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 > 0:01:55and pristine villages wedged between craggy headlands, like Polperro,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58with its fishing heritage that dates back to the 13th century.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03On the north coast, the formidable surf of its wide,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06sandy beaches draws adrenaline junkies from all over the world.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10With its own language and rich Celtic heritage,
0:02:10 > 0:02:13the county has a unique and distinctive culture.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17In April 2014, the Cornish people were formally declared
0:02:17 > 0:02:19a national minority by the government,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22joining the Scots, Welsh, and Irish.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27The independent spirit here combined with exceptional scenic beauty
0:02:27 > 0:02:29is what gives this county such an enduring appeal.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Well, escaping to this idyllic county is more affordable
0:02:37 > 0:02:39than you might think, with average prices
0:02:39 > 0:02:45reflecting the national figure of £267,000 for a detached property.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47And of course, Cornwall has always been popular
0:02:47 > 0:02:49with the rest of the UK.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53It's estimated that some 60% of buyers are moving here
0:02:53 > 0:02:55for the very first time.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57But what is it about this gorgeous county
0:02:57 > 0:02:58that's attracted today's couple?
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Well, time now to meet them and find out.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06Carol and Keith, who met when Carol took a job as branch manager
0:03:06 > 0:03:08of Keith's insurance company in 1984,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11have been living in their five-bedroom home
0:03:11 > 0:03:14in the town of Fleet, Hampshire for the last six years.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16But since they sold the business three years ago,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19they're ready to find a more rural home
0:03:19 > 0:03:22where they can really enjoy their retirement.
0:03:22 > 0:03:23The area we currently live in
0:03:23 > 0:03:26is becoming more and more built up as time goes by.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29It's a commuter town as far as I'm concerned.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33We started to look about 18 months, two years ago for another property.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35Principally in Cornwall
0:03:35 > 0:03:38because that's where my daughter and family moved to.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42Apart from the fact that I've loved Cornwall since I was a child
0:03:42 > 0:03:45and I've always wanted to live in Cornwall in the country.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47It's always been a dream of mine.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Tied in with Keith and Carol's quest for a country life
0:03:50 > 0:03:52is a passion for horses.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Ellie, their much-loved horse-mad granddaughter in Cornwall,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58is hoping her grandparents' new home
0:03:58 > 0:04:02might conveniently come with a paddock where she can keep her pony.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04But this is no hardship for Keith
0:04:04 > 0:04:07who shares his granddaughter's equine interests.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10I've been volunteering for Riding for the Disabled
0:04:10 > 0:04:13for two or three years, I suppose.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17I started doing it... A, because I like horses
0:04:17 > 0:04:21and B, because I suppose when you retire
0:04:21 > 0:04:23you think you ought to do something voluntary.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28It's nice to feel that you're doing a little something for somebody else.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But it's also immensely rewarding. I mean, I get a lot out of it as well.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33You are very good with them.
0:04:33 > 0:04:34With adults mainly no,
0:04:34 > 0:04:38but with children and animals I get on very well.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41I think it's his soft voice.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44While Carol is also an animal lover and will enjoy helping out
0:04:44 > 0:04:48with the horses, she'll be equally happy to occupy herself indoors.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I'm looking forward to a new start with the move.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Something to build on. I like looking after the home, really.
0:04:54 > 0:04:58I'm a home-builder, I suppose, and a family person, so that's for me.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59Yeah.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02You'll enjoy making another house, won't you? Because you do enjoy...
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Carol gets a huge kick out of making a home.- Mm.- And she's good at it.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09OK.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14On occasions when the Cornish weather turns inclement,
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Keith will have plenty to busy himself with
0:05:16 > 0:05:19thanks to a new interest he's developed.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22When I was laid up after a small operation,
0:05:22 > 0:05:23I couldn't do anything physical,
0:05:23 > 0:05:25so Carol bought me a couple of models to make.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Something I've never done before, and I've now got truly into it.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I can while away countless hours.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33Yes, but you need a workshop
0:05:33 > 0:05:35because you keep creeping back into the house with that.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38That's true, it keeps spreading around the house.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41I've now been banned to the office above the garage,
0:05:41 > 0:05:45but it doesn't really suit the job so I need a proper men's workshop...
0:05:45 > 0:05:46- That can get mucky.- Yes.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- I can loose him for hours up there. It's great.- Yeah.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Carol and Keith would like to be within easy driving distance
0:05:57 > 0:05:59of their family who live in Probus,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03so we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the village.
0:06:03 > 0:06:04I'm catching up with them
0:06:04 > 0:06:07to learn more about what they're looking for in the new home.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10Well, Carol, Keith, welcome to Cornwall.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11Thank you.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14And you are retired, but you're young and funky at heart,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- aren't you? You're into modern, open plan and all of that.- Yes.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21Oh, I love it. Yes, I love modern bathrooms, modern kitchens...
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- It's motivated in part, this move, by family down here.- It is.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27My daughter lives down here with her family.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31This also brings us on to the granddaughter and horses.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Her mother has said the only way she'll be able to have a horse
0:06:35 > 0:06:38is if Nanny and Grandad keep it and look after it.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- At their expense, admittedly. Because they don't want the tie.- Yep.
0:06:42 > 0:06:47So, whilst it's not something that has to be on the agenda,
0:06:47 > 0:06:50if it so happened that we had the space then I guess
0:06:50 > 0:06:54we would end up having horses.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Give us an idea of what it is you're looking for.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01A kitchen with possibly white gloss units,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03big enough to put... To dine in.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And how many bedrooms do think you need, Keith,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08because you've got obviously family still in Hampshire
0:07:08 > 0:07:09who are going to come and visit.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13We tend to look for a minimum four bedrooms, not necessarily
0:07:13 > 0:07:16because we need four bedrooms, but we do like large houses.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19I know that there are only the two of us but we like space.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We talked about this modern feel,
0:07:21 > 0:07:23but you do kind of like the idea of a barn conversion.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27That fits in, I think, for me
0:07:27 > 0:07:31because barn conversions can look very attractive outside,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33and for Carol because of the very open,
0:07:33 > 0:07:37normally the very open interiors, high ceilings, and that suits her.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40Many people also want quite lavish garden,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43and vegetables and the rest of it, but that's not on your list, Carol.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44No, it isn't.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49I had our garden redone to make it easily maintainable.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53It's just a lawn, a few shrubs, and trees, lots of trees.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Now you've given us £850,000 to spend
0:07:55 > 0:07:58which is a very generous budget here.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00The best part of the million, let's be honest.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02You want a big house, Keith.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04We should certainly get you that for the money.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- We've got three to show you including our mystery house.- Lovely.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- Who knows? Drink up your tea and we'll get going.- OK.- Thank you.
0:08:15 > 0:08:19With a very healthy budget of £850,000,
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Carolyn Keith would like a spacious home
0:08:21 > 0:08:23with a modern, open-plan interior
0:08:23 > 0:08:26that includes a large kitchen/diner and four bedrooms.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29Outside, Carol is keen on a low-maintenance garden
0:08:29 > 0:08:32while Keith would be tempted by a pony paddock.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34And they're hoping to be within an hour's drive
0:08:34 > 0:08:35of their family in Probus.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40We have a fine selection of houses lined up to tempt them with,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44but I won't reveal the prices until the end of each house tour.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46One of course will be our mystery house
0:08:46 > 0:08:49which should more than meet their modern living requirements.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57We're starting our search 15 miles west of Probus
0:08:57 > 0:09:00in the village of St Agnes on the north coast.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03This popular but unspoilt settlement
0:09:03 > 0:09:06situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:09:06 > 0:09:08has a creative local community
0:09:08 > 0:09:12that supports a nice selection of independent shops and businesses.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15An easy walk from the village centre
0:09:15 > 0:09:18at the end of a quiet no through lane is our first property.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23- What do you think? - It's quite pretty, isn't it?- Yeah?
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- I like the window frames. - The grey.- It's gorgeous.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- I think it's very funky.- Really? - I think it's very you.- Really?
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- Let's see if I'm right. Come on.- Good.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37The house was built in 1993, so it's a similar vintage
0:09:37 > 0:09:40to Keith and Carol's current home.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42But over the last two years, the owners here have done
0:09:42 > 0:09:44some quite major renovations,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46including adding a two-storey annexe.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53- What do you reckon?- Wow, this is a big room, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Is this the sort of funky open plan feel that you had in mind?- Oh, yes.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Yes, very much so.- You like a large living room, don't you?- I do.
0:10:02 > 0:10:04- With plenty of room for big sofas. - Yep.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07- That's nice.- I mean, the space in here is fabulous.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09You could arrange this in any way you'd like.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11Obviously it's focused on that gorgeous,
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- very contemporary wood burner there. - Mm-hm.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- I think this is a great start. - Mm-hm. Yes, I agree.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18Well, let's explore further. Come and look at this.
0:10:18 > 0:10:19This is your kitchen/diner.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- There.- My goodness. Wow, that is big, isn't it?
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Come through to the middle.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28It's probably the best place to really see it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- You talked about having a large sort of family room, family space.- I did.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34I think this is sort of it, really.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- That's certainly a large enough family space.- Yes.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38And if all the family are here at once,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42I can just see them all making use of the living room next door,
0:10:42 > 0:10:43spilling through into here...
0:10:43 > 0:10:46But in terms of the kitchen space, I mean...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- More than adequate.- It works.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51There's also a really generous utility room through there as well.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54So plenty of room for all the rest of the bits and pieces
0:10:54 > 0:10:58you're going to need. I mean, it's a big house this, but...it's cosy.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01I think that's the thing. It's not always easy to find that.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06We like size and space and airiness and this has got it.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08It's got even more size through here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13'Leading off from the generous entrance hall
0:11:13 > 0:11:14'to the other side of the house,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17'there's a space that's currently being used as a music room
0:11:17 > 0:11:21'but which Keith could earmark for his model-making pursuits.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23'And next door to it, there's a twin bedroom
0:11:23 > 0:11:27'which leads through to the recently built annexe.'
0:11:27 > 0:11:30This room is really interesting.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33This was the garage up until a couple of years ago.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34Come in, don't be shy.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38What they've created is a really lovely one bedroom annexe
0:11:38 > 0:11:42because up there you got the bedroom and bathroom to go with it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45This could be for your guests.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47You've also got this kitchen unit behind me.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- It's totally self-contained. - Totally self-contained.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51I know you're not looking for a holiday let,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53but this would be ideal for that.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57I'm just thinking if the family do come down for a long period of time
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- they can have the run of it. - Absolutely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Yes, and you're not in each other's way, are you?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- That's perfect for that. - It would be perfect for that.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06So that's your guests taken care of.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Let's go back to the hallway and go up the main staircase
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and there you've got another five bedrooms to play with.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14Goodness.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Including your master. - This is a big house.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Also on the ground floor of this expansive home,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24next to the utility room there's a very stylish wet room
0:12:24 > 0:12:26with an adjoining sauna.
0:12:27 > 0:12:32Upstairs in the original part of the house, there's a family bathroom
0:12:32 > 0:12:36and those five bedrooms I mentioned, which are all of a decent size.
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- The biggest is the master. - Oh, I like the size of that.- Yeah.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- Yeah, just right. - Perfect size for you.- Yes.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47It's got a very generous dressing area through there
0:12:47 > 0:12:50and a really nice en suite behind that wall and mirror.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52Yeah, that's a nice size.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Your seven foot wide bed will actually fit in here.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56I think so, yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59- How wide?- Seven foot. - So it's a helipad, really.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03You could land a heavy aircraft on it.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Have you got a duvet with a big atrium on it? Brilliant.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Now, we found a couple of rooms downstairs which could be
0:13:08 > 0:13:10modelling workshops or whatever.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14But there is plenty of space out there for all kinds of things.
0:13:14 > 0:13:15- OK.- Yeah?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Well, Keith and Carol's response to this modern roomy home
0:13:21 > 0:13:24hasn't quite been as enthusiastic as I'd expected.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28But I'm hoping the outside space will win them over.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30There's a timber decked area that wraps itself
0:13:30 > 0:13:33around the back of the house providing a wonderfully sheltered
0:13:33 > 0:13:36suntrap perfect for outdoor entertaining.
0:13:36 > 0:13:41And beyond that is a really large lawn lined with mature trees.
0:13:41 > 0:13:45But it doesn't end there. So, how much land is there?
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Where does it end?
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Well, we've got the garden behind us which you could do quite a lot with,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52but you do get also get this paddock which is bounded by
0:13:52 > 0:13:57these very mature hedges you can see in front of us on the three sides.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Oh, you could play out there forever. - Yeah.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Well, certainly it's an ideal pony paddock.- Yeah, perfect.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Certainly looks big enough.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09So, how much is property number one on the market for?
0:14:09 > 0:14:14- I'm going for £799,950. - Very specific there. Keith?
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I'm going to go a wee bit lower than that and say £775,000.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21You're not far off, actually. It does begin with a seven.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23It's £795,000.
0:14:23 > 0:14:24Wow.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- You were closest.- How do we feel about that?- Um...- It's below budget.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- It is below budget. - Well below budget.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- We could do what we want to do with it, I think.- Absolutely.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Well, it is our first property, of course,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38so let's give you some time to look around it.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Go and lose yourself in one of those dozen or so rooms
0:14:41 > 0:14:43and I will come and try to find you later on.
0:14:43 > 0:14:45- OK.- All right.- Off you go. - Thank you.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52£55,000 below their maximum budget,
0:14:52 > 0:14:55the stylishly renovated home definitely offers
0:14:55 > 0:14:58the modern look and space Keith and Carol are after,
0:14:58 > 0:15:00including a large kitchen/diner
0:15:00 > 0:15:04five bedrooms, and that generous self-contained annexe.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07And what's more, outside there are more than three acres of land
0:15:07 > 0:15:10including a two acre pony paddock for Keith.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12I think the house is a beautiful size.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15The annexe is great when the family come
0:15:15 > 0:15:17and the children would love the spiral staircase.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21The exterior, that for me is tantamount to perfection.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Lovely formal garden.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Immediately behind is a paddock
0:15:25 > 0:15:29and that's precisely what I pictured as owning.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31I think the house is very open.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Possibly in my mind I thought maybe it would be
0:15:33 > 0:15:35a little bit more open plan.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39As a family house, I think it's almost perfect.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Whether it's quite the right layout for Carol and I,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44I'm not absolutely sure.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48- Right, so after you.- Thank you.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55I do like a creaky door. Feels quite welcoming...in a strange way.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58- Absolutely.- Now, I think this was a great start.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- I can see it's got you thinking. - Yes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- But I suspect we've still got some way to go.- You are very perceptive.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Well, we've been doing this a little while.- Very perceptive.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- I'm also pretty sure we could do with some lunch. Come on.- OK.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Thanks to its long, sinuous coastline,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24Cornwall is blessed with a multitude of magnificent beaches.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27On the north coast, one of the most appealing is the sweeping
0:16:27 > 0:16:30golden crescent of Constantine Bay.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34With its sculptural sand dunes and thunderous surf,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38it's unsurprising artists have long been drawn to this beautiful beach.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Keen homemaker, Carol, has a passion for interiors and design,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46so we've arranged for her and Keith to meet local artist Susie Ray,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50who finds inspiration from the objects washed up on the tide.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- What have you found today? - Today I found loads of things.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00We found some cuttlefish and these are common at the moment.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Do you know what these are? - It looks like rubbish.- It does.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- Looks a bit like polystyrene or bubble wrap.- Yep.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11These are actually the egg cases of the whelk. The common whelk.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14So, what do you do with all these findings from the beach?
0:17:14 > 0:17:15Oh, I do a variety of things,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18but one of the things I really enjoy is doing rubbings.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21It's where you put a coat of paint onto something.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23You paint something and you take an imprint.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The technique that Susie has adapted is known as 'gyotaku'.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33It was originally used by Japanese fishermen in the mid-1800s
0:17:33 > 0:17:34to record their catch.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38To acquaint themselves with this age-old process,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40Keith and Carol are joining Susie in her studio
0:17:40 > 0:17:42which is just a mile from the beach.
0:17:45 > 0:17:46Now for the big reveal.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- You never know what's going to... - Oh, it's looking good.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55- Oh, it's looking good. - Oh, look at that!- Isn't that clever?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- That's amazing.- Look at that.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- See that detail?- Mm-hm.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04Using some items Susie collected from the beach earlier,
0:18:04 > 0:18:08it's now Keith and Carol's turn to get their hands dirty.
0:18:08 > 0:18:09So, Keith, there you go.
0:18:09 > 0:18:14Start painting inwards/outwards on the strokes of that piece of kelp.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17And maybe even create a Cornish coast-themed artwork
0:18:17 > 0:18:19to adorn their new home.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21That's great, Carol. That's looking good.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- Keith, would you like to take that? - OK.- And lay that... That's it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Try and cover the whole... That's perfect. That's it.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Completed prints are scanned so that Susie can use them
0:18:33 > 0:18:35in a variety of ways.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37As well as creating wall prints,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40she applies the delicate images to China and to linen
0:18:40 > 0:18:43which can be made into tea towels, cushions, and bedding.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45OK, be ready to start peeling back the cloth
0:18:45 > 0:18:47and see what we've got underneath.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49I think I feel quite nervous about this.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53It's very exciting. Let's have a look. Whoa, Carol!
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Oh, here we go.- Oh, wow. Look. - Look at that. That's amazing.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00- That's actually quite good, isn't it?- What have we got here? Wow.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03That's nice. That's really nice.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06So, you're off to a good start with furnishing your new home
0:19:06 > 0:19:09in Cornwall from found on the beach things
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- straight off the beach in Cornwall. - It's a lovely idea.- Yeah.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- Thank you, Susie.- Well, it was such a pleasure. I really enjoyed it.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Continuing our search, we're heading 30 miles north
0:19:21 > 0:19:22to the hamlet of Trenio,
0:19:22 > 0:19:25three quarters of an hours drive from the family in Probus.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31And just over a mile away is the atmospheric fishing port of Padstow.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34As one of the few safe harbours along Cornwall's rugged coast,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38it's provided a haven for seafarers and fishermen for centuries.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41In more recent years,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44the town's become a Mecca for foodies who flock
0:19:44 > 0:19:47to the first-class restaurants that continue to spring up
0:19:47 > 0:19:50in its beautifully age-worn narrow streets.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53So plenty of dining out options for Keith and Carol
0:19:53 > 0:19:56because our second offering is just a few minutes drive from the town.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03- There.- That looks huge. - That looks interesting.
0:20:03 > 0:20:05Well, we've taken you at your word
0:20:05 > 0:20:08when you said you quite like the idea of a barn conversion.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The structure looks absolutely gorgeous. It's a typic...
0:20:11 > 0:20:15- What I think of as a typical country home. It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- Now, I know you want a low-maintenance garden.- Yes.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- This is kind of most of it. - It is. And it actually is great.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Because, Jules, I put my pots out with the plants in them.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- Carol is a pot gardener. - So this would be covered in pots.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30So this is one where if you're interested in riding, Keith,
0:20:30 > 0:20:32it's down the road.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34And there's a stables a mile away.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36With livery and all the rest of it.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Or, maybe you could just take the kids riding...
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and save yourself all the hassle of having all those acres.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- That would be perfect. - Well, let's see what you think then.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Let's have a look. Come with me.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51The property, which is made with local Cornish stone,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53was originally two separate barns.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58In 2006, the buildings were linked to create one very large home.
0:21:00 > 0:21:05Let's start in here. Come in and enjoy the space.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07What a lovely room.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09That's very pretty. Very pretty.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14That's a working fire, not a gas look-alike.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- I don't like all fireplaces but that one...- It's nice.- ..is very nice.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- It's got a lovely feel to it, doesn't it?- Yep.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Good. Let's continue through here and have a look at the dining room.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26'Well, I'm delighted by Carol and Keith's
0:21:26 > 0:21:28'response to the house so far.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30'Continuing through from the living room,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32'there's an attractive dining room
0:21:32 > 0:21:34'with double doors that give it plenty of light.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36'Beyond that, there's a room
0:21:36 > 0:21:38'I'm particularly eager to show them.'
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- Come and look at this.- This is, I think, extraordinary. Oh, wow.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44THEY LAUGH
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- Oh, that is...- Oh, that is beautiful. - Yeah?
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- Truly, truly impressive.- Yes.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Look at the ceiling.- I noticed that. - It's great, isn't it?
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Lovely range there.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- But the striking feature is of course the curve.- Yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Now, if I were doing this up,
0:22:01 > 0:22:04you might think twice perhaps about putting the kitchen in here
0:22:04 > 0:22:09because of the work involved in creating not just curved units and
0:22:09 > 0:22:13all the carpentry involved in that, but also this curved corium worktop.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14Yes.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16But they've risen to the challenge
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- and I think produced something quite stunning.- It is quite...
0:22:19 > 0:22:20BOTH: Unique.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Oh, she said what I said. We said the word together.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25It is unique. It is gorgeous.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- It really is gorgeous. - Let's continue. Let's do the curve.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- Look at this sweeping arc. It's gorgeous, isn't it?- It is.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36This curvaceous kitchen is the point at which the second barn
0:22:36 > 0:22:39was linked to the rest of the house, adding a whole lot more space
0:22:39 > 0:22:44including a reception room and two en suite double bedrooms.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48On the floor above, there's a storage room and a third bedroom.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51So, we're now into... I'm going to call it cottage.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53I mean, it's ludicrous to call it an annexe.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- Leading off of it you've got these en suite bedrooms.- Really?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59And the join between the original
0:22:59 > 0:23:01and the extension is...utterly seamless.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- Yes.- Lovely.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Well, Keith and Carol said they loved space
0:23:07 > 0:23:10and they've got plenty here for visiting friends and family.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14And back in the original part of the property,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16there are still more rooms to explore.
0:23:19 > 0:23:24So up here we start with a kind of study/landing area.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28You could have it as just another little private sitting room.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It leads on to your master suite.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Which is here. - That's nice, isn't it?
0:23:34 > 0:23:36- Delightfully pretty again.- Yeah?
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Another pretty one. Yeah.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40Through there you've got bathroom only.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43No shower in at the moment, but it wouldn't be a huge effort
0:23:43 > 0:23:46to make that into a shower over the bath.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Then that leads onto another bedroom which is again en suite.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It's got a lovely feel, the whole house.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56All the rooms are very comfortable, very cosy, very tastefully finished.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58So, I wonder how much it's worth.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Should we go outside and consider?
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- Why not?- Yes.- Let's hope it's good news, eh? Come this way.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Despite being less modern and less open-plan
0:24:09 > 0:24:11than the first property we showed them,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13Carol and Keith seem really taken with this one.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18It doesn't have as much land as our first house
0:24:18 > 0:24:19or a pony paddock for Keith,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22but the approximately quarter of an acre of grounds
0:24:22 > 0:24:26are made up of attractive paved areas and beds of mature shrubs
0:24:26 > 0:24:28which offer Carol that low-maintenance,
0:24:28 > 0:24:30outdoor space she's hoping for.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32And the thing I like about this space,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36it's a much more intimate area for exterior dining
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- than perhaps you've got at the front.- Yes.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43You guessed first last time, so, Keith, you've got £850,000 to spend.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44Will it do it here?
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- I'd say about 800.- 800, yeah.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51I'm going to say 845.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53It isn't 845.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57This could be yours for £825,000.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59- I'm surprised.- It's taken you a bit by surprise, hasn't it?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01It has actually because it is a beautiful house.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04I think it's taken Carol by surprise at the extent to which
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- she likes what it is. - Yeah, it is lovely.- Yeah.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- Let's go and get you some extra time to look around this place...- OK.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13..cos there's an awful lot to take in.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- But, yeah, I think it's gone rather well.- Yes.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22£25,000 under their maximum budget,
0:25:22 > 0:25:25this immaculately-renovated stone property
0:25:25 > 0:25:28is made up of not one but two converted barns,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30which Keith and Carol are keen on.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34There are five bedrooms and that beautifully-crafted curved kitchen.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37It doesn't come with land for a pony
0:25:37 > 0:25:39but it does have a generous paved area
0:25:39 > 0:25:41with an easy-to-care-for garden for Carol.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Oh, this is sweet, isn't it?
0:25:46 > 0:25:48Isn't this nice?
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Every room is pretty...- Yes. - ..isn't it?- Yes.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53- All attractive.- It's an en-suite.
0:25:53 > 0:25:54Just my colour scheme too.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- That's the style you do and the colour.- Yes.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01This house is so well done it's unbelievable.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05It really is a very, very attractive property.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08The kitchen is just something to die for.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10What can you say? It's just perfect really.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12This house could be a contender
0:26:12 > 0:26:18if I could get over the fact there is no land and no sizeable garden.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20But the house is very attractive
0:26:20 > 0:26:23and I think I could possibly be persuaded.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25If I was to sum up the property,
0:26:25 > 0:26:28I think it's the best house I have seen
0:26:28 > 0:26:31when we've been looking for a property in probably 18 months.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35It's probably the best house I've ever seen out of all of them.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38In fact, it is the best house.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41You know, any concerns I may have had about the size of this property,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44or indeed its modernity, have evaporated.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46They have absolutely loved it, haven't you?
0:26:46 > 0:26:48- Oh, it's lovely.- Your face, Carol.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50- It's really lovely.- Keith's is a picture.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52But what a day. A day of two halves really.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55We've started with something new and we've ended with something old
0:26:55 > 0:26:57and, who knows?
0:26:57 > 0:26:59Maybe we've cracked it.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Maybe we have.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- We could do. It's a lovely house. - Yes.
0:27:03 > 0:27:04But there is one more to come.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06Mystery house tomorrow morning.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- That should be interesting. - Come on, let's go and have supper.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18It's the second day of our house hunt,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22and with a sizeable budget of £850,000
0:27:22 > 0:27:25we're helping Keith and Carol leave the suburbs of Fleet, Hampshire,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28to find a Cornish country home to retire to.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Still to come, the thoroughly-modern mystery house
0:27:31 > 0:27:33certainly makes an impression.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36I've heard you use the word funky,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39and that's a great description of what I'm seeing.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40It really is.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43'And I meet some friendly local marine mammals...'
0:27:43 > 0:27:45That's incredible. Hey.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48'..who found refuge in one of the country's oldest seal sanctuaries.'
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Well, as we head out on our final day of house hunting
0:27:52 > 0:27:54here in Cornwall with Keith and Carol,
0:27:54 > 0:27:58I'm beginning to wonder if my understanding of modern, open-plan,
0:27:58 > 0:28:01is really the same as theirs.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Property one yesterday fulfilled all of their criteria and more
0:28:05 > 0:28:07whilst property two, being far more traditional,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10seemed to get more of a response.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13But they were very clear about their brief.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14So, taking them at their word,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18our marvellously-modern mystery house could really test them.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21In fact, it's so exceptional,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23it's very 21st century.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Journeying 15 miles up the north coast we reach Port Isaac,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32three quarters of an hour's drive from the family in Probus,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34and the final stop on our search.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Tucked away in a steep-sided cove,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40this quintessentially Cornish fishing village
0:28:40 > 0:28:43is famed for its crab and lobster catch,
0:28:43 > 0:28:47its welcoming pubs and beautiful, old whitewashed cottages.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49On the outskirts of the village
0:28:49 > 0:28:51occupying a gorgeous hilltop setting
0:28:51 > 0:28:53is our one-of-a-kind mystery house.
0:28:55 > 0:28:56This is very exciting.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Come over here. Take it all in.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01What do you think of that, madam?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Wow, it looks very light.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06It must be light, look at the windows.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10It is fantastically efficient as a new-build.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Very eco-friendly.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Overlooking Port Isaac.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15That's fantastic.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18I mean, as a slice of Cornwall,
0:29:18 > 0:29:21it doesn't get much more Cornish than that.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23Wait till you see inside. It's crazy this.
0:29:25 > 0:29:27Clad in distinctive red cedar,
0:29:27 > 0:29:30this standout home was built just over ten years ago
0:29:30 > 0:29:32and was designed by award-winning architects.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37What about this then?
0:29:37 > 0:29:38My goodness.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40Yes, my goodness indeed.
0:29:40 > 0:29:41That is a surprise.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46- It's a lot to take in in one go, isn't it?- You like contemporary.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Yeah.- This is contemporary with a vengeance.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Certainly is, isn't it?
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- Yeah?- That is light and airy and very unusual.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Isn't it?- Hmm, very. Very unusual.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Really bold design, this one.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59- I love it.- Yes.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02It's really clever and it's got this lovely gallery, as you can see,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05which goes up to the bedrooms.
0:30:05 > 0:30:07It doesn't come much more open-plan than this.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- You know, the kitchen-diner is enormous.- Yes, yeah.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12It is huge, isn't it?
0:30:12 > 0:30:15It does have the oil-fired range there.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17That's the main source of heating for most of it.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19And that heat that's coming up from that,
0:30:19 > 0:30:21that convected heat, is heating the whole thing.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23That's how efficient the building is to run.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It is very unusual.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- Isn't it just?- I've never seen anything like this, never.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- But I get the feeling it's quite pleasing, Keith.- I...
0:30:31 > 0:30:33I've heard you use the word funky,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35and that is a great description of what I'm seeing.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38THEY LAUGH It really is.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43The central living space has certainly made an impact,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46and I'm pretty sure the sitting room next door will impress too...
0:30:47 > 0:30:49..with its excellent views out to Port Isaac.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53There's the wood burner. Nice, traditional feel to that actually.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57- Providing a nice focus, I think. - Yes, I like the slate hearth.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59For the room, yeah. Very simple, very functional.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01And I really enjoy these alcoves
0:31:01 > 0:31:03with their downlighters and so forth.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04- You love that sort of thing, don't you?- I do.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07Alcoves, lights, bits and pieces to put in them.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10I just can't take my eyes off of that view through those French doors.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13That is just...amazing.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Well, the view is even better upstairs.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Also on the ground floor just off the kitchen area
0:31:21 > 0:31:22there's a utility room,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25and next to that is a study that could also work
0:31:25 > 0:31:28as a bedroom or a model-making space for Keith.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Upstairs the wonderfully unique,
0:31:31 > 0:31:32slightly curved gallery
0:31:32 > 0:31:35leads us to the first of three bedrooms.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36There.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Even more views for you.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Oh, wow. Look at that, Keith.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43- Just gets better, doesn't it?- Yes.
0:31:43 > 0:31:44This is currently the master bedroom.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48It's not as such en suite but the bathroom is right next door.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51Although the bedroom's not that big,
0:31:51 > 0:31:54you're borrowing the size from out there.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56You're borrowing the land...
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- And the feel.- ..and using it as part of your environment.
0:32:00 > 0:32:01It's a very good point to make.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03What's going through your mind here, Carol?
0:32:03 > 0:32:06I'm not sure if the bedroom is quite big enough for me.
0:32:06 > 0:32:09I mean, there is a bigger double at the other end,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11currently used by the owner's daughter,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13So you might be able to kind of think about
0:32:13 > 0:32:16putting yourself at the other end. You can have a look a bit later on.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17Do you lose to view at the other end?
0:32:17 > 0:32:19- Well, you do. That's why it's here. - Yeah.
0:32:19 > 0:32:20Yeah, you do.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22Let's take a glance at the rest of it,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and then we're going to go outside and talk about the price.
0:32:25 > 0:32:27- OK.- Go and have another look at that view. Why not?
0:32:27 > 0:32:29After you.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31They love the view,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34but it seems perhaps the room isn't quite big enough
0:32:34 > 0:32:36to accommodate that 7ft bed.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40In-between the two larger bedrooms at either end of the house
0:32:40 > 0:32:42is a third, smaller room.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Heading outside, the property sits on around a fifth of an acre.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51And, to make the most of its fabulous elevated position,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54the deck we enter from spans the full length of the house
0:32:54 > 0:32:56and the hot tub comes with it.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01Well, the weather really has created -
0:33:01 > 0:33:03I think - the final scene for us here at this property.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05As a scene, it couldn't be bettered.
0:33:05 > 0:33:06You couldn't make it up.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10This is what most people come to Cornwall to find,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and you could potentially wake up to this every day of the week...
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- BOTH:- Yeah.- ..for the foreseeable future, if this property is for you.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Obviously it doesn't have as many rooms as the others we've shown you,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23it doesn't have acres of course, Keith.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26We're tucked into the hillside here but it makes up for it, I think,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28with its aspect.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31Let's think about the money then, our final price guess of the week.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33- You can go first then.- OK.
0:33:33 > 0:33:39I think, because of the view, it will demand a higher rate,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42and I'm guessing at...850.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44850, yes.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46KEITH SIGHS Well, this is a difficult one
0:33:46 > 0:33:48because it's unique.
0:33:48 > 0:33:49Um...
0:33:49 > 0:33:51860, 875.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54I think you are right to err at the higher end
0:33:54 > 0:33:56but, here's the thing,
0:33:56 > 0:34:00this is on the market for £800,000.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I'm amazed.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05That's lower than I would have expected for something like this,
0:34:05 > 0:34:06despite the size.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09It is the smallest property we've shown you obviously
0:34:09 > 0:34:11- but I think, as a mystery house, it's worked really well.- Yes.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13I think actually, if I'm honest, Keith,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- you're more into this than you are, Carol.- I think so.
0:34:16 > 0:34:17What's that word I'm looking for?
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- It's the ambience of the whole thing, the house.- Yeah.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25- The exterior, the views, the location up on the hillside.- Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:30It's something a lot of people would only ever dream about.
0:34:30 > 0:34:31Well.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34We're going to give you a bit more time to soak this place up.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37- It may grow on you.- Yes.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- May well do, yes.- Go on, then. Off you go.- Thank you.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- I will catch up with you a little bit later on.- All right.- OK.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43Thank you.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Below their maximum budget by £50,000,
0:34:49 > 0:34:53our very contemporary mystery house certainly has the open-plan living
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Keith and Carol said they were after
0:34:55 > 0:34:58with its huge double height kitchen dining space.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It only has three of the four bedrooms they were hoping for
0:35:01 > 0:35:04but it does have those terrific views.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06I like the mystery house.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10It takes quite a bit of getting used to because it is utterly unique.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13The location and the views,
0:35:13 > 0:35:17really, I don't think could be paralleled anywhere.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19They certainly couldn't be bettered.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22I think it's extremely modern, I love the light,
0:35:22 > 0:35:26I'm just not sure it's quite big enough for us.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Keith is blown away with the view.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33It does make up for a lot but, for me, it's not quite enough.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34For Keith, it would be.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38If I was to consider giving up the idea of having some land,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41which was one of the ideas of moving to Cornwall,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45that sort of view and this sort of location could...
0:35:45 > 0:35:46could persuade me to do so.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Despite the fact it is actually really cold here in Cornwall,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56it's still tempting to get in here. This is brilliant. It's so warm.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58- Is it?- How about it?
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- Boil soup in there.- Shall we jump in?
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- I dare you. I dare you! - No, I don't think so.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05You've got better things to do.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07I think you've got a lot of thinking to be getting on with
0:36:07 > 0:36:12because I suspect there is a decision to be made soon.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- I think so.- You're right, yeah.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16- Come on, then. Let's go and think. - OK.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Cornwall's rich coastline
0:36:23 > 0:36:26offers one of Britain's finest marine environments,
0:36:26 > 0:36:31and among the varied wildlife found around its shores is the grey seal.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Providing rescue and rehabilitation for these charismatic creatures
0:36:35 > 0:36:37is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Situated on the banks of the Helford River,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42it was established in 1958
0:36:42 > 0:36:45and is now one of the oldest seal sanctuaries in the country.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49I'm meeting up with Jess Grove,
0:36:49 > 0:36:51one of the centre's animal care assistants.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56So, over 50 years, seals have been coming here
0:36:56 > 0:36:57to get put back together again.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Give us an idea of the numbers that you deal with.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02Each year we rescue between 40-60.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04We have a really high success rate.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07We try and release every one that we rescue over the winter
0:37:07 > 0:37:10but occasionally we do have to keep one or two of them back.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- Let's go and see some seals, shall we?- Yes, definitely. Let's go.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19The sanctuary is a lifeline for seals found struggling to survive,
0:37:19 > 0:37:23whether due to malnutrition, infection or injury.
0:37:23 > 0:37:24Many of the casualties are pups
0:37:24 > 0:37:26who've been separated from their mothers.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30The seals receive medical treatment
0:37:30 > 0:37:33and stay an average of three months to build condition.
0:37:33 > 0:37:35After that, they are ready to be released back into the wild,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39as close as possible to the location where they were first found.
0:37:42 > 0:37:43Ah.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- Here they all are then.- Yes.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47So this is our convalescence pool.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50And it's just been cleaned this morning, that's why it's empty.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53So in here we've got about 33 pups at the moment.
0:37:53 > 0:37:54And you can see the guys there.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57They're just checking everyone's all happy and healthy,
0:37:57 > 0:37:58that they're all a good weight
0:37:58 > 0:38:01and we don't have to keep an eye on anyone.
0:38:01 > 0:38:06Grey seals are relatively rare, numbering 350,000 worldwide.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09But close to half of that population is found in the UK
0:38:09 > 0:38:10where their numbers are stable,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14thanks in part to the work of organisations like this one.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Now they do look quite cute, it has to be said.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20And many people might be tempted, if they saw a seal on a beach,
0:38:20 > 0:38:22to wander up and try and pet it.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25We should be absolutely clear that's a real no-no.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Yeah, definitely.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29As a pup, you might disturb it from its mother,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31causing it to be abandoned.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34With an older seal, they do have a very sharp bite on them,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37and often, if they're hauled out on a beach, they just want some sleep,
0:38:37 > 0:38:39so do give them a bit of space.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41The very few seals
0:38:41 > 0:38:44that are diagnosed as unable to survive in the wild
0:38:44 > 0:38:47become permanent, well-cared-for residents.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48Like these guys,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51who are the only common seals living at the sanctuary.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53Hello. And who are you?
0:38:53 > 0:38:54That's it. Tap your foot on the floor,
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- she'll come target it with her nose. - Just like that?- Yes.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- Luna! - HE LAUGHS
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- What's that? Go on. Go on, then. - Good girl. That's it.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- And you can give her a fish as well. - That's incredible.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13So, no day is the same and there's always something to amuse you.
0:39:13 > 0:39:14Definitely.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17They are such big characters and they're all so, so different.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20You can't be unhappy around them, they're too funny.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22- Jess, it's been a real pleasure. Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27SHE BLOWS WHISTLE
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- HE LAUGHS - That's it. And throw her a fish.
0:39:29 > 0:39:30That's incredible. Hey.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33That deserves a fish. Go on, then.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43Well, for the last few hours we have left Keith and Carol
0:39:43 > 0:39:46in a little cafe overlooking this gorgeous bay
0:39:46 > 0:39:49to consider the three properties we've been able to show them.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52Now I think we all know by now there really is only one
0:39:52 > 0:39:53that they've fallen in love with.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57But, as ever, do they love it enough to want to buy it?
0:39:57 > 0:39:59Well, there's only one way to find out of course,
0:39:59 > 0:40:00and that is to ask them.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05You know, I think we've spoilt you this week.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Here we are, finishing up in a nice little cafe, overlooking the coast.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- It's all rather lovely, isn't it? - It is lovely.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13But how are you feeling, most importantly?
0:40:13 > 0:40:15I think I'm slightly confused
0:40:15 > 0:40:19because I actually think I rather like the second property.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- I think you do too.- I do. - JULES LAUGHS
0:40:21 > 0:40:23You gave us a very clear brief.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Big, light, modern, open-plan.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- We certainly gave you that in two of our properties...- Yes.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33..but number two was the one that was a bit different.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I think you've taken Carol out of her comfort zone
0:40:36 > 0:40:39and showed her something different in house number two
0:40:39 > 0:40:42that she discovered that she very much liked.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- Is Keith right? Has that made sense of it for you?- Absolutely.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46Yes, he is.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51Whilst the rooms were separate, they flowed beautifully,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54and there was lots of potential to do what I would like to do.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56What happens next then?
0:40:57 > 0:41:01I have got reservations on the fact that there's very little land,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04so I think I need to consider
0:41:04 > 0:41:08whether I can forget the style of living
0:41:08 > 0:41:11that I was considering having, namely with the land,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15and living more with the house itself
0:41:15 > 0:41:19and the opportunities for activities in the area.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Only being a mile from Padstow,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25the thought of sailing or boating comes to mind.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28See, I think you've got so many things to tempt you with
0:41:28 > 0:41:31in and around here that, quite frankly,
0:41:31 > 0:41:34having a few acres to look after
0:41:34 > 0:41:36almost might be a bit of a burden actually.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38- Could be too much.- You have got a point.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40You really have got a point.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43So might we hear the phone ring with news of an offer
0:41:43 > 0:41:45having been made on number two?
0:41:45 > 0:41:48We would certainly like to go back and have another look,
0:41:48 > 0:41:51and to have another look perhaps around the immediate area.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55But certainly, number two is the one that is worth considering
0:41:55 > 0:41:56- as far as we're concerned.- Yes.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Guys, it's been a real pleasure.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- Let us know how you get on. - We will.- We will, obviously.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03- But it's been great fun. You've been fantastic company.- Oh, thank you.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- We wish you the best of luck. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:42:06 > 0:42:07It's been enormous fun.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15Now, as with any property hunt, buyers can challenge us
0:42:15 > 0:42:18with a potentially limitless number of requirements.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21But making sense of them, well, that is the trick.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And I think this week with Keith and Carol,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25there's been a case in point.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28We started out trying to follow a very specific wish list
0:42:28 > 0:42:30but, as it is, with property number two,
0:42:30 > 0:42:34they've ended up with something they really weren't expecting.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38Once again, the Cornish property market has not disappointed us.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Now all I've got to do is go home.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43So remember that coastal path we started the show with?
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Well, I think I'll try that.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Should only take me a couple of weeks.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:51 > 0:42:54in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or England
0:42:54 > 0:42:55and would like our help,
0:42:55 > 0:42:59then why not apply online at: