0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to a special Escape To The country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06Today, Johnny and I are focusing on two couples
0:00:06 > 0:00:09who were looking for different properties but in the same region.
0:00:09 > 0:00:12The county we're featuring is home to the first English town
0:00:12 > 0:00:15to permanently light its streets using electricity.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Find out where in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today, we are looking back on two country house searches.
0:00:36 > 0:00:41One couple had their eye on a rural property with a generous slice of land.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44But could they put their disagreements to one side?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Could you live in a house like this? - It's not doing much for me.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- What do you think, Ross? - I actually like it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Although my buyers may have been retiring,
0:00:52 > 0:00:56they were looking to significantly upsize to a new home in the country.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59And as the search progressed, things began to look up.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03I think it's the biggest fireplace I have ever seen. Can we climb in?
0:01:03 > 0:01:04It's enormous, isn't it?
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Today, we are in Somerset, whose county town of Taunton was
0:01:09 > 0:01:12the first to permanently light its streets using
0:01:12 > 0:01:15the wonder of electricity, as I discovered not that long ago, mate.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Neither of our couples had strong preferences for where
0:01:18 > 0:01:20in the county they would like to base their search,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23which was great news for Jules and I because it gave us
0:01:23 > 0:01:25free reign to discover the whole of Somerset.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27And what a place to roam around.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30From the Mendips to the Quantocks, the gorgeous north Somerset coast.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33And it's all wrapped up with that lovely kind of Arthurian magic
0:01:33 > 0:01:36that emanates from the Vale of Avalon and Glastonbury.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39You can talk forever on this. You didn't even mention the pubs.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42There are plenty to talk about, which we have enjoyed.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46But it's a perennial favourite. We're often asked to go to Somerset to look for rural properties.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50And when you explore it, as we do all the time, you can see why.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54Somerset lies in the south-west of England and is
0:01:54 > 0:01:58bordered by Wiltshire to the east and Devon and Dorset to the south.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02The county was known by the Anglo-Saxons as "The land
0:02:02 > 0:02:05"of the summer people" and, with its impressive agricultural vistas,
0:02:05 > 0:02:07it's a name that still resonates today.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Varied countryside mixes rolling hills,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16flat expanses and stunning gorges.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19The Quantock Hills in the east stretch 15 miles
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and contain some of the most picturesque vistas in Britain.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25But there is a raw and rugged beauty here too, which is
0:02:25 > 0:02:29perhaps most dramatically expressed at Cheddar Gorge, where craggy
0:02:29 > 0:02:32limestone cliffs tower 500ft
0:02:32 > 0:02:36and form yet another of this unique county's evocative landmarks.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41I do love Somerset.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44Although it's one of the biggest counties in southern England,
0:02:44 > 0:02:47the lack of population I think makes it so appealing
0:02:47 > 0:02:50and probably explains why it's forever popular on Escape.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54I think buyers have started to cotton on to the fact that you can
0:02:54 > 0:02:57get a genuine slice of rural life, yet still on a budget.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Take the current asking price of a detached house across the UK,
0:03:01 > 0:03:03the national average, if you like.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- It currently stands at just under £280,000?- Yes, just under.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Well, in Somerset, it's below that, even - £277,000.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12And it's really good value when you consider the average
0:03:12 > 0:03:15price in neighbouring counties like Devon and Dorset.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18There you could spend another 60,000 for the same thing.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22And the good news for buyers is that prices are climbing up higher elsewhere in the UK.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Somerset is moving nice and slow.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28It means buyers can take a step back and wait for the right property to come on the market.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- And taking your time is a good thing.- Quite.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33So let's meet up with my buyers to see
0:03:33 > 0:03:36if I was able to inspire them to make that West Country move.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Banker Ross and publisher Kate recently celebrated their wedding.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45One life change is leading to another and Ross
0:03:45 > 0:03:48and Kate have decided to swap their hectic lives in London's
0:03:48 > 0:03:51Crouch End for Somerset's leafier surrounds.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I enjoyed my time at the banks I've worked in over the last 30 years,
0:03:54 > 0:03:58but after a while the early mornings, every time the alarm goes off so early,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01it was getting to be more of a chore so I decided this was the right
0:04:01 > 0:04:05time to have a change in life and a change in where we live as well.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08But a change of pace doesn't mean our buyers
0:04:08 > 0:04:10only want to put their feet up.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13They both have business ideas that they want to pursue in Somerset.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16We still want to have something to do down in the country,
0:04:16 > 0:04:20whether it's having some annexes to rent out or whatever.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23We thought about maybe if we had some land to start up
0:04:23 > 0:04:25a glamping business, because it's very popular.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30Another member of the family making the move will be their dog Banksy.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Ross also has two daughters, Brooke and Lauren, so being able to
0:04:33 > 0:04:36have all the family together in the country is important to them.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40My two daughters still live with us, but they will be staying in London,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42so we will be keeping a base up here for them.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45With clear plans for their future, these later-life newlyweds
0:04:45 > 0:04:48are optimistic about their life in Somerset.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52I think we'll be much more relaxed, probably more fulfilled.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54We can be our own people, do what we want.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58We've only been married for a short time so it's kind of our time together as well.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01So I think it will just be really great.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10Ross and Kate don't have a specific area of Somerset that they prefer,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12so that means we are free to entice them
0:05:12 > 0:05:15with some of the most picturesque areas of the county.
0:05:15 > 0:05:19Before we kick off the search for their ideal dual purpose business and home property,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23I'm meeting them in Somerset to make sure we are all on the same page.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Good morning. Welcome to sunny... Well, not quite yet, sunny Somerset.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30- Excited to be here?- Yes. - Really excited.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- This is a huge move, isn't it? - It is a big one, yes.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37But not just in terms of the geography, but also your lifestyle.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40- You are looking for a business as well.- Exactly, yes.
0:05:40 > 0:05:44What's the most important thing to you guys, house or business?
0:05:44 > 0:05:49I think the house itself and the grounds, and I think then the business will stem from that.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51What does this business entail?
0:05:51 > 0:05:52Basically, we want something,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56if we can find some sort of annexe or something like that to rent out.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00So it's heads on beds in what, self-catering accommodation?
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Self-catering or perhaps a bit of B&B as well.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04What kind of property are you looking for?
0:06:04 > 0:06:06In my mind, it's Georgian.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Beautifully proportioned rooms.
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Or it could be an older cottage.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14Good views. Quite light.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17Don't mind something that needs a bit of work doing to it.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21So let's talk about how you want this house, this home, to be inside, then.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Big kitchen dining room, open plan,
0:06:24 > 0:06:26so we can sit in there in the winter.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29- Sofa, cook, entertain.- How big?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34We want three bedrooms minimum, I would guess.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Some land is obviously more important if we are going to start the businesses.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41So finally, let's talk budget. What is the final figure?
0:06:41 > 0:06:43The budget is 600 to 650.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46We could go to 650 if it was the perfect thing that we wanted.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49Obviously a little bit lower if we need to do a lot of work to it.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52I have got a good idea of what you are after. Let's get started.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54- Absolutely.- Great.- Let's go.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Kate and Ross have a healthy budget of up to £650,000.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04They hope this will allow them
0:07:04 > 0:07:07to buy some land with their property to develop a business.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Inside, they need at least three bedrooms
0:07:10 > 0:07:12so Ross's daughters can have a home away from home.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17And a large kitchen is important for Kate to develop her country cooking skills.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20They like the idea of somewhere that needs renovation
0:07:20 > 0:07:22as this will allow them to have a DIY project.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26They both have plans to be an active part of the local community, so need
0:07:26 > 0:07:30to be in close proximity to a village but far enough away to have land.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35And though they are open to era, the property should be a period one.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38For Ross and Kate the opportunity to build a hospitality business
0:07:38 > 0:07:41on their property is a key consideration.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44We have chosen three very different houses that offer
0:07:44 > 0:07:46a variety of commercial potential.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49When they view the houses they will have no idea of the price tag.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52That key information will only be revealed
0:07:52 > 0:07:54once they have completed their tour.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57The final property will be the Mystery House,
0:07:57 > 0:08:00which will offer a quirky twist on their original demands.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03But will it be one that they will embrace?
0:08:11 > 0:08:15We are beginning our tour of Somerset near the hamlet of Waterrow,
0:08:15 > 0:08:19situated three miles from the town of Wiveliscombe, which is close to
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Exmoor National Park and attracts many tourists.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26A former market town, Wiveliscombe has a population of less than 3,000.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29But its shops and services serve the needs
0:08:29 > 0:08:31of a much wider rural community.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34A ten-minute drive takes us to our first property.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40So this is your first dipping of toes into Somerset property.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- What do we think of this?- Very, very nice indeed.- Very nice.- I like it.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47I like the simplicity of it. I like the stone, the wood.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52Was this what you had in mind when you thought you might move out of London to Somerset?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54How does this house compare?
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- I was expecting a bigger garden around the house.- Around the house?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- OK.- I think I was expecting more land.
0:09:00 > 0:09:03I tell you what, I don't want to give too much away, but through that gate...
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- There's a massive field.- Yes. We will finish off out there.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But I want you to know that you do have that land with this house.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- So that's opportunity for a separate business?- Yes.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16But at the moment I want you to focus on this house being a home.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- Good start?- It's a good start. - Good start.- Let's go inside.
0:09:20 > 0:09:25This barn dates back to the 1800s and was converted in 2008.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28With a total of just over 2,000 square feet,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32it combines an engaging mix of modern and period character features.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- In we come. Now, Kate, you did say you liked open plan?- Yes, I do.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- Open plan you have.- Nice.- Lovely. Cosy. Very warm.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Cooking is obviously a big part of your life.- I love cooking.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- So you entertain?- Yes, a lot. Good entertaining space.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49We've got a very big table at home we could put in here.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51Is this how you would have it, then?
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- Yes.- It's how I would have this room, yes. Yes. Definitely.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01Just off the kitchen is a utility room and a downstairs cloakroom.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04While the kitchen has clearly met with Kate's approval, I'm finding
0:10:04 > 0:10:08it much harder to gauge Ross's thoughts on the barn conversion.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Wow.- Nice L-shape. - I wasn't expecting that.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16I don't know why, because you could see from the outside it was going to be L-shaped.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18I like the beams. Nice double door.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22You have been waxing lyrical, Kate, about this house and pointing out all its features.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Ross, are you more reserved or are you just taking it all in?
0:10:25 > 0:10:27I don't know. I am just taking it all in, really, yes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Perhaps it's a little smaller than I would have expected,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33but perhaps that's just to do with the fact it's an L-shape.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35The house has a distinctive layout.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38The lounge occupies the right-hand side of the property, while on
0:10:38 > 0:10:42the left we find a wing dedicated to the sleeping accommodation.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44It is home to three of the four double bedrooms,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47all light and airy and neutrally decorated.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50There is also a generously sized family bathroom.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56The more private upstairs area contains only the master bedroom and an en suite bathroom.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00It's nice. A bit small.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04I don't go with "nice", you see, Kate, because I worry about that word.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- It's quite a small room. - Smaller than I would have expected.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11I quite like the skylights. I feel slightly claustrophobic.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Do you?- Mm.- Mm.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17It's a nice room, it's just not kind of the size maybe we thought.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Let's go outside and have a look at the land, shall we? - Lovely.- Follow me.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I think the small bedroom has cooled Kate's enthusiasm,
0:11:25 > 0:11:28but I'm hoping that the very generous land on offer
0:11:28 > 0:11:32will let them see the property from a fresh perspective.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- Now, you said you wanted some land. - Yes.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- This field is 2.9 acres.- OK.- Wow.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41You've got the raw material, which is land,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43which is the toughest thing to get hold of.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45So now it's time to guess the price.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I will have a guess at 575.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- OK. Kate?- I think a bit lower. I think 525.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59I have split the camp. This is on the market for offers of around £550,000.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01So not that far away.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06£100,000 under Ross and Kate's budget,
0:12:06 > 0:12:10our first property is a four-bedroom barn conversion.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14The house comes with 2.9 acres of land and there's also a large garden.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17The potential cost saving could allow the couple
0:12:17 > 0:12:21to invest in their new business, whatever that turns out to be.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23I really like it. I like the layout.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I think it has been really nicely renovated.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28It's not the house of my dreams,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31but I have a very warm feeling towards it.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34The rooms feel very light and obviously the three acres of land
0:12:34 > 0:12:36is very helpful with the possibilities
0:12:36 > 0:12:38we're going to have going forward with a business.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- It's a lovely house, isn't it? - Really nice, yes.- Very nice.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- So have you seen enough?- Yes.- All I want to know is, is this a possible?
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- Definitely.- Yes, it's possible. - Excellent. Let's keep going.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02Somerset lays claim to a rich and varied food heritage,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05ranging from Exmoor lamb to cider manufacture
0:13:05 > 0:13:07and of course dairy produce.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Indeed, the area around the village of Cheddar has been at the
0:13:10 > 0:13:15centre of England's dairy industry since at least the 15th century.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18I went to meet artisan cheese producer John Spencer,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22who since 2003 has been pivotal in bringing Cheddar cheese production
0:13:22 > 0:13:25back to the village where it all started.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28The making of this Cheddar, I understand it's called cheddaring.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30Part of the process is called cheddaring.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32There are lots of different processes in it.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35What cheesemaking is about, is about turning a liquid into a solid,
0:13:35 > 0:13:39so what cheddaring does is squeeze even more moisture out of it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42As the biggest influence on the taste of the cheese comes from the milk,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46John uses just one local farm as his main source.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49After donning my protective overalls and hat,
0:13:49 > 0:13:53I went to get involved in some hands-on unmechanised cheesemaking.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Cheddaring is a continual process of manipulating the curd.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Cutting it, turning it, piling it up and pressing it.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05All this to ensure the maximum amount of whey is removed.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06It's got an amazing texture.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- It's like when I overcook my scrambled eggs.- Yes.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12But you can see the difference in texture straightaway.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15So you do your cheddaring, then...?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Then you mill the cheese,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20which is ripping it up into small bits
0:14:20 > 0:14:23so you can distribute salt in it.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27It then gets shovelled into the moulds and then on to the press.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30That stays there overnight and then we take it out
0:14:30 > 0:14:32and we dip them in hot water.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Then the next day you take them out and you dress them in muslin.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38And then you put them back on the press again.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40And then the next day you take them out,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43you cover them with butter or lard and then they go in the store.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Some of the Cheddar cheese here is matured in the caves of Cheddar Gorge,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50just as local cheesemakers did centuries ago.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56Why on earth are you storing it in a damp, dark cave?
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Because what you really want is a constant temperature,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01which the caves give us.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04But you also want as high a humidity as you can get.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07So the water dripping through the limestone
0:15:07 > 0:15:10gives us virtually 100% humidity all year round.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15If I try this one, you'll probably find you get different textures coming out. So...
0:15:16 > 0:15:18Just break a bit off. That's it.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26It had a tang straightaway before I got the mature taste as well.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29You don't just get one flavour, you get another flavour and another flavour.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31That is the unpasteurised milk.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34It is a fascinating process and a rather tasty one as well.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Thank you very much for your time. - You are more than welcome. - See you again.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49For our next house we're heading nine miles west
0:15:49 > 0:15:50to the village of Langford.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Less than four miles from the property
0:15:52 > 0:15:56lies they attractive village of Kingston St Mary.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58It's home to a thriving local community.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Our second house is just a short drive away,
0:16:01 > 0:16:04set in an acre of secluded private gardens.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07The official front door is at the side of the house,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10but I wanted to get your first impressions from what I think
0:16:10 > 0:16:12is the best vantage point of the house.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Very nice. Lovely little courtyard square.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18Yep. That is included as well.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21- Interesting.- That is a completely self-contained annexe.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25I'll show you that later on. Could you live in a house like this?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- It's not doing much for me.- What do you think, Ross?- I actually like it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Yes?- I actually like it. I like the colour. I think it's nice.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34The house is Grade II listed.
0:16:34 > 0:16:36It was built in 1650
0:16:36 > 0:16:39and the second storey was added in the Victorian era.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43It features stone walls and the now tiled roof used to be thatched.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Inside the sitting room, the timber clad walls
0:16:46 > 0:16:49lend an authentically rustic feel to the property.
0:16:49 > 0:16:55- So a very different living arrangement to the first house.- Yes.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- I wasn't imagining it to be quite so big. A nice room.- It was two rooms.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03You can see the difference in the floor. You've got that lovely wooden flooring there.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05- Look at the fireplace. - Fantastic fireplace.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09- That is almost inglenook, isn't it? - This is a very nice room.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- So compare this with the living room in the first house.- Yes.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15- This is...- No comparison.- Better? - Yes.- It is, isn't it?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It's kind of what we were looking for.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The ample living area and adjoining dining room
0:17:21 > 0:17:23leads directly through to the kitchen.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25I'm getting a mixed vibe from Ross and Kate so far,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28so will the kitchen impress?
0:17:28 > 0:17:29It's small.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- I'm just thinking, obviously our kitchen table wouldn't go in.- No.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- But does your kitchen table not go in the dining room? - It can do, I suppose.- It would do.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40This was a farmhouse. It was built as a single-storey farmhouse.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- Kitchens would not have been big.- No. - So what would you rather,
0:17:43 > 0:17:45that big lounge dining room and a smaller kitchen
0:17:45 > 0:17:48or a big kitchen diner and a smaller living room?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- The room bigger in there, yes. - Absolutely.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Also on the ground floor is a utility room which comes with a quirky
0:17:56 > 0:17:59but invaluable addition of a dog bath for Banksy.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03It also features a study, which could provide the perfect space
0:18:03 > 0:18:05for Kate and Ross to run their business.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08The main family bathroom lies just off the study.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13Upstairs, three guest bedrooms, two double and one single,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15share a shower room.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17A study can also be converted to a bedroom.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21And finally, there is the master bedroom with an en suite bathroom.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Mind your step coming in there. Look at this lovely bedroom.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- Wow!- Cracking.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It's like a ship's hull. It's good. Good size.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33The en suite looks pretty nice.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- A decent size, isn't it? - A huge en suite.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37The actual structure is beautiful.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39The beams are stunning, the floor is stunning.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42- So the big things are really positive.- All right.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45We'll have a quick look into the annexe
0:18:45 > 0:18:47and then we'll go out to the garden.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48OK.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52I'm really hoping that Kate's growing appreciation
0:18:52 > 0:18:54of this property continues.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57I think what I'm about to show her might do exactly that.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- It's a whole other house. - That's exactly what it is.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05You've got a separate kitchen, bedroom, bathroom.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09Obviously this living room. You've got a little conservatory off.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- It's a very good size annexe. - It is, yes.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14This is our idea for your extra income.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17The thing I'm not so keen on is the fact it overlooks
0:19:17 > 0:19:20your quite private garden, which makes it not private.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23OK. So maybe you could do something with that.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Shield that off a little bit, have a little foregarden here, make that garden smaller,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30because I'm about to show you an amazing garden over there.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- Wow.- Amazing.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35The house comes with a secluded garden
0:19:35 > 0:19:38featuring a pond and a vegetable patch.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41All this could be an ideal location for the couple's glamping business.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44This garden just keeps on going and going.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It goes right to the bottom of those trees there.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- It's stunning.- It's enormous.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53But because it's secluded, you could even have people glamping here, couldn't you?
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Yes, you could.- How much is this house on the market for?
0:19:57 > 0:19:58495.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- 495, OK. Ross?- 525.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Yes, well...
0:20:05 > 0:20:07You are in for a bit of a shock.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11This place is on the market for offers in excess of £600,000.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12OK.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17With a guide price £50,000 below Ross and Kate's budget,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20this detached Grade II listed house
0:20:20 > 0:20:22offers many beautiful period features.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Its four bedrooms and three bathrooms
0:20:25 > 0:20:27would allow the family to stay.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Kate could develop her cooking skills in the kitchen,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34while the charming detached cottage and secluded gardens of an acre
0:20:34 > 0:20:37could act as the launchpad for a hospitality business.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40I'm quite confused by my reactions to house two.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42Although I love the house and I love the garden,
0:20:42 > 0:20:44they don't join up properly for me.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46I am just not quite getting it.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49I think I need to wave a magic wand to try and get Kate
0:20:49 > 0:20:52to be a little bit more sympathetic towards the house.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56It's quite some door, isn't it?
0:20:56 > 0:21:00That was rescued from a local abbey when Cromwell came to destroy it.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- Wow.- Quite a bit of history here, isn't there?- Yes.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06So overall, how does it compare with the first house?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- Something to think about?- Something to think about, definitely.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12- Definitely.- I think you like it more, don't you?
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- Discuss it over dinner tonight. That's all we're going to look at today. Let's go back.- Right.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23Ross seemed quite taken with that property, as was I,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26but I'm surprised that it used to be thatched.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28Fairly unique house that, wasn't it?
0:21:28 > 0:21:32But it can be quite tricky in some circumstances changing the roof covering on a house like that,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34say, from thatched to tile or slate.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36You always need to get the right permission.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40But when you consider there are 30,000 or so thatched properties in England,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42some 24,000 of them are listed and that alone means
0:21:42 > 0:21:46that if you're trying to make any kind of change to the roof covering,
0:21:46 > 0:21:48you're going to have to go through the right channels.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51It can be hard, for example, just changing from straw to reed.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Clearly a property with a fascinating past,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but let's get back to some house hunting in Somerset
0:21:56 > 0:21:59and remind ourselves of my buyers and what they were looking for.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05In stark contrast to Somerset's tranquil rural landscape, is
0:22:05 > 0:22:10the Oval in South London, where David and Colin currently call home.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13They moved in here four years ago after their relationship
0:22:13 > 0:22:16was cemented by a rather ambitious road trip.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18I had a car out in Kathmandu
0:22:18 > 0:22:22and the time had come to bring it back to England.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24So we spent three and a half months
0:22:24 > 0:22:27driving from Kathmandu back to London.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29It's one of those types of trips
0:22:29 > 0:22:31where it will either make or break a relationship.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37And fortunately, we survived the trip.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41As well as being an intrepid traveller, David is quite a collector.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45Wine and vintage maps and atlases are his main focus,
0:22:45 > 0:22:47but recently he has rekindled a passion
0:22:47 > 0:22:51for a slightly less conveniently sized collectable.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55I first discovered player pianos when I was at school
0:22:55 > 0:22:59and I found it fascinating that you could just make music
0:22:59 > 0:23:01by pedalling away with the paper roll going around.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06I've recently acquired a grand player piano
0:23:06 > 0:23:07and I've just bought an organ.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11I'm about to acquire another player piano
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and there simply isn't room here for all these pianos.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17Colin is going to find himself busy in the garden
0:23:17 > 0:23:21because David has lined up some large-scale landscaping plans.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25My garden at the moment is probably one of the smallest in London.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30So there is extremely limited scope for doing anything.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34I have learnt a lot about plants in my travels
0:23:34 > 0:23:37and I want to put some of that into practice.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42They may have some big plans envisaged with this rural move,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45but it's the little things that are drawing them the most.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Just having birds around singing.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53There is a smell in the countryside as well
0:23:53 > 0:23:55that you just don't get in the city.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59For me, I suppose not having to rush around all the time.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04I don't know why you think you are going to be able to slow down!
0:24:10 > 0:24:13David and Colin are happy to look at properties
0:24:13 > 0:24:15anywhere within Somerset's borders.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18But before we kick off our countywide search,
0:24:18 > 0:24:21I am meeting up with them to hear more about their planned move.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Colin, David, welcome to Somerset.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27You have a wonderful collection of interests
0:24:27 > 0:24:30that you need to cram into this new home of yours.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Amongst them a collection of pianos.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- Yes.- And I gather plans for a snooker table.- Yes.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40David's got an interest in having a full-size snooker table,
0:24:40 > 0:24:44hence the need for quite large rooms.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46And, I gather, a wine cellar too.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I have a large collection of wine
0:24:48 > 0:24:52and if there isn't a cellar, then we will probably have to dig one!
0:24:53 > 0:24:57Give us an idea of bedrooms, because certainly what we are
0:24:57 > 0:25:00describing on the ground floor is going to have to be quite big.
0:25:00 > 0:25:03We are looking at a minimum of five bedrooms.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Whilst there's only the two of us,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09there is an extended family that needs to be accommodated.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12I know that outside space is really going to define this new home,
0:25:12 > 0:25:15because you are a passionate gardener, David.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19Yes. We need a big garden. At least a couple of acres.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21How much are you planning to spend?
0:25:21 > 0:25:23For the right property,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26we could probably push it up to just below a million.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Wow! Did you ever think you would be house hunting
0:25:28 > 0:25:30with a million quid in your pocket?
0:25:30 > 0:25:32No!
0:25:32 > 0:25:34So let's go and spend some money.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42With a very generous maximum budget of £1 million,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47David and Colin are hoping to find a large attached period house
0:25:47 > 0:25:49with a minimum of five bedrooms.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52At least three spacious reception rooms to house a snooker table
0:25:52 > 0:25:55and the pianos and a cellar would be a bonus.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59To fulfil David's gardening ambitions they would like a large garden,
0:25:59 > 0:26:03ideally with an acre or two of land and some kind of water feature.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12Our search begins in the hamlet of East Compton in the Mendips,
0:26:12 > 0:26:14on the edge of the Somerset Levels.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18There are handy amenities less than two miles away
0:26:18 > 0:26:19in the village of Pilton.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22For most of the year there is a gentle pace
0:26:22 > 0:26:24and peaceful ambience here,
0:26:24 > 0:26:28but for a few days in early summer as many as 180,000 revellers
0:26:28 > 0:26:32are drawn to the village for the world famous Glastonbury music festival,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36which has been held on a farm just outside Pilton since the early 1970s.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Our first offering is just a few minutes' drive away,
0:26:40 > 0:26:43and if Colin and David choose to buy it,
0:26:43 > 0:26:45they qualify for free festival tickets
0:26:45 > 0:26:48for as long as they lived here.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52Here we are, property number one. What do you think, Colin?
0:26:52 > 0:26:56Very nice. It's quite a substantial-looking building.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59You wanted a sense of Georgian and those Georgian proportions.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03It's got this lovely symmetry about it. David, what do you reckon?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05It's got lovely big windows.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- I think it's going to be really light inside.- Come on.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Let's see what do you think.- OK.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15This sizeable Georgian home, which was originally a farmhouse,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18is Grade II listed and has recently been fully renovated.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Let's start with this.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23One of your reception rooms. What do you think?
0:27:23 > 0:27:27It's a very pleasant, what I call a cosy room.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29I think it could make a very nice study.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33It could make a lovely study, although you have another room next
0:27:33 > 0:27:36door which is currently the study, which is not short on space either.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- Right.- And the kitchen diner is through here.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Look at these gorgeous floors.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Yes. Wow! Those are flagstones and a half, aren't they?
0:27:47 > 0:27:51I don't think I've ever seen such a big flagstone as that.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- Our table would certainly fit in here!- Yes.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Come and have a look at the rest of it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01The kitchen. Nice contemporary feel, dominated obviously by the huge island there.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Lots and lots of storage.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06Through there you've got an enormous utility room.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10And then through that door there is the other further living room
0:28:10 > 0:28:13which they have currently got as a media room.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17But maybe that is your music room, I don't know.
0:28:17 > 0:28:18Could be. Could be.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23- So what do we think so far of property number one?- So far so good.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26We do need the snooker room, though. That is a bit of a crucial point.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Well, there is one other element that I know is as important
0:28:29 > 0:28:32as the snooker room, and that is the wine cellar.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34Look at this. A gorgeous cellar for you.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- Big enough?- That is definitely big enough.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46It feels like the perfect temperature.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51Also on the ground floor, coming off the main part of the house
0:28:51 > 0:28:54that we've just seen, is a completely self-contained annexe.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58It's linked to the house by an attractive garden room
0:28:58 > 0:29:04and has its own kitchen, living room, bathroom and two bedrooms.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Upstairs there are six double bedrooms.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10That's one more than they asked for.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15One is currently being used as a study and two of them have en suites.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18One with a shower and the other with a rolltop bath.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23We have saved this one until last
0:29:23 > 0:29:27because the owners currently use it as their master bedroom.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29It doesn't have an en suite,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32but what it does have is, over the landing there's a separate bathroom.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Is this a house that you feel comfortable in?
0:29:35 > 0:29:37I definitely feel comfortable in it, yes.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40I'm just a little worried at the moment it might be a bit small.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- A bit small?!- A bit small. - Really?- Yes.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49Small is one word I wouldn't use to describe this property
0:29:49 > 0:29:51and there is more space to it.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54On the floor above there are two large attic rooms
0:29:54 > 0:29:56that could be converted into living areas.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00And I'm hoping there is enough to inspire chief gardener David outside,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02where there's a large lawned area,
0:30:02 > 0:30:06mature shrubs and trees and a beautiful apple orchard
0:30:06 > 0:30:08that runs alongside the sweeping private driveway.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12All in all, you've got three acres,
0:30:12 > 0:30:16so hopefully a fair amount of scope for your gardening ambitions.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19And in the meantime, there's lots of apples.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21There's lots of apples, lots of cider to be had.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24But what do we think property number one is on the market for?
0:30:24 > 0:30:29- Who is going to go first?- I'll go first. I'm going to go at 825.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- David.- I'm going to go a bit of lower at 800,000.
0:30:32 > 0:30:37Well, there is, I'm afraid, no easy way to say this.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39It's on the market for one million.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- One million!- One million.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Right at the top of the maximum budget, this grand
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Grade II listed Georgian home may not have a full-size snooker table
0:30:49 > 0:30:52room, but it does have plenty of space for a player piano
0:30:52 > 0:30:56in one of the three generous reception rooms.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59It has a large cellar for David's wine collection, and in the main
0:30:59 > 0:31:03part of the house there are six bedrooms with two more in the annexe.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And outside, there are three acres of land,
0:31:06 > 0:31:09which includes that wonderful orchard.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20Along Somerset's superb coastline are a string of sandy beaches.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23One of the most popular is at Weston-super-Mare, which,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26by the Edwardian period, had evolved from a fishing village
0:31:26 > 0:31:30into one of the West Country's most booming beach resorts.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33It still offers the classic seaside attractions, but in the last
0:31:33 > 0:31:36eight years, thanks to the special properties of the Weston-based
0:31:36 > 0:31:40sand, it's added another reason for beach-goers to flock here.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43An international sand sculpting festival.
0:31:43 > 0:31:47And Nicola Wood is the festival's chief organiser.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50What is it about the sand here at Weston that makes it
0:31:50 > 0:31:53- usable for these beautiful creations? - A few things, really.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56It's got just the right consistency - there's just the right
0:31:56 > 0:31:59amount of silt and mud and dirt in there to help bind it together.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03The shape of the grain has still got straight edges, despite the fact
0:32:03 > 0:32:06it's washed back and forth by the tide, so that makes it stronger.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10Now, many people will think there must be something under the sand that is doing the work
0:32:10 > 0:32:12of actually holding the whole thing together, but no.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Yes, that is a common misconception. We have people think there is
0:32:15 > 0:32:20framework or even that we mix cement in with it, but it is not true.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23It really is just sand and water.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Aside from having the right kind of sand, what makes these sculptures
0:32:26 > 0:32:29so deceptively strong is the preparation.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32The granules are so tightly packed that the sculptures can
0:32:32 > 0:32:35withstand the elements to a certain extent.
0:32:35 > 0:32:36But throughout the seasons,
0:32:36 > 0:32:40sculptors are on hand every day to do any necessary repairs.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Each year a different theme is chosen,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46and with this season being Once Upon A Time,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50Nicola has recruited me to help make Cinderella's pumpkin.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- There we are, it is organic. - It is very organic.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54THEY LAUGH
0:32:55 > 0:32:59Now we need to take away any sand that is not pumpkin, really.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02So following the lines that you've created,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04we can just slice away.
0:33:04 > 0:33:10We can rub out some of these lumps and bumps, make it nice and smooth.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13We'll give it a little bit of a dust off, get rid of all those crumbs.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16Oh, it is filthy, this pumpkin. Look at the state of it.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18SHE LAUGHS
0:33:18 > 0:33:22If we cut away a V down each groove like that...
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- Yeah.- And then we can...
0:33:25 > 0:33:27round it into itself.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Sand sculpting is not just about taking sand away, we can
0:33:30 > 0:33:33also add sand to it, and that's how we will do the stalk.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39'Details like the stalk for this pumpkin are created by adding
0:33:39 > 0:33:44- 'layers of very wet sand.' - One more.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48'They form a structure that can then be moulded into the desired shape.'
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Congratulations, Jules, your first sand sculpture.
0:33:54 > 0:33:58Well, I am delighted that it has turned out, if I might say, so well.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Very good.- Thank you very much.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09SHEEP BLEATS
0:34:09 > 0:34:12For the second stop on our search, we journey 28 miles west, to the
0:34:12 > 0:34:17village of Enmore, which lies at the foot of the Quantock Hills.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20The village has two decent pubs, its own well-regarded
0:34:20 > 0:34:23championship golf course, and the school here, which was
0:34:23 > 0:34:28founded in 1810, is believed to be the first free school in the country.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Just on the outskirts of the village,
0:34:30 > 0:34:34at the end of a wonderfully private driveway, is our second property.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36A converted farm building.
0:34:36 > 0:34:41Well, lads, I think property number two really is all about setting.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44I mean, look at that. You wanted a water feature, Colin.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46Yes, we certainly got the water feature,
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- and a stream leading down into it. - You have indeed.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Now, let's focus on the property. There you are.
0:34:53 > 0:34:58- It has got a stunning presence. - Is it a "wow" in your book?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It is. From this side, it is definitely a "wow".
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Come and have a look inside. Let's see what it offers you.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09This converted pig barn, which is made of local Quantock stone,
0:35:09 > 0:35:11is thought to be just over 100 years old
0:35:11 > 0:35:14and was converted in the mid-1990s.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- Come on in.- Thank you.- What do we think of all this, then?- Oh.
0:35:18 > 0:35:23- Double height. Very nice. - Yeah. Let's start in here.
0:35:23 > 0:35:24Well, fellas.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- What about this, then?- This is nice. - This is a big kitchen.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32- And then you've got the doors to the patio outside, so...- Yeah.
0:35:32 > 0:35:33..it's straight out into the garden,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- which is much more natural, to me. - So far, so good.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39So far, so good. Right, let's go through to the living room.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40- Have a look at this.- OK.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47There. THEY LAUGH
0:35:47 > 0:35:50This is a really nice room with, I think,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53the biggest fireplace I've ever seen! Can we climb in?
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- It's enormous, isn't it?- It is.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- This is impressive.- It's huge.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01Look at your face, Colin! It's brilliant.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I mean, the whole thing is designed to really make
0:36:04 > 0:36:07the best of the main event, which is obviously the view and the lake
0:36:07 > 0:36:09and the gardens.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Through those double doors, you've got round about half the size of this.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- Right.- Perhaps a little more informal, more of a snug.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20It certainly works for me as a living room.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23Mm. Yeah.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25It does.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27Well, a great reaction so far.
0:36:27 > 0:36:32I think the layout of this place really seems to suit our buyers.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34Upstairs doesn't have the five bedrooms they've requested,
0:36:34 > 0:36:39but there is a way around that, which we'll investigate a little bit later.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41At the top of the stairs,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44the galleried landing opens out onto a wonderful little balcony.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Then off one side of the landing, there's a family shower room
0:36:48 > 0:36:52and two of the four bedrooms, which are both of a decent size.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54On the other side of the landing, there's another bedroom
0:36:54 > 0:36:57that has an en suite bathroom.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01And then this is the master and this is the master bedroom's en suite.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06- Hey! - THEY LAUGH
0:37:06 > 0:37:07Tres elegant! THEY LAUGH
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Very grand. Yes.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11It's good fun, it's positively decadent.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13And the bedroom itself is here.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20- It's a nice size.- And it's dual aspect, which is always good.- Mm.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23And I think, compared to what we showed you in our first property,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27I think this, as a master suite, definitely works much more.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- This works better. - Oh, absolutely, yes, yes.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34I'm wondering if the appeal of this place has distracted them
0:37:34 > 0:37:38from the fact that there isn't yet a snooker room in here.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42However, outside, across the car parking area, is a second barn that
0:37:42 > 0:37:46was converted in 2006 as a dedicated entertainment zone.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48Well, boys.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Now this answers the question of the snooker table!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52THEY LAUGH
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- There is a games room!- How about it?
0:37:55 > 0:37:58And behind that screen is a kind of gym area, but, to be honest,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- you could have more pianos, I suppose.- You could.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Now, we haven't got you the wine cellar here.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04But we have got you the bar.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- Yes.- That's very welcome.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08It is all a bit of give and take, isn't it?
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- And above us is a dedicated media room.- Uh-huh.
0:38:12 > 0:38:15- With a projector and screen and all the rest of it.- Ah.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Now, you have only got four bedrooms next door.- Yes.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22You could, in theory, convert that into a guest suite.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25- Because there is also, in there, a loo.- Right.
0:38:25 > 0:38:30- So all the plumbing is here, you can slot an en suite in up there.- Yeah.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Plenty of options here.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Well, there is just one more thing to tackle,
0:38:34 > 0:38:36and that the sticky issue of price.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39- Right.- Yes? Let's go down to the lake, come on.- OK.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46The land that comes with this property, I think, is exceptional.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49As well as the beautifully landscaped garden, there's a large orchard
0:38:49 > 0:38:53which I'm told in early spring is ablaze with daffodils.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56And behind the house, there's a meadow with some mature trees
0:38:56 > 0:38:59and of course there's a stunning pond, which has
0:38:59 > 0:39:01a wonderful summerhouse perched at its edge.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Isn't this just beautiful?- It is. It's a lovely, lovely view.
0:39:07 > 0:39:12- Now, in terms of land, in all, it's about five acres.- Five acres?
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- That's a nice chunk of land. - It's a great chunk of land.- Yeah.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18But what's it worth, David?
0:39:18 > 0:39:22- I'm going to guess 850,000.- 850.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I think this is nearer the top end of our budget,
0:39:25 > 0:39:27round about the 900 mark.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32900? This is on the market now for £895,000.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- Certainly gives us something to think about.- It certainly does.
0:39:38 > 0:39:43£105,000 below David and Colin's maximum budget,
0:39:43 > 0:39:45this beautifully converted farm building has a generous
0:39:45 > 0:39:48kitchen-diner and an impressive living room,
0:39:48 > 0:39:52large enough to take at least one of David's player pianos.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Upstairs, there are only four bedrooms,
0:39:54 > 0:39:57but there is scope for a fifth in a large converted outbuilding,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00where there's also that all-important snooker room.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03There isn't an existing cellar, but there's plenty of scope to
0:40:03 > 0:40:06create one in the gorgeous five-acre grounds.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15Jules, that second property with the lake, absolutely stunning!
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Amazing.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18But your house-hunters underestimated
0:40:18 > 0:40:21the value of the first house. Never a good sign.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Never a good sign.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25The truth is, they hadn't really grasped the value of the area.
0:40:25 > 0:40:28I mean, the Mendips is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31You've got Wells and Glastonbury on the doorstep...
0:40:31 > 0:40:33It's a real property hot spot.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35And the average house price down there is about £350,000,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- that's 20% higher than the rest of the county average.- Yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42I think it's justifiably expensive - the villages, the towns there,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44they're absolutely stunning, aren't they?
0:40:44 > 0:40:47- But moving back to my house-hunters, Ross and Kate...- Mm-hm?
0:40:47 > 0:40:51..they had a budget - not quite as big as yours, £650,000 -
0:40:51 > 0:40:54and they were moving from Crouch End in London over to Somerset.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59Our third and final Mystery House lies 4.5 miles
0:40:59 > 0:41:03south of Glastonbury, in the centre of the village of Butleigh.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Butleigh is a picturesque and highly sought-after community,
0:41:06 > 0:41:09featuring thatched and stone homes and a host of amenities,
0:41:09 > 0:41:13including a shop and post office, a village primary school
0:41:13 > 0:41:16and a very popular pub.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Now, I'm not sure you'd use this as your everyday entrance,
0:41:19 > 0:41:22but I wanted to show you the house from the best possible angle.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26- Look at that.- It's superb, isn't it?- That is lovely.- Very pretty.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29It's nice and symmetrical, pretty stone...
0:41:29 > 0:41:31Dating back to around 1865.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- OK.- Can you guess why this is the Mystery House at the moment?
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- It's probably not got the land that the other ones have had, or... - Spot on.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Yeah.- This is your garden.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43- That's it, that's it. - Not massive.- No.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- It's not the LAND you wanted. - No, the house more important.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50- So, you like the look of it? - BOTH: Yes.- Yes, definitely.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- Shall we go inside?- Yes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56So far, Kate and Ross are responding surprisingly positively
0:41:56 > 0:41:57to the Mystery House.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01But what they don't know yet is that it contains a special feature that I'm hoping
0:42:01 > 0:42:05will convince them that Butleigh should be their new country home.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08But I'm saving that till last.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- Let's start off with the main living room.- Yeah, I like it.- A nice room.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15It's nice - nice windows, nice floor.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19It's probably the most traditional style and shaped living room
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- we've seen out of the three, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24But I like that. I like, again, the symmetry of it, windows,
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- front and back...- Excellent start.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30All right, let's keep to the ground floor - kitchen next.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Let me just squeeze through here, Kate. Thanks.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38So, this is the room where I think would become your
0:42:38 > 0:42:43- main, everyday dining kitchen.- Yes. - Yeah, it's nice.- Very nice.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46Very different style of fireplace.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- Now, here's your project, Kate! - Ah! Yes.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52- Yes. There's a project. - Good-sized room.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I'd make it into a big kitchen-dining room.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57All the white goods can be out of the way, you've got a good,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01full-sized pantry next door as well and you've got a ground-floor loo.
0:43:01 > 0:43:03Of course, you said you'd be prepared to do some work,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06and here, you're not fazed.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09Upstairs, you've got four bedrooms upstairs.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- And again, I think they need a bit of TLC.- OK.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- That's more stuff you for you to do. - Which sounds good.
0:43:15 > 0:43:17I'd normally take you up there and talk you through it,
0:43:17 > 0:43:20but I'm very excited to show you something else.
0:43:20 > 0:43:22- And that is the enterprise element, if you like.- Ah.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25That is something for you to get your hands dirty with
0:43:25 > 0:43:29- in your retirement, to keep you busy. And that's out the back. - Great.
0:43:29 > 0:43:31- Take a look?- BOTH: Yes.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34Well, that was the reaction I was hoping for.
0:43:34 > 0:43:37And the Mystery House just keeps on giving.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40Between the main house and the adjoining buildings, there is
0:43:40 > 0:43:42a charming and secluded courtyard.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46Now, you might get jealous of your clients
0:43:46 > 0:43:48when you see this room.
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- Wow!- Cor. It's a lovely little room. - It's amazing.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- That's one fireplace, isn't it? - So this is a whole separate house?
0:43:54 > 0:43:57- Holiday let, yeah.- Do they let it as a holiday let at the moment?
0:43:57 > 0:43:59It's up and running -
0:43:59 > 0:44:00they've got clients coming...
0:44:00 > 0:44:02Is it older than the house over there?
0:44:02 > 0:44:06Yeah, this predates the house next door. This dates back some 500 years.
0:44:06 > 0:44:08I don't know about you but, you know,
0:44:08 > 0:44:09come away for the weekend...
0:44:09 > 0:44:11This is gorgeous, isn't it?
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- It's lovely.- I've GOT to show you this bedroom.- OK.
0:44:18 > 0:44:23- Now, I absolutely love this room. - THEY LAUGH
0:44:23 > 0:44:24Look at this, it's amazing!
0:44:24 > 0:44:26Yeah, it is.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29A really sort of good, romantic holiday cottage.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32As well as this romantic weekend bolthole,
0:44:32 > 0:44:35the Mystery House comes with two additional self-contained annexes.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39The first is a Grade II listed, one-bedroom Victorian rental cottage
0:44:39 > 0:44:43featuring a rustic lounge, complete with log-burning fireplace
0:44:43 > 0:44:48a beyond-bijou kitchen, double bedroom and compact bathroom.
0:44:48 > 0:44:53The other was a shop that's been converted into a one-bed studio apartment.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56Let's go outside to the courtyard, and it's not going to be easy,
0:44:56 > 0:44:59- but let's start thinking about price.- OK.- Mm.
0:45:01 > 0:45:03- So, you clearly both like it. - Definitely.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07Time to get to the price. How much do you think the Mystery House is on the market for?
0:45:07 > 0:45:09I would say...675.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11OK. Kate?
0:45:11 > 0:45:14I think it's more, I think there's so much potential here.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17I think it's more like...685.
0:45:17 > 0:45:20Well...I'll tell you.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23You're both rubbish at this game, but in the best possible way.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- Good!- This place is on the market for offers around £545,000.
0:45:27 > 0:45:30No! I can't believe that.
0:45:31 > 0:45:35On the market for £100,000 under their top budget,
0:45:35 > 0:45:37the change from the Mystery House could go towards renovations
0:45:37 > 0:45:40in the four-bedroomed property, and sprucing up
0:45:40 > 0:45:43the rental accommodation to make it even more desirable.
0:45:43 > 0:45:47The entire property was well received and though it lacks land,
0:45:47 > 0:45:49its location in the heart of a thriving village
0:45:49 > 0:45:53means that Kate and Ross will be at the centre of their community.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- Now, then, all done inside? - Yes, great.- Yes.
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- There's so much to look at, isn't there?- Yeah.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03- Have you redesigned any of the bedrooms?- All of them.- Good.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07- The whole house.- So, something to think about, finally.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Let me find you somewhere to have a bit of a confab
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- and we'll meet up later on. How's that?- Yeah, perfect.- Let's go.
0:46:20 > 0:46:23Well, after two good properties yesterday, I'm assuming
0:46:23 > 0:46:26there's a firm favourite that you can both agree on.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29- I'm thinking it's the Mystery House? - That's correct.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:46:29 > 0:46:31- Definitely.- Definitely.
0:46:31 > 0:46:34- So what is it about the Mystery House that you both like so much, then?- Everything about it.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37It looked great from the first image - nice village,
0:46:37 > 0:46:40good position. The garden, as it was, was perfectly formed, not big,
0:46:40 > 0:46:43but then there was all the potential of the holiday lets, and also
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- the house needed a bit of work, which we actually want to do. - Mm.- Yeah.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50When we first came down here, we thought land was more important than the business side of things,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53and clearly the Mystery House showed
0:46:53 > 0:46:56that wasn't correct and we have changed our minds on that.
0:46:56 > 0:46:57So, what's the next step for you both?
0:46:57 > 0:47:00- Clearly, we'd like to go back and see it again.- Good.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02And we've probably got a couple of things we have to clear up
0:47:02 > 0:47:06in London, and then it would be nice to try make some kind of offer.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08- That's amazing news!- We're 100%, aren't we?- Yeah.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10We can certainly see ourselves living there.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14Well, all that's left for me to do, then, is wish you the very best of luck.
0:47:14 > 0:47:17- Do please let me know how you get on, won't you?- Will do.- Definitely.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- Thanks very much.- Pleasure. - Thank you.
0:47:22 > 0:47:25Well, that seemed to go pretty well! They loved that Mystery House.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28But it can so often happen on Escape To The Country.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30The mystery property can challenge
0:47:30 > 0:47:33people's preconceptions of must-haves.
0:47:33 > 0:47:35But I always think it's well worth throwing in a wild card.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38What might not seem quite right on paper,
0:47:38 > 0:47:41once people get there in the flesh of formal viewing, the charms
0:47:41 > 0:47:44can materialise into something that will really win them over.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48Well, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with Kate and Ross later on in the show.
0:47:48 > 0:47:51But in the meantime, let's go back to my house search with David and Colin.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53They were moving from London to Somerset with a
0:47:53 > 0:47:55very generous £1 million to spend.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58For our final destination,
0:47:58 > 0:48:01we're travelling to the picturesque village of Cossington,
0:48:01 > 0:48:05which is situated on the northern slopes of the Polden Hills.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09The village has a recently built hall, a popular pub and
0:48:09 > 0:48:11a 13th-century church which houses commemorations
0:48:11 > 0:48:14to two parishioners who, during the 16th century,
0:48:14 > 0:48:18were Lord and Lady of a manor that stood right next door to the church.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21And that manor house, which was rebuilt in later years,
0:48:21 > 0:48:24just happens to be our Mystery House.
0:48:24 > 0:48:25This is amazing.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29I think that's a pretty nice Mystery House.
0:48:29 > 0:48:30So why is it our Mystery House?
0:48:30 > 0:48:33- Well, technically, it's a semi. - Right.
0:48:34 > 0:48:39But you get the lion's share of this beautiful manor house.
0:48:39 > 0:48:44- Everything from those first bay windows to our right here.- Right.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48It's a stunning building. It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50And the roses and the wisteria
0:48:50 > 0:48:53and the other plants really make it look even better.
0:48:53 > 0:48:55OK, it's a semi.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58But I think we can live with that.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00It's a semi with six bedrooms.
0:49:00 > 0:49:01THEY LAUGH
0:49:03 > 0:49:07The house dates from around 1840, so it's early Victorian.
0:49:07 > 0:49:10But there's been a building here since the 11th century and the site
0:49:10 > 0:49:15is thought to have been a meeting place for the Abbots of Glastonbury.
0:49:15 > 0:49:20Well, how about this for making a statement in an entrance?
0:49:20 > 0:49:22This is amazing.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25- That is a very grand entrance hall. - THEY LAUGH
0:49:25 > 0:49:29Isn't it? They've got it as a dining area at the moment.
0:49:29 > 0:49:32But would your mini grand fit in here?
0:49:32 > 0:49:36It would fit in here, but it might be a better place for an upright.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37So it'd house maybe one instrument?
0:49:37 > 0:49:40- It'd definitely house one instrument.- Yes.- Yes.- Right.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42Let's see if the mini grand will go in here.
0:49:44 > 0:49:47- Ah! Just like that one? - Like that one, yeah!
0:49:47 > 0:49:48HE LAUGHS
0:49:48 > 0:49:52- But we have also measured this in terms of your snooker table.- Right.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55This room is 25 by 18, so you could...
0:49:55 > 0:49:59- That could work, yeah. - ..have your snooker table in here.
0:49:59 > 0:50:01I'm pretty sure that will work.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04And it leads us on nicely to the kitchen, which is through here.
0:50:07 > 0:50:10- There we are, chaps.- Another island. - Another island, yeah.
0:50:10 > 0:50:13Not the biggest one we've been able to show you in terms of,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15it's not a kitchen-diner.
0:50:15 > 0:50:17No, I think this kitchen would work fine for us, actually.
0:50:17 > 0:50:21Let's continue across the hallway into the living room.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27So this is the main, formal living room at the moment, I suppose.
0:50:27 > 0:50:31- Could we fit an instrument in here? - Yes, I'm quite sure we can.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34The baby grand, actually, would go well against that wall.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39That would release the space in the other living room for snooker.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42Yes! Hey-hey! Excellent, it's all coming together.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44Right, let's go through to the garden room.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48A very hot garden room today.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Yes, it's quite a grand conservatory.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54But I'm wondering if this would also act as your dining room, maybe.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57That certainly would be an option.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59- Yeah?- I would very much like eating in here.
0:51:01 > 0:51:04There are two more floors to this property. We're going to take
0:51:04 > 0:51:08a look at the first floor where there is a shower room and three bedrooms.
0:51:08 > 0:51:11The smallest of the three has bespoke built-in storage
0:51:11 > 0:51:13and there is a really generous double
0:51:13 > 0:51:16that's currently being used as a study.
0:51:16 > 0:51:20Unusually, we're coming into the master bedroom via its en suite.
0:51:20 > 0:51:24Shower and bath in there, a whirlpool bath, as well,
0:51:24 > 0:51:27and then this is the main bedroom.
0:51:27 > 0:51:28Very nice.
0:51:28 > 0:51:31- A nice size.- Very nice. Yes, this is a lovely room.
0:51:31 > 0:51:33On the floor above this one,
0:51:33 > 0:51:37there are another three bedrooms, making a total of six.
0:51:38 > 0:51:42There's also a family bathroom and yet another reception room
0:51:42 > 0:51:45which could be the perfect spot to house David's map collection.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47There, there.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49This is nice.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52- There is the formal gardens.- Yes.
0:51:52 > 0:51:55Outside, the garden has been kept in immaculate condition
0:51:55 > 0:51:58by the current owners who, over the years, have hosted
0:51:58 > 0:52:00regular music and theatre events here,
0:52:00 > 0:52:03using a charming outdoor stage.
0:52:03 > 0:52:05Now, look at this.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07You've got a pool! How about that?
0:52:07 > 0:52:10It goes on giving! This is totally unexpected.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13I thought this was going to be a vegetable garden.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15But there IS one.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18- It's alongside the tennis court which is just over there.- What?!
0:52:18 > 0:52:21- Yeah, the tennis court is right there.- The mind is boggling slightly.
0:52:21 > 0:52:23JULES CHUCKLES
0:52:23 > 0:52:26What's our Mystery House on the market for then, Colin?
0:52:26 > 0:52:31I'm thinking it's at least going to be £900,000,
0:52:31 > 0:52:35- but it wouldn't surprise me if it's more.- David?
0:52:35 > 0:52:37Now, this time I'm going above Colin.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39I reckon it's very close to our max.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43I'm going to say 990.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46This is on the market for 895,000.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48That's surprising.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55This beautiful historic manor house is also £105,000
0:52:55 > 0:52:57below David and Colin's top budget.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01Despite being semidetached, it offers plenty of space,
0:53:01 > 0:53:04including four large reception rooms, a grand entrance hall
0:53:04 > 0:53:07and six bedrooms, so there's more than enough room
0:53:07 > 0:53:12for their pianos, maps, snooker table and visiting family.
0:53:12 > 0:53:16Outside, in the exquisite one-acre garden, there's a tennis court,
0:53:16 > 0:53:20a swimming pool and a stage where one of David's pianos could be set
0:53:20 > 0:53:22up for summertime musical soirees.
0:53:22 > 0:53:24If you'd given me this specification on paper,
0:53:24 > 0:53:26we probably would have said no.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30But having seen it, it is definitely a contender.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33It's not quite what we've been looking for,
0:53:33 > 0:53:34in that it's semidetached
0:53:34 > 0:53:37but, really, you would hardly notice that.
0:53:37 > 0:53:39How are we doing, chaps?
0:53:39 > 0:53:42- We're doing very well, thank you. - Typical, finding you on the stage.
0:53:42 > 0:53:43I couldn't resist it.
0:53:43 > 0:53:47I've never acted in my life, would you believe, so it was worth a try.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50But I suppose the burning question is,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53is our Mystery House to be, or not to be?
0:53:53 > 0:53:56- That is the question. - That is a very good question.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59We've spoilt you with three fabulous properties this week,
0:53:59 > 0:54:03so let's go and give them their due consideration, shall we?
0:54:03 > 0:54:04- Yeah.- OK.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15- How are we, then?- We are very well, thank you.- Well...
0:54:15 > 0:54:18This is a nice treat, isn't it? A cream tea, glorious sunshine...
0:54:18 > 0:54:21- Yeah.- Where are we at the moment, then?
0:54:21 > 0:54:24Well, the first house was a nice house
0:54:24 > 0:54:27but somehow the layout didn't really work for me.
0:54:27 > 0:54:32Then we took you to property two, that fabulous converted piggery.
0:54:32 > 0:54:37The grounds and the lake, they were just right.
0:54:37 > 0:54:41Given that it was a conversion, it really worked for me.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45Then this morning we set out to our wonderful Mystery House,
0:54:45 > 0:54:47our six-bedroomed semi.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49Absolutely, and that was a big surprise.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52The house really worked.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55I think the benefit of having the second floor,
0:54:55 > 0:54:59plus a room which is big enough for the snooker table,
0:54:59 > 0:55:01really made it for us.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03We have to give that house serious consideration.
0:55:03 > 0:55:08The rooms were spacious, nice heights, nice features.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10So the Mystery House is your favourite.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13You're going to go back and have another look at it.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15I'm pretty sure we're going to go and have another look.
0:55:15 > 0:55:18- We'll let you know what happens. - Well, here's to you.
0:55:18 > 0:55:21In the meantime, look, you can enjoy our cream tea.
0:55:21 > 0:55:22- Wonderful.- Thank you.
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Why not? There we go.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Jules, that mystery property, it just went on and on.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35The tennis courts, the swimming pool, it was something else.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37To be honest, mate, I think they were a little overwhelmed by it.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39It had so much and, to be fair,
0:55:39 > 0:55:42they did go back for a second viewing. But, of course, technically,
0:55:42 > 0:55:47technically, it was a semi and they had said that was a no-no.
0:55:47 > 0:55:50Let's be honest, if we'd taken them at their word we wouldn't have shown
0:55:50 > 0:55:53it to them and they wouldn't have had the chance to even consider it.
0:55:53 > 0:55:56I mean, "semidetached" sometimes can just be a label, can't it?
0:55:56 > 0:55:58You can also save so much money if you look at that option.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00In Somerset it can save you up to 40%.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02Yeah, certainly well worth thinking about.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05But there is light at the end of the tunnel.
0:56:05 > 0:56:10They decided to expand their search area to see
0:56:10 > 0:56:13if they could get even more for their already generous budget
0:56:13 > 0:56:17and they have found a property and bought it and are now living in...
0:56:17 > 0:56:19wait for it...
0:56:19 > 0:56:20- Shropshire.- Shropshire?
0:56:20 > 0:56:24Shropshire, where, let's be honest, a million quid goes a long way.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26- At least the county begins with S, I suppose.- Exactly!
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Well, Ross and Kate, just like your guys,
0:56:29 > 0:56:31went back for a second viewing in the Mystery House.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34They liked it so much they put in an offer which was accepted.
0:56:34 > 0:56:35Brilliant, great news.
0:56:35 > 0:56:39Unfortunately for them, their move to Somerset was dealt a cruel blow.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42Their house failed to sell in London,
0:56:42 > 0:56:44so they had to withdraw from the deal.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46The house remains on the market, and until it's sold
0:56:46 > 0:56:49I'm afraid their dream of moving to Somerset remains just that.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52- So disappointing and frustrating for them.- Quite.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55- Hopefully it will happen at some time.- I'm sure it will.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58For David and for Colin, they are now getting on with their new rural life.
0:56:58 > 0:57:02- Good for them.- Well, I hope you've enjoyed our romp through Somerset
0:57:02 > 0:57:05and a little trip down memory lane. We certainly have.
0:57:05 > 0:57:09- Do join us again for yet more country escapes.- See you then.
0:57:09 > 0:57:12If you would like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:57:12 > 0:57:14Scotland, Wales, England or
0:57:14 > 0:57:16perhaps even further afield to the Continent,
0:57:16 > 0:57:20and would like our help, please apply online at...