0:00:02 > 0:00:05Welcome to Escape To The Country. This stunning waterfall behind me is located in the heart of one
0:00:05 > 0:00:09of Britain's most celebrated and rugged landscapes.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11But where is it and what's its story?
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Well, stay with us and I'll tell you.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35'Today's house hunters want to get out of suburbia to pursue
0:00:35 > 0:00:36'a life with land.'
0:00:36 > 0:00:39You've got about 2.6 acres with this one.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- BOTH:- Wow!
0:00:41 > 0:00:44'And they get swept up in the romance of it all.'
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- It is, yeah.- Traditional English house.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49You've made me feel like I'm a lady of the manor of something.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51THEY LAUGH
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Well, today we are in Devon, and these are the Becky Falls
0:00:55 > 0:00:58on Dartmoor. They take their name from the Becka Brook
0:00:58 > 0:01:01which rushes down over that column of rocks behind me.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04In 1903, they opened as a tourist attraction
0:01:04 > 0:01:08and soon became popular with Edwardian visitors who were making
0:01:08 > 0:01:12use of the emerging rail network and the advent of the charabanc
0:01:12 > 0:01:15to get out of our towns and cities and explore the countryside.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19They were also popular with writers like Virginia Woolf
0:01:19 > 0:01:20and Rupert Brooke.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22No surprise then, that back in 2009,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24these were voted as the most
0:01:24 > 0:01:27beautiful spot in Devon, and that's quite a claim in a county
0:01:27 > 0:01:30which, quite frankly, can leave you spoilt for choice.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Devon lies to the southwest of the UK, and is bordered by Cornwall
0:01:35 > 0:01:39to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Devon is the fourth largest county,
0:01:41 > 0:01:43and being one of the least densely populated,
0:01:43 > 0:01:46it remains a place of classic English countryside,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49with rolling hills and a patchwork of fields.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52It also includes the national park of Dartmoor,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56spanning in at almost 368 square miles,
0:01:56 > 0:02:00this windswept moorland is home to the famous Dartmoor ponies.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Its varied coastline takes in rugged landscapes
0:02:03 > 0:02:06and good surf to the north along with a 22-mile stretch
0:02:06 > 0:02:10of seaside towns dubbed The English Riviera in the south.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14As the River Dart travels out to sea, it passes through the
0:02:14 > 0:02:18medieval seaport of Dartmouth, with a history of sailing going back
0:02:18 > 0:02:20nearly 1,000 years.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Today the port is still thriving and the town's cobbled streets
0:02:23 > 0:02:26are full of cafes, galleries and boutiques.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29With all this on offer, it's no wonder that Devon is still
0:02:29 > 0:02:32one of the most popular destinations in the country.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Now, when it comes to property shopping,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Devon is not the cheapest county in the country.
0:02:39 > 0:02:44Your average detached house here will set you back £288,000.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48That's some 30,000 above the national figure.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49And if you want to live by the sea,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53particularly around hotspots such as Dartmouth and Salcombe down on
0:02:53 > 0:02:55the south coast, well you could expect to spend a premium of up
0:02:55 > 0:02:58to 60% on top of that.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00They're popular with the sailing community
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and are fast becoming known as the new English Riviera.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07But of course Devon has two coasts, so if you do still fancy a bit of
0:03:07 > 0:03:11seaside time, well I'd head north up towards North and South Molton.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14There, you will certainly get a little bit more for your money.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16So time now to meet today's buyers
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and find out which bit of this glorious county they fancy.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26Today's house hunters destined for Devon are Cliff, a research
0:03:26 > 0:03:31scientist, and Cindy, an accountant, who met each other in later life.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34We first met through mutual friends.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41When someone told me that it's Cliff who is alone and they said,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43"Why don't we write to this guy?"
0:03:43 > 0:03:46So we start communicate each other by e-mail.
0:03:46 > 0:03:5120 e-mails later, I got a positive reply, so I had to drop
0:03:51 > 0:03:55everything and leave the office before she changed her mind.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56THEY LAUGH
0:03:56 > 0:03:58They married five years ago but Cliff and Cindy
0:03:58 > 0:04:01didn't do the traditional thing.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03None of our friends believe it. We've been married five...
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- Over five years.- Yeah.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08And we're just quite happy living in two separate houses
0:04:08 > 0:04:10five minutes apart.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13However, just over a year ago they finally took the plunge
0:04:13 > 0:04:15and moved into one house
0:04:15 > 0:04:19but life in suburban Kingston, Surrey, has lost some of its appeal.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25What Kingston misses for us is a little bit of freedom.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27We just feel everybody's on top of each other here.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30- We're too near neighbours.- Yeah. - I mean, we love our neighbours,
0:04:30 > 0:04:31don't get us wrong.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32HE CHUCKLES
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We have really nice neighbours and we got on really well with them
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- but they're literally on our doorstep.- Doorstep.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42And they both have fond childhood memories of a rural upbringing.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44I'm from the Caribbean.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48When I was at school, we were running a poultry farm.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50- Those are the sort of things I'd like to...- Yeah...
0:04:50 > 0:04:51I'd like to go back to.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53I was born in the country in Hong Kong,
0:04:53 > 0:04:55and we had about two, three acres
0:04:55 > 0:04:58of land just growing vegetables.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59It's just a different way of life.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03I love growing thing and I've grown this garden.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07So I need to move to country so I can grow to my heart desire.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12And the perfect property will need to house not just Cliff and Cindy.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Cars really started as a passion about 30, 40 years ago.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17When we do relocate,
0:05:17 > 0:05:22it will give me a chance to drive my vehicle. My six cars.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- You can't have six cars. - OK, I'll have seven then.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29With their pooled resources, they have a great budget
0:05:29 > 0:05:30for their search.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32The budget for the move is
0:05:32 > 0:05:36between £500,000 and £600,000.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41As Cliff and Cindy want inspiring rural beauty
0:05:41 > 0:05:42and have a healthy budget,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45we're concentrating our search around the beautiful area
0:05:45 > 0:05:49of South Devon, sandwiched between its coastline and
0:05:49 > 0:05:50Dartmoor National Park.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51And I'm joining them
0:05:51 > 0:05:54in their chosen county to learn more about the planned move.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Well, Cindy, Cliff, welcome to Devon.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59We are very excited.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Now, given that you've got the entire UK to choose from, why Devon?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06We're both of an inquisitive nature and I think we feel
0:06:06 > 0:06:10that Devon's got a lot of things for us to explore together.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Give us an idea of the sort of property that you have in mind.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Is it quintessentially English?
0:06:16 > 0:06:17Yes, that's what I'm looking for.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21It has to have a big kitchen/diner and also a garden.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Yeah, we're looking for two to three acres roughly, um...
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- You own an orchard, don't you?- Yes. Yeah, I love the orchard. Yes.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I think we're also contemplating some kind of smallholding for
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- poultry...- Yes.- And maybe a few donkeys perhaps from the sanctuary.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- You see, my main concern was your cars.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43But suddenly now, we've got a whole kind of, you know, farm going on.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44- BOTH:- Yeah.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- He like his cars.- Yeah.- We got six at the moment.
0:06:46 > 0:06:51Yeah, I'd like space not just to contain my existing stock
0:06:51 > 0:06:53but also to expand.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57So we want lots of space outside for the garden, the orchard,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00plenty of room for the cars, Cliff, room for entertaining inside.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- Yes.- Yes.- Three to four bedrooms? - BOTH:- Yes.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06So just remind us of the budget for this enterprise.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09You're the accountant, Cindy. Tell us how much you've got to spend?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Between 500,000 to 600,000.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15But Cliff, I gather, there is a bit more too.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19I have got some money in my back pocket which I haven't mentioned
0:07:19 > 0:07:23but we can include that to about 100,000 more.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26So you've ring-fenced 100,000 to make improvements
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- but ideally, this house isn't going to cost us any more...- Yes.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- ..than 600 grand. - That'd be brilliant.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Look, I think we've got three very interesting properties to show you.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38You're clearly very excited and impassioned about what this
0:07:38 > 0:07:41move means for you so I think without further ado,
0:07:41 > 0:07:42we should go and find you a home.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Wow, yes.- Well, yep.- Shall we?- Yes, please.- We can't wait.- Let's go.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- After you.- Thank you.
0:07:50 > 0:07:55For a maximum price tag of £600,000, Cliff and Cindy are after
0:07:55 > 0:07:59a quintessentially English rural retreat with three to four bedrooms,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03spacious living rooms, a large garden for growing produce
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and bags of outside space for Cliff's car collection.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11We've got three fantastic houses that fit the bill but I won't be
0:08:11 > 0:08:15revealing how much they're worth until our buyers have had a guess.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And I've got the Mystery House up my sleeve, which promises to
0:08:18 > 0:08:22question what they think they want from their rural relocation.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29We begin our search five miles in from the coast in the town
0:08:29 > 0:08:31of Newton Abbot.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36'It was during the 13th century that Newton Abbot was first given
0:08:36 > 0:08:38'the right to hold a Wednesday market
0:08:38 > 0:08:43'and it's a tradition which is still thriving over 750 years later.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46'The town centres on the medieval St Leonard's tower,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50'all that remains of a chapel which was founded in 1220.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52'It offers every kind of shop and service
0:08:52 > 0:08:56'and just two miles outside of the small hamlet is our first property.'
0:08:56 > 0:08:59OK, here we are then.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00- BOTH:- Wow.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Yeah, my little matchbox.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Matchbox or chocolate box, do you think?
0:09:05 > 0:09:06THEY LAUGH
0:09:06 > 0:09:09It's not big enough to be my chocolate box yet.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Now we talked about the sort of quintessential Devon property.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15This one is modelled - and I say modelled, cos that's the clue -
0:09:15 > 0:09:17on a Devon longhouse.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20But this one was built in 2009.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- Wow, that's amazing...- Yes.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25..because I have to say, first impression is that it's a vintage...
0:09:25 > 0:09:26- Should be old.- Yeah.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- This is interesting as well, Cliff. - Oh, wow.- Yeah.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32I've earmarked... That was one of the first things I've earmarked.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36You've also got a toolstore-cum-workshop there too.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- So, we like what we see then? - BOTH:- Yes.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42It's a new take on a classic, old Devonian design, if you will.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- So let's see what you make of it. - Yes.- Yes, absolutely.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49Well, it's good first impressions for the outside,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51let's just hope it continues.
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Come in here, Cindy. Let's start with the kitchen.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58Wow.
0:09:58 > 0:09:59This is very...
0:09:59 > 0:10:00- BOTH:- Compact.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03THEY LAUGH
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- It's not as big as I first imagine it to be.- No?- No.- Yeah.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Through there is a very generous utility area with lots more
0:10:10 > 0:10:11storage...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- OK...- ..and a downstairs cloakroom as well.
0:10:13 > 0:10:18My first impression is the quality of the finish does
0:10:18 > 0:10:19meet our requirements, doesn't it?
0:10:19 > 0:10:21In terms of the finish.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Are you going to cook here?
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Well, yes, we could discuss that.
0:10:26 > 0:10:27JULES LAUGHS
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- But essentially, it's workable. - Yeah, workable.- Good.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Let's cross the hallway into the living room. Have a look at this.
0:10:39 > 0:10:40Hm, a bit small.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Still a bit small?! Is it really that small?
0:10:43 > 0:10:47Um, by comparison what we already have - yes.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52- It is nice.- It is nice.- I'm not saying it's not nice, it's just tiny.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55There is also, also, another reception room through there
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- which has got another wood burner in it.- OK.- All right.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- You can have a look at that a bit later on.- Yes, yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02But there is a lot more to it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:03SHE LAUGHS
0:11:03 > 0:11:05That's the thing to point out before we go upstairs.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Let's have a look upstairs. - BOTH:- OK.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12The finish is high-end throughout, but size is clearly an issue.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I'm having to work hard on this one.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17I love these beams. Look at them.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- They beckon you up.- Oh, wow, they are nice, aren't they?
0:11:22 > 0:11:25You've got two very generous double rooms down there.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- Very funky family bathroom...- Yep. - ..in there.- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- And then this is your bit. Come right on in.- Hm.
0:11:33 > 0:11:40- Nice size.- Yeah, nice size.- Again, kind of dominated with the beams.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42I mean, I love that view down the hallway there
0:11:42 > 0:11:46because you've got all of these beams running down it.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48To me, it looks like the ribs of a whale.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- It has character.- Yeah, it does add character to the rooms.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I think that beams would probably grow on you.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- They're a good feature of the property.- Yes, very good feature.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- It is quite tall.- Yeah.- Hm.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Yeah, so you won't struggle, will you, you two?
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Especially you two.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02THEY LAUGH
0:12:02 > 0:12:05The other thing of course it's got is its en suite which is in there.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06Have a look at that.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Kind of integrated wet room and so on.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- I kind of like that.- Yes, I like that.- It's very practical.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14That would work for us.
0:12:14 > 0:12:19- I would say it's a quality, compact house.- A quality, compact house.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21That's a mouthful, isn't it?
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Shall we have a look at the garden? - Yes, please.- Yes.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Is it going to be compact again? - It might be.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- THEY LAUGH - It might be compact, yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32As the master is en suite, the two guest doubles share
0:12:32 > 0:12:35the other bathroom which has both a freestanding slipper bath
0:12:35 > 0:12:36and shower.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40But I fear the dimensions just aren't doing it for Cindy.
0:12:41 > 0:12:42So...
0:12:42 > 0:12:47Let's have a look at the back of our newly-built Devon long house.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Compact.- This is the garden?
0:12:50 > 0:12:51- Yeah.- That's it?
0:12:51 > 0:12:54It needs a bit more development of the flowerbeds and so on.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56There are some fruit trees here,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00but arguably not the orchard I know you were perhaps dreaming of.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03What we've tried to do with this one is to really give you
0:13:03 > 0:13:05a sense of something which is both characterful
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and which doesn't need a huge amount of work doing to it.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11So, who's going to go first?
0:13:11 > 0:13:12And guess the price on property one?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15- I think you'll take the first plunge.- OK.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17I think...
0:13:17 > 0:13:19£545,000.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22£545,000, yeah. Cliff?
0:13:22 > 0:13:27Well, I'm go in a little bit higher at about £575,000.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29That's interesting because this is currently
0:13:29 > 0:13:33on the market at £535,000.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Oh, wow.- OK.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39So you don't have too spend all of your proposed £600,000
0:13:39 > 0:13:42and you certainly don't have to touch your 100 grand.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I can keep that in my back pocket.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46It's burning a hole in your back pocket.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49- But I think this is definitely food for thought.- Yeah, yeah. Absolutely.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- Definitely, yes.- Yeah.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Right then, off you go. - BOTH:- OK.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- Go and do some thinking.- OK.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02For £535,000, this modern thatched Devon long house provides
0:14:02 > 0:14:04three large bedrooms and two living rooms with
0:14:04 > 0:14:08a wealth of traditional features, a double carport and workshop,
0:14:08 > 0:14:12and all set in a garden with the beginnings of an orchard.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14I like the house.
0:14:14 > 0:14:20It's just the kitchen is not big enough for my kind of usage.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24And the other thing I'm concerned about is the garden.
0:14:24 > 0:14:29I'm looking for one acre and all I have here is about 200m.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30Very tiny.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33And I can't really grow anything in that garden.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35When I first walked up to this property,
0:14:35 > 0:14:39my first thoughts were that it was very imposing.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43It kind of said to us, "Come in and have another look."
0:14:43 > 0:14:48The finish of the kitchen was a very, very high quality but I think
0:14:48 > 0:14:52for my wife, the kitchen would probably be a little bit too small.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Extend it though, couldn't you?
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Yeah, it's just, where will my other...- How we doing there?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- ..four cars fit?- Yeah, we're just admiring the carport.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I absolutely love them and they're perfect for what you have in mind.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03I would struggle to fit the other four.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05- You can't put them on bunk beds, can you?- No.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- Come on, let's go and find another one.- BOTH:- OK.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16It's clear that Cindy is committed to the idea of having enough land
0:15:16 > 0:15:18to grow her own food.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21And for that, they've picked a great county to move to.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24With its mild climate, Devon is known for its home-grown produce
0:15:24 > 0:15:26and agricultural heritage.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Across the region, there's a plethora of small independent
0:15:29 > 0:15:33growers, one of which is the South Devon Chilli Farm.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36They've been growing the fiery variety of pepper for 10 years
0:15:36 > 0:15:39and we've arranged for Cliff and Cindy to meet owner and founder,
0:15:39 > 0:15:41Steve Waters.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44So, Steve, what made you start a chilli farm in Devon?
0:15:44 > 0:15:48I was very lucky about 12 years ago to be offered
0:15:48 > 0:15:50a working-from-home job.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52And while I was doing that,
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I got interested in growing chillies in a greenhouse.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56The hobby got bigger and bigger
0:15:56 > 0:16:00and at some point I had to make a decision - hobby or day job.
0:16:00 > 0:16:01So that's how it all started.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05So how many type of variety of chilli in this farm?
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Typically we've got maybe 200 varieties growing.- That many?!
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- I didn't realise you got 200 type of...- Varieties, yes.- Oh, yeah, yeah.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Are the chillies you grow here all of the same heat?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18They're all across the whole spectrum of heat range.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21We've got from the mildest to the very hottest.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Um, but that's only one of the reasons why we select a chilli.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29So it's either a very heavy cropping plant that we've got a good
0:16:29 > 0:16:32yield off that we can turn into a sauce.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34It dries easily,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- it has a particularly interesting flavour when it's dried...- Mm-hm.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40..or for a pot plant, it's edible
0:16:40 > 0:16:43but it's also very attractive - it has multicoloured fruits,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45so there's lots of reasons.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Can we go and see them?
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Yeah, this is our main harvesting time so we can go
0:16:49 > 0:16:51and pick some now, if you like?
0:16:51 > 0:16:53- Yeah, we would love to do that. - Let's follow Steve.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57Chillies get their heat from capsaicin,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00an oil found in the seeds and inner ribs on the chilli peppers.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04The amount of heat in a chilli is dictated by how much capsaicin
0:17:04 > 0:17:08is present, and is measured by a scale known as the Scoville scale
0:17:10 > 0:17:12So here's some chillies that are ready.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14What have we got here?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- This is a variety called big bomb... - Oh!
0:17:16 > 0:17:19..which is a bit like a variety that we grow many more of
0:17:19 > 0:17:21which is a cherry bomb but a bit larger.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Is it true - the smaller they are, the hotter they are?
0:17:24 > 0:17:26That's a good general rule of thumb.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29So if it's a small chilli, it's likely to be a hot chilli.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32There are some new varieties where they're breeding plants
0:17:32 > 0:17:35more for their look but generally, small chilli - hot,
0:17:35 > 0:17:36large chilli - not so hot.
0:17:36 > 0:17:39How do you grow chilli and how do you look after them?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42We tend to put them in when the soil gets up to temperature
0:17:42 > 0:17:43in the spring.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46So we're looking for a temperature of about 20 degrees for the plant
0:17:46 > 0:17:47to grow happily.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50I mean, that's the same sort of thing if you're growing at home.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54They like warm, well-drained soil and they like to be watered
0:17:54 > 0:17:58when they're fairly dry, watered well and then left alone again.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- And if you're hungry already? - Shall we pick some?
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- CINDY & CLIFF:- Yes, please.
0:18:02 > 0:18:05This is a nice sort of fleshy chilli.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07It gives you a lot of ingredient in the salsa.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- They look so pretty, don't they? - Yeah, very pretty.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Shape, colour, texture.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15So I think we've got plenty there for our fresh salsa.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Shall we go and chop up the rest of the ingredients
0:18:17 > 0:18:19and see how it comes out?
0:18:19 > 0:18:23- Yeah, let's do it.- Right. There we go.- Thank you.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26The success of chilli growing in South Devon
0:18:26 > 0:18:28is in part down to its milder climate.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31The warm weather of spring arrives earlier than other
0:18:31 > 0:18:35places in the country, giving more time for the crop to flourish.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37Greenhouses and polytunnels keep the temperature up
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and protect the crop.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42But of course, the point of growing chillies is to eat them.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46So what we're going to have a go at today is just a very simple
0:18:46 > 0:18:48tomato salsa.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49OK.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52The salsa is made of chopped tomato, garlic, spring onion,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57the freshly picked big bomb chillies, coriander and lime juice.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02So, we'll just put a little squeeze of this on the top as well.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07So this is just a very, very basic fresh salsa. There we go.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- So, just um, have a go. - OK. All right.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- Get a corn chip.- Wow.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14OK.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16I have to try one.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Yeah. So this is as fresh as it gets really.
0:19:22 > 0:19:23Mm, nice.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Really tasty. Can feel the chilli kicking in.
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- Yeah, it's not too hot a chilli but it's enough...- This is fantastic.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34- Thank you.- Yeah, that's really nice.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38With a bit of luck, our buyers will the cultivating their own crop
0:19:38 > 0:19:39in the months to come.
0:19:44 > 0:19:45For our second property,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49I'm taking Cliff and Cindy further south to the village of Dittisham
0:19:49 > 0:19:53which is in one of the most sought-after areas of South Devon.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Just two miles upstream from Dartmouth, Dittisham
0:19:56 > 0:19:59sits on the west bank of the River Dart.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03At the heart of the village is the local pub which is also a
0:20:03 > 0:20:07post office, shop and community library service.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10And five minutes up the road is our second property.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13There we are.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15That is property number two.
0:20:15 > 0:20:16- Yes.- Wow.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19- It look nice.- Yes.- This house have the wow factor.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Does it?- Yeah, yeah.- Why?
0:20:21 > 0:20:24It just attracts you. Your attention goes straight there.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Yeah, there's the decking at the front as an example.- Yeah,
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- look at that, the plant... - Very unusual, yeah.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- Now, in terms of parking...- Yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Perfect.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35- This is just a bit of it.- Yes.
0:20:35 > 0:20:36This is just a bit of it.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- Can you see that garage there?- Yes.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- That's just one of the garages that are here.- One of them?- One?
0:20:41 > 0:20:45Well, all in all, you've got about 2.6 acres with this one.
0:20:45 > 0:20:46- BOTH:- Wow!
0:20:46 > 0:20:48THEY LAUGH
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- Externally, I think it's definitely ticking...- Tick, tick, tick!
0:20:52 > 0:20:53- ..some of the criteria.- Excellent.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55- Yeah.- Come and have a look.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Well, I couldn't have asked for better reactions on the outside.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01The amount of land has clearly impressed.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Let's just hope the inside does the same.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Come in, come in.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07Oh, that's nice.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Yeah?- Yes.- Wow. This is good.- Yeah, this is good.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15This is space. It looks like a good dimension.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- You feel warmer in here.- Yes, definitely.- And brighter as well,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20I think because of that window.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23I love it and I think in many respects it probably has
0:21:23 > 0:21:25more of that country feel...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Country feel to it.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- It feel warmer and also feel slightly bigger, doesn't it?- Yes, it does.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33You see, I knew telling you how much land it had would help.
0:21:33 > 0:21:34THEY LAUGH
0:21:34 > 0:21:36It opened my eyes a bit wider, yes.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- You'll make it work, you'll make it work.- BOTH:- Yes.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- Focus has shifted.- Yeah.- Yes.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43There's an awful lot out there to explore
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- but we've got a lot in here to get through as well.- Yeah.- OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- So we're happy with the kitchen? - Yes. Yes,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- I'm happy with the kitchen. - Come this way then.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53Off the kitchen is a good-sized utility room
0:21:53 > 0:21:55with access to the outside.
0:21:56 > 0:21:57Got the living room here
0:21:57 > 0:22:00but then it goes through those lovely curtains to the dining end.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- Yes.- Mm-hm.- Which also has a hatch connecting it to the kitchen.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- Hm, sounds good.- Right, OK. - This is quite a big room.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10Yeah, I mean, it's a complete through way.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- One imagines the sun would come this side...- And you've also got
0:22:13 > 0:22:17- a garden to look at.- Yeah.- The garden wraps itself all around the property
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- so you've got views of that from everywhere.- Yeah.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22You know, from the outside to the kitchen, to here, we've ticked...
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- You've ticked every single box of mine.- I think we've ticked three
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- boxes.- Well, let's see if we can tick some more.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- THEY LAUGH - Come on then.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32On the ground floor, as well as the dining room, there is
0:22:32 > 0:22:36a bedroom which is currently being used as an office, a bathroom
0:22:36 > 0:22:39and a conservatory which leads out to a summerhouse.
0:22:41 > 0:22:42Now, look at this.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44You've got dressing area there,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- fantastic shower en suite.- Wow.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- Yes?- Yes.- And then this is the main bit.- Gosh!
0:22:51 > 0:22:52Quite big, isn't it?
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Yes, well, first impression is,
0:22:54 > 0:22:56you've got one self-contained room here.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58It's almost like a flat.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00You've also got this lovely kind of sitting area over here with
0:23:00 > 0:23:02the window and the light.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04And again, it goes up there, you know, to the eaves.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06- There's a lot of space here.- Yes.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09So, we're happy so far, aren't we?
0:23:09 > 0:23:12We've got two and a half acres or so to go and explore.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Jules, I think you've really done it this time.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- You nearly forgot about the land, didn't you?- Yes.- Come on.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Let's have a look at this.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23As well as the massive master suite, there are two further
0:23:23 > 0:23:27good-sized bedrooms upstairs, one of which is en suite.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30But I'm keen to show Cliff what I've got in mind for his car collection.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- OK, Cliff.- Mm-hm.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35Come on in.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- Can you see what I'm thinking? - Absolutely.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Your new carport.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45Well, at the moment it's quite an elaborate woodworking shop.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You would comfortably get four, maybe more cars in here.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Some workbenches could be retained...- Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55But it could just be, you know, cars could just be housed here,
0:23:55 > 0:23:56couldn't they?
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- Yes, yes.- As my potential paradise. You wouldn't see me.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02- That's true.- I'd be here.
0:24:02 > 0:24:03THEY LAUGH
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Go on, then.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10As a place to store cars, the workshop has hit the mark,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14and there are still 2.6 acres of land to show them.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16So, here it is.
0:24:16 > 0:24:17You get this paddock,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19the one beyond it, up to that fence line,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21and then it runs up this hedge line
0:24:21 > 0:24:25and encompasses all of those outbuildings and of course,
0:24:25 > 0:24:28property number two itself and all the drives and all the parking, etc.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33- We're very impressed actually.- Yeah, both internally and externally.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- Yeah.- Well, let's see if we can keep those smiles on your faces.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38They've been with us all day, it's terrific.
0:24:38 > 0:24:39But we have got to get to the difficult bit
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and that is how much this is going to cost you.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- I think it's on the top end of our budget.- Mm.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49I'll go for 599,999.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51- So, the best part of £600,000... - That's correct.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- ..with lots of nines in it.- Yes. - Cliff?
0:24:53 > 0:24:57And I'm going with £575,000.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- Oh.- Oh.- Hm.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- You've surprised us both with that one.- Yes.- Really?
0:25:01 > 0:25:03- Little bit optimistic, maybe.- Yes.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05OK. This is on the market for
0:25:05 > 0:25:09£599,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Wow. I win.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15Yeah, I mean, we expected it to be sort of in that area.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I think it's a really good price for what you're looking for.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19You can afford it.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- The potential both internally and externally, for us...- Yes.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25- ..is brilliant.- Yes.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Well, we had a wow on the way in,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- we've kept the wow all the way through.- We did, yes.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- I am delighted.- Yes.- Off you go. Go and explore.- OK, right.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36And I will come and find you a little bit later.
0:25:38 > 0:25:43So, at the top end of their budget, £599,000 gets them a detached rural
0:25:43 > 0:25:48property with four bedrooms, two living rooms and a country kitchen.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51There are enough outbuildings to house all of Cliff's cars
0:25:51 > 0:25:54and on top of that, there's 2.6 acres of land
0:25:54 > 0:25:56to start a smallholding.
0:25:57 > 0:25:58Oh, there's another pond.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Oh, yes! Oh, look.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03And what looks like a chicken coop.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- I can have my chicken.- Yes. - And maybe ducks there.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- And then we have fresh eggs.- Yeah, all grazing out here...- Yes.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14Away from our main premises.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17The potential for the workshops is brilliant.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21This is absolutely what I've been looking for, for a long, long time.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22We're really, really excited.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26One word to describe this house - wow.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31It is a lovely-looking house from the front, to inside, to the back.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34If Cliff happy with it as well, I think
0:26:34 > 0:26:36I probably want to make an offer.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39I really like this house. It has such a good feel about this house.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- This is a winner, isn't it?- Yes.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Is it worth us going to see our Mystery House tomorrow morning then?
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Absolutely, we're still going to see the house tomorrow.- Yes.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- But it has got something to beat, hasn't it?- Very hard to beat.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51Come on.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01It's the second day of our property search in Devon, with Cliff
0:27:01 > 0:27:03and Cindy from Kingston, Surrey,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07who have a budget of £600,000 to spend on a rural home.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11'Coming up, our house hunters get the option to super-size.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:14There are two other parcels. One is of 20 acres...
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- BOTH:- 20 acres!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19'And I meet the monks of Buckfast Abbey.'
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Your forebears would probably have a word or two to say.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23They'd probably think we're a bit soft.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28Now, it's not unusual as we head into our final day of property
0:27:28 > 0:27:32hunting on Escape To The Country to feel like our property search
0:27:32 > 0:27:33is like a road without an end.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35But at the close of play yesterday,
0:27:35 > 0:27:38well it seemed as if we might have reached our final destination.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41They absolutely loved property number two, which means of course
0:27:41 > 0:27:44that our Mystery House has got an awful lot to beat.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46But true to form, it has an awful lot to offer.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49So, our journey continues.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Well, yesterday finished on a high, didn't it?- Yes, it definitely did.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58And as we went through our two houses, it seemed to me that...
0:28:00 > 0:28:02..the more land you could have, the happier you would be.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Yes. Because we like land, don't we?
0:28:05 > 0:28:08So, if you had more land, both of you, what would you do with it?
0:28:08 > 0:28:10We were talking about that last night.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11There was two options, actually.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- One is to become a semi-commercial farmer...- Yes.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18The other option was potentially to become a holiday let
0:28:18 > 0:28:20with a few caravans on the site.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22So actually, this country dream is now turning into something
0:28:22 > 0:28:24of a business opportunity.
0:28:24 > 0:28:25As you know, my profession's accountant.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27We always make ways to make money.
0:28:27 > 0:28:28HE LAUGHS
0:28:32 > 0:28:35For our Mystery House, we're moving further inland to
0:28:35 > 0:28:37a village in the heart of Dartmoor National Park,
0:28:37 > 0:28:41Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45Its location within the spectacular moorland is its primary draw,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48and walkers pass through all year round, drawing sustenance
0:28:48 > 0:28:50from its two cafes and two pubs.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55The church of St Pancras is known as the Cathedral of the Moors,
0:28:55 > 0:29:00due to its 120 ft tower which can be seen for miles around.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03And just to the northeast of the village is our Mystery House,
0:29:03 > 0:29:06which offers a lot more than meets the eye.
0:29:06 > 0:29:07Well, here it is.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08Our Mystery House.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Wow, this is awesome, isn't it?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12This is a chocolate box.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- THIS is a chocolate box. - CINDY & CLIFF:- Yes.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17Now, we started with a reproduction of some classic
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Devonshire architecture. This however, is the real thing.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22It's about 17th century.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Thatched again, as you can see. Now, this is quite a complicated one
0:29:26 > 0:29:28and this is why its our Mystery House because
0:29:28 > 0:29:30it comes in several packages.
0:29:30 > 0:29:31It's a pick and mix, if you like.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Obviously, the central package is the property which we're
0:29:34 > 0:29:37going to explore in a moment. But there are also a couple of other
0:29:37 > 0:29:40options in terms of land-holding that come with it.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- But we like what we see? - Yes, I like what I see.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Yes, we do, yes. It's very idyllic.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Jules, that's ready for investigation.- Let's investigate.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Come on then.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53This handsome 17th-century farmhouse has an attached annexe with
0:29:53 > 0:29:55a living room and a bedroom.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58It's just one of the extras this place has to offer.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Right, let's explore.
0:30:00 > 0:30:01Come in, Cindy.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04This is what I call a country kitchen.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07Yes, this is a traditional kitchen here.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- It has that wow factor here.- Yes. - I like it.- It's warm.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- Mm-hm.- That's the thing that's drawn me here.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15That's the joy of the range. They give off this fabulous heat.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16There is only one thing like it.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19But as you say, it is a classic farmhouse kitchen this,
0:30:19 > 0:30:20- in every respect.- Yes.- Yes.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- There's a lot of space here for you. - Yes, I've got space.
0:30:23 > 0:30:24I mean, the beams just...
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Biggest part of, you know. - ..just gives the character.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- You can't not like these beams.- No, no, no.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32They're actually quite nice.
0:30:32 > 0:30:33These are real beams.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34THEY LAUGH
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Well, we've got some more through here. Come and look at this lot.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40How about those ones then?
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Oh, nice and cosy.- Oh, lovely. Lovely drawing room.- Yes.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45It has that...instant feel.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48It feels more of a drawing room than living room because of this height.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- Yeah.- And that fabulous fireplace with...
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- That certainly has got the centre of attention.- Yes.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56You've made me feel like I'm a lady of the manor, or something.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58THEY LAUGH
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Well, why not? Live the dream, Cindy, you know, I would.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- You know, it's why I like those drawing room, isn't it?- Yeah, it is.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07Traditional English house with the lady who sit there knitting.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Well, aligned to this rather fabulous dining room
0:31:09 > 0:31:11that's through there, you know,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14you certainly have got this degree of elegance about the place.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- Yes, it has.- Which I think you two would rather welcome.- Yes.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18Be rather good actually.
0:31:18 > 0:31:19I love it.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22Exactly the kind of things we're dreaming about.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25Well, my heart's beating fast.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Too fast. I don't know about yours.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- Yes.- Let's keep it moving. Come on, let's get upstairs.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33The ground floor also offers a large utility room
0:31:33 > 0:31:36and a generous conservatory with views over the Moor.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Upstairs, there are two guest bedrooms, one of which
0:31:39 > 0:31:44is currently used as an office, a family bathroom and separate WC.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47And then this is you.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- This is the master.- Nice, cosy little bedroom.- Yeah.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- Very comfortable, very cosy.- Yes. - Still a lot of space though.- Yes.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- And you've got light coming in. - Yes.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Loads of light cos you've got this double aspect going on.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00And the view through there, even in the mist, is quite dramatic.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04- Oh, wow.- That's an amazing view. - Yeah, I can even sit here...
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- That's your window view.- ..and read my book.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08First things first, let's get outside
0:32:08 > 0:32:11and we'll think about how much this little lot is worth
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- before we start spending more. - CINDY & CLIFF:- Yes.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18A converted shower cubicle in the main bedroom rounds up
0:32:18 > 0:32:20the interior of this house.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24But it's outside where things could get complicated.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Now the garden, Cindy, that comes with the property,
0:32:28 > 0:32:29is pretty much what you see.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- Oh, quite small then.- I think it's not bad.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34There's room over there for a polytunnel, you can see,
0:32:34 > 0:32:36- there's quite a well-established sort of vegetable area.- Yes.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40Certainly big enough for chickens and growing your own produce. So...
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Our farmhouse, our annexe and all what we have seen thus far,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46and the garden...
0:32:46 > 0:32:47What's it worth?
0:32:47 > 0:32:49I think I'd go for £600,000.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51600,000, yeah.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53OK, I'm going for the location here.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56This is really top-of-the-range location, the property,
0:32:56 > 0:32:58er, the character.
0:32:58 > 0:33:03- So I'm going to go little bit higher at £625,000.- Mm-hm.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05This is on the market for
0:33:05 > 0:33:08£595,000.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09You're kidding me?
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Wow.- So you're not far off. - BOTH:- Yes.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14There are two other parcels on offer.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17One is of 20 acres.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- BOTH:- 20 acres!
0:33:19 > 0:33:20THEY LAUGH
0:33:20 > 0:33:24OK. And one is of two and a half acres, but
0:33:24 > 0:33:27with loads of outbuildings
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and I mean outbuildings.
0:33:29 > 0:33:33- Wow.- Yeah. Outbuildings are good for me.- Yes, yes.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35Let's go and look at those. Come on.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36Yes, wow.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- 20 acres?- 20 acres. - Can you manage 20 acres?- No.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44The additional land and outbuildings are located just across the road.
0:33:45 > 0:33:50- So, Cliff, you've got two garages there.- Two garages.- Yeah.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55- You've got one, two, three, four stables.- Wow.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58- Four stables?- You all right?- Yeah.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Two loose boxes.- Yes.- Mm-hm.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- Can you see that?- Yes.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04That lovely building, you've got two of those.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- Two of those?- Two of those. One here...- Yes.- ..and one down there.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- Plenty of room for cars.- Plenty of room for cars and expansion.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14And you've got some acres down here.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16So, where's the end of the wood?
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- Can you see down at that wall at the bottom?- BOTH: Yes.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19- Can you see it?- Yes.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- And you've got that field shelter too.- Yes.- Ah-ha.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26For the 2.6 is acres and this fabulous range of buildings,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30it's going to set you back an additional £80,000.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32That's OK.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Now, the other package of 20 acres is over there.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37That...
0:34:37 > 0:34:39..is an additional 90,000.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42And my thinking is, you can't afford them both.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Yeah, there's just so many options at the moment
0:34:44 > 0:34:45that's available to us.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Go on. Off you go. And I will come and find you later.
0:34:50 > 0:34:56For £595,000, this 17th-century farmhouse offers three bedrooms,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00a warm country kitchen, an annexe for guests and a garden.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03There are also two packages of land
0:35:03 > 0:35:06and outbuildings on offer for an additional cost.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09It looks so nice, it's like a picture card house,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12so even the first impression, I thought,
0:35:12 > 0:35:13I'm going to like this house.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And then when I walk in and then I saw the kitchen,
0:35:16 > 0:35:21the traditional English kitchen, it just blew me away.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23I really like this house. In fact, in a way,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26I like this house even more than I like the second house.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29I think the first thing that struck me was the location
0:35:29 > 0:35:31and the remoteness of it all.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35It's very idyllic here and the cottage itself has got
0:35:35 > 0:35:37a lot of character.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40The 20-acre scale is possibly a bit beyond us.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44The two-and-a-half acre scale is manageable...
0:35:46 > 0:35:49..and potentially with the outbuildings,
0:35:49 > 0:35:52that would be the package we'd be looking to pursue.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- After you, Cindy.- Thank you.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- There you go, Cliff.- Thanks.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Well, that was all very exciting, wasn't it?
0:35:58 > 0:35:59Yes, it's so, so exciting.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- So much to think about.- Yeah.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- It's blown us away.- Yes.- In terms of...- I don't know what to do now.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07Well, let's go and have a think about it, shall we?
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- BOTH:- Yes.- Come on.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Not far from our Mystery House,
0:36:16 > 0:36:20on the edge of Dartmoor is the magnificent Buckfast Abbey.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23This Benedictine monastery sits on the site of an earlier building
0:36:23 > 0:36:29destroyed in the 1500s, during Henry VIII dissolution of the monasteries.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32In 1882, monks exiled from France arrived
0:36:32 > 0:36:34and set up a community on the site.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And in 1905, this community began the rebuilding of the church
0:36:38 > 0:36:40led by Abbot Anscar.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44I'm meeting Abbot David, to tell me more about its fascinating history.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48Now, to look at it, anyone would think it was several hundred
0:36:48 > 0:36:50years old but the story is, it's not.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53It's actually a 20th-century building.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58But it's probably the third Buckfast Abbey church on this site.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02The first being Anglo-Saxon, the second - Norman,
0:37:02 > 0:37:04and this one - early 20th century.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06Buckfast does have a remarkable history,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10it stretches back 1,000 years. Well, it will be 1,000 years in 2018.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Because in 1018, the famous King Cnut
0:37:13 > 0:37:15gave a charter to found this monastery.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- So we're approaching your millennium.- We are, um...
0:37:18 > 0:37:19five or six years' time, yes.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23What is remarkable is that this was constructed by
0:37:23 > 0:37:25just a handful of monks.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Where did they find the skills?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Abbot Anscar sent one of the monks, a German,
0:37:30 > 0:37:32called Brother Peter Schrode
0:37:32 > 0:37:36to farms to learn the building arts, the building trade.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38And he came back and basically taught the others
0:37:38 > 0:37:40so they learnt on the job.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Well, you've mentioned the millennium coming up in 2018,
0:37:43 > 0:37:44you are clearly in the midst
0:37:44 > 0:37:46of some pretty heavy-duty preparations for that.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49We can hear the builders rattling away in the background.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53- Can we go and have a look at what you've achieved inside?- Absolutely.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The current conservation work began two years ago, and whilst
0:37:58 > 0:38:03the outside is now finished, the interior still has some way to go.
0:38:05 > 0:38:06This is where it really comes to life.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Looking up at these graceful arches.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I mean, if you didn't know that it was, what, 100 years old,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14it would be hard to tell.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Well, it's looking pretty pristine at the moment
0:38:16 > 0:38:18because the walls have just been cleaned.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20This is white Bath stone
0:38:20 > 0:38:24so it perhaps looks fairly new at this moment.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Now we've talked at length about those early monks who built
0:38:27 > 0:38:30this building from scratch.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33How many of the current order have been involved in the restoration?
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Not actually in doing the cleaning, no.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37THEY LAUGH
0:38:37 > 0:38:41But certainly cleaning up afterwards, yes.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43But as I say, we've not been hands-on.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45We've not been putting the stone slabs down on the floor
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- if that's what you're asking.- So really, your forbears would probably
0:38:48 > 0:38:49have a word or two to say.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51They would probably think we're a bit soft.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53THEY LAUGH
0:38:53 > 0:38:56Also undergoing painstaking restoration is
0:38:56 > 0:39:00the Abbey's Corona Lucis, an exquisite brass candelabra.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Made by renowned German goldsmith Bernhard Witte in 1932,
0:39:04 > 0:39:07it usually hangs over the altar.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Now, this is the corona I've heard so much about.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Can we have a closer look at it?
0:39:12 > 0:39:13Yes.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Wow, look at that.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18And how long has it taken you to clean? Where did you start?
0:39:18 > 0:39:21We've got a team of five conservators here who've been
0:39:21 > 0:39:23working on it solidly for three weeks.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28And today is the last day, so we're busy wrapping up, polishing,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- the final stages.- Let's have a polish.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32I feel like I should give you a hand if this is your last day.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34And what do you clean this with?
0:39:34 > 0:39:38We have conservation grade metal de-corroders
0:39:38 > 0:39:40that work specifically on the corrosion.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45Once finished, the corona which weighs three tonnes, will be hoisted
0:39:45 > 0:39:48back up to the ceiling.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Well, Emma, thank you very much indeed for letting us
0:39:50 > 0:39:53into the world of conservation here at Buckfast.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56I'm not sure I've really added very much to this process
0:39:56 > 0:39:59but it's been a lot of fun, and best of luck in continuing
0:39:59 > 0:40:01the rest of the renovations ready for 2018.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Can't wait to come back and see it all finished.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- Oh, perfect, thank you. - Nice to see you.- OK.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10And I'm sure the incredible monks who built the Abbey will be
0:40:10 > 0:40:12pleased to see the work going on today.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17Well, with the eye of faith it is tempting to think that at long last,
0:40:17 > 0:40:20the mist is lifting from this otherwise glorious landscape
0:40:20 > 0:40:21here in Devon,
0:40:21 > 0:40:25but is it beginning to lift from the minds of both Cliff and Cindy.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29They are certainly confused and we have spoilt them for choice.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Now, I do think there are two clear frontrunners,
0:40:32 > 0:40:34but which one could be their new dream home?
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Well, as ever, there's only one way to find out.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38And that's to ask them.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Well, this has been an interesting few days, isn't it?
0:40:44 > 0:40:45Yes, very interesting.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49We've got property two and our Mystery House as the contenders.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51- BOTH:- Yes.- We have given you a choice.- Yes.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55- And we have clearly split opinion between you.- Yes.- Yes.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58If I had to make you choose between the two,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00which one would you pick, Cindy?
0:41:00 > 0:41:04From my heart, it would be the third house, the Mystery House.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07It just had that feel of homeliness and the kitchen is
0:41:07 > 0:41:11so country-looking and that's exactly the kind of kitchen,
0:41:11 > 0:41:13I want to cook in, and to entertain with.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- Cliff, I'm asking you the same question as Cindy.- Mm-hm.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18Of the two of them, which one would you choose?
0:41:18 > 0:41:22Out of the two, I would definitely go with house number two.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I like the layout, the location...
0:41:25 > 0:41:28But it hasn't got that country feel though.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32That homeliness that I've felt in number three, the Mystery House.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Yeah. I think what would help is maybe if we had a return visit...
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Yes, I think it would.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41..and just to sort of highlight some of the key things
0:41:41 > 0:41:43or the key areas that
0:41:43 > 0:41:47we're kind of disagreeing or need to be cleared up at the moment so...
0:41:47 > 0:41:50This discussion is clearly going to go on for several more days,
0:41:50 > 0:41:51if not weeks.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- Yes.- But, whatever you do decide, do let us know how you get on.
0:41:54 > 0:41:58And I and the rest of the gang wish you all the very best of luck.
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Thank you.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05Well, what a week and what a couple.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06Cindy and Cliff,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09two people who started out their lives in very different parts
0:42:09 > 0:42:13of the world have now combined their efforts here in the West Country.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17Their sense of fun, enthusiasm and passion for this whole new
0:42:17 > 0:42:20chapter in their lives has kept us going all week long.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22They are certainly going to bring a lot to this county
0:42:22 > 0:42:26and I think in return, Devon is going to give them an awful lot
0:42:26 > 0:42:30back too. In fact, a whole new life in the countryside.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31I'll see you next time.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37Cliff and Cindy went back for another viewing of property two,
0:42:37 > 0:42:38but still couldn't agree.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41After so many years of living in separate houses,
0:42:41 > 0:42:45finding the perfect home that suits them both is a real challenge.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48But their hunt in Devon continues.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:50 > 0:42:55in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and would like our help,
0:42:55 > 0:43:00then please apply online at bbc.co.uk/beonashow