0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to a very special edition of Escape To The Country.
0:00:05 > 0:00:08We've lined up six properties to tempt two sets of buyers
0:00:08 > 0:00:12- in one county.- We'll be showcasing the very best of the scenery
0:00:12 > 0:00:15and offering some advice and tips along the way.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20So, today, we've set our sights on the rolling hills of the South West.
0:00:20 > 0:00:22Find out exactly where, in just a moment.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41On today's show,
0:00:41 > 0:00:46I'm helping two career hotshots who now want a shot at the good life.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48It's one of my trickiest house hunts.
0:00:48 > 0:00:54- Is it going to be a bedroom or a studio?- Studio.- I say bedroom. - THEY LAUGH
0:00:54 > 0:00:58And I have some surprises with my quirky cottages.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01- Oh, my goodness, you're welling up! - It means that much, doesn't it?
0:01:01 > 0:01:04Yes, it does, it's beautiful.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Well, in today's show, we're paying a visit to the enticing
0:01:07 > 0:01:09and magical county of Somerset.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12It is gorgeous, and what I like when you get there is that feeling
0:01:12 > 0:01:14of it being relatively unspoilt,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17very rural, laid-back and quite mystical.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20One of my favourite areas are the Quantocks,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22just to the west of Taunton.
0:01:22 > 0:01:24You've got beautiful landscape, gorgeous coastline
0:01:24 > 0:01:26and not many people know about it, but of course,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30there's a lot more to Somerset than just my favourite areas.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Set in the South West of England,
0:01:33 > 0:01:36the county of Somerset is bordered by Wiltshire to the East
0:01:36 > 0:01:40Dorset to the South East and Devon to the South West.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44It's ancient and historic terrain is home to world-famous natural
0:01:44 > 0:01:47wonders such as Britain's largest gorge at Cheddar,
0:01:47 > 0:01:51with its dramatic cliffs rising 450 feet.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Heading south in the county, there are charming
0:01:54 > 0:01:57towns like Axbridge, full of historic buildings.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01But outside the cities and towns, this county is full of rural
0:02:01 > 0:02:05communities, living in the most idyllic of pastoral landscapes.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09So, it's easy to see why it's an area worth escaping to.
0:02:11 > 0:02:12So, Jules, when you think of Somerset,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16it conjures up images of the Quantocks, the Mendips,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19the Levels, such a beautiful part of the UK
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and consistently popular with our house-hunters.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Well, it is, and I think value for money is the key there.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29When you think that the average price of a detached property is
0:02:29 > 0:02:31only £6,000 above the national figure,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34it does mean that it is really affordable and certainly
0:02:34 > 0:02:37better value for money, arguably than neighbouring Devon and Dorset.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39But what about the commuter areas?
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Say, for example, the Chew Valley, you're going to be paying, what?
0:02:42 > 0:02:4515% premium to live there, because it's so close to Bath and Bristol.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48Well, at least, so my advice with Somerset is always to go further
0:02:48 > 0:02:53south, towards Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster. It's also really pretty.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- But where are the new places we should look out for?- I think Bruton.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Why?- It's beautiful, it has a lovely river,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03the Brue, running through the middle of it, lots of other independent
0:03:03 > 0:03:05shops, wonderful restaurants, and fantastic architecture.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- Now, shall I tell you about my couple?- Go on. Where from?
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Two ladies, currently living in Peterborough,
0:03:10 > 0:03:14one has the most horrendous commute to London every day. That's
0:03:14 > 0:03:17all about to change. Work wise, she's moving to Bristol,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20so we're going to find her somewhere glorious around there.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Well, it all sounds good, but before that,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25let's catch up with our first couple of house-buyers.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Southerner, Mark, and Julie from Scotland are IT consultants
0:03:30 > 0:03:33from opposite ends of the British Isles.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35They met at work, and three years ago decided
0:03:35 > 0:03:39it was time for Mark to move into Julie's existing home in Edinburgh.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42I bought this house just for me and the cat.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44It was big enough for the two of us, and, erm...
0:03:44 > 0:03:49since Mark's moved in, the house is just groaning at the seams.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51With all the stuff that we have between us,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55it's been quite a challenge to find homes for everything.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Now a new job for Julie in Bristol
0:03:57 > 0:04:01is giving them the chance not only to trade up the house,
0:04:01 > 0:04:03but also offering a much-wanted change of lifestyle.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06When we go down to the West Country,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08we're looking for the outdoor space,
0:04:08 > 0:04:10we like to be around animals,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12we want to do more stuff outside.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16Home is currently a compact three-bedroom house
0:04:16 > 0:04:18in Edinburgh's commuter belt.
0:04:18 > 0:04:23This is an estate. The houses are very close together.
0:04:23 > 0:04:24There's just too much noise.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27We just want complete peace and quiet.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31This will be the first time they've bought a house together.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35It gives us the opportunity to have something that we can call "ours".
0:04:35 > 0:04:38There are certain things we agree on, but there are lots of things
0:04:38 > 0:04:41that we don't, in terms of what we want in the property.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44If we could have a wing each, it would be great.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47But there's one thing they are in complete agreement on -
0:04:47 > 0:04:51the need for Julie's messy hobby of making stained glass,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53to move out of the main house.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Just, practically, cutting glass in a house...
0:04:57 > 0:04:59Shards of glass go everywhere.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02And it also takes up a huge amount of space.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06For their bigger, quieter new home they have a decent pot of money.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11The budget for the move is £500,000.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17As Julie and Mark want a rural property
0:05:17 > 0:05:19no more than an hour from central Bristol,
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I'm concentrating our search in central Somerset
0:05:22 > 0:05:25within striking distance of the M5,
0:05:25 > 0:05:28and I'm joining them to find out more about the specifics
0:05:28 > 0:05:29of their planned move.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32- Well, welcome to Somerset. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- This is a long way from home for you, isn't it?- A very long way.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- Now, this is all motivated by your new job, isn't it?- Yes.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41This is a chance for the pair of you to buy a house
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- that's actually both of yours. - Correct.- Yeah.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Something, we hope, which a bit bigger,
0:05:46 > 0:05:50which has more character to it, and certainly has a rural feel.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Now, just give me some idea of what this house might look like.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56How many bedrooms, and that sort of thing, do you need?
0:05:56 > 0:05:57Minimum three.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02We'd like a bit of land for keeping animals such as
0:06:02 > 0:06:06sheep, pigs, er, chickens, quail...
0:06:06 > 0:06:09What you're describing, to me, is a smallholding.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And, yes, you've got a very handsome budget of £500,000.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15The need to be closer to Bristol
0:06:15 > 0:06:19obviously puts us into Bristol's own commuter belt
0:06:19 > 0:06:23which comes with a price tag at a premium.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26One other element that we do need to satisfy are your hobbies.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29So we want a nice workshop/outbuilding.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Because it's a great thing that you're doing with the stained glass.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35There is a lot of use of blowtorches and smelly tallow
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and chemicals and things that you really don't want in your house,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41so we really need somewhere outside the house.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Outbuildings I don't think are a problem with half a million pounds.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Are you ready to spend it? - Yep.- Yeah.- Good!
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Well, we've got three very interesting properties
0:06:49 > 0:06:51to tempt you with, including our mystery house
0:06:51 > 0:06:54which we'll look at first thing tomorrow morning.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- In the meantime, let's get going. After you.- Thank you.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02For a budget of £500,000, Mark and Julie are looking for...
0:07:20 > 0:07:21It's quite a shopping list
0:07:21 > 0:07:25but we have three properties lined up which all offer something
0:07:25 > 0:07:30different and, as usual, I won't be revealing their prices immediately.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32And for the final offering, the mystery house -
0:07:32 > 0:07:36I've got something up my sleeve they really won't be expecting.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44We're kicking off the house search six miles east of the M5
0:07:44 > 0:07:48in the rural village of Catcott.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52And not far from the centre of the village is our first property.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Right, in you come. In you come.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59What do you think to all this, then? Come over here.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02This is our first property for you.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04Looks good so far.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05Loving the stone.
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Isn't it lovely?
0:08:07 > 0:08:09That bit is the oldest bit - about 300 years old.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12It's an old barn that's been converted and this bit was added
0:08:12 > 0:08:13about three years ago,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16with some wonderful oak beams in it, wood burner, and so on.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19One thing we have to be upfront about, is that we don't have
0:08:19 > 0:08:20acres and acres for you here.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24As you can see, it is quite an enclosed garden set up,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26but we do have access to somebody up the road
0:08:26 > 0:08:29- who regularly rents out paddocks. - OK.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31So, if this little village community is for you,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35and if this house is for you, I think we can satisfy every end.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38But it is a fantastic property, this.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Looking forward to seeing inside it.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Come on, then, let's have a look.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45With the option of land for animals off-site,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47this magical walled garden does fulfil their desire
0:08:47 > 0:08:50for a restful retreat from work,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52and I'm hoping the inside will impress.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55So, this is the new bit.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- What do you reckon?- Very nice.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Fantastic. Loving the wood. - I like the woodwork.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Isn't it beautiful?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- And I love the stove!- Yep.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07And the light, as well. Coming in from the skylights.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Is this the sort of thing that would work?
0:09:10 > 0:09:15It's definitely a place that you can relax...and chill.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16And it goes on into the kitchen,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18which is here.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19A nice open plan.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22There's a larder and a utility room through that door there.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26- But it's got a lovely kind of flow to it, I think.- It is.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29And it's nice and country-feeling, too.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32You're not saying very much, Mark, which is worrying me, slightly.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34What's going on in my mind, is -
0:09:34 > 0:09:38does it give us that formal space for formal dining?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Yeah. We don't mind doing the sort of informal things,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43if we've just got house guests,
0:09:43 > 0:09:46but when it comes to big occasions like Christmas, etc,
0:09:46 > 0:09:48we do like to have the formal dining space.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I mean, there is the snug next door, that could become a dining room.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55You can adapt part of that enormous living room through there.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- It does give a lot of options. - OK. Let's continue this way.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02It might not have a ready-made dining room,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05but, as well as a separate WC,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07there is a downstairs third bedroom
0:10:07 > 0:10:10with its own en suite shower and sauna.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12And upstairs, there is a further guest double
0:10:12 > 0:10:14as well as the master bedroom.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18Now, there are two bedrooms up here.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20None of them are en suite
0:10:20 > 0:10:24but they are served by a very big family bathroom right next door.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- OK.- This is currently the master bedroom.- Good.- Nice size.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Good high ceilings, fantastic light.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35I want to finish off with this, I think, amazing studio in the garden.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's currently set up as an en suite,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40so it's a great annexe for your guests,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43but could it be your workshop? Let's have a look.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Overlooking an ornamental pond,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49this single-storey cabin could
0:10:49 > 0:10:51make a fantastic stained glass studio for Julie.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- What do you think?- Oh, wow.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- Not bad, is it?- It's very nice!
0:10:57 > 0:11:01The question is, does it stay as a bedroom,
0:11:01 > 0:11:03with en suite through there,
0:11:03 > 0:11:05or is it going to be a studio?
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Studio.- I say bedroom.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09THEY LAUGH
0:11:10 > 0:11:13And there's another outbuilding currently being
0:11:13 > 0:11:16used as an office and extra bedroom which could also be
0:11:16 > 0:11:19made into a workshop or more guest accommodation.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21Have you got any idea of what property number one
0:11:21 > 0:11:22is on the market for?
0:11:22 > 0:11:27I'm going to go for... Top end of the budget, I think.
0:11:27 > 0:11:34- I would go for 495.- I am going to go a lot less.- OK.- 425?
0:11:34 > 0:11:39This is on at £475,000. Obviously open to offers, but
0:11:39 > 0:11:41you do get quite a lot for it.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43The only issue, I suppose,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46is whether or not you can compromise on the lack of obvious acreage.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Mm.- And whether the whole animal issue is one
0:11:49 > 0:11:53that's going to really take hold of your minds,
0:11:53 > 0:11:55and you want to pursue more fully.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59But as a property to come and live in, I think it works.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02For a property to live in, it hits the mark for me.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05For £25,000 under budget,
0:12:05 > 0:12:09this converted barn and outbuildings give Mark and Julie...
0:12:20 > 0:12:25But is it enough house and garden?
0:12:25 > 0:12:26Ah! There you go.
0:12:26 > 0:12:27I was rather enjoying this.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30I thought you were going to take a bit longer.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32I thought you'd found the kettle and made us a cup of tea.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Lots to see, lots to think about.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Well, I think this is a great start certainly,
0:12:36 > 0:12:40but I think we still have some way to go. Let's get going.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Somerset is essentially a rural county
0:12:48 > 0:12:51but over the years it's also been a centre for industry
0:12:51 > 0:12:55with coal mining, quarrying, wool, weaving and textiles.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58Much of this manufacturing declined long ago
0:12:58 > 0:13:01but, thankfully, some is still thriving
0:13:01 > 0:13:04and today I'm visiting the south Somerset town of Castle Cary
0:13:04 > 0:13:08to see the last remaining horsehair weavers in the UK.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14Established in 1837 by a travelling Scotsman called John Boyd,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17today it's run by managing director, Anna Smith.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Hello, Anna.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21I'm Jules, very nice to see you.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26This is what I was hoping to see, a classic old-fashioned
0:13:26 > 0:13:27kind of weaving shed.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- Here you are holding some of the famous horsehair.- Yes.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35What is it about horsehair that makes it such a fantastic fabric?
0:13:35 > 0:13:36It's a very unusual fabric.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38It a very, very strong, resilient fabric.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41It will last more than 100 years if it's properly upholstered.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44It was the original fabric used by Chippendale, Hepplewhite,
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Rennie Mackintosh. So if you have a good piece of furniture,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49it's the right fabric to put on it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53To many people, the idea of making anything from horsehair might seem quite unusual.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's a fashion that's kind of disappeared, really. Why?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59It was very popular in Victorian times.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Originally, they used local horses and then when the car was invented
0:14:02 > 0:14:05in 1890, there just wasn't as much horsehair available.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06So we would travel up to London,
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- we'd meet hair brokers from overseas...- Yeah.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- ..and source the hair. - Hair brokers?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- That's like a commodity broker but dealing in horsehair?- Yes, yes.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Where do you get it from now? - It comes mainly from Mongolia
0:14:16 > 0:14:19and Siberia where they still use working horses.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- That's incredible and yet here it is in Somerset.- Yeah.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27To prepare the hair for weaving, it's first washed and then dyed.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Each tail starts off in its natural state
0:14:30 > 0:14:34and is stained to order from a choice of over 200 colours.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37Once dyed, and before it can be weaved,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40the hair needs to go through one more traditional process.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- Duncan...- Hi, there.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47How are you? Chief wizard of the dying process.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51And also of hackling. This is hackling, is it?
0:14:51 > 0:14:55This is hackling, yeah. This is done to remove the short and broken hairs.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Potentially quite dangerous by the looks of it?- It is, yeah.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00You have to be careful with your knuckles.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02But also, I imagine, quite cathartic, is it?
0:15:02 > 0:15:05It's not too bad, it gives you time to think.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- Can I have a go?- Of course you can.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Just hold it tightly there and start at the end.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Start at the end? - Yeah, and work your way up.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14- Look at that, it's lovely.- OK.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Flaxen hair, lump of mane, look at that.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19So you just flop it on?
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Just flop it on the end and pull it through.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23- That's it, you feel it.- Oh, yeah.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Then you go a bit further next time.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I'm with you, just working your way down.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Yeah, pulling the knots away.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34How much hackling do you have to do on one of these pieces of hair?
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Until it runs through smoothly. Basically...
0:15:37 > 0:15:38It varies.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It can take a couple of minutes, it can take five or ten minutes.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44Once you've finished your hackling, I guess it's ready to go onto the looms.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48Incredibly the looms at this factory
0:15:48 > 0:15:52are the originals, making them around 150 years old.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55The lengthwise threads, known as the warp,
0:15:55 > 0:15:57are made of cotton, silk or linen.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00The horizontal threads, known as the weft,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02are the individually inserted horsehairs
0:16:02 > 0:16:07and each loom can produce just two to three metres of fabric a day.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Here it is, finished, and what I love about this is you can
0:16:10 > 0:16:12still see the individual horse hairs.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Just remind us how many there are to the inch?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16There's 90 hairs in one inch of cloth
0:16:16 > 0:16:18and they're all put in individually.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21And here we have it in its applied form, the finished product,
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- doing what it's supposed to do. - Yeah.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Is this what we might expect to see in royal palaces, for example?
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Yes, we supply to royal palaces both here and also overseas, as well.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32So is it a market that's now growing again?
0:16:32 > 0:16:35Yes, we're very fortunate a lot of contemporary designers are showing
0:16:35 > 0:16:38more interest in the product because of its unusual properties.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40I think it's absolutely fabulous and it's a real treat to see
0:16:40 > 0:16:43that it's a tradition that's very much alive and well
0:16:43 > 0:16:45here in Somerset.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48And let's hope it's a skill that can continue
0:16:48 > 0:16:52for at least another 150 years.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01The search is taking us south to the village of Othery,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04which is just on the edge of Julie's maximum commute to Bristol
0:17:04 > 0:17:05of one hour.
0:17:05 > 0:17:10And just a short walk away is our second property.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12What have we got here for you?
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- What about this?- That's nice. - Yeah?- Really nice.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- What do you make of number two? - Very pretty.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I like the stone, I love the front door, it's absolutely gorgeous.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- It looks like it's got a fair amount of character.- Oh, yes.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30If I tell you it goes back to between 1400 and 1500...
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- Oh, fantastic. - ..you've got loads of character.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36There is also that enormous barn attached to it
0:17:36 > 0:17:39which I'm going to describe as a kind of party barn.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42It is a really good space and I know we've talked about friends
0:17:42 > 0:17:44and family coming down and you entertaining.
0:17:44 > 0:17:48Clearly, the dining room is a good indication of your need to entertain.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49That's a great spot.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Great spot. - I'm excited to see inside, now.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- This I am excited about, as well. - Good.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57That's a great reaction for the outside of the property
0:17:57 > 0:18:00and I think Mark and Julie will be impressed with how much house
0:18:00 > 0:18:03they'll get for their money on this one.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05Let's start with one of the three
0:18:05 > 0:18:08reception rooms this place offers you.
0:18:08 > 0:18:10Very nice.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- Yeah?- I do like this. - Very impressive.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13What's working?
0:18:13 > 0:18:16The fireplace, the size of the room,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19the height of the beams, just at the right height.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- This is working well, isn't it? - It is, so far.- So far.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23I want to see more.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Right, let's go to the kitchen.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29There are two further living rooms, both with exposed beams
0:18:29 > 0:18:31and inglenook fireplaces.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34In this house they're spoilt for choice as to where
0:18:34 > 0:18:36that formal dining room would go.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39This is the kitchen, guys.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Very nice. Very nice.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Bigger than the last one.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- Yeah?- Far more cupboards which is something that we're looking for.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49- Oh, yeah.- I like the worktops.
0:18:49 > 0:18:50THEY LAUGH
0:18:50 > 0:18:54There's definitely more smiles coming from you on this one.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Come on, there's so much to get through.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58Follow me.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00A corridor leading to a rear conservatory
0:19:00 > 0:19:04concludes the downstairs layout and the spacious ground floor
0:19:04 > 0:19:07is definitely ticking boxes for Mark.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11Upstairs offers just as much, with four good-sized bedrooms
0:19:11 > 0:19:14full of period features and one family bathroom.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19This is what we've got in mind for you two.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- A nice size.- Yeah. - It's a good size.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Plenty of room for furniture, plenty of room for the wardrobes.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- Nice and light with the windows on either side.- Good.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Similarly to our first property you've got the annexe
0:19:33 > 0:19:34with another double bed in it
0:19:34 > 0:19:36but I really want to finish off in the garden
0:19:36 > 0:19:40and we'll talk about the price of property number two, as well.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- OK.- After you, lead on.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46The space in this house is clearly a winner
0:19:46 > 0:19:49and the annexe gives them more than expected, too.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53With three rooms downstairs and a mezzanine bedroom upstairs,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56there is plenty of space to house both the workshop and guests.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01So, as you can see, here is the rest of the garden.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04We had a glimpse of it when we arrived back there.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07Within its half an acre it's got some interesting little zones.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I think you've got room enough, certainly for plenty of
0:20:11 > 0:20:15vegetable gardening and, indeed, for some chickens and maybe some quail.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17As a garden, it works for me.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- Does it work for you because I know space is the key issue?- Mmm.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22It's not far off it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24You've got half a million to spend,
0:20:24 > 0:20:28where do you think property number two comes on the scale?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Near the top, 485,000.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32485,000, yeah, OK.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- I'm going to go 490,000.- 490,000.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41You're both wrong but you're not far off, in fairness to you.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44This one is bang on the budget at £500,000.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47How do we feel about that?
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Quite good.- Yeah? I would.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52It surprises me because it's a lot of house...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- It's a huge amount of house! - ..for £500,000.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59I know it hasn't got everything but it's got an awful lot going for it.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02So bang on the budget at £500,000,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05this converted farmhouse offers all the space they could
0:21:05 > 0:21:09wish for with four bedrooms and three spacious living rooms.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11There's enough land to start their bid for the good life
0:21:11 > 0:21:14as well as the huge annexe and an unconverted barn,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18which might need a bit of vision.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Right, out you come.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24You have had a lot to explore,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27we've given you loads of time on this one but well worth it, I think.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- Yes.- Yes.- Is it a contender? - Absolutely.- Yes.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33It should be, I love it, I was very excited to show you this one
0:21:33 > 0:21:35but it's been a long day.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38We've got our mystery house awaiting us tomorrow morning
0:21:38 > 0:21:41so time now for some supper and a drink, maybe.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42- Yeah.- Come on, then.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47What a property.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Got a definite contender there, but, have you peaked too soon?
0:21:51 > 0:21:55It's always a worry, isn't it? But it did all end rather well.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58Let's just hope they're still smiling when I show them the
0:21:58 > 0:22:02mystery has, because to be honest, I did take something of a gamble.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05No surprise there then, but, before that,
0:22:05 > 0:22:09let's meet our second couple, who were hoping to swap their suburban
0:22:09 > 0:22:12semi for the character of the Somerset countryside.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Our house-hunters currently live on a housing estate in Peterborough.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Michelle and Sian have been together for five years
0:22:21 > 0:22:23and are engaged to be married.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Our family consists of us two,
0:22:26 > 0:22:27our daughter, Ellie, who's 12,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30and then our two dogs, Bentley and Ruby.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34So we are very tight in our unit.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Sian works locally as a teaching assistant,
0:22:36 > 0:22:39but Michelle works in the finance industry
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and commutes each day to central London.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43I leave the house at 6am,
0:22:43 > 0:22:48And then I come home at 8-9pm, and Ellie is in bed.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52At weekends, we're sorting ourselves out ready for the next week.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53It's like Groundhog Day.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57And Michelle has already started to make changes.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59Where I work at the moment in London,
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and we've got another office down in Bristol,
0:23:01 > 0:23:05and there is an opportunity that potentially,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I could go down and work there and do the same job.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10It is ideal.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Getting out of the suburban hubbub
0:23:12 > 0:23:15and embracing country life can't come soon enough.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18The house we live in at the minute, it works for us,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21it's big enough, but it's not what we dream of.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23- We both have the same dreams, don't we?- Yeah.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25We want a cottagey feel.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29We want to be able to have those oaky smells.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31We love walks with the dogs.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34We would love to be part of a small community in a village.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36We're village people.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39They need to sell their current house for the move,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42but have they figure for their new home in mind.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45The budget for the move would be £300-400,000.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53To get Michelle and Sian the rural setting they want,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55but with a manageable commute to Bristol,
0:23:55 > 0:23:59we're looking at villages no more than an hour from the centre.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02But I need to find out what else they're looking for.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Welcome to a very brisk Somerset today.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Yes, very much so. - It looks absolutely beautiful,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11but I think we are going to be fighting the rain most of today.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- It's not going to put us off, is it?- No.- No.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Tell me, why Somerset?
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Well, you can see exactly why Somerset, really.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21It is just absolutely beautiful.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23The setting, the lifestyle, everything.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26It's just a very calming place to be.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28Now, you currently live in a modern house.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30What are you looking for with this move?
0:24:30 > 0:24:32We are looking for something a little bit more villagey,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36warm, homely kind of country feel to it.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- You want some fire or something. - Yeah, I want a fire. Just a fire.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Just a fire? Sian, you and I are going to get on.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- She's going to buy this house, the fire is good.- Just a fire.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Tell me more about this house. And many bedrooms?
0:24:50 > 0:24:53A minimum of three so that we can have
0:24:53 > 0:24:56people stay over and things from back up north.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00Not too worried about the size, really.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02Just a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Some garden, possibly, for the dogs.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06So, tell me about your budget.
0:25:06 > 0:25:11OK. Within the region of about £350,000.
0:25:11 > 0:25:16Obviously, that can go up. Depends on the kind of house we see
0:25:16 > 0:25:18and if it's something we fall in love with,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21then obviously, we could look to go a bit further if we need to.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Give me that top budget if we find you something perfect.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26- Top budget, 400,000.- 400,000.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- Tell me, do you always agree on everything?- BOTH: No.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- That was quite definite, wasn't it? - Yes.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- We agree on agreeing that we don't agree.- Yeah.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37So we have got three splendid properties to show you.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The landscape's disappeared behind us.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I think that rain's coming in, so on that note, shall we get started?
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Definitely. Yes, let's go.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48So, for a maximum budget of £400,000,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50they're looking for a characterful country home
0:25:50 > 0:25:55with a minimum of three bedrooms, a real fire for Sian
0:25:55 > 0:25:58and in a rural setting no more than an hour from Bristol.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01And we've got three fantastic houses that
0:26:01 > 0:26:05I know will deliver on their country dream, but I won't be letting
0:26:05 > 0:26:08them in on the price until they've had a guess first.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11And then there's the mystery house,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13which is a heavenly proposition.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Our search today kicks off in the hamlet of Yarley Hill,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22just 15 minutes from the centre of Bristol,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24but in the heart of the Mendips.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28A five-minute drive out of the village up a quiet
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and narrow country lane is property number one.
0:26:31 > 0:26:36So, I've brought you to a beautiful hamlet for your first property.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40- Tell me- what you think. Amazing. - Beautiful.- Yeah. I do like the stone.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- It's really... It's what we're looking for, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48It used to be part of a blacksmith's forge, all these buildings.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51And looking at it, you can probably see
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- it was three separate properties. - Has it got a fire?
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- Has it got a fire? Has it got more than one fire?- Ooh!
0:26:58 > 0:27:02- That's what you've got to ask me. - I'm interested.- Yeah?- Definitely.
0:27:02 > 0:27:03Come on, let's have a look.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Dating back to around 1780,
0:27:08 > 0:27:11this stone cottage has bags of character
0:27:11 > 0:27:12and I think the features inside
0:27:12 > 0:27:15will be just what Sian and Michelle are looking for.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Come on in, ladies, out of that rain.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24So, the door opens straight into the sitting room.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- Sian, what can you see in front of you?- A fire. It's beautiful.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30- Does it make you happy? - Yeah, it does. It's amazing.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34- I just feel really emotional. - Do you? Already?- Yeah.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Oh, my goodness, you're welling up! It means that much, doesn't it?
0:27:37 > 0:27:39- Yeah, it does. It's beautiful. - Well, that's good.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42It shows this is what you're after.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- This is why people want to move, isn't it?- Definitely. Really nice.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Complete opposite of what we've got at home. Complete opposite.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51If you'd like to follow me, I'm going to take us
0:27:51 > 0:27:54through into the dining room and kitchen.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57The original inglenook fireplace was discovered
0:27:57 > 0:28:00by the owners during their renovations over the last 10 years
0:28:00 > 0:28:02and it has clearly struck a chord with Sian.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05This part of the property has been divided up.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- You've got more of a snug or dining area here.- Yeah.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10And then you've got your country kitchen there.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I just worry that it's too small in terms of the storage.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17The size of the kitchen is great. It's just the storage.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21How about opening this up and making it a kitchen/diner?
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- We could do, yeah.- You wouldn't even need to take down any walls.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26You wouldn't want to take the walls down
0:28:26 > 0:28:28because it's part of the character.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- I love this, as well, with the fire. - It's absolutely amazing.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33On the ground floor, is this enough space for the three of you with the dogs?
0:28:33 > 0:28:37- I think so, yeah. This is about the right size, as well.- Great.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41Would it be a problem if I gave you a little bit more space downstairs?
0:28:41 > 0:28:46- No.- No, that would be good.- Yeah? OK. Let's see what's down here.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49The corridor off the kitchen
0:28:49 > 0:28:52and living room leads down to a further, larger living space.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- Wow!- An additional little sitting room.- Wow!
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- Oh, it's amazing!- It's not that little, actually, is it?
0:29:00 > 0:29:03No, it's not at all. Complete surprise.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05- I didn't expect to see this bit here. - Yeah, it's incredible.- Yes?
0:29:05 > 0:29:09- I love it.- Do you? - I absolutely love it.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11I can see myself living here.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Well, let's hope you feel the same about upstairs, with the bedrooms.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18Michelle, if you want to lead the way. Thank you.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22A study and cloakroom round off the downstairs rooms.
0:29:22 > 0:29:25Upstairs, there is one family bathroom
0:29:25 > 0:29:27which serves all four bedrooms,
0:29:27 > 0:29:30of which there are two doubles
0:29:30 > 0:29:35and a single before getting to the master.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39So, right at the end of the hallway upstairs...
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- you have the master bedroom. - Oh, wow!- It's big.- That's very big.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- It's bigger than the one we've got now. It's amazing.- Yeah, it is.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- I like the brickwork. - The brickwork's great.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52We know this cottage is quite quirky.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53It continues with the garden.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55It's not at the back, it's at the front of the property,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58the other side of that lovely lane.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I'm going to ask you to take a stab at the price, as well.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07With no garden to the rear, the land that comes with the house
0:30:07 > 0:30:09is across the road and is terraced up the bank.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15So, the cottage has had a very favourable reception.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18Bringing you across that little babbling brook with the bridge,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21this actually is your garden. Now, how do you feel with the dogs?
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- Because you do have two dogs. - That's my only reservation.
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- To make it secure and...- Well, let's see how you feel about the price.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- Yes. - Who wants to guess the price first?
0:30:32 > 0:30:39I'll go first. I would say it is about top end, about 390,000.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Right. Sian?
0:30:41 > 0:30:42I'd go similar to that
0:30:42 > 0:30:46because it's ticked practically every single box, so 395.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49It is over your budget.
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- The asking price is £425,000.- OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57Now, outside of the major cities and towns,
0:30:57 > 0:30:58we know properties aren't flying.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00They know what your budget is
0:31:00 > 0:31:02and they are happy to have a conversation with you.
0:31:02 > 0:31:03Oh, right, OK.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Priced at £425,000,
0:31:08 > 0:31:12this house is the classic picture-postcard stone cottage.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16It has four bedrooms, two large living rooms, fireplaces
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and original features throughout and a garden across the lane.
0:31:21 > 0:31:25Right, you two, how do you feel we've done with our first property?
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Really well.- Yeah?- Really like it.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29Yeah. It's got enough fires for me, four.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32The fire-mad woman! We love it!
0:31:32 > 0:31:34- And that is only our first house, as well.- I know, yeah.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- Still got so much more to show you, so we'll keep going.- Brilliant.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45The city of Bath
0:31:45 > 0:31:48is known throughout the world for its architectural wonders.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52No more so than for its incredibly large parish church, Bath Abbey.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55I've come to meet archivist Lucy Rutherford
0:31:55 > 0:31:59to learn more about this site and the intriguing works going on.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Lucy, thank you for inviting us to Bath Abbey.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06It's a treat to be here. The most beautiful building.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10But you've also got some serious repair work going on, haven't you?
0:32:10 > 0:32:11Yes, we have at the moment.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15This is not usual for us to have quite so much building work.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16I'm intrigued to know more about that.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19First of all, can I ask you about the building itself?
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I believe there's been three churches on this site.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- Is that correct? - Yes, that's right.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27There have been, in the last thousand years, an Anglo-Saxon abbey,
0:32:27 > 0:32:31then a huge Norman cathedral, much bigger than the present church.
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- Bigger than this?- Yes. And this building was started in the 1490s.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38The abbey, built from Bath stone,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41is particularly noted for its intricate ceiling.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- Do we know how high up that ceiling is?- It's about 80 feet or 24 metres.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- It seems higher to me! - It does to me as well!- Yeah.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50It is beautiful.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54You do have to stand and look up and just admire the work.
0:32:54 > 0:32:56This type of fan vaulting is considered to be
0:32:56 > 0:32:59one of the finest examples in the country.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Looking around, I've noticed there are so many memorials on the wall.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05We're surrounded by them.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08They are absolutely everywhere in this building.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11Only Westminster Abbey has more memorials than we do here.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15These memorials, they're closely linked with this building work?
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- Something different is going on here?- They are indeed.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- Is it possible to see some of it?- Yes, it is.
0:33:20 > 0:33:21- We can go and see it now. - Thank you.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26For more than 300 years, both the landed gentry
0:33:26 > 0:33:30and ordinary townspeople have been interned in the abbey.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Lucy, I understand that people are buried under these stones.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Do we know how many there are?
0:33:35 > 0:33:37We've had a lot of estimates
0:33:37 > 0:33:39about how many burials there are under the floor.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43We think somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 burials, approximately.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46That's one of the reasons you're doing the building work, isn't it?
0:33:46 > 0:33:47It is, yes.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50Because there have been so many burials under the floor,
0:33:50 > 0:33:54this has caused a certain amount of...settlement.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56That's a nice word!
0:33:56 > 0:34:00This means that there have been large voids left under the floor,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03which is causing it to gradually subside.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06If we don't take the opportunity in the medium term to put this right,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09the floor is in danger of collapsing.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12As it is a unique and unprecedented project,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16they're currently working on a test section of the floor.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17The stones are being removed
0:34:17 > 0:34:20and they are digging down to fill in the air pockets,
0:34:20 > 0:34:24which should stabilise the floor before the stones are replaced.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28What's actually happened to the bodies, shall we say?
0:34:28 > 0:34:31We knew that we would find human remains
0:34:31 > 0:34:33because we were aware of so many burials under the floor.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36We've been very careful, as we've been doing this work,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38to carefully store them.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41They will be reinterred under the floor with a service.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Whilst they are doing this essential work,
0:34:44 > 0:34:46they are adding some modern comforts.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50At the moment we are heated with a very antiquated Victorian system,
0:34:50 > 0:34:53which costs us a great deal of money to run.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Because we are taking up the floor, this gives us
0:34:56 > 0:34:59a unique opportunity to put in underfloor heating
0:34:59 > 0:35:02in a partnership to use the energy from the hot water springs
0:35:02 > 0:35:04in the Roman baths next door to the abbey.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06What a difference it's going to make.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10Hopefully, generations will be able to enjoy it as well.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12- Lucy, thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17Time now to return to Sian and Michelle's property hunt.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25For our second property offering,
0:35:25 > 0:35:28we're driving half an hour east to the village of Leigh-on-Mendip.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32Right in the centre of the village but set back from the road
0:35:32 > 0:35:35with a gravelled driveway is property number two.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39So, I've brought you to the village of Leigh-upon-Mendip -
0:35:39 > 0:35:44we're surrounded by the Mendip hills - to show you this cottage.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- It's beautiful.- Absolutely lovely. - Yeah, it's lovely.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49The country life, the perfect country life.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51We even have horses behind us.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55- You don't see that in Peterborough, do you?- No.- There you go.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- What do you think of the actual house itself?- Really quaint.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02It looks really quaint and rustic. I think it's really pretty.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- First impressions are good. - Yeah, very positive.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09This double-fronted stone cottage is Grade II listed
0:36:09 > 0:36:13and retains all the character Sian and Michelle are looking for.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16The first room on entering the house is currently used as a dining room.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21- So, you have a small porch that leads us into the house.- Oh, wow!
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Beams!- Very old beams.- It's lovely.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- Really nice.- Lots of character.- Yes.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Now, I do know with this house move, we are fire obsessed.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37I don't know why I'm looking at you, Michelle, because this is the one.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- Sian, tell me, how do we rate that fire?- Yeah, it's amazing.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41It's bigger and...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- It's a great open space.- It's a real feature of the room, isn't it?
0:36:44 > 0:36:48- It's really lovely.- Let's see what you make of the rest.- OK.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52To the right of the dining room is a modestly-sized living room,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55which is equally characterful.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Lovely beams again.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00And you might notice just through there, there is a conservatory.
0:37:00 > 0:37:04- OK, yeah.- OK. - Yeah, so that's a bonus.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Because it's not huge, this sitting room, is it?
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- But enough room for you? - I think so.- I think so.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- Yeah, more than enough for the three of us and the two dogs.- Yeah?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16We've still got the room next door as well, so there is still room.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19So far, we had such a thumbs-up with our first property,
0:37:19 > 0:37:21are you getting a good feeling with this?
0:37:21 > 0:37:24I've kind of got a better feeling about this one.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27We know the kitchen is a really important room for the two of you,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30so let's see what you think of this.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33At the back of the property is an extension which houses
0:37:33 > 0:37:35a spectacular kitchen/diner.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39- So tell me what you think of this room.- Wow!
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Incredible.- Really nice.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Surprised?- Yeah, very.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48From the front of the house, I didn't expect this.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51- Look at the door.- Oh! - What did you say...?
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- I always wanted a farmhouse door for the dogs.- Did you?
0:37:54 > 0:37:56So you can keep an eye on them in the garden.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59OK. Well, let's see what you make of upstairs.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03A study which leads to the outside could work as a boot room
0:38:03 > 0:38:07and is the final room on the ground floor.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Upstairs on the first floor are two bedrooms.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Both doubles and a generous bathroom.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17That's not all.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20This house has a second floor and a bit of a surprise.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23- We come up here... - That's incredible!
0:38:23 > 0:38:25..and we have the master.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27- Oh, that's gorgeous!- Oh, wow!
0:38:27 > 0:38:30There we are. See, this house keeps on giving.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- It does, doesn't it? - You don't realise this is here.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36It's got a real modern theme about it, but still old.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39So, have they got the balance right? Character, charm...?
0:38:39 > 0:38:41- Yeah, definitely. - Still got the character,
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- but it's just got that modern edge about it.- Yes.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48I'm going to take you back downstairs and outside.
0:38:48 > 0:38:49- OK, brilliant.- Thank you.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53As well as the large driveway out the front,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57there is a south-facing garden to the rear and a patio area.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- So...we've actually got an enclosed garden here.- Yep.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06- Mindful of the dogs. - Yeah, which is great.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- Enough of a garden for you both? - I think so.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11It's bigger than where we are and the setting,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13we don't really need a huge garden, to be fair.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- We can go out and go on walks and do things we might want to do.- Yeah.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20I've now got to ask you how much is it on the market for?
0:39:20 > 0:39:25I think over budget, but I'd like it to come in at 375 if possible.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27OK. Michelle?
0:39:27 > 0:39:31I think it's definitely going to be over our budget, unfortunately.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33I'd like it to be about 375.
0:39:33 > 0:39:36Are your fingers crossed in those pockets? Completely crossed.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39I could see your face when you said it, you slightly grimaced.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Well, you are both right, it is over budget.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47The asking price is £425,000.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49It's worth it, definitely.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's a lovely house. Really lovely house.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56- The owners are happy to have a discussion with you.- Right, OK.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- They will look at some offers. - Right, OK.- Good.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05For a negotiable £425,000 price tag,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09this is a classic stone country cottage,
0:40:09 > 0:40:12which has a great combination of characterful living rooms
0:40:12 > 0:40:14with a contemporary kitchen/diner.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18There are three bedrooms, including a delightful master suite,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21and an enclosed rear garden suitable for the dogs.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Today has gone so well.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- All right?- Yeah.- Look at you.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32- You're both still smiling. Have you enjoyed it?- Yeah, brilliant.- Lovely.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Good. I'm so pleased. Come on.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42Now, I don't think that could have gone any better.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44Do you know what, it was probably one of the most enjoyable
0:40:44 > 0:40:47and successful house hunting days for me ever.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50If only they were all like that.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54So, meanwhile, back to Mark and Julie, don't forget,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57they were coming from Edinburgh down to Somerset, with £500,000.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00That's a good, healthy budget - half a million.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02Well, they were going to need every penny,
0:41:02 > 0:41:04because halfway through the house tours,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Julie let slip that she had been given
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- a cow to bring with her.- A cow? - A cow.- That has to be a first.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Absolutely, let's face it, normally it's children, dogs, cats,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- maybe a horse.- Donkeys. - Maybe a donkey. But never a cow.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20So, for our mystery house, well, the gloves were off. We took a gamble.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25For our final property, I'm taking Mark and Julie
0:41:25 > 0:41:29six miles further south to the small town of Langport,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31just over an hour from Bristol city centre.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35And just a mile up the road is today's mystery house.
0:41:35 > 0:41:40So, you remember in the car, you said, "Is it going to be a thatch?"
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- Mm-hm.- There it is.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45It is a thatch and I know you've got some
0:41:45 > 0:41:48misgivings about thatched properties. You're not alone.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51There are many misconceptions about thatched properties,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55that they are going to burn down, they leak, they're damp and all the rest of it,
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- that they cost a fortune to insure, none of which is true.- OK.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01Thatch has been around for thousands of years.
0:42:01 > 0:42:04It is a brilliant and very durable material.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08It does create the classic kind of chocolate box image
0:42:08 > 0:42:09of your new country home.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11JULIE CHUCKLES
0:42:11 > 0:42:14We've got you 1.63 acres that run up behind here
0:42:14 > 0:42:18through a lovely range of gardens
0:42:18 > 0:42:22up to orchard, paddock and so on and so forth.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23- OK.- Let's have a look, then.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Yeah, let's see what you think of it.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31I'm relieved the thatch hasn't put them off because the land
0:42:31 > 0:42:34behind this charming cottage with annexe could make it a winner.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39To start with, downstairs loo and shower room in there
0:42:39 > 0:42:43and a little cloakroom and then this is the kitchen.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Oh!
0:42:45 > 0:42:46Small.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Well, we've spoilt you, haven't we?- You have.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51We've spoilt you with what we've seen already,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53but that's the kind of compromise.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- Let's see the rest.- Yeah, come on.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57You're thinking it won't take long.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Next to the kitchen, the dining room, obviously.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- This is important to you. - That is nice.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- Yeah!- Yeah.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07I really like the way they've made a feature of the brickwork
0:43:07 > 0:43:09and rendering halfway up the wall.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12It's very cosy and it is very, very pretty.
0:43:12 > 0:43:14- Right then, living room.- Yeah.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18Across this little hallway is the living room.
0:43:18 > 0:43:19Watch your heads.
0:43:19 > 0:43:21HE CHUCKLES
0:43:22 > 0:43:25- Very nice.- Yes.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27This has got a great, big smile from you, Mark.
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- Yeah, it's just, er... - The fireplace.- The fireplace.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- We've not been short of an inglenook or two this week.- No.
0:43:33 > 0:43:35There's lots of features in here to recommend it.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39The annexe is self-contained at the moment but you can access it
0:43:39 > 0:43:43through that little door there which takes you into a little lobby.
0:43:43 > 0:43:45We'll get you to have a look at that a bit later on.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50On a practical level, seriously, would this suffice?
0:43:50 > 0:43:51It would me.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54I still think it's a room short downstairs but, as you say,
0:43:54 > 0:43:56you've got this annexe next door.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01Yeah, certainly you could spill through into there if you wanted to.
0:44:01 > 0:44:02Erm, you'd still have to duck.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04THEY LAUGH
0:44:04 > 0:44:06Because you couldn't chop the beam out
0:44:06 > 0:44:09but, for all of its size,
0:44:09 > 0:44:14bizarrely, it's got four bedrooms upstairs, not including the annexe.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16- Really?- Yeah, come and have a look at this.
0:44:18 > 0:44:20With exposed beams throughout, there is
0:44:20 > 0:44:23one double room and two smaller ones for visiting friends and family.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27And then there's the master.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31Come on in.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33- Very nice.- Yeah?
0:44:33 > 0:44:35I'm loving the wonky walls. I love that.
0:44:35 > 0:44:37It gives so much character to the room.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40- I think you're more interested in the wonky walls than he is.- Yeah.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42THEY LAUGH
0:44:42 > 0:44:43OK.
0:44:43 > 0:44:46All right, but, you know, in terms of your classic slice
0:44:46 > 0:44:50of country living, as it were, you know, this is the picture, isn't it?
0:44:50 > 0:44:52- Yeah, definitely.- It's a bigger room than I expected.- Yes.
0:44:52 > 0:44:56Of course, the other thing is that you get a really good sized
0:44:56 > 0:44:58en suite through there. Go and have a look.
0:44:58 > 0:45:03It is the bathroom up here so your guests have got to use the shower room downstairs.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07- It's a nice size.- It is a nice size. Nicely kitted out too.- Yeah?
0:45:07 > 0:45:12OK, well that more or less concludes the property, as such,
0:45:12 > 0:45:14with the exception of the annexe, which I'm going to let you
0:45:14 > 0:45:17explore at your leisure later on.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21Next, however, I think we should get to the main event which is outside.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25The garden and the paddock and somewhere for this cow.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27Yeah? Come on.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32For Julie's stained glass making there are outbuildings aplenty
0:45:32 > 0:45:35with a garage, three sheds and a stable
0:45:35 > 0:45:39and across the formal lawns is the land that I think is the real draw.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Now then, we talked about the good life and self-sufficiency,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48what about that for a bountiful vegetable patch?
0:45:48 > 0:45:49Yeah, and a compost heap.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- Compost heap, you've got two greenhouses.- Yeah.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55It's kind of all here and we haven't got to the rest of the land yet.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- Ah.- Keep going.- Yeah, come on, then.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01The ready-made vegetable plots would give them
0:46:01 > 0:46:03a head start on their dreams of a smallholding
0:46:03 > 0:46:07and this property offers them just under an acre of paddock,
0:46:07 > 0:46:10more than enough for Julie's new cow.
0:46:10 > 0:46:12So this is it.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15This is the paddock and orchard.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19- So, Mark, would this work? - It would work, definitely.- Good.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21Even the way it's been laid out is
0:46:21 > 0:46:25not dissimilar to something I would have done myself.
0:46:25 > 0:46:26OK, good.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30So, madam, you can go first for our last guess.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33Make us an offer on the mystery house.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36Well, we've gone smaller on the house,
0:46:36 > 0:46:40- bigger on the ground, so bang on our budget of 500,000.- Mm-hm. Mark?
0:46:41 > 0:46:45I am going to go over budget at 520,000.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47£520,000.
0:46:47 > 0:46:49You're not bad at this, you two, to be fair.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52On this occasion you, madam, are right.
0:46:52 > 0:46:54Yes, at £500,000.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57That gets you the mystery house. Happy?
0:46:57 > 0:46:58Yeah, very happy.
0:46:58 > 0:47:04For £500,000 this chocolate box farmhouse offers four bedrooms,
0:47:04 > 0:47:05two living spaces
0:47:05 > 0:47:09and just over 1.5 acres, including formal gardens,
0:47:09 > 0:47:11vegetable patches and a paddock,
0:47:11 > 0:47:15plus a self-contained annexe which could be remodelled.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17What are you thinking about the thatch, then?
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- Are you still agonising over thatch? - I'm afraid so.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22I thought this might have been a turning point.
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- I think we have given you three very interesting options.- Yes.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30- Maybe we found you a solution? - Mm.- Who knows?
0:47:30 > 0:47:32Yeah? Shall we go and have a cup of tea and think about it?
0:47:32 > 0:47:34- Yeah.- Come on, then.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41- Well, this has been an interesting week.- It has, indeed.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43It has, indeed.
0:47:43 > 0:47:46Have we managed to find you a new home?
0:47:48 > 0:47:51No, I think, is the short answer.
0:47:51 > 0:47:54Erm, but given us some really good properties to look at
0:47:54 > 0:47:56and lots of things to think about.
0:47:56 > 0:47:57His face said it all.
0:47:57 > 0:47:59THEY LAUGH
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Can I pick bits of each three, one bit from each?
0:48:02 > 0:48:06You would not be the first buyers to want to put all of our
0:48:06 > 0:48:11properties into a bag, shake it all up and pull out your dream home.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16So, if we could put property two in property three's location...
0:48:16 > 0:48:20- In the middle of property three's location... - THEY LAUGH
0:48:20 > 0:48:21- It would be perfect.- Right.
0:48:21 > 0:48:24But I guess you are understanding now perhaps a bit more
0:48:24 > 0:48:29clearly the limitations on what the budget can do?
0:48:29 > 0:48:34So, actually, we've sent you off having to find more money
0:48:34 > 0:48:36and still as confused as you were when you arrived!
0:48:36 > 0:48:40We're not... I'm not confused. It has been a great experience
0:48:40 > 0:48:44and seeing the contrast between the three different houses, you know,
0:48:44 > 0:48:46it's built a good story for me to...
0:48:46 > 0:48:48- from what I need to look at in the future.- Yeah.
0:48:48 > 0:48:49Well, I certainly enjoyed it,
0:48:49 > 0:48:52you can't beat house hunting in Somerset.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54Whatever the outcome, best of luck to you.
0:48:54 > 0:48:55- Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Oh, Jules, that looked so hopeful.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02I thought you'd nailed it on that one.
0:49:02 > 0:49:05I thought we nailed it, the crew thought we nailed it, we were all so
0:49:05 > 0:49:09hopeful, but, as is often the case, as you know, so near, but yet so far.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12- It can be frustrating, can't it?- Very.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Well, let's go back to my lovely couple, Michelle and Sian.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17Desperate to leave Peterborough behind them
0:49:17 > 0:49:20and move to the glorious countryside of Somerset.
0:49:20 > 0:49:25- Now, £400,000 they had, and it was going well.- It was going so well.
0:49:25 > 0:49:26We had set the bar very high.
0:49:26 > 0:49:30So with the mystery house, was it going to be three out of three?
0:49:31 > 0:49:33I'm taking Michelle
0:49:33 > 0:49:36and Sian three miles north to the small village of Holcombe.
0:49:36 > 0:49:38The village boasts four churches,
0:49:38 > 0:49:41of which just two are still in use as religious buildings.
0:49:41 > 0:49:44And that's a clue for our mystery house, which is
0:49:44 > 0:49:46located in the heart of the village.
0:49:47 > 0:49:51Michelle and Sian, can I introduce you to your mystery house?
0:49:51 > 0:49:54I feel like you're trying to kill me with a heart attack.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56In a good way, I hope? Really?
0:49:56 > 0:50:02- Yeah, goose pimples up and down my spine.- It's emotional.
0:50:02 > 0:50:04Completely speechless.
0:50:04 > 0:50:07Oh, Michelle, you've gone as well.
0:50:07 > 0:50:09The reason we've picked it as our mystery
0:50:09 > 0:50:13is you live in a modern property at the moment, very contemporary.
0:50:13 > 0:50:18This dates back to 1890, so it has charisma, it's got charm,
0:50:18 > 0:50:22it's got the original features, but it's very contemporary inside.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:50:25 > 0:50:30- So I'm guessing you'd like to take a look inside.- Kind of.- Come on.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32Let's see what you think.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Converted in 2003,
0:50:34 > 0:50:38this Methodist chapel has been divided into three homes.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42Our property occupies the whole front end of the building.
0:50:44 > 0:50:45So...
0:50:51 > 0:50:56- What are you thinking?- I'm not going any further. This is our dream home.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59Already. I've not even walked through the door.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03Well, let's hold judgment, just in case, but I think you're right,
0:51:03 > 0:51:05I don't think you're going to be disappointed.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Let's start off with the sitting room.
0:51:08 > 0:51:12This 21-foot reception room continues the mix of heritage
0:51:12 > 0:51:14and contemporary interior styling.
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Just the light that comes straight through those windows!
0:51:19 > 0:51:21- Wow!- It's breathtaking.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28- It's us, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah. Does the fire work?
0:51:28 > 0:51:32The fire does work, yes, but it's not a traditional wood burner.
0:51:32 > 0:51:37- It's a contemporary burner.- Lovely burner.- I could compensate for that.
0:51:37 > 0:51:41Michelle, how do you feel as you walk through the door?
0:51:41 > 0:51:43Exactly how I thought it was going to be inside.
0:51:43 > 0:51:48- Are you scared you might have lost your heart?- Yes, and I have a bit.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50Amazing.
0:51:50 > 0:51:55- Lost for words, that's a rare thing with you, isn't it?- A little bit.
0:51:55 > 0:51:58- Would you like to see a bit more? - Yes, please.- Definitely.- OK.
0:52:00 > 0:52:02Across the hallway is the kitchen.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10Now, I know you love contemporary, modern kitchens.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13- Lovely.- Incredible.
0:52:13 > 0:52:17- Really nice.- Really spacious. And bright.
0:52:17 > 0:52:22- You really do love this house, don't you?- Yeah. It's incredible.
0:52:22 > 0:52:26Upstairs, there are four bedrooms in total.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30Two good-sized doubles, which Ellie could choose from, a single,
0:52:30 > 0:52:34which is currently used as a study, as well as a family bathroom
0:52:34 > 0:52:39- and the main bedroom. This is the master.- It's lovely.
0:52:39 > 0:52:44- Really spacious, and with the window... Really bright.- Airy.
0:52:44 > 0:52:50- Still the character because of the ceiling.- Yes.- Really lovely.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55- This is exactly what we would do. - So we've already done it for you.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01Any more thoughts on the house before I take you back outside?
0:53:01 > 0:53:06- Can we stay here?- Yeah, we'll stay here now.- Do you love it?
0:53:06 > 0:53:10I do, absolutely. It's us to a T.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12Oh, it's a lot to take on board, isn't it?
0:53:12 > 0:53:16- OK, we're going to head back downstairs, girls.- No problem.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20Outside, the garden extends out to the front only.
0:53:22 > 0:53:26- And you have your garden right here. - OK, so no back garden?- There's not.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29I know it's hard to believe when you're walking around
0:53:29 > 0:53:31because it's such a large house, but the chapel itself is
0:53:31 > 0:53:34- divided into three different properties.- Right, OK.- OK.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36So we've got a third of it here.
0:53:36 > 0:53:39So if you look to the side, and there's a fence, that's where your land actually finishes.
0:53:39 > 0:53:42- We like this property, don't we, girls?- Yeah, too much.
0:53:42 > 0:53:46Well, let's see if it is too much, because how much for the final time
0:53:46 > 0:53:50is the mystery house on the market for? Guess the price
0:53:50 > 0:53:51of the Methodist Chapel.
0:53:51 > 0:53:55I reckon it would be over budget compared to yesterday's - 450.
0:53:55 > 0:53:59- OK. And your top budget? - Is 400.- Yeah. Michelle?
0:53:59 > 0:54:04I'd say exactly the same. I'd go about 440.
0:54:04 > 0:54:09Oh, the asking price for the mystery house is...
0:54:09 > 0:54:10Don't hate me, will you?
0:54:10 > 0:54:12Go on.
0:54:12 > 0:54:14£375,000.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17- Really?- Yes.- Really?- Yes!
0:54:17 > 0:54:19Wow.
0:54:20 > 0:54:24- Gosh. Really?- Hm-mm.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29- Under budget.- Are you crying?
0:54:29 > 0:54:33You're making me well up, just seeing your face.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Where do I sign?
0:54:36 > 0:54:40Is it cheque-book time? How do you feel, Michelle?
0:54:40 > 0:54:45Oh, overwhelmed, and it's a good price, really good price, so yeah.
0:54:48 > 0:54:51So for 25,000 under budget,
0:54:51 > 0:54:55this £375,000 converted Methodist chapel
0:54:55 > 0:54:59gives two generous living spaces, four bedrooms,
0:54:59 > 0:55:03original Gothic style features mixed with a contemporary finish,
0:55:03 > 0:55:08and is right in the heart of a village location.
0:55:08 > 0:55:12This house hunting in Somerset has been emotional, hasn't it?
0:55:12 > 0:55:13Pure emotion.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16- How are you feeling? - Drained and emotional.- Really?
0:55:16 > 0:55:21- I've got a headache.- You're confused now! Do you want some time?
0:55:21 > 0:55:24Collect your thoughts, have a chat on your own
0:55:24 > 0:55:27- and then we'll see what your next step is going to be.- Yeah.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Michelle and Sian, I must admit, when we started this tour
0:55:35 > 0:55:36of Somerset,
0:55:36 > 0:55:39I didn't realise quite how emotional it was going to be.
0:55:39 > 0:55:43- Did you?- No.- Not at all. It's been such an amazing experience.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46We've learnt loads.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49Let's talk about the properties that we've seen.
0:55:49 > 0:55:53With you two, all three properties got such great ratings, didn't they?
0:55:53 > 0:55:56They all gave us something that we were looking for.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59They all had the fires, the quirkiness,
0:55:59 > 0:56:01the picture postcard kind of setting.
0:56:01 > 0:56:04But with that last house, it was just so overwhelming.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07With the final property, the mystery house,
0:56:07 > 0:56:11both of you literally dissolved in tears looking at the chapel.
0:56:11 > 0:56:15Completely. We both felt exactly the same way about it.
0:56:15 > 0:56:19You said you weren't going to agree. You've agreed the whole way!
0:56:19 > 0:56:23We scare ourselves, I think. We do have the same tastes.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26As you both lost your head and your hearts to the mystery house,
0:56:26 > 0:56:28what is the logical next step?
0:56:28 > 0:56:31Our next step would be to involve Ellie
0:56:31 > 0:56:34because she is the most important person in our lives,
0:56:34 > 0:56:37contact the vendors and speak to them
0:56:37 > 0:56:39and bring Ellie over and see the property with us.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42- That's great. - See if she loves it as much as we do.
0:56:42 > 0:56:46You're both in that place where you're desperate to find a house.
0:56:46 > 0:56:51- We are, yeah.- We really want to get down here as quick as we can.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54But no different than any other person. We've got to sell
0:56:54 > 0:56:57- the house first, which is always the frustration of it all.- Yes.
0:56:57 > 0:57:01If you had sold your property, what would you be doing today?
0:57:01 > 0:57:04- I would like to think we would be exchanging.- Really?
0:57:04 > 0:57:09- So, you are that desperate to move?! - Without a shadow of a doubt.
0:57:09 > 0:57:11- I'm thrilled we've been able to help...- Thank you.
0:57:11 > 0:57:14..thrilled to have found you a fabulous property
0:57:14 > 0:57:16close to the family but, most importantly,
0:57:16 > 0:57:18right for the three of you.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21I can't tell you how much I'm going to keep everything crossed
0:57:21 > 0:57:24that you get that property and you sell your house in Peterborough.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27- Thank you so much, girls. It's been an absolute pleasure.- Thank you.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32Well, it looks as if you may have found Somerset
0:57:32 > 0:57:33- its two newest residents.- Yes.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36It went so well, I think it was one of the most enjoyable house
0:57:36 > 0:57:39hunts I've ever done. It was fabulous.
0:57:39 > 0:57:42We had tears, we had laughter, we had all of the emotions.
0:57:42 > 0:57:45Well, it looked like you were all having a huge amount of fun
0:57:45 > 0:57:48and there's plenty more where that came from
0:57:48 > 0:57:49here on Escape To The Country.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52- Do join us again. - See you again. Bye.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55Mark and Julie are now renting a property in Somerset
0:57:55 > 0:57:57while they continue their search.
0:57:57 > 0:58:01And Sian and Michelle remain very keen on our mystery house
0:58:01 > 0:58:04but are still trying to sell their home in Peterborough.
0:58:04 > 0:58:06If you'd like to escape to the country
0:58:06 > 0:58:10in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England or perhaps further afield
0:58:10 > 0:58:14to the Continent and would like our help, then please apply online...