0:00:02 > 0:00:04It is thought this impressive pile of granite rocks
0:00:04 > 0:00:08was the inspiration behind an infamous fictional detective novel.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But whose book was it and where am I?
0:00:11 > 0:00:12Find out in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30On today's show,
0:00:30 > 0:00:32our buyer has enlisted a friend
0:00:32 > 0:00:35to help her find a home with unconventional living space
0:00:35 > 0:00:37that will inspire her creative nature.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I think it's fantastic, it's ready to move into.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41OK, I'll help you pack!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And at times, it proves to be quite a moving experience.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47It feels great, yeah. Really nice.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Oh, I can hear the emotion!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Today, I'm in Devon, in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And this spectacular stone outcrop is called Hound Tor.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Now, Dartmoor is a place that's rich in myth and mystery
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and legend has it that these rocks
0:01:06 > 0:01:10were named after dogs that had been turned to stone by witches.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12And, no doubt adding fuel to the fire,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15this is the spot that is believed to have inspired
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes adventure,
0:01:19 > 0:01:21The Hound of the Baskervilles.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24But, putting eerie tales aside for a moment,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28there are still plenty of inspiring views to be had in this county.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Situated in the South West of England,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38Devon is bordered by Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41A huge part of the county's allure is its exceptional coastline,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45which encompasses some of England's first natural World Heritage site,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48the Jurassic Coast.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51A charming gateway to these towering 200 million-year-old cliffs
0:01:51 > 0:01:55is Seaton, which during Victorian times developed into
0:01:55 > 0:01:59one of Devon's most popular holiday resorts.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Inland is the sombre beauty of Dartmoor,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04a protected National Park since 1951
0:02:04 > 0:02:06and one of the largest,
0:02:06 > 0:02:08most unspoiled areas of wilderness in England.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Genteel villages, moody moors and stunning beaches -
0:02:12 > 0:02:17it's this rich variety that gives the county such an enduring appeal.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24So let's find out which part of Devon
0:02:24 > 0:02:26today's buyer wants to move to.
0:02:26 > 0:02:27It's time to meet her.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32A world away from the tranquil Devon countryside,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36current home for tech savvy social business consultant Ann
0:02:36 > 0:02:38is Bow, in the heart of East London.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41She's loved living in this converted match factory,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44where she has a hip, loft-style apartment
0:02:44 > 0:02:45that she's owned for 20 years.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49But recently, she's been feeling drawn towards a simpler lifestyle
0:02:49 > 0:02:50that's closer to nature,
0:02:50 > 0:02:54which she feels will help inspire and nourish her creative spirit.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57London has always been the epicentre of where the thinking is
0:02:57 > 0:03:00and that's actually not necessarily true any more.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Helping out with her search for a new home is Amanda,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05one of her dearest friends,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08who she's known for more than 30 years.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10My role in this is about being supportive
0:03:10 > 0:03:13and probably seeing things from a slightly different viewpoint.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15What can I tell you about Ann?
0:03:15 > 0:03:18She's adorable and I love her to bits.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Ann, who has a background in arts and digital media,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24set up her own business ten years ago.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And because most of her work is done online,
0:03:27 > 0:03:29she can pretty much move anywhere
0:03:29 > 0:03:31but her heart is set on Devon.
0:03:31 > 0:03:32There's a great culture there
0:03:32 > 0:03:35and there's lots of independent and quite progressive thinking,
0:03:35 > 0:03:36which appeals to me.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38And things like farmers' markets,
0:03:38 > 0:03:42or nice little tight communities of people doing interesting stuff.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Ann loves the way her apartment's open-plan layout
0:03:45 > 0:03:48gives her flexible space to pursue some of the creative projects
0:03:48 > 0:03:51she enjoys doing in her spare time.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53But that's not the only aspect of her home
0:03:53 > 0:03:55that she's particularly attached to.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56Living here,
0:03:56 > 0:04:00there is a gym five floors down from where I am now.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02So I can just nip down in the lift
0:04:02 > 0:04:04and I'm in a Jacuzzi in minutes.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05And in an ideal world,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08I'd have something which is equally convenient
0:04:08 > 0:04:10but in the countryside.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Although Amanda, who lives in North London,
0:04:13 > 0:04:14will miss Ann when she moves,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18she's already envisaging relaxing weekend visits with her in Devon
0:04:18 > 0:04:21and she knows that the change will do her friend good.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24I think that being in the country will allow her to breathe more.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I mean, she doesn't access her off button very easily
0:04:27 > 0:04:31and I have a feeling that because she communes quite well with nature
0:04:31 > 0:04:34I think that it will naturally invite her
0:04:34 > 0:04:38to access her off button more than she does now.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- Well said!- Thank you.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44The town of Totnes appeals to Ann
0:04:44 > 0:04:47and she has friends in the area around it,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50so we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the town.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I'm catching up with them to learn some more about Ann's move.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- Well, Ann and Amanda, welcome to Devon.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01So, what are you hoping to get from a new life in Devon?
0:05:02 > 0:05:06I think the ability to just try new places, see friends
0:05:06 > 0:05:09and just a new vista on life that I haven't really had before.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12So let's talk about the property that we're going to find you.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Well, if I could take where I live now and transplant it here,
0:05:16 > 0:05:18I probably would do that.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20It would be lovely to have a bit more space
0:05:20 > 0:05:25but the open-plan, unconventional, lots of light, lots of views...
0:05:25 > 0:05:26That would be my ideal.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29Are we talking houses, are we talking barns?
0:05:29 > 0:05:30Barns more than houses.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32If you were to show me a poky room,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34I would probably run in the opposite direction!
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Ditto with thatch.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40I'm not really the chocolate box, country type person.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41And how many bedrooms?
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Well, I've got two bedrooms now
0:05:43 > 0:05:47and it would be quite nice to have a little bit more space than I have
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- Got to remember Amanda's going to... - Absolutely, for guests!
0:05:50 > 0:05:51Limited outside space?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53We're not looking for acres, I'm presuming?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Not acres, no.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Something which would be nice to enjoy in the summer,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00a little bit of gardening.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Remind us of your budget again.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05It's £400,000. If it was less than that, that'd be brilliant
0:06:05 > 0:06:07because it just gives me more flexibility.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Well, we've got three properties lined up to show you.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12The first one is just literally begging to be seen.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- So should we finish our coffee and get going?- Yes.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19With a budget of £400,000,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21Ann is hoping to find a home that offers
0:06:21 > 0:06:23the open-plan living of her current apartment
0:06:23 > 0:06:26but with a gorgeous rural setting and views.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28She'd like two to three bedrooms
0:06:28 > 0:06:32and flexible living space where she can both relax and work.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Outside, she is keen to have a manageable garden to potter in
0:06:35 > 0:06:38and ideally would love to be within easy reach of a gym.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41We've got a wonderful variety of homes to show them
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and in each one I'll be getting them to guess at the price
0:06:44 > 0:06:46before I reveal it to them.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50One will be the mystery house, which has a stately home connection
0:06:50 > 0:06:53that could leave Ann feeling like the lady of the manor.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We begin our search in the village of Harbertonford,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06a five-minute drive from the town of Totnes.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09This quiet settlement lies in the valley of the River Harbourne,
0:07:09 > 0:07:13a branch of the Dart that once served a string of water mills.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15There aren't masses of amenities here
0:07:15 > 0:07:17but there is an excellent village shop,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19which is just a short stroll
0:07:19 > 0:07:22from the house we're about to have a look at.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27So, welcome to Harbertonford, and our first property.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30It's quite big. It's bigger than I thought it might be, actually.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31We are attached at the back
0:07:31 > 0:07:35so I'm going to say to you now, there isn't a back garden as such.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Right, OK.- But there are some wonderful walks behind the cottage
0:07:39 > 0:07:41and we are surrounded by them.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- OK.- Shall we get started, ladies?- Yes.- Yes!
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Earlier on in its history, the cottage was thatched
0:07:48 > 0:07:50but fortunately for Ann,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52this was replaced with slate roofing.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55And in the 19th century, it was home to the village carpenter.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59So, welcome to your cottage.
0:07:59 > 0:08:03I'm going to start us off in the sitting room.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- AMANDA GASPS - I like this room.- You gasped!
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- I did, I did.- Why did you gasp?
0:08:08 > 0:08:09Because it's light and bright.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12You get a good impression of space in this room.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Let's take you through. I'm going to show you the kitchen next.- OK.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20So, equally, a good size.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22It is, yes.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Is it winning us over?
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I think there's a few question marks
0:08:26 > 0:08:30about the age and maintenance and versatility at the moment.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32I just want to sort of think about that.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35But it's a nice, airy house.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38OK, right, follow me. We're going to head upstairs.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42On the first floor there's a landing that's lined with book shelves
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and off that there's a family bathroom.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47There are also three good-sized bedrooms.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50One has an attractive feature wall of exposed Devon stone
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and another has a built-in platform bed
0:08:53 > 0:08:56and views across the village and surrounding countryside.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59We're going to take a look at the largest of the three bedrooms,
0:08:59 > 0:09:01which is on the other side of the landing.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08- Oh!- And this, at the moment, is the master bedroom.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- This is a nice room.- It's lovely! - It's full of character.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Again, surprised at the size?- Yes.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Very summery, very light.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18We're going to go back outside.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20We're going to take a look at the property.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22I'm also going to ask you, for the first time,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- what you think it's on the market for.- OK.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Being attached, the outside space here is limited
0:09:30 > 0:09:33and it's confined to the front of the property,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35so definitely no room for a home gym.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37But a short drive away in Dartmouth,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39there are plenty of leisure facilities
0:09:39 > 0:09:41that Ann could take full advantage of.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Now, I'm going to highlight the country vista behind us,
0:09:46 > 0:09:50that view, because I can't give you a garden, I'm afraid.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52What do you think the asking price is?
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Well, the figure that's been in my mind is 380.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- Yeah...yeah.- Right, £380,000.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- Yeah.- OK. Amanda?
0:10:01 > 0:10:04I'm going with £369,950.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07The asking price for this cottage is...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- £327,500.- Really?
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Very interesting. - That is interesting,
0:10:14 > 0:10:15cos I think if I bought this
0:10:15 > 0:10:18there's a couple of things I'd like to remodel
0:10:18 > 0:10:22and that would give me the budget to do that.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27A very significant £72,500 below Ann's maximum budget,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29this characterful cottage may not offer
0:10:29 > 0:10:31the loft-style living she's accustomed to
0:10:31 > 0:10:33but it does have a surprisingly spacious living room
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and kitchen/diner,
0:10:35 > 0:10:38as well as three good-sized bedrooms,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41all with the light, airy feel she loves.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43It doesn't have a lot of outside space
0:10:43 > 0:10:45but there's fabulous walking to be had
0:10:45 > 0:10:46pretty much on its doorstep.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49First property - good reactions, under budget.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- Marvellous.- Very positive start.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- Let's see what else we've got in store for you!- OK.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00In the mid 1800s, Devon was one of the
0:11:00 > 0:11:02largest leather production centres in England,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06with well over 100 tan yards operating throughout the country.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09A vital ingredient used in the tanning process
0:11:09 > 0:11:11at that time was oak bark.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14But, at the end of the 19th century, chemical alternatives
0:11:14 > 0:11:17were introduced that speeded up the process
0:11:17 > 0:11:20and many of the traditional tanners were forced to close down.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24One resilient family in Colyton, East Devon, however,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27managed to hang on to the tried and true methods
0:11:27 > 0:11:31and have been practising them for 150 years.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Today, they're the only remaining oak bark tannery in Britain.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Current manager of the business
0:11:36 > 0:11:40is fifth generation family member Andrew Parr.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Andrew, good to meet you, thank you for inviting us to your tannery,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48which is enormous, but can you explain, what exactly is a tannery?
0:11:48 > 0:11:52Yes, tanning is a process of converting a raw material -
0:11:52 > 0:11:54a hide in this case - from raw material,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57which will putrefy and go off, into leather.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01So once it's converted into leather, it can't revert to the raw state.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04We're using oak bark, which is our main process.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08So it's the oak bark that... Well, I suppose it's the magic ingredient.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09Each tan is slightly different
0:12:09 > 0:12:11and produces a different type of leather.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14The oak bark produces a light-weighing leather,
0:12:14 > 0:12:16but it's very strong and hard-wearing.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18'Andrew's introducing me
0:12:18 > 0:12:21'to just a tiny glimpse of what's involved here,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'because from start to finish oak bark tanning takes 15 months
0:12:25 > 0:12:28'and involves as many as 26 different processes.'
0:12:28 > 0:12:31This is a coppice oak and it's a bit like a weed.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34You cut it and it'll regrow from the stool,
0:12:34 > 0:12:38and 15, 20 years later you can go back and cut it again.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41Since the family bought the tannery in 1862,
0:12:41 > 0:12:45many of the production methods have remained the same, including the
0:12:45 > 0:12:49grinding of the bark, which is still carried out using a water wheel.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54Once the bark is ground,
0:12:54 > 0:12:58it's steeped in pits of cold water to leach out the tannin.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01The tannin-filled water - known as "liquor" - is what is then used
0:13:01 > 0:13:05to soak the hides in, and this all happens in the tan yard,
0:13:05 > 0:13:07where today Alan and Dan are carrying out
0:13:07 > 0:13:09a process known as "dusting".
0:13:09 > 0:13:12'They're layering hides that have already been soaking for
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'six months on top of each other, adding fresh bark between each layer
0:13:16 > 0:13:18'to ensure even coverage.'
0:13:18 > 0:13:21The modern techniques that we're more used to today,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24for example the belt I'm wearing here,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27this will have been done with chemicals, I'm presuming?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30Yeah, which takes about three weeks to a month.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33That's the difference, so yours takes 15 months in total,
0:13:33 > 0:13:35my belt might have taken a month.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- But it's obviously worth it.- It is, yeah, cos it's the extra strength
0:13:38 > 0:13:40you get from tanning them slowly.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44And it's this strength that has made the leather much
0:13:44 > 0:13:48sought-after by manufacturers of high-end equestrian products.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50And, fittingly, I'm finishing my tannery tour
0:13:50 > 0:13:52by helping Malcolm here stain
0:13:52 > 0:13:55some tanned leather which is destined to be made into horse bridles.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00So if I come back to Devon in, say, 20 years' time, and I see
0:14:00 > 0:14:04someone riding down a country lane, that might be my bridle...
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- Yeah, every possibility. - Malcolm, thank you very much indeed.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11That's all right, you're welcome.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Journeying five-and-a-half miles south we reach the little
0:14:19 > 0:14:23village of Blackawton, the second stop on our search.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26Just over a 15-minute drive away is Totnes,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29the town that Ann is particularly keen on.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31It lies on the west bank of the River Dart
0:14:31 > 0:14:36where there's still a working port and has a great community spirit.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I can't see your faces.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- I'm smiling, I'm smiling. - I'm grinning.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Yes, your loving this beautifully landscaped courtyard?- I do.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48It brings us up to our second property.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51This is looking very promising.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54The barns date back to about the 1800s
0:14:54 > 0:15:00- but this whole plot was developed in 2006.- So quite modern then?- Yes.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02And it comes with a garage, I'm guessing?
0:15:02 > 0:15:06- It does come with a garage.- Cool. - And seven acres of land.- Wow!- Each?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09You do have to share it! You've got seven neighbours
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- but you are surrounded by countryside here.- Fantastic.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16Look at that smile, how can I resist? Let's go.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Well, we've got off to an excellent start with this house
0:15:19 > 0:15:22and I feel quietly confident that things will continue
0:15:22 > 0:15:25in the same positive manner once we venture inside.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27I've brought you through the back door
0:15:27 > 0:15:30because we are in the country and that seems to be the norm.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33You walk into this splendid kitchen, would it be fair to say?
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Yes, I like the look of this kitchen, it's gorgeous.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38You wouldn't need to do a thing, would you?
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- No.- No, no. Except unpack!
0:15:42 > 0:15:44So we're loving the kitchen.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49Here we've got... I'm going to call it our first sitting room because
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I'm going to take you through here and show you a little bit more.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58There is an additional sitting room-cum-study here.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03This would make a great sort of studio, workroom, wouldn't it?
0:16:03 > 0:16:07I really like the space, I like the way it is so clean and open.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10No, I think it's fantastic, gorgeous, ready to move into.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11OK, I'll help you pack.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- You can always bring Amanda with you.- Any time!
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Always bring Amanda with you when you're looking for properties.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- She knows.- You've got an open invitation all year round!- Thank you.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Upstairs there's an immaculate family bathroom which should suit
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Ann's preference for contemporary decor.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29There's also a generous guest bedroom with a large skylight
0:16:29 > 0:16:30that lets the sun pour in
0:16:30 > 0:16:33and then there is the equally light and bright master bedroom.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Oh, my goodness!- So we have a large set of in-built wardrobes there,
0:16:39 > 0:16:41some more here,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43plus an en-suite.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Lovely.- And what do you think about the size?
0:16:46 > 0:16:47It's lovely. I'm impressed.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- Amanda?- Yes, it's fantastic. It's lovely.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Let's step outside.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55There's one final part of the jigsaw to take care of,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- isn't there, ladies?- Yes.
0:16:57 > 0:16:58Money. Come on.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02As well as the shared space outside,
0:17:02 > 0:17:06which includes the lovely planted courtyard we entered from,
0:17:06 > 0:17:08the house also has its own private patio area,
0:17:08 > 0:17:12which comes off the sitting room, and a beautiful secluded garden.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14It's a very nice garden.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18Not only does it have this, but that view behind you.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It's gorgeous, really lovely view.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24- Is this part of the dream? Are we getting close?- Yes.- Amanda?
0:17:24 > 0:17:27I think she just woke up. I think this is it!
0:17:27 > 0:17:29How much do you think the asking price is?
0:17:29 > 0:17:33I think it's on the market for about £399,000.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- So just literally...- Just under your budget.- Yes, yes, yes.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- Amanda?- I'm going with 389.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Amanda is closest.- Really?- Yes! - Again.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46The asking price is £375,000.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- ANN GASPS - Wow!
0:17:49 > 0:17:52That is very compelling.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm going to have to think quite seriously about this.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58£25,000 below Ann's maximum budget,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02this beautifully converted barn gives her the open, flexible space
0:18:02 > 0:18:05she loves, as well as the clean-lined contemporary decor.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08It includes a really spacious kitchen diner,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10upstairs there are two bedrooms
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and there's a third potential bedroom downstairs,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15which is currently being used as an office.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19Outside, as well as seven acres of shared land,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22there's a private garden with extraordinary views.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I have to drag you away now. That's it. More tomorrow, come on.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Yesterday we showed Ann and her friend Amanda two properties
0:18:41 > 0:18:45and they were surprised, pleasantly surprised, at the price.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48And both seemed very smitten with our barn conversion,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51which really puts the pressure on our third property
0:18:51 > 0:18:54because today it's time for our mystery house
0:18:54 > 0:18:57and this one's a real gem.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Now, Ann said she wants to take the best of her city dwelling
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and transport it to the countryside.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05Well, some might say that's a tall order
0:19:05 > 0:19:08but with our mystery house, I think we may have achieved it.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14Our final destination takes us from South Devon into East Devon
0:19:14 > 0:19:15to the village of Wilmington,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18which is about an hour's drive from Totnes.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21The nearest town, just over three miles away, is Honiton.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24Our mystery house is just a short drive from the town.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27But, before I show Anne and Amanda the actual property,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30there's something I'd like them to see first.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34So I've brought you to show you this property.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36But it's not what it seems.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37Mmm.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Any ideas what the mystery might be?
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Not a clue.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43I like it when this happens!
0:19:43 > 0:19:47OK, well, this ISN'T your mystery house,
0:19:47 > 0:19:50but it is part of the mystery tour.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52Hmm!
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- See that green door there?- Yeah. - Follow me.- OK.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57'Although this fabulous Grade II-listed Georgian mansion
0:19:57 > 0:20:01'isn't the mystery house, it is closely connected to it.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03'Inside, there are some features that I think
0:20:03 > 0:20:05'Anne might find rather appealing.'
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Now, how important are your creature comforts to you?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12Highly important.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16- This is great. This is wonderful. - Bit of a surprise?
0:20:16 > 0:20:17This could be home from home.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Gym's next-door.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Perfect. - All within this one building.
0:20:24 > 0:20:25I really like this.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27How close do you think the mystery house is?
0:20:27 > 0:20:30I'm hoping it's very convenient.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Shall we take a look, you two? - Yes.- Come on.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37The mansion house was built in 1830
0:20:37 > 0:20:39as a home for a wealthy local landowner.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43But around 35 years ago it was developed into a hotel,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and buildings were added to the back of the property
0:20:46 > 0:20:48to house extra guest facilities.
0:20:48 > 0:20:49That's where we're heading now,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52because one of those buildings happens to be the home
0:20:52 > 0:20:54we're hoping to tempt Anne with.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57So, through the garden gate...
0:20:57 > 0:21:01to our mystery house.
0:21:01 > 0:21:02OK.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06In total, there are 31 houses/apartments
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- in this whole place.- Right.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12All in about ten acres of communal grounds.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Looked after, so you don't have to go gardening,
0:21:14 > 0:21:16but what is wonderful about this apartment
0:21:16 > 0:21:17is that it has its own garden.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Yeah, it's a nice-sized garden.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- Your apartment is upstairs.- Right.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25It's a wonderful property. I can't wait to take you inside.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Shall we start?- Yes, please.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32'When this place stopped functioning as a hotel in the late 1990s,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34'it was divided up and converted
0:21:34 > 0:21:36'into the private apartments we can see today.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39'And the one that we're hoping Anne might call home
0:21:39 > 0:21:41'used to be the hotel restaurant.'
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- Wow, it's wide and open. - Oh, my goodness.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47I can hear great comments behind me, but step in here.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- Oh, what a lovely room! - Oh, wow. This is gorgeous.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Who'd have known? You've got such a fantastic view.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56It's got the antiquity of the building,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59but then it's got this lovely studio vibe, as well.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01It's a brilliant combination.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Who'd like to see a little bit more? - Yes, please.- Yes.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09The all-important kitchen, with an extremely high ceiling.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Fabulous.- It's great.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14It's got everything, by the looks of it, pretty much.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17It's more than a property, it's a lifestyle, kind of readymade.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- We're getting close, aren't we, Amanda?- Very close.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23'I thought we did well yesterday with the barn conversion
0:22:23 > 0:22:24'but, going on their reactions today,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28'I'm thinking this place might just end up surpassing it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30'I have a feeling the room I'm about to show them
0:22:30 > 0:22:32'could help tip the balance.'
0:22:32 > 0:22:35And if that sitting room wasn't enough for you,
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- we've also got up here.- Oh, wow.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- Oh, my word. - It's like being in a lighthouse.- Yes!
0:22:42 > 0:22:45I really like that, and the thing that's really speaking to me
0:22:45 > 0:22:49is the fact that it's galleried, because that's what I'm used to.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- Yeah.- And to be able to see over and have that openness of space,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56it feels great, actually. Really nice.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58Ooh, you do like it! I can hear the emotion.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Amanda, what feeling does it give you?
0:23:00 > 0:23:03It just feels really bang-on right.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08- Well, let's crack on. Deep breath. - Mm-hmm.- Bedrooms next.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Oh, gosh, yeah.- Amanda, if you wouldn't mind leading the way.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Back down on the first floor of this very uniquely shaped property
0:23:17 > 0:23:19is where most of the accommodation is located.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Next to the large living space we looked at earlier
0:23:22 > 0:23:25is where the two bedrooms can be found.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27One of those is a very generous guest room with the same
0:23:27 > 0:23:30wrap-around sunlight we've seen in the rest of the apartment,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33and next to that is the family bathroom.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37The other bedroom is the master, which is where we're headed now.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Oh, my goodness!
0:23:40 > 0:23:43I love you two, cos as I walk through the door I can hear,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45"Ooh, wow, oh, my goodness."
0:23:45 > 0:23:47I thought that room was nice, but this is really good.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49Oh, there's a balcony!
0:23:49 > 0:23:53- So I take it you both like this room?- Oh, it's just beautiful.
0:23:53 > 0:23:57It's just such a beautiful feeling in this room.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59AMANDA SIGHS DEEPLY
0:23:59 > 0:24:05- London's suddenly feeling really passe!- Good! Good.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Why don't we go back downstairs into your garden?
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Cos there is one more thing we do have to discuss.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Money. After you.- OK.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Outside in the ten acres of managed grounds, there are beautiful
0:24:20 > 0:24:22formal gardens and some wonderful wooded areas
0:24:22 > 0:24:25which I'm told are regularly visited by deer.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30So, I've brought you round to this side, this is the communal part,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32and also you can see the mystery house
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- from a different angle. - BOTH: Mmm.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36It's a lovely courtyard, this, isn't it?
0:24:36 > 0:24:39I love the serenity of this place, the environment.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42It's got a certain Italian feeling to it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44So, for the final time,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47we've got to guess the price for the mystery house.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51I'm going to guess 398,000.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55Well, I said to myself if it was under 400 I'd be amazed,
0:24:55 > 0:24:59so I'm going to say 415.
0:24:59 > 0:25:05- The good news is...it is under your budget.- How much is it?
0:25:05 > 0:25:08£335,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:15- No way.- That's incredible!- No way! Even I feel emotional now.
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- I'm just completely gobsmacked. - There are tears, in a good way.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Yes, yes.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27This wonderfully unique apartment is, to use Ann's words,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31a "gobsmacking" £65,000 below her maximum budget
0:25:31 > 0:25:34and it manages to fulfil pretty much every requirement
0:25:34 > 0:25:36of her rather challenging brief.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40It has two spacious, flexible living rooms and two large bedrooms,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42both with their own balconies.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44There's all-day sun,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47360 degree views and a private garden.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Last but not least are those all-important leisure facilities
0:25:50 > 0:25:54just a very short stroll across the grounds.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I feel a little bit mean dragging you away.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- Well, I might be coming back.- Yeah?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I shall be handing you the keys, perhaps.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Ah, but on that note, let's go somewhere we can sit down
0:26:04 > 0:26:06and talk about the merits of the mystery house
0:26:06 > 0:26:09and the other properties you've seen.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17So, Ann, the dream was to leave the Big Smoke and move to Devon.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Are we still on track?- Definitely.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23If anything, I've found more in Devon than I thought would be here.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26We did show you three splendid properties.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30With a couple of them, we got quite a reaction, from the two of you.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33I think the second and third ones, the mystery one particularly,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37both of those really got my mind whirring in a way I'd hoped for,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39but wasn't really expecting.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Do we have a favourite out of the two?
0:26:42 > 0:26:45I think the mystery house was really something else.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47It was unconventional, it had lots of space,
0:26:47 > 0:26:52it was a beautiful setting and I was very taken with it.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53So, what happens next?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56The settings in the second and third were both lovely,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and what I need to do now is get to find out more about the
0:26:59 > 0:27:03local area for each, just picture myself in the surroundings,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05do a little bit more homework.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07So, what I'm hoping to hear is that you're going
0:27:07 > 0:27:08to go back and take another look.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11I'm going to stay down a little longer and have another look.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- Are you?- Yes.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15Well, all the very best. Thank you so much, Amanda.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18And, Ann, we hope you're very happy here in Devon,
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- cos I know you're going to make that move.- Thank you.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- Let me know how you get on.- I will.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- We're going to come to the house-warming, aren't we? - Definitely!
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Aww, I really thought we'd secured a sale here in Devon
0:27:32 > 0:27:36with our mystery house - we even had tears.
0:27:36 > 0:27:37But, I must admit, I don't blame Ann
0:27:37 > 0:27:40for wanting to do just that little bit more homework
0:27:40 > 0:27:44and really get to know the Honiton area before she's ready to commit.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48I just hope this part of the region delivers as much as our
0:27:48 > 0:27:52mystery house did, because, for me, they're made for each other.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I'll see you again, bye-bye.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59Ann is still very interested in the mystery house
0:27:59 > 0:28:03and plans to return for a second viewing very soon.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:28:06 > 0:28:07Northern Ireland or England
0:28:07 > 0:28:11and would like our help, please apply online at...