0:00:02 > 0:00:06First opened in 1862, this historic steam railway is the longest
0:00:06 > 0:00:08standard gauge line in the country.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But where am I? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:30 > 0:00:34For today's house hunters, it's a move motivated by family history,
0:00:34 > 0:00:38and they've given me a rather tall order with their property wish list.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40Can we have the test, please?
0:00:41 > 0:00:44But not everything's in short supply.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- That's a view to wake up to. - Yes, that is. Yes.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Today I'm in Somerset, and this is the West Somerset Railway.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Originally built by George Furness, the line runs for 20 miles,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead,
0:01:08 > 0:01:12and although it was a much-loved and hugely popular railway,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15ferrying thousands of holiday-makers to the coast each year,
0:01:15 > 0:01:21it was actually closed in 1971 as part of the cuts implemented by
0:01:21 > 0:01:25the chairman of the board of British railways, Dr Richard Beeching.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28But all was not lost, and it was reopened by the locals
0:01:28 > 0:01:31and the council as a heritage railway.
0:01:31 > 0:01:36Today, they run a total of up to six steam locomotives along this line
0:01:36 > 0:01:37throughout the year.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42Now, the trip, from start to finish, takes around an hour and a quarter
0:01:42 > 0:01:46and surely there can be no better way to take in the spectacular views
0:01:46 > 0:01:47that Somerset has to offer.
0:01:50 > 0:01:54In the heart of the West Country, Somerset is bordered by Devon
0:01:54 > 0:01:57and Dorset to the south, and Wiltshire to the east.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01It's a diverse blend of dramatic coastline and lush green farmland.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04The county provides some of the highest sea cliffs in the country,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07offering far-reaching views over the Bristol Channel.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Breathtaking Kilve Beach in the Quantock Area
0:02:10 > 0:02:12of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:12 > 0:02:14is a haven for fossil hunters,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18where the ancient relics can be found nestled amongst the rocks.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22To the north and centre of the region lie the Somerset Levels.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Despite being a sanctuary for wildlife, this flat landscape
0:02:25 > 0:02:30of wetlands, extending to around 170,000 acres, is prone to flooding.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Still recovering from the destruction
0:02:33 > 0:02:36left in the wake of the severe rain in January 2014,
0:02:36 > 0:02:40£20 million has been proposed by Somerset County Council
0:02:40 > 0:02:43to rebuild flood defences in the area to protect
0:02:43 > 0:02:45both historic farmland and villages.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53With an average price of £269,000 for a detached home, Somerset
0:02:53 > 0:02:57is only a couple of thousand pounds more than the national figure.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01Which makes this area surprisingly good value for money,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04especially when you consider going over the border to costly Bath
0:03:04 > 0:03:08and North East Somerset, where you could easily pay
0:03:08 > 0:03:11over £100,000 more for an equivalent home.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15And with over 400 villages to choose from in this beautiful county,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I'm hoping that the three properties that we've selected
0:03:18 > 0:03:21for our buyers will certainly whet their appetite.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22Let's meet them.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25Computer programmer John
0:03:25 > 0:03:28and his retired Finnish wife Tina currently live in the town
0:03:28 > 0:03:32of Farnborough, Hampshire, and have been together for 14 years.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- We met at the end of the last century.- Century, yes.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Last century, yes.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41In a restaurant, on a blind date.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45I saw this very tall guy get out of the car,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47and I thought, "Wow, he's tall."
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Which was really nice.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55After ten years in their 1930s detached house,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58unexpected personal events sparked their desire
0:03:58 > 0:03:59to opt for a quieter life.
0:04:00 > 0:04:06One of the triggers was when I was diagnosed with breast cancer
0:04:06 > 0:04:11and went through all my treatments and after that considered,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14well, what else is there in life to do,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18and that's where I got into horse riding and also
0:04:18 > 0:04:21that's when we really started talking about moving away
0:04:21 > 0:04:23and having a different lifestyle.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27A year ago, John and Tina bought Macy, their 13-year-old horse,
0:04:27 > 0:04:29and she's become an important part of the family.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31We want to buy somewhere with a bit of land
0:04:31 > 0:04:34so that the horse can be at the bottom of the garden
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and Tina can stand at the kitchen sink and see the horse.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41And if I call out she'll lift her head and answers back to me,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43because she's a clever girl.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47A few years ago, John also had a life-changing experience.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51I was born in Manchester but given up for adoption at birth.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54I finally, after many years, tracked down my birth mother
0:04:54 > 0:04:58and it turned out she was living about 30 miles away at the time.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02So that was a really moving and exciting experience.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Reunited after 52 years apart, John discovered his birth mother
0:05:07 > 0:05:10and new extended family have links to the West Country,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12where he and Tina are looking to move.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18From my cousins, I know that there are a lot of family ties in that area
0:05:18 > 0:05:23and I feel that if I'd been brought up by my birth mother
0:05:23 > 0:05:27I would probably have spent more time as a child there than I did.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Leaving corporate life behind them, John and Tina have exciting plans
0:05:31 > 0:05:34to keep them busy in their new life, and to make some money.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39I would like to have a chance to do some cookery classes
0:05:39 > 0:05:45and introduce people to Finnish and other Nordic, Scandinavian cooking.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48I'm really looking forward to helping Tina out with any
0:05:48 > 0:05:49cookery that she does.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52I think we could be a good formidable team together.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55With their house sold, there's nothing stopping John
0:05:55 > 0:05:58and Tina packing up and heading for their new country life.
0:05:58 > 0:06:03I'm relishing the challenge of looking after animals
0:06:03 > 0:06:05and being up at the crack of dawn and walking in the country
0:06:05 > 0:06:09and just enjoying a completely different lifestyle.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12And this is what our move is all about.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15It's adopting a new lifestyle and trying out new things.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22John and Tina have fallen for the stunning diversity of Somerset,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25but are keen to steer clear of flood prone areas.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28They've asked us to concentrate our search to the west of the county,
0:06:28 > 0:06:32but they are fairly flexible on location if the house is right.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36'But first, I want to learn more about their plans.'
0:06:36 > 0:06:38So, John and Tina, welcome to Somerset.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39I've got to ask,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41why are you attracted to this part of the country?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44It's a really beautiful county, there's rolling hills,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47and countryside and peace and quiet. I think it's the peace and quiet
0:06:47 > 0:06:50that we're particularly looking forward to.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54So tell me a little bit about this house, this future perfect home.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58It needs to be a detached property and it needs to have high ceilings.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01I'm 6'7". Tina's fairly tall.
0:07:01 > 0:07:06I like to be able to reach my hand up and not touch the ceiling, ideally.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10So although character cottages are all very well,
0:07:10 > 0:07:11I don't really want beams in a house.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15Yeah, quite. What else are you after? How many bedrooms?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Probably three bedrooms, and if there's a study or something,
0:07:18 > 0:07:20that's quite useful as well.
0:07:20 > 0:07:25We'd also like holiday lets, or a holiday let.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Because when we move down to here,
0:07:27 > 0:07:29we're not going to have any income, basically.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31So we want to generate some income streams.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34So what's the priority in your minds?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Is it the house, or is it the income stream?
0:07:37 > 0:07:39I think it needs to be the right house.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41We need to feel that it is a proper home,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44not just the box that we're running a business from.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47And Tina, what are you looking for with this move?
0:07:47 > 0:07:51Well, I'm looking forward to having a house with a fairly big kitchen.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56I'm a keen cook and I also have a desire to do some cooking
0:07:56 > 0:07:59lessons for other people, especially because, coming from Finland,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03there are some real treasures in Finnish cookery that
0:08:03 > 0:08:05I'd like to show other people.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08You might've hit a really good idea then, for an income stream.
0:08:08 > 0:08:09What else have you got in mind?
0:08:09 > 0:08:14Well, the horse side of it is obviously close to my heart.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17Depending on what we find, if we find a place with enough land,
0:08:17 > 0:08:22it might be an idea to run a small-scale horse retirement livery.
0:08:22 > 0:08:27You've both got some great ideas of future work possibilities.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29So your budget is £600,000.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Do you think that's a realistic budget for all these ideas,
0:08:33 > 0:08:34what you're after?
0:08:34 > 0:08:36I suspect we may have to compromise on something
0:08:36 > 0:08:40but if we can get the basics for the £600,000.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42We've got three houses lined up to show you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44One, of course, is our mystery house.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47I hope you've got a bit of an open mind for that one.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50- Shall we get started?- Absolutely. - Yes, please.- Come on.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55John and Tina's budget may sound generous
0:08:55 > 0:08:57but they are after a lot for their money.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00A detached house with high ceilings is a requirement,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04as is a large kitchen to host Tina's cookery classes.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06At least three bedrooms are needed,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09and an outbuilding with holiday let potential to bring in an income.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Lastly, land for their horse and other mounts is also essential.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18For John and Tina, the house is definitely the star
0:09:18 > 0:09:20so they're happy to cast their net wide if needs be.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23We've selected some attractive and varied properties,
0:09:23 > 0:09:26all offering a range of features from their wish list.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28But the price of each will be revealed
0:09:28 > 0:09:30only after they've toured the house.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34The last property offering will be the mystery house, which will
0:09:34 > 0:09:38take them out of their chosen zone but offers them an added bonus.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43So, Tina, how long have you lived in the UK for?
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I've lived in the UK since 1998.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Have you?- Yes. - And does it feel like home?
0:09:48 > 0:09:50You ever considered going back to Finland?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52It does feel like home.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55I've been very happy here and obviously I've met John here,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57so that's what's kept me here.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Just going to stop here for a second.- How appropriate.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02- It's a horse.- There is a horse.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- We certainly are in riding country, aren't we?- Oh, yes. That's lovely.
0:10:06 > 0:10:07Beautiful.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10That's going to be you.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- Yes. Me and Miss Macy.- Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:16And the equestrian world is so friendly, isn't it?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19If you're into horses and you want to go riding,
0:10:19 > 0:10:22it is a great way of making friends.
0:10:22 > 0:10:23Absolutely, yes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31We're starting the house hunt towards the west of Somerset
0:10:31 > 0:10:35in the hamlet of Hagley Bridge, half an hour's drive from Taunton.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37The surrounding hills are dotted with sheep
0:10:37 > 0:10:40and there are plenty of winding paths to explore
0:10:40 > 0:10:44the picture-perfect rural landscape by foot, or horseback.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47The historic and handsome market town of Wiveliscombe,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51just four miles away, offers a varied selection of shops,
0:10:51 > 0:10:55including a butcher's, which was voted one of the top 100 shops
0:10:55 > 0:10:57in the world by a leading retail magazine.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01There's exquisite architecture to be seen, and after a pleasant walk,
0:11:01 > 0:11:06there's a choice of pubs offering a cool pint of locally-brewed beer.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Ten minutes drive southwest takes us back to Hagley Bridge
0:11:10 > 0:11:13and our first property, a detached mill keeper's cottage
0:11:13 > 0:11:17set in a peaceful, isolated south-facing location.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- Looks pretty substantial, doesn't it?- Mm, it looks lovely.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25It's an old building, originally a two-up, two-down, built in the 1880s
0:11:25 > 0:11:29but, as you can see, it's been quite considerably extended either side.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31- Yes.- The outward appearance is great.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Can't wait to see inside, but it looks lovely.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Is this the sort of setting that you had in mind?- Yes, definitely.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- It's amazingly quiet.- You ready to get started?- Yep.- Yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Come on then, let's go.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44This charming property has grown from its humble 19th century
0:11:44 > 0:11:48beginnings, and I believe it will give John and Tina
0:11:48 > 0:11:51everything they're dreaming of, including the headroom.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53So...
0:11:53 > 0:11:58The door leads straight into, I think, an impressive kitchen.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- It looks lovely.- It's very nice.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- I know the kitchen is important, isn't it?- Yes. It is.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08So, we're thinking if you did want to have cookery lessons in here...
0:12:08 > 0:12:11- Yes, there's an island. - Plenty of space.- Yes.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Let's keep walking down.- All right.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Now, this was, in a way, a lean-to
0:12:17 > 0:12:21and when the owners bought the property in 2010, they decided
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- it was such a great space they would actually open it out.- Yes.
0:12:24 > 0:12:25The kitchen is very welcoming.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29You can imagine being in here and having friends in. It's very nice.
0:12:29 > 0:12:30I would agree.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33But I'm going to continue through, if you'd like to follow me.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40So, you do have two sitting rooms.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44One on one side of the kitchen and this is the other. This is larger.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46This is the larger of the two.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- With a multi-fuel burner. - Mmm, very cosy.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Very cosy.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54But I like the fact that you have two on either side of the kitchen.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56So you can have a reading room or perhaps
0:12:56 > 0:12:59have that as a dining room if you wanted to.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00Can we have the test, please?
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- Yep, that's bearable. - Excellent. Good.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I really like the lightness of the room
0:13:08 > 0:13:10and the way it's laid out.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- It's a good size.- Well, there's another room I want to show you.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Just through here.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22You've got another extension here.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Now, they use this as their dining room,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27and as you can see, it's light, open.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30You can use the doors for access outside.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34I can imagine on a summer's day or evening, opening the doors
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and having it sort of semi al fresco, spilling out into the garden.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- It would be wonderful. - Yes, it would be lovely.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42So far, so good.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45The downstairs of this house seems to be delivering,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and there's also a study and cloakroom.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52But it's upstairs where the height test could be make or break.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54Do mind your heads.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- So here is the master.- Good sized room. Nice view out of the window.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- How we doing? - Headroom I can live with.- Yeah?
0:14:04 > 0:14:08- That might be the compromise, mightn't it?- Yes, exactly.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11Down that corridor you've got three other bedrooms
0:14:11 > 0:14:12and a family bathroom.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14OK. Right.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- So it's not en suite but it is of a good size.- Yes. Nice and airy.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23'It's a thumbs up for the house, but there are three in this move,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25'and the grounds have to be right for their beloved horse.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29'Outside, there's a substantial two-and-a-quarter acres.'
0:14:29 > 0:14:34All this land round here is yours. You've got the river going past us.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36You've also got a stream.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39But quite a high bank going up to the house
0:14:39 > 0:14:41so you have a natural defence there.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- That's important. - It is important, isn't it?- Yes.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46Did you notice the building as we came down the drive?
0:14:46 > 0:14:48It's actually a garage at the moment.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52You've got a stable block next to it and a tack room, but the owners
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- have applied for planning permission and it's been granted.- OK.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59It's been granted to change it into a holiday let.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Right. OK. Interesting. - This is horse country.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05Surrounding us, it's quite easy to get acreage,
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- not necessarily to buy, but if you wanted to rent it.- Right, OK.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11For your horses.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Right up on that hill, they've got an equestrian centre up there.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15It's privately owned.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19If you got to know them well, that's something perhaps you could use.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Possibly.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24So you've seen the property, I've explained about the possible
0:15:24 > 0:15:26income stream with the outbuildings.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28How much is our first house on the market for?
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Ladies first.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Well, I would guesstimate it about 550.
0:15:33 > 0:15:34OK. John?
0:15:34 > 0:15:39I think I would go higher than that. I would probably say 580.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- Both of you are under the asking price.- Right.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46It's actually on the market for £595,000.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47How do you feel about that?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51It's still something I would consider.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54Well, I want you two to have another look around on your own.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- Take your time.- Thank you.- I'll catch up with you in a little while.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04Well, a good start. They're quite difficult to read as a couple.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06But I think they're more taken with this property
0:16:06 > 0:16:08than they're letting on,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11and the holiday let would make a great business for them.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17£5,000 under budget, this rural detached cottage offers
0:16:17 > 0:16:21John and Tina the space and views that are so important to them.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24There's a large kitchen, more bedrooms than they asked for,
0:16:24 > 0:16:27plus the opportunity to generate an income.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29There's the option of land rental
0:16:29 > 0:16:33and with an equestrian centre nearby, Tina could fulfil her dream
0:16:33 > 0:16:35of becoming part of a local riding community.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38Overall, it's a good start.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40It's not perfect, but then again,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44you can't expect to find a perfect house, it hardly ever happens.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47But it's got lots of potential and lots of things
0:16:47 > 0:16:48for us to think about.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50I was pleasantly surprised when I saw it the first time.
0:16:50 > 0:16:55It's a really nice house from the outside. It's bigger than I expected.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It's a very attractive house in a nice location.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01It has turned into the most beautiful day today, hasn't it?
0:17:01 > 0:17:02It's lovely.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06And our first house here in Somerset. So, thoughts?
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Very interesting, a lot to think about.
0:17:08 > 0:17:12- Good benchmark to start off with? - Yes, lovely house.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- Well, we've got more to show you. - Excellent!
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Thousands of years ago, the serene flat wetlands of the Somerset Levels
0:17:24 > 0:17:27were under the sea, and through artificial drainage and maintenance
0:17:27 > 0:17:29now form part of the land.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33We might be steering clear of the flood-prone area in our house search
0:17:33 > 0:17:36but there are some Somerset residents who thrive here
0:17:36 > 0:17:39thanks to a project set up four years ago.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43Cranes used to populate the Levels, but they died out centuries ago
0:17:43 > 0:17:46and the Great Crane Project is bringing them back.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49John and Tina are wildlife enthusiasts, so we've brought them
0:17:49 > 0:17:52to meet Damon Bridge, the project manager here,
0:17:52 > 0:17:55to find out about the work being carried out
0:17:55 > 0:17:56right on their new doorstep.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59What is the Great Crane Project all about?
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Well, it's all about reintroducing the common crane
0:18:03 > 0:18:07and getting it back into the habitat here.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11It's a bird that disappeared about 400 years ago. It was hunted.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14This project's going to put them back in the landscape.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16There's wet areas where they can breed.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Where they can build a nest in safety
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and there's food for the chicks to eat as well.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The crane eggs are sourced from the wild in Germany
0:18:24 > 0:18:27before being brought to a rearing facility in Gloucestershire
0:18:27 > 0:18:28where the chicks are hand reared.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31At five months old they're transported to the project
0:18:31 > 0:18:33where they're released and monitored
0:18:33 > 0:18:35as they learn to adapt to a life in the wild.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38So, we're right down here now at the heart of the Levels and Moors,
0:18:38 > 0:18:41down in the typical sort of landscape here and this is
0:18:41 > 0:18:46just the kind of wetland habitat that the cranes would need to breed.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48How successful has the project been so far?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51We've released 75 birds so far
0:18:51 > 0:18:54and we've got hopefully another 20 or so this coming summer.
0:18:54 > 0:19:01Of those 75, we've got 89% still surviving, so really good
0:19:01 > 0:19:05numbers surviving, and the oldest of those are just at breeding age now.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08So, we've not had successful breeding yet.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11We'll hope to get that this year, if not this year, next year.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The cranes are fitted with radio tags,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17and using a receiver, Damon can track and monitor them.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21The signal can be picked up from three miles away.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24So, this is giving us an indication that they may well be down here,
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- so we'll go down and have a look. - OK.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29There may be a couple just down on the right.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- This is the non-breeding group. - Right.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Do the birds ever migrate to other countries?
0:19:35 > 0:19:39We have had a couple that have flown quite big distances in the UK.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42One that turned up in Kent and then subsequently disappeared,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45so it might've gone across to the Continent.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47We had one that went to Suffolk and then came back
0:19:47 > 0:19:50to Somerset over about three days.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54But generally they've just stayed here and we think that they're
0:19:54 > 0:19:58pretty well established now here as a UK population.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02This project is in its final year and when it ends, the cranes will
0:20:02 > 0:20:06continue to be monitored and their habitat kept safe.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Damon's team have done a sterling job putting this elegant bird
0:20:09 > 0:20:11back on the Somerset map.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18For our next property, we're heading to the pretty village
0:20:18 > 0:20:22of Broadway, two-and-a-half miles from the market town of Ilminster.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25Its narrow streets are lined with handsome houses
0:20:25 > 0:20:27and flint walls crisscross the lanes.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31Locals and visitors are well served with all the essential amenities.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34The village's Grade I listed parish church
0:20:34 > 0:20:36dates back to the 13th century,
0:20:36 > 0:20:39and legend has it that its isolated location
0:20:39 > 0:20:42on the outskirts of the village is due to an outbreak of the plague
0:20:42 > 0:20:44in the 16th and 17th centuries
0:20:44 > 0:20:47which saw nearby houses abandoned
0:20:47 > 0:20:49and new ones built a mile away.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52'Our second house is in the heart of the village,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54'flanked by two neighbouring properties.'
0:20:55 > 0:20:59We thought we'd show you something completely different from the first.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Yes.- This house dates back to 1998.
0:21:03 > 0:21:08- Next door, this house goes back to the Tudor times.- Right.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10It's something like Grade I listed with a star.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13We, here, have gone for the modern approach.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15First impressions?
0:21:15 > 0:21:20My initial reaction is I would worry about the headroom upstairs.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23This is more rustic. I'm looking forward to seeing what's inside.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Shall we begin?- Definitely.- Yes.
0:21:29 > 0:21:35So, starting off in the hallway, dominated by this staircase.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- It'll do.- Passable? OK, right. Good. I was holding my breath then.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- I'm not going out yet.- I'm going to take you through here now.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46I have spotted a beam, so let's see how we do.
0:21:46 > 0:21:52- Here is your sitting room. It does have beams, but quite high.- Yes.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55That's useable, I don't have to duck for that.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59And what I like as well in this room is the two doors
0:21:59 > 0:22:03and two windows, so it's very airy and light.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Right, if I can squeeze past you, we'll continue.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Plenty more to show you.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14Now, how's this for a dining room?
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Good size. Yes, definitely a good size.- Yes.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Have you got a big dining table? - Not as big as that.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22We might have to get one.
0:22:22 > 0:22:23Let's show you the kitchen
0:22:23 > 0:22:26- because I know that's very important to you both.- OK.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31It's a nice size. It's got everything you need.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Good size range.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Through there you've also got a utility room.- OK.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- An ample sized utility room.- Yeah.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41So tell me what you think on this room then.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43It just doesn't feel like me.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46You know my dream, to see out of the kitchen window I could see
0:22:46 > 0:22:50Macy grazing on the paddock, and that's not going to happen here.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Right. No.- And that's my dream.- Yes.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57'I fear I may be fighting a losing battle, as this house doesn't
0:22:57 > 0:23:00'deliver on the all-important kitchen view,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03'but I've still got a trump card that could win them round.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07'But first we're heading upstairs where a compact landing study
0:23:07 > 0:23:09'leads to a single and a double bedroom
0:23:09 > 0:23:11'served by a family bathroom.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14'I'm showing them the largest of the three bedrooms.'
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So, your master bedroom.
0:23:17 > 0:23:18Complete with en suite.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Headroom is...surprisingly good.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26- What you don't get are the huge windows up here.- Yes.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- It feels a bit dark.- Yeah.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30There is a bit of a view.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Yes, I've got a little bit more of that view to show you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- Ooh, how exciting.- And I still have something up my sleeve.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Yes, I think you have!
0:23:40 > 0:23:43'Outside is my chance to win John and Tina back
0:23:43 > 0:23:46'with this beautiful converted Victorian barn.'
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Now, you might've been wondering what this building was.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55And this is one of the main reasons we picked this house.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59- What it does have is holiday let potential.- Absolutely.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03At the end of the driveway. So the way it's been done out,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05you've got a living area, kitchenette.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08You've got a large double bedroom with the exposed stone
0:24:08 > 0:24:11there from the barn, and you've got a shower room stroke bathroom.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- It's very nice. - Let's go back outside,
0:24:13 > 0:24:15there's still a little bit of land to show you
0:24:15 > 0:24:18and also you can think about what you think this house,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22- with its holiday let potential, is on the market for.- OK.- Yes.
0:24:22 > 0:24:23Thanks, John.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28'There's no denying this barn is a huge draw, but I'm not sure
0:24:28 > 0:24:32'it's enough to convince John and Tina this is the house for them.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'But all is not lost, as there's still the delightful garden to see.'
0:24:36 > 0:24:40It's quite secluded, it's not really overlooked by anybody
0:24:40 > 0:24:42and you have a third of an acre.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- Right.- We are surrounded by farmland.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47We know that locally one of the gentlemen has bought up lots of land
0:24:47 > 0:24:49and he rents it out to the farmer.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52- If this was the house for you... - Yes.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56If, I would say you could seriously explore those options.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58We know there's a livery stables only a mile up the road.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01So let's talk about the price.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03It's very difficult because it's completely
0:25:03 > 0:25:06different from the first house and it's in a village.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09But I'm going to say £575,000.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11OK.
0:25:11 > 0:25:12Well, it is difficult.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I'm going to say £580.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19The asking price is £525,000.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Oh, wow. We got it completely wrong!
0:25:22 > 0:25:24So has that changed your mind at all,
0:25:24 > 0:25:26the fact that it is so under budget?
0:25:26 > 0:25:30I don't think that we will be able to spend the additional funds to
0:25:30 > 0:25:32make the house into what we want.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35Whatever the reaction, I always think it's worth a second look.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Have another look at the property itself
0:25:37 > 0:25:38and then give me a shout when you're ready.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- OK.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46An impressive £75,000 under budget,
0:25:46 > 0:25:50our second property is a 16-year-old detached three bedroom house
0:25:50 > 0:25:53with its converted Victorian barn ready to go as an
0:25:53 > 0:25:55income-generating holiday let.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The house may not come with land but it does have an attractive
0:25:58 > 0:26:02garden and spectacular outlook across green pastures to the back.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05And the generous change from the under-spend
0:26:05 > 0:26:07could be put to good use,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10renting a field for the couple's horse, Macy.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13If there had been a paddock at the bottom of the garden with
0:26:13 > 0:26:16four acres of land, I would've been more torn
0:26:16 > 0:26:20because then the land would've been there but the house would not
0:26:20 > 0:26:23have been ideal, but I would've had more of a quandary.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The downstairs, the living room was really,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28really nice and I also liked the dining room.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30The kitchen really didn't do it for me.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32It just wasn't my type of kitchen.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34And I don't think there's anything that
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I could do to change it to make it suit me.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40- Have you seen enough? - I think so, yes.
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Any change of opinion now you've had a chance to go round on your own?
0:26:45 > 0:26:47I think, no, to be honest.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- It's a really nice house and we do like it, but it's not for us.- No?
0:26:51 > 0:26:52- No, afraid not.- OK. All right.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55I've still got one more up my sleeve so I'm not giving up hope yet.
0:26:55 > 0:26:56We look forward to it.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09It's the second day of our property search in Somerset
0:27:09 > 0:27:14and armed with a generous budget of £600,000, we're hoping to find
0:27:14 > 0:27:18John and Tina a fabulous new detached home in the countryside
0:27:18 > 0:27:21now their current house in the town of Farnborough, Hampshire,
0:27:21 > 0:27:22has been sold.
0:27:22 > 0:27:24We've still got the mystery house to unwrap.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28Just do it for me one more time, John. There we go, hands up.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29Full approval!
0:27:29 > 0:27:32And I'll be wrestling with some mud.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35I'm now well and truly stuck.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Yesterday proved a bit of a challenge with John and Tina.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44They want land.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48They want outbuildings, but they also want a beautiful home.
0:27:48 > 0:27:53Now, £600,000 is a healthy budget here in Somerset
0:27:53 > 0:27:57but when you take into consideration their dreams and aspirations for
0:27:57 > 0:27:59running various businesses, well, I must admit,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02it's proving to be a bit of a challenge.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05So for our final property, the mystery house,
0:28:05 > 0:28:09we've cast our net just that little bit wider, we've moved
0:28:09 > 0:28:13north of the county and we're honing in on their one true passion.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15Their horse.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18For our last property we're travelling to Compton Bishop,
0:28:18 > 0:28:21a peaceful village in the shadow of the Mendip Hills,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23just a ten minute drive from the world famous
0:28:23 > 0:28:26cheese-producing village of Cheddar.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30The nearest town to the property is Axbridge, which offers many
0:28:30 > 0:28:33conveniences including a traditional teashop and pub,
0:28:33 > 0:28:37and features colourful houses and striking Tudor buildings.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Just five minutes' drive away,
0:28:40 > 0:28:43our mystery house is overlooked by the Mendip Hills.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47It may be out of John and Tina's preferred pocket of Somerset,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50but I hope they'll agree it's worth the journey.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- It's beautiful.- Do you like the area, as we were driving through?
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Yes, it's lovely.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57We thought with the mystery we'd push you a little bit further out.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58Difficult to see your house
0:28:58 > 0:29:02because it does have that stone garage right in front of it.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04The actual property itself, the barn,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08dates back about 200 years but it's only relatively recently been
0:29:08 > 0:29:10converted, in the last 15 years or so.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11Oh, right.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14So, what are we thinking before we go inside the house?
0:29:14 > 0:29:19- Looks promising.- Yes?- Yes.- Yep. Happy with the mystery so far.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20Nothing's put me off yet.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- Brilliant. Well, I think on that note, we'll start.- OK.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27This three bedroom, two bathroom barn has been refurbished to
0:29:27 > 0:29:31a very high standard and has underfloor heating throughout.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34But kicking off in the kitchen, the first question is this -
0:29:34 > 0:29:37is it large enough to teach a group of locals
0:29:37 > 0:29:39how to cook the Finnish way?
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Nice kitchen.- Yes.- Lovely. - Very homely. Yes.
0:29:42 > 0:29:48You could do small scale cookery in this kitchen. It is suitable.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52It also has a small utility stroke cloak room next door as well.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55- It is, it's a good kitchen. - Yeah?- It is a very nice kitchen.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57You're warming to the mystery so far
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- but still got a lot more to show you.- OK.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03The downstairs of the rectangular barn is essentially
0:30:03 > 0:30:06two large rooms divided by the staircase,
0:30:06 > 0:30:09and across the hallway is the bright and spacious sitting room.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Now I couldn't give you a view of your horse from the kitchen...
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- No, but...- But what I can do is give you that view.- Very nice.
0:30:18 > 0:30:19Very nice.
0:30:19 > 0:30:20NICKI LAUGHS
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Can you imagine looking out
0:30:22 > 0:30:24and there's Macy in your paddock right there?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Yes, only a few metres away.- Yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28Perfect.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32I love that smile. Shall we stop there or shall we continue?
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Oh, let me think. Let's continue. - Let's continue.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39Things couldn't be going better
0:30:39 > 0:30:42and hopefully the smiles will continue upstairs.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45The eaves of the barn have been converted into three bedrooms,
0:30:45 > 0:30:47one of which is currently a study.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49There's also a family bathroom,
0:30:49 > 0:30:53and the en-suite master bedroom overlooks the property's land.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56- Most importantly...- The Macy view.
0:30:58 > 0:31:03- Nice little window.- Yes. It's fantastic. It is fabulous.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- That's a view to wake up to. - Yes. That is.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11So, the upstairs of this property, I'm not going to lie, it's not huge.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- We can live with that quite happily.- Yeah?- Yep.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16It's more the downstairs is more important.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- Yes.- To have the space there.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22Just do it for me one more time, John. There we go, hands up.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Full approval.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27I'm absolutely thrilled with John and Tina's reactions.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30This tastefully refurbished barn may be out of their original
0:31:30 > 0:31:34catchment area, but it has almost everything they're looking for.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37And while it may not offer an option for a holiday let,
0:31:37 > 0:31:39there's still one more surprise to reveal.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Now for the icing on the cake.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- The mystery property does come with a stable block.- Yes.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- So, you've got a tack room, you've got two stables here.- Right.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58- Good size.- Yeah.- You've also got a turnout area and a shelter as well.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59Oh, right. Yeah.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04This is the situation with the land. You've got about half an acre here.
0:32:04 > 0:32:09- Right.- But we are surrounded by the Compton Estate.- Right.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12They actually own all the land all round behind us.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- And it's all rented out.- Yeah.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17And there is the possibility of having
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- a conversation about renting some of the land.- Oh, right. OK.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22If you wanted to buy some land,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25- there are three-and-a-half acres up for sale.- Right.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27How do you feel about this set up?
0:32:28 > 0:32:33If there is the possibility of either buying or renting land
0:32:33 > 0:32:36nearby, then that could be possible.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41There's certainly a lot to think about as we head round to the garden
0:32:41 > 0:32:45which leads off from the magnificent glass-backed rear of the barn.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48So what's going through your mind before we talk numbers?
0:32:50 > 0:32:51I'm confused.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Are you?
0:32:53 > 0:32:55It's a really nice house.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59I'm toying with the... How are we going to raise money income streams?
0:32:59 > 0:33:03Holiday let, no holiday let? Can we think of something else to do?
0:33:03 > 0:33:04All massive thoughts, I think.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08So we've talked about the property, we've talked about the stable block.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12The possibilities around here of renting land for your horse.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:33:14 > 0:33:18Well, I think this one is going to be slightly above our budget,
0:33:18 > 0:33:21so I would say £625,000.
0:33:21 > 0:33:22OK.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28I'd have to go slightly higher, I think £630,000.
0:33:28 > 0:33:32Let me put you out of your misery, shall I?
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Asking price - £585,000.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- Oh, right.- OK.- OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- That's good. - So it's under your budget.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47That would leave you £15,000 if you wanted to go out and either
0:33:47 > 0:33:49buy land or perhaps rent it.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- It's going to make you think, that's for sure.- Yes. It has already.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56Has it? Have some time. Have a wander. Do your sums.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. OK, see you in a minute.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00Thank you.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06On the market for £15,000 under budget, the change from this
0:34:06 > 0:34:10converted barn could go towards the extra land needed for horses.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13The tasteful interior was well received, and the spacious
0:34:13 > 0:34:17kitchen is perfect for Tina to hold her cookery classes.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20The property is lacking a holiday let option
0:34:20 > 0:34:23but the equestrian facilities here are superb.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26First impressions were very favourable.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29Inside, I had to duck under the first beam,
0:34:29 > 0:34:32but apart from that, great kitchen, really nice size.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34The kitchen is really nice,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37it felt really like me and John could cook in there.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Living room, very nice. Very impressive.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42The view from the living room
0:34:42 > 0:34:45and from the master bedroom is just fantastic.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47On the downside,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51that it comes with just a half an acre paddock is slightly concerning.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53We would certainly want to investigate
0:34:53 > 0:34:55the possibility of either renting or buying more land.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00And if we could do that, I think this could be a contender, definitely.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Overall...
0:35:02 > 0:35:03super.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08I think we just got that house tour in before the rain sets in.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- Good timing.- Indeed. - Before it starts to rain.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13- How was it? Have you seen enough? - I think so. Yes.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16That's it, that's all three properties here in Somerset.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- Shall we go somewhere warm and dry and have a chat?- Let's do that.
0:35:19 > 0:35:20- Come on.- Yes.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27The tides of Bridgwater Bay on the Bristol Channel are some of the
0:35:27 > 0:35:31highest in the world, and when they recede, vast mud flats are exposed.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34It's extremely difficult for fisherman to cross the muddy
0:35:34 > 0:35:38ridges to get their catch of the day, but a centuries old contraption
0:35:38 > 0:35:42called a mud horse helps them traverse the thick, sticky terrain.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I've come to meet Brendan Sellick and his son Adrian,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49who's the last remaining fisherman using this age-old technique.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53- Good to meet you.- Hello. - Thank you for the kind invitation.
0:35:53 > 0:35:54Oh, lovely, yeah.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57Can't come to Somerset and not do a little bit of fishing but
0:35:57 > 0:35:59let's be honest, boys. This is going to be fishing
0:35:59 > 0:36:01with a difference, isn't it?
0:36:01 > 0:36:03I hope you've got a different set of clothes than that.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05- Am I going to get very dirty? - You are.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06You'll get muddied up.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10I want to ask you, what is a mud horse?
0:36:10 > 0:36:14Well, you put your body on there and go out, catch your catch,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16and bring it back in. You lay on it and push it out.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- So it's like a sledge?- It's like a sledge turned upside down.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22So how long, as a family, have you been fishing like this?
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- Is this a long tradition? - Well, I've done it for over 60 years
0:36:25 > 0:36:30and my father did it all his life, and his father, my grandfather,
0:36:30 > 0:36:34and the first one to come was the grandfather before him, about 1820.
0:36:34 > 0:36:36And what are we hoping to catch today?
0:36:36 > 0:36:40Well, we might catch a bass or a mullet, or a codling.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I'd better get changed.- Yeah, we'll get changed and make a move.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- And then we'll get started. - Yeah.- OK.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- I'll see you in a minute, father. - Yeah, OK.
0:36:47 > 0:36:5179-year-old Brendan stopped fishing four years ago,
0:36:51 > 0:36:53and he's now based in the family-run fish shop.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56The waters here used to be awash with brown shrimp,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59the most profitable catch, but numbers have dwindled
0:36:59 > 0:37:03meaning Adrian now has a night job to supplement his fishing income.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05How deep is this mud?
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Well, it can get quite deep, actually, Nicki.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12So this is the mud horse.
0:37:12 > 0:37:18So I now can see there's a really practical reason why you need this.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22- Yes.- The mud horse is invaluable, isn't it?- That's right.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24- Tummy on there...- Yeah.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- ..and off you go. - And then where am I...
0:37:26 > 0:37:28You push it right along, that's it.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32My goodness. You wouldn't be able to do this without this slide.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36SHE LAUGHS
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I'm now well and truly stuck!
0:37:40 > 0:37:43'Adrian's come to my rescue, and after what feels like
0:37:43 > 0:37:46'the longest trek, we're here, around a mile from shore.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49'In front of us is the welcome sight of the wooden stakes
0:37:49 > 0:37:52'supporting the nets, which hopefully hold the prize haul.'
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- So we just need our basket, do you want to carry that?- Yeah.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59'The stakes and nets haven't changed position for 200 years.'
0:37:59 > 0:38:04Oh, my goodness. I can see plenty of fish already.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05Basket there. Yep.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08So, literally the tide takes the fish into the net
0:38:08 > 0:38:09and then they're trapped.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Yeah, they're swimming with the tide.- Yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13He's a beauty.
0:38:15 > 0:38:16That fish was caught coming in.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Is that your dinner tonight or will you sell it in the shop?
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Father won't let me have that for dinner!
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- That'll go in the shop?- Yeah.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27Adrian makes his journey daily for eight or nine days
0:38:27 > 0:38:30before a two or three-day break when the tides are low.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34He knows when it's safe to fish, and where it's safe to tread, but if you
0:38:34 > 0:38:37don't know the lie of the land, fast-moving tides
0:38:37 > 0:38:39and soft patches of mud can be lethal.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41This certainly is a labour of love.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44But it is sad to think these old practices,
0:38:44 > 0:38:46these old traditional ways are going to die out.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- That's right. - With commercial farming.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52I don't do it for the money, I do it because I enjoy coming out here,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and it's carried on through the bloodline, you know?
0:38:55 > 0:38:59See, I'm standing out here with you, it's pouring with rain, I'm not
0:38:59 > 0:39:04going to lie, it's freezing cold, but I've actually really enjoyed it.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05I have.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- You know the one fly in the ointment?- You've got to walk back.
0:39:09 > 0:39:10That's exactly it!
0:39:10 > 0:39:13It's that mile trekking through the mud.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18That's it, turn round, follow the track and we're away.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22After another long hard slog this time to dry land,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I think I'll definitely have earned my fish supper.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30So we've shown John and Tina our three properties
0:39:30 > 0:39:33here in Somerset, but have we got close?
0:39:33 > 0:39:37I really can't read this couple, so let's find out.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41So, John and Tina, it's interesting
0:39:41 > 0:39:45when people want to move to the country because there's so many
0:39:45 > 0:39:50different reasons, but I think for the two of you it's 100% personal.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52- Isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55Is that still the case after the last few days driving around
0:39:55 > 0:39:57this wonderful county?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Yes, I've not seen anything to change my mind,
0:40:00 > 0:40:04and I think I've become more excited at the prospect.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06I think so, especially today.
0:40:06 > 0:40:12The last property, seeing the nature, the fabulous scenery,
0:40:12 > 0:40:14it was just really lovely.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17So tell me, did we get close with any of those houses?
0:40:18 > 0:40:22The first house was actually quite close, I feel.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27The house was really lovely, the land was not quite right
0:40:27 > 0:40:32and we couldn't quite see where we would be able to get land nearby,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35but the potential for a holiday let and the house itself was really nice.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Yeah, beautiful house.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39And I'm going to say it, the mystery house?
0:40:39 > 0:40:41The mystery house was quite something,
0:40:41 > 0:40:44brought a smile on our faces, a big grin.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46I think it's pretty close.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51I've got to ask you, £600,000 is a healthy budget.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54From our end, what's on the market at the moment,
0:40:54 > 0:40:59we really struggled to find that beautiful home, with land,
0:40:59 > 0:41:01plenty of land, and outbuildings,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04and perhaps a holiday let that's already been done.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10The compromise solution that I might look for is to find a house
0:41:10 > 0:41:16which is not quite perfect but we can do work on, which has the land.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18And maybe a holiday let,
0:41:18 > 0:41:22but we don't want a house that's really nicely decorated but wrong.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Now that's really interesting
0:41:24 > 0:41:26because right at the beginning of this search
0:41:26 > 0:41:30I asked you what's the priority, is it the house or the business?
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- Do you remember what you said? - The house.- Mm.- Yeah.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36So perhaps, in a way,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39what this experience has given you is that you could get
0:41:39 > 0:41:41a smaller house and fix the house
0:41:41 > 0:41:44but it's difficult to gain a business if it's not already there.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- That's right.- So what is going to be your next move?
0:41:48 > 0:41:53Next move is to, I think, actually rent somewhere in this area,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56or close by, find a suitable livery for Macy.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- We've fallen in love with this area.- Have you?- Yes.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Well, I'm glad we've been able to help in some way
0:42:03 > 0:42:06because if ever there was a couple that
0:42:06 > 0:42:09I wanted to find the perfect property with everything that
0:42:09 > 0:42:13you wanted to go with it, it was for you two. You're nearly there.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16Next few months, hopefully that property will come on the market.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- Yes.- We'll let you know.- Thank you.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- Do.- Yes.- Keep in touch.- Will do.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26So, rather frustratingly,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31we didn't find John and Tina their perfect package here in Somerset.
0:42:31 > 0:42:35But what the last few days has shown them is their priorities are,
0:42:35 > 0:42:39in fact, the land, the outbuildings, the stables,
0:42:39 > 0:42:42the various business opportunities, and then their home.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45But they're so committed to living here that they're going to rent
0:42:45 > 0:42:47in the next month or so.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51But I really hope they find their perfect place very soon.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54I'll see you again next time. Bye-bye.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57If you're looking to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:57 > 0:43:01Scotland, Wales or England and need our help, you can apply online: