0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to today's Escape To The Country.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07Now this is just a tiny part of what is the longest foot path
0:00:07 > 0:00:12anywhere in the UK, but it started out life as a patrol route.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13So where are we?
0:00:13 > 0:00:16Well, join me in just a few moments and I'll tell you.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36On today's show, we're helping a recently retired couple
0:00:36 > 0:00:39who are partial to modern interiors.
0:00:39 > 0:00:40- You like contemporary.- Yeah.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- This is contemporary with a vengeance.- Certainly is, isn't it?
0:00:43 > 0:00:46And when it comes to sizing up properties,
0:00:46 > 0:00:47they are spookily in sync.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- It is quite...- BOTH:- Unique.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Ah, what I said. We said that word together.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Well, today we are in Cornwall.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00I'm standing on just a tiny fraction of the South West Coast Path.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03It runs for some 630 miles.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06It begins up in Somerset near Minehead,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09then runs all the way around the 300 miles of the Cornish coast
0:01:09 > 0:01:12before finally ending up at Poole, in Dorset.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Now, up until 1930, it was used by the coastguard
0:01:16 > 0:01:18looking for smugglers stashing contraband
0:01:18 > 0:01:21down there in the coves and caves.
0:01:21 > 0:01:25But, of course, today it's popular with walkers and ramblers.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27As you can see, it does afford, I think,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31some of the most spectacular views of this dramatic coastline.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37Cornwall is bordered by Devon to the east
0:01:37 > 0:01:40and is Britain's westernmost county.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Here the sea is a constant theme.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45The spectacular, deeply indented coastline
0:01:45 > 0:01:48is close to 300 miles long.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50With wave-pounded granite cliffs
0:01:50 > 0:01:54and pristine villages wedged between craggy headlands.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57With its own language and rich Celtic heritage,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00the county has a unique and distinctive culture.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04In April 2014, the Cornish people were formally declared
0:02:04 > 0:02:06a national minority by the government,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08joining the Scots, Welsh, and Irish.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13The independent spirit here combined with exceptional scenic beauty
0:02:13 > 0:02:16is what gives this county such an enduring appeal.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22But what is it about this gorgeous county
0:02:22 > 0:02:24that's attracted today's couple?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Well, time now to meet them and find out.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Carol and Keith, who met when Carol took a job as branch manager
0:02:31 > 0:02:34of Keith's insurance company in 1984,
0:02:34 > 0:02:36have been living in their five-bedroom home
0:02:36 > 0:02:39in the town of Fleet, Hampshire for the last six years.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42But since they sold the business three years ago,
0:02:42 > 0:02:44they're ready to find a more rural home
0:02:44 > 0:02:47where they can really enjoy their retirement.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49The area we currently live in
0:02:49 > 0:02:52is becoming more and more built up as time goes by.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56We started to look about 18 months, two years ago for another property.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57Principally in Cornwall
0:02:57 > 0:03:01because that's where my daughter and family moved to.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Apart from the fact that I've loved Cornwall since I was a child
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and I've always wanted to live in Cornwall in the country.
0:03:07 > 0:03:09It's always been a dream of mine.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12Tied in with Keith and Carol's quest for a country life
0:03:12 > 0:03:14is a passion for horses.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18Ellie, their much-loved horse-mad granddaughter in Cornwall,
0:03:18 > 0:03:20is hoping her grandparents' new home
0:03:20 > 0:03:24might conveniently come with a paddock where she can keep her pony.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26But this is no hardship for Keith
0:03:26 > 0:03:30who shares his granddaughter's equine interests.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32I've been volunteering for Riding for the Disabled
0:03:32 > 0:03:35for two or three years, I suppose.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39I started doing it... A, because I like horses
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and B, because I suppose when you retire
0:03:43 > 0:03:46you think you ought to do something voluntary.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49While Carol is also an animal lover and will enjoy helping out
0:03:49 > 0:03:53with the horses, she'll be equally happy to occupy herself indoors.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56I'm looking forward to a new start with the move.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00Something to build on. I like looking after the home, really.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01I'm a home-builder, I suppose.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- Carol gets a huge kick out of making a home.- Mm.- And she's good at it.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08OK.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Carol and Keith would like to be within easy driving distance
0:04:15 > 0:04:17of their family who live in Probus,
0:04:17 > 0:04:21so we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the village.
0:04:21 > 0:04:22I'm catching up with them
0:04:22 > 0:04:25to learn more about what they're looking for in the new home.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Well, Carol, Keith, welcome to Cornwall.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32You are retired, but you're young and funky at heart,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- aren't you? You're into modern, open plan and all of that.- Yes.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38Oh, I love it. Yes, I love modern bathrooms, modern kitchens...
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- It's motivated in part, this move, by family down here.- It is.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44My daughter lives down here with her family.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48This also brings us on to the granddaughter and horses.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Her mother has said the only way she'll be able to have a horse
0:04:52 > 0:04:55is if Nanny and Grandad keep it and look after it.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58At their expense, admittedly.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- Because they don't want the tie. - Yep.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04So, whilst it's not something that has to be on the agenda,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07if it so happened that we had the space then I guess
0:05:07 > 0:05:11we would end up having horses.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13And how many bedrooms do you need, Keith,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15because you've got obviously family still in Hampshire
0:05:15 > 0:05:16who are going to come and visit.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20We tend to look for a minimum four bedrooms, not necessarily
0:05:20 > 0:05:23because we need four bedrooms, but we do like large houses.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27I know that there are only the two of us but we like space.
0:05:27 > 0:05:28We talked about this modern feel,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32- but you do kind of like the idea of a barn conversion.- Yes.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34That fits in, I think, for me
0:05:34 > 0:05:37because barn conversions can look very attractive outside,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and for Carol because of the very open,
0:05:40 > 0:05:44normally the very open interiors, high ceilings, and that suits her.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Many people also want quite lavish garden,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and vegetables and the rest of it, but that's not on your list, Carol.
0:05:50 > 0:05:51No, it isn't.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I had our garden redone to make it easily maintainable.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Now you've given us £850,000 to spend,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01which is a very generous budget here.
0:06:01 > 0:06:02You want a big house, Keith.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05We should certainly get you that for the money.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- We've got three to show you, including our mystery house.- Lovely.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- Who knows? Drink up your tea and we'll get going.- OK.- Thank you.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19With a very healthy budget of £850,000,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Carol and Keith would like a spacious home
0:06:21 > 0:06:23with a modern, open-plan interior
0:06:23 > 0:06:27that includes a large kitchen/diner and four bedrooms.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29Outside, Carol is keen on a low-maintenance garden
0:06:29 > 0:06:32while Keith would be tempted by a pony paddock.
0:06:32 > 0:06:34And they're hoping to be within an hour's drive
0:06:34 > 0:06:36of their family in Probus.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41We have a fine selection of houses lined up to tempt them with,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44but I won't reveal the prices until the end of each house tour.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46One, of course, will be our mystery house,
0:06:46 > 0:06:50which should more than meet their modern living requirements.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58We're starting our search 15 miles west of Probus
0:06:58 > 0:07:01in the village of St Agnes on the north coast.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04This popular but unspoilt settlement
0:07:04 > 0:07:07situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:07:07 > 0:07:09has a creative local community
0:07:09 > 0:07:14that supports a nice selection of independent shops and businesses.
0:07:14 > 0:07:16An easy walk from the village centre
0:07:16 > 0:07:20at the end of a quiet no through lane is our first property.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- What do you think? - It's quite pretty, isn't it?- Yeah?
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- It's gorgeous. - I think it's very funky.- Really?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- I think it's very you.- Really?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- Let's see if I'm right. Come on.- Good.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35The house was built in 1993, so it's a similar vintage
0:07:35 > 0:07:38to Keith and Carol's current home.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40But over the last two years, the owners here have done
0:07:40 > 0:07:42some quite major renovations,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45including adding a two-storey annexe.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- What do you reckon?- Wow, this is a big room, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56- Is this the sort of funky, open-plan feel that you had in mind?- Oh, yes.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- Yes, very much so.- You like a large living room, don't you?- I do.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- That's nice.- I mean, the space in here is fabulous.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04You could arrange this in any way you'd like.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06Obviously, it's focused on that gorgeous,
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- very contemporary wood burner there. - Mm-hm.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- I think this is a great start. - Mm-hm. Yes, I agree.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Well, let's explore further. Come and look at this.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15This is your kitchen/diner.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- There.- My goodness. Wow, that is big, isn't it?
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Come through to the middle.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23It's probably the best place to really see it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- You talked about having a large sort of family room, family space.- I did.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29I think this is sort of it, really.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32I mean, it's a big house this, but...it's cosy.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37We like size and space and airiness and this has got it.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40It's got even more size through here.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43This room is really interesting.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46This was the garage up until a couple of years ago.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49What they've created is a really lovely one-bedroom annexe
0:08:49 > 0:08:54because up there you got the bedroom and bathroom to go with it.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56This could be for your guests.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59You've also got this kitchen unit behind me.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02- It's totally self-contained. - Totally self-contained.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05I'm just thinking if the family do come down for a long period of time,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- they can have the run of it. - Absolutely.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Yes, and you're not in each other's way, are you?
0:09:11 > 0:09:13So that's your guests taken care of.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17Let's go back to the hallway and go up the main staircase
0:09:17 > 0:09:20and there you've got another five bedrooms to play with.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Goodness.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Including your master. - This is a big house.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28Upstairs in the original part of the house, there's a family bathroom
0:09:28 > 0:09:33and those five bedrooms I mentioned, which are all of a decent size.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35The biggest is the master.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Oh, I like the size of that.- Yeah.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Yeah, just right. - Perfect size for you.- Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43It's got a very generous dressing area through there
0:09:43 > 0:09:47and a really nice en suite behind that wall and mirror.
0:09:47 > 0:09:48Yeah, that's a nice size.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Your seven foot wide bed will actually fit in here.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52I think so, yeah.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- How wide?- Seven foot. - So it's a helipad, really.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Well, Keith and Carol's response to this modern roomy home
0:10:00 > 0:10:03hasn't quite been as enthusiastic as I'd expected.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07But I'm hoping the outside space will win them over.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09There's a timber-decked area that wraps itself
0:10:09 > 0:10:13around the back of the house providing a wonderfully sheltered
0:10:13 > 0:10:15suntrap perfect for outdoor entertaining.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20And beyond that is a really large lawn, lined with mature trees.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22But it doesn't end there.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24So, how much land is there?
0:10:24 > 0:10:26Where does it end?
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Well, we've got the garden behind us which you could do quite a lot with,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32but you do get also get this paddock which is bounded by
0:10:32 > 0:10:36these very mature hedges you can see in front of us on the three sides.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Oh, you could play out there forever.- Yeah.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44So, how much is property number one on the market for?
0:10:44 > 0:10:48- I'm going for £799,950. - Very specific there. Keith?
0:10:48 > 0:10:53I'm going to go a wee bit lower than that and say £775,000.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55You're not far off, actually. It does begin with a seven.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It's £795,000.- Wow.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- You were closest.- How do we feel about that?- Um...- It's below budget.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05- It is below budget. - Well below budget.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- We could do what we want to do with it, I think.- Absolutely.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13£55,000 below their maximum budget,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16the stylishly renovated home definitely offers
0:11:16 > 0:11:19the modern look and space Keith and Carol are after,
0:11:19 > 0:11:21including a large kitchen/diner
0:11:21 > 0:11:25five bedrooms, and that generous self-contained annexe.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28And what's more, outside there are more than three acres of land
0:11:28 > 0:11:31including a two-acre pony paddock for Keith.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Now, I think this was a great start.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36- I can see it's got you thinking. - Yes.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- But I suspect we've still got some way to go.- You are very perceptive.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43- Well, we've been doing this a little while.- Very perceptive.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47- I'm also pretty sure we could do with some lunch. Come on.- OK.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Cornwall's rich coastline
0:11:56 > 0:11:59offers one of Britain's finest marine environments,
0:11:59 > 0:12:04and among the varied wildlife found around its shores is the grey seal.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07Providing rescue and rehabilitation for these charismatic creatures
0:12:07 > 0:12:09is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13I'm meeting up with Jess Grove,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15one of the centre's animal care assistants.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20So, over 50 years, seals have been coming here
0:12:20 > 0:12:22to get put back together again.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24Give us an idea of the numbers that you deal with.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Each year we rescue between 40-60.
0:12:27 > 0:12:28We have a really high success rate.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32We try and release every one that we rescue over the winter
0:12:32 > 0:12:35but occasionally we do have to keep one or two of them back.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37- Let's go and see some seals, shall we?- Yes, definitely. Let's go.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44The sanctuary is a lifeline for seals found struggling to survive,
0:12:44 > 0:12:47whether due to malnutrition, infection or injury.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Many of the casualties are pups
0:12:49 > 0:12:52who've been separated from their mothers.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55The seals receive medical treatment
0:12:55 > 0:12:57and stay an average of three months to build condition.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00After that, they are ready to be released back into the wild,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03as close as possible to the location where they were first found.
0:13:07 > 0:13:08Ah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10So, this is our convalescence pool.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13And it's just been cleaned this morning, that's why it's empty.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16So, in here we've got about 33 pups at the moment.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18And you can see the guys there.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20They're just checking everyone's all happy and healthy,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22that they're all a good weight
0:13:22 > 0:13:24and we don't have to keep an eye on anyone.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Grey seals are relatively rare, numbering 350,000 worldwide.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32But close to half of that population is found in the UK,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34where their numbers are stable,
0:13:34 > 0:13:38thanks in part to the work of organisations like this one.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Now, they do look quite cute, it has to be said.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43And many people might be tempted, if they saw a seal on a beach,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45to wander up and try and pet it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48We should be absolutely clear that's a real no-no.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49Yeah, definitely.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52As a pup, you might disturb it from its mother,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54causing it to be abandoned.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57With an older seal, they do have a very sharp bite on them,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and often, if they're hauled out on a beach, they just want some sleep,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03so do give them a bit of space.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05The very few seals
0:14:05 > 0:14:07that are diagnosed as unable to survive in the wild
0:14:07 > 0:14:10become permanent, well-cared-for residents.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Like these guys,
0:14:11 > 0:14:15who are the only common seals living at the sanctuary.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16Hello. And who are you?
0:14:16 > 0:14:17That's it. Tap your foot on the floor,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- she'll come target it with her nose. - Just like that?- Yes.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- Luna! - HE LAUGHS
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- What's that? Go on. Go on, then. - Good girl. That's it.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- And you can give her a fish as well. - That's incredible.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35You can't be unhappy around them, they're too funny.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Jess, it's been a real pleasure. Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Continuing our search, we're heading 30 miles north
0:14:49 > 0:14:51to the hamlet of Trenio,
0:14:51 > 0:14:54three quarters of an hour's drive from the family in Probus.
0:14:55 > 0:14:59And just over a mile away is the atmospheric fishing port of Padstow.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03As one of the few safe harbours along Cornwall's rugged north coast,
0:15:03 > 0:15:08it's provided a haven for seafarers and fishermen for centuries.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10In more recent years,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13the town's become a Mecca for foodies who flock
0:15:13 > 0:15:15to the first-class restaurants that continue to spring up
0:15:15 > 0:15:19in its beautifully age-worn narrow streets.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21So plenty of dining out options for Keith and Carol
0:15:21 > 0:15:25because our second offering is just a few minutes' drive from the town.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- There.- That looks huge. - That looks interesting.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31Well, we've taken you at your word
0:15:31 > 0:15:34when you said you quite like the idea of a barn conversion.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37It's a typic... What I think of as a typical country home.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38- It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- Now, I know you want a low-maintenance garden.- Yes.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- This is kind of most of it. - It is. And it's actually great.
0:15:44 > 0:15:45This would be covered in pots.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49So this is one where if you're interested in riding, Keith,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51it's down the road.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And there's a stables a mile away.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55With livery and all the rest of it.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Or, maybe you could just take the kids riding...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and save yourself all the hassle of having all those acres.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- That would be perfect. - Well, let's see what you think.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Let's have a look. Come with me.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10The property, which is made of local Cornish stone,
0:16:10 > 0:16:12was originally two separate barns.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16In 2006, the buildings were linked to create one very large home.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21Let's start in here.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Come in and enjoy the space.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26What a lovely room.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28That's very pretty. Very pretty.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32That's a working fire, not a gas look-alike.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- It's got a lovely feel to it, doesn't it?- Yep.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Good. Let's continue through here and have a look at the dining room.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41'Well, I'm delighted by Carol and Keith's
0:16:41 > 0:16:43'response to the house so far.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45'Continuing through from the living room,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47'there's an attractive dining room
0:16:47 > 0:16:49'with double doors that give it plenty of light.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50'Beyond that, there's a room
0:16:50 > 0:16:53'I'm particularly eager to show them.'
0:16:53 > 0:16:57- Come and look at this.- This is, I think, extraordinary. Oh, wow.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59THEY LAUGH
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- Oh, that is...- Oh, that is beautiful.- Yeah?
0:17:02 > 0:17:05- Truly, truly impressive.- Yes.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Lovely range there.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- But the striking feature is, of course, the curve.- Yes.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12Stunning.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13BOTH: Unique.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Oh, she said what I said. We said the word together.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18It is unique. It is gorgeous.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- It really is gorgeous. - Let's continue. Let's do the curve.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- Look at this sweeping arc. It's gorgeous, isn't it?- It is.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30This curvaceous kitchen is the point at which the second barn
0:17:30 > 0:17:33was linked to the rest of the house, adding a whole lot more space,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37including a reception room and two en-suite double bedrooms.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41On the floor above, there's a storage room and a third bedroom.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45So, we're now into... I'm going to call it cottage.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47I mean, it's ludicrous to call it an annexe.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49Leading off of it you've got these en-suite bedrooms.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51- Yes.- Lovely.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Well, Keith and Carol said they loved space
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and they've got plenty here for visiting friends and family.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And back in the original part of the property,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02there are still more rooms to explore.
0:18:05 > 0:18:10So up here we start with a kind of study/landing area.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14You could have it as just another little, private sitting room.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15It leads on to your master suite.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Which is here. - That's nice, isn't it?
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- Delightfully pretty again.- Yeah?
0:18:22 > 0:18:23Another pretty one. Yeah.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Through there you've got bathroom only.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28No shower in it at the moment, but it wouldn't be a huge effort
0:18:28 > 0:18:31to make that into a shower over the bath.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Then that leads onto another bedroom which is again en suite.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37It's got a lovely feel, the whole house.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39All the rooms are very comfortable, very cosy.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42So, I wonder how much it's worth.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Shall we go outside and consider?
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- Why not?- Yes.- Let's hope it's good news, eh? Come this way.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Despite being less modern and less open-plan
0:18:53 > 0:18:55than the first property we showed them,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Carol and Keith seem really taken with this one.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01It doesn't have as much land as our first house
0:19:01 > 0:19:03or a pony paddock for Keith,
0:19:03 > 0:19:05but the approximately quarter of an acre of grounds
0:19:05 > 0:19:09are made up of attractive paved areas and beds of mature shrubs
0:19:09 > 0:19:11which offer Carol that low-maintenance
0:19:11 > 0:19:13outdoor space she's hoping for.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19You guessed first last time, so, Keith, you've got £850,000 to spend.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Will it do it here?
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- I'd say about 800.- 800, yeah.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27I'm going to say 845.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29It isn't 845.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33This could be yours for £825,000.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- I'm surprised.- It's taken you a bit by surprise, hasn't it?
0:19:35 > 0:19:37It has, actually, because it is a beautiful house.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43£25,000 under their maximum budget,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45this immaculately-renovated stone property
0:19:45 > 0:19:48is made up of not one, but two converted barns,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51which Keith and Carol are keen on.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55There are five bedrooms and that beautifully crafted curved kitchen.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57It doesn't come with land for a pony,
0:19:57 > 0:19:59but it does have a generous paved area
0:19:59 > 0:20:03with an easy-to-care-for garden for Carol.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05What a day. A day of two halves, really.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08We started with something new and we've ended with something old
0:20:08 > 0:20:09and, who knows?
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Maybe we've cracked it.
0:20:11 > 0:20:12Maybe we have.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- We could do. It's a lovely house. - Yes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18But there is one more to come. Mystery house tomorrow morning.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- That should be interesting. - Come on, let's go and have supper.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30Well, as we head out on our final day of house hunting
0:20:30 > 0:20:32here in Cornwall with Keith and Carol,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35I'm beginning to wonder if my understanding of modern, open-plan,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38is really the same as theirs.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Property one yesterday fulfilled all of their criteria and more
0:20:42 > 0:20:45whilst property two, being far more traditional,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47seemed to get more of a response.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50But they were very clear about their brief.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52So, taking them at their word,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55our marvellously-modern mystery house could really test them.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58In fact, it's so exceptional,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00it's very 21st century.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07Journeying 15 miles up the north coast we reach Port Isaac,
0:21:07 > 0:21:09three quarters of an hour's drive from the family in Probus,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12and the final stop on our search.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16Tucked away in a steep-sided cove,
0:21:16 > 0:21:18this quintessentially Cornish fishing village
0:21:18 > 0:21:20is famed for its crab and lobster catch,
0:21:20 > 0:21:24its welcoming pubs and beautiful, old whitewashed cottages.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26On the outskirts of the village
0:21:26 > 0:21:29occupying a gorgeous hilltop setting
0:21:29 > 0:21:31is our one-of-a-kind mystery house.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34This is very exciting.
0:21:34 > 0:21:35Come over here. Take it all in.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38What do you think of that, madam?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Wow, it looks very light.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44It must be light, look at the windows.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48It is fantastically efficient as a new-build.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Very eco-friendly.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Overlooking Port Isaac.
0:21:52 > 0:21:53That's fantastic.
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Wait till you see inside. It's crazy, this.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Clad in distinctive red cedar,
0:21:59 > 0:22:02this standout home was built just over ten years ago
0:22:02 > 0:22:05and was designed by award-winning architects.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09What about this, then?
0:22:09 > 0:22:10My goodness.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Yes, my goodness indeed.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14That is a surprise.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- It's a lot to take in in one go, isn't it?- You like contemporary.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- Yeah.- This is contemporary with a vengeance.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Certainly is, isn't it?
0:22:22 > 0:22:24It doesn't come much more open-plan than this.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- You know, the kitchen-diner is enormous.- Yes, yeah.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29It is huge, isn't it?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31It is very unusual.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Isn't it just?- I've never seen anything like this, never.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- But I get the feeling it's quite pleasing, Keith.- I...
0:22:37 > 0:22:39I've heard you use the word funky,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and that is a great description of what I'm seeing.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43THEY LAUGH It really is.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48The central living space has certainly made an impact,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51and I'm pretty sure the sitting room next door will impress, too...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55..with its excellent views out to Port Isaac.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59There's the wood burner. Nice, traditional feel to that, actually.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Providing a nice focus, I think. - Yes, I like the slate hearth.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05For the room, yeah. Very simple, very functional.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08I just can't take my eyes off of that view through those French doors.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11That is just...amazing.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13Well, the view is even better upstairs.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19Also on the ground floor just off the kitchen area
0:23:19 > 0:23:20there's a utility room,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23and next to that is a study.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Upstairs, the wonderfully unique,
0:23:25 > 0:23:26slightly curved gallery
0:23:26 > 0:23:29leads us to the first of three bedrooms.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31There.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Even more views for you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Oh, wow. Look at that, Keith.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Just gets better, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39This is currently the master bedroom.
0:23:39 > 0:23:40The bathroom is right next door.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Although the bedroom's not that big,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45you're borrowing the size from out there.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47It's a very good point to make.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49What's going through your mind here, Carol?
0:23:49 > 0:23:51I'm not sure if the bedroom is quite big enough for me.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I mean, there is a bigger double at the other end,
0:23:54 > 0:23:56so you might be able to kind of think about
0:23:56 > 0:23:59putting yourself at the other end. You can have a look a bit later on.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Do you lose to view at the other end?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Well, you do. That's why it's here.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Let's take a glance at the rest of it,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- and then we'll go outside and talk about the price.- OK.
0:24:08 > 0:24:09They love the view,
0:24:09 > 0:24:12but it seems perhaps the room isn't quite big enough
0:24:12 > 0:24:14to accommodate that 7ft bed.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18In-between the two larger bedrooms at either end of the house
0:24:18 > 0:24:20is a third, smaller room.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Heading outside, the property sits on around a fifth of an acre.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28And, to make the most of its fabulous elevated position,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32the deck we enter from spans the full length of the house
0:24:32 > 0:24:34and the hot tub comes with it.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Well, the weather really has created -
0:24:38 > 0:24:41I think - the final scene for us here at this property.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44As a scene, it couldn't be bettered. You couldn't make it up.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Let's think about the money then, our final price guess of the week.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50- You can go first then.- OK.
0:24:50 > 0:24:56I think, because of the view, it will demand a higher rate,
0:24:56 > 0:24:59and I'm guessing at...850.
0:24:59 > 0:25:00Well, this is a difficult one
0:25:00 > 0:25:02because it's unique.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04860, 875?
0:25:04 > 0:25:09This is on the market for £800,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10I'm amazed.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13That's lower than I would have expected for something like this,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15despite the size.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17It is the smallest property we've shown you, obviously,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- but I think, as a mystery house, it's worked really well.- Yes.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21I think actually, if I'm honest, Keith,
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- you're more into this than you are, Carol.- I think so.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27It's something a lot of people would only ever dream about.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Below their maximum budget by £50,000,
0:25:32 > 0:25:36our very contemporary mystery house certainly has the open-plan living
0:25:36 > 0:25:38Keith and Carol said they were after
0:25:38 > 0:25:41with its huge double-height kitchen-dining space.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44It only has three of the four bedrooms they were hoping for,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47but it does have those terrific views.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51I think you've got a lot of thinking to be getting on with
0:25:51 > 0:25:56because I suspect there is a decision to be made soon.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- I think so.- You're right, yeah.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Come on, then. Let's go and think. - OK.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08You know, I think we've spoilt you this week.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11Here we are, finishing up in a nice little cafe, overlooking the coast.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- It's all rather lovely, isn't it? - It is lovely.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16But how are you feeling, most importantly?
0:26:16 > 0:26:17I think I'm slightly confused,
0:26:17 > 0:26:20because I actually think I rather like the second property.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23The rooms were separate...
0:26:23 > 0:26:24They flowed beautifully.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27What happens next, then?
0:26:27 > 0:26:31I have got reservations on the fact that there's very little land,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34so I think I need to consider
0:26:34 > 0:26:38whether I can forget the style of living
0:26:38 > 0:26:42that I was considering having, namely with the land,
0:26:42 > 0:26:45and living more with the house itself
0:26:45 > 0:26:49and the opportunities for activities in the area.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Only being a mile from Padstow,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55the thought of sailing or boating comes to mind.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59See, I think you've got so many things to tempt you with
0:26:59 > 0:27:02in and around here that, quite frankly,
0:27:02 > 0:27:04having a few acres to look after
0:27:04 > 0:27:06almost might be a bit of a burden actually.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08- Could be too much. - You have got a point.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11We would certainly like to go back and have another look,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14and to have another look perhaps around the immediate area.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15Guys, it's been a real pleasure.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Let us know how you get on. - We will.- We will, obviously.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Thank you very much. It's been enormous fun.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Now, as with any property hunt, our buyers can challenge us
0:27:28 > 0:27:31with a potentially limitless number of requirements.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34But making sense of them, well, that is the trick.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36And I think this week with Keith and Carol,
0:27:36 > 0:27:38there's been a case in point.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41We started out trying to follow a very specific wish list
0:27:41 > 0:27:43but, as it is, with property number two,
0:27:43 > 0:27:47they've ended up with something they really weren't expecting.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Once again, the Cornish property market has not disappointed us.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Now all I've got to do is go home.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56So remember that coastal path we started the show with?
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Well, I think I'll try that.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Should only take me a couple of weeks.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03If you'd like to escape to the country
0:28:03 > 0:28:06in England, Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and need our help,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08you can apply online at...