North Devon Escape to the Country

Here, on Escape To The Country, I'm lucky enough to visit a whole

range of different homes, but this one is definitely the oldest.

I'll tell you why and where I am in just a moment.

Today, I'm helping a couple find a calmer way of life in the country,

but our search could leave them feeling hot under the collar.

Do you like saunas? Cos you do have your own sauna over here.

But one property leaves them feeling warm inside.

This is just fantastic, absolutely superb.

Today, I am in Devon, and this is Kent's Cavern.

Now, the caves of themselves were formed around two million years ago,

but back in 1927,

a fragment of what appeared to be a human jawbone was discovered here.

Spool forward to 2011 and experts have dated it

around 40,000 years old and confirmed it to be Homo sapiens, us,

and believe these caves were his or her home.

Devon lies in the southwestern sleeve of England, bordered

by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the north and Dorset to east.

The county is known for its remarkable coastline - the rugged

North Atlantic beaches are a Mecca

for surfers and thrill seekers alike.

The stunning Jurassic Coast to the south offers up towering

sandstone cliffs and seaside gems such as Sidmouth,

a haven for sailors in the more sheltered English Channel.

Devon is a holiday-makers' dream -

tourism generates over two billion pounds a year, but at its heart,

it is still an agricultural community steeped in history.

The market town of Tiverton is testament to this,

its prominent architecture a result of the fortunes

gleaned from the war trade of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The farming heritage also influences the landscape, which is

peppered with traditional long houses. Once the shared

residence of people and cattle, they now create a stylish rural escape.

Devon is a desirable county to go property shopping in.

The average price of a detached home here is £288,000,

over 30,000 above the national figure.

However, you can find affordable sea views if you cast your net

towards Seaton, which, according to local estate agents,

is about to become the new and expensive Sidmouth,

just a few miles up the coast.

So, what has drawn today's couple to this beautiful county?

Let's meet them and find out.

Keith and Barbara have spent their last 11 years in this four-bedroom

detached house on the edge of the town of Whitney in Oxfordshire.

They've had enough of urban life.

Whitney was a small backwater when we first came to the area,

and it has grown through new estates and new shopping malls.

The traffic has got worse, especially where we live.

We do walk into town, which is much easier than taking the car.

It has gotten much busier.

The children have flown the nest and Keith has recently

retired from his demanding post as a deputy headmaster.

They feel now is the time for their country escape and they have

set their sights on the West Country for the next chapter of their lives.

We are particularly interested in Devon.

Better South Devon than North Devon, although we don't want to be

close to the English Riviera.

Very nice as it is, it is very, very busy.

We like the coast,

and with Devon, we're never too far away from the coast.

Barbara will also be leaving her job as a librarian.

So what would they like to do with her new-found freedom?

Well, we're hoping to do maybe some more crafty things.

I'm going to have to be busy.

I can't sit around doing nothing even though I've retired officially.

The couple used to run a picture framing business, and Keith

still loves woodworking, so a workshop would be on his wish list.

As for Barbara,

she is turning her attention to the outside.

I would like a large garden,

maybe so we can get a greenhouse in it, a shed, maybe a few chickens.

I do love being outside.

That is my escapism.

So, all that is left is to find out how much Keith

and Barbara are putting into their country escape.

The maximum budget would be £550,000.

Keith and Barbara are seeking a location within reach

of the South Devon coast, so we will be searching

the attractive villages around the historic market town of Honiton.

I'm meeting them in Devon to find out more about their plan to move.

Keith and Barbara, lovely to meet you. Now, tell me.

After, what, over 20 years living in Oxfordshire,

why have you decided you want to move to this part of the world?

What is so special about Devon for the two of you?

We spent a lot of time over the last four or five years

looking at the coast, looking at countryside, and all the times

we have been down to Devon, we have just fallen in love with it.

So you have recently retired. So, what is first on the agenda, then?

Depends on the property that we find. That could be a project.

The project could be setting up my own business,

looking at manufacturing bespoke furniture.

-It is an open plan, really.

-Barbara, what about you?

A property with an annexe

that we could turn into a letting business would be quite good.

And what type of property are you looking for?

Ideally, it is obviously going to have an annexe for you.

You're going to want, I'm presuming, lots of outbuildings.

Outbuildings,

one workshop would be sufficient as long as it is big enough.

I don't want something that is enormous.

The property itself - three bedrooms possibly, maybe four.

We would like to avoid thatch.

We'd like to avoid listed buildings if at all possible.

So, they are my no's. What has it definitely got to have?

What is the dream property?

Um... Views from the back, nice garden.

How much garden am I going to find you - acres, or just a big plot?

-A big plot.

-Yes.

So before we start this tour of Devon, remind us of your budget.

If it is a house which is a bit of a project,

which will need renovation, about 500,000.

However, if it's prim and proper, we could stretch to 550.

Right. Well, let's get going, cos we have got three properties to

-show you.

-Sounds great.

-Shall we hit the road?

-Yes, please.

-Thank you.

With a top budget of £550,000,

Keith and Barbara are looking for a peaceful country home

with three to four bedrooms,

an annexe for some form of letting business,

a potential workshop for Keith's carpentry skills,

a good sized plot to satisfy Barbara's gardening aspirations,

all with views of the Devon countryside.

We've got three very different properties lined up

for our buyers.

At each one, I will ask them

to guess the price before I reveal the true value.

The third offering will be a mystery house.

And while it may not fulfil all their wish list,

it could just be their dream home.

So, Keith, after nearly 40 years of teaching, that's a long time,

-are you going to miss it?

-I'm going to miss it enormously.

Fantastic colleagues, fantastic children.

But the time is right. The time is right to make a move,

and we are very much looking forward to it.

Schools always looking for some way to take the pupils for day trips,

you know, lovely little journey down to Devon from Oxfordshire.

You know, you might not be saying goodbye to them quite yet.

That's right. Hopefully, we are far enough away.

THEY LAUGH

We are kicking off our tour in the lovely village of Chardstock.

Within easy reach of the shops and facilities of Honiton, it is

only about a 30-minute drive

from the popular coastal resort of Seaton.

So we are very close to our first property, but I wanted to

stop off here and introduce you to the village of Chardstock.

-Beautiful?

-Yep. So far.

Is this what you had in mind

when you thought of moving to a village in Devon?

Absolutely, yeah.

I like the peace and quiet. I noticed there is a pub behind us.

-Always important.

-Yes.

-Always important.

This village has everything you're going to need day-to-day,

shall we say. It has got a post office with a shop.

There is a church, there's a school and a community hall.

So, yeah, there's a lot going on here.

The village actually isn't that large,

but it's thriving, it's really healthy.

And as I mentioned, our first property,

literally just up the road.

-I'm looking forward to it.

-Are you ready?

-I am.

-Shall we start?

-Please.

-Thank you.

Well, Keith and Barbara seem to love the village.

Let's hope that positive start continues.

So not only have I brought you to this fantastic view,

but this...this is your first property.

-I'm liking it already.

-Yes.

-It looks nice.

-Yes?

-Yes. Nice stone. Good roof.

Oh, I'm liking that, practical. Practical - "Good roof." Fantastic.

Actually, the barn itself dates back about 300 years.

The village goes back to the ninth century. It's not quite that old.

-But it was only converted about 25 years ago.

-Not that long ago.

Not that long ago at all.

-So how would you feel waking up to that view every day?

-Oh, gorgeous.

-I could put up with that.

-Yeah.

If I could organise sun 365 days a year, that will be perfect.

-Shall we head inside?

-I'd love to, yeah.

-Sounds like a good idea.

Great.

I may not be able to control the weather,

but those all-important views have certainly created a good atmosphere.

And this impressive converted barn could have real potential.

So come on through. Going to start us off in the kitchen.

-It's a nice size.

-The heart of the home.

Wow. Yes.

-Very nice.

-Yeah, very nice.

Plenty of room to move around in.

You could put chairs around there maybe to have breakfast.

Lots of preparation area, which is good, yeah.

Well, I've still got more to show you through here.

So off the kitchen,

you got your first sort of sitting room.

-Right, OK.

-Very nice.

-Views out onto the garden.

-I'm loving the view.

-Yeah, views are good.

-Absolutely stunning.

So, what is the feeling you are getting so far?

I know we've only seen a couple of rooms.

-How do you feel?

-Um, I like it.

It seems a bit dark for me, I don't know.

But I still like the size of the rooms.

I like the aspect, the only thing that gives me

a bit of cause for concern is the kitchen doesn't overlook the garden.

In previous houses,

we've always overlooked the garden from the kitchen.

The kitchen, as we have seen, is behind us at the moment.

You're right, it doesn't overlook the garden,

but there are options with this property.

-Right.

-Let me lead the way through here.

So, Keith,

if you want a kitchen that looks out over a spectacular garden...

-This is it.

-So you could swap the dining room for next door.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Definitely.

You said you like a bit of a project -

would you build your own kitchen?

I'd be more than happy to build my own kitchen.

It depends on what fits and where.

Keith and Barbara certainly seem to have some vision.

The rest of the ground floor also offers up a lot of scope.

There is a good size bedroom with characterful stone walling

and a large self-contained annexe currently used for letting.

It comprises a bathroom with enclosed shower, a double bedroom,

compact kitchenette and a small conservatory.

Now, how big a part of the move is this letting side?

I don't think it's going to be a massive part. It's a want.

And if it were possible to have one, I'd be delighted.

There is one last thing to mention. Do you like saunas?

Cos you do have your own sauna over here.

This house keeps giving and giving. We're going to head upstairs.

-You'll be pleased to know, perhaps, it's not quite so large.

-Right.

I'm sure Keith is ready to pour water on those hot coals,

but there is no time for relaxation, as we head up to the master bedroom.

So the downstairs of this property is pretty generous.

Not quite so large upstairs, but you have got another double bedroom,

double size bedroom, on this floor,

and the family bathroom, plus, you probably noticed,

all that storage on the landing.

-Right.

-Would this work for you, Barbara?

-Yeah, definitely. Yeah.

-Would you change anything?

Maybe the furniture. But, you know, that is just personal taste.

On a scale of one to ten, how important is the garden to you?

Well, I love being out in the garden, it's just escapism.

I don't know whether that'll be the same in retirement,

but I'm sure it will be.

-Let's see if this is enough garden for you, young lady.

-Can't wait.

I'm quietly confident this plot is going to deliver with

charming pockets of lawn, mature borders, breathtaking views

and some potential for a workshop.

-This is my kind of garden.

-Yes?

Yeah, I can feel my shears coming out already. Definitely.

The perfectionist in you.

-I mean, it's beautiful!

-It is, it's really lovely.

Now, this woodwork idea that you've got,

enough space for you, do you think?

Well, it depends how big the workshop is,

but, yes, it can always be extended.

Let's talk money, then.

I think maybe near to the top of our budget - 520?

-OK.

-I would imagine it a bit more than that. I would go to 545.

OK. The asking price is...

-..£550,000.

-Really?

-Right.

-So right at the top of your budget.

-We are in East Devon.

-Yep.

Relatively close to the sea, we're only 20 minutes away,

so I think that is reflected in the price.

And you do get an awful lot of property with that.

Do you want to take another look around and I'll catch up

with you when you are ready?

-Yes, please.

-OK.

-Good.

-See you in a while.

-Thanks.

At £550,000,

our first property is right on Keith and Barbara's maximum budget.

It is an impressive detached barn conversion with four bedrooms

and three reception rooms.

It also comes with a self-contained annexe suitable for letting,

a double garage and landscaped gardens

of approximately a third of an acre.

It is a very higgledy-piggledy house,

but we could do that, we could sort that out.

Obviously, we've had houses in the past

where we have done them up ourselves.

Whether or not this would be our first option, I'm not sure.

The price is right at the top end of our budget, and that would have

some knock-on effect as to what renovation work we could do.

I just absolutely love the garden and the views. That is just me.

So, yeah, the garden is a plus.

Well, I could stay here all day, but here come Keith and Barbara.

-Have you seen enough?

-We have, thank you.

-How have we done with our first property?

-Very nice, very nice.

-Yes?

-Lots of potential.

-Good. Have you enjoyed it so far?

-We have, and I just love this garden.

-You do, don't you?

-Yeah.

-How can you not?

-I know.

-Right. Going to hit the road.

Overlooking the scenic Torridge Valley

lies the small market town of Great Torrington.

In the 19th century, it was home to a thriving glove-making industry,

but local commerce gradually died out.

In a bid to breathe employment back into the area,

the Dartington Hall Trust established a glass-making factory

in 1967.

They originally brought in Scandinavian glass experts to

train up the local workforce,

and that style and tradition is still going strong today.

We've sent craft enthusiasts Barbara and Keith

to meet manager Sue French.

Clearly, around the site, you have got a lot of people working.

Are they working all on the same project?

They normally work in teams of anything up to 11 men in a team,

and each team will work on a different item.

And what are you making here today?

Today we are making wine goblets.

The glass is made for many raw materials -

silica sand, potash, soda, lime.

And there is also a lead content in the glass as well,

which turns it into crystal.

The ingredients are mixed to create the batch

and placed in a furnace for up to ten hours,

reaching temperatures of 1,400 degrees Celsius.

The molten glass is then ready to be gathered before being

passed on to the master craftsman.

He does the most complex part of the item.

So, for example, if we're making jugs,

the master craftsman will shape the lip of the jug

and then his deputy will put the handle on the jug.

At the end of the team is the carrier,

who takes the glass from the team to be cooled.

The shape of the glass is created by a process called blowing.

The company's techniques are still based on skills

learned from the Scandinavian blowers back in the 1960s,

who introduced a sleeker, more contemporary approach to design,

which they passed on to the local workforce.

Let's see if Keith can make the grade with some expert help

from master glass blower Tommy.

OK.

So you just put your hands in the middle. Just keep turning the pipe.

-Just a continuous steady blow?

-Just a continuous, gentle blow.

That's perfect. Stop. That's perfect.

Now the initial bubble has been formed, it cools quickly,

so it is over to Barbara for the next stage.

Keep your hands in between mine.

-Just like a bowler.

-It is.

Why do I have to keep rolling it like this, Tommy?

You have to keep rolling it to keep it straight.

More molten glass is then added before forming

the piece in a mould to create the final shape.

To avoid shattering, it is then cooled for up to eight hours in a

temperature-controlled tunnel called a lehr before the final process.

When the glass leaves the end of the lehr,

it will go and have the moil removed.

This is the waste piece where the glass has been blown.

It will go onto a cracking-off machine,

which will remove the waste piece.

A tungsten cutting wheel will score the glass.

Then gas jets will heat it.

And then cold compressed air will be like a thermal shock

on the glass, and it will crack and come away.

-Right. And is that all recycled?

-Yes.

The waste piece of glass will get crushed down and used again.

So how many items could be produced in a day?

-Approximately 800.

-Gosh.

Does the ethos of the '60s still exist to the present day?

Absolutely. We still employ local people.

We use traditional skills and methods as we did back in the '60s.

I'm not sure if Keith and Barbara's glass made the grade, but let's

hope our next house does, as we continue our Devon property search.

For our second house,

we're heading 20 miles west to the village of Plymtree.

Local amenities can be found four miles

away in the town of Cullompton.

And Keith and Barbara's beloved Exmouth is within easy reach

for sailing in the sheltered Exe estuary.

Plymtree is a charming historic village.

The church of St John the Baptist dates from the 14th century

and is thought to have actually replaced a Saxon structure.

Today, Plymtree offers up a thriving community shop

run by volunteers and a well-regarded pub.

On to our house,

and I could be about to put the cat amongst the pigeons.

So, I brought you to your second property.

Ah.

THEY LAUGH

-Big ahs.

-Yes.

-It's a thatched.

-It's a thatched.

-It is a thatch.

Yes, but beautiful.

It is also listed, which I know were the two things that ideally

you didn't want to look at.

But sometimes in life,

it is worth taking a risk,

-because it is a traditional Devon long house.

-Right.

-Right.

Very typical for this area.

You don't really find them throughout the rest of the country.

There is so much going for this property,

-we think it is worth a viewing.

-OK.

-All I ask is an open mind as we go through the gate.

-OK.

-Yeah?

I am taking a risk with a long house, but on paper,

it does offer a lot of what Keith and Barbara have asked for.

So let's hope the beautifully renovated interior will help

break the ice.

Let's start off with...a kitchen.

Gosh. This is nice and big.

-I like the cooker.

-Now that is quite usual.

It is a companion range.

Cos obviously there's a conventional range there, but to the side,

you've actually got a gas range as well,

so in the summer, you can turn half of it off.

So a good size. Next door, you've got a utility room.

Downstairs cloakroom, boot room as well.

-All right.

-Right.

-It is beautifully done.

But I've got to touch on it - you're disappointed, aren't you?

-Not because of the kitchen.

-No, because of the house.

-Because of the house.

-Yeah. It is a thatched house.

-I think also the listing as well. To add to that.

-I do understand.

It is a marvellous property. So, you have been honest.

With that in mind, shall we continue the tour?

I'd like to.

You can see how it's been done

and also it might give you some great ideas as well.

-OK.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

What a shame Keith and Barbara just can't see past that thatched roof.

Perhaps some period features in the living room

can spark their imaginations.

So, through here...

-I think this is a wonderful sitting room.

-Oh, yes!

-Who likes inglenooks?

-Inglenooks are absolutely fantastic.

-Everybody.

Absolutely fantastic. What a fireplace.

Huge. And it has got the bread oven to the side.

I'm surprised with the decor...

despite the decor and despite the colours, that it is so light.

Not only do you have this room, just to the side,

behind the fireplace, you've got another room.

I'm going to call it the snug,

but it is the most generous-sized snug ever.

At the moment, the way the family are that live here,

the children use that as sort of like their play area, but again,

it is another reception room, which when you are looking at properties,

-you're going to want a bit of space, aren't you?

-Yeah.

-Good.

OK, well, let's keep going

cos we're enjoying this part of the tour, aren't we?

-I'm going to take us upstairs now.

-Thank you.

Keith seems to love the mix of old and new.

The first floor offers up some impressive space with

a family bathroom, including a stylish enclosed roll-top bath,

four double bedrooms - two of which are flooded with southerly

sunlight whilst the third is equipped with neat fitted wardrobes.

We are heading for the master suite.

So, being a long house, all the rooms feed into each other.

They have been quite clever, the owners,

cos they've made this their wing.

You've probably noticed there was a dressing room, a bathroom...

Leads into this.

So in a way, you got one set of the family on that side

and they've kept this as their own...their own domain.

It's a nice size, actually, isn't it?

I was going to say, it surprises me just how big it is, yeah.

You know, you can see why inside we got

so excited about this property, because it has so much going for it.

-Yeah.

-Anyway, well, let's head outside.

-Sounds good.

-Take a look at the garden.

-And there's one more thing I'd like to show you.

-Great.

The gardens feature a charming small orchard to

the front of the cottage, a secluded patio with mature shrubs

and a generous lawn, leading down to the property's trump card.

So...

The additional part of this house is over here.

-You've got this huge outbuilding.

-Wow.

-I wasn't expecting that.

-I know.

-I thought it was going to be a workshop.

-So did I.

It could be a workshop quite easily or...

There is storage through there,

you could actually convert it into a holiday let.

-Yes, that's a shock.

-Yeah.

So you've got this space and, behind us, you've got a mezzanine up there,

like a hayloft if you like.

-But the current owners are using it as an art studio.

-Oh, right, OK.

-Oh, wow.

-That's brilliant.

-It is.

-Yeah.

-Fantastic building.

-OK, well, let's head back outside.

-Take a look at the garden. After you.

-Thank you.

I think Keith was definitely picturing his carpentry tools

in there, but there is no getting away from their issues

with this particular property.

So I want you to have a look from the back of the property,

because the one thing I didn't mention at the beginning,

because you probably couldn't see it, is the actual house

is attached.

So you do have next-door neighbours, as you can see.

So, having seen around, who wants to go first on the price?

-I'll go first?

-You go first.

-How much is it on the market for?

535?

That was very definite, wasn't it? 535, OK. Keith?

I think you would be pushing the top end of our budget.

I think 5...50.

-550.

-OK.

-Well, you are both over the asking price.

-Right.

It is on the market £499,950.

-Wow. That's a surprise.

-That is a surprise.

Well, every house has its merits,

and I think this one is worth a second view,

if it is not right for you to buy.

You fancy having another wander around?

-I'll have another look.

-OK.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

At £50,000 under Keith and Barbara's maximum budget,

our second property is an attached thatched long house,

offering stylish and spacious accommodation,

four good-sized bedrooms including an impressive master suite,

a stunning kitchen-diner, complete with range cooker,

that truly wonderful detached outbuilding,

which would have been perfect for Keith's carpentry skills,

all set in a attractive garden, including a small orchard.

I think the inside of the house is beautiful.

I think it's got a lot to offer.

The fireplace, the kitchen range is superb.

It has opened my eyes as to what traditional houses look like,

feel like.

Certainly the garden, with some TLC, I think, from Barbara,

it would look beautiful.

The thing about a thatched property, it's not really my sort of thing.

-What do you think?

-Yeah, I agree.

And also the fact that it takes so long and so much time to upkeep it

on a regular basis.

And aesthetically, it doesn't do it for me.

So there you have it -

two properties, very, very different indeed.

-Very.

-We tried so hard with this one, but you're not convinced, are you?

Never mind. We had very different reactions today.

-But that's it, so shall we hit the road?

-Sounds good.

It is the second day of our house hunt in East Devon

with Keith and Barbara, from the town of Whitney in Oxfordshire.

They have a healthy £550,000 budget

to spend on their country dream.

Coming up, we see if the mystery house can make a splash.

You don't have sea views, but you do have your own heated swimming pool.

I love that.

And I step back in time

and get carried away by the fun of the fair.

We took a bit of a gamble yesterday showing Keith

and Barbara a thatched, attached, listed property.

And it didn't work out.

The first house we showed them, that got a lukewarm reception.

Although the garden did win Barbara over.

But the second house... No, that was a complete no-no.

So, there is a lot riding on the mystery house today.

Now, they are either going to love it or loathe it, so wish me luck.

And for today's mystery house, we're heading just under 30 miles

southwest to the rural hamlet of Higher Ashton.

At seven miles from the cathedral city of Exeter, it is

a bit of a risk, as Keith and Barbara want to feel totally

detached from any hustle and bustle.

But this hamlet boasts mesmerising views over the Holden Hills

and has a real feeling of space.

The thriving village of Doddiscombsleigh

is just two miles away.

Focal points include a stunning 15th-century church

and characterful Devonian inn.

Our final house is just outside Higher Ashton,

and the reason it is a mystery is down to the construction.

It is not made of stone or brick, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Keith and Barbara, it is time for your mystery house.

What do you think?

-Well, it's amazing, isn't it? Just the views...

-The house and the view.

Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

So, you have your own pine-built house surrounded by these

beautiful woodlands as well.

-And it is beautiful.

-What is this behind us?

So, you've got a workshop here, stroke-office.

-At the moment, the way they've divided it up is two offices.

-OK.

-So that is purpose-built for you, isn't it?

-Yeah. Lovely size.

-You have a garage as you come down the road.

-Right.

-You've got a greenhouse, Barbara.

-Brilliant.

And in total, just under three acres.

-Wow.

-Can you just see in the distance there? That is Exeter.

-Oh, yes.

Five minutes in the car.

On a clear day, you can see Exmouth on the estuary.

King George IV used to travel from Exeter to a folly

which is just behind us called the Belvedere Tower, built in 1788.

This was the road he travelled on, and it was named after him.

And this is your own private road.

-Brilliant.

-Oh, wow.

Rather than start the tour inside, would you like to walk slightly down

the hill and look up and see it from a different aspect?

-Yeah, that would be good.

-Sounds good.

-OK, great.

-Thank you.

Well, the timber construction of our mystery house was a bit

of a gamble, but it hasn't rung any alarm bells with Keith and Barbara.

I think they're just blown away by the grounds.

So, I wanted to bring you down here,

because you really get to appreciate this property.

It is much bigger than I thought, actually,

-cos from the roof, you can't tell that at all, can you?

-No, you can't.

And the way it has been designed, as you probably have guessed,

-the vantage point is out that way, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Those views.

-That's the scenery behind you.

-Exactly.

-Absolutely fantastic.

So, have you ever thought of owning a little bit of your own estate?

-No.

-Never crossed our mind. Never crossed our mind something like this.

It's...it's... I'm just stuck for words.

It is wonderful.

-Well, shall we have a look inside the property?

-I can't wait.

-Come on.

I actually think they love the individual look

of our mystery house.

It was built in 1992, based on a Scandinavian wood lodge design.

We are making our way around to the back of the house,

towards a fabulous kitchen.

So, you've got a utility boot room, which leads us into our kitchen.

-Oh, my goodness!

-Wow.

-It's not your average, is it?

-No, no.

-Incredible kitchen.

Originally, we were looking at something where we could perhaps

put a new kitchen in, but this doesn't need touching.

-This is just absolutely beautiful.

-It is lovely.

-Absolutely beautiful.

-Would you have considered looking at a house like this?

-No, never.

So sometimes when we push the boundaries, it works,

it is worth it. OK.

Well, you haven't seen all of it yet, so if you want to follow me.

Will do.

So, you've got your lovely little sunroom here if you like.

It could be a dining room if you wanted to.

-It does lead us to your sitting room.

-Right.

Gosh.

-That's very nice.

-You have to really appreciate pine to live here.

-Yes, yes.

-Because it is your best friend. It is wrapped around you.

But it's... For me, it feels like, if I lived here,

-I'd feel like I was on holiday the whole time.

-Yeah.

-Mm-hm.

Well, we'd want to be. We're going to be.

-You can, can't you? Your new lives.

-Yeah.

You might have spotted, there is a mezzanine floor up there.

-Now, being a librarian, do you have a huge collection of books?

-No, no.

We are getting rid of it bit by bit.

But no, that's ideal. That's brilliant.

The stunning sitting room is also the connection point

for the rest of this split-level property, which features

a family bathroom, separate shower room and two good-sized bedrooms -

both of which are flooded with light

and have plenty of space for wardrobes and cabinets.

The main bathroom comes with an enclosed shower

and plenty of built-in storage.

We are heading for the master bedroom.

-So, we have plenty of wardrobes there.

-Brilliant.

Access outside. And again...

-Views.

-Fantastic views.

-Views.

-Yes.

Again, it is very warm, the flow works.

-I like all the high ceilings as well.

-Yeah.

-Right.

-Let's head outside.

-OK.

I'm convinced this property has brought out something Keith

and Barbara didn't even know they were looking for -

the feel of a place that just makes it seem like home.

Now, we talked about potential sea views.

You don't have sea views, but you do have your own heated swimming pool.

Wow.

-I love that.

-I wasn't sure if you had spied it as we walked in.

And I realised you hadn't, you were so absorbed with the house

and the views.

-That was the final piece of the jigsaw.

-I love this.

Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely fantastic.

-Could you see yourselves sitting here, summer evenings?

-With you.

With me? Love it!

-I'll have the Pimm's, lovely.

-No, you bring the Pimm's.

-Looking out...

-Let's cut to the chase.

-OK.

What value are you going to put on this property?

I think this would be on the market for around about 560, 570,000.

-OK. Barbara?

-I'm just going to go right on the budget of 550.

And your fingers crossed as you said that.

-Your top budget was 550...

-550.

..for a property that you said ideally didn't need

anything doing it, cos that was stretching you.

The asking price for this wonderful mystery house...

..£550,000.

-Right on your budget.

-Wow.

-Gosh.

-Wow.

Um... I was expecting it to come in much higher than that.

-Do want to have another look around?

-Yes, please.

-I'd love to.

-Yes?

Where are you going to start first?

-Back in the house, I think.

-In the house and then do the land?

-Yep.

-Off you go, please, be my guests.

-Thank you.

I am speechless.

I mean, I was smiling as soon as I showed them

the start of the property, but you never know how it is going to go,

especially with the mystery house.

What somebody might love, and other person might loathe. But today,

it is certainly a love fest.

£550,000, I think Keith and Barbara are relieved to see

the mystery property come in on budget.

It is an impressive detached timber house with three double bedrooms,

a magnificent sitting room with wood burner, a detached office

building, which could be converted into a workshop for Keith,

a swimming pool,

and all set in beautiful grounds of just under three acres.

The house makes me feel very warm and very excited.

The potential of the gardens for Barbara, the outhouses, the potential

of a workshop for me to be able to set up some woodworking business.

It is going to be amazing here because of the views, the quiet.

It's not that far from the coast, which we wanted. Um...

The family can come and stay, friends.

-Just everything about it.

-I'd love to get my hands on it.

I'd love to move in tomorrow. It is just what we want.

So, come on then, you two, tell me,

is the mystery house worth moving to Devon for?

-Oh, definitely.

-Yes?

-We love it, don't we?

Without a doubt. And don't take this the wrong way, but thank you.

Oh! Kisses! I'm not going to complain.

-Have I found you the perfect home?

-I think you have.

-I think you have, what a miracle.

-I'm so pleased.

So that second tour on your own was certainly worth it?

-It certainly was.

-OK, well, I am going to have to drag you away.

It seems such a shame. But at least we've all got smiling faces.

-We have today.

-Absolutely.

Devon has a great holidaying tradition,

and part of that has to be the fun of the fair.

The hum of the generators, the thrill of the dodgems

and even that first kiss.

Since 1986, the Fairground Heritage Centre at Lifton has been

looking to preserve these precious memories.

I've come to find out more about this great British tradition

with the help of fairground historian Guy Belshaw.

-Hello, Guy.

-Welcome to Fairground Heritage Centre.

Thank you very much.

See, I was brought up near Margate in Kent, with fairgrounds,

fair rides.

This has taken me straight to my childhood.

That's the idea, nostalgia. It just takes you right back, doesn't it?

It is beautiful!

How many rides do you have in total here?

We have got seven working rides here

and two more in restoration, so lots more to do for the future.

When a lot of these rides were developed,

-they must've been ground-breaking.

-They were. I mean, this in the 1930s

was a very, very fast ride.

It would whizz you around almost 360 degrees.

But again, it's all the senses - the sound, the music of the day,

the lighting and the superb artwork.

The Centre's oldest ride is the Rodeo Switchback.

This stunning machine was originally built in the 1880s

as a basic roundabout.

It gradually evolved with new carvings and carriages,

entertaining the public until 1930.

And it still works today.

We are picking up a fair speed.

I mean, not compared to what we are used to today,

-but they must have stood in awe when it was going round.

-I think so,

with the sensation of the military band organ in the middle,

the lights and the motion going up and down the hills, like a

roller coaster effect, it would have been quite spectacular, I think.

-Yeah. This was entertainment, wasn't it?

-This was entertainment.

The fairgrounds became more popular in the late 19th century

and were extremely advanced for their age.

Steam engines powered the rides

when there were still very few cars on the roads.

And many people's first sighting of an electric light bulb might

have been upon one of these ground-breaking attractions.

I'm presuming these would have been moved up and down the country.

Yes, they would have moved every three or four days.

A week was a long stay.

So you can imagine the physical hard graft that went into,

you know, building this thing up and dismantling it.

I mean, they are beautifully maintained.

-I bet they don't all arrive like that.

-No, certainly not.

We have to do a lot of work to get them up to the standard.

But we have got things being restored over time.

We have got one restoration project on the go.

-Perhaps you'd like to have a look at it?

-Know what?

I'd absolutely love to.

Many of the old paintings and signs are collectors items,

and the rides are regarded as works of art.

Bringing them back to their former glory is a painstaking process.

Their latest project, the galloping horse roundabout, has been

packed away since 1934.

I think of it as a merry-go-round. I can see the horse there.

I mean, the colours are still pretty vibrant.

They're quite muted compared to how they would have been.

They would've been varnished.

-It would have been really bright.

-The detail is superb.

Notice, it has got metal ears, where the kids used to hang on.

They didn't get worn out cos they were made of metal.

Interestingly, we've also got the diesel lorry here that contains

the horses and the brackets on the side where the brass poles went.

So I know the museum is run by volunteers - how long will it

take you to restore a ride like this back to its former glory?

We've got plenty of willing labour,

but it's the finance to do it properly.

-What sort of figures are we talking?

-We're talking about £100,000.

We want to do it properly, but we're going to make a start now.

In a few years' time,

we hope to welcome visitors with a galloping horse roundabout.

-So it will be joining all the other rides?

-It will be, yes. We hope so.

Well, the merry-go-round is my favourite ride, so I look forward

to coming back in a few years' time

-and seeing it running once again.

-Thank you. We look forward

to welcoming you back when it's up and running.

It is great to see these special items of British heritage

being maintained and preserved.

I, for one, will definitely be back, but for now,

it's time to return to our property hunt.

Wow!

The look of relief on Barbara and Keith's face

when they saw the mystery house

has made the last few days seem worthwhile.

I don't mind admitting I was really nervous this morning.

The question is, what's their next step? Let's find out.

Well, Barbara and Keith, I think, if you don't mind,

we're just going to brush over yesterday's houses

and talk about the mystery

because that's the property I got a real reaction about.

When we first walked down the driveway I thought,

"How nice, a log cabin."

And as things started opening up and we saw what it was offering,

wow, we really were bowled over by it.

Just the views, the garden,

there was just so much to do there, which is just exactly what we want.

It is not too far away from Exmouth, which we love down there as well.

So it is just the right property for us, I think.

So did that house speak to you?

-I think rather than speaking, I think it shouted. It really did.

-Did it?

Yes, it did.

You mentioned when we were walking around that you wouldn't have

-looked at a house like that yourselves.

-No.

-No, not really.

I don't think we'd have ever imagined we'd be happy

somewhere like that, but it was just that immediate five-minute feel.

So, the way you are talking,

it sounds to me like you have already moved in.

Yes, it does, it does.

We've got to go away and put some numbers together

to see if it adds up.

And we are seriously thinking of having a second viewing

-with the view to making an offer.

-Definitely.

If I was going to be a betting person,

would I be putting my money on this?

That you're going to buy the home?

-BOTH: Yeah.

-Yay!

Well, thank you, it's such an exciting time for you both

and we are delighted that we found you the perfect home.

-I'm sure the numbers are going to add up.

-I hope so.

Get that offer in as soon as you can.

And thank you to you and the team. It has been a wonderful experience.

Thank you and it has been delightful.

So pleased we've been able to help. All the best.

Thanks very much.

In the last two days, there were moments

when I was really worried we weren't going to find Keith

and Barbara their perfect Escape To The Country home.

But with the mystery house we did just that.

And I said to them earlier, this move to Devon

is the start of a brand-new chapter in their lives.

But in the mystery house,

it could be the beginning of a whole new book.

Until next time, bye-bye.

If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales,

Northern Ireland, Scotland or even further afield to the Continent

and need our help, please apply online at...