0:00:02 > 0:00:04I'm walking on one of only a handful of tombolos in the country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:06But where exactly am I?
0:00:06 > 0:00:09The mystery will be solved in just a few moments.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30On today's show, our house-hunters are a couple of ladies
0:00:30 > 0:00:32with one heck of a list of demands,
0:00:32 > 0:00:35but I still managed to serve up some belters.
0:00:35 > 0:00:36- Lovely.- Yep.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39Just as long as it carries on like this I think you're on a winner.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40I think we could be.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43And whilst delivering things they do want,
0:00:43 > 0:00:46there are also a few features that weren't quite on the list.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- Wow, what a surprise! - Most unexpected.- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Today I'm in Devon, and behind me is Burgh Island,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57which was the inspiration for two
0:00:57 > 0:01:00of Agatha Christie's famous murder-mystery novels.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Now the island itself is connected to the mainland
0:01:03 > 0:01:06via strange beach phenomenon known as a tombolo,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08which occurs when two opposing currents meet
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and form this wave-shaped spit.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16Now, at high tide, the island itself is completely surrounded by water,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19but you can still get there with your feet dry
0:01:19 > 0:01:23via this sea tractor, which has been operating here since the 1930s.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25And once on the island,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28you can take advantage of a number of foot paths that all look out
0:01:28 > 0:01:32on this beautiful and spectacular Devonshire coastline.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38The ever-popular southwestern county of Devon
0:01:38 > 0:01:41sits between Dorset to the east and Cornwall to the west.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45The north of the county borders the Atlantic Ocean
0:01:45 > 0:01:48and offers a spectacular rugged coastline
0:01:48 > 0:01:51which boasts some of the highest sea cliffs in the country.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The south of the county looks out over the more gentle waters
0:01:54 > 0:01:56of the English Channel.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59There are a number of attractive small towns and fishing villages
0:01:59 > 0:02:01dotted along the coast such as Salcombe,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04a popular sailing destination.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06Inland are rolling hillsides
0:02:06 > 0:02:09dotted with the region's famous dairy herds and other cattle.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12With the small, historic villages nestled along its valleys,
0:02:12 > 0:02:15it's a picture of rural England at its very best.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24But, what are today's buyers looking for? Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26Vicki and her mother, Rosemary,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29live in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire
0:02:29 > 0:02:32and will be house hunting on behalf of their whole family
0:02:32 > 0:02:35as they all plan to move to Devon together.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38So we've got three generations of our family involved in the move.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40There's me, my mum, my dad, Ray,
0:02:40 > 0:02:43and then my brother, Chris, and his little boy, Ethan.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47There's always been a little bit of something missing.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52Haven't really spread our wings and, um...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54..if we're going to do it, then we need to do it now.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57We just all decided that actually we'd all quite like to go with them.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00We're probably ready for an adventure as well.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01A bit of a change of lifestyle.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Rosemary and Ray are retired, but for Vicki,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08she's hoping the move will mean achieving a better work-life balance
0:03:08 > 0:03:11and the chance to develop one of her big passions - baking.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13It will be a big change for me work-wise.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I'd love to be able to build my own business,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19so whether that's something to do with baking, you know,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22holiday lets, or you know, something like that.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23You know, it would be really exciting.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26The idea of this move is for them all to live back together
0:03:26 > 0:03:29in one big family home.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32So far the only experience we've had of living all under one roof
0:03:32 > 0:03:35is when we go on holiday, and we all get on well.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37To be living all as a family again,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40as long as we do have that bit of space,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44I'm sure we will get on absolutely fine.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Their properties are on the market
0:03:46 > 0:03:49and they're now ready to embrace their new adventure.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53I feel really excited about the prospect of moving.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57I think I'm really ready for a change and a new adventure.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01Actually, it's really nice that I get to go with my family.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05We feel really lucky that they also want to join us in this...
0:04:05 > 0:04:07a new life.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Rosemary, Vicki, and the family have chosen East Devon,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17so we're concentrating our search on villages and towns
0:04:17 > 0:04:19between Exeter and the Dorset border.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22But first, I need to find out more about the long list of requirements
0:04:22 > 0:04:24for this big family move.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26- Morning, ladies.- Morning.- Morning.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29We're looking for something quite different today.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32- You're moving en masse.- Yep.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- There is yourselves, obviously, there's Ray, your husband.- Yes.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- Your son, your brother, Chris. - Yep.- And his...
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- His son, Ethan.- Ethan.- Yep.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Let's start with you and Ray.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Specifically, what would you really love?
0:04:47 > 0:04:50A large house with lots of space.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Lots of nice views, I think.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Are you representing Chris as well as your own wants and desires?
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Yeah. Chris is quite keen on having somewhere with land.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01He'd quite like some animals in the future,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05whereas I think I've got my eye on something that's going to...
0:05:05 > 0:05:08perhaps have a business opportunity, maybe make us an income.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Honestly...this isn't easy.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- Land...- That's why we've been looking for a while.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16So, let's talk about finances.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19How much are you looking to spend?
0:05:19 > 0:05:20If there was something
0:05:20 > 0:05:24that was absolutely perfect, we're talking about £910,000.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27And then it slides downwards to, you know...
0:05:27 > 0:05:30If it was just something that was just a big house
0:05:30 > 0:05:32that was big enough for all of us to live in...
0:05:32 > 0:05:35But with an acre as a minimum.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38Yeah, then probably be looking at sort of £750,000 upwards.
0:05:38 > 0:05:39It kind of depends on...
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- The potential.- The potential of somewhere.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46- Our primary focus is to find all of you, the family, a home.- Yep.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48- With some land.- Yes.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50And then, if there's opportunities along the way
0:05:50 > 0:05:52for business potential, then we'll discuss that. OK?
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- Yes.- Let's have a cup of tea before we start, OK?
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- Yep, OK.- Lovely.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04So, for a maximum budget of £910,000, there are plenty of wants.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07The first is for a large house with at least five bedrooms
0:06:07 > 0:06:11and a good living space for this family of five to spread out in.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14For Vicki's new business venture, she's after a big kitchen
0:06:14 > 0:06:16and a holiday letting option.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Whilst Rosemary is happy with one acre of land,
0:06:18 > 0:06:22son, Chris, ideally wants three to start keeping some livestock.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26And rural views are definitely on the list.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28We've worked hard to find three strong options
0:06:28 > 0:06:30which cater for their many requests,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32but I won't be revealing the all-important price tag
0:06:32 > 0:06:35until after each house tour.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37The final offering is a mystery house
0:06:37 > 0:06:40which guarantees for some big decisions this week.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48For our first property, we're going to the town of Honiton,
0:06:48 > 0:06:50which is located half an hour east of the city of Exeter
0:06:50 > 0:06:54and 25 minutes from the coast.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Honiton is a busy market town which offers the family
0:06:57 > 0:06:59a practical mix of shops and facilities.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Just a mile from the centre of town,
0:07:01 > 0:07:04the surroundings quickly become very rural
0:07:04 > 0:07:08and up a quiet country lane we find our first property.
0:07:09 > 0:07:10So, ladies...
0:07:11 > 0:07:14- This is house number one. - All right.- OK.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15- It looks very nice.- Yeah.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19Now, it's an old farmhouse with... Well, it's been converted as well.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Some of the barns were converted with more modern extensions
0:07:22 > 0:07:24and restorations at the far gable end.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28Is this the sort of house you could see yourselves en masse living in?
0:07:28 > 0:07:30I think so. I mean, it looks big enough from the outside.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Views....
0:07:32 > 0:07:34This is all very positive so far.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- Yep, so far so good. - Yes, so far. Can we...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- Itching to get in.- That's what I want to hear. Let's go inside.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41Come on.
0:07:41 > 0:07:45Parts of this farmhouse date back to the 17th century,
0:07:45 > 0:07:48but it's had more recent additions
0:07:48 > 0:07:50and conversions to turn it into a sizable and adaptable property
0:07:50 > 0:07:53with five bedrooms and three living rooms.
0:07:53 > 0:08:00- OK, first room - the most important room for you bakers, isn't it?- Yes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- Very nice.- Now, you told me that you quite like the idea of all sitting together as a family.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Yeah.- Which according to current owners,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09- that's exactly what they do here. - Yes. It's really nice.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Yeah, it's got loads of character.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Very nice kitchen.- So far?- Lovely. - Yep.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Just as long as it carries on like this I think you are on a winner.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19I think we could be. Follow me.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- OK, so, another reception room. - That's nice.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28- Another nice room.- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31This is good. I just want you to get the flavour of everything.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33- Yeah.- Keep going.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39Now, one of three reception rooms, or sitting rooms, rather.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- Yeah, it's got nice view out the window.- Lovely view out the windows.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47- This could be completely separate. - Yes.- You've got a wet room there.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52You've got a second staircase there going up to a master bedroom.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54Oh, right.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57So this could be a completely self-contained one-bedroom cottage.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Oh, I could live here.- Yes.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02Let's go up the staircase to give you an idea of the flow of it all.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- OK.- Then will come back down the other one.- Right.- Follow me.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Passing through the kitchen and dining room,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11this first sitting room is located at one end of the house
0:09:11 > 0:09:15and has a staircase in the corner which leads to the master bedroom.
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- So, pretty much the footprint of the living room down below.- Right.
0:09:21 > 0:09:27- Wow, indeed. It's such a lovely size. - Yeah, nice high ceiling.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- Could be more than a bedroom. - A bit like a suite.- Yes, definitely.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Can see us falling out over this room,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36so I'm going to get us out of the theatre of conflict
0:09:36 > 0:09:37as quick as possible.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40This suite is just the first of five double bedrooms.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- The second bedroom - good size, double.- Yes.- OK.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51We've got another one just up here.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55Now, both of these bedrooms are served by this family bathroom here.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Then you've got two other double bedrooms,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01both of which are en-suite.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- Goodness.- Right, OK. - What haven't I ticked yet?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- The garden.- The garden? - Yes.- Follow me.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11The house is set in just under an acre
0:10:11 > 0:10:14which incorporates a garden, a raised deck, a small paddock,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and a building which could be a future option for holiday letting.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22So, outbuilding-wise, you get that block there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24No planning consent yet
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- but something to think about for the future.- Yeah, definitely.- Yes.
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Now, obviously this garden bit here and then beyonds, well...
0:10:30 > 0:10:32Oh! Chickens.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- And sheep.- Yes.- What do we think, all in all?- I think it's...
0:10:35 > 0:10:40a very definite possibility.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43How much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45About £780,000?
0:10:45 > 0:10:47£775,000?
0:10:47 > 0:10:50Well done. It's on the market for a guide price of £750,000.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Oh.- Right, OK. That's not bad news.- No.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57So, at the bottom end of their budget range,
0:10:57 > 0:11:00this is a fully restored and converted 17th-century farmhouse
0:11:00 > 0:11:04offering great flexibility for the family with plenty of bedrooms
0:11:04 > 0:11:07and reception rooms, and a large family kitchen.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10There is the potential for Vicki
0:11:10 > 0:11:13to look into holiday rentals with the stables.
0:11:13 > 0:11:14However, the gardens and paddock
0:11:14 > 0:11:16offer just under an acre of land
0:11:16 > 0:11:18which may fall short of brother Chris' hopes.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- This has gone down very well, hasn't it?- Certainly has.- Let's go to the next place.- OK.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33On the edge of Dartmoor stands a building with illustrious claim
0:11:33 > 0:11:36to be the last castle to be built in England.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39Finished just 80 years ago,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Castle Drogo was the brainchild of Julius Drewe -
0:11:42 > 0:11:45a retail tycoon who wanted to create an authentic-looking castle.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48He commissioned great British architect Edwin Lutyens,
0:11:48 > 0:11:51most famous for his role in designing government buildings
0:11:51 > 0:11:54of New Delhi in India and the Cenotaph in London.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Built entirely of granite, Castle Drogo has battlements,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00turrets and mullioned windows.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02But also flat roofs and no external guttering.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Within a year of completion, it started to leak.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Today an extensive repair job is under way
0:12:08 > 0:12:12and I'm meeting project manager, Tim Camborne, to find out more.
0:12:12 > 0:12:17So, Tim, this, on first inspection, looks like a castle. Is it?
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- It's built to look like a castle. - Yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- But it's actually a country house. - How old is it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:25It was started in 1911 and finished in 1930,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27cos it was interrupted by the First World War.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29What's all this building work going on then?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32The problem is, it leaks through the roof, the walls and windows.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Some of it is just down to age and exposure,
0:12:35 > 0:12:36being right on the side of Dartmoor.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39The windows are particularly prone to the lashing
0:12:39 > 0:12:40they get from the weather.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43We are tackling all those elements. So the roof has been done.
0:12:43 > 0:12:45The windows have been taken out and refurbished.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- And all the pointing gets replaced. - That's no small job.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50- Can we take a closer look? - Yeah, sure.- Lead the way.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Gifted to the National Trust in 1974,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56the restoration of Castle Drogo
0:12:56 > 0:13:00is one of the largest projects the Trust has ever undertaken.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03With exposure to the brutal weather being the major concern,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06it's all being done under an enormous temporary shell.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08So even when you're here
0:13:08 > 0:13:13you start to appreciate the sheer scale of the job you've got.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17What sort of size are we looking at?
0:13:17 > 0:13:20The roof is approximately two football pitches.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23That doesn't sound that big but there is more to it than that,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- isn't there?- It would be simple if it was just two
0:13:25 > 0:13:28flat football pitches. But there are 28 different roofs.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32'With the roof stripped back, a new modern membrane will be laid.'
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- This stuff.- That's very different that there.- Very different.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Very different.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41This is the top two layers and they get hot-bonded together.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And it's not just the roof.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47The £11 million weatherproofing job, funded in part by lottery money
0:13:47 > 0:13:50and donations, includes mending the leaky windows and walls.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Being a Grade I listed property,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56all the work must be carried out as sympathetically as possible.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58The windows were a major problem here as well,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01due to the what, the location of this site?
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Pretty much, yeah. The exposure.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06The lead cames - the bits that hold the glass together -
0:14:06 > 0:14:10they started to break down. What we do is keep all the original glass.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12These are all the original planes from this window
0:14:12 > 0:14:15and if all gone back into the same location.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- These are the first two, out of 913. - LAUGHING:- No!
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Something like 450 have been taken out so far.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23They're currently being prepared off-site and they'll come back.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25I can hear a lone power tool...
0:14:25 > 0:14:27THEY LAUGH
0:14:27 > 0:14:29I've done that job and it's a horrible job.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Basically drilling a masonry bit into the mortar.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35How much mortar is going to need to be removed from here?
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- 64km of joints. - 64km of pointing.- Yep.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- 911 remaining windows to be replaced.- Yep.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47And two football pitches of roofs. All to be done when?
0:14:47 > 0:14:51Hopefully to finish in the winter of 2016-2017, that's the plan.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- I wish you the best of luck, Tim. - Thank you very much.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Really interesting.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07For our second property,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10we're off a little further inland to the village of Dunkeswell,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14located in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17Containing many classic thatch properties,
0:15:17 > 0:15:21it's a small picturesque village with an active local community.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25Up a country lane and overlooking the village is our second property.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Now then, let's step back a bit.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35- We get the best view, I think, from this lawn.- Lovely.- Very impressive.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Yes, very nice again.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39I like the stone, like the windows.
0:15:39 > 0:15:4617th-century, but there's part of this building obviously a lot older.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- So, want to go inside? - Yes, please!- Please.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55This renovated 17th-century farmhouse is Grade II listed.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Built from mellow local flintstone,
0:15:58 > 0:15:59it's full of character
0:15:59 > 0:16:02including a number of original beer stone mullioned windows.
0:16:02 > 0:16:08- Nice wide door. Look at this entrance hall.- Wow.- Wowee!
0:16:08 > 0:16:14- Some entrance hall.- It certainly is. - So let's start in living room.- OK.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- What do you think? - Nice, cosy room.- Yeah.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Just a little bit on the dark side.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22There's not a great deal of artificial light in this house
0:16:22 > 0:16:25and I think that's one thing you might want to look into.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Right.- Let me show you one of the kitchens.- One of the kitchens?
0:16:32 > 0:16:35So, the kitchen.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Very much a farmhouse kitchen, isn't it?- Yes.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42I think as a family kitchen it's not what we had imagined.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44It is a little bit on the small side.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46Yeah, it's just the way it's laid out.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Take a picture in your mind's eye of this,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- and follow me into the dining room. - OK.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53So now when you see this...
0:16:54 > 0:16:58- Does it make you feel any differently about the kitchen?- Yes.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- Yes.- It puts a different complexion on it completely.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- And this is really... - Yeah, I love the fireplace.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05Love the fireplace as well.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07There's loads of bedrooms to look at,
0:17:07 > 0:17:10but I want to show you one particularly special one.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11- Follow me.- OK.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15Also on the ground floor, as well as a front reception room,
0:17:15 > 0:17:16there's a family room to the rear,
0:17:16 > 0:17:18a large utility room which could be converted
0:17:18 > 0:17:21into a professional baking kitchen for Vicki,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24and another space currently used as an office.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Upstairs, we begin the tour of the six bedrooms.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33- What do you think of this? - Wow.- Yeah.
0:17:33 > 0:17:39- I take it this is the master suite. - It... Well, yes. Or is it?
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Cos there's a few...a few different options.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Yes, and I like the light coming in.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Now, that is a glorious en suite.
0:17:47 > 0:17:52On this floor, you've got a lot of accommodation. You've got...
0:17:52 > 0:17:54a double en-suite bedroom there.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57You've got another double bedroom with a bathroom opposite.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Another double bedroom beyond that.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Then, beyond that, you've got a double bedroom,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06what could be a dressing room,
0:18:06 > 0:18:10and a bathroom to service just that master suite.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12- So there'd be no more fighting over the master suite, then.- No.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16And I don't think anybody would be getting a raw deal, are they?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- No. But through here is something quite special.- OK.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- So...- Wow, what a surprise! - Ah, the second kitchen.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28Wow.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Most unexpected.- Isn't it?- Yeah, I wasn't expecting that at all.
0:18:32 > 0:18:37- This has been a self-catering holiday apartment.- Yes, it's all pretty much ready to go.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Let's go outside and talk about the land
0:18:39 > 0:18:41and talk about everything else that comes with it.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- The whole package, if you like. OK, lead the way.- Thank you.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49The property is set in just under an acre which surrounds the house.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53There's a lawn garden and a parcel of land at the back.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56But there's also some business potential for Vicki.
0:18:56 > 0:19:01Those barns have previously had planning consent
0:19:01 > 0:19:06for two two-bedroom self-contained holiday cottages.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08Right, OK.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10That's interesting.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12We haven't talked price yet. So let's discuss that.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15- £875,000?- OK. Vicki?
0:19:15 > 0:19:17I was going to say £850,000.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- The guide price for this is £775,000.- Oh.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- Oh, that is a surprise. - It is a surprise.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28For £135,000 under their top budget,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32this is a huge renovated 17th-century farmhouse
0:19:32 > 0:19:35with no fewer than six bedrooms, five reception rooms,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38and all full of period charm.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41There's the option to let out a self-contained apartment
0:19:41 > 0:19:44as well as convert the barns into holiday properties.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47There's just under an acre of land which is what Rosemary asked for,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50but maybe not what brother Chris was hoping for.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- So, pretty good day, then? - It has. It really has been.
0:19:56 > 0:19:57Yeah, it's been a good day.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59Quite a bit of land at the back of this house, isn't there?
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Yeah, it's quite a lot to look at.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- And hopefully got a bit to think about.- Certainly have.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05- Yep, definitely. - Those barns are something else.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08Good, I'm glad you like it. Let's go back.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18I think Vicki and Rosemary seemed genuinely surprised
0:20:18 > 0:20:20on the quality of houses we showed them yesterday.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But I think that's because we centred on the home aspect
0:20:23 > 0:20:25of their property search.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29So, for today's mystery house, we're going to be showing them something with a bit of enterprise.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34Now, it's got a B&B element to it, some self-catering accommodation,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38but I keep hearing about Chris, Rosemary's son and Vicki's brother.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42He wants a rural business, maybe with a bit of land.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46He might like this cos it's essentially a working farm.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54For the mystery house, we're travelling further east
0:20:54 > 0:20:56to the village of Musbury,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59close to the Dorset border and just five minutes from the coast.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03The River Axe runs through the west of the village
0:21:03 > 0:21:04and it lies in the East Devon Way,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06a 40-mile walking route through the Axe Valley.
0:21:06 > 0:21:10Located along this Valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:21:10 > 0:21:14and with views to die for, is our mystery house.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20So, best spot to look at the house from, I think, is here
0:21:20 > 0:21:21for your first impressions.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Very nice. Love the stone.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- You've seen what's over there? - Yep.- It's a farm.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Do you want to get back in the car and go home?
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- BOTH:- No!- Definitely not.- No.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35First off, the building. What do you see?
0:21:35 > 0:21:40Pretty stone farmhouse. Looks quite large.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- It's semidetached.- Yes.- Yes.- OK? - Right?- To get you back on...
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Look, you've got a bit quiet about that, haven't you?
0:21:46 > 0:21:48THEY LAUGH
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Well... Just, no, I'm reserving my judgment.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53I can't wait to get inside.
0:21:53 > 0:21:54It may be attached
0:21:54 > 0:21:57but this 18th-century farmhouse offers masses of living and
0:21:57 > 0:22:00sleeping accommodation, as well as a separate annexe for holiday lets.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05Let's start off with one of the many reception rooms
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- we have in this house.- Right.- It's very cosy.- Another nice fireplace.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Yes.- What do you think of this floor? These lovely flags?
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- I like it, actually.- I think Mum has different ideas over this.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20Hall, kitchens, utility rooms - I'm just not sure.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22I'm not sure about main lounges.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The good thing about this house is that you could have
0:22:25 > 0:22:28one of the reception rooms with a carpet in,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32another reception room with stone, and you've still got a couple spare.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34There are two further living rooms,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36one of which is used as an office, and then the final downstairs
0:22:36 > 0:22:40reception room - currently a dining room.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41Wow!
0:22:41 > 0:22:46- It's super.- Yeah. - Lovely dining room.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50- That's what you call a dining room. - Yes.- So, four reception rooms.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Who gets what? Is it one for each member of the family?- It could be.
0:22:55 > 0:22:56Pretty much, isn't it?
0:22:56 > 0:23:00The last room downstairs is the all-important kitchen.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06- A proper farmhouse kitchen for you to argue over.- Yes, definitely.
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- Definitely.- This is a real farmhouse kitchen, isn't it?- Yes.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13There's still plenty of room for eating in here, isn't there?
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- Yes, it's a proper family kitchen, isn't it?- Yes, it's what we wanted.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19- This has gone down pretty well, hasn't it?- Yes.- Very nice.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- So far, so good. - Don't say it accusingly.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28Vicki might be unsure about the good news continuing upstairs,
0:23:28 > 0:23:31but I think she'll remain happy when she sees what's on offer.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33There are four good-sized bedrooms,
0:23:33 > 0:23:35one of which has an en-suite bathroom,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37and on top of that, there's still the main suite.
0:23:39 > 0:23:44- This is the master bedroom.- Right. - Wow, nice and light. Lovely views.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Views over your own land.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49I just want to show you this room. It's amazing. Follow me.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52As en-suites go, you don't get much better than this.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55- Oh!- No, you don't.- Absolutely.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58- Interesting feature in the corner. - A sauna.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00THEY LAUGH
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- I've not seen one of these before in an en-suite.- No.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Let's go back into the bedroom
0:24:04 > 0:24:06and have a quick chat about what we've got here.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09This is obviously the master suite.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Then, at the far end, you've got self-catering accommodation.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14One up, one down.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- And that can get anything up to £600 per week in the peak season.- Right.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21That's very attractive.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25So the house offers ready-to-go-income in the form
0:24:25 > 0:24:27of a self-catering flat.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30But there is also huge potential outside as it is currently
0:24:30 > 0:24:33a working farm. And the land it comes with is considerable.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41- Chris, he reckoned he wanted some land.- Yes.- You've got over 37 acres.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43THEY LAUGH
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Just a small parcel of land, then(!)
0:24:46 > 0:24:48It's a perfect smallholding.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50How much do you think it is?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52It's certainly surpassed the budget, I think.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58- I'd go 950.- OK. - No, I'd go more than that.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- 990. Even 995.- OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:09Well, the asking price for this property is offers around £935,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- OK. I like the word "offers."- Yeah.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- I'm scared. - That doesn't surprise me.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It's a proper mystery house
0:25:17 > 0:25:19when it gets people out of their comfort zone.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21It has given everything you've asked for and more.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25This is your opportunity to go and discover everything here.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27It's going to be a long few hours.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32It's over the £910,000 budget but open to offers.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35This 18th-century farmhouse has enough bedrooms
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and reception rooms to give everyone the space they need.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40There is a separate holiday annexe,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42ready to go for immediate bookings.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46And where this property really comes into its own is the 37 acres
0:25:46 > 0:25:50of farmland for Chris to fulfil his dreams of keeping livestock.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Ladies, I've just realised that I didn't mention the pool, did I?
0:25:56 > 0:25:57- BOTH: No.- But we discovered it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Why don't we find somewhere to have a bit of a discussion
0:26:00 > 0:26:02and then we'll chat through everything after that?
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- OK.- Let's go.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13So, ladies, after a bit of a time, are you close to a decision?
0:26:13 > 0:26:15What's your current thoughts?
0:26:15 > 0:26:17I don't think we've quite come to a decision.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20I think, you know, there's definitely two houses
0:26:20 > 0:26:22that feel like they're in the running.
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- House number one. Definite possibility.- Mm-hmm.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- And house number three. - The mystery house!- Yes.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31They are two very different houses, aren't they?
0:26:31 > 0:26:33House number one and the mystery house.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35House number one is the safe option.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37It's a bit of a project if you wanted to do something.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40House number three is a completely different proposition.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42What do you think your brother, Chris, would prefer?
0:26:42 > 0:26:46I think, for him, the clear winner would be the mystery house.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50It gives the land and the lifestyle I think he's really after.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53If we sold some of the land possibly on the mystery house,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56I think we would probably all go for that one.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Well, good. Let's hope it gets to the next stage.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I wish you both the very best of luck.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- Whatever happens, please let us know.- We certainly will.- Thank you.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It's not hard to see how a family of four adults
0:27:11 > 0:27:14have struggled to find the right house for them.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Bearing in mind, well, each and every one of them
0:27:16 > 0:27:19wants something slightly different from the same property.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21I think we're at least halfway there with Rosemary
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and Vicki opting for house number one.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28The home itself seemed ideally suited for such a large family.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31But I also hope, whilst they're down here in Devon, they at least
0:27:31 > 0:27:35heed my advice and go for a second viewing at the mystery house.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38When the other members of the family see the up-and-running
0:27:38 > 0:27:41letting accommodation, along with all of that land,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45well, you never know, it may well just work its charms.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I'm certainly looking forward to finding out.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49See you next time.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Rosemary and Vicki went for second viewings on our first house
0:27:52 > 0:27:54and the mystery house but decided the land
0:27:54 > 0:27:57was not enough at the first and too much at the other.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Their search for a perfect package to suit the whole family continues.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04If you'd like to escape to the country in Scotland,
0:28:04 > 0:28:08England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or perhaps even further afield to the Continent,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10and would like our help,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14you can apply online at...