0:00:02 > 0:00:05Nearly 200 years ago, this towering achievement was built by a gentleman
0:00:05 > 0:00:08who lay claim to being the richest man in Europe.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12Find out what it was used for and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Today's search takes our house hunters on a journey
0:00:32 > 0:00:35that reveals more than just properties.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36Goodness! You're welling up!
0:00:36 > 0:00:39- It means that much, doesn't it? - Yeah, it does. It's beautiful.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42And I have some surprises with my quirky cottages.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- This house keeps on giving. - It does, doesn't it?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46You don't realise this is here.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Today, I'm in Somerset
0:00:49 > 0:00:53and this is Beckford's Tower in the northeast of the county.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Named after its wealthy owner, William Beckford,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57it was built in 1826
0:00:57 > 0:01:02as a place to house his rare art collection and library.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Later on in life, he became embroiled in a number of scandals
0:01:06 > 0:01:09and it was here he regularly retreated to.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11Today, it's used as a museum,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14but here in the garden lies Beckford's marble tomb.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17As imposing as the character he was rumoured to be.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Indeed, looking around this fine county,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24it's just one of a mini list of great historic landmarks.
0:01:28 > 0:01:29Set in the south-west of England,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33the county of Somerset is bordered by Wiltshire to the east,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Dorset to the south-east and Devon to the south-west.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The rolling landscape of this rural region
0:01:40 > 0:01:43is accentuated by the ranges of hills, including the Mendips,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47which run east to west for almost 80 miles.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50From Weston-super-Mare on the coast to Frome inland.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54Over the last few centuries, stone quarried from these hills
0:01:54 > 0:01:56has built many Somerset towns
0:01:56 > 0:01:59and the great, imposing cities of Bristol and Bath.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Bath's impressive Georgian architecture of crescents
0:02:04 > 0:02:07and squares, along with its unique Roman baths,
0:02:07 > 0:02:11which are amongst the most important Roman remains north of the Alps,
0:02:11 > 0:02:15has earned it the status of being a World Heritage site.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19Heading south in the county, there are charming towns, like Axbridge,
0:02:19 > 0:02:20full of historic buildings.
0:02:20 > 0:02:24King John's Hunting Lodge is an early Tudor manor house
0:02:24 > 0:02:27that has now been transformed into a museum.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32But outside the citizen towns, this county is full of rural communities
0:02:32 > 0:02:35living in the most idyllic of pastoral landscapes.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39It is easy to see why it is an area worth escaping to.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The average price of a detached property here in Somerset
0:02:45 > 0:02:49is just over £265,000.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53Around £7,000 more than the national average.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56However, that amount increases dramatically
0:02:56 > 0:02:59if you head north-eastwards towards Bath,
0:02:59 > 0:03:04where the figure jumps to almost £355,000.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08If that 30% premium seems just that little bit too steep,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11it would be worth looking slightly further afield,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14around Frome and the surrounding areas.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17With that in mind, let's meet today's buyers
0:03:17 > 0:03:21and find out where they want to escape to.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26Our house-hunters currently live on a housing estate in Peterborough.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Michelle and Sian have been together for five years
0:03:29 > 0:03:31and are engaged to be married.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Our family consists of us two,
0:03:34 > 0:03:35our daughter, Ellie, who's 12,
0:03:35 > 0:03:38and then our two dogs, Bentley and Ruby.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42So we are very tight in our unit.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Sian works locally as a teaching assistant,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47but Michelle works in the finance industry
0:03:47 > 0:03:49and commutes each day to central London.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51I leave the house at 6am,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55so the guys are still in bed, it's still dark.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58And then I come home at 8-9pm,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01and again, it is dark and Ellie is in bed.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06Within that time, you have run around and gone to work,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08sorted Ellie out, made the dinner,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10put something aside for me
0:04:10 > 0:04:14so that I can have something to eat, and it is nonstop.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18At weekends, we are sorting ourselves out ready for the next week.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19It is like Groundhog Day.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22For me personally, it is quality of time at home
0:04:22 > 0:04:24and just being able to be here,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27be home by 6pm or 7pm, rather than at 9pm.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30It is a key thing for me.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33And Michelle has already started to make changes.
0:04:33 > 0:04:35Where I work at the moment in London,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and we've got another office down in Bristol,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41and there is an opportunity that potentially,
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I could go down and work there and do the same job.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46It is ideal.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50Michelle was born in Somerset and moving closer to her family
0:04:50 > 0:04:53is another driving factor in the move.
0:04:53 > 0:05:00About three months ago, we had a family crisis with my stepmum.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03I think it's just made me realise I need to be closer to my family.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06For me, it's like going home, even though it is Michelle's home.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11It's just... I don't know, it's just so right. I can't explain it.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Getting out of the suburban hubbub
0:05:13 > 0:05:16and embracing country life can't come soon enough.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19The house we live in at the minute, it works for us,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22it's big enough, but it's not what we dream of.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24- We both have the same dreams, don't we?- Yeah.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26We want a cottagey feel.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30We want to be able to have those smells.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32We love walks with the dogs.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35We would love to be part of a small community in a village.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37We're village people.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40They need to sell their current house for the move,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but have they figure for their new home in mind.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46The budget for the move would be £300-400,000.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54To get Michelle and Sian the rural setting they want,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56but with a manageable commute to Bristol,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00we're looking at villages no more than an hour from the centre
0:06:00 > 0:06:03that are also a convenient distance from Michelle's family in Frome.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06But I need to find out what else they are looking for.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Welcome to a very brisk Somerset today.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- Yes, very much so. - It looks absolutely beautiful,
0:06:13 > 0:06:17but I think we are going to be fighting the rain most of today.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- It is not going to put us off, is it?- No.- No.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Tell me, why Somerset?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Well, you can see exactly why Somerset, really.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26It is just absolutely beautiful.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28The setting, the lifestyle, everything.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31It's just a very calming place to be.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Tell me about this horrendous commute every day.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Yeah. Two hours each way.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- So four hours a day! - Four hours a day, yep.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41I'm hoping to reduce that down somewhat, if we can.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45My goodness! So constantly juggling life and work
0:06:45 > 0:06:47and also finding time for your daughter, Ellie.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50I don't see her most days. She's in bed by the time I get home.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52So to be able to get home at a more reasonable time
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and see her before she goes to bed would be really great.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57Gosh, that is going to make a huge difference.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59Not only to your lives, but to Ellie's as well.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- Yeah, majorly.- Completely.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Now, you currently live in a modern house.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05What are you looking for with this move?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08We are looking for something a little bit more villagey,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11warm, homely kind of country feel to it.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16- You want some fire or something. - Yeah, I want a fire. Just a fire.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Just a fire? Sian, you and I are going to get on.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- She's going to buy this house, the fire is good.- Just a fire.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Tell me more about this house. How many bedrooms?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28A minimum of three so that we can have
0:07:28 > 0:07:32people stay over and things from back up north.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Not too worried about the size, really.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Just a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Some garden, possibly, for the dogs.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43What about location? You mentioned about a community.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Obviously, your daughter is 12? - Ellie is 12.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48So it needs to have good schooling nearby
0:07:48 > 0:07:51in, obviously, distance for her to travel
0:07:51 > 0:07:55and also, obviously, distance for me to get to work in Bristol.
0:07:55 > 0:07:56So tell me about your budget.
0:07:56 > 0:08:01OK. Within the region of about £350,000.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06Obviously, that can go up. Depends on the kind of house we see
0:08:06 > 0:08:08and if it's something we fall in love with,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11then obviously, we could look to go a bit further if we need to.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Give me that top budget if we find you something perfect.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Top budget, 400,000.- 400,000.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- Tell me, do you always agree on everything?- BOTH: No.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- That was quite definite, wasn't it? - Yes.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- We agree on agreeing that we don't agree.- Yeah.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27So we have got three splendid properties to show you.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30The landscape's disappeared behind us.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33I think that rain's coming in, so on that note, shall we get started?
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Definitely. Yes, let's go.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38So for a maximum budget of £400,000,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40they're looking for a characterful country home
0:08:40 > 0:08:45with a minimum of three bedrooms, a real fire for Sian
0:08:45 > 0:08:48and in a rural setting no more than an hour from Bristol.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51And we've got three fantastic houses that
0:08:51 > 0:08:55I know will deliver on their country dream, but I won't be letting
0:08:55 > 0:08:58them in on the price until they've had a guess first.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00And then there's the Mystery House,
0:09:00 > 0:09:03which this week is a heavenly proposition.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Our search today kicks off in the hamlet of Yarley Hill,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12just 15 minutes from the centre of Bristol,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14but in the heart of the Mendips.
0:09:14 > 0:09:19Consisting of just a few houses, the nearest village is Wookey.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20Surrounded by farmland,
0:09:20 > 0:09:23the village is built up around the now Grade I listed
0:09:23 > 0:09:2512th-century church and the River Axe,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27which runs right through its centre.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31Mostly residential, there are around 1,200 inhabitants
0:09:31 > 0:09:35which are served by a couple of classic country pubs.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37A five-minute drive out of the village up a quiet
0:09:37 > 0:09:40and narrow country lane is property number one.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45So I've brought you to a beautiful hamlet for your first property.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Tell me what you think.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Amazing.- Beautiful. - Yeah. I do like the stone.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- It's really... It's what we're looking for, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56It used to be part of a blacksmith's forge, all these buildings.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59And looking at it, you can probably see
0:09:59 > 0:10:02it was three separate properties.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Oh, yes, you can.- It looks large, doesn't it?- Yeah?- Mm. It looks big.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09How different is it from the house you have already?
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Couldn't be any more different, really.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- LAUGHTER - Completely.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15You're the country girl, Sian,
0:10:15 > 0:10:17- you're the one who's craving to come here.- Has it got a fire?
0:10:17 > 0:10:21- Has it got a fire? Has it got more than one fire?- Ooh!
0:10:21 > 0:10:25- That's what you've got to ask me. - I'm interested.- Yeah?- Definitely.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26Come on, let's have a look.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Dating back to around 1780,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34this stone cottage has bags of character
0:10:34 > 0:10:35and I think the features inside
0:10:35 > 0:10:38will be just what Sian and Michelle are looking for.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Come on in, ladies, out of that rain.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47So the door opens straight into the sitting room.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51- Sian, what can you see in front of you?- A fire. It's beautiful.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- Does it make you happy? - Yeah, it does. It's amazing.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- I just feel really emotional. - Do you? Already?- Yeah.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Oh, my goodness, you're welling up! It means that much, doesn't it?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- Yeah, it does. It's beautiful. - Well, that's good.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05It shows this is what you're after.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09- This is why people want to move, isn't it?- Definitely. Really nice.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12Complete opposite of what we've got at home. Complete opposite.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15If you'd like to follow me, I'm going to take us
0:11:15 > 0:11:17through into the dining room and kitchen.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20The original inglenook fireplace was discovered
0:11:20 > 0:11:23by the owners during their renovations over the last 10 years
0:11:23 > 0:11:25and it has clearly struck a chord with Sian.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28This part of the property has been divided up.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- You've got more of a snug or dining area here.- Yeah.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34And then you've got your country kitchen there.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37I just worry that it's too small in terms of the storage.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40The size of the kitchen is great. It's just the storage.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44How about opening this up and making it a kitchen/diner?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- We could do, yeah.- You wouldn't even need to take down any walls.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49You wouldn't want to take the walls down
0:11:49 > 0:11:51because it's part of the character.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- I love this, as well, with the fire. - It's absolutely amazing.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57On the ground floor, is this enough space for the three of you with the dogs?
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- I think so, yeah. This is about the right size, as well. - Great.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05Would it be a problem if I gave you a little bit more space downstairs?
0:12:05 > 0:12:09- No.- No, that would be good.- Yeah? OK. Let's see what's down here.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12The corridor off the kitchen
0:12:12 > 0:12:15and living room leads down to a further, larger living space.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21- Wow!- An additional little sitting room.- Wow!
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Oh, it's amazing!- It's not that little, actually, is it?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26No, it's not at all. Complete surprise.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- I didn't expect to see this bit here.- Yeah, it's incredible.- Yes?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- I love it.- Do you? - I absolutely love it.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34I can see myself living here.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Well, let's hope you feel the same about upstairs, with the bedrooms.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Michelle, if you want to lead the way. Thank you.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46A study and cloakroom round off the downstairs rooms.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Upstairs, there is one family bathroom
0:12:48 > 0:12:51which serves all four bedrooms.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Of which there are two doubles
0:12:53 > 0:12:58and a single before getting to the master.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02So right at the end of the hallway upstairs...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- you have the master bedroom. - Oh, wow!- It's big.- That's very big.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- It's bigger than the one we've got now. It's amazing.- Yeah, it is.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- I like the brickwork. - The brickwork's great.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- So, is that the chimney to downstairs?- Yeah.- Right, OK.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19And there is a fireplace. Although the one in the bedroom isn't working,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21if you wanted to reactivate it, you easily could.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- The flue's there, it's just been closed off.- Right, OK.- Ooh!
0:13:25 > 0:13:27- Fire in the bedroom.- Oh, no!
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- How many fires do we want? - As many as I can!
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Would you have them in every room?- Yeah.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35- You're serious, too, aren't you?- She is.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37We know this cottage is quite quirky.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39It continues with the garden.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41It's not at the back, it's at the front of the property,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43the other side of that lovely lane.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47I'm going to ask you to take a stab at the price, as well.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52With no garden to the rear, the land that comes with the house
0:13:52 > 0:13:55is across the road and is terraced up the bank.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01So the cottage has had a very favourable reception.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Bringing you across that little babbling brook with the bridge,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07this actually is your garden. Now, how do you feel with the dogs?
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- Because you do have two dogs. - That's my only reservation.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15- To make it secure and...- Well, let's see how you feel about the price.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yes. - Who wants to guess the price first?
0:14:17 > 0:14:24I'll go first. I would say it is about top end, about 390,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27Right. Sian?
0:14:27 > 0:14:28I'd go similar to that
0:14:28 > 0:14:32because it's ticked practically every single box, so 395.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34It is over your budget.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39- The asking price is £425,000.- OK.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Now, outside of the major cities and towns,
0:14:43 > 0:14:44we know properties aren't flying.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46They know what your budget is
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and they are happy to have a conversation with you.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49Oh, right, OK.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53I think go back inside, have another look on your own,
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- take your time and I'll come and find you.- Brilliant.- Thanks.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- All right, thank you. - Careful as you go.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's all a bit slippy.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Well, what a brilliant start. This is only our first house.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09It is unusual, the garden, the layout is very quirky.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13But on first reactions, they were very, very impressed.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Priced at £425,000,
0:15:18 > 0:15:22this house is the classic picture-postcard stone cottage.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27It has four bedrooms, two large living rooms, fireplaces
0:15:27 > 0:15:31and original features throughout and a garden across the lane.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- It's a nice room.- Oh, this is a lovely room. This is Ellie's room.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It's gorgeous. Oh, how pretty!
0:15:38 > 0:15:42When I first saw the house, I thought it was absolutely amazing.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Countrified, all the fires.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Just a very, very warm feel about it.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51I think the garden for me, I'm a little bit wavering on the fact
0:15:51 > 0:15:53that it's across the other side of the road and we've got dogs.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56That worries me a little bit. That's my sticking point at the moment.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58When I first walked into the property,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00I had an overwhelming feeling.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I got quite emotional with the smells, the fires.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06I just thought it was absolutely incredible.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10I can already see myself being here. It's like a dream house for me.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13I asked for an open fire or a log burner.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15I've ended up getting four.
0:16:15 > 0:16:21So I think I've been spoilt for the first house.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Right, you two, how do you feel we've done with our first property?
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Really well.- Yeah?- Really like it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Yeah. It's got enough fires for me, four.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I knew you'd love it!
0:16:34 > 0:16:36- And that is only our first house, as well.- I know, yeah.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39- Still got so much more to show you, so we'll keep going.- Brilliant.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Somerset is home to many thriving artists
0:16:47 > 0:16:51who are drawn to the county by its pastoral backdrop.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Sian and Michelle are keen to try something new and creative
0:16:54 > 0:16:56when they move to Somerset.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58So we sent them to meet Paul Jessop,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00a potter who set up his workshop
0:17:00 > 0:17:02seven years ago in an unique location.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06The grounds of a Tudor manor house, Barrington Court.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08What a great setting for a business.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11It's a beautiful location, isn't it? Absolutely beautiful.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15It's the first property the National Trust ever got their hands on.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- Oh, really?- Yeah. So that's pretty much where it all started.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21So, what made you set up a business in an area like this?
0:17:21 > 0:17:25I'd got made redundant and it was the one chance I had.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Once you get made redundant, you take the chance while it's there.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31We used to see the farm buildings sat there empty,
0:17:31 > 0:17:33so we just wrote to the National Trust and said,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37"Would you consider renting a space to a potter?"
0:17:37 > 0:17:40And they came back and said, "Yeah, come and have a look."
0:17:40 > 0:17:42Paul specialises in producing simple,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45elegant and practical pots and jugs.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49He is one of the few people in the country who make pancheons,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53a very old form of pottery, which is a bowl with a glazed inside.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56And it's what Sian and Michelle are going to attempt to make.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01This is six pounds of clay. There you go. There's your starting point.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Plenty of water on your hands.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- Oh!- That's fine, that's fine.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Now, cup your hands around the side of the pot
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and you need to start kicking at this point to get it to do anything.
0:18:13 > 0:18:18Paul still uses the old-fashioned kick wheel.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- The traditional way to make pots. - What is a pancheon?
0:18:22 > 0:18:25They were used predominantly in the old farmhouses back in the 18th century.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28When they milked the cows or goats,
0:18:28 > 0:18:32they would put the milk in there, leave it to settle overnight
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and it would settle down and then they would pour off the excess.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- Ah, OK.- So sometimes you see these with a lip on them.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Hang on a minute, you're going too far out.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- You're making a roulette wheel now. - Sorry!
0:18:43 > 0:18:44How are we going to get that back?
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Making the pot rise on the wheel is done by pushing the clay
0:18:47 > 0:18:50between the hands and moving them up the side.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52But it's a skilled job.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55That's excellent. You've done all right with that.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Let's go and do the next phase, which is slipping,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59putting the slip decoration on the pots.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- So if you follow me.- Brilliant.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05The inside of the pots are covered in what's known as slip,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09a fine powdered clay which is watered down and used as decoration.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Just pour it in.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Don't be afraid of it. Just pour it in nicely.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17The slip goes on to be glazed
0:19:17 > 0:19:21and essentially creates a layer that makes the pottery waterproof.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25So now, if you can stop the wheel, grab it underneath. That's right.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26Bring it around to here.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29And then just try and turn it as you're pouring that slip out
0:19:29 > 0:19:31so it covers around the ridge. That's it.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33There is a knack to this, isn't there?
0:19:33 > 0:19:35There is a knack to it, but it just comes with time. So just...
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- That's it.- Got it!- That's it. And now back on the banding wheel.
0:19:42 > 0:19:43And now spin it around
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and then just use the finger to give that swipey line.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49That's it, there. That's it. That's all it needs.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54And then on the outside, do the same again around there.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55Brilliant. There we go.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57And because each one is handmade,
0:19:57 > 0:20:00the drips and smudges are what make these pots unique.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04But thankfully, Paul's are made with a touch more skill.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09For our second property offering,
0:20:09 > 0:20:13we're driving half an hour east to the village of Leigh-on-Mendip.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Just 45 minutes from Bristol city centre,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19this small village feels a world away with a local church,
0:20:19 > 0:20:23village hall and a pub as the community hubs.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26Right in the centre of the village, but set back from the road
0:20:26 > 0:20:29with a gravelled driveway is property number two.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34So I've brought you to the village of Leigh-on-Mendip.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We're surrounded by the Mendip hills, to show you this cottage.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- It's beautiful.- Absolutely lovely. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44The country life, the perfect country life.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46We even have horses behind us.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49- You don't see that in Peterborough, do you?- No.- There you go.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- What do you think of the actual house itself?- Really quaint.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57It looks really quaint and rustic. I think it's really pretty.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- First impressions are good. - Yeah, very positive.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04This double-fronted stone cottage is Grade II listed
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and retains all the character Sian and Michelle are looking for.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11The first room on entering the house is currently used as a dining room.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- So you have a small porch that leads us into the house.- Oh, wow!
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- Beams!- Very old beams.- It's lovely.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24- Really nice.- Lots of character.- Yes.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Now, I do know with this house move, we are fire obsessed.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31I don't know why I'm looking at you, Michelle, because this is the one.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- Sian, tell me, how do we rate that fire?- Yeah, it's amazing.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36It's bigger and...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39- It's a great open space.- It's a real feature of the room, isn't it?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- It's really lovely.- Let's see what you make of the rest.- OK.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47To the right of the dining room is a modestly-sized living room,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49which is equally characterful.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Lovely beams again.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54And you might notice just through there, there is a conservatory.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- OK, yeah.- OK. - Yeah, so that's a bonus.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Because it's not huge, this sitting room, is it?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- But enough room for you? - I think so.- I think so.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07- Yeah, more than enough for the three of us and the two dogs.- Yeah?
0:22:07 > 0:22:10We've still got the room next door as well, so there is still room.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13So far, we had such a thumbs-up with our first property,
0:22:13 > 0:22:15are you getting a good feeling with this?
0:22:15 > 0:22:18I've kind of got a better feeling about this one.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21We know the kitchen is a really important room for the two of you,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25so let's see what you think of this.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28At the back of the property is an extension which houses
0:22:28 > 0:22:29a spectacular kitchen/diner.
0:22:29 > 0:22:34- So tell me what you think of this room.- Wow!
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- Incredible.- Really nice.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Surprised?- Yeah, very.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42From the front of the house, I didn't expect this.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Look at the door.- Oh! - What did you say...?
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- I always wanted a farmhouse door for the dogs.- Did you?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51So you can keep an eye on them in the garden.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54There's one thing missing, Sian. Can you live without a fire?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Yeah, we'll put this on full blast and you'll be toasty warm.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Good compromise?- Yeah, OK, I'll compromise a little bit.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03OK. Well, let's see what you make of upstairs.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08A study which leads to the outside could work as a boot room
0:23:08 > 0:23:11and is the final room on the ground floor.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Upstairs on the first floor are two bedrooms.
0:23:15 > 0:23:19Both doubles and a generous bathroom.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21That's not all.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25This house has a second floor and a bit of a surprise.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- We come up here... - That's incredible!
0:23:27 > 0:23:29..and we have the master.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31- Oh, that's gorgeous!- Oh, wow!
0:23:31 > 0:23:34There we are. See, this house keeps on giving.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It does, doesn't it? - You don't realise this is here.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40It's got a real modern theme about it, but still old.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43So, have they got the balance right? Character, charm...?
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- Yeah, definitely. - Still got the character,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48- but it's just got that modern edge about it.- Yes.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52I'm going to take you back downstairs and outside.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- OK, brilliant.- Thank you.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57As well as the large driveway out the front,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01there is a south-facing garden to the rear and a patio area.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08- So...we've actually got an enclosed garden here.- Yep.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- Mindful of the dogs. - Yeah, which is great.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13- Enough of a garden for you both? - I think so.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15It's bigger than where we are and the setting,
0:24:15 > 0:24:17we don't really need a huge garden, to be fair.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- We can go out and go on walks and do things we might want to do.- Yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24I've now got to ask you how much is it on the market for?
0:24:24 > 0:24:30I think over budget, but I'd like it to come in at 375 if possible.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32OK. Michelle?
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I think it's definitely going to be over our budget, unfortunately.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38I'd like it to be about 375.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Are your fingers crossed in those pockets? Completely crossed.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43I could see your face when you said it, you slightly grimaced.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47Well, you are both right, it is over budget.
0:24:47 > 0:24:52The asking price is £425,000.
0:24:52 > 0:24:53It's worth it, definitely.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It's a lovely house. Really lovely house.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- The owners are happy to have a discussion with you.- Right, OK.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- They will look at some offers. - Right, OK.- Good.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- I love the house. - Fancy another look around?
0:25:05 > 0:25:07- Yes, please.- Go on, then. Please do.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13For a negotiable £425,000 price tag,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16this is a classic stone country cottage,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19which has a great combination of characterful living rooms
0:25:19 > 0:25:22with a contemporary kitchen/diner.
0:25:22 > 0:25:25There are three bedrooms, including a delightful master suite,
0:25:25 > 0:25:29and an enclosed rear garden suitable for the dogs.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- It's another good-sized bedroom. - It's a good-sized room, actually.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- I expected it to be smaller.- It could be a guest bedroom. - Definitely.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38- You could still fit a double bed in here.- Yeah, you would.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41When I saw the house outside for the first time, I thought
0:25:41 > 0:25:44it was absolutely amazing. It looked like a proper little cottage.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47What was the wow factor with us was the master bedroom
0:25:47 > 0:25:48being upstairs in the attic.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50It was amazing.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53It's not something we'd probably have looked at,
0:25:53 > 0:25:54but now we've come inside and saw it,
0:25:54 > 0:25:56I've just fallen in love with it.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59I can understand why it is at the price that it is.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01It's definitely worth the money.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03I just hope that we can take it forward possibly
0:26:03 > 0:26:05and do some negotiating.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Today has gone so well.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- All right?- Yeah.- Look at you.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- You're both still smiling. Have you enjoyed it?- Yeah, brilliant.- Lovely.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Good. I'm so pleased. Come on.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27It's the second day of our emotional house-hunt,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30where Sian and Michelle look to move from the city of Peterborough
0:26:30 > 0:26:34to Somerset, with a maximum budget of £400,000.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39Coming up, it looks like it could be love at first sight.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42This is our dream home. Already. I've not even walked through the door.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45And I investigate some unusual excavations.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49So what's actually happened to the bodies, shall we say?
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Yesterday, we showed Sian and Michelle here in Somerset
0:26:54 > 0:26:57two cosy cottages and got two wonderful reactions,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01but not being one to rest on our laurels, today, well,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04the mystery house has got a lot to live up to,
0:27:04 > 0:27:07and I'm hoping for a real divine reaction.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- So yesterday went rather well, didn't it?- It did, yes.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15Very emotional.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18So inside, Sian, cos on the outside, we've got
0:27:18 > 0:27:21this exterior that's not giving too much away,
0:27:21 > 0:27:24but go on, share with us what's going on inside.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27There's loads going on, seeing what I could potentially have,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30and I know what I want, and it's just out of that reach
0:27:30 > 0:27:33where I can't get it at the minute and it's frustrating.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I think with the house being on the market at home,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38we haven't sold it as yet,
0:27:38 > 0:27:42so we're kind of in limbo land and we want to be down here now.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Too impatient.- Yeah. Too impatient. - Both of us are, really.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52For our mystery house, I'm taking Michelle
0:27:52 > 0:27:57and Sian three miles north to the small village of Holcombe.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01With a 40-minute commute, Holcombe is the closest of all locations to
0:28:01 > 0:28:06Bristol, but far enough away to be set in a beautiful rural landscape.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08With a couple of pubs, a small village shop
0:28:08 > 0:28:10and good schools nearby,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13there is a community to tap into straightaway.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16The village also boasts four churches,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19of which just two are still in use as religious buildings.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22And that's a clue for our mystery house, which is
0:28:22 > 0:28:24located in the heart of the village.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Michelle and Sian, can I introduce you to your mystery house?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32I feel like you're trying to kill me with a heart attack.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34In a good way, I hope? Really?
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Yeah, goose pimples up and down my spine.- It's emotional.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Completely speechless.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45Oh, Michelle, you've gone as well.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47The reason we've picked it as our mystery
0:28:47 > 0:28:51is you live in a modern property at the moment, very contemporary.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56This dates back to 1890, so it has charisma, it's got charm,
0:28:56 > 0:29:00it's got the original features, but it's very contemporary inside.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08- So I'm guessing you'd like to take a look inside.- Kind of.- Come on.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10Let's see what you think.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Converted in 2003,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16this Methodist chapel has been divided into three homes.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Our property occupies the whole front end of the building.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23So...
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- What are you thinking?- I'm not going any further. This is our dream home.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Already. I've not even walked through the door.
0:29:37 > 0:29:42Well, let's hold judgment, just in case, but I think you're right.
0:29:42 > 0:29:43I don't think you're going to be disappointed.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Let's start off with the sitting room.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50This 21-foot reception room continues the mix of heritage
0:29:50 > 0:29:52and contemporary interior styling.
0:29:53 > 0:29:58Just the light that comes straight through those windows!
0:29:58 > 0:29:59- Wow!- It's breathtaking.
0:30:02 > 0:30:06- It's us, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah. Does the fire work?
0:30:06 > 0:30:10The fire does work, yes, but it's not a traditional wood burner.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- It's a contemporary burner.- Lovely burner.- I could compensate for that.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Michelle, how do you feel as you walk through the door?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Exactly how I thought it was going to be inside.
0:30:22 > 0:30:27- Are you scared you might have lost your heart?- Yes, and I have a bit.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Amazing.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31It's interesting standing next to you,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33because although you're not saying much...
0:30:33 > 0:30:35There's loads going on in my head.
0:30:35 > 0:30:39I can see that, yeah. Both of you are just taking it all in.
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- Lost for words, that's a rare thing with you, isn't it?- A little bit.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- Would you like to see a bit more? - Yes, please.- Definitely.- OK.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51Across the hallway is the kitchen.
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Now, I know you love contemporary modern kitchens.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02- Lovely.- Incredible.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Really nice.- Really spacious. And bright.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- You really do love this house, don't you?- Yeah. It's incredible.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14Upstairs, there are four bedrooms in total.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19Two good-sized doubles, which Ellie could choose from, a single,
0:31:19 > 0:31:23which is currently used as a study, as well as a family bathroom
0:31:23 > 0:31:28- and the main bedroom. This is the master.- It's lovely.
0:31:28 > 0:31:33- Really spacious, and with the window... Really bright.- Airy.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39- Still the character because of the ceiling.- Yes.- Really lovely.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- This is exactly what we would do. - So we've already done it for you.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50Any more thoughts on the house before I take you back outside?
0:31:50 > 0:31:55- Can we stay here?- Yeah, we'll stay here now.- Do you love it?
0:31:55 > 0:31:59I do, absolutely. It's us to a T.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Oh, it's a lot to take on board, isn't it?
0:32:01 > 0:32:05- OK, we're going to head back downstairs, girls.- No problem.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09Outside, the garden extends out to the front only.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15- And you have your garden right here. - OK, so no back garden?- There's not.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18I know it's hard to believe when you're walking around
0:32:18 > 0:32:20because it's such a large house, but the chapel itself is
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- divided into three different properties.- Right, OK.- OK.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24So we've got a third of it here.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28So if you look to the side, and there's a fence, that's where your land actually finishes.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31- We like this property, don't we, girls?- Yeah, too much.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Well, let's see if it is too much, because how much for the final time
0:32:35 > 0:32:38is the mystery house on the market for? Guess the price
0:32:38 > 0:32:40of the Methodist Chapel.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44I reckon it would be over budget compared to yesterday's - 550.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- OK. And your top budget? - Is 400.- Yeah. Michelle?
0:32:48 > 0:32:53I'd say exactly the same. I'd go about 440.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58Oh, the asking price for the mystery house is...
0:32:58 > 0:32:59Don't hate me, will you?
0:32:59 > 0:33:01Go on.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03£375,000.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05- Really?- Yes.- Really?- Yes!
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Wow.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Gosh. Really?- Hm-mm.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- Under budget.- Are you crying?
0:33:18 > 0:33:22You're making me well up, just seeing your face.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25Where do I sign?
0:33:25 > 0:33:29Is it cheque-book time? How do you feel, Michelle?
0:33:29 > 0:33:34Oh, overwhelmed, and it's a good price, really good price, so yeah.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37I think I know what you two are going to want to do. Go on.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- Explore, on your own. - We will, thank you.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44I got a bit emotional then, I don't mind admitting,
0:33:44 > 0:33:48because they loved this property from the minute they stood here.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53It's got everything that they and Ellie want. I am delighted.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58So for 25,000 under budget,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02this £375,000 converted Methodist chapel
0:34:02 > 0:34:06gives two generous living spaces, four bedrooms,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09original Gothic style features mixed with a contemporary finish,
0:34:09 > 0:34:14and is right in the heart of a village location.
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- Oh, wow.- Oh, wow. - Incredible, isn't it?
0:34:20 > 0:34:22Didn't expect that, did you?
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- No, not at all.- That is amazing.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- You'd just want to lie in the bath all the time, wouldn't you?- Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34When I saw it was a chapel, it kind of stopped me in my tracks.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37I wasn't expecting to see that, but it was a complete surprise
0:34:37 > 0:34:39and a good surprise.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42When I walked inside, it was just my dream home.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45The clean lines, the attention to detail,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48all the windows, it's just magnificent.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50When I heard the price, I was completely overwhelmed.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53I didn't realise it was going to come in at that price.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55I thought it'd be a lot higher, so that was great to hear.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Really, really good.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00When I first saw the property, I felt very emotional.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It just felt like home even before I stepped through the front door.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06You want to achieve that dream lifestyle,
0:35:06 > 0:35:11and this is what it's all about, coming home to something like this.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14This house hunting in Somerset has been emotional, hasn't it?
0:35:14 > 0:35:15Pure emotion.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18- How are you feeling? - Drained and emotional.- Really?
0:35:18 > 0:35:23- I've got a headache.- You're confused now! Do you want some time?
0:35:23 > 0:35:26Collect your thoughts, have a chat on your own
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- and then we'll see what your next step is going to be.- Yeah.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35The city of Bath
0:35:35 > 0:35:38is known throughout the world for its architectural wonders.
0:35:38 > 0:35:43No more so than for its incredibly large parish church, Bath Abbey.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46I've come to meet archivist Lucy Rutherford,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50to learn more about this site and the intriguing works going on.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Lucy, thank you for inviting us to Bath Abbey.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57It's a treat to be here. The most beautiful building.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01But you've also got some serious repair work going on, haven't you?
0:36:01 > 0:36:02Yes, we have at the moment.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05This is not usual for us to have quite so much building work.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07I'm intrigued to know more about that.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10First of all, can I ask you about the building itself?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13I believe there's been three churches on this site.
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- Is that correct? - Yes, that's right.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18There have been, in the last thousand years, an Anglo-Saxon abbey,
0:36:18 > 0:36:22then a huge Norman cathedral, much bigger than the present church.
0:36:22 > 0:36:27- Bigger than this?- Yes. And this building was started in the 1490s.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29The abbey, built from Bath stone,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32is particularly noted for its intricate ceiling.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37- Do we know how high up that ceiling is?- It's about 80 feet or 24 metres.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- It seems higher to me! - It does to me as well!- Yeah.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41It is beautiful.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44You do have to stand and look up and just admire the work.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47This type of fan vaulting is considered to be
0:36:47 > 0:36:49one of the finest examples in the country.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54Looking around, I've noticed there are so many memorials on the wall.
0:36:54 > 0:36:56We're surrounded by them.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59They are absolutely everywhere in this building.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Only Westminster Abbey has more memorials than we do here.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05These memorials, they're closely linked with this building work?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- Something different is going on here?- They are indeed.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- Is it possible to see some of it?- Yes, it is.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- We can go and see it now. - Thank you.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17For more than 300 years, both the landed gentry
0:37:17 > 0:37:21and ordinary townspeople have been interned in the abbey.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Lucy, I understand that people are buried under these stones.
0:37:25 > 0:37:26Do we know how many there are?
0:37:26 > 0:37:27We've had a lot of estimates
0:37:27 > 0:37:30about how many burials there are under the floor.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34We think somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 burials, approximately.
0:37:34 > 0:37:35Oh, my goodness!
0:37:35 > 0:37:38I thought you were going to say 20 or 30 people in total.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41That's one of the reasons you're doing the building work, isn't it?
0:37:41 > 0:37:42It is, yes.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45Because there have been so many burials under the floor,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48this has caused a certain amount of...settlement.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51That's a nice word!
0:37:51 > 0:37:54This means that there have been large voids left under the floor,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57which is causing it to gradually subside.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01If we don't take the opportunity in the medium term to put this right,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03the floor is in danger of collapsing.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07As it is a unique and unprecedented project,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11they're currently working on a test section of the floor.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12The stones are being removed
0:38:12 > 0:38:15and they are digging down to fill in the air pockets,
0:38:15 > 0:38:19which should stabilise the floor before the stones are replaced.
0:38:19 > 0:38:23What's actually happened to the bodies, shall we say?
0:38:23 > 0:38:25We knew that we would find human remains
0:38:25 > 0:38:28because we were aware of so many burials under the floor.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31We've been very careful, as we've been doing this work,
0:38:31 > 0:38:33to carefully store them.
0:38:33 > 0:38:36They will be reinterred under the floor with a service.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39Whilst they are doing this essential work,
0:38:39 > 0:38:41they are adding some modern comforts.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45At the moment we are heated with a very antiquated Victorian system,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48which costs us a great deal of money to run.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50Because we are taking up the floor, this gives us
0:38:50 > 0:38:53a unique opportunity to put in underfloor heating
0:38:53 > 0:38:57in a partnership to use the energy from the hot water springs
0:38:57 > 0:38:59in the Roman baths next door to the abbey.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01What a difference it's going to make.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03It will make a huge difference.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06The abbey will be much more hospitable and warm in the winter
0:39:06 > 0:39:09and it will be a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way
0:39:09 > 0:39:11of heating this building.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13It is absolutely stunning.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17Hopefully, generations will be able to enjoy it as well.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19- Lucy, thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32That has to be one of the most pleasurable house hunts ever
0:39:32 > 0:39:33here in Somerset.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37Michelle and Sian loved all three of our properties.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40But are they in a position to put an offer on any of them?
0:39:40 > 0:39:41Shall we go and find out?
0:39:46 > 0:39:49Michelle and Sian, I must admit, when we started this tour
0:39:49 > 0:39:50of Somerset,
0:39:50 > 0:39:52I didn't realise quite how emotional it was going to be.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57- Did you?- No.- Not at all. It's been such an amazing experience.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59We've learnt loads.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Let's talk about the properties that we've seen.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06With you two, all three properties got such great ratings, didn't they?
0:40:06 > 0:40:09They all gave us something that we were looking for.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12They all had the fires, the quirkiness,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14the picture postcard kind of setting.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17But with that last house, it was just so overwhelming.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20With the final property, the mystery house,
0:40:20 > 0:40:24both of you literally dissolved in tears looking at the chapel.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Completely. We both felt exactly the same way about it.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32You said you weren't going to agree. You've agreed the whole way!
0:40:33 > 0:40:36We scare ourselves, I think. We do have the same tastes.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39As you both lost your head and your hearts to the mystery house,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41what is the logical next step?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Our next step would be to involve Ellie
0:40:44 > 0:40:47because she is the most important person in our lives,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50contact the vendors and speak to them
0:40:50 > 0:40:52and bring Ellie over and see the property with us.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- That's great.- See if she loves it as much as we do.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59You're both in that place where you're desperate to find a house.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03- We are, yeah.- We really want to get down here as quick as we can.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07But no different than any other person. We've got to sell
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- the house first, which is always the frustration of it all.- Yes.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14The only blot on the Somerset landscape is your property
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- back in Peterborough, isn't it?- Yes. That's the only frustrating thing.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21It's been on the market just over a month now.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25We'd like to go back home and start to think about what we can do,
0:41:25 > 0:41:29with trying to sell the house, maybe approach the owners
0:41:29 > 0:41:34and see if we can come up with some form of negotiations.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38If you had sold your property, what would you be doing today?
0:41:38 > 0:41:41- I would like to think we would be exchanging.- Really?
0:41:41 > 0:41:46- So you are that desperate to move?! - Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49It's worth speaking to the owners of the mystery house.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Just giving them that intent, telling them
0:41:51 > 0:41:54how serious you are and see if they will hang on a little for you.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- I'm thrilled we've been able to help...- Thank you.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59..thrilled to have found you a fabulous property
0:41:59 > 0:42:02close to the family but, most importantly,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04right for the three of you.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07I can't tell you how much I'm going to keep everything crossed
0:42:07 > 0:42:10that you get that property and you sell your house in Peterborough.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- Thank you so much, girls. It's been an absolute pleasure.- Thank you.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19We've had tears and laughter, a great recipe for a house search.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24Having found Sian and Michelle that perfect property, the girls
0:42:24 > 0:42:27are now more desperate than ever to sell their home in Peterborough.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Let's hope they find a buyer soon
0:42:29 > 0:42:35so they can complete on their escape to Somerset, together as a family.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37We wish them all the best. See you next time.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Sian and Michelle returned to the mystery house
0:42:41 > 0:42:44with their daughter, who loves it as much as they do.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47Their property in Peterborough is still unsold,
0:42:47 > 0:42:48which is holding them back.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51But with buyers booked in for a second viewing,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55they are hoping that is a situation that will change soon.