eight years.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04We want to go somewhere on our own terms. We want to decide where we're going to live.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10Exactly. Somewhere that we both want to live, as opposed to just meeting and continuing with life as it was.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15- And to incorporate retirement, so it's a huge, huge step for us. - It is.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20All that's left is to find out the figure they're willing to spend on their new Somerset venture.
0:06:20 > 0:06:25The budget for this move would be 375,
0:06:25 > 0:06:30but if you found us an absolute dream house, we could probably stretch it to 400.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37'To stay connected to their families, Andy and Fiona would like good access to the A303,
0:06:37 > 0:06:43'so we'll be concentrating our house search on the pretty villages in the south of the county
0:06:43 > 0:06:45'close to the border with Dorset.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50'It's in a peaceful Somerset spot where we're meeting up to nail the finer details of their move.'
0:06:50 > 0:06:56- Hi, Andy.- Hello, Jules.- Well, guys, welcome to Somerset, "the land," they say, "of the summer people".
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- Although the sun is shining today, it is bitterly cold.- It is freezing.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06You've spent quite a long time thinking about this ideal property. What's in your mind?
0:07:06 > 0:07:10In my mind, roses around the door, pretty, in a nice, little village,
0:07:10 > 0:07:15up to the village pub and general store, something like that, not too big,
0:07:15 > 0:07:20but we are essentially townies, so we don't want to be too far from the main...
0:07:20 > 0:07:26It's not a phrase we hear often, "We're essentially townies." But it's right to be honest about it.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28We all need amenities, after all.
0:07:28 > 0:07:34- But you're still keen on something chocolate-boxy, I suppose? - I am, definitely.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38You've got a big, extended family. How many bedrooms do you need?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41- Three bedrooms.- Four would be nice, but we can cope with three.
0:07:41 > 0:07:48- We don't really want a project? - It depends. Not a full restoration, but we could take on some work.
0:07:48 > 0:07:54Good. Let's have a think about money. How much does this whole endeavour need to cost you?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56- Max 400,000.- Yeah.- Right then.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02Let's head off into this "land of the summer people" while there still is a bit of sunshine. Come on.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09For a top budget of £400,000, Fiona are Andy are looking for...
0:08:26 > 0:08:32I'm hoping that our line-up of textbook country properties will appeal to them,
0:08:32 > 0:08:37but I'll keep them guessing as to what each house is worth until the end of the tour,
0:08:37 > 0:08:42then there's the mystery house which might be a little less sweet, but a lot more substantial.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48So, how do your family feel about this move from Sussex?
0:08:48 > 0:08:54They're all very cool about it. My two children are older and off anyway.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56And your three are quite happy.
0:08:56 > 0:09:01My three have all said, "Go for it," which is a nice situation to be in.
0:09:01 > 0:09:08And the whole idea is that the children will come and spend perhaps more quality time with us.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Well, property number one is not that far away now
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- and as you probably gathered, we are heading towards Dorset.- We are.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25Fiona and Andy have said they wouldn't mind a bit of border-hopping,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27but we're not jumping over just yet
0:09:27 > 0:09:34because property number one is in the village of Rimpton right on the Somerset-Dorset border.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38Rimpton is just five miles from the beautiful abbey town of Sherborne
0:09:38 > 0:09:41which has a variety of independent shops and pubs.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44The streets are full of historic interest
0:09:44 > 0:09:48with architecture that spans the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries,
0:09:48 > 0:09:53much of which has been constructed from the distinctive, mellow hamstone.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56In Rimpton, we have another property with vintage pedigree
0:09:56 > 0:09:59that we've chosen as our first house.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- Oh, wow!- Oh, my goodness!
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- That's wonderful. - That's fantastic.- Yeah?
0:10:04 > 0:10:11- Chocolate boxy?- It is.- It has all the pretty charm that I think you're looking for.- I think you're right.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- In terms of garaging... - I'm not seeing one.- No.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19I'm afraid you're not going to. The parking is there, but we have a solution.
0:10:19 > 0:10:25About ten minutes down the road is Sparkford and in Sparkford we have located a hangar.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27Ah!
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Now, it's a huge kind of barn
0:10:29 > 0:10:32which you can garage your cars in
0:10:32 > 0:10:37and it has some separate garages as well which you can lock your bits and pieces away in.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41All of that is about £600 to £800 a year to rent.
0:10:41 > 0:10:47- That's not too bad at all.- It does mean they're all off-site.- I won't have to look out the window at them.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Come on, let's have a look inside.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54'Thatched fairly recently within the last seven years,
0:10:54 > 0:11:01'this Grade II listed property appears to have all the hallmarks of a classic and cosy English cottage,
0:11:01 > 0:11:06'but there's a lot more to this place than immediately meets the eye.'
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- Right, Fiona...- Oh, wow, beautiful! - It's a beautiful room, isn't it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- And I love the inglenook.- Yes, it's gorgeous. But the detailing, I love.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- The panelling there is fabulous. - Yes.- Really nice.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- That's a nice little feature. - Yes, little salt stores, dating from way back when.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- So, we're happy with the living room?- We like it very much.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34'In this main reception room, there's also a staircase that leads directly into the master bedroom
0:11:34 > 0:11:36'which is one of two staircases,
0:11:36 > 0:11:41'but we'll continue our tour of the ground floor where there are two study areas,
0:11:41 > 0:11:46'one of which has double patio doors out to the back garden. Up next is the dining room.'
0:11:46 > 0:11:48So, here we are, feeding time.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54- The dining room.- This is another nice room.- A very good-sized room. - Yes, another nice room.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00- We've talked about Fiona's love of chocolate box. Is this you as well, Andy?- I like it, yes.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03I look beyond into the practicalities of it all,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06but my reaction is it looks lovely. It's got character.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09It's an overused word, but it's got it in spades.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12It has. You've done very well. I like it.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16Right, so far, so good. Let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23There you go.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- OK, yeah...- This is a nice size. - I like the cooker.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32It's the way you said "OK" that perhaps betrays your slight disappointment
0:12:32 > 0:12:35at the fact that it's not...
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- Not quite my big... - Farmhouse kitchen.- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42I like this bit where you've got the cooker.
0:12:42 > 0:12:48It's whether you can work with this, given you've got the dining room next door and a huge utility room.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- So, this is essentially just... - Just for food preparation.- Yeah.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- No, it's... Yeah, not too bad. - Not too bad.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- Come on. There are no compromises upstairs.- OK.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- This is the other staircase. - I see.- Look at this. - This is the upstairs?- Yeah.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- Come with me.- Mind how you go.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Yet more character...- Oh, yes. - ..up here.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- Look at these boards. - These stairs are challenging.- Wow!
0:13:17 > 0:13:23Now, you've got three bedrooms - one double there, really nice vaulted ceiling in it.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Oh, that's... Yes, yes. - Lovely guestroom.- Yes.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28Come on.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36'A smaller double with exposed woodwork lies in the middle of the property
0:13:36 > 0:13:39'right opposite a large family bathroom
0:13:39 > 0:13:43'and a wooden staircase in the hallway goes up to an attic room.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'That leaves the rooms we have earmarked for Andy and Fiona.'
0:13:47 > 0:13:53- This is like a master suite. There's a dressing room in there. - Oh, my goodness! I like that.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55There's an en-suite there for you.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59And then this is your bit.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Wow!- Oh, yes.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03This, we like, yes.
0:14:03 > 0:14:08- It's very nice.- This is lovely, yes. - Yeah, deceptive, actually.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12And I love the idea that you can roll out of bed and...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16Roll down the stairs, exactly, yeah. Well, let's try it.
0:14:16 > 0:14:22- Let's go outside and...- We'd have to put a guard across there. - ..have a look at the garden.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28'The staircase from the master bedroom winds its way downstairs back to the main sitting room
0:14:28 > 0:14:30'where we're headed for the garden.'
0:14:30 > 0:14:36There's more to this than meets the eye. A vegetable patch over there currently under plastic.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- A shed, the well...- Yes.- That's...
0:14:39 > 0:14:43- And the pond. - And the pond.- Beautiful.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47How much do we think property one is worth? Who's going to go first?
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- You go first.- I'll go first. The scary bit...
0:14:51 > 0:14:54I think 395,000.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Within our budget, just.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- Andy?- I'm mindful of the fact that there's no garage and it's attached,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04so I'm going to go a bit lower and say 370.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07- I'm hopeful.- You are hopeful!
0:15:07 > 0:15:14- Well, it's as well you are, Andy, because this could be yours for 375. - Ah!
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- First blood to me.- Really?- Yeah. Go and have a look.- Thank you.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20- I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25Our property number one, our gorgeous thatch, has one word, I think, that is attached to it
0:15:25 > 0:15:31and that is "deceptive". This place is far bigger than any of us thought.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Under budget with a guide price of £375,000,
0:15:36 > 0:15:42the first in our selection is a charming, listed period cottage that's brimming with character.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59The loft was brilliant. That wasn't what I was expecting at all.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04The kitchen needs a bit of thought, but I think that we could do something with that,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06perhaps some new units.
0:16:06 > 0:16:11My only concern with the exterior is the fact that there's only parking for one.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16I don't see how we could make parking for two because we'll still need two cars here.
0:16:16 > 0:16:22The upstairs was a revelation. It was bigger than we thought it would be.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25As a starting point, we liked it, we liked it a lot.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29Ah, here you are. I thought I'd find you in here.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- I think this is your favourite room? - Yes, we like this one.- Very much.
0:16:33 > 0:16:39This was the perfect place to start. It has set the scene as to what you like, that cosy cottage feel.
0:16:39 > 0:16:44But I'll drag you away because you've got two more to look at, including our mystery house.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46- So, are you ready?- Lead on.
0:16:50 > 0:16:57From ancient landscapes to ancient sites of worship, history surrounds you everywhere in Somerset.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03And nowhere more so than Bath whose natural hot springs have cemented the city
0:17:03 > 0:17:08as a centre of recreation and relaxation for at least 2,000 years.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12In the 18th century, Bath developed into a highly fashionable spa town
0:17:12 > 0:17:18and still highlights some of the most impressive Georgian architecture in the country.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22One of the oldest houses with Roman origins is the only place in the world
0:17:22 > 0:17:27to find one of Bath's signature delicacies called the Sally Lunn Bun,
0:17:27 > 0:17:33so where better to send our cake connoisseur Fiona and her sweet-toothed partner Andy?
0:17:33 > 0:17:39During the week, they met Jonathan Overton for a lesson in making and tasting this historic treat.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Nice to meet you. Welcome to Sally Lunn's. Come on in.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Created by a French refugee who lived here over 300 years ago,
0:17:46 > 0:17:50the Sally Lunn Bun is similar to brioche.
0:17:50 > 0:17:56It's made combining eggs, butter and warm milk, but the exact ingredients are a closely guarded secret.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- Pour that in there. Perfect.- OK. - That's lovely.- Is that right?- Yeah.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- Just lots of energy and you'll be fine.- Give this a bit of a mix? - Yeah, well done.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11It's said that this classified recipe got lost in the late 1800s,
0:18:11 > 0:18:16but was discovered in a cupboard when the property was restored in the 1930s.
0:18:16 > 0:18:22- Pour this in here?- Yeah, this is the bit where you get to be really mucky.- I can be really creative.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25Try not to get us all covered. Yeah, well done.
0:18:25 > 0:18:31- That's fantastic.- This is like sump oil.- Do you want to get in there? Why don't you both have a go?
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Get in there. That's fantastic.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37How did the buns used to be baked before modern technology?
0:18:37 > 0:18:42We've got a special oven in the cellars of Sally Lunn's House called a faggot oven.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47A faggot was a bunch of twigs tied together and they'd set fire to these twigs
0:18:47 > 0:18:52and when they finished burning, they would rake the embers away and cook on the residual heat.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55There wasn't the controllability of modern ovens.
0:18:55 > 0:19:00Everything was more time-consuming, messy and a lot more smoky and hotter!
0:19:00 > 0:19:06The dough is then weighed and rolled into equal-sized balls and after they've been left to prove,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08they're into the oven to bake.
0:19:08 > 0:19:14The bakery serves this unique, light and delicate bread with a range of sweet or savoury toppings.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Hmm!- Hmm, delicious!
0:19:17 > 0:19:22With a celebrated and unique Somerset recipe to add to Fiona's portfolio,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25it's time we returned to the house-hunt.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32'For our next destination, we're travelling east
0:19:32 > 0:19:37'and popping over the Somerset border to Fontmell Magna in North Dorset
0:19:37 > 0:19:40'which takes Fiona closer to the beguiling south coast.
0:19:40 > 0:19:45'With documented evidence of a settlement here over 1,000 years ago,
0:19:45 > 0:19:51'the historic Fontmell Magna is a highly desirable village within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:19:51 > 0:19:57'The quiet lanes are lined with a mix of old and new properties, as well as a pub and a village shop.
0:19:57 > 0:20:03'After our success with the thatched property this morning, we're serving up another one.'
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Our second property of the day - there you go.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- Very nice, another thatch. - It's another thatch and it's also another semi-detached.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Yeah.- But this one does have a garage.- Ah!
0:20:15 > 0:20:19And, you know, some proper off-street parking for you.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23It's also a step forward in terms of the kitchen on offer,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26as you will see when we get inside. You'll love it.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30- Let's get out of this wispy snow, shall we? Come on.- Let's go.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36'Built in the 1800s with attractive banded brick and flint, as well as timber cladding,
0:20:36 > 0:20:38'this is another surprising cottage.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42'Beyond the classic frontage at the back of the property
0:20:42 > 0:20:47'is a contemporary oak-framed extension, given over entirely to the kitchen.'
0:20:48 > 0:20:51There, that's what I was promising you.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Wow, yes!
0:20:53 > 0:20:56- Now, this is much more like it.- Yes.
0:20:56 > 0:21:02- That's a bit special, isn't it? - Lovely, isn't it? Green oak. It's only about five years old.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05I do like, and I like the outlook as well.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10Yeah. The island is moveable, so you could have a great, big kitchen table in there if you wanted to.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It's quite exceptional.- Very nice.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Yeah. This is what I was saying. This bit is the wow factor.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20This is the part of the property that really sells it.
0:21:20 > 0:21:25What it really needs is this touch to be carried through to the rest of it.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28You'll see what I mean, but I think it's all doable.
0:21:28 > 0:21:34Most of it is just cosmetic and it's under-floor heating. Thank goodness on a day like this!
0:21:34 > 0:21:40'The modern kitchen extension has been added to the back of the property via the main hallway
0:21:40 > 0:21:45'and it's inside the older part of the cottage where the layout gets more unorthodox
0:21:45 > 0:21:49'with a bedroom and family bathroom down on the ground floor,
0:21:49 > 0:21:54'then to the far side of the hallway are two main reception rooms.'
0:21:55 > 0:22:00Now, this is the dining room, as it's currently set up.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Cosy?- It is.
0:22:02 > 0:22:07- Nicely cosy.- There's a nice, little feature fireplace arrangement behind us there too.
0:22:07 > 0:22:13And we've got this dual aspect going on right through the property, these lovely cottagey windows.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16It's certainly got the right components.
0:22:16 > 0:22:23It's just a case, as I said earlier, of joining it up with what's been going on in the kitchen
0:22:23 > 0:22:26and it continues through here into the living room.
0:22:27 > 0:22:28There...
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- That's cosy.- Yes.- I mean, it's similar to property number one.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36We've got the beams, lovely big inglenook.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40That is a multi-fuel burner, so, coal and wood in there.
0:22:40 > 0:22:44I like it. It's just I'm not quite getting the feel.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- So, we had a "wow"... - A "wow" in the kitchen.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53- And now we're...- I think that's probably it, the "wow" in the kitchen.- From "wow" to "ow".
0:22:53 > 0:22:56'Apart from being lost for words at the start,
0:22:56 > 0:23:00'we've now lost a crucial letter and our buyers' enthusiasm,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03'so let's turn our attention to the bedrooms.
0:23:03 > 0:23:09'Along with the double bedroom and the family bathroom downstairs, there are three bedrooms upstairs.
0:23:09 > 0:23:15'Again there are two staircases, one to access one bedroom and another that leads to two
0:23:15 > 0:23:17'and one of those is the master.'
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Oh, this is a sweet little room.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- This is what we're thinking about for you.- This is the master.- Yes.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- Good work.- It's the biggest, the squarest of the bedrooms on offer here.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37- There's some built-in storage over there and through that little door in the corner is a loo as well.- OK.
0:23:37 > 0:23:43You've got the bedroom across the hallway there which again might lend itself to a dressing room.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45It's growing on me, I think, yeah.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Are you being generous?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50LAUGHTER
0:23:50 > 0:23:56'This house is a tough one as it does take time to figure out both the geography and the mix of styles,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58'but now to figure out the price.'
0:24:00 > 0:24:07- This is a nice place to finish up. We're almost back where we started, aren't we?- We are.- Pretty much.
0:24:07 > 0:24:12I thought we'd finish off here in the kitchen because you can see the garden from here
0:24:12 > 0:24:15and it's so cold outside, it's a nicer place to do it from.
0:24:15 > 0:24:21OK, let's move on to the final stage of the process which is, of course, what...?
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- How much.- How much. Exactly.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28You had to go first last time, so, Andy, over to you.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30I'm going to go for 410,000.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33410,000, yeah. Fiona?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I'm going to go for 415.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39This could be yours for 395.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Ah, right.- Oh! So, just under budget?- Pleasantly surprised.
0:24:43 > 0:24:48- Check out that other staircase and I'll catch up with you later on. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:24:49 > 0:24:55With an asking price of £395,000, our second property offers an intriguing mix
0:24:55 > 0:24:59of 19th century history with 21st century design.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I think this is a female room.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15It is. A bit different.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Oh, this has got...
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- Mind that. - It's a bit like in the other one.
0:25:21 > 0:25:27The kitchen is beautiful. I really, really like the kitchen. Nice and light.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Beautiful views over to fields.
0:25:32 > 0:25:38Unfortunately, the rest of the house didn't really do a lot for me, I have to say.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I appreciate the location is fabulous,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45but the actual size of the house possibly isn't.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48The way it's configured isn't the right place for us.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52The lounge is quirky and comfortable,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55but it hasn't got that, um...
0:25:55 > 0:25:59the same sort of homely feel that we felt in the first house.
0:25:59 > 0:26:04Well, I think we could probably make this into an L-shape
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- if we went round to the back.- Yeah.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13- I knew you'd be out here. There's no escaping the cars, is there?- My natural habitat.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18Well, that is it, I'm afraid. Our two houses for today are done.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22- Right.- It's still snowing.- It is. - Shall we go and have some supper?
0:26:22 > 0:26:24That sounds like a wonderful idea!
0:26:30 > 0:26:35'It's the second day of our property search and with a budget of £400,000,
0:26:35 > 0:26:40'we're helping Andy and Fiona to swap a suburban setting in an East Sussex town
0:26:40 > 0:26:42'for the serenity of Somerset.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45'Still to come, a sight for sore eyes in the mystery house.'
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- Look!- Those views are to die for.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51'And I'll be trying some DIY, medieval style.'
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I don't think I'm going to do very well here, am I?
0:26:55 > 0:26:59As we head off into our final day of house-hunting,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02it is worth sparing a thought as to what happened yesterday.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06It certainly bears out the old adage that some you win and some you lose.
0:27:06 > 0:27:13Property one was most definitely a winner, but property two struggled to convince both Andy and Fiona
0:27:13 > 0:27:19that it was the house for them, so what have we got for our final offering, our mystery property?
0:27:19 > 0:27:24'Our last stop takes us over towards the south-western portion of Somerset
0:27:24 > 0:27:29'where we're destined for the small hamlet of Sticklepath within the shadow of the Blackdown Hills.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33'We're making an impromptu visit into the heart of the Blackdowns
0:27:33 > 0:27:37'to give Andy and Fiona a little taste of what's on offer.'
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- It's amazing up here.- It's lovely.
0:27:39 > 0:27:44- This overnight snow has made it rather pretty.- Like the Enchanted Forest, it's beautiful.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47This is what I wanted you to see.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- My goodness!- That's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:27:50 > 0:27:56- Really special.- The hills themselves are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:27:56 > 0:28:02They cover about 370-odd square kilometres. It's a huge area, a massive area.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07You know, with the dog and walking and having somewhere to just...
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- This is ideal. - The mystery house is down there.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- I'm really looking forward to it. - Yeah?- Yeah.- Happy?- Very.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Despite the overnight snow. Come on.
0:28:19 > 0:28:25'We continue our journey towards the edge of the Blackdown Hills on the outskirts of Combe St Nicholas,
0:28:25 > 0:28:31'a sleepy village that benefits from a convenience store with post office and a pub with live music.
0:28:31 > 0:28:37'But our mystery house isn't smack-bang in the middle of the village as our buyers wanted.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43'Instead, we're going into the quiet countryside hamlet of Sticklepath, a good 15 minutes' walk away.'
0:28:43 > 0:28:46This is our mystery property. What do you reckon?
0:28:46 > 0:28:52- It looks nice from the outside.- It looks huge.- Yeah. It looks as though it's got beautiful views as well.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57It's got amazing views and the further up the garden you get, the better they become.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- All in all, it's about an acre.- Oh!
0:29:00 > 0:29:03LAUGHTER That's a lot.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Bigger than the last garden, yeah.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09It's by far the biggest space we've been able to find you.
0:29:09 > 0:29:16Similar to our first two properties, it was originally two cottages. I think this is really interesting.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21- Loads of space for you. - Can we go and have a look?- Certainly. - I need to see this one.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23'Set in an elevated position,
0:29:23 > 0:29:28'this sprawling mystery property gives our buyers an alternative style
0:29:28 > 0:29:31'to the traditional chocolate box they requested,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34'but that's not to say this one is without character,
0:29:34 > 0:29:40'so let's see what Andy and Fiona make of this design, starting at the back and straight into the kitchen.'
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- Here we are.- Right. - Come on in, Fiona.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47- I don't even think I need to see inside.- Really?
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- I'm just blown away by the outside and the garden.- Yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- This is nice.- It is.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56As you can see, it's all very much done.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02- You know, very easy...- You could move straight in.- Ready to move into, absolutely, yeah.- Lovely.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Good. A bit more space then? Come this way.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11Now, this, I think, is a real winner.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16- Oh, look!- This is huge. - This is lovely.- Oh, my God, look!
0:30:16 > 0:30:20- That's what you call an inglenook, isn't it?- Come on over.- Wow!
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- It's... This is absolutely the real "wow", actually.- Yeah, yeah.
0:30:25 > 0:30:31- I think our mystery house is pressing a few buttons.- I think it's pressing all the buttons.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Let's see if we can press a few more. Come this way.
0:30:35 > 0:30:41'On the ground floor, there's also a large utility room, as well as a contemporary shower room,
0:30:41 > 0:30:47'but we'll head to the first floor where there's the perfect place to soak up the rural surroundings.'
0:30:47 > 0:30:50Right, up here, we've got you this conservatory...
0:30:52 > 0:30:55..which is roasting. Feel how warm it is!
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- Look!- Those views are to die for, aren't they?- Aren't they just?
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Fantastic. I can just see us sitting here, cup of coffee. Lovely.
0:31:03 > 0:31:09- As long as those pictures are emerging, that informs me...- I'll never get any work done on the car.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15- I'll be here drinking endless cups of coffee.- It informs me a house is working for people. That's great.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21'If we can tear them both away from the views, the bedrooms are all on this level too.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25'A bright, fully tiled family bathroom serves four bedrooms.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29'There are two doubles, one of which is being used as a study,
0:31:29 > 0:31:34'then a smaller single bedroom, and that just leaves the master.'
0:31:35 > 0:31:37And then finally, this one.
0:31:37 > 0:31:42- Oh, this is nice. This is great. - Very nice.- Again it's a... - Dual aspect?- Dual aspect.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- Yeah.- Yeah, this is lovely. - Built-in wardrobes, that's lovely.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50It's not en-suite, but you've got that generous family bathroom.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- And the shower room. - The shower room downstairs.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57- Which is absolutely fine.- It's got far more of a cottagey feel here.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01It's really cosy, and waking up with that view out there,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I think really sweet, actually.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06This is definitely a winner.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Good. It's a winner. Hooray!
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Have we got a sale, I wonder? Have we got some buyers?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- I'm a bit concerned about the price. - Well, you should be, yeah!
0:32:16 > 0:32:22- Let's go outside and take in that garden and talk about the money, shall we?- Thanks.- Come on then.
0:32:25 > 0:32:30'Outside, the acre of grounds is mostly laid to lawn across various levels
0:32:30 > 0:32:34'with a deck terrace and a heated swimming pool.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37'What's more, there's a large garage with off-street parking
0:32:37 > 0:32:42'and the whole plot is enveloped by lush Somerset countryside.'
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- Yes, there we are. - More stunning views.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- More stunning views.- That's yet another different view, isn't it?
0:32:50 > 0:32:55It's gorgeous, isn't it? So, how much then is our mystery house on the market for?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I think it's going to be above budget
0:32:58 > 0:33:00and as I've got the last two wrong,
0:33:00 > 0:33:04I'm going to go for 425,000.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- 425.- I was going to say that.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10I think, looking at it and what we're getting, probably even more.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13I'm going to go for 430,000.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15430...
0:33:16 > 0:33:21It was on the market at £475,000.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Oh...
0:33:23 > 0:33:25- But?- It's not any more.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29This is now on the market
0:33:29 > 0:33:32for £399,950.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- Under budget?- By 50 quid!
0:33:35 > 0:33:37My God!
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Where do we sign? Where do we sign?
0:33:40 > 0:33:45- I think this is a real steal, actually, for what you want. - Absolutely.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48This is a stunner. A stunner at the price as well.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52This is our absolutely ideal house. Thank you so much for finding it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57Now you're armed with the price and feeling suitably inspired, have another look around.
0:33:57 > 0:34:02- I suggest you start up there and see if you can find a bit of parking. - That's where I want to go.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- Thank you.- Thank you so much. - Off you go.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13On the market just shy of £400,000,
0:34:13 > 0:34:19the detached mystery house is the biggest property in our selection, but still within budget.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Absolutely blown away by it.
0:34:36 > 0:34:43It's still got a chocolate box appeal, but without the thatch and more open downstairs,
0:34:43 > 0:34:48but the upstairs has definitely got a cottagey feel which we like very much.
0:34:48 > 0:34:54But the views are the thing that really sold it to me. Absolutely fantastic. Beautiful.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58I thought the house was going to be far, far over budget.
0:34:58 > 0:35:03I hoped it wouldn't be too far, but to get it under budget, that just took my breath away.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Absolutely. As far as I'm concerned, when can we move in?
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Considering we started this morning in the snow, I love this sunshine.
0:35:11 > 0:35:17- This is a bit more like it.- With this and the house, what could be better?- It's a perfect combination.
0:35:17 > 0:35:23- I'll have to whisk you away because there's another viewing here in half an hour.- We'd better be quick.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26If you want this, you'd better start thinking.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36That signals the end of our house search for Andy and Fiona,
0:35:36 > 0:35:42but whatever your wish list or your finances, Somerset has a whole host of homes to choose from.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46This four-bedroom, detached cottage built of local hamstone is situated
0:35:46 > 0:35:50in the popular village of Norton Sub Hamdon.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52With a guide price of £595,000,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55there's a real opportunity for any buyer to put their stamp
0:35:55 > 0:36:01on the accommodation which includes a handsome dining room and a dual aspect master bedroom.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Or for offers in the region of £475,000,
0:36:05 > 0:36:11how about this three-bedroom barn conversion in Lower Odcombe with outstanding countryside views?
0:36:11 > 0:36:16It features a master bedroom with exposed stonework and a high-spec country kitchen.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21Finally, this cosy, Grade II listed thatched cottage in Winsham comes with three bedrooms,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24an inviting sitting room with inglenook fireplace
0:36:24 > 0:36:28and the ideal garden for those with a self-sufficient lifestyle in mind,
0:36:28 > 0:36:31a steal at £285,000.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Despite Somerset's tranquil landscape,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42it was the backdrop for the 1685 Bloody Assizes
0:36:42 > 0:36:48in which over 100 locals were sentenced to death by the notorious Judge Jeffreys
0:36:48 > 0:36:50who resided here at Taunton Castle.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55Within the curtilage of the building is the Museum of Somerset
0:36:55 > 0:36:57and the once derelict Castle House,
0:36:57 > 0:37:03one of the town's few surviving 15th century properties that has never been open to the public,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06but now in the hands of a charity-run project,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10work is under way to restore Castle House to its former glory.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Russell!- Hello, Jules. - Nice to see you.- And you.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18'Russell Lillford from the Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust
0:37:18 > 0:37:22'is overseeing the restoration of this unique building.'
0:37:22 > 0:37:28I know it's associated with Judge Jeffreys, a man who has gone down in infamy in the history books.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30What were the Assizes all about?
0:37:30 > 0:37:35Well, we go back in history 300 years to the Battle of Sedgemoor,
0:37:35 > 0:37:40the last battle fought on English soil between the Duke of Monmouth and the King's forces.
0:37:40 > 0:37:46After the battle which the Duke lost, the prisoners were brought to Taunton and tried by Judge Jeffreys.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50It's a beautiful room, but the idea that a man like that,
0:37:50 > 0:37:56who after committing people to be hung, drawn and quartered, would relax in here is a bit spooky.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00People like "spooky"! It's got atmosphere. There's no question about it.
0:38:00 > 0:38:06'Before the Trust came to the rescue, this part of the castle was in such a poor state of repair
0:38:06 > 0:38:09'that it was placed on the English Heritage At Risk Register.'
0:38:09 > 0:38:13- What's this feature down here? - This is absolutely fascinating.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16It was an architectural feature the Normans used
0:38:16 > 0:38:20to keep evil spirits out of churches, so it was in the church doorway.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23'Restoration of this room is near completion,
0:38:23 > 0:38:28'but there is still a lot more work to do at the hands of skilled craftsmen like Dean Horsley.'
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- This is the real thing. - Lath and plastering as it was done.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37- A few bits of hair in there too? - Goats' hair.- Is it goats' hair?
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- This really is the real stuff? - As it would have been.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Can I have a go?- Please do. - I'd love to try it.
0:38:44 > 0:38:49- A lot of it is patience. Have a go, see how you get on.- I don't think I'm going to do very well.
0:38:49 > 0:38:55- You've got so much to do, I'm not sure I'm helping. - Not really.- But I am enjoying it.
0:38:56 > 0:39:02'There are no quick fixes for a project like this and sticking to the ethos of "repair not replace",
0:39:02 > 0:39:05'traditional methods are being used throughout,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08'but it's hoped that the full restoration will soon be finished
0:39:08 > 0:39:13'with plans afoot to incorporate the ground floor rooms into the museum.'
0:39:13 > 0:39:16This is a lovely view of the exterior.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- It certainly is. - It's an extraordinary place.
0:39:18 > 0:39:24- You've had to unpack so much about this building to understand it and the story goes on.- It does.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29- What about those rooms upstairs? - They will generate enough income to maintain the building.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34They'll be let to the Vivat Trust who let historic houses to the public.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40- So, you can actually stay in Judge Jeffreys' bedroom? - Absolutely.- That really is spooky!
0:39:40 > 0:39:45'Castle House has had quite a role to play in the story of Taunton's history,
0:39:45 > 0:39:51'but it's great to know that that legacy is in safe hands and will be preserved for future generations.'
0:39:53 > 0:39:58Andy and Fiona are up there somewhere having a cup of tea and a well-earned rest
0:39:58 > 0:40:01as they discuss everything that we've shown them this week,
0:40:01 > 0:40:07so have we managed to find them their dream home? On this occasion, I think we might have done.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15There's a lot of laughter and smiles. That's a good sign.
0:40:15 > 0:40:21- How are we?- We're very well. - Very well, thank you. - And there's coffee too, even better!
0:40:21 > 0:40:25We have explored quite a lot over the last few days, haven't we?
0:40:25 > 0:40:30Not just the local area and its housing stock, we've also explored what's going on in your minds
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- as to what the future may hold. - You certainly have.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38We needed to find you a lovely home and somewhere for your car collection.
0:40:38 > 0:40:45- How have we done?- I think the first house, I loved the house, roses round the door, thatch.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49I think for you it was a bit more difficult.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52I always had issues with the fact there was no garage
0:40:52 > 0:40:56and the parking outside was very tight.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01It wasn't just Somerset that was of interest. You were quite happy to go into Dorset
0:41:01 > 0:41:05and there we went for our second property with that amazing kitchen.
0:41:05 > 0:41:11- It was beautiful, yes.- Unfortunately, the kitchen just overshadowed everything else in the house.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15The rest of the house basically couldn't live up to the kitchen.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19As we started out this morning on the snow-covered Blackdown Hills,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23I was apprehensive as to what you would make of our mystery house,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27but it was all smiles, wasn't it? The sun came out.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32Yeah, it just blew us away. We couldn't believe that that was the one house
0:41:32 > 0:41:34and that it was within our budget.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37Definitely. That's just amazing.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41What is it about our mystery house that you have fallen in love with?
0:41:41 > 0:41:47Absolutely everything about it. The house is good for us. It works well for us, I think.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52The garden was gorgeous and those views, just unbelievable.
0:41:52 > 0:41:58And to have a double garage as well, that really did put the tin hat on it.
0:41:58 > 0:42:04- What happens next?- I definitely want to go and see it again and I think it's a real contender.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09- Thank you so much for finding it. - I'll keep everything crossed for you.- Thank you.- Thanks.
0:42:14 > 0:42:20Throughout this programme, you may well have caught a glimpse of this wonderful building behind me.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22It is, in fact, Dillington House.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25Back in the 1780s, it was home to Lord North.
0:42:25 > 0:42:30He was then Prime Minister, clearly a man used to making a difficult decision or two,
0:42:30 > 0:42:35and that's what we've been doing this week during our house hunt.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39He was a man who loved Somerset and this was his escape to the country.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43With any luck, we've managed to find Fiona and Andy their very own too.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47If only you could have that for £400,000!
0:42:48 > 0:42:52Fiona and Andy were completely won over by our mystery house
0:42:52 > 0:42:56and are desperately waiting for that elusive buyer for their own home,
0:42:56 > 0:42:59so they can finally make their move to Somerset.
0:42:59 > 0:43:05If you would like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland, Wales, England or Scotland
0:43:05 > 0:43:08and would like our help, please apply online at:
0:43:34 > 0:43:37Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd