0:00:02 > 0:00:04Hello and welcome to a special Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Today, Jonnie and I will be looking back on two house buying
0:00:07 > 0:00:10journeys through one region, throwing in some hints
0:00:10 > 0:00:12and tips about buying there along the way.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15We'll be focusing on a region made up of several counties,
0:00:15 > 0:00:17famous for rich dairy produce, cider,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19and, of course, my favourite, the pasty!
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Find out where we're looking in just a moment.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40'On today's programme,
0:00:40 > 0:00:43'we're looking back on two different property searches.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46'My house hunting couple were hoping we were the final stop
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'in their ongoing search for their dream country home -
0:00:49 > 0:00:52'and there were plenty of surprises along the way.'
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Ooh, I didn't expect this. - The windows, er, are gorgeous.- Yeah.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59'While my couple were turning their backs on a tough
0:00:59 > 0:01:01'couple of years to search for a new family home
0:01:01 > 0:01:03'and business in the country -
0:01:03 > 0:01:04'and we couldn't forget Mum.'
0:01:04 > 0:01:07I don't think we'd ever get Sarah out of that bath.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Where d'you put the wine glass?
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Today, we'll be reflecting on our travels around
0:01:14 > 0:01:16the beguiling West Country,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20which includes the counties Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24and this seems to be the most popular region for people wanting
0:01:24 > 0:01:28a new rural way of life. But why is that? D'you think it's via childhood?
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- Happy memories of holidays there? - I think that's exactly it.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Every time I speak to a couple, they always mention those halcyon
0:01:34 > 0:01:36days of summer holidays in the South West.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38And the sun always shone, it was always hot.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40And there's a real rich landscape down there, isn't there?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42You've got the beautiful beaches of
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Whitsand Bay in Cornwall, Exmoor National Park,
0:01:44 > 0:01:46which of course straddles both Devon and Somerset,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50and then you've got fantastic little villages like Abbotsbury in Dorset.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52They are gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55So, let's take a look at some more reasons which make this area
0:01:55 > 0:01:58such a huge draw for our rural retreaters.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03'My West Country search was based in Somerset and Devon,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06'and it's home to some of Britain's most picturesque countryside.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10'From the gentle hills of the Quantocks
0:02:10 > 0:02:13'and traditional seaside villages such as Porlock and nearby
0:02:13 > 0:02:17'Porlock Weir, to the spectacular beauty of Exmoor National Park.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22'Today, tourism is a big part of the local economy, and perhaps
0:02:22 > 0:02:25'no-one helps visitors enjoy the area more than
0:02:25 > 0:02:27'the West Somerset Railway.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30'And its beautifully kept stations, run by volunteers,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32'make it the perfect starting point for an outing in this
0:02:32 > 0:02:34'beautiful part of the countryside.'
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'To the west of Devon sits Cornwall.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42'Ever popular with tourists,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'Cornwall reveals over 300 miles of dramatic coastline,
0:02:45 > 0:02:48'ranging from the popular sandy surfing beaches of Newquay
0:02:48 > 0:02:52'to the rugged cliffs of the Lizard Peninsula,
0:02:52 > 0:02:54'the most southerly point of the UK.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58'Here, the sheltered bays offer the perfect protection for
0:02:58 > 0:03:00'fishing villages like Cadgwith,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04'from where local fishermen still head out to sea every day.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08'With Cornwall offering such a rich variety of countryside,
0:03:08 > 0:03:12'coastline and industrial heritage, it's not hard to see why this
0:03:12 > 0:03:15'region is so appealing to those seeking a new rural life.'
0:03:20 > 0:03:21The coastal landscape, for me,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24is some of the most impressive in the UK.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27But if you're thinking of relocating to the West Country,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30then Cornwall represents the best value for money.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34There, the average price of a detached home is £270,000.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38But, then, if you want that coastal property with those amazing views,
0:03:38 > 0:03:41you're going to be paying a hefty premium.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42Yeah, prices can go up, can't they?
0:03:42 > 0:03:44But where I was based, in Somerset,
0:03:44 > 0:03:46that compares favourably with Cornwall.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Yes, it's slightly more expensive,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50but still £2,000 below the national figure.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54But go back over the border into Devon, and then prices jump.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58You can expect to pay around £25,000 above the national average.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01And the most expensive county in the West Country?
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Well, you know, it's Dorset. That county is not cheap.
0:04:03 > 0:04:08In fact, you can expect to pay up to £55,000 above the national average.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11And prices there have gone up 5% in the last year alone.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14So, let's see if we managed to convince our buyers to make
0:04:14 > 0:04:15a West Country move.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18Time to catch up with my couple once again.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Chas and Debs have been married for 26 years
0:04:22 > 0:04:23and have two grown-up children.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26They're currently living in a rented flat in Bristol
0:04:26 > 0:04:28after selling their house in the Midlands.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30It was just meant to be a temporary base
0:04:30 > 0:04:32before they escaped to the country.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35We lived in the Midlands for 25 years,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38and we started living here a year ago,
0:04:38 > 0:04:40and we've been desperate to move.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43There's a siren going past at least once an hour.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It's noisy all through the night.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Getting a bit frustrated.- Yeah.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51City's lovely but the country's nicer.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Chas is a copywriter who can work from home.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59And now their children have flown the nest,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02they feel it's the perfect time to move somewhere new.
0:05:02 > 0:05:07We can move anywhere and we feel that we're young enough to, sort of,
0:05:07 > 0:05:10start over again in a different place
0:05:10 > 0:05:15and get friends and just enjoy life, really.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Debs is not only a keen gardener but also a keen cook,
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and she hopes a move to the countryside
0:05:20 > 0:05:25will finally allow her to realise her dream of self-sufficiency...
0:05:25 > 0:05:28and develop her seamstress skills.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I've made a lot of clothes for myself and my daughter.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35And I'm hoping that when we move,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38that maybe I might be able to turn that into a small business.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40Chas and Debs can't wait
0:05:40 > 0:05:42to leave the city behind them and start living out
0:05:42 > 0:05:44their country idyll.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50They're looking for rural tranquillity
0:05:50 > 0:05:52around the Somerset-Devon border and are happy to settle
0:05:52 > 0:05:55in West Somerset or East Devon.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58They've already seen more than 30 houses over the past 12 months.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01So before we start our search, I'm going to dig a bit deeper
0:06:01 > 0:06:04to find out exactly what they're hoping to find.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05What has brought this big move about?
0:06:05 > 0:06:07You've lived in the countryside
0:06:07 > 0:06:08before, in the Midlands, haven't you?
0:06:08 > 0:06:13We just wanted to be nearer really nice countryside and...yeah.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16The kids left home as well, so it's a chance to start afresh.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17- Coastline?- Yeah.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Being within striking distance of the coast would be nice.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21What do you call striking distance?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Getting there within an hour would be fantastic.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Took us three hours from where we lived before.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Course it does. That's why I'm a bad swimmer, I'm from the Midlands too.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Do you want to be on the edge of a village or do you want to be
0:06:31 > 0:06:35in the middle of...well, rural Devon or Somerset?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Oh, it'd be fantastic if it's on the edge of a village cos
0:06:37 > 0:06:42we've come from a community and we really want to be part of one again.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Talk to me about the property itself, what does it look like?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Well, I don't want to have a modern house.- OK.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51Wouldn't want to be on an estate, be a bit unhappy about thatch.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54If it's got some character and period features, that'd be lovely.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56How big does it need to be?
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Two bedrooms, a work room for Deb, two rooms downstairs
0:06:59 > 0:07:01and an office somewhere for me, which could be a double garage
0:07:01 > 0:07:04converted or an outbuilding, I think we'd be there.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Deb's dead keen to have a garden, half an acre at least.- OK.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08Let's talk through the budget.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11All this, of course, comes at a price.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13What are we looking up to?
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Well we could possibly spend up to £475,000,
0:07:16 > 0:07:19but we'd really rather spend about £450,000.
0:07:19 > 0:07:20OK, that's fair enough.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23And that's a good budget for what you're looking for.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Devon - not a cheap part of the world.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26Somerset's slightly cheaper.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29I think maybe for our search, these three properties,
0:07:29 > 0:07:31we could have skirmishes either side of the border.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- How does that sound? - Sounds good.- Sound.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34Yeah? Let's get started, shall we?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Yeah.- This way.- Yeah.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41For their top budget of £475,000, Chas and Debs are looking for...
0:07:47 > 0:07:50And they're not keen on modern houses, listed houses
0:07:50 > 0:07:54or thatched roofs, but character is good.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04We've found a trio of houses to tempt our buyers.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07And at each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price
0:08:07 > 0:08:09before I reveal it.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11The final stop will be our mystery house.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15And today I'm hoping Debs and Chas will award it full marks.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24The first house we've found for Chas and Debs is in West Somerset,
0:08:24 > 0:08:25in the heart of West Bagborough,
0:08:25 > 0:08:29a small village just eight miles away from the county town of Taunton
0:08:29 > 0:08:31and around a half an hour drive to the sea.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36Just 350 people are lucky enough to call West Bagborough home.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38This charming village lies in the Quantocks -
0:08:38 > 0:08:40the first area in England to be accredited
0:08:40 > 0:08:44An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1952 -
0:08:44 > 0:08:46and it remains unspoilt today.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Our first house lies in the heart of the village.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Right then.- Ah, OK.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54So house number one is this.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56Fantastic. Looks all right.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58- Quite homely looking, I'd say.- Yeah.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Yeah, yeah...come on, give a bit more.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04No, it does...it does look quite nice...yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07Of course, it's what's inside that counts. Let's go and take a peek.
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- Yeah.- OK.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11This detached cottage was built in the 1960s
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and its exterior is giving nothing away.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16We begin our tour of the inside in a large sitting room
0:09:16 > 0:09:20just off the entrance hallway on the right-hand side of the house.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Well, let's start off with this...very bright living room.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25- Oh, yeah. Nice.- Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28Yeah, dual aspect, which is good.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Yeah, and a lovely view of the garden. That's very tempting.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34Just through that doorway, they've got a really nice sun room.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36I don't know whether that would be suitable for your office,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39maybe too bright and probably not enough storage especially for books.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Mmm, don't know about that, OK. - But it's an option, isn't it?
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- Yeah, it's an option. - So first impressions?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Actually, it's nicer inside than it is on the outside, I think.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50Yeah, I was kind of getting your lukewarm...
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I think it feels quite homely.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Yeah, I think, on the outside, it looked more modern
0:09:55 > 0:10:00than maybe we like, but inside, it feels much more homely.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Across the hallway is the kitchen, also very bright and airy.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- Yeah, it's...good. - I quite like that as well.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12I like the space again.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13Dining room's just through there.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Yeah, it's a nice family room, this, actually, isn't it?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19No, I like this kitchen a lot, space works for me.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Yeah, it's lovely, actually. Yeah.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24'Just off the other side of the kitchen from the dining room,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27'there's a good size utility room, offering more storage
0:10:27 > 0:10:28'for the kitchen overspill.'
0:10:28 > 0:10:29Let's go upstairs,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32maybe look at some bedrooms or even an office, Chas?
0:10:32 > 0:10:34- OK.- Yeah, OK.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38'As we go upstairs, the first room we come to is a study
0:10:38 > 0:10:40'which could be a work room for Debs or Chas.'
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Now, Chas, obviously a lot smaller than the conservatory...
0:10:45 > 0:10:48- Whoooa.- ..but a dedicated office.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- I'd struggle to work in here, actually.- Yeah.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54You've got three other bedrooms.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Is this the smallest of the bedrooms?- Yes.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- Oh, well, if that's the smallest, that's not too bad.- Yeah.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01If this room doesn't measure up as Chas' study,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04there's also another bedroom at the front of the house
0:11:04 > 0:11:06as well as a good size double.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07On the other side of the landing,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10there's a contemporary family bathroom.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12And next door is the master, with its own en-suite
0:11:12 > 0:11:14running the width of the bedroom.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- Now, I think you might like the master.- Oh, yeah.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Yeah, that's a nice, good size.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22A lovely view.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I quite like this, nice big cupboards, not a huge room but...
0:11:25 > 0:11:27No, it's big enough, though, I think, as a...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29We don't want a monstrous bedroom but...
0:11:29 > 0:11:32Two-to-three-bedroom houses don't have two or three big bedrooms.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36And that... I think that's something we'd remind ourselves of.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38Debs and Chas might feel the bedrooms
0:11:38 > 0:11:39are a little on the small side,
0:11:39 > 0:11:43but they do have one more to play with than they asked for.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Next stop is the garden, complete with mature trees and shrubs.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49And on a clear day, there are stunning views of the Brendon Hills
0:11:49 > 0:11:52and Exmoor in the distance.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55No, too small for me...sorry. JONNIE SIGHS
0:11:55 > 0:11:58- Bang down to earth. - It's not overlooked.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02South facing, views of the hills and the valley but...not enough of it.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04No, it's not a gardener's garden.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So let's have a go at guessing the price, who's going first?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Deb's going first. - OK, um...- She's so keen.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12About 375?
0:12:12 > 0:12:14Right...OK. Chas?
0:12:14 > 0:12:18I'm in the same ballpark. Maybe the village adds a bit,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21so let's say, I don't know, a bit more 380, possibly.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23This place is on the market...
0:12:23 > 0:12:27for offers around £465,000.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30My goodness!
0:12:30 > 0:12:32This detached house is almost half a century old.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34And although it's £10,000 under
0:12:34 > 0:12:35our buyers' budget,
0:12:35 > 0:12:37there's a possibility the vendor
0:12:37 > 0:12:39might accept an offer even lower.
0:13:02 > 0:13:07Exmoor National Park covers 267 square miles and straddles
0:13:07 > 0:13:10both West Somerset and North Devon.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13Its Uplands are home to around 5,000 hectares of bog land,
0:13:13 > 0:13:17formed over 5,000 years and made up mainly of peat,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21which is mostly water and partially decomposed plant remains.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25In the early 19th century, thousands of drainage ditches were cut
0:13:25 > 0:13:27into this naturally waterlogged land
0:13:27 > 0:13:29by entrepreneurial landowner John Knight
0:13:29 > 0:13:33in the hope the water would run out and the great expanse of moors
0:13:33 > 0:13:36could be used as farmland.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39His mission was successful and he got the grass he wanted,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42but there were devastating consequences to wildlife.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45The bogs dried out causing vegetation to die,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and with it, the birds and insects that relied on it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Maddie Davy is part of a project to re-wet and restore
0:13:51 > 0:13:552,000 hectares of peat land by 2015.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58So, Maddie, standing in this huge swathe of land,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I mean, first of all, it doesn't really feel much like a peat bog.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03You're about to tell me otherwise, though.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Well, there is peat under our feet, but it's probably not what
0:14:07 > 0:14:12you would call healthy peat, so the peat is dry and degrading.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I can see this big machinery going on here behind us.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17What are they doing?
0:14:17 > 0:14:20They are blocking the drainage ditches.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23So what they are doing is they are putting in wooden planks
0:14:23 > 0:14:25across the ditch, supported by upright posts,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28and then covering the whole structure in peat.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33So you're basically undoing the drainage work that was done before?
0:14:33 > 0:14:34Yes, yeah.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37What makes peat bogs so important then in the world?
0:14:37 > 0:14:41A healthy peat bog can naturally filter the water.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45A team of volunteers come here once a month to help maintain
0:14:45 > 0:14:47the peat blocks plugging the ditches.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Wendy and Ken have been offering their services here
0:14:50 > 0:14:51for the past four years.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55You two guys look like you're earning your lunch at least.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Certainly are, yes, we're busy today.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- There's two spades over there. - Oh, oh.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02OK, well tell me what you're doing then.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04We're creating what we call a ditch block.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- These are drains that were put in in the 19th century.- Yeah.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12All the water runs off...runs off down the hill to Exeter
0:15:12 > 0:15:14and floods Exeter.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17The surrounding towns and villages in Somerset are particularly
0:15:17 > 0:15:20prone to flooding, so anything that helps prevent such devastation
0:15:20 > 0:15:24is hugely valuable to both the land and the locals.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27I want to get my hands dirty. Where do I start?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30You pick a bit along this side and you take off a piece
0:15:30 > 0:15:33so that we can take it over there and put it onto the ditch block
0:15:33 > 0:15:35and help to stop it up.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Feels like a building block, Wendy.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Yeah, exactly, that's exactly what it is.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Right, if you could pop it in there, that'd be perfect.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43Just right in this hole here?
0:15:43 > 0:15:45That's right, stop that bit up, stop it running through.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Am I just...?- And just stamp it down a bit, that's it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- OK.- Then Maddie's can go in next to it.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54That'll block that hole up nicely, won't it?
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Well, I wish you a steady and regular flow of volunteers.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02- Thank you. - And best of luck for the future.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05I'm going to go before I fall in. I think I almost have.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15For our second property, we're crossing over the border
0:16:15 > 0:16:18to Devon and driving nearly 60 miles from house number one
0:16:18 > 0:16:20to the village of Roborough.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23It's about a 40-minute drive to the sea and just 13 miles away
0:16:23 > 0:16:26from Barnstable, North Devon's capital.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Chas and Debs would find a welcoming community to join
0:16:29 > 0:16:31in the village of Roborough.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34At the heart is a 16th-century pub which hosts live music.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38And there's a village hall that holds a number of events.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40House number two is just a seven-minute walk
0:16:40 > 0:16:42from the centre of Roborough.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45Actually, this is quite nice.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48Definitely much more positive than the last one.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Look at these reactions, these are so much better
0:16:50 > 0:16:52than the first house, aren't they?
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- This feels like the kind of place we'd live.- It does.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Whereas the other one didn't much.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Say no more. Let's go inside.- OK.
0:16:58 > 0:17:03This substantial house was originally a cottage built in 1952.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05It was then extended and converted into a family home
0:17:05 > 0:17:07around 40 years later.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10It's set out over three floors. And the front door leads straight
0:17:10 > 0:17:12into a large entrance hall.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14First impressions?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Fantastic. This is a Christmas tree hall.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Isn't it just?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21Off the back of the hallway down a few stairs
0:17:21 > 0:17:24is an expansive square reception room.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26So the owner calls this the party room.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28I think it's fairly easy to see why.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31Yeah, nice.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- It's big.- It's big, isn't it?
0:17:33 > 0:17:35Yeah, it is, yeah, you'd get loads of people in here.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Underneath this flooring is under floor heating.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42Got two French windows opening out onto this balcony that overlooks
0:17:42 > 0:17:43beautiful southern landscape there.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Yeah, a lovely valley down there.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50OK, so this is good, you've ticked a few boxes already.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Well, we've definitely kicked things off on the right foot,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55so it's all smiles as we head to the kitchen-diner
0:17:55 > 0:17:56back on the ground floor
0:17:56 > 0:18:00with its impressive bi-fold doors opening onto a decked balcony
0:18:00 > 0:18:02offering breathtaking views.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06It's lovely, really nice, yeah. Another big tick.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08I like that throw-open effect there.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Yeah, I've always wanted that.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14And to open it out onto that lovely countryside...
0:18:14 > 0:18:16It's a picture frame, isn't it?
0:18:16 > 0:18:17It is, it is.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21Through there, where the cottage was, you've got a utility -
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- separate utility - and a downstairs loo and shower room.- Yeah, yeah.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27It feels like it could be our home.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30Also on the ground floor, there's an office and a dining room,
0:18:30 > 0:18:34both of which could be put to different uses.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36And on the first floor, in the beamed eaves,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40there's a large landing leading to two of four bedrooms -
0:18:40 > 0:18:44one with an en-suite and another next door to a bathroom.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Then down a few stairs, there's a third smaller bedroom
0:18:48 > 0:18:51next to the bright and spacious triple aspect master,
0:18:51 > 0:18:52which is en-suite.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Views, views, views. - Yeah, definitely.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01Whoa, OK, we've got three views and we've got a dressing room.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- And a balcony. - And a small balcony.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- This is brilliant. - We like this room.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- Don't you?- Yeah. - It's got masses of character.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13There's so much room in this house that it offers lots of options,
0:19:13 > 0:19:16plenty to think about as we head outside.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20Now, I imagine this is probably more what you had in mind for a garden.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Definitely, definitely. It's fantastic. It's a blank canvas.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27This all in all...plot size is around an acre,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31but this garden's south facing. I mean it's beautiful...
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Behind that hedgerow, you've got nearly two acres...
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Oh, that field is...as well? - ..of paddock. Yeah.
0:19:37 > 0:19:38- Do you like that?- Yeah.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Yeah, we like that. Not sure what we'd do with that, but that's...
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Lots of things we could do, I'm sure.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45If you just come round here a bit more with me...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48You've got, well, essentially, it's like an annexe, isn't it?
0:19:48 > 0:19:50It is.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- First floor...office.- Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- Ground floor...workshop. - Fantastic.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00So how much do you think this is on the market for?
0:20:00 > 0:20:05I think it's way over the budget. And I'm going to guess £500,000.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07All right, Chas?
0:20:07 > 0:20:11Well, I don't think you'd push us that far, so...
0:20:11 > 0:20:14so I'm going to say it's right at the top - £475,000.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17OK, well, I'll put you out of your misery.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21It has previously been quoted on the market closer to your guess -
0:20:21 > 0:20:24£500,000 - but having met the owner,
0:20:24 > 0:20:27he's now quoting an asking price
0:20:27 > 0:20:30of £475,000.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Not bad news?- No, that's... - No, no, that's quite good, yeah.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35I mean, it stretches us to the limit,
0:20:35 > 0:20:37but we get everything we want here.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40This substantial detached house
0:20:40 > 0:20:41is right at the top
0:20:41 > 0:20:43of Debs and Chas's budget,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45but happily there is room
0:20:45 > 0:20:46for negotiation.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14So, Chas really seemed to have a problem
0:21:14 > 0:21:17with those two acres of land with that second property.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19I know, it's some people's dream, isn't it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21But it's quite easy to get overwhelmed.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24I say if a property comes with surplus land and you don't need it,
0:21:24 > 0:21:26the easiest thing in the world to do is sell it off,
0:21:26 > 0:21:27recoup some of the money.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30But my first recommendation to people is just hold back
0:21:30 > 0:21:32on that big decision, why not let the land out?
0:21:32 > 0:21:35But just make sure you're drawing up the right kind of lease.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38Yeah, cos there are so many different varieties, aren't there,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41from grazing agreements to farm business tenancy agreements.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Number one thing is get proper legal advice.- Quite.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47But surplus land wasn't a problem with my property search,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50but I did have a fledgling business to consider.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Let's meet my buyers.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55For the last 17 years,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59Andrew and Sarah have lived in the town of Tring in Hertfordshire
0:21:59 > 0:22:01in a four-bedroom, post-war semi.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03The couple feel now is the right time
0:22:03 > 0:22:05for the family to leave Hertfordshire,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07They've decided on Cornwall
0:22:07 > 0:22:10after spending some memorable holidays in the coastal county.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13We've been going down to Cornwall for 20 years.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14- Yeah. Together.- Together.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I went down as a kid a lot on holiday with my family.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I used to go down before I met Sarah almost every year.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20We just love the county.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It's a place that we've really fallen in love with.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25But their desire for a slower pace of life
0:22:25 > 0:22:28has been partly motivated by Andrew's health.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Two years ago, he was signed off sick
0:22:30 > 0:22:32from his job as a marketing manager.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34We've had a tough couple of years
0:22:34 > 0:22:37and it seems like the right time to do it now.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41It's a good chance to make a clean break, really.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43It was when I was off sick trying to recover,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45I actually got into plastic modelling.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47It was a great hobby to get into
0:22:47 > 0:22:50because it involved a lot of detail work and concentration,
0:22:50 > 0:22:52and that was really good for me.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55And then, as I got on, I got more advanced into that,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57I started to think to myself,
0:22:57 > 0:23:00actually, there might actually be a business opportunity here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02So, their hope is to build
0:23:02 > 0:23:05a plastic modelling retail business in Cornwall
0:23:05 > 0:23:07while Sarah continues working freelance
0:23:07 > 0:23:09in her civil service job.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11And running a business from home
0:23:11 > 0:23:15will allow our buyers to maintain a better work/life balance.
0:23:15 > 0:23:20One of the key things for us is to spend time together as a family.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22The kids are both into shows -
0:23:22 > 0:23:24sort of, you know, am-dram type thing -
0:23:24 > 0:23:27and that's a good way of obviously getting to know new people as well.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29With their house in Tring now sold,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Andrew and Sarah are taking charge of their destiny.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Moving to the West Country, moving to Cornwall
0:23:35 > 0:23:39will be a dramatic change for the family.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41It will be a complete reboot.
0:23:41 > 0:23:47And the idea of being able to sort of start afresh
0:23:47 > 0:23:49down in that neck of the woods that we love
0:23:49 > 0:23:53and build something for us is hugely exciting.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59Our buyers would like us to focus our house search
0:23:59 > 0:24:03within a reasonable distance of Truro and Falmouth.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05I'm meeting up with them in the south of the county,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07on the banks of the Helford River.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10So, Andrew and Sarah, welcome to Cornwall.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13BOTH: Thank you. A big move is on the cards.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14Your house has been sold.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- You're ready to make a big change to your lives.- We are.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20I've got to ask, why Cornwall? Why did you pick this county?
0:24:20 > 0:24:21It's a lifestyle change.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25It's a chance to start in a new part of the country
0:24:25 > 0:24:28where we want to bring the kids up and have a good time.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30What about the property itself?
0:24:30 > 0:24:31We want at least three bedrooms
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- cos we really don't want them to share.- That would be a nightmare.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37We'd like four if possible so that family can come and stay.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40Our current house is sort of very open-plan,
0:24:40 > 0:24:43so we'd like the ability to do that if it's not that way now,
0:24:43 > 0:24:44cos that's how we work as a family.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- It's worked really well for us. - How we're used to it.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50We'd like a big garden if we could because we've got a big garden now.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51Kids love having space.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53We've got a dog. We'd love to get chickens.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56The other aspect is we'll be starting a business down here,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59so we want to have the space to be able to set up the business -
0:24:59 > 0:25:03for an office, for a stockroom, a packing area, that sort of thing.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- So, for all this that we're looking for...- Yeah.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09..remind me of your budget again.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11It's £350,000 is the budget.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13What would be the top, top mark, do you think?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17I'd say probably another £20,000 or £30,000 we could probably go up to.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20Well, we've got some smashing properties lined up to show you.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22- Shall we get started? - I think we should.
0:25:22 > 0:25:23- Follow me.- Thank you.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Our buyers have a budget of £350,000,
0:25:28 > 0:25:32but there could be an extra £30,000 to play with.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34They're easy on age and style of property,
0:25:34 > 0:25:37but it must have a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40As for inside space, they're fans of open-plan living
0:25:40 > 0:25:43and we must account for Andrew's business ambitions,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45so an outbuilding or office.
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Sarah wants a decent-size garden,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and they'd like to be located in a village environment
0:25:50 > 0:25:52close to schools for their two children.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03Our first property option is in the village of Carnkie,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06situated in the heart of the county's former mining region.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09The village is centred on the Methodist church
0:26:09 > 0:26:10and a community hall.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13One and a half miles away is Four Lanes,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17a larger settlement and the location of the closest primary school.
0:26:17 > 0:26:22Our first offering is one part of a complex of former farm buildings.
0:26:22 > 0:26:27- So, here is our first property in Cornwall.- Whoo!- Wow.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Lovely. Absolutely.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32- Show me more.- That's always a good start, isn't it?
0:26:32 > 0:26:34I even walked into you, didn't I?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36That's how excited I was to show you the house.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39The good thing is this area is a proper little community.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Oh, good.- They're not holiday homes or holiday lets,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43which is something you have to think of
0:26:43 > 0:26:45if you're going to move to Cornwall.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48The plus is - so popular with tourists.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51The downside is - you might have six months without any neighbours,
0:26:51 > 0:26:52which can be a little bit lonely.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55You know, this place is all year round,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58so you don't want it to be deserted or a sort of wasteland, yeah.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- All right, well, let's take a look inside.- Absolutely.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03'Converted in the 1990s,
0:27:03 > 0:27:07'the former barn has retained many character features inside.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11'The main living area is accessed by a glass reception hall.'
0:27:11 > 0:27:13So, let's start off with the living room.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15- Fantastic.- Well, well, well.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17You might notice at the end,
0:27:17 > 0:27:18you've got doors opening up onto a patio.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- Wonderful.- Good stuff.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22What do you think of the actual room?
0:27:22 > 0:27:24- It's a nice size, actually, yeah. - It's long.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- It's not desperately wide, but long and...- Yeah.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28But it's nicely proportioned.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30All right, well, it's only a start. I've got more to show you.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33- So, if you wouldn't mind leading the way.- No problem.
0:27:33 > 0:27:34'As well as the sitting room,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36'the ground floor also offers a small study -
0:27:36 > 0:27:40'an office for the business perhaps - and a double bedroom,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42'which would make a good option for guests,
0:27:42 > 0:27:44'located just beyond the kitchen.'
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- So, our kitchen. So, it's very long.- Yes.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51- Quite a good width. Enough for a dining table.- Yeah.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- It's looking good, isn't it? - Yeah. Nice units.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Worktops look pretty good nick.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- Yeah, absolutely. - No, it's looking good.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03'Andrew and Sarah are keeping their cards close to their chest,
0:28:03 > 0:28:06'but the tour of our ground floor seems to have gone down well.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09'Upstairs, there are three further bedrooms,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11'including a double and single for the children,
0:28:11 > 0:28:13'both with wooden floors
0:28:13 > 0:28:16'and a recently renovated family bathroom.'
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- Now, this is the master bedroom.- OK.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- Behind you is an en-suite shower room.- OK.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26However, because the family bathroom is next door,
0:28:26 > 0:28:29the current owners have converted the shower space
0:28:29 > 0:28:31into another rail for their clothes.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33- Ooh, wonderful.- Useful. - If you don't want an en-suite,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36- you could make that a little walk-in wardrobe.- You could.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39- But you do have an additional wardrobe there.- Oh, OK.- OK.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42So far, how do you feel about the property?
0:28:42 > 0:28:45- It's got a nice feel. - It's got some potential.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48'Not a ringing endorsement,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51'but I think this property is growing on our buyers.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55'Outside, the main garden extends to the rear from the patio sun terrace
0:28:55 > 0:28:58'and includes a decked area with garden shed,
0:28:58 > 0:29:02'a large grass lawn and timber workshop with electricity -
0:29:02 > 0:29:04'another option for the business.'
0:29:04 > 0:29:06How would you feel about the business
0:29:06 > 0:29:08being slightly separated from the house?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- No, that's spot on.- It's great.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12So, what do you think it's on the market for?
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- I would go with £335,000.- OK.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18- Andrew?- I'd go for around £300,000,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21because we're inland and a bit further up north.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25The asking price is under your budget.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- Wow.- Right.- £339,000. - Ooh, I was close.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30- 339?- Ooh, OK.- OK.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Below budget by £11,000,
0:29:35 > 0:29:37our first property is a converted barn
0:29:37 > 0:29:39and gives Andrew and Sarah character features
0:29:39 > 0:29:41and spacious reception rooms,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43one more bedroom than they asked for,
0:29:43 > 0:29:47as well as room for the business and it's close to a primary school.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51It's a surprising house, actually, because the more I've looked at it,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55I've thought, "Yeah, actually, I could see us living here."
0:29:55 > 0:29:57- Hello.- Hello. How are we feeling?
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Yeah, you've challenged us.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02You've done exactly what we wanted you to do
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and challenged some of our thinking about whether things could work.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Ooh, I'm liking that, and that's only our first property.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- I know.- Got more to show you. - Gosh! What else can you show?
0:30:10 > 0:30:14- Well, come on, then. Let's see. - Let's go and have a look.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21While our buyers may be moving to Cornwall
0:30:21 > 0:30:24for its stunning coastline and lovely countryside,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27the county also has a proud industrial past
0:30:27 > 0:30:31which has left an indelible mark on its landscape.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34Although tin mining flourished here in the 18th and 19th centuries,
0:30:34 > 0:30:38by the turn of the 20th century, due to competition from abroad,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40it was in decline.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43The abundance of tin in the area was a perfect material
0:30:43 > 0:30:45for Cornwall's metal workers and jewellers,
0:30:45 > 0:30:50firms like family-run business Wearnes Jewellers in Falmouth.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Founded in 1890 by William Wearne,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55today, it's William's great-granddaughter Sarah Corbridge
0:30:55 > 0:30:58who's keeping the family tradition alive,
0:30:58 > 0:30:59and I've come to meet her.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- Hi, Sarah.- Hi, Nicki.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07So, a family-run jewellers business, but obviously the jewellery business
0:31:07 > 0:31:09has changed dramatically, I should think,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12from when your great-grandparents first opened the shop.
0:31:12 > 0:31:13I mean, I'm looking here.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16Would this be an example of what they would have sold in those days?
0:31:16 > 0:31:19These are some hollowware items.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23We manufactured these in the 1930s approximately.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25And these were made out of pure Cornish tin,
0:31:25 > 0:31:28as you can see from the marks on the bottom of these.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29Now, I like this one.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34Well, this is a replica of a tankard that was made by my grandfather.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37It was presented to King George VI on his coronation tour to Cornwall.
0:31:40 > 0:31:41'Fast-forward to the present day
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'and Sarah is using Cornish tin in a very different way.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49'She's created a unique alloy by mixing Cornish tin with gold
0:31:49 > 0:31:53'to make a variety of jewellery items in her basement workshop.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'Because the Cornish tin mines have now closed,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'Sarah has found another way to source local tin.'
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Now, I was not expecting this.
0:32:01 > 0:32:05This has been under the sea since 1863.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06A shipwreck called the SS Liverpool
0:32:06 > 0:32:09collided off North Wales some years ago
0:32:09 > 0:32:12and it was carrying ingots from Cornwall.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15We have to clean all of this up
0:32:15 > 0:32:17and make sure what we get down to is just the pure tin
0:32:17 > 0:32:20before we start mixing it into the gold.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24The two metals are mixed together off-site by a specialist company
0:32:24 > 0:32:28and returned to Sarah as small grains of the gold and tin blend.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I'm going to try and help make one of Sarah's most popular pieces -
0:32:31 > 0:32:33a Celtic cross.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35What's the next step?
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Well, what we have to do now to form a piece of jewellery
0:32:37 > 0:32:38is to melt it down.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41So, here, I've got some nine-carat Cornish tin and gold.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45What we're going to do now is we're going to take this micro welder here
0:32:45 > 0:32:49and I'm going to open the gas for you.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Looks like quite a vicious flame there.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- So, just put it straight in?- Yeah.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58The gas flame heats up the solid metal to its melting point -
0:32:58 > 0:33:01around 900 degrees for nine-carat gold.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Turn that off.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07Now, that's extremely hot right now so we'll pop it into some water,
0:33:07 > 0:33:08just to cool it down.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- So, that's a piece of gold.- Ooh!- OK.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14The cooled molten metal is then taken over
0:33:14 > 0:33:18to a milling machine and rolled into a flat sheet.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Grafting intricate jewellery like this is a meticulous process
0:33:22 > 0:33:24and involves etching the design with a sharp tool
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and cutting out shapes with a piercing saw,
0:33:27 > 0:33:28all done by hand.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30Sarah gives me a head start.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34What I've left you to saw out is this straight line here.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36- So, I'm going to get you to sit down...- Right.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40..and I've got you some very funny head magnifiers here
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- just so that you can see where you're sawing.- Oh, yes, now...
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- OK, so, pick it up. - So, that's it. You hold that steady.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51See if you can just follow that line.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57'The jewellery piece is only half an inch long
0:33:57 > 0:34:00'and since I only have one shot at getting it right,
0:34:00 > 0:34:03'the magnifying goggles will help me guide the saw.'
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Don't think that's too bad, is it, Sarah?- That's fantastic.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08All right. There we go. Hand that to you.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11OK, what I'm going to do now is I'm just going to take it away
0:34:11 > 0:34:13and give it a polish.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16After a quick file of the edges and a polish,
0:34:16 > 0:34:18the nine-carat gold and tin Celtic cross
0:34:18 > 0:34:20is finished off with a customary ring and chain,
0:34:20 > 0:34:22ready to be worn.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- Here you go, Nicki. Your necklace. - That is quite fabulous.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Cornish tin and gold to take away.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- Thank you.- You're more than welcome.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39For our next property offering,
0:34:39 > 0:34:43we're making a short three-mile trip to the hamlet of Trevarth.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46It's a stone throw away from Lanner, an old mining village,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49which has a convenience store and a pub.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52House number two is found in the middle of the hamlet of Trevarth.
0:34:52 > 0:34:57- So, our second offering here in Cornwall.- Gosh!
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Interesting. Look at that garden.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01Well, you wanted a little bit of land.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Oh, it's fantastic. And the treehouse and the trees to climb.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06I know a little daughter who might be rather keen on the tree...
0:35:06 > 0:35:09It looks as though it might need a bit of therapy but...
0:35:09 > 0:35:11She's fine, but what about the two of you?
0:35:11 > 0:35:13What do you make of the house?
0:35:13 > 0:35:15So far, so good. Yeah. Looks lovely and big.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It's intriguing, yeah. I want to see what's inside.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- Shall we take a look inside? - I think we should.- Sounds great.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23'Our second offering dates back 300 years
0:35:23 > 0:35:26'and has some quirky features inside.'
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- So, do mind your head as you come in.- Oh, yeah.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31It's like a little hobbit door.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- A door for little people. - Absolutely.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36Because this cottage is sort of 300 years old.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it?- Wow.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- Well, luckily, we're not tall in our family, so...- No.
0:35:41 > 0:35:42OK, don't need to worry.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- So, you walk straight into your kitchen...- Lovely.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47..which, as you can see, is sort of divided up.
0:35:47 > 0:35:51It's open-plan, but very much clear that this is the kitchen
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and then you've got the dining area and the second half.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Yeah, that works for us.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57That's how we've sort of got ours at home, anyway.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59I think it'll fail the table test, though.
0:35:59 > 0:36:00I don't think our big table would fit there
0:36:00 > 0:36:02so might have to treat ourselves to a new one.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Absolutely. We will have to change that.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07Early days but a good start, do you think or...?
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- Yeah.- Yes, it's giving us rather than...
0:36:10 > 0:36:13It's giving us sort of a cottagey feel, which is what we wanted.
0:36:13 > 0:36:14- It's lovely.- Brilliant.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- OK, all right, well, let's see what else there is.- Fantastic.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20'As well as the kitchen/diner,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22'the ground floor also offers a cosy snug -
0:36:22 > 0:36:24'a den for the kids perhaps -
0:36:24 > 0:36:26'as well as a walk-through study area.'
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- I think this is your sitting room. - Oh, yes.- Oh, yeah, definitely.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Oh, isn't it lovely?
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Now, this room is dominated by a huge brick fireplace.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Which is sort of not intending to be original, I don't think.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I would look at actually taking that out.- Yeah, I agree.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- Yeah, cos it's quite a lot of space it would gain, isn't it?- It is.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48I like the beam across the top of it.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- That's interesting. - Yeah, the bressumer beam.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52That could go against the wall.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55You could keep that and use it for something else.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57'Unlike our first property,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00'all the bedrooms in this house are on the first floor.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03'There are four in total, including two large singles -
0:37:03 > 0:37:06'perfect for the children - and a further guest bedroom.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09'There's also a large family bathroom.'
0:37:09 > 0:37:11So, upstairs, the quirkiness continues.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Low ceilings.- Window seat.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15And this is the master bedroom.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17- Right.- I love the window seat.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20I always wanted a house with a window seat. It does feel compact.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Obviously, this room here's got a lot of built-in furniture,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26which gives you a lot of storage but takes up a lot of space.
0:37:26 > 0:37:31I know for a fact that our six-foot bed would not fit in,
0:37:31 > 0:37:35so it would be a question of losing some of these lovely cupboards.
0:37:35 > 0:37:39'So, out go the wardrobes along with the downstairs fireplace,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41'but the fact they're already remodelling the house
0:37:41 > 0:37:43'in their heads is encouraging.
0:37:43 > 0:37:47'I have one ace up my sleeve which I hope will convince them,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49'and it's back outside.'
0:37:49 > 0:37:50- So...- Oh, wow.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54- So, what's all this about, then? - This is your studio-cum-workshop.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56Oh, wow. This is fantastic.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- This is the ultimate man cave. - Workroom.- Yes.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Sorry. Workroom. Workroom. - I am thinking business.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04- Yes, I was thinking business. - Oh, OK.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06You're thinking hobbies and play area.
0:38:06 > 0:38:11- No, no, business. No, this is great. - This is exactly what we wanted.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14Yeah, and for a fledgling business to have a building
0:38:14 > 0:38:19that we can use from the get-go is a great advantage.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Absolutely solid, water-tight and just ready to go.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23We don't have to do anything to it. Just move in.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25- Put some racking in and a desk or two.- Then we're done.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28See, this is an added bonus to our cottage, isn't it?
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Oh, it makes a huge difference. Absolutely. It really does.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Our buyers have already had a peek at the garden
0:38:35 > 0:38:38which wraps itself around the house and is mainly laid to lawn.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41These are grounds. This is not a garden.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44It's huge and there's bags of scope.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46We've obviously got the fantastic existing building.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49There's scope for more garden buildings
0:38:49 > 0:38:51if we need them as we grow.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54It feels like a real family garden but also a party garden.
0:38:54 > 0:38:55You know, a real sort of social garden.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59- It's a marquee-sized garden. - It's sounding really positive, guys.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01So, on that theme, got to put a price on it.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05I think this is probably £370,000, £380,000.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09Which one do you want to go for - £370,000 or £380,000?
0:39:09 > 0:39:12- Split the difference - £375,000.- OK.
0:39:12 > 0:39:18I'm hoping it's a little bit less. Um, I'm going to say £365,000.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21The asking price is...
0:39:21 > 0:39:26- Andrew, you're spot on.- £375,000? - £375,000.- Really?- Interesting.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32Over their ideal budget by £25,000 but just within their maximum,
0:39:32 > 0:39:36our second property is a 300-year-old detached family home
0:39:36 > 0:39:38set in large grounds.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41The hub of the home is the open-plan kitchen/diner
0:39:41 > 0:39:44and the property offers Andrew and Sarah four bedrooms -
0:39:44 > 0:39:46one more than they asked for.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49A separate studio gives Andrew his business premises
0:39:49 > 0:39:52and the house is located on the edge of a village
0:39:52 > 0:39:55with a strong community spirit and a primary school.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Seduced by the grounds. Absolutely amazing grounds.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02I'm worried particularly about the upstairs of the house.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03The bedrooms are small.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06And trying to divvy the bedrooms up between the kids,
0:40:06 > 0:40:09us, spare room - that's tricky.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Have you seen enough? - Ooh, I think so.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15- Had a good explore?- Yes.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17- I think you've given us a lot to think about.- And guess what?
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- Head's spinning.- I've got another house to show you tomorrow.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Let's hit the road.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30It's really important that we showed Sarah
0:40:30 > 0:40:34and Andrew properties in year-round communities.
0:40:34 > 0:40:38You know, Cornwall is so popular with those holiday homes, but in some
0:40:38 > 0:40:41parts of the region, up to 40% of the houses are second homes.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44It can get very quiet there out of season, can't it?
0:40:44 > 0:40:46In order to balance this out, Cornwall was the first local
0:40:46 > 0:40:49authority to scrap the council tax discount on second homes.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- You can see why they've done it, can't you?- Yeah, makes sense.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Now, that wasn't an issue for my buyers.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58Chas and Deb had a budget of £475,000 to look for their home.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03For our final property, the mystery house, we're travelling back
0:41:03 > 0:41:06to Somerset, 45 miles from the second property,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10to the hamlet of Yarde, which lies on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14It's under a 15-minute drive to the coast and just a five-minute
0:41:14 > 0:41:16drive from the nearby town of Williton.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20There's a farm shop selling local produce, a number of cosy pubs
0:41:20 > 0:41:23and a great fish and chips shop.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26The mystery house is just three miles away, in the small
0:41:26 > 0:41:28but perfectly formed hamlet of Yarde.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31This is our mystery house. What's your thoughts?
0:41:31 > 0:41:33Pretty unusual.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36A converted school, built around 1819,
0:41:36 > 0:41:40it was then the village hall and is now a very impressive house,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I think...right up your street.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44But at the moment, what are you thinking?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46It looks nice from the outside. I quite like it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48I like the look of it.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53It's intriguing, that's lovely. That one appeals to me immediately.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- Good. All right, let's go inside.- Yeah.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01This extremely unusual 19th-century building is Grade II listed
0:42:01 > 0:42:04and a conversion - not what our buyers wanted -
0:42:04 > 0:42:07but this is our mystery house.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10It was converted into a residential property in 1972.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And at the back, there's a smaller house attached at one wall,
0:42:13 > 0:42:15which isn't part of this sale.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18We're heading straight to the kitchen-diner to begin our tour.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22Now then, prepare to be amazed.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24- Oh, wow.- Look at the size of this.
0:42:24 > 0:42:30- Yeah, this is the kitchen I've been looking for, actually.- Is it?- Yeah.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Great start.- Yeah.- Let's keep walking through.- OK, lead on.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Next stop is an equally spacious sitting room.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41I wasn't expecting this cos I thought having a big room next door, the...
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- Might be compromised here? - Yeah, yeah, no this is...
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Even bigger. You can do anything you like with this room.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51And having the doors that go onto the garden is brilliant.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54Just off the sitting room is a single storey room
0:42:54 > 0:42:55which could work well as a study.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58And as we go upstairs, we're heading straight for another big space,
0:42:58 > 0:43:02which could be...well, whatever they want it to be.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Is this an office? Is this a hobby room?
0:43:05 > 0:43:06Who gets first dibs?
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Oh, I didn't expect this.
0:43:08 > 0:43:12Or is it a bedroom? The windows, er, are gorgeous.
0:43:12 > 0:43:13It'll make a fantastic bedroom.
0:43:15 > 0:43:19On this floor there's also a family bathroom and three double bedrooms.
0:43:19 > 0:43:23Two are good size doubles, both with fabulous arched windows.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26And at the other end of the landing, there's the master.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31You got an en-suite, lovely en-suite as well, actually.
0:43:31 > 0:43:34- Yeah.- Yeah, no, this is good.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36It's a really nice master bedroom.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38It's a very nice, cosy room, actually.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41And you probably need the odd cosy room in this house,
0:43:41 > 0:43:42cos everything else is so big.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Yeah, exactly, yeah.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Let's find out if the outside space gives Debs the garden paradise
0:43:48 > 0:43:50she's dreaming of.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53So garden's... Well, not conventional for you.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56You're going to have to create one, I think, with this house.
0:43:56 > 0:43:59You can see, you've got quite a bit of space here.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00Yeah, yeah, definitely.
0:44:00 > 0:44:04The house has got loads, the garden...not so much, I think.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07So let me explain what else you get here that you haven't yet seen.
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- Big double garage, with power, most importantly.- That's good.
0:44:11 > 0:44:15Just there you get a good deal of that shed there, if you like.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17- It's an old skittle alley.- Ha!
0:44:17 > 0:44:21Now, price wise, how much do you think this mystery house
0:44:21 > 0:44:22is on the market for?
0:44:22 > 0:44:25I wouldn't be surprised to see this on the market for half a million.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27But I don't think you're going to push us that far. I trust you.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30So let's say £470,000 this time.
0:44:30 > 0:44:32OK, Deb?
0:44:32 > 0:44:36I'm going to hope... you've gone under budget,
0:44:36 > 0:44:40so I'm going to go £430,000.
0:44:40 > 0:44:45All right, well this place is on the market for
0:44:45 > 0:44:48offers around £450,000.
0:44:48 > 0:44:50OK, yeah.
0:44:50 > 0:44:52That's a lot of house for 450 grand.
0:44:54 > 0:44:55This striking old school is
0:44:55 > 0:44:57a generous £25,000 under
0:44:57 > 0:44:59Debs and Chas's budget
0:44:59 > 0:45:00giving them a healthy kitty
0:45:00 > 0:45:02to spend as they wish.
0:45:02 > 0:45:03There's the potential to have
0:45:03 > 0:45:05four bedrooms here plus a couple
0:45:05 > 0:45:08of options for Chas's office and workshop.
0:45:08 > 0:45:09The kitchen-diner is the perfect
0:45:09 > 0:45:11entertaining space for Debs.
0:45:11 > 0:45:13And the garden is just waiting
0:45:13 > 0:45:14for her to make it her own.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17Wow, another big space in here.
0:45:17 > 0:45:19You'd get the table tennis table in here.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21Yeah, absolutely.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24This house has given us a lot to think about.
0:45:24 > 0:45:29It's almost... Inside is almost our dream house.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33Outside, it's not so big. So there's kind of a dilemma.
0:45:33 > 0:45:39So has the mystery property at least challenged house number two?
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- Definitely, yeah.- Yeah, yeah.
0:45:42 > 0:45:44Difficult to choose between them at the moment.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46And that's exactly what you need to do now.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48I'm going to find you somewhere to have a bit of a confab
0:45:48 > 0:45:50and we'll catch up later on, how's that?
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- OK, that sounds good. - OK.- Let's go.
0:45:57 > 0:45:59Now then, I'm all ears,
0:45:59 > 0:46:03cos I think there's a big decision here, isn't there?
0:46:03 > 0:46:06I've set my stall out and I reckon it's between house number two
0:46:06 > 0:46:07and the mystery property.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09It's not a big guess, is it really?
0:46:09 > 0:46:12- No, definitely house number one was ruled out straight away.- Yeah.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14So what's it to be?
0:46:14 > 0:46:16I think we're going to go and see both.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18- Yeah, we're going to see both of them again.- Right, OK.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21- Both of them have got things in their favour.- Neck and neck.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24So does either of you favour one or the other?
0:46:24 > 0:46:26I don't favour one or the other at the moment.
0:46:26 > 0:46:27- Neck and neck for you? - For me, yeah.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32I would go for the mystery house more than house number two,
0:46:32 > 0:46:37only because the house itself didn't need any work doing to it.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42The garden was smaller, so I've compromised quite a lot on that.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45It's great that you've got two favourite houses.
0:46:45 > 0:46:47What's going to help you make your minds up then?
0:46:47 > 0:46:48What's the next step?
0:46:48 > 0:46:51Look round both areas fully and check it out.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53Yeah, see what goes on in the community.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55- You're not in a bad position are you?- No, no.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57No, there's a nice choice, good position to be in, yeah.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01Look, whatever you decide, do please let us know, won't you?
0:47:01 > 0:47:02- We shall.- We will do.- Definitely.
0:47:02 > 0:47:05- Good luck with your viewings. - Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10So, the converted school was a big hit,
0:47:10 > 0:47:12and I'll let you know later on what happened next.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15What did I tell you, Nicki? I'm a big fan of the converted school.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- Are you? Why? - Well, for a family,
0:47:17 > 0:47:20- they're usually right slap bang in the heart of a community.- True.
0:47:20 > 0:47:21So, what I say to people,
0:47:21 > 0:47:25if they're thinking about embarking on such a brave conversion,
0:47:25 > 0:47:28obviously do your homework, but use all that space that's there wisely.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31Work with the existing features, not against them.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34And, of course, any work, make sure you've got your planning
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- application in and it has been approved.- Exactly.
0:47:36 > 0:47:39- That's the first rule, isn't it? - The only rule.
0:47:39 > 0:47:42Let's get back to my search with Andrew and Sarah in Cornwall.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45They had a budget of £350,000,
0:47:45 > 0:47:48and were looking for a family home in the countryside.
0:47:51 > 0:47:52For our final offering,
0:47:52 > 0:47:55we're heading towards the north Atlantic coast
0:47:55 > 0:47:57and to the seaside village of Porthtowan.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01Along the beachfront are a variety of cafes,
0:48:01 > 0:48:03restaurants and surfing shops.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06House number three is located just outside the village
0:48:06 > 0:48:09in a rural valley a mile away from the beach.
0:48:09 > 0:48:13Andrew and Sarah are sea-lovers and whilst our mystery property
0:48:13 > 0:48:16is the closest to the coast we've seen so far,
0:48:16 > 0:48:20it will challenge them to rethink some of their other aspirations.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24- Welcome to...- Wow. - ..our mystery house.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26- Goodness me.- Fantastic.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29It's a little bit of a feast on the eye, isn't it?
0:48:29 > 0:48:32- It's just amazing, isn't it? - There's a lot to take in.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34It's like a dream home, really, isn't it?
0:48:34 > 0:48:37- Look at those fantastic windows. - This is wacky.
0:48:37 > 0:48:40And that is why it's our mystery house.
0:48:40 > 0:48:41You want a change of lifestyle.
0:48:41 > 0:48:45I think what this mystery house does is it embraces all of that.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48- It's a different way of living. - Okey-dokey.- Wow.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50- Shall we start the tour? - Oh, I think so.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55Our architect-designed mystery house is only four years old
0:48:55 > 0:48:58and is very much the product of the current owner's vision.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Andrew and Sarah would have to use some imagination
0:49:00 > 0:49:03to see how it could be made to work for them.
0:49:03 > 0:49:07So, this really is an unusual house.
0:49:07 > 0:49:09- Fantastic.- Goodness me.- How unusual.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12This is very much the core of the house. You can just tell.
0:49:12 > 0:49:14There's everything going on here.
0:49:14 > 0:49:17There's food, there's eating, there's craft, by the look of it.
0:49:17 > 0:49:19- There's enough space. - Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:49:19 > 0:49:21But behind me, you've actually got a utility room as well.
0:49:21 > 0:49:23- Yeah.- Right, that's clever.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25But being open-plan, it's all in the one room.
0:49:25 > 0:49:30I'd say this is the model we like. This is taking quirk to a new level.
0:49:30 > 0:49:31A new mystery level.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33There's a bit of design in it, though,
0:49:33 > 0:49:36and I'm a bit of a sucker for interesting design.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39'Our buyers appear to like it.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43'Whether they want to live in our mystery house remains to be seen.'
0:49:43 > 0:49:45Perhaps, not surprisingly,
0:49:45 > 0:49:48all the bedrooms in this unusual property are on the ground floor -
0:49:48 > 0:49:52three in total, including two decent-sized rooms for the children,
0:49:52 > 0:49:55as well as an impressive family bathroom.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59We do have a continuing theme with this property,
0:49:59 > 0:50:01- and that's the word unusual.- Wow!
0:50:01 > 0:50:03I don't think we'd ever get Sarah out of that bath.
0:50:03 > 0:50:05Where do you put the wine glass?
0:50:05 > 0:50:06SHE LAUGHS
0:50:06 > 0:50:08Let's take a look at the master bedroom,
0:50:08 > 0:50:10which literally is next door.
0:50:12 > 0:50:14So, all the bedrooms are on the ground floor.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16That's a fairly big bed.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18And there's some quite big furniture in here.
0:50:18 > 0:50:19There is. Time has come, though -
0:50:19 > 0:50:23and this is the bit that excites me - taking you upstairs.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25'With the bedrooms and kitchen taken care of,
0:50:25 > 0:50:28'that leaves one last room upstairs
0:50:28 > 0:50:30'and I think I'll let Andrew and Sarah decide
0:50:30 > 0:50:32'how they'd use this one.'
0:50:33 > 0:50:37- Gosh!- Have you ever seen an upstairs like this before?
0:50:37 > 0:50:39- No.- What's going on here, then?
0:50:39 > 0:50:44Wow! My goodness. It's incredible, the way it's done.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46- It's...- Somewhat... What's that? Is that a...?
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- It's like a mezzanine sort of... - It is.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51That's my study area up there.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53You've actually got another bathroom through there.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55- Oh, really? OK.- OK.- Yes.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Because if you have anyone to stay on your mezzanine level...
0:50:58 > 0:51:00That could be your fourth bedroom.
0:51:00 > 0:51:05Wow. It's quirk with a capital Q. It's just amazing.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08If that wasn't enough, you've got your own balcony.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10Ah, no, that terrace looks fantastic, doesn't it?
0:51:10 > 0:51:12- Goodness me.- Yeah.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- Do you like it?- I like the design.
0:51:14 > 0:51:16The question is whether we want to live in that design.
0:51:16 > 0:51:19It feels like it would make a fantastic holiday home,
0:51:19 > 0:51:21but you've got my mind racing now
0:51:21 > 0:51:23as to how we could do things and make it work.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26- Well, it's an interesting property, isn't it?- Yes.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28- It's stretching you. - It is definitely.
0:51:28 > 0:51:29It's stretching you.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31So, we've seen the living accommodation,
0:51:31 > 0:51:33but we've also got to discuss the business,
0:51:33 > 0:51:35- cos that's equally important.- We do.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38- Let's go back outside and see what our options are.- OK.
0:51:39 > 0:51:41'This being the mystery house,
0:51:41 > 0:51:43'business options are more limited here.
0:51:43 > 0:51:45'In terms of outside space,'
0:51:45 > 0:51:47there's a parking area we saw as we came in
0:51:47 > 0:51:50and the garden slopes up to the side of the property
0:51:50 > 0:51:53to form a thin strip of levelled-off land.
0:51:53 > 0:51:56But as it stands, there are no outbuildings for an office
0:51:56 > 0:51:59or storage space for the modelling business.
0:51:59 > 0:52:02The garden is a bit of a climb, but it's worth it.
0:52:02 > 0:52:08- It's certainly worth it because look at your property.- Wow.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10So, although we don't have
0:52:10 > 0:52:12the business premises here at the moment,
0:52:12 > 0:52:15could you visualise putting something on this spot?
0:52:15 > 0:52:18I think it's less practical than some we've looked at.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20This house offers a different lifestyle,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23so it's, as always, another compromise
0:52:23 > 0:52:25or a blend of issues.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27So, it gets us thinking.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30So, let's talk money now, because we are closer to the sea.
0:52:30 > 0:52:35- Right.- How much do you think the mystery house is on the market for?
0:52:35 > 0:52:41I'm going to make a really, really wild guess and say £345,000.
0:52:41 > 0:52:44I'd say £350,000.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46You are both remarkably close.
0:52:46 > 0:52:50In fact, one of you is spot on - Sarah.
0:52:50 > 0:52:55- Really? - £345,000 is the asking price.- OK.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00Under budget by £5,000,
0:53:00 > 0:53:02our mystery property is a quirky, contemporary home
0:53:02 > 0:53:04a mile from the sea.
0:53:04 > 0:53:07It offers Andrew and Sarah a modern, open-plan living space,
0:53:07 > 0:53:11the three bedrooms they asked for in a coastal village location.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13However, it lacks a large garden
0:53:13 > 0:53:16and will mean Andrew would have to construct something
0:53:16 > 0:53:17for the business.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21Mystery house is spectacular. It's completely bonkers.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24It's wonderful, quirky.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Beautiful - absolutely beautiful -
0:53:26 > 0:53:30with quite a lot of scope to do things perhaps slightly differently.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34I really like the kitchen. I love the terrace upstairs.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38I'm concerned about the size of the bedrooms
0:53:38 > 0:53:40and potentially storage space for things.
0:53:40 > 0:53:46Whether we could live here sort of 365 days a year,
0:53:46 > 0:53:47I'm not sure.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50Right, mystery tour finished.
0:53:50 > 0:53:52- Have you seen enough? - I think so, yeah.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54Yeah? And that is all of our three houses.
0:53:54 > 0:53:55So, let's go and have a chat
0:53:55 > 0:53:59- and find out what your next move might be.- OK.- OK.
0:54:05 > 0:54:08Well, Andrew and Sarah, you've sold your house in Tring,
0:54:08 > 0:54:14the car is practically packed with dog, cats, children, luggage.
0:54:14 > 0:54:17Have we found you a new home in Cornwall?
0:54:17 > 0:54:20I'm not sure. You found me two possibilities.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22You found me a head house and a heart house.
0:54:22 > 0:54:26Ooh, that's interesting. OK, let's start with the head house.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29My head house is the barn conversion - house number one.
0:54:29 > 0:54:32It gives us the flexibility of space that we were after.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35We can change uses of rooms quite easily.
0:54:35 > 0:54:39It's got a lovely big garden. It's got space for the business.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42And it's at a good price, which is the head bit.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45But my heart's in the other house with the garden and the studio.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48- Number two. - Yeah, number two.- Really?
0:54:48 > 0:54:50Yeah, I absolutely love that house.
0:54:50 > 0:54:55I love the garden and I love the studio.
0:54:55 > 0:54:59The house itself isn't necessarily ideal.
0:54:59 > 0:55:01I suppose my concern is, it's top-end of budget
0:55:01 > 0:55:03so we wouldn't have much left to do anything else.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06So, could we live in it for however long
0:55:06 > 0:55:07before we could do something else?
0:55:07 > 0:55:09So, that's the dilemma I'm facing.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13Ooh, that's interesting. Andrew, what are your thoughts?
0:55:15 > 0:55:17Not too dissimilar, to be honest.
0:55:17 > 0:55:20House number three, the mystery house, was fascinating -
0:55:20 > 0:55:21we loved it - but it wasn't practical for us.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25It wasn't practical for us as a family or the business.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29The barn - house number one - I felt very comfortable with
0:55:29 > 0:55:31pretty much as soon as I walked in the front door.
0:55:31 > 0:55:33My one concern, though, is the location -
0:55:33 > 0:55:34where it is in the county,
0:55:34 > 0:55:36where it is in relation to the village.
0:55:36 > 0:55:39I think our initial thoughts are
0:55:39 > 0:55:42that we might try a bit of a sneaky, cheeky offer on the second place
0:55:42 > 0:55:46- and see what happens.- Ooh! - And then take it from there, really.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49- But number one, again, could be an offer as well.- Yeah.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52That's fantastic news... Cos I don't want to worry you,
0:55:52 > 0:55:55- but you have sold your house. - I know. I know.- Yes.- Yes.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58- And we would like to go home with an offer in the bag.- Yeah.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02We would love you to return home with an offer in the bag.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04That sounds so promising. My goodness!
0:56:04 > 0:56:07Well, all the best. Thank you both so much.
0:56:07 > 0:56:08- Thank you.- Thanks.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17So, Nicki, put me out of my misery. What's the latest?
0:56:17 > 0:56:21Well, good news, Sarah and Andrew have moved to Cornwall,
0:56:21 > 0:56:23they bought a property between St Austell and Truro,
0:56:23 > 0:56:25and the whole family have adapted well
0:56:25 > 0:56:27- to a new life in the West Country. - Good for them.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31So much so that the children had wetsuits on, out in the sea,
0:56:31 > 0:56:34- on New Years Day.- Oh, that makes me cold just thinking about it.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36- No, that's keen!- Too keen in my book.
0:56:36 > 0:56:38Well, as for my couple, Chas and Deb,
0:56:38 > 0:56:41unfortunately that garden at the mystery property was
0:56:41 > 0:56:42too much of a compromise,
0:56:42 > 0:56:46but I'm pleased to report that they too have made their country move
0:56:46 > 0:56:48and are now settling in rather nicely to their new
0:56:48 > 0:56:52- home on the Somerset-Devon border. - Fantastic, it's a win-win!
0:56:52 > 0:56:54- Perfect, isn't it?- Happy days,
0:56:54 > 0:56:58and we wish both our couples all the very best with their new lives.
0:56:58 > 0:57:01We hope that you've enjoyed our journey through the West Country
0:57:01 > 0:57:04and can join us again for more country escapes.
0:57:05 > 0:57:08'If you'd like to Escape to the Country in Northern Ireland,
0:57:08 > 0:57:09Scotland, Wales, England,
0:57:09 > 0:57:11or perhaps even further afield to the continent,
0:57:11 > 0:57:14and would like our help, please apply online at...