0:00:02 > 0:00:06Standing at almost 50m high, this 18th-century tower once straddled
0:00:06 > 0:00:11three separate counties, and now it resides in just one.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Join me in a few moments to find out which one it is.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Today's property hunt is a real emotional journey as we search
0:00:36 > 0:00:40for a couple's country dream, which leaves them lost for words.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- Has it taken your breath away?- Yeah. SHE LAUGHS
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- But really puts them in the picture. - Wow.
0:00:47 > 0:00:51It's like being inside a Van Gogh painting.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Today I'm in Somerset,
0:00:55 > 0:01:00and this is King Alfred's Tower on the Stourhead estate.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Now, back in the 1770s,
0:01:01 > 0:01:06estate owner and eccentric banker Henry Hoare built this magnificent
0:01:06 > 0:01:10folly, which originally stood on the border of three counties -
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset -
0:01:12 > 0:01:15with one corner of its triangular base
0:01:15 > 0:01:16set in each one.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20However, as boundary lines have shifted over the years,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24it's now Somerset that can lay claim to this splendid landmark along with
0:01:24 > 0:01:26many other historic treasures.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33The southwestern county of Somerset shares its land borders with
0:01:33 > 0:01:35Devon, Dorset and Wiltshire,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and is flanked by the Bristol Channel to the north.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42This sweeping coastline is known for its family favourites,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46such as the coastal resort of Minehead, as well as for having
0:01:46 > 0:01:48one of the largest tidal ranges in the world.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53The influence of water continues as we head inland.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57The Somerset Levels incorporate a vast wetland area including
0:01:57 > 0:01:59Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02a thriving habitat for a variety of local wildlife.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Stranded in the midst of these lowlands rises the mysterious
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Glastonbury Tor, reputed to be the seat of the fabled King Arthur.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Somerset's magnificent geology has established a strong tradition
0:02:17 > 0:02:21in stonemasonry, which has shaped the architecture of the region.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Beautiful towns such as historic Frome and countless
0:02:24 > 0:02:29villages are testament to what this rural county has to offer.
0:02:33 > 0:02:37The average price of a detached property in Somerset is just above
0:02:37 > 0:02:43£265,000, which nudges £10,000 more than the national figure.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46At the higher end of the market is the village of Nunney
0:02:46 > 0:02:47and the neighbouring town of Frome,
0:02:47 > 0:02:50which is regarded as a smaller version of Bath.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52It also gets more expensive
0:02:52 > 0:02:56if you veer towards the coastal regions near Devon and Dorset.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00And if you want your money to go just that little bit further,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02it might be worth checking out Shepton Mallet or Radstock.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07These up-and-coming areas are more populated and are easily
0:03:07 > 0:03:11accessed by road, but that is reflected in the lower price.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15So, let's find out where today's buyers are hoping to move to.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19Rick and Dee are from Ilford in Essex.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22They've spent their six years together in this four-bedroom house,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26but yearn for the peace and tranquillity of the countryside.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31It would be so nice to wake up to silence, or maybe just some animal
0:03:31 > 0:03:35noises, rather than the lorries and the cars and the motorbikes.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Dee is a teacher but plans to retire in the foreseeable future,
0:03:40 > 0:03:43and Rick runs his own dog grooming business.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46I've spent the last two years building the business up
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and it's beginning to really get going now.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52And, uh...hopefully I'll be able to start again
0:03:52 > 0:03:56and hopefully build it a little bit quicker, knowing what I know now.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Rick and Dee have decided that the smart move for their dream escape
0:04:00 > 0:04:02is down in the southwest.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Really want to move to Somerset for the fabulous countryside.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10I quite like the sort of Wells, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet
0:04:10 > 0:04:11sort of triangle.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14You've got all the facilities there whilst also still having
0:04:14 > 0:04:17the countryside and of course the Glastonbury tickets,
0:04:17 > 0:04:18if at all possible.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19SHE LAUGHS
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Rick's mother, Ruby, is 88 and would love to relocate to the country
0:04:23 > 0:04:25with them.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27She's an important part of their move.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31Ideally it would be nice to accommodate her wholly
0:04:31 > 0:04:36on the ground floor, so, um...so probably a bottom-heavy house -
0:04:36 > 0:04:40particularly a bathroom or a shower room.
0:04:40 > 0:04:41Away from the house, Rick
0:04:41 > 0:04:46and Dee would like to free up time to continue their on-court battles.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48When I first met Rick, he'd never played tennis.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51He was a squash player, and in fact I used to have to give him three serves -
0:04:51 > 0:04:54little bit of a chance - but I'd still beat him 6-0.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Unfortunately he now beats me 6-0.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03I'd like to take up some golf and I think Rick can teach me the golf.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05He knows how to play.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06And when not on the fairway,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09they want to take to the open Somerset roads.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Motorcycling's a great love.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Fortunately Dee's now got a full bike licence
0:05:15 > 0:05:18and dreams of getting herself a Harley-Davidson.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21I'm very much looking forward to riding on the country lanes,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23although I am a bit nervous.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I'm much better in a straight line.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29The move is to be funded by the sale of Rick's mother's house.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33All that's left is to find out approximate figures for their dream
0:05:33 > 0:05:34Somerset move.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39The budget for our move is around £420,000.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Rick and Dee love the countryside just to
0:05:46 > 0:05:49the south of the Mendip Hills, so we'll be searching
0:05:49 > 0:05:52the villages around the ancient cathedral city of Wells.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57Time to meet up and find out more about their Somerset relocation.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01So I've gotta say welcome to...oh, a beautiful Somerset today.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03Look at it - it's glorious.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06So why did you two decide you wanted to move here from London?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10My sister moved to Wiltshire in Devizes and when we went to see her,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12we really liked the area.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15And so we started to do a bit of research and we sort of moved across
0:06:15 > 0:06:19the border and discovered Somerset and love everything about it so far.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22But it's not just the two of you, is it?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- Who else is going to join you in this move?- My mother.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29- And her requirements?- Um...she's very easy-going, believe it or not.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32She's going to need a little bit more help as she gets a bit older,
0:06:32 > 0:06:36so has decided that to move in with us would be quite a nice idea.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- Happy families.- Yes.- Very much so.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So we're looking for a property for the three of you that's going to
0:06:41 > 0:06:43work out for all your needs.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44What are you after?
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Absolutely ideally, I'd love a converted church.- Would you?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Failing that, perhaps a converted barn, but something old.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54And also, you've got a business, haven't you?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Yes, I need to set up a dog grooming parlour
0:06:57 > 0:07:00somewhere around the property or within the property.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02I have a bit of a pipe dream of having a Shetland pony.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05A Shetland pony. Now, how much do we need for a Shetland pony?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07It's going to be about an acre, isn't it?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- I don't think it's as much as that. - No?- No. Little paddock.- Yeah?
0:07:10 > 0:07:15- So, remind us of your budget. - Our budget is £400,000.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20If it was absolutely fantastic, everything that we desired,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22we could probably be pushed to £420,000.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26So, top, top, top limit, £420,000. Well, shall we get going, then?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Cos we've got three great properties to show you,
0:07:28 > 0:07:30and I must admit, I'm really looking forward to this.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31- So are we.- Thank you.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36For a maximum budget of £420,000,
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Rick and Dee have quite a lengthy list.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41They are ideally looking for a quirky character property
0:07:41 > 0:07:43with at least three bedrooms,
0:07:43 > 0:07:46one of which needs to be on the ground floor
0:07:46 > 0:07:49as part of a separate living area for Rick's mum, Ruby.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Rick is also after some space for his pet grooming business
0:07:52 > 0:07:54and Dee would love a good-sized plot
0:07:54 > 0:07:58to create a home for her dream Shetland pony.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02We found some fantastic properties to show our buyers in Somerset,
0:08:02 > 0:08:06and I'll be asking them to guess the price of each before I reveal it.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09The last will be a mystery house, which could just have them
0:08:09 > 0:08:11singing from the rafters.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Now, tell me a little bit more about this passion for motorbikes.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Well, I first learnt to ride a motorbike
0:08:20 > 0:08:26because I fancied doing the Highway 66 route in California,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30and then...I met Rick, and he had a motorbike.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- Did that clinch the relationship? - It did, it did.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34SHE LAUGHS
0:08:34 > 0:08:39- In fact, our very first date was a ride out in the countryside.- Was it?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- Yes, it was indeed.- How romantic!
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Our first destination is the rural village of Holcombe,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53situated seven miles northeast of the action of the ancient market
0:08:53 > 0:08:54town of Shepton Mallet.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01Holcombe's name was originally inspired by the undulating local
0:09:01 > 0:09:04landscape, with "hol" meaning "hollow"
0:09:04 > 0:09:06and "combe" meaning "valley".
0:09:06 > 0:09:10This historic village features a striking church dating back to
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Norman times as well as more modern facilities,
0:09:13 > 0:09:16including a village store and two pubs.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Our first property is set on the fringes of the village.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24- So, can I introduce you to your first property...- Wow.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..here in Somerset?- Oh, wow.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- Has it taken your breath away? - Yeah.
0:09:30 > 0:09:31SHE LAUGHS
0:09:31 > 0:09:33What's going through your mind?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Well, it's just...a cottage in the country.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40What do people say when they want to retire? "A cottage in the country."
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Absolutely gorgeous.- And, Rick, what's your first impression?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47It did take my breath away as well, actually, yeah.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51- Put a little lump in my throat. - Well, you're both so emotional.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53But that's good. No, that's good.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56- Well, it proves it means a lot to you.- Mmm.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57We want to find you, you know,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00the perfect home not just for the two of you, but also for your mum
0:10:00 > 0:10:04as well, and if a house can create that impression straight away...
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- She'd love it.- She'd like it, would she - Ruby?- Yeah.- Oh, yeah.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Let's hope you like it inside.- Oh, yeah. Yeah.- Come on.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15I think that's what you'd call love at first sight.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19This pretty 18th century detached cottage has been sympathetically
0:10:19 > 0:10:23restored and still oozes the charm Dee's looking for.
0:10:24 > 0:10:29- So come on through to the cottage. - Look. Oh!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32And because it is a cottage, you know, it's not huge,
0:10:32 > 0:10:35but the good news is there's more to see.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38So you've got your wood burner there, and if you look straight
0:10:38 > 0:10:43ahead of you, that was the original doorway leading to the back garden.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46So what do you think of the actual room itself?
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Well, I think it's lovely. Do you think it's too small?
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Initial impression is a small room. - It's snug, isn't it?- It is.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- I like snug.- It depends what else comes with it.- I like snug.- Right.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59Well, we'll continue through. If you'd like to follow me...
0:11:01 > 0:11:04From the sitting room, we're heading back through the entrance hall
0:11:04 > 0:11:06and into the dining room.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09This cosy space in turn leads to the cottage kitchen.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Oh, there's another burner.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19So you've noticed the burner in the dining area.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- That leads us through to our kitchen.- Well, this is very sweet.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- It's not a kitchen diner.- No.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29No, with this cottage, even though this was extended,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32they've sort of done it in keeping with the rest of the cottage.
0:11:32 > 0:11:37- It's small...plenty of small rooms rather than one big open space.- Hmm.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39It's got everything you need, hasn't it?
0:11:39 > 0:11:44And I suppose you've got the dining area almost in table to the kitchen.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- Initial thoughts is kitchen's too small.- Yeah.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50But the budget we've got, we're going to have to make compromises,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53so it really does depend on how the rest of it hangs together.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I think snug is a good word for this cottage.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01It seems they both like the feel of the cottage,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05however Rick seems to have a nagging doubt about the room sizes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09But he hasn't seen everything yet as we pass through the rear lobby to
0:12:09 > 0:12:11- the games room.- Oh, my goodness.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13SHE LAUGHS Wow.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16- You weren't expecting this, now, were you?- Definitely not.- No.
0:12:16 > 0:12:22- Now, Rick, what's going through your mind?- Mum.- Oh, OK. Yes.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26This could be perfect cos you've got the kitchen, which is next door,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28you've got the downstairs toilet.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32So this could also be a contender for your business,
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- the dog grooming business.- OK. Yep. - But it's a fair space, isn't it?
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Yeah.- Fabulous space.- Very posh for a grooming parlour.- So, potential.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43So bear this in mind. We're going to head upstairs.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45I'll show you what else there is.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Lots of options for the games room,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and I don't think the first floor will disappoint.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- So...- Oh, look.
0:12:57 > 0:12:58This is the master bedroom,
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- and you've got three doubles upstairs with the cottage.- Gosh.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06And I have to say, a good-size family bathroom.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10Oh, this is lovely. I mean, I like the size.
0:13:10 > 0:13:16- It's a good sort of spacious room. - I like the light.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19- Oh. Wow.- She's spotted it. - Can you see out here, Rick?
0:13:19 > 0:13:20Have a look, Rick.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Oh, wow! HE CHUCKLES
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- How fantastic is that?- Fantastic.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Don't see views like that every day, do you?- No, you don't.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35And a pond as well. So does that come with the property?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39- Guess what - it does.- Fantastic. - You're kidding.- No.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- Three quarters of an acre.- Oh! - So who wanted a Shetland pony?
0:13:43 > 0:13:44SHE GASPS
0:13:44 > 0:13:46- What, that comes with this property? - Yep.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- And I've still got more to show you. Right. Follow me.- OK.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54What a reaction.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56The paddock across the lane is a real bonus,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00and the cottage also has some outside space around it.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03You might have noticed there's a block to the side -
0:14:03 > 0:14:08it's actually a double garage, but with building regulation permission,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12you could potentially convert that into a granny annexe
0:14:12 > 0:14:14or a Ruby annexe, as I'm going to call it.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- A Ruby annexe, yeah.- Be fantastic.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18But I've got to talk money, haven't I?
0:14:18 > 0:14:24- How much is it on the market for? - I think I've got to say...£415,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:30I'm going to come in with a fairly optimistic £390,000.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36- The owners would like offers in excess of £350,000.- Oh, wow.- Hmm.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Uh...it's...unbelievable, really. Unbelievable.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43Why don't you go and have a look another look around?
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- Start off with that garage, and we'll meet up in a little while.- OK.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47- Off you go.- Thanks.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Well under Rick and Dee's budget at £350,000,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56this period cottage is set in a stunning location.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00It offers three double bedrooms, three reception rooms,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04including the games area that could be used for Rick's dog grooming,
0:15:04 > 0:15:08a paddock of three quarters of an acre, and a double garage that could
0:15:08 > 0:15:09house their motorbikes
0:15:09 > 0:15:11or potentially be converted
0:15:11 > 0:15:13into living accommodation
0:15:13 > 0:15:15for Rick's mum, Ruby.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16Oh.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- It's definitely a wow, isn't it? - It really is a wow.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- Oh!- I'd say it's bordering on a lake rather than just a pond.- Incredible.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29The main living room was quite small, but very cosy.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Dining room perfectly adequate in size.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Uh...bedrooms are all good sizes.
0:15:34 > 0:15:40My first impressions when I first saw this house was...wow.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45I could not believe it. It just was a dreamlike cottage.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48The real bonus obviously is the field with the pond,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51so as a first property, an excellent start.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53I look forward to seeing the next ones.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Have you had a good look round, you two?- Yes, we have.- Yes?
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- Lovely, thank you. - I'm loving the smiling faces. Right.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02We're going to go now.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14The historic city of Wells is set on the edge of the majestic
0:16:14 > 0:16:15Mendip Hills.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19In the shadows of the magnificent 13th-century cathedral lies
0:16:19 > 0:16:23the Bishop's Palace, which has been home not only to the bishops of Bath
0:16:23 > 0:16:28and Wells for the last 800 years, but also to the Palace Croquet Club
0:16:28 > 0:16:30since the 1920s.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33We know Rick and Dee are competitive about their tennis,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35so we're sending them to find out more about this most
0:16:35 > 0:16:39traditional of ball sports from club chairman Ian Telfer.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Is there any significance to the croquet club being at the palace?
0:16:43 > 0:16:44Not really.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47You need a large lawn and convenience.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49It's in the centre of the city.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51And one of the bishops early on was
0:16:51 > 0:16:54interested in playing and he formed a small club.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55But there's no religious association.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It's not because it's anything to do with the church -
0:16:58 > 0:17:01just the interest shown by the early bishops.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Unfortunately the more recent bishops haven't shown the same interest.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06Oh. That's a shame.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10Croquet was introduced to Britain in the mid 19th century.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13It had a huge impact on Victorian society
0:17:13 > 0:17:16and was even featured in Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland with
0:17:16 > 0:17:21the unfortunate flamingo being used as the mallet.
0:17:21 > 0:17:22It was the first game that allowed men
0:17:22 > 0:17:25and women to compete on an equal footing,
0:17:25 > 0:17:30although some conservative minds described it as a ruinous game.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33Has the game changed a lot?
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Well, it used to have at one stage two pegs, and you used to have a
0:17:37 > 0:17:39hoop in the middle with a bell in it, and you had to hit that.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Those have all changed, and it's now become a much more simple
0:17:42 > 0:17:47and straightforward game, um...with just six hoops and one peg.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51Most people think of croquet as a sort of vicious game and they always
0:17:51 > 0:17:55often have the idea that you put your foot on the ball and hit it.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Those all disappeared in the late 1890s.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02- And is croquet played equally with men and women?- Oh, yes.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04There's no difference at all.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08Competitions are, as far as I know, very, very rarely for ladies only.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09And today is no exception,
0:18:09 > 0:18:12as Rick and Dee will shortly go head-to-head.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16They'll be playing the simpler form of the game, golf croquet.
0:18:16 > 0:18:17Just as well,
0:18:17 > 0:18:22as the more complex association croquet can take up to three hours.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25What's the difference between this type of croquet
0:18:25 > 0:18:27and association croquet?
0:18:27 > 0:18:31We've got to get your ball through the hoop before the others,
0:18:31 > 0:18:32all right?
0:18:32 > 0:18:35Then you've won the hoop, and we all move on to the next one.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40Whereas in association croquet, all the players have to get their own
0:18:40 > 0:18:44balls through each hoop before continuing on as a group.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Today's winner will be the first player to win seven individual hoops,
0:18:47 > 0:18:49or points.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52They have to alternate shots with the balls being hit in a strict
0:18:52 > 0:18:56order - blue, red, black, then yellow.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59Right. That's a fair enough shot.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- That's a pretty good shot. - Shot.- Wow.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06Now, black, you've got to try and run through the hoop.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11Sadly for Rick, the ball has to be completely through to score a point.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12- Oh!- Nearly, but not quite.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16And your opponent is allowed to hit your ball out of the way.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Oh!- Shame.- Or at least try.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Croquet has gradually attracted younger players into the game, and
0:19:24 > 0:19:29there are currently about 6,000 club members around the country.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Oh, that's 5-0. I think it's time to call it a day.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- I think that's fair enough. - Well done.- Thanks very much.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Congratulations.- Unlucky, Dee!
0:19:37 > 0:19:39They didn't quite make it to the end,
0:19:39 > 0:19:43but Rick is declared winner of their latest sporting battle.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46It's time to leave the beautiful Palace Croquet Club
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and carry on with our Somerset property hunt.
0:19:53 > 0:19:54For our second house,
0:19:54 > 0:19:59we're heading 27 miles southwest to the village of High Ham, a 20-minute
0:19:59 > 0:20:03drive from the captivating area surrounding Glastonbury...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07..and only three miles north of the ancient market town of Langport,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10which is situated on the banks of the River Parrett.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14The town was an important trading post in the 18th century.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Today it offers a wide range of amenities,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19including a public library
0:20:19 > 0:20:21and varied independent shops.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Just a ten-minute drive away,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26the village of High Ham offers up its own distinctive buildings,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29as well as the second property in today's hunt.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32So this time we're going to show you a cottage that's even older than
0:20:32 > 0:20:37- the first one, and here it is.- Oh, my goodness.- Another cottage.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41This time believed to be about 300 or 400 years old.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44How much of this property do you think could be yours?
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Well, initially I thought up to that drain pipe.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- And I was hoping it's all of it. - You'd be right.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Is it really all of it?- Whole thing. - SHE GASPS
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- It's just as awe-inspiring as the first one.- Should we head inside?
0:20:57 > 0:20:58- Yes, please.- Please.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02No tears yet,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06but I think Dee and Rick are being sucked in by this charming cottage.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10So I have brought you in the back entrance,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14but it does lead straight from the utility into...
0:21:14 > 0:21:16- Big-enough kitchen?- Yeah. This is lovely.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20This space is exactly the kind of thing that we...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- It's what we'd envisaged. - This is what you had in mind?- Yeah.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24Well, that's good.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Through the door, you've got a downstairs cloakroom with a very
0:21:27 > 0:21:31large shower, but to the right of that, you've got a study.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Rick, I'm looking at you
0:21:33 > 0:21:36because that'd be really easy to convert into a dog grooming room.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- So that's my first thought that I want to plant.- OK.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Do you like the idea of that? - Consider it planted.- OK. Good.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46All right. We're going to continue through here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Positive reactions as we head for the living room,
0:21:48 > 0:21:52which is connected to a spacious dining room. You like what you see?
0:21:52 > 0:21:53Oh. HE CHUCKLES
0:21:53 > 0:21:57- I do.- So you've actually got two reception rooms.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- And this is just an open fireplace? - Open fireplace.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Granny bonnet, apparently, it's called.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- I don't think I've ever seen one like it.- No.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- And there's a bread oven on the right.- I love that fireplace.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- Fireplace is fantastic.- Yeah.- If you wanted to, you could open it up.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Or I was thinking maybe even to close it up
0:22:16 > 0:22:19so we've got additional accommodation for Mum.
0:22:19 > 0:22:25That is one possibility - however, I can show you another.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- Surprise us again.- I hopefully am. - I look forward to seeing it.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33I've got their attention now as we head back through the utility
0:22:33 > 0:22:37and the entrance hall to an area with real potential,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40currently being used for a clothing business.
0:22:40 > 0:22:45So... This part of the property... the lady runs her business.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48It was one huge area, and she's divided it up into three.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53This potentially could be perfect for your mum, Ruby.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Because it's connected to the house, and if you really wanted to, you
0:22:58 > 0:23:03could put in a kitchen, a bathroom, a sitting room and a bedroom.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Wow.- What do you think she would say if she saw this?
0:23:06 > 0:23:08I think she'd be quite impressed,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12and the idea of having something self-contained within the property
0:23:12 > 0:23:15means if she wants to visit, she doesn't have to run through the rain
0:23:15 > 0:23:16and things like that.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21The downstairs layout certainly offers up options for Rick and Dee.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25We're continuing up the first floor, which is equally spacious.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29There's a family bathroom with built-in storage and four bedrooms.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33Two of the doubles offer glorious views to the front, as does
0:23:33 > 0:23:37the smallest bedroom, currently being used as a dressing room.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42And now time for the all-important master bedroom.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Wow. HE CHUCKLES
0:23:43 > 0:23:47And you're not getting excited about the walk-in wardrobes, though -
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- you're actually getting excited about the view, aren't you?- Yeah!
0:23:49 > 0:23:52It's like being inside a Van Gogh painting.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56That is just incredible.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- Think how that's going to change through the seasons.- Yeah, yeah.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Well, I don't need to talk about the bedroom, then, do I?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Well, this is why I want to move, isn't it?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- I can see you're getting a little bit teary.- I'm just loving it, yeah.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12No, it's...it's...stunning.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- You've got an en suite next door, generous en suite.- Wow.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- Speechless again. Speechless. - That doesn't happen very often.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23THEY LAUGH
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Those views have left Dee lost for words.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30We've also delivered on character.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33And the rear of the property features a private sheltered patio
0:24:33 > 0:24:37with ornamental pond and a pretty lawned area.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38What do you think about the garden?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42Fabulous. It's absolutely wonderful.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- Yeah.- It's a good size. Got all...?
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- Yes.- All that? - Just under half an acre.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51You've got an orchard behind you, which if you wanted to,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55you probably could just about squeeze a Shetland on there.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- The all-important garage.- Yeah.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00If you did want to have the dog grooming business outside,
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- you could, or...storage for those motorbikes.- Absolutely.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- And that's the garage? Isn't it beautiful?- Yes.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11It is guess the price now. Who wants to go first?
0:25:11 > 0:25:17- I'm going to take a stab. £385,000. - I'm going to try £395,000.
0:25:18 > 0:25:24- Are you two competitive?- Very. - Do you want to know who's won?- Mmm.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29Dee. The asking price is £395,000.
0:25:29 > 0:25:30Oh! HE CHUCKLES
0:25:30 > 0:25:32One each.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35So I wonder if you want to have another look around.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- What do you think?- I would like to. - Probably need to, yeah.- Please do.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39Off you go.
0:25:41 > 0:25:42Well within budget,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47our second property is on the market for £395,000.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49It's a detached cottage with character
0:25:49 > 0:25:53and comes with four bedrooms and plenty of scope to create
0:25:53 > 0:25:55self-contained accommodation for Rick's mother.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The beautiful gardens total around half an acre,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00and look out onto those
0:26:00 > 0:26:02uninterrupted views.
0:26:02 > 0:26:09- Oh. Still more views. So every bedroom has that beautiful view.- Mmm.
0:26:11 > 0:26:15Oh, it's great, isn't it? I thought it was fantastic.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18When we went into the, uh...kitchen/diner, oh,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21that just opened up something completely different.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24Not what you'd expect from outside of an old cottage.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28The accommodation downstairs for my mother,
0:26:28 > 0:26:31I think could work out really, really well,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35and the possibility of actually fitting the dog grooming within
0:26:35 > 0:26:39the house as well...uh, keeps it all nicely compact.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Well, that's it for today. I've had two sets of tears.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Got a job on my hands for tomorrow now, haven't I?
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- You'll just have to make me cry. - Yeah.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51That's the priority - to get tears from you. Are you happy to leave?
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Absolutely, yeah. Thank you.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05It's the second day of our house hunt in Somerset with Rick and Dee
0:27:05 > 0:27:06from Ilford in Essex,
0:27:06 > 0:27:12who have £420,000 to spend on a dream rural property.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16Coming up, our mystery house conjures up some festive fun.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19My Christmas tree's already in. SHE LAUGHS
0:27:19 > 0:27:24And I'll be getting carried away in a piece of pure motoring history.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Rick and Dee are desperate to buy their first home together
0:27:29 > 0:27:33here in Somerset for a more relaxed way of life in the countryside with
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Rick's mother, Ruby.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Now, yesterday certainly got off to an emotional start, with
0:27:38 > 0:27:41tears as we approached our first property.
0:27:41 > 0:27:45That theme continued with Dee literally welling up when she saw
0:27:45 > 0:27:48the spectacular view from the window of our second cottage.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50It was tears of happiness.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55So today we've really set the bar high for our mystery property.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Now, land, chicken, donkeys, Shetland ponies -
0:27:59 > 0:28:01they would be a struggle,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04but will the property itself be the answer to their prayers?
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Let's see.
0:28:11 > 0:28:12For our mystery property,
0:28:12 > 0:28:16we're heading ten miles east to the beautiful village of Charlton Adam.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18It's well within our favoured location,
0:28:18 > 0:28:23and only a 15-minute drive from the shops and facilities of Ilchester.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25Charlton Adam is a historic place.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28The ancient Roman Fosse Way runs through the parish
0:28:28 > 0:28:32and the village features a variety of stunning stone buildings.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37It's a thriving community with a pub and village shop and even serves up
0:28:37 > 0:28:41a tennis court so Rick and Dee can continue their racquet rivalry.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43They also love their motorbikes,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46and would be interested in joining a local club,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49so before we show our buyers our next house,
0:28:49 > 0:28:53we're meeting up with Dave and Len from the Bridgwater Chapter to
0:28:53 > 0:28:56see what the Somerset roads have to offer.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59So the guys are hoping to move down to Somerset, well, very quickly, and
0:28:59 > 0:29:02obviously the first thing they want to do is make new friends down here.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05- Come to the right place. - Oh, that's very encouraging.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Bridgwater Chapter is just up the road.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10You've got some of the best riding country that you'll find,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14which is why of course in the summer we're full of visitors.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17We've got some rides that will take your breath away.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20We've got nearly 300 members - we meet monthly,
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- we ride out every month.- Room for two more members?- Of course!
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Of course. The more the merrier for us.- Are ladies welcome?
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- I was going to say - are there many ladies?- No. Of course there are.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Of course there are. And even better if you ride your own bike.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- Of course she does.- Go on - start them up!
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- BIKE ENGINE SPUTTERS, ROARS - Whoa!
0:29:40 > 0:29:43And on that note, we'll say goodbye.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Just a short walk away lies our final house.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53The risk with our mystery property is definitely the outside space,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56but we have managed to deliver Dee's dream property.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00I don't think yesterday could have gone any better if we tried,
0:30:00 > 0:30:05but today with our mystery house, we're going to show this property.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- You are kidding me.- No. - That's not really...?- Yes, it is.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- It's fantastic!- It's an old schoolhouse, and it was a chapel.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14SHE GASPS
0:30:14 > 0:30:15Oh, how do you manage it?
0:30:15 > 0:30:18But of course, it is our mystery house,
0:30:18 > 0:30:22so it's not all what it seems because you're probably aware with
0:30:22 > 0:30:25chapels, they very rarely came with a lot of land.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27Might not have the acres of land,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- but it has horses in the field across the road.- Wow.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- So what do you think, Rick?- Amazed. - Yes?- Speechless again.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37Didn't think you could do better after yesterday.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39What a reaction,
0:30:39 > 0:30:42and the land doesn't seem to be ringing any alarm bells.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46This beautiful Victorian schoolhouse must be appealing to
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Dee's teaching roots.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49The interior's unfurnished,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52but I don't think it will hinder their imagination.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- I think we should start off... - THEY LAUGH INCREDULOUSLY
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- ..with the main chapel. - SHE LAUGHS
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Come on in. - THEY LAUGH
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Oh, that is... I can't believe it!
0:31:07 > 0:31:11But you've got the mullion features, haven't you? Leaded light windows.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13I'm...my Christmas tree's already in.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15SHE LAUGHS
0:31:15 > 0:31:18My crib. THEY LAUGH
0:31:18 > 0:31:23The wood burner's going. And just look at that stained glass window.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Would you like to see a little bit more?
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- I'd love... I think you've... - Oh, she's gone again. All right.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Let's keep going. We've lost her. Come on.
0:31:30 > 0:31:35Yes, Dee's off again as we head through a light-filled vestibule.
0:31:35 > 0:31:41Just mind the slight slope leading into...rather large kitchen.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Is it larger than you were predicting?
0:31:43 > 0:31:48I've lost all ability to predict at the moment.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Wondering if our kitchen table would fit in this space or not.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55That's my only initial concern.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- What I haven't told you yet is next door is a huge dining area.- Gosh.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04But I haven't quite done the ground floor yet because there's a very
0:32:04 > 0:32:07important lady in your lives that we haven't mentioned so far.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10There's an opportunity for her to live within the chapel itself as well.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- Wow.- Let me show you.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22So you've got a wet room here,
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- and then perhaps a great room for your mother.- That's un...
0:32:27 > 0:32:31- That's incredible. - It's a nice size.- Yeah.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33She does sort of have her own space in a way, doesn't she?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Again, having an en suite and it being a wet room,
0:32:36 > 0:32:41she can just walk in and out and only just a couple of stairs to
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- contend with to use the kitchen itself.- And this space is perfect.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46It's gorgeous. It's a lovely room.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52I really think Rick can see Ruby in this separate living space,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55and Dee loves the quirkiness of the downstairs.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58We head up the first floor, where the character keeps on coming with
0:32:58 > 0:33:02a gallery looking down to that stunning stained glass window.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06It also offers two double bedrooms, the first of which features ornate
0:33:06 > 0:33:10leaded windows and a modern en suite complete with panelled bath.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18I'm thinking dressing room here, perhaps, for the two of you.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22- SHE GASPS - Because this is your master bedroom.
0:33:22 > 0:33:27- And forget the artwork - you have... - HE LAUGHS
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- ..your own stained glass window. - Start me off again! Unbelievable!
0:33:32 > 0:33:37- Do you like it?- Yeah. Yeah, yeah. No, very much so.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40Cos at the moment, all you're managing to do is prop poor Dee up.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42- I'm holding her up at the moment. - You are.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Because you've also got a bathroom next door as well.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48We haven't really touched on your business, the dog grooming business.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Let's head back outside.
0:33:49 > 0:33:50We can talk about that
0:33:50 > 0:33:53and also...where are we going to find room for those two motorbikes?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- SHE LAUGHS - There's a question for you.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01The outside space is quite different to our first two properties,
0:34:01 > 0:34:06offering a compact walled courtyard made of local Somerset stone,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08but will Rick and Dee be able to live with it?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Now I've got to talk to you about the garden and the land,
0:34:11 > 0:34:14and, um...well, chapels don't often have a lot of land with them,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17and this is what we've got to play with at the moment.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19Oh, there's always got to be a compromise,
0:34:19 > 0:34:23and you have got the fields across there.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25And as you can see, there's a coach house.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27At the moment it's divided up - you've got the garage part
0:34:27 > 0:34:30underneath and then upstairs is a loft.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34Potentially you could have the bikes downstairs
0:34:34 > 0:34:36and then perhaps the dog grooming upstairs.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- That's a very good thought.- Yeah. - Very good thought.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Well, we've all got smiles on our faces.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43Let's hope that remains for guess the price.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46So, Rick, would you like to go first?
0:34:46 > 0:34:48I'm going to come in with £425,000.
0:34:48 > 0:34:53I'm going to be slightly optimistic and finish it at £420,000.
0:34:53 > 0:34:59- The asking price is £375,000. - You are kidding.- No.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00SHE GASPS
0:35:00 > 0:35:02HE LAUGHS
0:35:02 > 0:35:04I think you should be kissing Nicki, yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- THEY LAUGH - Yes.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08- Amazing.- Mmm.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Do you think you want to go and have a second look around,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- the two of you?- Love to.- Yes? Please enjoy your mystery property.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- Thank you.- Off you go.- Thank you.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20So excited.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Not only did I get three sets of tears,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27but more importantly, this converted chapel seems to be
0:35:27 > 0:35:31the house of their dreams at a price that's right.
0:35:32 > 0:35:38At £375,000, the mystery property is well under Rick and Dee's budget.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42It's a beautiful attached former Victoria school and chapel,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46and offers three double bedrooms, one of which is downstairs,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50a magnificent principal room in the old chapel with high-beamed ceilings
0:35:50 > 0:35:51and stained glass windows,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and outside, the detached stone
0:35:53 > 0:35:56coachhouse offers up great storage
0:35:56 > 0:35:58and business potential.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01My first impression when we walked along the road
0:36:01 > 0:36:04and this was kind of at the end of the road, I thought,
0:36:04 > 0:36:09"Surely they have not managed to completely fill all my wishes
0:36:09 > 0:36:11"and got me a little church."
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Accommodation for us including my mother,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19it looks like it'll work pretty well.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Overall, I think it's a very, very serious contender.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Right, you two. Well, I'm emotionally drained, so you must be.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30Let's go and sit down. We're going to have a chat.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Somerset is a county steeped in tradition with market towns
0:36:43 > 0:36:45that date back to the Middle Ages
0:36:45 > 0:36:48and geologic wonders that dominate the landscape.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52But there's another historical attraction driving visitors to
0:36:52 > 0:36:56the village of Sparkford - the Haynes International Motor Museum.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59I'm meeting up with curator Mike Penn to get
0:36:59 > 0:37:02the inside track on our motoring heritage.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Mike, you have such an impressive collection of cars
0:37:05 > 0:37:06here at the museum.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Just name some of the models.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Well, of course the most important is the Benz here,
0:37:11 > 0:37:14which was the world's first motor car, and then of course we've
0:37:14 > 0:37:18got the famous Duesenberg - 10.5 million worth.
0:37:18 > 0:37:24The cars that maybe you and I knew - Austin 7s, Morris 10s, Ford Anglias.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26Everything for everybody.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29The museum was the brainchild of John H. Haynes,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31known for his bestselling car manuals.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35He wanted to give something back to the motoring public,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39opening this petrolhead's paradise in 1985.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42How many cars did you start off with when the museum opened?
0:37:42 > 0:37:48Just 29 cars and one motorcycle. And we charged £1 a head to get in.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Uh...it was great fun in those days.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55Of course now, running a motor museum costs huge amounts of money,
0:37:55 > 0:37:57so we've had to go up-market.
0:37:57 > 0:38:03We've extended and put an awful lot more about interpretation of the car.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08The museum now holds over 400 cars from around the world and relies
0:38:08 > 0:38:12heavily on local volunteers to keep them looking pristine.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15There's even a collection interpreted through colour -
0:38:15 > 0:38:17red being synonymous with passion
0:38:17 > 0:38:21and speed throughout much of motoring history.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23So you don't just display these wonderful vehicles,
0:38:23 > 0:38:25but you actually restore them as well under this roof?
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Yeah, we do indeed.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28We take crumbling old machines and turn them
0:38:28 > 0:38:31into fully displayable items.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- I'd love to see that, if that's possible.- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:38:34 > 0:38:40And in the workshop today is a stunning 1966 Ford Mustang.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Maintenance work can take up to 80 hours and it's a constant battle to
0:38:44 > 0:38:48keep these beautiful machines up to showroom standard.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50They all try to return to Mother Nature,
0:38:50 > 0:38:52so you gotta keep on top of them.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55The paintwork, for instance, blooms and it goes dull,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58so we need to restore that part of it,
0:38:58 > 0:39:02and it's basically keeping it as near to an original as possible.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04But tell me, what's so special about the seats?
0:39:04 > 0:39:09Well, of course, in 1966 was the only year they put in pony seats,
0:39:09 > 0:39:13and that's a part of a panel in the back of the seat where it shows you
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- a scene of Mustang ponies racing through the desert.- Wonderful.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20I don't think I'd want to drive one - they're far too precious
0:39:20 > 0:39:22and valuable - but I'd love to be a passenger.
0:39:22 > 0:39:27Well, we've got a 1930s Austin Carlton that's due its turn today.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Do you think it needs a passenger? - Oh, most certainly.- Fabulous. Right.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- Lead the way, sir.- OK.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Austin was one of the first manufacturers to offer a stylish
0:39:36 > 0:39:41alternative to the dominant French and German imports of the 1910s.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45Two decades later, British manufacturing was firmly on the map.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49When I look at a vehicle like this, it's so aesthetically pleasing,
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- isn't it?- Yeah, they're lovely.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54These cars are made in an entirely different way than modern cars -
0:39:54 > 0:39:56no seat belts, no airbags.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59I've got to ask - how much would a car like this have cost?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Around about £400.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Regular working people couldn't afford a motor car, but this sort of
0:40:05 > 0:40:10car here would be a doctor, you know, factory owner, that type of thing.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well, Nicki, I've told you all about the car.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- Now I think it's time for a spin. - I would love to.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- I think this is the only time I'm ever going to be a lady.- OK.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28Now, that's what I call travelling in style.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31A truly incredible collection, and a perfect way to
0:40:31 > 0:40:35round off our tour of the beautiful Somerset countryside.
0:40:37 > 0:40:42So we've shown Rick and Dee our three properties and, I must admit,
0:40:42 > 0:40:46I have never had anyone cry tears of joy at all three before,
0:40:46 > 0:40:51but I am baffled which one they like the most.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52Let's go and ask them.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Well, Rick and Dee, every property I showed you, I thought,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04"This is the one. We've clinched it. They love it."
0:41:04 > 0:41:06We've had tears, we've had laughter.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10So put us out of our misery - which property has captured your hearts?
0:41:13 > 0:41:19- The mystery house.- Has it? Yes! - Everything about it is fantastic.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Lack of garden hasn't even come up in discussion.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Well, all three properties were just fantastic.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27If I'm not careful, I'll start again.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32And that chapel...oh, it just... it literally did blow me away.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35And to live there would be just be wonderful.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Now, I'm presuming the next step is to bring mum Ruby down to
0:41:38 > 0:41:39look at the chapel?
0:41:39 > 0:41:43Obviously we'd like to bring her around, show her the properties,
0:41:43 > 0:41:48or property, uh...and get the royal blessing.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50The final seal of approval.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53And I'm going to push you...are you going to be in a position to
0:41:53 > 0:41:54put in an offer?
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Well, we're hoping to go and see the agent tomorrow
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- and certainly express our interest. - Listen, thank you so much.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04Give our regards to your mother. Let us know how you get on.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06We certainly will, Nicki, and thank you very much.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- We've really enjoyed our time. - Been an absolute pleasure.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I knew I was going to enjoy this house hunt -
0:42:11 > 0:42:13I just didn't realise quite how much.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Well, it seems we scored a hat-trick with the properties we showed Rick
0:42:21 > 0:42:22and Dee here in Somerset.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26So much so that I really wasn't sure which one they would go for.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29But after careful reflection,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33it seems, despite its lack of land, that our mystery converted chapel
0:42:33 > 0:42:36was the one that would make not just the two of them
0:42:36 > 0:42:38but also Rick's mother, Ruby,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41the perfect place to escape to the country.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44I truly hope when Ruby goes to see it,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47she feels just as strongly as our couple.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49I'll see you next time. Bye-bye.
0:42:51 > 0:42:56And the great news is Ruby loved the chapel and has now sold her house
0:42:56 > 0:43:00so Rick and Dee are going full steam ahead with their mystery property.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02If you'd like to escape to the country
0:43:02 > 0:43:05in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland
0:43:05 > 0:43:09or even further afield to the continent and need our help,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12please apply online at: