0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Escape to the Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Today, we begin inside the beating heart of Britain's oldest working gin distillery.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I ask you, is there really any better way to start the programme?
0:00:29 > 0:00:32On today's show, we're helping a couple break ties
0:00:32 > 0:00:35with the house they have lived in for 28 years.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37They are out of their comfort zone.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- It's something we are getting to grips with.- Embrace the fear!
0:00:41 > 0:00:44And it all gets too much for one of them.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Oh, Karen!
0:00:46 > 0:00:48It has all got very emotional here, hasn't it?
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Today, we are in Devon at the Black Friars Distillery,
0:00:54 > 0:00:57home to Plymouth Gin since 1793.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01Now, such is its global prowess, that it is now
0:01:01 > 0:01:03protected by geographical status, which means
0:01:03 > 0:01:07if it ain't made in Plymouth then it isn't Plymouth Gin.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10It is quite simply unique. Not unlike the rest of Devon.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Sitting in the southwestern corner of England, the county of Devon
0:01:19 > 0:01:23is bordered by Cornwall to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Devon is often voted the best place to live in the country
0:01:27 > 0:01:31by leading property magazines and it's easy to see why.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35It's the variety of countryside on offer that makes it so appealing.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37From the rugged coastline in the north
0:01:37 > 0:01:40to the deep and wooded valleys in the south.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43And the granite tors of Dartmoor in the west to the patchwork
0:01:43 > 0:01:47of fields around seaside towns like Seaton in the south-east.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Devon has provided inspiration for a host of literary giants down the years,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
0:01:54 > 0:01:57whose Sherlock Holmes novel The Hound Of The Baskervilles
0:01:57 > 0:01:59was largely set on Dartmoor.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Much of its haunting beauty that so inspired him remains unchanged today.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The same can be said for the rest of this timeless county.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16The cost of a detached home here in Devon is currently £288,000.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21That's a whopping £31,000 above the national average.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Those numbers are clearly influenced by properties with coastal views that attract a premium.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28In particular, those that run along the English Riviera,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32that 22-mile stretch that includes Brixham, Torquay and Paignton.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34But broadly speaking,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37the more inland you go the more you get for your money.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41So let's meet today's buyers and find out where exactly they want to be.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Carl and Karen live in a four-bedroom house in Yarnton
0:02:45 > 0:02:47just outside the city of Oxford
0:02:47 > 0:02:50and it's been their family home for almost three decades.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53But the area isn't the same as it used to be.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56We've been living in this area for 28 years.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Originally, it was more of a village.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02But now we've had considerable development of housing.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05The traffic has increased.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07We are looking for something a bit more rural.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09I like big open spaces.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Wide-open spaces. Lots and lots of fresh air.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18They first met when they both worked for the same bank.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21He opened the door to me on my very first morning.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25So he had to actually look through the spy hole at me
0:03:25 > 0:03:27to see who was standing there.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30- We have been married for 37 years.- Is it?
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Yes, I'm afraid so! He jokes about that all the time, don't you?
0:03:33 > 0:03:36I always say you get less for murder!
0:03:38 > 0:03:40With Carl now retired from banking
0:03:40 > 0:03:43and their two grown-up sons having families of their own,
0:03:43 > 0:03:46it's the perfect opportunity to make the break.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48This move is going to be the first time
0:03:48 > 0:03:51we have really moved where we want to move to.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54Whereas before, when we had young children it was very important
0:03:54 > 0:03:56to get settled as quickly as possible.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59So we don't need to worry about all the things that
0:03:59 > 0:04:01families need to worry about.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04We can pick somewhere which will really suit us
0:04:04 > 0:04:06for the rest of our lives.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Coastal Devon is their location of choice as it brings back
0:04:09 > 0:04:12lots of happy childhood memories for Karen.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15I've always wanted to live by the sea.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19It's probably because my dad was actually in the Navy. It probably stems from that.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23So this is why I would really love to live in either Devon
0:04:23 > 0:04:26or across the border to Dorset maybe.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28I really, really love it.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Since retiring, Carl has kept himself busy as a table tennis coach.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35But the move will be a chance to take up some new pursuits.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40I've been playing table tennis now, believe it or not, for 47 years.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- Much as I enjoy it, there are other things I need to do.- With me!
0:04:45 > 0:04:50We've always talked about walking along the coastal path.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I've been promising for years to write my children's books.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58Children's stories that you used to tell our boys.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00But I've never got round to doing it.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04And in a way, business and table tennis has just dominated my life.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06And Karen has big ideas of her own.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11I love animals and I would really like to do something
0:05:11 > 0:05:13that is animal-based.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15If I had the money and the space,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17I would set up my own rescue centre, actually.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19We haven't got the money for that.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24If we won the lottery, that is what I would be doing - opening my own rescue centre.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27But in the meantime, they are interested in running
0:05:27 > 0:05:31a holiday business, which would give them more financial flexibility.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35Our budget for our move is 525,000.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39But if there was some additional income like a holiday let,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43we could stretch that to potentially 575,000.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Carl and Karen would like us to concentrate our property search
0:05:49 > 0:05:52in the east of the county close to the coast and Lyme Regis,
0:05:52 > 0:05:55just over the border in neighbouring Dorset.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59I'm meeting them on Devon soil to find out what they're looking for in their new home.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Welcome to Devon.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06Now, this is very exciting because you have been in the same house, as I understand it, for 28 years.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Yes. And it's this week.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- 28 years ago this week? - This week, yes.- Wow!
0:06:11 > 0:06:15- So this is quite a moment, really, an anniversary.- Yes, it is.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- So 28 years in the same house, but hopefully moving into a new one shortly.- Hopefully.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- We hope so, yes.- And what has this new house got to contain?
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Oh, my goodness!
0:06:24 > 0:06:29Hopefully, four bedrooms. But we could manage with three.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34Quite spacious, quite open and airy. Lots of light.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38- Hopefully, if we can, a separate dining room.- A good-sized garden.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40Yes, good-sized garden because we have two small dogs.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- But the house you live in at the moment is relatively modern, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49So does that dictate the style you are after, or are you open to something else?
0:06:49 > 0:06:52I think we are open because you tend to try
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and live in the same places you bought before.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57We have always bought family homes.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00So it would be quite nice to look at something different
0:07:00 > 0:07:03that takes us outside our comfort zone.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Now, the budget is interesting because there is a sliding scale.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08Yes. That's right.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12As I understand it, 525 for simply a house
0:07:12 > 0:07:17with three or four bedrooms, airy living spaces, garden and so on.
0:07:17 > 0:07:23- But possibly a holiday let at 575.- If that's possible.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- You have always said you would quite like...- Yes.- Not bed and breakfast.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Not B&B, no.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33I don't fancy getting up at the crack of dawn, cooking for anybody else!
0:07:33 > 0:07:35But the main priority is obviously the house.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Well, we are in the right county. Devon is absolutely gorgeous.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41We've got three, I think, very interesting properties
0:07:41 > 0:07:43for you to look at, including our mystery house.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- So are you ready?- We are ready. - Let's go.- Right. Thank you very much.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53For a maximum budget of £575,000, Carl and Karen would like
0:07:53 > 0:07:56a light and spacious property but they are not fussy about age.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59The accommodation should include a separate dining room
0:07:59 > 0:08:01and three to four bedrooms.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03They'd like a good-sized garden
0:08:03 > 0:08:06and the option to run a separate holiday let within the property.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12We've got three lovely homes lined up to show our buyers here in Devon
0:08:12 > 0:08:15and I'll be asking them to estimate the price at the end of each house tour.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19With our final offering, the mystery house,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21it's out with the old and in with the new.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- I understand, Karen, that you have a fascination with all things Victorian.- That's right.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34I would have preferred to be born when there were no cars and it was just horse and carriages.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36What about you, Carl?
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Would you like to live in a frock coat and a top hat?
0:08:39 > 0:08:41I think I wouldn't have minded living years ago
0:08:41 > 0:08:43as long as I was upstairs, not downstairs!
0:08:43 > 0:08:46If I was lord of the manor, that would do me fine!
0:08:49 > 0:08:52For our first property, we're heading to the small village of Combpyne
0:08:52 > 0:08:57in the east of the county, not far from the border with Dorset and close to Lyme Regis.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01The nearest village for shops and services is neighbouring Rousdon,
0:09:01 > 0:09:03which is less than a mile away.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06It originally grew up around the country
0:09:06 > 0:09:09estate of a local 19th-century politician, Sir Henry Peek,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12whose family donated the old school to the community in the 1970s
0:09:12 > 0:09:15and is now the village hall.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17Our first offering is just a two-minute drive away
0:09:17 > 0:09:19in the smaller village of Combpyne.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22The house greets you with a rather impressive water feature.
0:09:25 > 0:09:29- Right, let's start with this one. - Lovely.- This is number one.
0:09:29 > 0:09:35- Water running as well.- Spectacular, isn't it?- This is about 1720.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- Oh, my goodness.- A bit different, isn't it?- Very different.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Is this what you had in mind? - No.- Why not?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- It is probably older than what I expected.- But it looks lovely.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Can you see that changing roofline to the right?- Yes.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- The building to the end of the property, that was the old village forge.- Oh, right.
0:09:53 > 0:09:58That, broadly speaking, could be separated into a separate annexe.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Right.- For want of a door. That is where we are going with this one.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04So have that sense of the building's layout in your mind.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Very interesting. Really looking forward to seeing inside.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Come on, let's have a look.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14A good reaction to our first property with its annexe potential.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17The house is only partially furnished inside,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19which allows us to see all the space on offer.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24Come on in, you two.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25There.
0:10:25 > 0:10:31- Yes?- Yes.- That's lovely. - A nice wood burner as well. Something we've never had yet.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34You said earlier that this was perhaps a little bit older
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- than anything you might have considered.- Yes.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- Does it feel very old?- It doesn't inside, no.- It doesn't inside.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43I think this rather sets the scene quite nicely for us.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- I know a dining room was important to you.- Yes, it was.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48It's just through here. Have a look at this.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52There we are. A nice little window seat. Fireplace there.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55So you and your diners having a nice time in here, hopefully.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Very nice again, isn't it?
0:10:57 > 0:11:00And it's next to the kitchen, which is through here.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02So how about this, Karen?
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- That's pretty.- That is quite well done, isn't it?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- It is space they have made very good use of.- It is very nicely done.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12It's all pretty new, as you can see.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15It's got this lovely cottagey feel to it.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- A huge utility area round the back. - Good.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Very cosy kitchen-diner and of course it has the addition of this conservatory.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- I didn't notice that. - I didn't notice it at the front.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28It also lets in a lot of light, but it's lovely having it next to the kitchen.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It really extends this dinner space, as it were.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- Now, remember when we looked at the outside we saw that change in roof level?- Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Through there is the rest of the property, but we are thinking,
0:11:38 > 0:11:43if you had a door here, that would become the holiday let.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- That would make sense. - A separate holiday let.- Yes.
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- All it needs is its own little kitchen area, but there is plenty of room for it.- Oh, right.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55The old forge end of the house that I'm suggesting becomes the holiday
0:11:55 > 0:11:58let features a lounge with stable door to the outside,
0:11:58 > 0:12:01a downstairs shower room and two smaller rooms at the back,
0:12:01 > 0:12:06which could be converted into a kitchen area, subject to planning permission.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10There is also a double bedroom on the first floor in this wing with its own separate staircase.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15Upstairs in the main house, there are three further bedrooms.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17A double with built-in wardrobe
0:12:17 > 0:12:20and a single accessed via a dressing room, along with a family bathroom.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25But I want to show Carl and Karen the potential master.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Now, watch your heads. Duck a little bit.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31This is certainly one of the bigger rooms.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35None of them are ensuite, but you have got the family bathroom down the corridor.
0:12:35 > 0:12:36The space is the key thing.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41Is there enough space up here and how does it compare with what you have already got?
0:12:41 > 0:12:43I think downstairs is very good.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Upstairs is probably smaller than what we have got at the moment.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48We have got quite a large bedroom
0:12:48 > 0:12:51and a dressing room attached to it at the moment.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54So there are plenty of pros and some cons.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- It is just seeing through that, really. What you can do with it.- OK.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Let's go and have a look at the back garden.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05You were tempted by the front garden with all those water features. Let's have a look at the back.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10As well as the landscaped garden with its water feature
0:13:10 > 0:13:12at the front of the house, there are also two lawned
0:13:12 > 0:13:17areas at the back of the property bordered by plants and shrubs.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21And there's a summer house and terraced seating space with views of the village.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25I think from here we really can kind of take it all in.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29As you can see, there is the break in the roof line, so that's the separate annexe.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32It does mean your guests have their own little garden
0:13:32 > 0:13:35area behind this mature border in front of us.
0:13:35 > 0:13:36So they get their own garden.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40You get this bit and of course you've got the front garden.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43So let's think about the value of property number one.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Who's going to go first, Carl?
0:13:45 > 0:13:49Right. It is a lot of property here.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52There are certain bits we may need to change,
0:13:52 > 0:13:55so I'm going to go for 535,000.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- 535, OK.- I'm going to go a little bit lower.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- 525.- 525.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Well, that is certainly the bottom end of what you hoped to spend
0:14:07 > 0:14:09and I'm afraid this is on at 575.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Because of its location.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15You know, Lyme Regis is a hot spot. There is no getting away from it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18This part of the world is for ever popular
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and of course it does have that income potential.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- I think it's a good first house. - Off you go. Go and explore it.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27I'll catch up with you a little bit later.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Priced at £575,000,
0:14:32 > 0:14:36our first property is right at the top of Carl and Karen's budget,
0:14:36 > 0:14:38but it does give them some income potential.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43It's a detached period property with roots dating back to the 18th century.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46The accommodation includes a separate dining room
0:14:46 > 0:14:48and spacious kitchen and breakfast room.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50There are three bedrooms in the main house
0:14:50 > 0:14:54and the annexe, which was the old forge, has a separate living space
0:14:54 > 0:14:57and upstairs bedroom, which could work as a holiday let.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01I was actually very pleased when I first saw the house.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's very, very pretty.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Lovely front garden with moving water, which is very pleasant.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12The downstairs just seems to go on and on and is really impressive.
0:15:12 > 0:15:17I think the downside is probably the upstairs. The rooms are quite small.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20There is no ensuite facility.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23So there is a bit of work required there.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25It has given us a lot of food for thought.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- Are you all done?- Yes, I think so.- Is it all done and sold?
0:15:30 > 0:15:34I don't know about that one. We've got a bit of thinking to do.
0:15:34 > 0:15:38We have got two more properties to tempt you with, including the mystery house.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39Let's keep on.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Devon's countryside is home to a rich variety of wildlife.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58But the loss of their natural habitat and changes in farming practices
0:15:58 > 0:16:01mean that some of the county's animals are at risk.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05Just outside the historic market town of Totnes is a rare breeds
0:16:05 > 0:16:09farm with a mission to protect and rehabilitate native species.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12It provides sanctuary to uncommon varieties,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16including Golden Guernsey goats and Soay sheep, as well as wild
0:16:16 > 0:16:19animals under threat such as the red squirrel.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Karen has expressed an interest in working with animals,
0:16:22 > 0:16:26so we sent her and Carl to the farm to find out more about volunteering.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29First, they are visiting the hedgehog hospital
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and meeting Samantha Adams and her prickly patient, Tripod.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38As you can probably guess, being called Tripod, he does only have three legs.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43I'm afraid he got a little bit too close to a garden strimmer when he was younger.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47So in 2009 he was rescued and was brought into us from the vets.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- He's doing really well.- Is that a common problem?- I'm afraid so.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Mankind and hedgehogs don't generally mix very well.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58So there's strimmers, there's traffic and a huge one is climate change.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00They are really struggling with our winters.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04They are warmer than they should be so they don't hibernate very well.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07What do we need to do, as the general public, to help the population?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10We can help them by putting down cat food or dog food.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13In the past they used to say bread and milk, which is really bad.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant so milk is not a good idea at all.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- Milk is a definite no-no. - A definite no-no, yes.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Hedgehogs typically arrive at the farm under weight,
0:17:23 > 0:17:26but they can be released back into the wild when they weigh 500g,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29around the same body weight as young Tripod.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- He is soft underneath, so he has no spines on his belly.- He's so cute.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37I want to take you home.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41The farm is home to around 130 animals.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44The aim is to try and release many of them back into the wild,
0:17:44 > 0:17:49but there's also an active breeding programme in place for others, including the red squirrel.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53This is our red squirrel colony.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55They are a registered breeding colony
0:17:55 > 0:17:57and they are doing very well, fortunately.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01Why are the red squirrels so rare in the wild?
0:18:01 > 0:18:03We used to have them all across Britain.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06They used to be the only squirrel that we get here.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10But then the grey squirrel was introduced by the Victorians in their London parks
0:18:10 > 0:18:12because they thought they looked really pretty.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15But sadly the grey squirrels completely outcompete the reds,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18which are smaller and more delicate.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20But more to the point, the grey squirrels carry
0:18:20 > 0:18:23something called the squirrel pox, which they appear to be
0:18:23 > 0:18:26completely immune to but it kills whole populations of reds.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28They get decimated by this squirrel pox.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32I have just noticed there is so much difference in the colouration of them all.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- Why is that?- Yes. Even amongst red squirrels, there's quite a variety in their colours.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40We have a couple here. A bright red when and some darker ones.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43These really dark ones which we have in here,
0:18:43 > 0:18:45are a southern European colouration.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48So they get really dark the further south you go.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52And to prevent inbreeding we introduced a few black ones to keep the gene pool going.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54As you can see, they are all really active.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Would you like to give them some peanuts?- Yes, please.- We'd love to.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02The farm relies heavily on the work of volunteers
0:19:02 > 0:19:04and they are always looking for people to lend a hand.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Could I actually volunteer to do more with the squirrels
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- or any of the other animals that you have here?- Certainly.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14Our volunteers get really hands-on here.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17We don't often go in there but the houses do need cleaning out.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19They go a bit nuts and then they settle down.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21They can get really inquisitive.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26They start tugging at your clothes and try and see what you're up to. They are lovely little guys.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Now, we've found Karen a possible role here in Devon,
0:19:30 > 0:19:32it's time to return to the property search to see
0:19:32 > 0:19:36if we can find both her and Carl a house that they can go wild about.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44For our second property, we're travelling around 20 miles
0:19:44 > 0:19:46along the south coast to the village of East Budleigh.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49It's an unspoiled and pretty Devon village
0:19:49 > 0:19:51offering a host of historic buildings.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56The Elizabethan explorer Sir Walter Raleigh was born in nearby Hayes Barton
0:19:56 > 0:20:00and the focal point of the village is a statue of the famous seafarer.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05There is also a parish church, a bakery and a community shop.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Our second property is even older than our first
0:20:08 > 0:20:11and it is situated right in the heart of the village.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13There.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- That's it. What do you reckon? - A thatched roof.- It is, indeed.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20It is a lovely thatched roof.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Very typical for Devon, as you probably know, I'm sure.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It's also got this fabulous barn attached to it
0:20:26 > 0:20:30and we're thinking maybe that could be a bit of a development project for you,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32looking ahead to this idea of the holiday let.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It certainly looks very interesting.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38You also get those double garages with the little workshop attached to them.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41At our first property, you were a bit taken aback because you
0:20:41 > 0:20:44thought it was older than the sort of thing you might have looked at.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48We've gone back further in time with this one. How do we feel about that?
0:20:48 > 0:20:51I don't know until I get inside and have a look at the inside.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53- You're looking a bit anxious?- Yes.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- It's something we wouldn't have considered.- We wouldn't have considered thatched.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Come on then, let's go and have a look.- Lovely.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Well, a slightly nervous response from Carl
0:21:03 > 0:21:05and Karen to this grade two listed cottage.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08It is 300 years older than the house they live in now
0:21:08 > 0:21:10and it could take some getting used to.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13So what have we got for you in here?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Come on through.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19- It's quite impressive, isn't it? - It's very big, actually.- Isn't it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- Look at the fireplace.- Yes. Classic kind of inglenook.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26But the thing that really took my eye was the beam. That elm beam.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28There is quite a lot of light comes in here.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31Often, when you find beams, it's very dark.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- But it seems to be quite bright. - Yes. The light pouring in through there.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37There is a lovely window seat. So, Karen, what are you thinking?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40I'm worried that you've gone a bit quieter.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I like the dual aspect, the two windows in this room.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45It makes it a lot lighter.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49But I don't think Karen is convinced, even though
0:21:49 > 0:21:52the house is brighter than they were expecting.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54It also gives them the separate dining room they asked for
0:21:54 > 0:21:58along with a study and utility room on the ground floor.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02And then this is the kitchen.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- Oh.- That is very well done, isn't it?- That is quite spacious.- Yes? - Yes.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10A range.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14I guess my only concern is that because you are coming from a home that is so modern,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18that you have been in for such a long time, I am getting the sense
0:22:18 > 0:22:21that when we talk about a property that is older,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25whether that is something you're going to be very comfortable with.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28It's something we wouldn't have necessarily selected ourselves,
0:22:28 > 0:22:30a thatched roof, and this age of property.
0:22:30 > 0:22:36- So it is something we are getting to grips with.- Embrace the fear!
0:22:36 > 0:22:40We have probably got the notion that every thatched cottage
0:22:40 > 0:22:43is always low ceilinged and very dark.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45And it is not necessarily that, is it?
0:22:45 > 0:22:50Karen does seem to be warming to the idea of living in a 300-year-old property.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54But as with many cottages like this, the stairs are curved and narrow.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56But once you negotiate them,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58there are three impressive bedrooms to take in.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02There is a lovely light guest double through there, Karen.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04There is another double here.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09And then the family bathroom is there.
0:23:11 > 0:23:12And then last but not least...
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- ..your bit.- Nice.- Yes? Loads of storage, as you can see.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- Which is always good. - Like property one, it's not ensuite.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- But a really nice family bathroom next door.- Nice deep windows.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27Lovely floorboards.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32- It is certainly in keeping with the feel of the rest of the building. - Yes, that's right.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Our buyers are interested in the option of running a holiday let from their new property
0:23:36 > 0:23:41and whilst there isn't the space at the moment, the attached barn offers lots of development potential.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46This, I think you will find quite interesting.
0:23:48 > 0:23:52- It's big.- That's a big space. - Isn't it?- Very big.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56The walls are cob, very common material in this part of the world.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Behind us, this brick wall is actually the back of the utility room wall.
0:24:00 > 0:24:04So all the services are here, all the water, all the plumbing.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07So they have already thought about extending into here,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09the current owners.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12And they have had some outline conversations
0:24:12 > 0:24:14with a conservation officer about it.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18So in theory, we think it is a possibility.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21There is certainly quite a lot you could do with this. It looks very impressive.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25How much you can do with it is going to depend on the price.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Let's go outside into the sunshine and talk about the money, shall we?
0:24:31 > 0:24:33Outside, the gardens are largely laid to lawn
0:24:33 > 0:24:37and there is a gravelled seating area, ideal for summer entertaining.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- What you see is really what you get. - It's a great size, I think.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46We wouldn't measure this in acres or even fractions of acres.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51- No, but it's big enough.- It's lovely and private. Nicely enclosed.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55And I think for a village garden in a community like this,
0:24:55 > 0:24:57it's a pretty good size, actually.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00So what do we think about our location?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- Location I think, I can almost smell the sea air!- Very nice.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Smell the sea air.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07The spirit of Raleigh is floating through the rooftops.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09There is lots of history here
0:25:09 > 0:25:12and of course lots of history in the property.
0:25:12 > 0:25:17- Let's have a think about the price then.- I would say 555,000.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19555,000, OK.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23I'm going to go slightly lower. I am going to go 535.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27535. I can see why you are thinking that, in fairness to you,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29but you are much closer to it.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- Oh, good. I win one!- Well, almost.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36This is on the market at £575,000.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Like property one, it's open to offers
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and I think anybody selling this would be mindful of the fact
0:25:41 > 0:25:43that you might want to do something with the barn
0:25:43 > 0:25:46and clearly would need some money left over.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It's knowing how much that renovation would cost
0:25:49 > 0:25:51to really make it a dream property.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Go and enjoy yourselves and I will catch up with you a little bit later on.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05Our second property, priced at £575,000, is also at the top end
0:26:05 > 0:26:09of Carl and Karen's budget, but the owner is willing to consider offers.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11It is a listed Devon long house with a thatched roof
0:26:11 > 0:26:14and bags of character inside.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16The rooms are light and spacious
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and include a large lounge with inglenook fireplace.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22It comes with three double bedrooms and outside there is a stone barn
0:26:22 > 0:26:26that could be turned into a holiday let, subject to planning consent.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30I was expecting, when I came through the front door,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33very low ceiling, very dark, smallish rooms.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36And actually it's the complete opposite.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39But as for getting the really goose bump feeling,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I didn't get that, I'm afraid.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45There are elements of this house that are really good.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47It's got some lovely exposed beams.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50But there are a few issues regarding ceiling height
0:26:50 > 0:26:56and the accessibility to the upstairs with very narrow stairs.
0:26:58 > 0:26:59- After you.- Thank you.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Well, that's it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Property two is done
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and that is the end of a fairly busy first day's house-hunting.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It's been extremely interesting and we've certainly got a lot to think about.
0:27:11 > 0:27:14We are going to give you even more tomorrow.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- It is nearly mystery house time. - More confusion!
0:27:26 > 0:27:29It's the second day of our house search here in Devon
0:27:29 > 0:27:33and with a maximum budget of £575,000, we're helping Carl
0:27:33 > 0:27:38and Karen close the chapter on their Oxford home of nearly 30 years.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Still to come, the mystery house pushes all the right buttons.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- This is obviously working, isn't it? - This one is working.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49And I taste the tipple that wet the whistle of the British Navy.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55As we begin our final day of house-hunting with Karen
0:27:55 > 0:27:59and Carl, it's perfectly obvious that our first two properties,
0:27:59 > 0:28:01although Escape to the Country classics,
0:28:01 > 0:28:03clearly aren't working at all.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06This is proving to be far more of a challenge than I had expected.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09So for our mystery house we are rewriting the remit
0:28:09 > 0:28:12and spreading our net far and wide.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16On this occasion, it's very definitely out with the old and in with the new.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22For our mystery house, we're heading back
0:28:22 > 0:28:25east along the coast to the seaside town of Sidmouth.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28It's a popular spot for tourists
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and a large part of the town has been designated a conservation area,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34due to its range of Regency and Georgian buildings.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Sidmouth is also the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and it's
0:28:38 > 0:28:43known for its striking red cliffs formed some 240 million years ago.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Our mystery house is a more recent addition to this stunning shoreline,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50completed just four years ago.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It couldn't be more different to our first two properties.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57It's situated just outside of the town on the edge of the local golf course.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00Look at this.
0:29:00 > 0:29:06- My goodness.- Come this way. - That is absolutely breathtaking.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- It's huge!- No, you don't get all of it!
0:29:08 > 0:29:12I'm afraid. You get that bit over there.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- The sea is just behind those trees. - I know, I can see it.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19Karen said she wanted to be by the sea. That is absolutely tremendous.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Now, this is a fascinating redevelopment.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Can you see down there? See those pillars?
0:29:23 > 0:29:28- This used to be, wait for it, a Victorian water tank.- Really?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30That was supported by these pillars.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34But now, they have really gone to town with the architects
0:29:34 > 0:29:36to create a bespoke complex.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40It has the feel of a kind of barn conversion.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- Effectively what you've got is a four-storey...- A four-storey? - A four-storey townhouse.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48You get the bit down there, a bit in the middle and then two floors above.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50You can see we are beaming faces today.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52At last! Come on, let's have a look.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57This contemporary property is semidetached and part of a
0:29:57 > 0:30:01larger complex, but that doesn't seem to worry Carl and Karen.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The accommodation is arranged over four levels.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06We are entering the house on the first floor.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Grab the door, Carl.- Thank you.- Now.
0:30:14 > 0:30:19- Now, isn't that an entrance.- Wow! - Yes?- That is unbelievable.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21It's big as well.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- You don't realise how big that is from the outside, do you? - No, not really.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Are you pleased?
0:30:29 > 0:30:33Oh, Karen! It's all got very emotional here, hasn't it?
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- This is obviously working, isn't it? - This one is working.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39I think we've pressed a few buttons here, Carl, haven't we?
0:30:39 > 0:30:43I think you have. We have not seen anything like this before.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47This is, well... I don't know what to say, really.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50It is something we didn't expect at all. We didn't expect it at all.
0:30:50 > 0:30:54- You didn't expect it, did you?- No. - Come and have a look at the kitchen.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56I think you will like this, Karen.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- There you are, look.- Look at all this. It's a lovely space, isn't it?
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- And room for another table.- Exactly. You've got more dining tables than you need, really.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11There's one in here, one next door, there's one out on the decking.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Talk about being light and airy...- This is.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17- You've got two more floors to explore.- Oh, dear.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19You can take your pick of master bedrooms.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25The floor below is home to more living space which we'll explore later.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29But we are heading up to the second floor, where you will find the family bathroom
0:31:29 > 0:31:31and two of the three large bedrooms in this house.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34And I've earmarked one of them for Carl and Karen.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38You've got your two doubles on this floor. That's one of them.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39With an en-suite.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42But this one I think would make the best of the masters.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47It doesn't have an en-suite, but it has the view of the golf course.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51Very nice. Lots of wildlife to watch as well.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- You can see me coming off the 18th, dear.- Yes, I could do.
0:31:54 > 0:31:55Absolutely magnificent.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- And don't forget, there's another floor which also has an en-suite. - Does it really?
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- The finish up there is exactly the same as the finish down here.- Yes.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06- It's all lovely.- Let's go to the basement. Come and look at this.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11A fantastic response to our mystery property so far.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13But let's not forget that Carl
0:32:13 > 0:32:16and Karen also wanted one with holiday let potential.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I want to show them what this house has to offer.
0:32:22 > 0:32:27- There.- More space.- More space. - Dear me!- Another sitting-room.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29And look above you.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32That's the brick vaulted ceiling from the old water tank.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35I can see where the pillars go now.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Now, but for a door there,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41this could be a self-contained holiday let if need be
0:32:41 > 0:32:44because through that door there is a utility room with a sink in it.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47All it needs is a cooker hob really. That becomes your kitchen.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50There is an en-suite there. There is a bedroom space over there.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54And of course you have got this living space here and a separate door there for your guests.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- To come in and out.- I saw a couple of people go out and play golf.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00I would imagine that keen golfers would be...
0:33:00 > 0:33:02Delighted to come and stay here.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04That's where we're going with this one.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08It does offer you that possibility of the extra income
0:33:08 > 0:33:11if you want it and your guests would be completely separate from you.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15So how are we doing out of 10 on our mystery house, Karen?
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- I think it's virtually at the top. - Yes?- Nine and a half.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23- Almost the top of the shop. Carl?- I think it's nearer 10.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26What they have done with this complex is quite unbelievable, really.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29Let's see if we can get a 10 out of you.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Come on, let's go back upstairs.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35The garden is accessed via the first-floor living area
0:33:35 > 0:33:39and is largely laid to lawn and surrounded by trees.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43And finally, the garden.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- Yes?- Yes.- What do we think? - It's a good size, isn't it?
0:33:47 > 0:33:49- It's all right, isn't it?- It is.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53Considering it's in a complex, I don't think that's bad at all.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56Does this give us a final 10, do you think? With the garden?
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Yes.- Yes. I thought it might. - I think so.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Let's think about the price then. What would you pay for it?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- I'm going first, am I?- Yes.
0:34:04 > 0:34:10- I think it's going to be possibly right at the top end. 575.- 575.
0:34:11 > 0:34:16I'm going slightly lower, being optimistic. 550.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Yes. Optimistic would be the word, I'm afraid, Carl.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25But I think there may be room for negotiation
0:34:25 > 0:34:29because currently this is on the market at £595,000.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- Right.- OK.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35But I'm assured a reasonable offer would probably be listened to.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- That is certainly something to think about.- Good. Right then. Don't cry again.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43Off you go before you do. I'll catch you later.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50On the market at £595,000, our mystery house is slightly
0:34:50 > 0:34:53over budget, but the owner is open to offers.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56It's an architect-designed four-storey property.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59The stylish interior includes a large living area
0:34:59 > 0:35:01and a contemporary kitchen-diner.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05There are four bedrooms in total, three of which are ensuite.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07What's more, the ground floor offers potential
0:35:07 > 0:35:09for a very impressive holiday let
0:35:09 > 0:35:14and the property is located on the edge of a popular seaside resort.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I think I got all emotional because it was just what I wanted.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21I was wanting a house that was very light and airy
0:35:21 > 0:35:25and also the main factor is because it is very close to the sea.
0:35:25 > 0:35:26I can see the sea.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30I am finding it hard to fight the tears coming back again, actually.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I suppose it is fate, isn't it?
0:35:32 > 0:35:36It's 28 years to the day that we moved into our last home
0:35:36 > 0:35:38so maybe it's telling us something.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42I love these old iron pillars.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46This really is a fabulous repurposing of what was once
0:35:46 > 0:35:48simply a utilitarian water tower.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52- Now it is a gorgeous home that might be yours. Who knows?- It may well be.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- It may well be. - Has a decision been made?
0:35:55 > 0:35:59I think I'm going to be looking at the finances and checking a few details.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Are you now? Good. Let's see how it all might work.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14With over 300 miles of coastline,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17it's no wonder that Devon has a strong maritime heritage.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19Much of it is centred on Plymouth Sound,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22one of the world's largest natural harbours.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25In the past, ships departing from the naval port set sail
0:36:25 > 0:36:28with a stash of alcohol on board.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Traditionally, rum was the daily tipple for sailors.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35But in the early 17th century, gin became the drink of choice.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38In 1793, this distillery was established in a former
0:36:38 > 0:36:41monastery in Plymouth and started supplying its own special
0:36:41 > 0:36:44brand of gin to the Royal Navy.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47Today, it's the oldest working gin distillery in England.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50I've come to find out more about its unique recipe
0:36:50 > 0:36:52and the gin's ties with the Navy.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54I'm meeting Sean Harrison.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58It is a drink we all take for granted, but where did it all begin?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01The Dutch are credited with making the original gin, which they
0:37:01 > 0:37:03called Geneva, which is still around today.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06In the early part of the 1600s, the English got involved
0:37:06 > 0:37:10and they brought the concept from Holland back to the UK.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- The whole Dutch courage story, is that related to gin?- It is.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15There was a war between 1610
0:37:15 > 0:37:18and 1640 over the Low Countries of Europe
0:37:18 > 0:37:21and the story goes that you would have your shot of Geneva
0:37:21 > 0:37:24before you went into battle and you'd get your Dutch courage.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28Now, I've always associated gin with those classic black and white war films.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31We often associate the Navy with gin. Why?
0:37:31 > 0:37:34Particularly with Plymouth because we are in a port that is
0:37:34 > 0:37:36very much built around the Royal Navy.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39So when the Navy was at its height 100 years ago,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41all the ships were taking local produce to sea
0:37:41 > 0:37:45and in our case they were taking Plymouth Gin to sea.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48The Devon-based gin is still being made in huge copper stills
0:37:48 > 0:37:51that are over 100 years old.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54But in order to see the process in more detail, the distillery
0:37:54 > 0:37:58has a scaled down glass version of a still down in the basement.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01The gin made here is creamier on the palate than other varieties,
0:38:01 > 0:38:06largely due to the different flavoured plant ingredients that are added to alcoholic water,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09along with the gin's chief ingredient, juniper berries.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13The one thing that surprises me is the range of flavours that is possible.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15I just thought gin was effectively alcoholic water.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17It's what a lot of people make the mistake of,
0:38:17 > 0:38:20because traditionally, it very much is juniper.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24- So you've got to have that in it? - You've got to have that in it. - What else have we got here?
0:38:24 > 0:38:29These are nine other traditional gin ingredients. So we've got two peels. Lemon peel and sweet orange.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32We've got green cardamom pods which come from Guatemala.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36We've got coriander seed and this is Russian as opposed to Moroccan,
0:38:36 > 0:38:39so it's slightly smaller and slightly more citrus.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- Quite distinctive.- Yes.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46We've got something called orris root, which is the root of the iris that comes from Italy.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Again, it has been known about for hundreds of years.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51When you look at the origins of these ingredients,
0:38:51 > 0:38:54you really do understand why Plymouth as a trading port
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- became the centre of gin manufacture.- Absolutely.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00The exact ratio of ingredients in the Plymouth variety is a closely
0:39:00 > 0:39:05guarded secret, so I'm going to have a stab at making my own version.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08As well as the juniper, I'm adding lemon peel, liquorice,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12coriander and orris to a liquid of water and alcohol.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16And now what we need to do is cook it to get the essential oils out.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18- So effectively boil it. - Boil it, exactly right.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22The distillation process involves boiling off the essential
0:39:22 > 0:39:25oils from the ingredients and the alcohol, which then travel
0:39:25 > 0:39:27in a vapour through a water condenser
0:39:27 > 0:39:29which forms a purer, stronger gin.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32The distilled liquid is 80% alcohol,
0:39:32 > 0:39:34so it needs to be watered down.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40But once it's travelled up there and filled this bottle, then we add some water and it's ready to drink?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- It's ready to drink.- Brilliant.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Gosh! Actually, it's really good. I'm surprised.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Don't sound too surprised!
0:39:57 > 0:40:01I have learned a lot about the flavours and that is the thing that is most surprising to me.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03How much you can flavour it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06And how much you can change it by what you flavour after juniper.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- Well, here's to you and here's to gin.- Cheers!
0:40:13 > 0:40:16What a day and what a view.
0:40:16 > 0:40:21Now, Karen's face, frankly, has told us all we need to know about which property is her favourite
0:40:21 > 0:40:23but the question is, are they likely to buy it?
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Well, let's go and ask them.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Here we are. Sheltering out of the wind.- Hello.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- This has been quite an eventful few days, hasn't it?- Yes, it has.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39- Quite emotional.- Yes.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43Our first two properties were classics for Escape to the Country,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- but they clearly weren't for you.- No.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51I think it proved to us that a lot of people might like low beams
0:40:51 > 0:40:54and thatched cottages and olde worlde type,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58and they were really good properties, but it's not our cup of tea.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- Let's talk about our mystery house, Karen.- If I can.- If you can.
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Those emotions are still running quite high, aren't they?
0:41:05 > 0:41:09- Yes.- Is it a sense of relief that is making you so moved?
0:41:09 > 0:41:12I think it's basically because you've come to
0:41:12 > 0:41:17one of my favourite places and especially with the sea.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20- Sidmouth could be your new home. - Yes.- It could well be.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Will it be, though, Carl? You are in charge of the finances.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Yes, I shall be back home crunching the numbers
0:41:27 > 0:41:30and if we can do that, I think you have found us our dream home.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Is this the journey completed?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35I think so. Close to the coast.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40Nice property. Somewhere for our family to come and stay.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44And if we did want to let out the bottom of the property for all
0:41:44 > 0:41:48those keen golfers that would want to come and play at the nearby
0:41:48 > 0:41:51golf course, we can achieve everything with one property.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54I think when you go looking at any houses, you always get a feel when
0:41:54 > 0:41:59you walk into the house straightaway whether you can make it a home.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I am delighted that we have arrived at a destination
0:42:02 > 0:42:04which should be a fabulous new home for you.
0:42:04 > 0:42:09I wish you all the best of luck, Carl. Go and crunch those numbers and let us know.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I can't wait to hear if finally you have moved in.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Thank you for all your support and the support of the team.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17- It's been great.- Our pleasure.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27This has certainly been an odd week here on Escape to the Country.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Our view of what a traditional country house should look like
0:42:30 > 0:42:33has clearly been at odds for a couple
0:42:33 > 0:42:36who, in seeking a whole new chapter in their lives, have really struggled
0:42:36 > 0:42:39with the enormity of the changes in front of them.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41But we have rethought their remit.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45In our mystery house, I think we have really offered them a prospect
0:42:45 > 0:42:49of a whole new life in a stunning new property overlooking the sea.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53And being something of an old softie, I do like a happy ending.