0:00:02 > 0:00:05For centuries, ships set sail from this historic port
0:00:05 > 0:00:07loaded up with a mineral that has put this county
0:00:07 > 0:00:08on the international map.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Find out what it is and where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31On today's show we're helping a couple who have given up work
0:00:31 > 0:00:34to enjoy some quality time together.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37We'll be putting our feet up at one of our properties.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Reading the Sunday papers, having a coffee.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42And love is in the air at another.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44She might even kiss you at that one.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47Today I'm in Fowey in Cornwell.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50During the early 1900s, this county produced and exported
0:00:50 > 0:00:53more than half of the world's supply of china clay
0:00:53 > 0:00:56and it remains a multi-million pound industry today.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59In fact, you can still see the huge cargo ships
0:00:59 > 0:01:01travelling through this harbour on their way out sea.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Later on, I'll be popping into Fowey
0:01:04 > 0:01:06to find how they celebrate their maritime heritage,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09but first let's see what else makes this county
0:01:09 > 0:01:11such a special place to be.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16England's most westerly county Cornwall is bordered
0:01:16 > 0:01:19by only one other, Devon to the east.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21The rest of its boundary is coastal,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25offering over 400 miles of dramatic shoreline,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29with the Atlantic to the north and the English Channel to the south.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Exposed to prevailing winds,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35it's no surprise that parts of Cornwall are a surfer's paradise,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39with sandy beaches such as Fistral now world-famous for its waves.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43But for those after a slower pace of life,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46the coastal county is also home to pretty villages
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and attractive harbour towns, including Fowey.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Inland, Cornwall's still bears the marks of the heavy industry
0:01:54 > 0:01:56that once thrived here in the 19th century
0:01:56 > 0:01:59when tin and copper mining was at its peak.
0:01:59 > 0:02:04And at the heart of the county lies the wild expanse of Bodmin Moor.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Archaeologists have found evidence of human activity here
0:02:06 > 0:02:10stretching back some 4,000 years.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12It's this variety of landscape
0:02:12 > 0:02:15that makes Cornwall such a popular destination
0:02:15 > 0:02:17for those wanting the quieter life.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22The average price for a detached house here in Cornwall
0:02:22 > 0:02:25is around £262,000.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29That's around £5,000 above the national figure.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30According to local estate agents,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32they expect the market to remain fairly buoyant
0:02:32 > 0:02:35over the next few years due in no small part
0:02:35 > 0:02:36to the strong tourist industry,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40which then in turn fuels demand for second properties -
0:02:40 > 0:02:42especially around coastal areas like this.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45Now, heading over to firm favourites like Fowey and St Mawes,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47well, a sea view can actually
0:02:47 > 0:02:49double the asking price of a property.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52But whereabouts in Cornwall do today's buyers want to look?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:55 > 0:02:56For the past five years,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Christopher and Margaret have lived in this three-bedroom house
0:02:59 > 0:03:01in the city of Worcester,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04but now they're seeking a complete change from the hustle and bustle
0:03:04 > 0:03:06of the West Midlands.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Living in Worcester, it's very nice.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14It's a nice city but we are in the middle of a housing estate.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Even though we've got a lovely, quirky house in that housing estate,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20but you can hear quite a lot of traffic noise
0:03:20 > 0:03:22when you're sat outside.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26I think we'd like a more village lifestyle, possibly,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29so we could get involved with the local community.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32They've been married for 18 years and they first met
0:03:32 > 0:03:33through a dating agency,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37but it wasn't the first time Margaret has clocked Chris.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39She said, "I know you!"
0:03:39 > 0:03:41I said, "Do you? I don't know you."
0:03:41 > 0:03:46And it turned out we'd lived six doors away from each other.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51Started chatting, dating and I moved in two months later.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Chris is taking early retirement as an electrical engineer.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58He's looking forward to spending more time in the garden
0:03:58 > 0:03:59and on his other hobbies.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I've always liked messing about in boats and on water.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05You know, I find it very calming.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07At the moment, living in Worcester,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09we're quite a long way away from the sea,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13and I hope that when we get to Cornwall
0:04:13 > 0:04:16we'll be doing a lot more sailing.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Margaret has also given up work as a nurse
0:04:20 > 0:04:22after receiving some bad news a few years ago.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25One day I was just walking back to the car
0:04:25 > 0:04:28and started staggering around the car park,
0:04:28 > 0:04:31like I'd had sort of 20 pints or something!
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Then upon investigations at hospital and everything
0:04:34 > 0:04:37they found out that I had a brain tumour.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Although she's been given the all-clear,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43Margaret's recent set back has been the catalyst in this move.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45This is why it's come to this point now.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47With me having my illnesses,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50it's as if it's a kick-start,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53saying "Come on, you've got the opportunity now to do it."
0:04:53 > 0:04:56And with their grown-up children from previous marriages
0:04:56 > 0:04:57having all flown the nest,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00it's now a chance to spend some quality time together.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03As Margaret regained some strength,
0:05:03 > 0:05:09we hope that we can do a lot more walking across the coast of Cornwall,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11across the beaches, take the dogs.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14They love running across the beaches and going in the water.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16I want to have more time with my wife.
0:05:16 > 0:05:21I want to have more time to do the things that are pleasurable.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24All that's left is to find out how much is financing
0:05:24 > 0:05:26this new life in the Cornish countryside.
0:05:26 > 0:05:31The budget for the move to Cornwall is £500,000.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Chris and Margaret would prefer to be close to the sea
0:05:37 > 0:05:40in a village location so we're concentrating our property search
0:05:40 > 0:05:42with that in mind.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45I'm meeting them at a seaside spot close to Falmouth,
0:05:45 > 0:05:47an area they know well.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51What is it about Cornwall that draws you both here, then?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53It's the variety.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58It's not just the seaside and the countryside,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00it's also the moors to walk on.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06There's such a variety of little villages, little towns to visit.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Little ports and...yes, little fishing villages.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Quite right. There's so much more to this county, isn't there?
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Are you looking forward to getting stuck into that?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Yeah, absolutely, cos every time...
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I mean, we come to Cornwall a few times a year
0:06:17 > 0:06:20and we always find something new and somewhere new to visit.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22Let's look at the house itself.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- You're bringing a couple of dogs with you.- Yeah.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Margaret, how big does this house need to be?
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- We only really need three bedrooms. - OK.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32You know, we haven't got family living with us as such,
0:06:32 > 0:06:34although it would be nice to have some separate accommodation
0:06:34 > 0:06:38that we could either rent out as a holiday accommodation annexe,
0:06:38 > 0:06:39or even to our family to stay.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41OK.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43This separate accommodation, is this on your wish list, this?
0:06:43 > 0:06:45- Yes.- Right.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49To be able to afford the lifestyle we want down here,
0:06:49 > 0:06:54we need some sort of an income to supplement what we're going to be
0:06:54 > 0:06:55getting from our pensions.
0:06:55 > 0:06:56Right.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58So it's a three-bedroom house with some gardens.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- With some character. - What do you count as character?
0:07:01 > 0:07:05We would like something that is perhaps done in Cornish stone.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06Right.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- Or slate...- Right.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09..of some description.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12- Something like that to give it a bit of Cornish character.- OK.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14I mean, there's a lot of real estate.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17You look around, actually, there's not a whole lot
0:07:17 > 0:07:20of old Cornish-stone properties around,
0:07:20 > 0:07:22certainly not for sale of a certain size.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25How open-minded are you to this sort of character?
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Again, I think, you know, we really don't want a new build,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33but again, I suppose we're open to anything. You never know, do you?
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Let's see how we get on with the first house.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I've got a fair idea of what are essential parts of the house,
0:07:38 > 0:07:39size and location.
0:07:39 > 0:07:40And from then on, we'll go from there.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- All right?- OK, great.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- Great, thank you.- Just this way. - OK.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48For a budget of £500,000,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52Chris and Margaret would like an older property with character.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54In addition to the three bedrooms,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Margaret would like a traditional farmhouse kitchen.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Ideally, the property would come with
0:07:59 > 0:08:01separate accommodation for holiday guests.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04They want a moderately-sized garden for the dogs
0:08:04 > 0:08:07and they'd like their house to be in a village location
0:08:07 > 0:08:12and most importantly close to the sea for Chris's sailing.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15We've got three wonderful Cornish homes lined up to captivate
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Chris and Margaret, and at each one,
0:08:16 > 0:08:20they'll have to guess the price at the end of the tour.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Our last property is the mystery house
0:08:22 > 0:08:26which may require our buyers to look beyond what's already there.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34So, you're both sailors, I take it?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37Not necessarily myself by choice.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Oh! Ho-ho!
0:08:39 > 0:08:43It's a case of either getting involved or stay at home, isn't it?
0:08:43 > 0:08:46So I do quite enjoy it, actually. I love being on the boat.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50OK, so, does that make you the skipper then, Chris?
0:08:50 > 0:08:51Yes.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54When we first talked about having a boat,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57my wife wanted a caravan, so I got her one that floated.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Oh, OK, that's not a bad compromise.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Sounds like you're good at making those then, are you?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06I try and make compromises in life, yes.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Yeah, all right. I wasn't thinking about you, Chris.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12I know, I was going to say, I think I make more than...than you!
0:09:12 > 0:09:15For our first property, we're heading a little inland
0:09:15 > 0:09:18from Falmouth to the village of Malpas.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21The closest amenities can be found two miles away in Truro,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25which despite its city status has the feel of a small town,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29with a range of shops lining its Georgian cobbled streets.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Dominating the skyline is
0:09:31 > 0:09:34the impressive Victorian Gothic cathedral.
0:09:34 > 0:09:3610 minutes drive away is house number one,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39nestled on the high banks overlooking the Truro River,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42and it's a bit of a climb to get there.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Well, the climb is certainly worth it
0:09:44 > 0:09:46when you come up to this front garden.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Yeah.- Come on in.
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Goodness.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53So, house number one is this.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- Wow.- OK.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- Looks lovely.- Spectacular view.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58- Yeah, absolutely.- Isn't it just?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Boats. Gosh, seeing that every morning.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04So, location-wise, close enough to water for you?
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- Plenty close, yeah. - Couldn't get much closer, could you? Yeah, it's lovely.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11The house. Now, you can't see from here, but it's semidetached.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- All right. - What's your thoughts on that?
0:10:13 > 0:10:14- It wouldn't be first choice. - No.- No.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17OK. I don't think it's many people's first choice,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19but it's the compromise of getting this, isn't it?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21- It's the view, yeah.- Yes. - It's great.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Let's look inside.- BOTH: OK.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26It's not the traditional Cornish stone they're after,
0:10:26 > 0:10:28but this 1960s semidetached property
0:10:28 > 0:10:30has made a good first impression,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33thanks largely to its fantastic river views,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37and that's why we've brought them here first.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39So...
0:10:39 > 0:10:40the kitchen.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42Who does all the cooking?
0:10:42 > 0:10:43- Me. - Right.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- So you're the boss. - Gosh, yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Imagine cooking there, looking out.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49I won't be doing any cooking, will I?
0:10:49 > 0:10:51That's it, takeaways from now on.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Well, whoever gets landed with the washing-up
0:10:53 > 0:10:55has the best view in the house, don't they?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Is this big enough? - Yeah, yeah.- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I mean, it is literally only the two of us and two dogs.
0:11:00 > 0:11:05We have visitors, family to stay but, yeah, it's certainly big enough.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07Now, you said you wanted a house with character.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's 1960s which a lot of people say well, you know, it's modern.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- It's now over 50 years old. - Gosh.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14This is period property we're looking at now.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17Does this have enough character for you?
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Probably not to start with.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20It's not ideal,
0:11:20 > 0:11:24but it's certainly on the way towards what we would like, I think.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26I think the kitchen
0:11:26 > 0:11:28has been done very nicely to a good standard,
0:11:28 > 0:11:30and yes, we could live here.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Yeah, definitely.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34As well as the kitchen, the ground floor also features
0:11:34 > 0:11:38a dining room with patio doors opening onto the front garden.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Built into the hillside,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42the accommodation is arranged over three levels.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48So half a floor up, if you like, you get this fantastic living room.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Ah!
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- The view is spectacular, eh? - Absolutely.- Absolutely.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- Let's go have a look then, shall we?- OK.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Well, this is kind of an outside room now, isn't it?
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Oh!
0:12:02 > 0:12:03It's lovely.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Gosh.- It's fantastic.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07It's nice the way it changes all the time,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09the tide goes in and out, the boats turn around.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11There's always something going on.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13This probably wasn't what you had in mind,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16but can you see yourself here so far?
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I could certainly see myself sat here with a glass of wine
0:12:19 > 0:12:22admiring the view, looking at the wildlife.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Chris can look at the boats... or be on the boat.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Yes, I'd rather be down on the boat a lot of the time.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30Well, if you're a reluctant sailor,
0:12:30 > 0:12:31you can watch him potter about on his boat,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33and have a nice glass of white wine in your hand.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35That sounds a good idea.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- Let's go take a look at our bedroom. - OK.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Up on the top floor, there are four bedrooms.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Three of those are doubles and there's one single,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45which is currently being used as a study.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48They're all serviced by a large family bathroom
0:12:48 > 0:12:50and an additional toilet.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Two of the double bedrooms have fantastic views
0:12:52 > 0:12:53over the front of the house,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57and one of those could be Chris and Margaret's master.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Guess what, it's got an amazing view.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- Yes, every room seems to. - Just for a change! Yeah.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04What's going through your minds at the moment?
0:13:04 > 0:13:05This is the first house we're seeing,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07so let's talk size at the moment.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09You know, it's a four bedroom
0:13:09 > 0:13:12but I don't know what your room sizes are like at the moment.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- We have a very large bed. - That's true.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Cos we've got a super king-size bed so it's...it's rather large.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- I would like a bigger bedroom than this, to be honest.- Fine.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25All right. That's good to know. What do you think, Margaret?
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Yeah, probably the same, but I'm still open to...
0:13:28 > 0:13:30You know, we don't know what the other bedrooms are like
0:13:30 > 0:13:33and the rest of the house, so it's a complete package, isn't it,
0:13:33 > 0:13:34trying to find the, you know...?
0:13:34 > 0:13:36It is, yeah.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38I mean, if you took us took us straight into a house
0:13:38 > 0:13:41that was just absolutely wow in every room or something, it'd be...
0:13:41 > 0:13:43She might even kiss you at that one.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46- God, I don't think he'd want that! - I've got to pick my game up, haven't I?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- I was hoping this view was kiss-worthy, but maybe not.- Yeah.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50OK, well, look,
0:13:50 > 0:13:53let's go outside now towards the back of the house
0:13:53 > 0:13:54to have a look at the garden,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57and start, if you can, to think about the price.
0:13:57 > 0:13:59- OK.- All right?- Right, OK.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- I'll lead the way.- Yep.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07As well as the lawn and patio at the front of the house,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10the property comes with a large secluded landscaped garden
0:14:10 > 0:14:13to the rear with further patio areas overlooking the river.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16So what do you think then, Chris?
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- Well, it's lots more than I've got now, which is good.- OK.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25And it's got lots of little sun traps, which is nice as well.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- Yeah, it is private, isn't it? - Yeah.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29We're up on a hill looking down over everybody else,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31which is rather nice, isn't it?
0:14:31 > 0:14:33How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Taking everything into account of where it is,
0:14:36 > 0:14:40the outlook and everything, I'd put it at £475,000.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- All right. Margaret? - Again, lovely location.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46You can't fault that whatsoever.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50I think less than that, I'm afraid. About £430,000.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Ooh, right.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Well, you're in for a bit of a shock then.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59This place is on the market for offers around £500,000.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- I think we're paying for the view. - You are, absolutely you are.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05So, where do we go from here?
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Well, I think you guys should go back inside,
0:15:08 > 0:15:10have a look around everything you haven't yet seen
0:15:10 > 0:15:12and I'll meet you whenever you're done.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- OK.- All right? Mind your step on the way down.- OK.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Bang on budget at £500,000,
0:15:21 > 0:15:25our first property is a semidetached modern house
0:15:25 > 0:15:27perched high above the Truro River.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31It has a large contemporary kitchen and an upstairs living room
0:15:31 > 0:15:33with doors opening onto a balcony.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35There are four good-size bedrooms
0:15:35 > 0:15:39and outside a dog-friendly garden with fantastic views
0:15:39 > 0:15:40over the river estuary.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42As I approached the property,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I was a little bit worried about all the steps we had to come up,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46because we're not getting any younger
0:15:46 > 0:15:48and that could prove a bit of a problem in the future.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Overall, the house is in very good order.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53The views are absolutely wonderful
0:15:53 > 0:15:56and I could just imagine Chris down there on his boat
0:15:56 > 0:15:59and me up here doing the cooking watching him.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03The kitchen was lovely. The views were to die for.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05With all things considered,
0:16:05 > 0:16:07I don't think it's going to be a contender.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12I think the steepness of the walk up, due to my wife's previous illness,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14would prove a barrier as we get older.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I just don't think it's going to be a contender for us.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25I must say, I'm loath to leave this place, this beautiful view.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- All done inside? - Yeah, I think so, yeah.
0:16:27 > 0:16:28- OK.- Lovely.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Onto the next one.- OK.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38At over 400 miles,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Cornwall's coastline is the longest of any county.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Due to its growing popularity as a tourist destination,
0:16:44 > 0:16:48more and more people are using its beaches and the sea.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50This, in turn, is leading to an increasing number of call-outs
0:16:50 > 0:16:53for the charity responsible for sea rescue,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58Chris loves the water
0:16:58 > 0:17:02and Margaret wants to get involved in community activities,
0:17:02 > 0:17:05so we sent them to the RNLI lifeboat station in Falmouth
0:17:05 > 0:17:09to find out about the life-saving service and to see if they can help.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12They are meeting the station's chairman Alan Barnes.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17How long has the RNLI been here in Falmouth in this station?
0:17:17 > 0:17:21Well, actually, the lifeboat service has been here since 1867.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24The first boat was called The City of Gloucester
0:17:24 > 0:17:26and it was given by the people of Gloucester
0:17:26 > 0:17:28and brought to Falmouth by rail,
0:17:28 > 0:17:30brought through the town by horse and carriage
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and it was housed in the dockyard over here.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35And how long have you had the present boat?
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Since about 2001.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41She was named by the Queen on the start of her Golden Jubilee tour.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43What's the most usual call-outs you get here?
0:17:43 > 0:17:48You know, where a boat will go out to medical evacuations,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50ships on fire.
0:17:50 > 0:17:51Vessels that are broken down.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55We've had a tug that's steering broke that we had to get in.
0:17:55 > 0:17:59This is the 18th busiest station in the RNLI.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01There was 80-odd calls last year.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Both Chris and Margaret are keen to get involved,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07and like all the stations around the country,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10RSLI Falmouth relies almost entirely on local volunteers
0:18:10 > 0:18:12to keep the service going,
0:18:12 > 0:18:17from helping with fundraising to piloting the boats themselves.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18The station's offshore lifeboat
0:18:18 > 0:18:20is designed to function in all weathers.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Normally crewed by seven volunteers,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26it has enough space to accommodate 28 survivors.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30Offering to show them around is volunteer Bill Hudson.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Each seat has a harness on it.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37If the boat capsizes, which is a very, very rare,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40it can turn over and back up again in 10 seconds
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and you'll still be sitting in your seats.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45What sort of speed does the vessel maintain?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48When she's going out to a shout, then obviously, you know,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51you're on full-throttle to get there as fast as you can
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and she can push up to about 25 knots.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Can I just have a go at seeing how it is to...?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Yeah, of course you can. Help yourself to steering.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00Yeah, just keep away from the rocks.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- SHE LAUGHS - Yeah!
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Now that Chris and Margaret have been shown the ropes,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07it's time to see if we can come to the rescue
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and find them a new home here in Cornwall.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15For our second property, we're venturing 50 miles east,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19away from the part of Cornwall by Chris and Margaret know well
0:19:19 > 0:19:20to the village of Downderry.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23The coastal village has a strong community feel to it,
0:19:23 > 0:19:25and there's a wide range of facilities,
0:19:25 > 0:19:30including a post office and a pub with its own deli.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Both the village and beach offer views over the bay
0:19:33 > 0:19:36towards Looe Island, and our second property,
0:19:36 > 0:19:41situated in the heart of Downderry, takes full advantage of them.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44So then, house number two... is this one.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46- Nice position.- Yeah, lovely.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Isn't it just?- Mm.- Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50You can imagine, as soon as we get a bit of elevation,
0:19:50 > 0:19:52you're going to have some fantastic sea views.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53Mm-hm.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- So, what do you think about the style of it?- Yeah, very unusual.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Not quite sure what it's going to be like inside.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03Well, believe it or not, this dates back to the early 1900s.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Gosh.- But it's got a much more modern facade.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09The new conservatory certainly adds to that, doesn't it?
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- BOTH: Yeah. - Fancy looking inside?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Yeah, absolutely.- Good.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Our second property's age should appeal to Chris and Margaret,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20and it's packed with character inside.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23As well as a more gentle approach to the house,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26all the accommodation is arranged on one level.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29So then, let's start in the kitchen.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32Just mind your step on the way up there.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35Now, Margaret, you told me you do all the cooking so you're the boss.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38- What do we think? - Yeah, it's lovely. I like it.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Really nice, first impression.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Is it a recent addition to the building or...?
0:20:42 > 0:20:43It's been recently done up.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46According to the owner, this part of the house,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48it was built at the same time as the rest of it.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Oh, it's lovely. They've done it really nice.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I like the ceiling and the light coming through the centre.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55And all the windows around. It's very nice.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Very well done.- Yeah.- Good.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00All right, now, as lovely as this kitchen is,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03I don't think we're spending a whole lot of time in here
0:21:03 > 0:21:05because I alluded to the view earlier,
0:21:05 > 0:21:07and this house certainly makes the most of that.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08- All right.- Follow me.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12Now, this is when the Victorian
0:21:12 > 0:21:15dimensions start to reveal themselves really, isn't it?
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Good size, isn't it? - Yeah, it's a lovely size.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Very good, yeah. Nice high ceilings, yes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The telltale signs, really, you know,
0:21:22 > 0:21:24you've got more detail in the corners,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27seeing deeper skirting boards, the fireplace.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29It feels like a lot more history here
0:21:29 > 0:21:30than we've seen so far, doesn't it?
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- Yes. - Sort of dimensions you had in mind?
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Yeah, this is lovely for a dining room.- Fantastic.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37It's a wonderful size, yeah.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40One improvement the current owners have made
0:21:40 > 0:21:43that really set this house apart is out the front here,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45so let's take a look.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Now...
0:21:47 > 0:21:50..I think this adds an essential dimension to this home,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53bearing in mind this fantastic view, doesn't it?
0:21:53 > 0:21:54- Gorgeous view. - Yeah.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Sit here reading the Sunday papers and having coffee.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00See, that's more like it.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03You're talking about your everyday relaxed, retired life.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04I like the sound of this.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Beautiful, isn't it?
0:22:06 > 0:22:07- Look at all that sea. - It is. It's a nice space.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- Lovely.- I like the flooring.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10- Yeah.- Excellent.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11It's very nice.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Happy so far?- BOTH: Yes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18A much better reaction to our second property.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20If this sunny space and the dining room aren't enough,
0:22:20 > 0:22:22there's a further reception area
0:22:22 > 0:22:24at the other end of the conservatory
0:22:24 > 0:22:26which the current owners use as their living room.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29The house comes with four bedrooms.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31They're all accessed by a central hallway
0:22:31 > 0:22:34and they all have use of a large family bathroom.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39So, the master bedroom.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43What do we think?
0:22:43 > 0:22:44It's wide enough. HE LAUGHS
0:22:44 > 0:22:48What, for the all-important, what is it, king-size, is it?
0:22:48 > 0:22:49- BOTH: Super king-size. - Super king.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Yes, nice size.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Now, you've got four bedrooms with this house, OK?- OK.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57This is easily the biggest.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58The next biggest is the one next door,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and you've got two guest rooms at the end, if you like.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03So you asked for three, you've got four
0:23:03 > 0:23:05but a couple of them are fairly small.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08But the good thing about those is they are self-contained
0:23:08 > 0:23:09if you want them to be.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- You've got another door at the far end of the building. - Oh, right, OK.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Now, there is planning consent...
0:23:16 > 0:23:19..current to convert the loft space...
0:23:19 > 0:23:20Oh, right.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25..to a really nice en suite master bedroom.
0:23:25 > 0:23:26Ooh, that sounds good.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28That's an option for the future
0:23:28 > 0:23:30cos obviously any alterations like that cost money.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Mm-hm.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33But options, they give you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Shall we have a look at the garden?
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- OK, yeah.- Follow me.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41So our second property gives Chris and Margaret the option
0:23:41 > 0:23:44to let out bedrooms to holiday guests,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47or even the attic space should they decide to convert it.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50The grounds include several patio and decked areas
0:23:50 > 0:23:53and a reasonably-sized garden to the rear of the haze.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57- So all in all, not a bad package, is it?- BOTH: No.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- Very nice. Yeah.- So how much do you think it's on the market for then?
0:24:00 > 0:24:02Oh.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05After getting it totally wrong last time
0:24:05 > 0:24:09and taking into account the sea view, I'd go slightly over.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10£510,000.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13£510,000. OK.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15I'm going to er on the side of caution again.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Trouble is you got the sea view.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Trouble is because of the sea view?
0:24:19 > 0:24:22No, I don't mean that, I mean...thinking of the cost.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- £499,000.- OK.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31Well, this house is on the market for offers around £465,000.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Oh. Gosh.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- That's very, very good. - Yeah, surprising.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36- Isn't it?- That's good news.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Now you know the price.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40What do you think about it?
0:24:40 > 0:24:42I know we've only just had a quick run around it,
0:24:42 > 0:24:44but what are your thoughts?
0:24:44 > 0:24:47It means there's extra money in the budget
0:24:47 > 0:24:49to be able to do the extension.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52Yeah. That could give you a bit of income.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54I mean, it's close to the sea.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Maybe now go back into the house without me warbling in your ears.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Go on and have a look at those other bedrooms,
0:25:00 > 0:25:01get a real feel for the place.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04You know, go back into the conservatory
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and maybe have time relaxing in there.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08See if that's the sort of place, this is the sort of home, maybe,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10that you could retire to.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11- OK.- All right?- OK. - Yeah, lovely.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- I'll get the papers from the car. - Thank you. - Don't take too long!
0:25:16 > 0:25:20On the market at offers around £465,000,
0:25:20 > 0:25:24our second offering is well under Chris and Margaret's budget.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26It's a detached seaside property,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29parts of which date back to the early 1900s.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32There are three reception rooms, including a conservatory,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35with stunning views over the bay.
0:25:35 > 0:25:36It comes with four bedrooms
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and it there's the possibility
0:25:38 > 0:25:41of turning the attic space into a further bedroom.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43The property has a reasonably-sized garden
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and it's located in the middle of a vibrant village.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I wonder if because this end of the house has got
0:25:50 > 0:25:52its own access whether you could
0:25:52 > 0:25:54make this into a self-contained annexe
0:25:54 > 0:25:56or, you know, some sort of...
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Maybe could do B&B or...
0:25:58 > 0:26:00We could do something with it, yes.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03It's certainly got some beautiful sea views.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06The accommodation, certainly enough room and everything.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09I think with some slight adjustments,
0:26:09 > 0:26:13maybe the loft converted into another bedroom
0:26:13 > 0:26:16with en suite would be a nice idea.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18And...
0:26:18 > 0:26:21yes, certainly got a nice bright airy feel about it.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Overall, I think the house has got potential.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30It leaves us room to perhaps to create the annexe that we want.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34And it could possibly be a contender.
0:26:37 > 0:26:38So, all done?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- Yeah, fine, thanks.- Yes, thank you.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Give you a taste for seaside living, does it?
0:26:42 > 0:26:43Definitely.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44- Good. - Very good.
0:26:44 > 0:26:45- Let's head back.- OK.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01It's day two of our property search, and on a budget of £500,000
0:27:01 > 0:27:04we're helping Chris and Margaret swap the West Midlands
0:27:04 > 0:27:05for the West Country.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Coming up, size is everything at our mystery house.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Bit larger, isn't it, yeah? Certainly a lot bigger.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15And I join an elite crew of oarsmen
0:27:15 > 0:27:17at one of the county's top regattas.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- Don't tell me this is the raft. - This is it. Jump up.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Well, so far, Margaret and Chris haven't given a great deal away.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29So much so that I don't really have any idea
0:27:29 > 0:27:32of which of yesterday's properties came out on top,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34so today we want to mix things up a bit,
0:27:34 > 0:27:37which, let's face it, that's what the mystery house
0:27:37 > 0:27:38is all about, isn't it?
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Now, so far, Chris hasn't seen this stone-built property he mentioned.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46We also haven't looked around a property that gives them the ability
0:27:46 > 0:27:49to earn some income, which they have mentioned in passing at least.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Well, we're going to remedy that,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53but in order to get these attributes,
0:27:53 > 0:27:56they will have to make a compromise and I think that comes in the form
0:27:56 > 0:27:59of doing some work to the property.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00For our mystery house,
0:28:00 > 0:28:02we're heading back towards where we started
0:28:02 > 0:28:04in the west of the county
0:28:04 > 0:28:06to the pretty coastal village of Porthallow.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08And before we go to the mystery house,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10we're making a stop at the village.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12It's somewhere Chris and Margaret have never been before
0:28:12 > 0:28:16and has a number of features that I think will appeal.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Dog-friendly beach. Coastal path going either side of it.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- What do you make of it so far? - It looks really nice.- Lovely, yeah.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- Really impressed.- Nice and peaceful.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Lovely open space to watch the boats.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30Believe it or not, this beach and this car park
0:28:30 > 0:28:32was bought and is owned by the village itself.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34They formed a trust in the 1970s.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37They're doing up village hall. There's a great community here.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39You've got a pub, you've got a tea shop.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41And I remember you said yesterday,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43"Oh, I could just see myself having a glass of wine,"
0:28:43 > 0:28:44in one of the properties.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46- Yeah.- Well, they've got a vineyard here as well.- Oh!
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Very Euro.- Maybe not a good idea!
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Well, yeah, that could be bad news. So, what do you think?
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Is this the sort of place you could see yourself putting down roots?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Oh, yeah. Could walk out here every morning and stay here all day.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- Good place to walk a dog, isn't it? - Yeah.- Yeah, great. Fantastic.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02OK, let's see what you make of the house itself. Just this way.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04OK.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Our mystery house is just a few minutes walk from the beach.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11The property does give Chris and Margaret
0:29:11 > 0:29:14the self-contained holiday let they were after,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18but they may need to add their personal touch to the house.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20- Very nice.- You found the slate. - Yeah.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23And the stone, or granite maybe.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25It was actually built in the '70s.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- But do you like the character? - Yes.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28What do you think of the position?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30Lovely.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Quiet, isn't it? - Very quiet.- Very nice.
0:29:32 > 0:29:38I want you to be fairly open-minded as to maybe decor and what have you.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Tell me what you really think. - OK.- All right?- BOTH: Yeah.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- Let's go.- OK.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Initial impressions are favourable and there's lots of potential
0:29:45 > 0:29:48with this house if Chris and Margaret are open
0:29:48 > 0:29:49to doing a bit of work.
0:29:51 > 0:29:52Now, you've got a couple of reception rooms
0:29:52 > 0:29:54to choose from at the moment.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57The first one here being used as an office.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Let's take a peek in the dining room,
0:29:59 > 0:30:00which is a bit bigger.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Adequately-sized for a dining room.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04Yeah, it's a good size.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Now, if you kept this as a dining room,
0:30:06 > 0:30:10it would mean you'd have a fairly modest-sized living room.
0:30:10 > 0:30:11I was wondering whether or not
0:30:11 > 0:30:13you could dispense with the formal dining room
0:30:13 > 0:30:16and maybe knock this wall through to have one big living room.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Mm-hm.- And maybe do something with the kitchen.- Right.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21Let's take a look at the kitchen, see what you think of it.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29So, we see the kitchen is a decent size.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Yes.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33It's nice and bright again with the dual-aspect windows.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34Lots of work surfaces.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Would you keep the kitchen as it is
0:30:36 > 0:30:39and maybe muck around with the dining and living room?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- I think that would be the first job.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43That would also keep this a dining-kitchen still
0:30:43 > 0:30:45because you've got the utility behind you
0:30:45 > 0:30:46to get all the stuff out of the way.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48- Oh, right.- Yeah.
0:30:48 > 0:30:49- OK?- Yeah.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51So...
0:30:51 > 0:30:54let's take a look at your master bedroom
0:30:54 > 0:30:56before we look at the added extras, shall we?
0:30:56 > 0:30:57BOTH: OK.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01The downstairs also has a shower room,
0:31:01 > 0:31:04handy for Chris when he comes home after a day at sea.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06Upstairs there are four double bedrooms,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08three of which have built-in wardrobes
0:31:08 > 0:31:11and a family bathroom with corner bath.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13All of the bedrooms are a decent size,
0:31:13 > 0:31:16but the master is something else.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18I'm hoping you're going to like this master bedroom.
0:31:21 > 0:31:22Ooh.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24That's giving us the space, definitely.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27It's a bit larger, isn't it, yeah? Certainly a lot bigger.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30Beautiful windows and lovely aspect.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- And certainly got the space. - Plenty of light.
0:31:33 > 0:31:34It might not come as a surprise,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38this house used to be an upside-down house.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40They used to have the living room up here
0:31:40 > 0:31:41because of this beautiful view,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43but I think as a bedroom, it really works.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Yeah.- It's lovely.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Yeah, definitely, with the outlook over the garden and everything. That's lovely.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- Very positive, I'm thinking. - Yeah, yeah, lovely size, definitely.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54OK, well, before we go outside,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57there is a potential moneymaking aspect to this house as well
0:31:57 > 0:31:59so let's take you there.
0:31:59 > 0:32:00OK.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Our previous property offered Chris and Margaret the potential
0:32:04 > 0:32:07to rent out individual rooms to holiday guests,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10but our mystery house comes with an up-and-running holiday let
0:32:10 > 0:32:11in a separate wing.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15So now we come into the annexe.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Oh, right.- Good.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- An extra living room. - That's a good size.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21- It is a nice size, the room. - Yeah, lovely size.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24Well, you might not be using it because behind that door
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- is an en-suite shower room with a loo.- Oh.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Then separate front door...
0:32:30 > 0:32:32kitchen, bedroom.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- Ah.- Ah. Nice.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35- Yeah. - That's some earning potential.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- That's the sort of thing we were looking for, definitely.- Yes.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40- Good.- Yeah, definitely.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Well, it's earning potential but it's got a track record.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Last reported figures on this place showed
0:32:47 > 0:32:51a gross turnover of just under £8,000.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54That was let, I think, something like 27 weeks in that year.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56- OK.- Not bad, eh?
0:32:56 > 0:32:58Yeah, good. Definitely.
0:32:58 > 0:33:02OK, so, more than enough bedrooms for you.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Letting accommodation. All we need now is some outside space, don't we?
0:33:07 > 0:33:08- Yep. - We do.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09Lead the way.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15And that space includes a large gravel driveway,
0:33:15 > 0:33:17plenty of room for visitors and guests.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19And a double garage at the back of the house
0:33:19 > 0:33:22for Chris to store all his sailing equipment.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25There's also a patio area with a pond,
0:33:25 > 0:33:27enough grass for the dogs to run around on,
0:33:27 > 0:33:31as well as a separate section for growing vegetables.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- So, what do you think? - Oh, lovely and peaceful, isn't it?
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Very quiet.
0:33:36 > 0:33:37- Yes.- It's nice.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42How much do you think this mystery house is on the market for?
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Taking everything into consideration,
0:33:43 > 0:33:45I'd say £520,000.
0:33:45 > 0:33:46All right.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49I think it will be somewhere around £490,000.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51Pretty good guess.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54This place is on the market for offers around £479,000.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Mm-hm. Still under budget, isn't it?
0:33:56 > 0:33:58That's under budget so yes, it's good.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02Gives you some change to maybe make some cosmetic changes,
0:34:02 > 0:34:04update a few bits and bobs.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05- Mm-hm.- Yes.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06So, go back inside the house.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10There's lots to it and you might get a better idea of where you might
0:34:10 > 0:34:11want to knock a few walls down.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- OK.- All right. - Take as long as you like.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- OK.- I'll enjoy the garden.- Great. - Catch you later on.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17Bye-bye.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Well, certainly a lot more animated in this house looking around
0:34:22 > 0:34:24because it gives them so much more
0:34:24 > 0:34:26of an option for living accommodation,
0:34:26 > 0:34:28but also to maybe earn money,
0:34:28 > 0:34:31and it's hard not to fall in love with this location, isn't it?
0:34:33 > 0:34:35On the market for £479,000,
0:34:35 > 0:34:39our mystery house is £31,000 under budget,
0:34:39 > 0:34:41leaving some money in the pot to make changes.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45It's a slate and stone-fronted property built in the 1970s.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48The accommodation includes a spacious sitting room
0:34:48 > 0:34:51and dining room that could be knocked through together
0:34:51 > 0:34:53to make a larger reception area.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56There are four bedrooms and it comes with a self contained annexe
0:34:56 > 0:34:59which would be perfect for a holiday let.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01The location is absolutely superb.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Village-wise, it looks really good down there.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07The house itself is delightful.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12It is a little dated so it will need some cosmetic updating.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15I would imagine that I would go for it more than Margaret.
0:35:15 > 0:35:19I'm not 100% sure I could see myself living here.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23The position, location, fantastic, but all in all,
0:35:23 > 0:35:25maybe the house just isn't quite right for me.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- So, all done inside and out? - Yeah.- We are.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- Did you get right to the back of the garden?- I did, yeah.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- It's a cracking spot, isn't it? - Yeah, lovely views over the valley. - Good.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39All right, let's find you somewhere to have a bit of a chat and a think
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- and we'll catch up later on. - OK, lovely.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Coastal Cornwall is rightly proud of its maritime heritage.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Situated on the southern coast of the county is Fowey,
0:35:54 > 0:35:55not only a historic town
0:35:55 > 0:35:58but also a thriving commercial seaport,
0:35:58 > 0:36:02exporting locally-mined china clay to destinations around the globe.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05For most of the year, it's a peaceful place.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08But for one week each August everything changes
0:36:08 > 0:36:12when the world-famous Royal Regatta comes to town.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14As well as the serious business of yacht racing,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18events include a town carnival and a fireworks display.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20I'm meeting up with Leslie McCartney to find out
0:36:20 > 0:36:25more about its illustrious past and its current form.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- Now then, Leslie. Beautiful day.- Lovely, isn't it?
0:36:27 > 0:36:29- Beautiful part of the world. - Beautiful.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31How long has it been going here?
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Well, it was noted that in 1838 the regatta was well-established.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39But in its present form, it's been going about 50, 60 years.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- Now, I've heard it called a Royal Regatta.- That's right.
0:36:42 > 0:36:43Really?
0:36:43 > 0:36:46That's because Queen Victoria and Prince Albert,
0:36:46 > 0:36:49they visited Fowey in 1846.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Did they now? So it keeps its Royal status.
0:36:52 > 0:36:53Yes, it does.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55I don't think I've ever been to a Cornish town so busy.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58I mean, it's so full of people. How many people come here each year?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Absolutely tens of thousands, yeah, into Fowey.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03- Tens of thousands of people?- Yeah.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05How much money is generated from this each year?
0:37:05 > 0:37:09It's been reported £5 million comes into Cornwall's economy
0:37:09 > 0:37:10just through Regatta Week.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- Just through this one week?- Yes.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Now, looking around here, that does not look like a posh yacht race.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- There's all sorts of stuff going on. - Yeah.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- Talk me through some of the events here. - It's all sorts of crazy stuff today.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Later on we've got some swimming races
0:37:23 > 0:37:25and we've also got a raft race.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26- A raft race.- Yeah.
0:37:26 > 0:37:27Now, a little birdie tells me
0:37:27 > 0:37:30that I might be getting a bit more involved in that.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32What kind of rafts are they?
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Built at the last minute.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35A few oil drums, I expect.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- HE LAUGHS - Nothing that should float.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40I've got to say, it doesn't sound particularly seaworthy.
0:37:40 > 0:37:41And I'll be judging that, will I?
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Um, you might be involved in some way, yes.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Oh, good.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Well, it turns out that my involvement is going to be
0:37:48 > 0:37:50a bit more hands-on than just judging the race.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54I've been told to meet Jodie Makin at the end of the pier
0:37:54 > 0:37:56and to wear a wet suit.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Now, Jo, I understand you built the raft
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- that we're racing on today.- Yep.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Right, OK, so you're local then, yeah?
0:38:04 > 0:38:06No, I'm from Bolton. My mum and dad live down here.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Bolton. Not known for its boat building, is it?
0:38:09 > 0:38:10- Not particularly, no.- OK.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- Do this all the time, do you? - No, first time.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- First time you build a raft? - Yep.- Right. OK.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18So what made you get involved this year?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20My kids have been asking for a few years to do it
0:38:20 > 0:38:22so this year we decided to have a go.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24So surely, you know, you've built this raft,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26you're going to show us all how it's done.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27You're going to captain this boat.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29- Nope.- Why not?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Because I built it and I've seen it, so...
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- That's why I'm going on it, is it? - That's right.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Right, which way is this boat?
0:38:35 > 0:38:36Just over there.
0:38:36 > 0:38:37Thanks.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Well, I'm sure it can't be that bad.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42There are certainly some impressive looking vessels here,
0:38:42 > 0:38:43and I get the feeling that perhaps
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I'm not taking this seriously enough.
0:38:45 > 0:38:46Time to meet my crew.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Now then, I'm reporting for duty.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50I understand I'm in the raft race.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- Yes, you are. - Don't tell me this is the raft.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54This is it. Jump up.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55Right.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Gordon Bennett.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Oh!
0:38:59 > 0:39:00HE LAUGHS
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Whoa! OK!
0:39:02 > 0:39:05We're going to actually race in this thing, are we?
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- Yeah, you are, mate.- Yeah, out.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08Dig your paddle in.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- You're off!- Whoa!
0:39:11 > 0:39:13ALL LAUGH
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It's off to a good start, then.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Perhaps the clue was in the name of the raft.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19I'll swim it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20She's not getting back on!
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Does anybody else want to come on the raft?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25That set back makes us late
0:39:25 > 0:39:28in lining up for the start of the 50 metre race,
0:39:28 > 0:39:29with a new crew member on board.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33MAN OVER LOUDSPEAKER: Race start. Ready. Go!
0:39:41 > 0:39:42Come on!
0:39:44 > 0:39:45We're taking on water!
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Oh.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53Got to finish, come on, guys.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02But despite all the effort, we finish in last place.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08A bad workman blames his tools or his crew.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12This was an elite crew of amateurs led by a fool.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- Sorry, guys.- It's fine.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17It was good.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19We nearly won.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22With the fun over, it's back to the serious matter of finding
0:40:22 > 0:40:23Chris and Margaret somewhere to live,
0:40:23 > 0:40:28and I'm keen to see what they think of the houses we've shown them.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33So, after a short amount of time to think about things,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36which one of the three properties is your favourite?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I think I'd go for the first property.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- Really?- Yeah.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45Decor-wise and the way the place is actually set out,
0:40:45 > 0:40:47it's absolutely beautiful, and the views.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50The unfortunate problem is the steps,
0:40:50 > 0:40:52which would prove too much, I think.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- Do you agree? - I agree mostly with my wife.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Yes, the views were absolutely stunning for us,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00some of the best I've seen.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03It is the steps that would prevent us from going for that one.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Goodness me. That is a surprise.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10I thought the mystery house was the ace up my sleeve.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12You know, the practicality.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13There was no steps.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16All the size, the earning potential.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17Yes, it had all...
0:41:17 > 0:41:19But it's the semidetached house you went for.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Yes, surprise surprise.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Why, though? Is it just those views that blew you away?
0:41:23 > 0:41:25The views blew us away, definitely.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27Right.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30And the location, closeness to Truro.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34If you had to buy one of those houses at the money
0:41:34 > 0:41:36that they're on the market at,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38are you telling me that you would, out of those three,
0:41:38 > 0:41:39buy house number one?
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Yes.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42So moving forward, what's the most important thing?
0:41:42 > 0:41:44What are you going to drop off this list?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Or are you just going to keep looking until
0:41:46 > 0:41:48hopefully you find all the criteria you set out?
0:41:48 > 0:41:52- We know that there's got to be a compromise.- Yeah.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55And we think that the view will be the compromise,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57that we'll have to go more inland.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58Sure.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Well, you do get a bit more for your money inland,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02so I wish you the very best of luck.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I've loved looking for property around here.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07It's a great part of the world,
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and I see why you and many more people like you
0:42:10 > 0:42:11want to move down here.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So whatever happens, please let us know what you do, won't you?
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- We will do.- OK. - Good luck.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20Well, I'm not surprised that
0:42:20 > 0:42:22Chris and Margaret's favourite property
0:42:22 > 0:42:24was house number one, given those fantastic views.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27And sea views were their priority.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29I am somewhat taken aback however
0:42:29 > 0:42:33that in order to proceed in their search down here in Cornwall
0:42:33 > 0:42:36they're going to compromise on views in order to hopefully
0:42:36 > 0:42:40obtain earning potential, enough bedrooms and a nice flat garden,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43but then surely isn't that the mystery house
0:42:43 > 0:42:45that they've recently seen?
0:42:45 > 0:42:47I'm not sure. Maybe it's all down to taste.
0:42:47 > 0:42:48What I do wish them, though,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51is the very best of luck in looking for a property
0:42:51 > 0:42:55in this absolutely glorious part of the world.
0:42:55 > 0:42:56See you next time.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales,
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Northern Ireland, England or even further afield
0:43:05 > 0:43:08to the continent and need our help, then please apply online at: