0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to a very special edition of Escape To The Country,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08where we've lined up six properties to tempt two sets of house buyers
0:00:08 > 0:00:10who want to move to the same county.
0:00:10 > 0:00:12And as well as showcasing
0:00:12 > 0:00:15some stunning property in beautiful countryside,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17we've also got some bits of advice for those people
0:00:17 > 0:00:19who might be planning their own escape.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23And today's destination really is the cream of the Southwest.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Find out where in just a moment.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Today I'm helping a couple find a calmer way of life in the country.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50But our search could leave them feeling hot under the collar.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Do you like saunas?
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Cos you do have your own sauna here.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57And I'll be finding a home
0:00:57 > 0:01:00for a couple and their holiday house guests.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Fabulous. That's too nice for your guests, this one.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Well, this is the problem with this house!
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Nicki, are you all set to go west?
0:01:09 > 0:01:11- I always enjoy going west. - Cos we're off to Devon,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14not for the first time and surely not for the last.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16No. When I think of Devon, I think of beaches,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18childhood memories of holidays there,
0:01:18 > 0:01:20it's got a very special place in my heart.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23That's interesting, cos I always think of the interior -
0:01:23 > 0:01:24those amazing landscapes of Dartmoor
0:01:24 > 0:01:28- and those fantastic hikes through the granite rocks.- Gorgeous.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Gorgeous! And here's a taste of what makes Devon so desirable.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37The only county in the UK with two separate coastlines,
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Devon is bordered by Cornwall in the west
0:01:40 > 0:01:42and Somerset and Dorset in the east.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46The north coast is home to some of the finest beaches in the country.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Its wild Atlantic Ocean is a surfer's paradise.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54The south coast overlooking the English Channel is more serene.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57The calmer waters make it an ideal spot for sailing.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01The county is a holidaymaker's dream
0:02:01 > 0:02:04and tourism generates over £2 billion a year,
0:02:04 > 0:02:05but at its heart
0:02:05 > 0:02:08it's still an agricultural community steeped in history.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11The farming heritage also influences the landscape,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14which is peppered with traditional longhouses.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18They now create a stylish rural escape.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Alistair, Devon is undoubtedly one of the most popular counties
0:02:23 > 0:02:25on Escape To The Country, isn't it?
0:02:25 > 0:02:28They absolutely love it. Why do you think that is?
0:02:28 > 0:02:30It's got the perfect mix of beautiful beaches and coastline,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32and lovely landscape, but I think
0:02:32 > 0:02:34it's something that you mentioned earlier on.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37It's that resonance of childhood holidays.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40We all hanker after those halcyon trips to the seaside.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43You've taken me back. Such fond memories of having holidays there
0:02:43 > 0:02:45but going there on holiday is one thing,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47wanting to buy there, you're going to pay a premium, aren't you?
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Oh, yeah, it's expensive.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52The average price of a detached property is £291,000.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54I mean, that's not cheap, is it?
0:02:54 > 0:02:56£30,000 above the average.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58But for me, I would look inland.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00You can get much more for your money.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- Blackdown Hills - beautiful area.- It is.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04Worth it, worth investigating.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06It's interesting that both our couples -
0:03:06 > 0:03:09cos we're steering a pair of couples through this landscape -
0:03:09 > 0:03:11are both interested in capitalising on
0:03:11 > 0:03:13that big tourist attraction of Devon.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16They certainly are. I'm feeling quite competitive.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- Ah, are we going to compete on this one?- I think so.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22- Yeah, team Chapman.- OK, well, let's meet team Appleton.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28Having lived in Orpington, southeast London for two decades,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31it's not surprising to learn what's driving today's buyers,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33Deborah and Clive, into the countryside.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35The big roads. We live on a main road.
0:03:35 > 0:03:42It's very noisy, so we'd really like to go and have a peaceful existence.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45But that's not all that's prompting the move.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47Deborah has plans for a new holiday let business.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50I've always wanted to do a B&B for about the last five years, really,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53and originally we thought we might go up to Scotland and do it,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55but we've decided now that we won't do that.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59It's a bit cold up there. So we've decided we would do it down in Devon.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Although their grown-up children have left the nest,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04they'll still need somewhere for their pets.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06We have two dogs, golden retrievers, Becs and Chablis.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08We need to have some sort of outbuilding
0:04:08 > 0:04:10so that I can breed Chablis.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12With an offer already made on their current home,
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Deborah and Clive have a good idea of what they've got to play with.
0:04:15 > 0:04:22We're looking for a house, probably at around £800,000 to £850,000.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Clive and Deborah have asked us to concentrate our property search
0:04:32 > 0:04:35in the east of the county around the market town of Honiton.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I've come to the hills just south of Honiton
0:04:38 > 0:04:40to meet our buyers. Now, why Devon?
0:04:40 > 0:04:42Is your mum round here?
0:04:42 > 0:04:45My mother lives in Budleigh Salterton, so I'm really coming home,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47cos this is where I was brought up, down in Devon.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50In terms of the house, though, I'm quite interested in this
0:04:50 > 0:04:54move of yours to sort of do B&B and do holiday lets.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55Change of career for me.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57And have you really thought through how it will be,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00having strangers in your house every other week?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02The sort of property we're looking for,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04we don't want them literally on top of us.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07We're rather hoping we'll be able to find something
0:05:07 > 0:05:09that's got the area slightly separate, maybe.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14We're looking for two, maybe three en-suite B&B rooms
0:05:14 > 0:05:17and then some degree of outbuildings where we could develop that
0:05:17 > 0:05:21into some form of self-catering let.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22Are you sort of "roll up your sleeves
0:05:22 > 0:05:24"and knock down some walls" sort of people?
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- We have done in the past. - We've done that
0:05:26 > 0:05:28and we would do the same thing here if we had to, yes.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- You're willing to do a bit of work? - Yes, absolutely.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35- How does this area suit? - Stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36How about down there?
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- Yes, that's stunning too.- It is.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- That one there?- How about that property?- That looks gorgeous.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Off we go, then. Follow me. - Oh, wow! Is that one of them?
0:05:45 > 0:05:47- Is that where we're going?- Oh, right. OK.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54Clive and Deborah have a budget of £850,000 to spend in East Devon.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58They'd prefer an older property with five or six bedrooms,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01three of those for their bed-and-breakfast business.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04They'd also like some land attached, at least an acre,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07with some outbuildings for self-catering accommodation,
0:06:07 > 0:06:08either already converted or with
0:06:08 > 0:06:12the potential to be transformed into holiday lets.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15We've got three wonderful Devonian properties
0:06:15 > 0:06:17to show Deborah and Clive,
0:06:17 > 0:06:21and I'll be revealing the price of each at the end of the tour.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Our mystery house, the final offering,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26should give our suburbanites something to put their stamp on.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Our first house is in the countryside just a few miles
0:06:36 > 0:06:38south of Honiton itself.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41A five-minute drive outside of the town,
0:06:41 > 0:06:43and you're surrounded by rolling hills.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- Here we are.- Wow!- House number one.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- That looks nice.- Wonderful. - Very pretty.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52We hadn't actually considered barn conversions.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55That's something... So this will be a first for us.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59This is obviously originally a very old agricultural building,
0:06:59 > 0:07:04but it was completely revamped in 2003,
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and what they did was they converted the main barn into their living
0:07:07 > 0:07:11dwelling, and then they have this side building as a holiday let.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- Right.- It looks very nice. It does look very nice indeed.- Very nice.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- I'm looking forward to seeing it.- Me too.- Shall we have a peek inside?
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Please.- Come with me.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Our barn conversion seems to have made a good first impression on our
0:07:24 > 0:07:28buyers, and there's the bonus of the ready-made holiday let for Deborah.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- Come on in. Close the door behind you, Clive.- Thank you.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We're going to head straight through to the kitchen.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- That's a kitchen! - Come on in a bit.- Lovely kitchen.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- It's huge.- Spacious, bright and airy. Very nice.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46Yes, if you did B&B, for instance, would your guests eat here?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Is there another dining room?
0:07:48 > 0:07:50There is space back here. There's a snug here...
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Yes, maybe you could turn that into a dining room.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- ..which could also be the guest dining room.- Yes.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- There are several options.- Yes.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00It's certainly a good-sized kitchen, without a doubt.
0:08:00 > 0:08:01Something you wanted was a large,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- farmhouse-type kitchen.- I do want a nice, big kitchen.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Let's look at more of your living space.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11The house is arranged in a C-shape around a central courtyard,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15and one wing is reserved for the self-contained holiday let.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20The accommodation here includes a spacious kitchen-diner,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23a gallery bedroom which sits in the eaves,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25and a twin bedroom below that,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27easily enough space for a family of four.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31As we weave our way through the main house,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34we pass a utility room and downstairs toilet.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Come on in to this spectacular room. - Wow!
0:08:40 > 0:08:43This is certainly something, isn't it?
0:08:43 > 0:08:46So, this is the centrepiece of the house, in many ways, I think.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48You've got this lovely dining area here,
0:08:48 > 0:08:51- and then it goes much further down here.- Really nice.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52Really gorgeous.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56It's interesting because when they convert these buildings,
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- getting skylights is quite a trick, from the planning office.- Yes, yes.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03So they managed to get these three.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07- It just throws so much natural light into the building.- Yeah.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08What do you think of the...?
0:09:08 > 0:09:12Obviously the fireplace is quite dominant. Is it to your taste?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Oh, yeah, I like it.- The fireplace is good, yes, it's nice.- I like it.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Yes, you can certainly picture yourself sitting here
0:09:18 > 0:09:19- around the fireplace.- Yes, I can do.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- So, is it growing on you? - I think it is, yes. It is.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Upstairs, there are four bedrooms.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Two of those are decent-sized singles,
0:09:28 > 0:09:31although one is being used as a study,
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and there's also a family bathroom.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36But with Deborah's holiday guests in mind,
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I want to show them how they might configure the two double bedrooms
0:09:40 > 0:09:43to get the maximum income from the new business.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48So, this is up in the rafters. This is the master suite.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Right.- So you have a walk-in wardrobe, a nice shower room.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- Quite sumptuous.- Yes. Plenty of it.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Is this good in terms of your sleeping space?
0:09:58 > 0:10:01Well, we have a very big bedroom at the moment, but we're not expecting
0:10:01 > 0:10:05to find a bedroom as big as ours, but actually, this is OK.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- This is a good size. - Definitely a good size.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09But what I'd like to show you...
0:10:09 > 0:10:11If we go down here, I can explain a bit more.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- And then there's this room, a double room.- Right.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- And this has a little en-suite bathroom.- Decent size.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26- Works well.- Yep.
0:10:26 > 0:10:31But what we were thinking is, this has a separate staircase that
0:10:31 > 0:10:35goes down to a quite big room at the bottom, so we were thinking
0:10:35 > 0:10:40that one possibility is to have this as another separate holiday let.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42- Ah, right, yes.- It's possible, yes.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45So, put in a little kitchen downstairs, sort of dining room.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Have this as the single room upstairs.- Yes.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50So then you'll have a one-bedroom holiday let
0:10:50 > 0:10:53- and a two-bedroom holiday let. - And no B&Bs.- And no B&Bs.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- Yes, that's...- That's other option.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Let's go out to the garden and talk about how much it all costs.- Mm.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Most important part of it.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07The property comes with two and a half acres of paddock,
0:11:07 > 0:11:11as well as a private garden, which is mainly laid to lawn.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15Is this sort of what you're looking for? How do you see the land lying?
0:11:15 > 0:11:19I'd prefer to have a bit more than this, really.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Yes, two acres is our bottom end of size.- Yes, minimum.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26What are you going to use this land for? Four acres is a lot of land.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28I just want it there. I just want to be able to look at it.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Not necessarily use it for anything, I just want to know
0:11:31 > 0:11:34that we've got some land that we can wander around with the dogs.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37And not necessarily use it for anything, really.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43- What do you think it's on the market for?- About 795,000.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Yes, I would say just below £800,000.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48This property is on the market for 750.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Oh, OK. That's a pleasant surprise, actually.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53That actually is encouraging, because we know we can afford a bit
0:11:53 > 0:11:57more than that, so that gives us a bit more to play with.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00On the market for £750,000,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03our first house comes in well under budget.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's a barn conversion arranged around a courtyard.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09It comes with an up-and-running holiday let,
0:12:09 > 0:12:13and the option to create a second self-contained unit.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16The accommodation in the main part of the house includes
0:12:16 > 0:12:19a spacious living room and four bedrooms.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23The outside space comprises a private garden
0:12:23 > 0:12:26and two and a half acres of land.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- It's so beautiful, this garden. Hello, guys. Good timing.- Hello.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32So, we're going to finish up here
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- and move on to house number two. - Perfect.- Follow me.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Devon and the other counties that make up the West Country form
0:12:48 > 0:12:50the true historic home of Cheddar,
0:12:50 > 0:12:53the UK's most popular variety of cheese.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Cheddar-making originated in the region in the 12th century.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Today, it's largely produced in bulk,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02but there are still a few artisan cheesemakers
0:13:02 > 0:13:06left in the West Country who are producing it by hand.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09I'm meeting the only female cheesemaker of these
0:13:09 > 0:13:12traditional Cheddars, Mary Quicke, whose family have been
0:13:12 > 0:13:16farming here in Devon for over 400 years.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19I can just hear the sound of munching. Munch, munch, munch.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23And you do something fairly unusual with your cows.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27What we have are, we have these crossbred cows, hybrid cows.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- Different breeds that are very hardy and fertile.- OK.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34And they really, really like grazing.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- So they're girls who like to graze? - Girls who like to graze.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40They produce a milk that has given us
0:13:40 > 0:13:43a beautiful, buttery note to the cheese.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- They are milked how many times? - Twice a day.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48The milk is then sent over to the dairy.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51The unique part of the traditional cheesemaking process
0:13:51 > 0:13:54is known as cheddaring.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56The slabs of curd are cut,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00stacked and turned by hand to help drain the whey.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Mary's most famous Cheddar is her mature variety,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06which is stored for up to 12 months before it's ready.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Naturally, I'm rather keen to try some.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10So, shall we just go on the look first,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- then we'll do the taste later?- Yeah.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14So, these are getting older, are they?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17Yes, this is mature, and then this is vintage.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19The older the cheese, the greater the...
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Not necessarily the strength of flavour, but the depth and intensity.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- And this final one? - And this is our smoked cheese.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I have to eat some now, otherwise I'm going to go crazy.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- OK, let's start.- This is the... What did you call it? Buttery?- Buttery.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- I just think...- AKA, mild.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Do you want to see what the cheesemakers do?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Of course, yes, teach me all the tricks.- We squidge.- Really?!
0:14:40 > 0:14:43So, particularly when cheese is young,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46but it also warms it up, so it brings the flavour...
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It's like it matures it a little.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51So, if you're serving cheese, you should always let it breathe
0:14:51 > 0:14:53and warm up to room temperature?
0:14:53 > 0:14:57- Yeah.- Like wine.- Yeah, like wine, that's right. Then I smell.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- Now you can taste.- Thanks.
0:15:02 > 0:15:08- It's not like a normal cheese, it's really... Yes, creamy.- Mm.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- It's going right to the back of my palate.- Mm.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- It tastes sort of almost sweet. - Slightly fruity.- Slightly fruity.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Some of those really acidy ones I don't...
0:15:17 > 0:15:18They don't really agree with me.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21I'm looking for these flavours that really go right
0:15:21 > 0:15:24through your palate, and you have this length, whereas if you've got
0:15:24 > 0:15:27acidity, you just get this spike at the front, and then it's gone.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Let's try the oak-smoked one.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Mm!
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It's a very different consistency. Oh!
0:15:39 > 0:15:41That's quite zingy. That's quite... Feels quite...
0:15:44 > 0:15:48Mary organises regular cheese- and wine-tasting events at her farm,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51but Cheddar doesn't have to be paired just with wine.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55The main thing is that tasting cheese should be enjoyable.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58One of the most interesting pairings I had was with our mature Cheddar
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- and a Darjeeling tea.- Ah!
0:16:01 > 0:16:04My grandmother used to have very strong Cheddar and fruitcake.
0:16:04 > 0:16:05Ah, lovely!
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- That was a great pairing, too. - Yeah, absolutely.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10I mean, you can have such fun with it.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Mary, do you know, you're an amazing ambassador for all things cheesy,
0:16:14 > 0:16:16and I say that in the nicest way.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Thank you so much. - BOTH CHUCKLE
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Now let's return to Deborah and Clive's house hunt.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32For our second property, we are heading 12 miles north
0:16:32 > 0:16:35to the village of Hemyock, which is part of the Blackdown Hills,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44And situated in the stunning Culm Valley is our second offering.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Here we go.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51- That's pretty. Very pretty.- That's wonderful, absolutely wonderful.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54The whole setting is super. Absolutely super.
0:16:54 > 0:16:58It belonged to the miller, who, when he got posh and rich,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00moved away from the mill which was down...further away,
0:17:00 > 0:17:04because it was too noisy, and built himself this Victorian, grand house
0:17:04 > 0:17:07with the barn next to it, which was then extended.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- So the barn's a bit older.- Mm-hm.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- And then you also have the granary cottage there...- Yes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13..which is also yours.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Obviously you are on the banks of the River Culm.- Yep.- Yes.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Beautiful bit of land.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21All this land is yours, this whole riverside bank.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- I'm looking forward to going inside, I really am.- Yeah, I am, too.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Well, let's have a look inside.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- Yes, please. - Yes, looking forward to that.- Yes.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33The setting of our second house, with its river frontage,
0:17:33 > 0:17:35has impressed our buyers,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38and I'm pretty confident Clive and Deborah will like the inside.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40It's hard not to.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43Here we are.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- What a welcome! Isn't that lovely? - Very cosy.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48- Cosy.- Beautifully appointed.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50- Very nice.- Yes, and view!
0:17:50 > 0:17:52- Super view. Super, super view. - Absolutely lovely view.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54It's a lovely room, isn't it?
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Absolutely lovely. Gorgeous. Gorgeous.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- It's cracking, yes. I don't really need to say much.- No, you don't.
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- This could be your room...- Yes.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Or this could be a very nice
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- sort of B&B lounge.- Right, OK. - Right.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10But there are options with this vast property.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14The downstairs accommodation also includes this dining room, a family
0:18:14 > 0:18:19snug room with an open fireplace, a small study and a garden room.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22And let's not forget the kitchen.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- Very pretty.- Country kitchen. - Yes, it's lovely.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- Is that an original beam?- Yes, this was the oldest part of the house.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34This would have been the sort of old dairy to the farmhouse.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36If you're thinking about how
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- you're going to entertain your B&B guests...- Yes.
0:18:38 > 0:18:39Sort of, where you would be...
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Well, you'd feed them, I suppose, in the dining room, wouldn't you?
0:18:43 > 0:18:44And we would have in here.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46We would want to have a lounge area for us
0:18:46 > 0:18:48that was separate, definitely.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Which this would be. - Which this certainly would be.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54That sort of makes sense, but then you lose that lovely sitting room.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Yes.- Well, we'd have to choose. - Let's look at the bedrooms first
0:18:57 > 0:18:59and make our minds up after that,
0:18:59 > 0:19:00- see if they're suitable. - Let's do it.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06The house comes with six bedrooms, five of them are on the first floor.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10They're all a good size, and there are three bathrooms -
0:19:10 > 0:19:14plenty of space and facilities for Deborah and Clive's guests.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16We're bypassing the current master
0:19:16 > 0:19:19so I can show them my favourite bedroom.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- What a lovely room! - Lovely room, isn't it? Beautiful.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- What a lovely room. The ceiling... - Fantastic, isn't it?- Fabulous.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30That's too nice for your guests, this one.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32Well, this is the problem with this house.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34There's lots of rooms where you think,
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- "Too nice to give to a B&B guest."- Yes, definitely.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- This one has got a balcony. - Yes, with all the views.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Well, if that wasn't enough choice, there's some more.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Deborah and Clive would prefer to live separately from their B&B
0:19:49 > 0:19:53guests, and I have something in mind which will offer them that privacy
0:19:53 > 0:19:55up on the next floor.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- I didn't expect this! I really didn't expect this.- No, nor did I.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- This is fab, is it? - It's stunning, isn't it?
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- This is a beautiful... ANOTHER beautiful room.- So light!
0:20:08 > 0:20:10So, there's a very good possibility that you could make
0:20:10 > 0:20:13- this your master suite. - I think I'd be tempted to do that.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Actually, that's a really good idea, I hadn't thought about that.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19There are so many options in this building, this is one possibility,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21that this floor is then your private floor,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- and the floor below are all B&Bs. - Mm.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26I think that's a good idea. A very good idea.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29As well as the multitude of possibilities
0:20:29 > 0:20:31for putting up guests in the main house,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35the adjacent 18th-century granary cottage is already
0:20:35 > 0:20:39a fully functional holiday let with two bedrooms.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41Then there's the outside space -
0:20:41 > 0:20:46the sprawling riverside grounds include a covered dining area,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50a stables block and an impressive veggie patch.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54In all, the land amounts to just over two acres.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56So, look, you have this amazing
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- little sort of bluebell wood. - Yeah, lovely.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03But very beautiful gardens. Is this what you're looking for?
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- As near as, yes. It's... - It's pretty close.- Pretty close.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13- How much do you think it costs? - Oh, dear.- I would say in the 800s.
0:21:13 > 0:21:18I reckon about 835.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23- Clive?- Yes, as much as I like the property, I think
0:21:23 > 0:21:25it's on the market for a little bit lower.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27I think around 800,000.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32Well, this property is on the market for...795.
0:21:32 > 0:21:37- 795.- That's less than I thought. A lot less than I thought.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- 795. Well, that's... OK.- That's good. It's encouraging, isn't it?
0:21:43 > 0:21:47On the market for £795,000, our second property
0:21:47 > 0:21:50is under Clive and Deborah's budget.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53The accommodation includes a spacious living room
0:21:53 > 0:21:57and kitchen, and there are additional reception rooms.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01It comes with six bedrooms, one of which is a large attic room.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04The price includes a self-contained holiday let in the adjoining
0:22:04 > 0:22:08granary cottage, and the property is set on the banks of a river
0:22:08 > 0:22:11with over two acres of land.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15Great. Well, if you just pull the door behind,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17we are done for the day.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Absolutely super.- It was a good end, wasn't it?- We've had a great day.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- Really enjoyed ourselves. - Time for a rest.- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Well, that was a very positive start.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32Looks like you've got a winner already.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35I know. It was a gorgeous property, although I think it really wasn't
0:22:35 > 0:22:37100% what Clive and Debbie were looking for.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40Well, let's see if we have any joy with our second couple,
0:22:40 > 0:22:43who are hoping to make Devon their new home.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Keith and Barbara have spent their last 11 years in this
0:22:46 > 0:22:49four-bedroom detached house on the edge of the town of Witney
0:22:49 > 0:22:53in Oxfordshire. But they've had enough of urban life.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58Witney was a small backwater when we first came to the area,
0:22:58 > 0:23:02and it's grown through new estates and new shopping malls.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06The children have flown the nest and Keith has recently retired
0:23:06 > 0:23:09from his demanding post as a deputy headmaster.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12They feel now is the time for their country escape,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14and they've set their sights on the West Country
0:23:14 > 0:23:16for the next chapter of their lives.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19We're particularly interested in Devon.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21Better South Devon than North Devon.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24We like the coast, and with Devon, we're never
0:23:24 > 0:23:26too far away from the coast.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29The couple used to run a picture-framing business,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31and Keith still loves woodworking,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33so a workshop would be on his wish list.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37As for Barbara, she's turning her attention to the outside.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39I would like a large garden,
0:23:39 > 0:23:42maybe so we could get a greenhouse in it, a shed,
0:23:42 > 0:23:46maybe some chickens. I do love being outside.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- That's my escapism.- So all that's left is to find out how much
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Keith and Barbara are putting into their country escape.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56The maximum budget would be £550,000.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03Keith and Barbara are seeking a location within reach of the
0:24:03 > 0:24:06South Devon coast, so we'll be searching the attractive villages
0:24:06 > 0:24:09around the historic market town of Honiton.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13I'm meeting them in Devon to find out more about their planned move.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- Keith and Barbara, lovely to meet you.- And you.- Hello.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22Now tell me, after over 20 years living in Oxfordshire,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25why've you decided you want to move to this part of the world?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27What's so special about Devon for the two of you?
0:24:27 > 0:24:30We've spent a lot of time over the last four or five years
0:24:30 > 0:24:33looking at coasts, looking at countryside.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35And all the times we've been down to Devon,
0:24:35 > 0:24:36we've just fallen in love with it.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41So you've recently retired. So what's first on the agenda, then?
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Depends on the property that we find. That could be a project.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47The project could be setting up my own business,
0:24:47 > 0:24:51looking at manufacturing bespoke furniture. It's an open plan,
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- really.- Barbara, what about you? - Obviously, with an annexe
0:24:55 > 0:24:58that we could turn into a letting business, would be quite good.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01And what type of property are you looking for? Ideally, it's
0:25:01 > 0:25:04obviously going to have an annexe for you. You're going to want,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I'm presuming, lots of outbuildings.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Outbuildings... one workshop would be sufficient,
0:25:08 > 0:25:11as long as it's big enough. I don't want something that's enormous.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14The property itself, three bedrooms, possibly, maybe four.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17We would like to avoid thatch.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20We'd like to avoid listed buildings, if at all possible.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23So they're my noes. What's it's definitely got to have?
0:25:23 > 0:25:27- What's the dream property? - Views from the back.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- A nice garden.- How much garden am I going to find you?
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Acres, or just a big plot?- No, no. A big plot would be nice.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Yes. So, before we start this tour in Devon, remind us of your budget.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43If it's a house which is a bit of a project, which will need renovation,
0:25:43 > 0:25:49about 500,000. However, if it's prim and proper, we could stretch to 550.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Right. Well, let's get going, because we have got three properties
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- to show you.- Sounds great. - Shall we hit the road?- Yes, please.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55Thank you.
0:25:57 > 0:26:02With a top budget of £550,000, Keith and Barbara are looking for
0:26:02 > 0:26:05a peaceful country home with three to four bedrooms,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08an annexe for some form of letting business,
0:26:08 > 0:26:12a potential workshop for Keith's carpentry skills,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15a good-sized plot to satisfy Barbara's gardening aspirations,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18all with views of the Devon countryside.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21We've got three very different properties lined up
0:26:21 > 0:26:25for our buyers. At each one, I'll ask them to guess the price
0:26:25 > 0:26:28before I reveal the true value.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30The third offering will be a mystery house,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and while it may not fulfil all their wish list,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36it could just turn out to be their dream home.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43We're kicking off our tour in the lovely village of Chardstock,
0:26:43 > 0:26:46where, set amongst stunning countryside down a quiet lane,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49is house number one.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52So, not only have I brought you to this fantastic view, but this...
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- This is your first property. - I'm liking it already.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- Yes, it looks nice.- Yes? - Looks nice, yes. Nice stone.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Actually, the barn itself dates back about 300 years.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06The village goes back to the ninth century. It's not quite that old!
0:27:06 > 0:27:09But it was only converted about 25 years ago.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- So not that long ago. - Not that long ago at all.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15So how would you feel waking up to that view every day?
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Oh, gorgeous.- I'd put up with it(!) - Yeah!
0:27:18 > 0:27:21If I could organise sun 365 days of the year, it'd be perfect.
0:27:21 > 0:27:23That'd be even better!
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Shall we head inside?- I'd love to, yeah.- Sounds a good idea, great.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29I may not be able to control the weather, but those
0:27:29 > 0:27:33all-important views have certainly created a good atmosphere,
0:27:33 > 0:27:37and this impressive converted barn could have real potential.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39So, come on through.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Going to start us off in the kitchen.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- It's a nice size. - The heart of the home.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- Wow. Yes. Very nice. - Yeah, very nice.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53Plenty of room to move around in.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55You could put chairs around there, maybe, to have breakfast.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58That's a preparation area, which is good. Yeah.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Well, I've still got more to show you through here.
0:28:00 > 0:28:05So, off the kitchen, we've got your first sort of sitting room.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Right, OK.- Very nice.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- Views out onto the garden. - I'm loving the view.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12- Absolutely stunning. - Yeah, the views are good.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15So, what's the feeling you're getting so far? I know we've only seen
0:28:15 > 0:28:17a couple of rooms. How do you feel?
0:28:17 > 0:28:20I like it. It seems a bit dark for me.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23I don't know, but I still like the size of the rooms.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26I like the aspect. The only thing the gives me a bit of
0:28:26 > 0:28:29cause for concern is, the kitchen doesn't overlook the garden.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31In previous houses, we've always overlooked the garden
0:28:31 > 0:28:34- from the kitchen.- The kitchen, as we've seen, is behind us
0:28:34 > 0:28:37at the moment. You're right, it doesn't overlook the garden.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- But, there are options with this property.- All right.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Let me lead the way through here.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49So, Keith. If you want a kitchen
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- that looks out over a spectacular garden...- This is it.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56So you could swap the dining room for next-door.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- They are similar sizes, aren't they? - Definitely, yeah.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02You said you like a bit of a project. Would you build your own kitchen?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04I'd be more than happy to build my own kitchen.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07It depends on what fits and where.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Keith and Barbara certainly seem to have some vision.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13The rest of the ground floor also offers up lots of scope.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17There is a good-sized bedroom with characterful stone walling,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21and a large, self-contained annexe, currently used for letting.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It comprises a bathroom with enclosed shower, a double bedroom,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28compact kitchenette, and a small conservatory.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32Now, how big a part of the move is this letting side?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35I don't think it's going to be a massive part.
0:29:35 > 0:29:36It's a want.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40And if it were possible to have one, we'd be delighted.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44There's one last thing to mention. Do you like saunas?
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Because you do have your own sauna here!
0:29:46 > 0:29:48LAUGHTER
0:29:48 > 0:29:51This house keeps giving and giving. We're going to head upstairs.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54You'll be pleased to know, perhaps, it's not quite so large.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55- BOTH:- All right.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00I'm sure Keith's ready to pour water on those hot coals,
0:30:00 > 0:30:04but there's no time for relaxation as we head up to the master bedroom.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10So, the downstairs of this property is pretty generous.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Not quite so large upstairs, but we've got another double bedroom,
0:30:14 > 0:30:18double-sized bedroom on this floor, and a family bathroom,
0:30:18 > 0:30:22plus you've probably noticed all that storage on the landing.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23- Yeah.- Yes. Right.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25- Would this work for you, Barbara? - Yeah, definitely.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28On a scale of one to ten, how important is the garden to you?
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Well, I love just being out in the garden. It's just escapism.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34I don't know whether that's going to be the same in retirement,
0:30:34 > 0:30:35but I'm sure it will be.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- Let's see if this is enough garden for you, young lady.- Can't wait!
0:30:38 > 0:30:40THEY LAUGH
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I am quietly confident this plot is going to deliver,
0:30:43 > 0:30:48with charming pockets of lawn, mature borders, breathtaking views,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50and some potential for a workshop.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- This is my kind of garden. - Yes?- Yeah, I can feel my shears
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- coming out already. Definitely. - The perfectionist in you!
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- And it's beautiful.- It is. It's really lovely.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Now, this woodwork idea you've got. Enough space for you, do you think?
0:31:03 > 0:31:06Well, it depends how big the workshop is, but, yes,
0:31:06 > 0:31:07it can always be extended.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Let's talk money, then.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13I think maybe near to the top of our budget. 520?
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- OK.- I would imagine it's a bit more than that.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20I'd go to 545.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24OK. The asking price is...
0:31:24 > 0:31:26£550,000.
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- Really?- Right.- So, right at the top of your budget.- Right, OK.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33We are in East Devon, relatively close to the sea.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35We're only 20 minutes away.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37So I think that is reflected in the price.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41And you do get an awful lot of property with that,
0:31:41 > 0:31:42plus a lot of land.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48At £550,000, our first property
0:31:48 > 0:31:51is right on Keith and Barbara's maximum budget.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55It's an impressive detached barn conversion with four bedrooms
0:31:55 > 0:31:59and three reception rooms. It also comes with a self-contained annexe
0:31:59 > 0:32:01suitable for letting, a double garage,
0:32:01 > 0:32:05and landscaped gardens of approximately one third of an acre.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11Well, I could stay here all day, but here come Keith and Barbara.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- Have you seen enough? - We have, thank you.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15How've we done with our first property?
0:32:15 > 0:32:18- Very nice. Very nice.- Yes? - Lots of potential.- Good.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Have you enjoyed it so far?- We have, and I just love this garden.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23You do, don't you? How can you not?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- I know!- Right, got to hit the road.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Devon has a great holidaying tradition,
0:32:34 > 0:32:37and part of that has to be the fun of the fair.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The hum of the generators, the thrill of the dodgems,
0:32:40 > 0:32:42and even that first kiss.
0:32:42 > 0:32:46Since 1986, the Fairground Heritage Centre at Lifton
0:32:46 > 0:32:49has been looking to preserve these precious memories.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52I've come to find out more about this great British tradition,
0:32:52 > 0:32:56with the help of fairground historian Guy Belshaw.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- Hello, Guy.- Nicki, welcome to the Fairground Heritage Centre.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Thank you very much. See, I was brought up near Margate in Kent,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04with fairgrounds, fair rides.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07This has taken me straight back to my childhood.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09That's the idea. Nostalgia, it just, you know,
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- takes you right back, doesn't it? - It's beautiful!
0:33:11 > 0:33:14How many rides do you have in total here?
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Well, we've got seven working rides here and two more in restoration,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20so lots more to do for the future.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23The centre's oldest ride is the Rodeo Switchback.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27This stunning machine was originally built in the 1880s
0:33:27 > 0:33:29as a basic roundabout. It gradually evolved
0:33:29 > 0:33:34with new carvings and carriages, entertaining the public until 1930,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37and it still works today.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42We're picking up a fair speed.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44I mean, not compared to what we're used to today,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47but they must have been stood in awe when it was going round.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51I think so, with the sensation of the military band organ
0:33:51 > 0:33:54in the middle, the lights, the motion, going up and down the hills
0:33:54 > 0:33:55like a sort of roller coaster effect.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58It would have been quite spectacular, I think.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Yeah! This was entertainment, wasn't it?- This was entertainment.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04The fairgrounds became more popular in the late 19th century,
0:34:04 > 0:34:07and were extremely advanced for their age.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11Steam engines powered the rides when there were still very few cars
0:34:11 > 0:34:14on the roads, and many people's first sighting of an electric light bulb
0:34:14 > 0:34:18might have been upon one of these ground-breaking attractions.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20They're now beautifully maintained.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22I bet they don't all arrive like that.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24No, sadly not, Nicky. We have to do a lot of work to get them
0:34:24 > 0:34:27up to this standard, but we've got things being restored all the time.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29We've got one restoration project on the go.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31Perhaps you'd like to come and have a look at it.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Do you know what? I'd absolutely love to.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Many of the old paintings and signs are collectors' items,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41and the rides are regarded as works of art.
0:34:41 > 0:34:45Bringing them back to their former glory is a painstaking process.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Their latest project, the Galloping Horse Roundabout,
0:34:48 > 0:34:51has been packed away since 1934.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I think of it as a merry-go-round. I can see the horse there.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- I mean, the colours are still pretty vibrant.- They're quite muted
0:34:57 > 0:34:59compared to how they would have been.
0:34:59 > 0:35:00It would have been varnished as well.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- So would have been really bright. - The detail is superb.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05So I know the museum is run by volunteers.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08How long will it take you to restore a ride like this
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- back to its former glory? - Got plenty of willing labour here,
0:35:11 > 0:35:13but it's just the finance to get it done properly.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16- What sort of figures are we talking? - We're talking about £100,000.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18We want to do it properly, but we're going to make a start now,
0:35:18 > 0:35:21and in a few years' time, we hope to welcome visitors
0:35:21 > 0:35:22with a Galloping Horse Roundabout.
0:35:22 > 0:35:25Well, the merry-go-round is my favourite ride,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27so I look forward to coming back in a few years' time
0:35:27 > 0:35:29and seeing it running once again.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It's great to see these special items of British heritage
0:35:33 > 0:35:37being maintained and preserved. I for one will definitely be back.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41But for now, it's time to return to our property hunt.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47For our second house, we're heading 20 miles west
0:35:47 > 0:35:49to the village of Plymtree.
0:35:49 > 0:35:53And I could be about to put the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55So, I've brought you to your second property.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58Ah.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Ah. A-ha.
0:36:00 > 0:36:01Big "ah"s.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- It's a thatched.- It's a thatched. - It is a thatched.- Yes.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- But beautiful.- It's also listed,
0:36:06 > 0:36:11which I know were the two things that ideally, you didn't want to look at.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14But sometimes in life, it's worth taking a risk,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16because it is a traditional Devon longhouse.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18There's so much going for this property,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20we think it's worth a viewing.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24- OK.- All I ask is an open mind as we go through the gate.- OK.- Yeah?
0:36:27 > 0:36:29I am taking a risk with the longhouse, but on paper,
0:36:29 > 0:36:33it does offer a lot of what Keith and Barbara have asked for,
0:36:33 > 0:36:36so let's hope the beautifully renovated interior
0:36:36 > 0:36:38will help break the ice.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41Let's start off with the kitchen.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44Gosh. This is nice and big.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48So, a good size. Next door, you've got a utility room.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- Downstairs cloakroom, boot room as well.- Right.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56It is beautifully done, but I've got a touch on it.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59You're disappointed, aren't you? Not because of the kitchen.
0:36:59 > 0:37:00No, because of the house.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- Because of the house.- Yeah.- Yeah. - It is a thatched house.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- I think also, the listing, as well, to add to that.- I do understand.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10It is a marvellous property, so being honest,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- with that in mind, shall we continue the tour?- I would like to.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17And then you can see how it's been done, and also, it might give you
0:37:17 > 0:37:20- some great ideas as well.- OK. - All right.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25What a shame Keith and Barbara just can't see past that thatched roof.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Perhaps some period features in the living room
0:37:27 > 0:37:30can spark their imaginations. So, through here...
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- ..I think this is a wonderful sitting-room.- Yes.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- Who likes inglenooks? - Inglenooks are absolutely fantastic.
0:37:39 > 0:37:40- Everybody! - Yeah.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43- Absolutely fantastic. What a fireplace.- Good. OK.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Well, let's keep going, cos we're enjoying this part of the tour,
0:37:46 > 0:37:48aren't we? I'm going to take us upstairs now.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52The first floor offers up some impressive space
0:37:52 > 0:37:56with a family bathroom, including a stylish enclosed roll-top bath,
0:37:56 > 0:38:01four double bedrooms, two of which are flooded with southerly sunlight,
0:38:01 > 0:38:03whilst the third is equipped with neat fitted wardrobes.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06We're heading for the master suite.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10So, being a longhouse, all the rooms fed into each other,
0:38:10 > 0:38:12and they've been quite clever, the owners,
0:38:12 > 0:38:14because they've made this like their wing.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17You probably noticed there was a dressing room, a bathroom,
0:38:17 > 0:38:21leads into this. So in a way, you've got one set of the family that side,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23and they've kept this as their own domain.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- It's a nice size, actually, isn't it?- I was going to say.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28It surprises me just how big it is, yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31You know, you can see why, inside,
0:38:31 > 0:38:33we got so excited about this property,
0:38:33 > 0:38:35because it has so much going for it.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39- Yeah.- Anyway, well, let's head outside.- Sounds good.- OK.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Take a look at the garden, and there's one more thing
0:38:42 > 0:38:43I'd like to show you.
0:38:44 > 0:38:48The gardens feature a charming small orchard to the front of the cottage,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51a secluded patio with mature shrubs,
0:38:51 > 0:38:55and a generous lawn leading down to the property's trump card.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57So...
0:38:57 > 0:39:01The additional part of this house is over here.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06- You've got this huge outbuilding. - Wow.- Wasn't expecting that!- I know!
0:39:06 > 0:39:09You thought it was going to be a workshop?
0:39:09 > 0:39:14It could be a workshop, quite easily, or, the storage through there,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16you could actually convert it into a holiday let.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Yes, that's a shock. - THEY LAUGH
0:39:19 > 0:39:21So you've got this space, and then behind us,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24you've got a mezzanine up there, like a hayloft, if you like.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27But the current owners are using it as an art studio.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28- Right.- Oh, right. OK.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- Oh, wow.- That's brilliant, isn't it?- It is.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32- Yeah.- Fantastic building.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- OK, well, let's had back outside.- OK.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Take a look at the garden. After you.- Thank you.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40I think Keith was definitely
0:39:40 > 0:39:43picturing his carpentry tools in there,
0:39:43 > 0:39:44but there's no getting away from
0:39:44 > 0:39:47their issues with this particular property.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49So I want you to have a look from the back of the property,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52cos the one thing I didn't mention in the beginning,
0:39:52 > 0:39:54because you probably couldn't see it,
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- is the actual house is attached.- Yes.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58So you do have next-door neighbours, as you can see.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03So, having seen around, who wants to go first on the price?
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- I'll go first?- You go first.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- How much is it on the market for? - 535?
0:40:08 > 0:40:12Well, that was very definite, wasn't it? 535, OK. Keith?
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I think you would be pushing the top end of our budget.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17I think...
0:40:17 > 0:40:19550. 550.
0:40:19 > 0:40:24OK. Well, you're both over the asking price.
0:40:24 > 0:40:30- Right.- It's on the market for 499,950.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- Wow. That's a surprise. - Yeah, it is a surprise.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38At £50,000 under Keith and Barbara's maximum budget,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41our second property is an attached thatched longhouse,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44offering stylish and spacious accommodation,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48four good-sized bedrooms, including an impressive master suite,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51a stunning kitchen/diner complete with range cooker,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54that truly wonderful detached outbuilding,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57which would have been perfect for Keith's carpentry skills,
0:40:57 > 0:41:01all set in an attractive garden, including a small orchard.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08So there you have it.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Two properties, very, very different indeed.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14We tried so hard with this one, but you're not convinced, are you?
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- No.- Never mind. Very different reactions today, but that's it.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20- So shall we hit the road? - Sounds good.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- Well, Devon wasn't working its normal magic on your couple.- No.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Two down, one more to go. I've got to be honest, it's proving
0:41:31 > 0:41:34more of a challenge than I thought it was going to be.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Well sometimes, on the day, it's the houses.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Cos with our couple, Clive and Deborah,
0:41:39 > 0:41:41we did skip across the border into Somerset
0:41:41 > 0:41:43because we found the most amazing mystery house.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46They have an £850,000 budget
0:41:46 > 0:41:49and we desperately wanted them to spend it.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54For our mystery house,
0:41:54 > 0:41:56we are hopping over the border into Somerset
0:41:56 > 0:41:59to the hamlet of Sellicks Green.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Although we've left Devon, I'm really hoping this property
0:42:03 > 0:42:06will give Clive and Deborah something to think about.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09This is the mystery house.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12It looks like it's in good condition and it's been very well restored.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Yes, and it's difficult to tell how old it is.- It is, yes.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17It almost looks new, but one assumes it's not.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- It's not new, it's from about the early 20th century, 1900s.- Yes.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- It was a dairy farm.- OK.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27- So the mystery is that we're slightly over into Somerset...- Yes.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29And it's...
0:42:29 > 0:42:33It's a sort of... kind of interesting proposition,
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- because you could make it work as a B&B straightaway.- Right.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39But there's potential here for you to do something new.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Intriguing. OK.
0:42:41 > 0:42:45- Shall we have a look inside? - Yes, please.- Yes, please.- Very keen.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47A former dairy farm,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51our mystery house was completely renovated around ten years ago.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55It gives Deborah B&B options, but it is smaller than our previous
0:42:55 > 0:42:59properties, and there's no holiday let - at the moment, at least.
0:42:59 > 0:43:06- Come through into the kitchen.- Wow! What a lovely kitchen!
0:43:06 > 0:43:07- Beautiful kitchen.- Fantastic.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10It's not at all what you expect, is it, from the outside?
0:43:10 > 0:43:12No, not at all what you expect from the outside.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13I mean, you'd just come straight in here,
0:43:13 > 0:43:16there's nothing to do, is there? It's all beautifully done.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19It's not listed and it has the potential for a lot of extensions,
0:43:19 > 0:43:24because there's planning for an extension that covers this whole
0:43:24 > 0:43:27area here, right across to the arch out there.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29A two-storey extension.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31You might not want to do that, but the point is that
0:43:31 > 0:43:35the planning officers are clearly OK with putting something new on.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39This house has fewer reception rooms than yesterday's second property,
0:43:39 > 0:43:43but "potential" is the word I want our buyers to remember here.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46The extension being just one possibility.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49And this is the lovely sitting room.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- Yes, it's a nice room, isn't it? Nice, spacious room.- Yeah.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54It's a much simpler layout than yesterday,
0:43:54 > 0:43:56which was obviously quite complicated,
0:43:56 > 0:43:58with all the different rooms,
0:43:58 > 0:43:59and this is a big sitting room,
0:43:59 > 0:44:02and there is a little sort of dining room through those doors,
0:44:02 > 0:44:05which could be yours, or something else, a study or something.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08- OK.- I like the windows. The windows are lovely.- Lovely sash windows.
0:44:08 > 0:44:12I mean, they are a real feature of the house, aren't they?
0:44:12 > 0:44:14Although they're being very polite,
0:44:14 > 0:44:18I sense our mystery proposition isn't hitting the mark yet.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21I'm hoping the bedrooms upstairs will win them over.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24They're arranged over two floors.
0:44:24 > 0:44:28The first floor has four good-sized bedrooms. One of those is en suite.
0:44:28 > 0:44:30But there's also a family bathroom.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33The whole of this floor could be given over to bed-and-breakfast
0:44:33 > 0:44:39accommodation, leaving the top floor bedroom for Clive and Deborah.
0:44:39 > 0:44:42So, this is a great room.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45- Lovely room.- It is.- Really bright.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47- Yes, it's marvellous. Absolutely lovely.- Airy.
0:44:47 > 0:44:50It's a stunner, isn't it? Because you have your bed...
0:44:50 > 0:44:52either end, I suppose. Bed here, and then bathroom.
0:44:52 > 0:44:54You've got a walk-in wardrobe that side,
0:44:54 > 0:44:57and this is a sort of little sitting, relaxing area.
0:44:57 > 0:45:02Yes, beautifully done. Balcony. Gin and tonics in the evening.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Let's step out on the balcony and you can see the land.
0:45:07 > 0:45:12- Come out here.- Splendid views. Absolutely stunning.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15- That's wonderful, isn't it? Absolutely.- Absolutely gorgeous.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18You can see for miles, can't you?
0:45:18 > 0:45:19Well, what's really nice is that
0:45:19 > 0:45:22- actually most of this is yours. - OK. Wow.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- We're sitting on about five acres of land.- Five acres?- Five acres?
0:45:26 > 0:45:29Let's go outside, and I can point out what you might be able to do
0:45:29 > 0:45:32- in terms of B&B, and we can talk about the price.- OK.
0:45:33 > 0:45:35Our former dairy farm gives our buyers
0:45:35 > 0:45:38more land than yesterday's offerings,
0:45:38 > 0:45:39and the option of milking
0:45:39 > 0:45:42the holiday let business for all it's worth,
0:45:42 > 0:45:46possibly even building on the field, subject to planning permission.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48- Now, clearly your house is in the corner of the plot.- Yep.
0:45:48 > 0:45:54But it is a big five-acre plot. But also, this rather charming outhouse
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- of corrugated iron...sort of almost like beach house chic.- Yes.
0:45:57 > 0:46:00- Which you could turn into a holiday let.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03So, how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:46:03 > 0:46:05- I think you want me to guess first this time, don't you?- I do.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08And I'm actually going to go on the lower side
0:46:08 > 0:46:11and I'm going to go to 725. 725,000.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- OK.- I think a bit more than that because of the amount of land
0:46:14 > 0:46:18and the fact that they've planning permission, so I think 775.
0:46:18 > 0:46:22Ah, in this instance you're very close. It's on the market at 770.
0:46:22 > 0:46:25- So...- Oh, there we are, then. Yes. I would think that, because of
0:46:25 > 0:46:28the amount of land that it's got, and the planning permission. It's always
0:46:28 > 0:46:30- more when you've got planning permission involved.- Yes.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33At offers around £770,000,
0:46:33 > 0:46:37our mystery house is £80,000 under Clive and Deborah's maximum
0:46:37 > 0:46:41budget, leaving them room to expand the property.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43It's a former dairy farm
0:46:43 > 0:46:46which has been redesigned by its current owners.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48The accommodation includes a spacious,
0:46:48 > 0:46:51contemporary kitchen and sitting room.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56There are five good-sized bedrooms, including a large master attic room,
0:46:56 > 0:46:59and there's planning permission in place to build
0:46:59 > 0:47:00a two-storey extension,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03and there are outbuildings to convert
0:47:03 > 0:47:05on the five acres of land
0:47:05 > 0:47:06that comes with this property.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11Now that Deborah and Clive have seen all of our houses,
0:47:11 > 0:47:15I'm going to find out if any of them have taken their fancy.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22Well, we've got the end of a lovely week in East Devon.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25It's been... I really have enjoyed it.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28Yes, it's been a really fun few days. It's been magnificent.
0:47:28 > 0:47:32I suppose the burning question is, has it furthered your house search?
0:47:32 > 0:47:34- Yeah.- Yeah, it has. Yes, it has.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37We have seen one house in particular
0:47:37 > 0:47:40- out of the three that we really do like.- Yes.
0:47:40 > 0:47:41Well, I can guess it's house number two.
0:47:41 > 0:47:44Yes, and we like it enough to, you know, go further
0:47:44 > 0:47:47and perhaps phone them up and go and have another viewing.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50Hopefully, if we like it the second time that we go back, hopefully,
0:47:50 > 0:47:55we will like it enough perhaps even to put an offer in, and who knows?
0:47:55 > 0:47:57Well, that's good. Cos I knew that you liked it,
0:47:57 > 0:48:00but I had this sneaking feeling that somehow there wasn't...
0:48:00 > 0:48:01it didn't quite click for you.
0:48:01 > 0:48:04Well, I don't think we're ever going to find a property that is
0:48:04 > 0:48:07literally 100% of absolutely everything we want.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11But I think that's pretty close, that one, isn't it?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13It's pretty much as close as we're going to get, I guess.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15And is there something that you've been
0:48:15 > 0:48:17sort of daydreaming about, thinking,
0:48:17 > 0:48:19"Ooh, it would be really nice to wake up in that room,
0:48:19 > 0:48:21"or to sit in this room, or to look down at..."?
0:48:21 > 0:48:25Well, we've been talking about which room we would have as our bedroom.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29There's the one at the very top of the property, which was, well,
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- it was fantastic, wasn't it?- Mm. - With the views either side.
0:48:32 > 0:48:35It was a lovely, huge, big, light, airy room.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38And then the other one on the other side, with the balcony
0:48:38 > 0:48:39- overlooking the view. - So many choices.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41It's been lovely showing you round,
0:48:41 > 0:48:44and it's nice that you have this vision ahead of you,
0:48:44 > 0:48:47and I really do hope that you take it forward with house number two.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50- Thank you for a wonderful few days. - Enjoyed it.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52It's been magnificent. Been very nice.
0:48:52 > 0:48:55- We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.- It's been a pleasure.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01So, your cheating didn't quite work out?
0:49:01 > 0:49:03- Cheating?!- Yes, cheating.
0:49:03 > 0:49:05Going across the border into Somerset to get a sale.
0:49:05 > 0:49:07That's tactics.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09- Oh...- But my tactics didn't work out either
0:49:09 > 0:49:11because they didn't fall in love with the mystery house
0:49:11 > 0:49:13partly, I think, because they and I
0:49:13 > 0:49:15were so in love with house number two.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17Well, Barbara and Keith haven't fallen in love with
0:49:17 > 0:49:19either of my properties so far,
0:49:19 > 0:49:22which means there's a lot riding on the mystery house.
0:49:22 > 0:49:26We're heading just under 30 miles southwest of Plymtree
0:49:26 > 0:49:29to the rural hamlet of Higher Ashton.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31And the mystery with this house is that
0:49:31 > 0:49:34there are no existing holiday lets
0:49:34 > 0:49:36and it's not made from your usual bricks and mortar.
0:49:38 > 0:49:39Keith and Barbara,
0:49:39 > 0:49:42it's time for your mystery house.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44What do you think?
0:49:44 > 0:49:47Well, it's amazing, isn't it? Just the views and the...
0:49:47 > 0:49:49The house and the view - amazing.
0:49:49 > 0:49:50Absolutely amazing.
0:49:50 > 0:49:52You have your own pine-built house
0:49:52 > 0:49:55surrounded by these beautiful woodlands.
0:49:55 > 0:49:56And what's this behind us?
0:49:56 > 0:49:58So you've got a workshop/office.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00At the moment, the way they've divided it up
0:50:00 > 0:50:03- is two offices. You have a garage as you come down the road.- Right.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05You've got a greenhouse, Barbara.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07- Brilliant.- And in total...
0:50:07 > 0:50:09just under three acres.
0:50:09 > 0:50:11- Wow.- Rather than start the tour inside,
0:50:11 > 0:50:14would you like to walk to walk slightly down the hill and look up
0:50:14 > 0:50:18- and see it from a different aspect? - Yeah.- Sounds great.- OK.- Thank you.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22Well, the timber construction of our mystery house was a bit of a gamble
0:50:22 > 0:50:25but it hasn't rung any alarm bells with Keith and Barbara.
0:50:25 > 0:50:28I think they're just blown away by the grounds.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31So I wanted to bring you down here,
0:50:31 > 0:50:33cos you really get to appreciate this property.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35It's much bigger than I thought.
0:50:35 > 0:50:37- From the roof, you can't tell that at all, can you?- No, you can't.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41And the way it's been designed, as you'd probably have guessed,
0:50:41 > 0:50:43- the vantage point is out that way, isn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46- With these views.- With that scenery behind you.- Exactly. Yeah.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48Shall we have a look inside the property?
0:50:48 > 0:50:50- Yeah, I can't wait.- Come on.
0:50:50 > 0:50:55'I actually think they love the individual look of our mystery house,
0:50:55 > 0:50:59'it was built in 1992 based on a Scandinavian wood lodge design.
0:50:59 > 0:51:02'We're making our way round to the back of the house,
0:51:02 > 0:51:04'towards a fabulous kitchen.'
0:51:04 > 0:51:06So you've got a utility/boot room,
0:51:06 > 0:51:08which leads us into...
0:51:08 > 0:51:11- our kitchen.- Oh, my goodness!- Wow!
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- It's not your average, is it?- No, no.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16It's an incredible kitchen.
0:51:16 > 0:51:18Originally we were looking for something
0:51:18 > 0:51:21where we could perhaps put a new kitchen in.
0:51:21 > 0:51:22This doesn't need touching.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24- This is absolutely beautiful.- It is lovely.- Beautiful.
0:51:24 > 0:51:28- Would you have considered looking at a house like this?- No.- No, never.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32So sometimes, when we push the boundaries, it works.
0:51:32 > 0:51:35- Oh, it does. It does.- OK. Well, we haven't seen all of it yet.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- So, if you want to follow me?- Will do.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42So you've got your lovely little sunroom here.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44It could be a dining room, if you wanted to.
0:51:44 > 0:51:48- It does lead us to your sitting room.- Oh, right.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50Gosh.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53- That's very nice.- You have to really appreciate pine to live here...
0:51:53 > 0:51:55- Yes, yes.- ..because it is your best friend.
0:51:55 > 0:51:57It's wrapped around you.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59But, for me, it feels like...
0:51:59 > 0:52:01If I lived here,
0:52:01 > 0:52:04- I'd feel like I was on holiday the whole time.- Yeah.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07- Well, we'd want to be. We're going to be.- You can, can't you?
0:52:07 > 0:52:09Your new lives.
0:52:09 > 0:52:10- We can.- That's brilliant.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13The stunning sitting room is also the connection point
0:52:13 > 0:52:15for the rest of this split-level property,
0:52:15 > 0:52:18which features a family bathroom,
0:52:18 > 0:52:20separate shower room and two good-sized bedrooms,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23both of which are flooded with light
0:52:23 > 0:52:26and have plenty of space for wardrobes and cabinets.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28The main bathroom comes with an enclosed shower
0:52:28 > 0:52:30and plenty of built-in storage.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33We're heading for the master bedroom.
0:52:35 > 0:52:38- So we have plenty of wardrobes there.- Brilliant.
0:52:38 > 0:52:40- Access outside.- Outside.
0:52:40 > 0:52:41- And again...- Oh, fantastic.- Views.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43- ..views.- Yes.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45Again it's very warm, the flow works.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48- I like all the high ceilings as well.- Yeah.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50- Right.- Let's head outside.- OK.
0:52:50 > 0:52:51I'm convinced this property
0:52:51 > 0:52:53has brought out something Keith and Barbara
0:52:53 > 0:52:56didn't even know they were looking for -
0:52:56 > 0:52:59the feeling of a place that just makes it seem like home.
0:53:00 > 0:53:03Now, we talked about potential sea views.
0:53:03 > 0:53:04We don't have sea views
0:53:04 > 0:53:07- but you do have your own heated swimming pool.- Wow.
0:53:07 > 0:53:08I love that.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10I wasn't sure if you'd spied it as we walked in.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12I realised that you hadn't -
0:53:12 > 0:53:14you were so absorbed with the house and the view.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17That was the final piece of the jigsaw.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20- I love this.- Absolutely. Absolutely fantastic.
0:53:20 > 0:53:22- Let's cut to the chase.- OK.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24What value are you going to put on this property?
0:53:24 > 0:53:30I think this would be on the market for around about 560 to 570,000.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34- OK. Barbara?- I'm going to go right on the budget at 550.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38Any fingers crossed as you said that?
0:53:38 > 0:53:39A bit.
0:53:39 > 0:53:43- Your top budget was 550...- 550.- Yeah. - ..for a property that, ideally,
0:53:43 > 0:53:46didn't need anything doing to it cos that was stretching you.
0:53:46 > 0:53:49The asking price for this wonderful mystery house...
0:53:51 > 0:53:54- ..£550,000.- Yeah.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56- Right on your budget.- Wow.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59- Gosh.- Wow.
0:53:59 > 0:54:02Um, I was expecting it to come in much higher than that.
0:54:02 > 0:54:05At £550,000,
0:54:05 > 0:54:08I think Keith and Barbara are relieved to see the mystery property
0:54:08 > 0:54:09come in on budget.
0:54:09 > 0:54:12It's an impressive, detached, timber house
0:54:12 > 0:54:14with three double bedrooms,
0:54:14 > 0:54:16a magnificent sitting room with wood burner,
0:54:16 > 0:54:18a detached office building
0:54:18 > 0:54:20which could be converted into a workshop for Keith,
0:54:20 > 0:54:22a swimming pool
0:54:22 > 0:54:24and all set in beautiful grounds
0:54:24 > 0:54:26of just under three acres.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28So, come then, you two, tell me,
0:54:28 > 0:54:31is the mystery house worth moving to Devon for?
0:54:31 > 0:54:32Oh, definitely.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34- Yes?- We love it, don't we? - Without a doubt.
0:54:34 > 0:54:36- Well, I am going to have to drag you away.- OK.
0:54:36 > 0:54:39It seems such a shame but at least we've all got smiling faces.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41- We have today!- Absolutely.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Well, Barbara and Keith, I think, if you don't mind,
0:54:49 > 0:54:53- we're just going to brush over yesterday's houses...- OK.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56..and talk about the mystery because THAT'S the property
0:54:56 > 0:54:58that I got a real reaction about.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01When we first walked down the driveway, I thought,
0:55:01 > 0:55:03"How nice, a log cabin."
0:55:03 > 0:55:06And as things started opening up and we saw what it was offering,
0:55:06 > 0:55:09wow, we really were bowled over by it.
0:55:09 > 0:55:12And just the views, the garden,
0:55:12 > 0:55:14there's just so much to do there,
0:55:14 > 0:55:17which is exactly what we want. It's not too far away from Exmouth,
0:55:17 > 0:55:20we love down there as well.
0:55:20 > 0:55:23So it's just the right property for us, I think.
0:55:23 > 0:55:25Did that house speak to you?
0:55:25 > 0:55:27I think rather than speaking it shouted.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29- It really did.- Did it?- Yes, it did.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32You mentioned that you wouldn't have looked at
0:55:32 > 0:55:34a house like that yourselves.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36- No, not at all.- No, not really. Not really.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38I don't think we'd ever have imagined that we'd be happy
0:55:38 > 0:55:41somewhere like that, but it was just that immediate five-minute feel.
0:55:41 > 0:55:43So, the way you're talking,
0:55:43 > 0:55:46it sounds to me like you've already moved in.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Yes, it does. It does.
0:55:48 > 0:55:52We've got to go away and put some numbers together,
0:55:52 > 0:55:53to see if it adds up.
0:55:53 > 0:55:57Um, and we are seriously thinking of having a second viewing
0:55:57 > 0:56:02- with a view to making an offer. - Yeah, definitely.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04If I was a betting person,
0:56:04 > 0:56:08would I be putting my money on this, that you're going to buy the home?
0:56:08 > 0:56:10- Yes.- Yeah.- Yay!
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Well, thank YOU. It's such an exciting time for you both
0:56:13 > 0:56:17and we're delighted that we've found you the perfect home.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19- I'm sure that the numbers are going to add up.- Right.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22- I hope so.- Get that offer in as soon as you can.
0:56:22 > 0:56:23Thank you very much to you and the team.
0:56:23 > 0:56:26- It's been a wonderful experience.- Thank you.
0:56:26 > 0:56:28It's been delightful. So pleased we've been able to help.
0:56:28 > 0:56:30- Thank you.- All the best. - Thanks very much.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35What an amazing mystery house!
0:56:35 > 0:56:38It was such a find. And I've got to be honest,
0:56:38 > 0:56:42I was really relieved. The day before had gone so badly,
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I was worried to show them anything.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47So between us we've quite a lot of experience
0:56:47 > 0:56:48of selling B&Bs to people.
0:56:48 > 0:56:50What would our top tips be?
0:56:50 > 0:56:52I think the two main headlines -
0:56:52 > 0:56:55it's an awful lot of hard work,
0:56:55 > 0:56:56so bear that in mind,
0:56:56 > 0:56:58and do your research.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01Look at the competitors around you, look at the area.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04try and get an accurate view of what your market is going to be.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07On a more mundane level, there's lots of paperwork involved.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10For example, there's insurance. It's not just building and content,
0:57:10 > 0:57:14there's also personal liability, employee liability,
0:57:14 > 0:57:16accident, personal accident insurance
0:57:16 > 0:57:19and also things like cancellation insurance.
0:57:19 > 0:57:21Oh, my goodness! That takes the gloss off it, doesn't it?
0:57:21 > 0:57:23- Nuts and bolts, Nicki!- Do you know what?
0:57:23 > 0:57:25If I was going to buy a B&B, Alistair,
0:57:25 > 0:57:27I would find an existing one
0:57:27 > 0:57:30that has a good client base, regular people coming,
0:57:30 > 0:57:33perhaps even commitment for the next three months of bookings.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Although we have found that those
0:57:36 > 0:57:38sort of successful, up-and-running B&Bs,
0:57:38 > 0:57:41attractive and popular, are exactly that - up-and-running -
0:57:41 > 0:57:43and they're making their owners money,
0:57:43 > 0:57:44- so they're difficult to find. - They are.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47- But still worth hunting out, if that's what you want to do.- Indeed.
0:57:47 > 0:57:49- Do your research.- Yes, do your research.
0:57:49 > 0:57:52And what a wonderful taste of Devon we've had.
0:57:52 > 0:57:56- Join us again on Escape To The Country.- See you.
0:57:56 > 0:58:01Deborah and Clive are still looking for their perfect home.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03And Keith and Barbara finally found a property in Sidmouth
0:58:03 > 0:58:05and have already settled in.
0:58:05 > 0:58:09If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales,
0:58:09 > 0:58:12Northern Ireland, Scotland, or even further afield to the Continent,
0:58:12 > 0:58:14and need our help,
0:58:14 > 0:58:16please apply online at: