0:00:02 > 0:00:04It is thought this impressive pile of granite rocks
0:00:04 > 0:00:08was the inspiration behind an infamous fictional detective novel.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But whose book was it and where am I?
0:00:11 > 0:00:12Find out in just a moment.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30On today's show,
0:00:30 > 0:00:32our buyer has enlisted a friend
0:00:32 > 0:00:35to help her find a home with unconventional living space
0:00:35 > 0:00:37that will inspire her creative nature.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40I think it's fantastic, it's ready to move into.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41OK, I'll help you pack!
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And at times, it proves to be quite a moving experience.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47It feels great, yeah. Really nice.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Oh, I can hear the emotion!
0:00:51 > 0:00:55Today, I'm in Devon, in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And this spectacular stone outcrop is called Hound Tor.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Now, Dartmoor is a place that's rich in myth and mystery
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and legend has it that these rocks
0:01:06 > 0:01:10were named after dogs that had been turned to stone by witches.
0:01:10 > 0:01:16In fact, many people in this area believe this place is still haunted
0:01:16 > 0:01:19and they go out of their way to avoid it.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21And, no doubt adding fuel to the fire,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24this is the spot that is believed to have inspired
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes adventure,
0:01:27 > 0:01:30The Hound of the Baskervilles.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33But, putting eerie tales aside for a moment,
0:01:33 > 0:01:37there are still plenty of inspiring views to be had in this county.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Situated in the south-west of England,
0:01:43 > 0:01:47Devon is bordered by Somerset, Cornwall and Dorset.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50A huge part of the county's allure is its exceptional coastline,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54which encompasses some of England's first natural World Heritage site,
0:01:54 > 0:01:56the Jurassic Coast.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00A charming gateway to these towering 200 million-year-old cliffs
0:02:00 > 0:02:04is Seaton, which during Victorian times developed into
0:02:04 > 0:02:07one of Devon's most popular holiday resorts.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08A big attraction here today
0:02:08 > 0:02:11is its fleet of half scale heritage trams.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Inland is the sombre beauty of Dartmoor,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18a protected National Park since 1951
0:02:18 > 0:02:19and one of the largest,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22most unspoiled areas of wilderness in England.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Within the park's borders are some appealing settlements,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27including Moretonhampstead,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29whose creative community makes colourful banners
0:02:29 > 0:02:34for an annual flag festival that brightens the town each winter.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Genteel villages, moody moors and stunning beaches,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42it's this rich variety that gives the county such an enduring appeal.
0:02:44 > 0:02:47Devon's stunning coastline brings with it
0:02:47 > 0:02:51one of the warmest maritime climates of all the UK's coastal regions,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54which could be a contributing factor
0:02:54 > 0:02:56to the price of a detached home here,
0:02:56 > 0:03:02which comes in at just over £26,000 above the national average.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06But, of course, there's also highly desirable pockets
0:03:06 > 0:03:08that are going to cost you just that little bit more.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11If you go to the most southerly point of the region,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15which boasts beautiful beaches, charming villages
0:03:15 > 0:03:18and part of the Dartmoor National Park,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22you can expect to pay 35% more than the rest of the county.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25So let's find out which part of Devon
0:03:25 > 0:03:26today's buyer wants to move to.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28It's time to meet her.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33A world away from the tranquil Devon countryside,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36current home for tech savvy social business consultant Ann
0:03:36 > 0:03:39is Bow, in the heart of East London.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42She's loved living in this converted match factory,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44where she has a hip, loft-style apartment
0:03:44 > 0:03:46that she's owned for 20 years.
0:03:46 > 0:03:50But recently, she's been feeling drawn towards a simpler lifestyle
0:03:50 > 0:03:51that's closer to nature,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55which she feels will help inspire and nourish her creative spirit.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58London has always been the epicentre of where the thinking is
0:03:58 > 0:04:01and that's actually not necessarily true any more.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04You don't have to be in the biggest, shiniest place
0:04:04 > 0:04:06for cool stuff to be happening.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Helping out with her search for a new home is Amanda,
0:04:09 > 0:04:11one of her dearest friends,
0:04:11 > 0:04:14who she's known for more than 30 years.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16My role in this is about being supportive
0:04:16 > 0:04:19and probably seeing things from a slightly different viewpoint.
0:04:19 > 0:04:20I think if I go off on one and go,
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- "This is amazing, I've got to move here tomorrow..."- No.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25She'll say, "Right, actually just think it through."
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Not long after they met, their relationship was cemented
0:04:28 > 0:04:32when Amanda entrusted Ann with quite a responsible task.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34Amanda was getting married
0:04:34 > 0:04:37and I was doing fashion at St Martins at the time
0:04:37 > 0:04:41and she asked me if I'd make her dress, which was a huge honour.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43And also more than nerve-racking!
0:04:43 > 0:04:46It was really beautiful... and unique.
0:04:46 > 0:04:47And I've still got it.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49What can I tell you about Ann?
0:04:49 > 0:04:51She is a fabulous friend.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56She is loyal, she is caring, she is deeply, deeply sensitive
0:04:56 > 0:04:59and she's adorable and I love her to bits.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Ann, who has a background in arts and digital media,
0:05:04 > 0:05:06set up her own business ten years ago
0:05:06 > 0:05:08that assesses how technology and social media
0:05:08 > 0:05:10can revitalise companies.
0:05:10 > 0:05:13And, because most of her work is done online,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15she can pretty much move anywhere
0:05:15 > 0:05:17but her heart is set on Devon.
0:05:17 > 0:05:18There's a great culture there
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and there's lots of independent and quite progressive thinking,
0:05:21 > 0:05:23which appeals to me.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25And things like farmers markets,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29or nice little tight communities of people doing interesting stuff.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Ann loves the way her apartment's open-plan layout
0:05:31 > 0:05:35gives her flexible space to pursue some of the creative projects
0:05:35 > 0:05:37she enjoys doing in her spare time.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39But that's not the only aspect of her home
0:05:39 > 0:05:41that she's particularly attached to.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Living here,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46there is a gym five floors down from where I am now.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48So I can just nip down in the lift
0:05:48 > 0:05:50and I'm in a Jacuzzi in minutes.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52And in an ideal world,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I'd have something which is equally convenient
0:05:54 > 0:05:57but in the countryside.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Although Amanda, who lives in North London,
0:05:59 > 0:06:01will miss Ann when she moves,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04she's already envisaging relaxing weekend visits with her in Devon
0:06:04 > 0:06:07and she knows that the change will do her friend good.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I think that being in the country will allow her to breathe more.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13I mean, she doesn't access her off button very easily
0:06:13 > 0:06:17and I have a feeling that because she communes quite well with nature
0:06:17 > 0:06:21I think that it will naturally invite her
0:06:21 > 0:06:24to access her off button more than she does now.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26- Well said!- Thank you.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31The town of Totnes appeals to Ann
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and she has friends in the area around it,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36so we're focusing our search within an hour's drive of the town.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40I'm catching up with them to learn some more about Ann's move.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44- Well, Ann and Amanda, welcome to Devon.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47So, what are you hoping to get from a new life in Devon?
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I think the ability to just try new places, see friends
0:06:52 > 0:06:55and just a new vista on life that I haven't really had before.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59It sounds wonderful. What are you thinking, Amanda?
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I'm thinking I'm quite jealous, actually!
0:07:01 > 0:07:05So let's talk about the property that we're going to find you.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07What, ideally, are you after?
0:07:07 > 0:07:12Well, if I could take where I live now and transplant it here,
0:07:12 > 0:07:13I probably would do that.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15It would be lovely to have a bit more space
0:07:15 > 0:07:20but the open-plan, unconventional, lots of light, lots of views...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22That would be my ideal.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25So looking for something quirky, a little bit unusual.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Are we talking houses, are we talking barns?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31I think probably barns more than houses.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33If you were to show me a poky room,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35I would probably run in the opposite direction!
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Ditto with thatch.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I'm not really the chocolate box, country type person.
0:07:41 > 0:07:42And how many bedrooms?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Well, I've got two bedrooms now
0:07:44 > 0:07:48and it would be quite nice to have a little bit more space than I have
0:07:48 > 0:07:51but two or three would be perfect for me.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- You've got to remember Amanda's going to be... - Absolutely, for guests!
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- Yes, she needs her own bedroom, doesn't she?- Absolutely.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58Limited outside space?
0:07:58 > 0:08:00Were not looking for acres, I'm presuming?
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Not acres, no.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Something which would be nice to enjoy in the summer,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07a little bit of gardening.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Remind us of your budget again.
0:08:09 > 0:08:10It's £400,000.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13If it was less than that, that'd be brilliant
0:08:13 > 0:08:14because it just gives me more flexibility,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16but that's my golden figure.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Well, we've got three properties lined up to show you.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21The first one is just literally begging to be seen.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- So should we finish our coffee and get going?- Yes.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28With a budget of £400,000,
0:08:28 > 0:08:30Ann is hoping to find a home that offers
0:08:30 > 0:08:33the open-plan living of her current apartment
0:08:33 > 0:08:36but with a gorgeous rural setting and views.
0:08:36 > 0:08:37She'd like 2-3 bedrooms
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and flexible living space where she can both relax and work.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Outside, she is keen to have a manageable garden to potter in
0:08:45 > 0:08:48and ideally would love to be within easy reach of a gym.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51We've got a wonderful variety of homes to show them
0:08:51 > 0:08:54and in each one I'll be getting them to guess at the price
0:08:54 > 0:08:56before I reveal it to them.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59One will be the mystery house, which has a stately home connection
0:08:59 > 0:09:02that could leave Ann feeling like the lady of the manor.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12We begin our search in the village of Harbertonford,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15a five-minute drive from the town of Totnes.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18This quiet settlement lies in the valley of the River Harbourne,
0:09:18 > 0:09:22a branch of the Dart that once served a string of water mills.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24There aren't masses of amenities here
0:09:24 > 0:09:26but there is an excellent village shop,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28which is just a short stroll
0:09:28 > 0:09:31from the house we're about to have a look at.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36So, welcome to Harbertonford, and our first property.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- I do like that colour yellow. - Well, that's a good start.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41What do you think about the actual property itself
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- on first impressions? - It's quite big.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45It's bigger than I thought it might be, actually.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49- The cottage itself dates back about 200 years.- Right.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50We are attached at the back
0:09:50 > 0:09:54so I'm going to say to you now, there isn't a back garden as such.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- Right, OK.- But there are some wonderful walks behind the cottage
0:09:58 > 0:10:00and we are surrounded by them.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- OK.- Shall we get started, ladies?- Yes.- Yes!
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Earlier on in its history, the cottage was thatched
0:10:07 > 0:10:09but fortunately for Ann,
0:10:09 > 0:10:11this was replaced with slate roofing.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13And in the 19th century,
0:10:13 > 0:10:15it was home to the village carpenter.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19So, welcome to your cottage.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23I'm going to start us off in the sitting room.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- AMANDA GASPS - I like this room.- You gasped!
0:10:26 > 0:10:28- I did, I did.- Why did you gasp?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Because it's light and bright. - Is deceiving, isn't it?- It is.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34You get a good impression of space in this room,
0:10:34 > 0:10:36more than you would think from outside.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38What you probably don't have in London
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- is a little conservatory that we can just see there.- Yes!
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Your sunroom for your morning cup of coffee,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- when you decide to get creative. - That sounds very nice.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- Let's take you through. I'm going to show you the kitchen next.- OK.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56So, equally, a good size.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58It is, yes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Are all the facilities in the kitchen - washer, drier?- Yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- This is it, there's no separate utility room in the cottage.- OK.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- I'm thinking, you know you said about taking up your hobbies?- Mm.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09I can see you sewing here, looking out of your window.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Yes, I could, too.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13A lot of pattern cutting could happen on that table.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15Is it winning us over?
0:11:15 > 0:11:17I think there's a few question marks
0:11:17 > 0:11:21about the age and maintenance and versatility at the moment.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23I just want to sort of think about that.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26But it's a nice, airy house.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29OK, right, follow me. We're going to head upstairs.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33On the first floor there's a landing that's lined with book shelves
0:11:33 > 0:11:35and off that there's a family bathroom.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38There are also three good-sized bedrooms.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41One has an attractive feature wall of exposed Devon stone
0:11:41 > 0:11:43and another has a built-in platform bed
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and views across the village and surrounding countryside.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49We're going to take a look at the largest of the three bedrooms,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52which is on the other side of the landing.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Oh!- And this, at the moment, is the master bedroom.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- This is a nice room.- It's lovely! - It's full of character.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Again, surprised at the size?- Yes.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08The brief was light and airy and spacious
0:12:08 > 0:12:10and I think what we've done with this cottage,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13you've got the character of a cottage
0:12:13 > 0:12:15but it is unusual as it's so broad.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19- Yes, very summery, very light. - But cosy in the winter.- Yeah.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21We're going to go back outside.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23We're going to take a look at the property.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25I'm also going to ask you, for the first time,
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- what you think it's on the market for.- OK.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Being attached, the outside space here is limited
0:12:33 > 0:12:36and it's confined to the front of the property,
0:12:36 > 0:12:38so definitely no room for a home gym.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40But a short drive away in Dartmouth,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42there are plenty of leisure facilities
0:12:42 > 0:12:44that Ann could take full advantage of.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49Now, I'm going to highlight the country vista behind us,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52that view, because I can't give you a garden, I'm afraid.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55So, I hope you like your pots.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I do, I really like the pots!
0:12:57 > 0:12:58I'm used to gardening in pots
0:12:58 > 0:13:01so I could sort of pick this up straightaway, I think.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04What do you think the asking price is?
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Well, the figure that's been in my mind is 380.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Yeah...yeah.- Right, £380,000.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12- Yeah.- OK. Amanda?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15I'm going with £369,950.
0:13:15 > 0:13:21- So you're both below your top budget of £400,000?- Yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23The asking price for this cottage is...
0:13:23 > 0:13:27- £327,500.- Really?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Very interesting. - That is interesting,
0:13:30 > 0:13:32cos I think if I bought this
0:13:32 > 0:13:35there's a couple of things I'd like to remodel
0:13:35 > 0:13:37and that would give me the budget to do that.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39So, why don't you take another look around
0:13:39 > 0:13:42- and find me when you've had enough, when you're ready to go.- OK.
0:13:42 > 0:13:43- After you!- Thank you.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54A very significant £72,500 below Ann's maximum budget,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56this characterful cottage may not offer
0:13:56 > 0:13:58the loft-style living she's accustomed to
0:13:58 > 0:14:00but it does have a surprisingly spacious living room
0:14:00 > 0:14:02and kitchen/diner,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04as well as three good-sized bedrooms,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07all with the light, airy feel she loves.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10It doesn't have a lot of outside space
0:14:10 > 0:14:12but there's fabulous walking to be had
0:14:12 > 0:14:15pretty much on its doorstep.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16I was quite intrigued when I saw the property
0:14:16 > 0:14:20for the first time outside, and it wasn't really what I was expecting
0:14:20 > 0:14:25but it had a nice character to it and I think, you know,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I was pleasantly surprised when I came inside.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Oh, this is sweet.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- Yeah, this is quite a nice room. - It's gorgeous.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- This might make a nice little officey room.- Yes,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37cos it's quite good use of the bed,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39but you could have a desk there instead.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41I really like the property.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I do honestly think it needs little bit of work
0:14:44 > 0:14:47but given the budget that she's got
0:14:47 > 0:14:51and given the price that we understand the property is on at
0:14:51 > 0:14:55then that gives her a lot of scope for improvement.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56I like the property a lot.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I've got one concern, particularly about the outside,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02the fact that there isn't much privacy in the garden.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05And in London, although I have quite a small terrace,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07it's five floors up and it's very private.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10So the thought of giving up that privacy
0:15:10 > 0:15:12would be something I'd have to think about.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- Right, girls, have we seen enough? - Yes.- Yes, I think so.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21First property - good reactions, under budget.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22- Marvellous.- Very positive start.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- Let's see what else we've got in store for you!- OK.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33From the 16th century, for many East Devon settlements,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36lace-making was an important cottage industry,
0:15:36 > 0:15:40fuelled by a growing demand from the wealthy, fashionable London set,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42who wore it on collars and cuffs
0:15:42 > 0:15:45as a way to convey status and prestige.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47Situated on the main road to London,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50the town of Honiton became the largest producer,
0:15:50 > 0:15:53so the extremely fine threadwork made throughout the area
0:15:53 > 0:15:55became known as Honiton lace.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59The advent of machine-made lace saw the industry die out
0:15:59 > 0:16:01but, at Honiton's Allhallows Museum,
0:16:01 > 0:16:03the age-old tradition is being kept alive
0:16:03 > 0:16:06through weekly lace-making lessons.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Fashion graduate Ann has a keen interest in textiles,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12so she and Amanda are meeting Pat Perryman,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14who is chair of the museum
0:16:14 > 0:16:18and has been teaching Honiton lace-making for almost 50 years.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Welcome to our wonderful Honiton Lace Museum,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24and the best collection of Honiton lace in the world.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26Thank you very much. It's incredible.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28Honiton lace is what we call a motif lace.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31So if you want to make a large piece, like a wedding veil,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35you make it in all separate pieces and it's all joined together.
0:16:35 > 0:16:36In the 19th century,
0:16:36 > 0:16:39when the local lace industry was beginning to falter,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42a very influential Royal breathed new life into the business
0:16:42 > 0:16:45and ignited a whole new fashion trend,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48after she commissioned several ceremonial garments.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53When Queen Victoria got married in a Honiton lace wedding dress in 1839,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57she started what we now know as the bridal outfit, really.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00- Oh, really?- Because before that, you know, you got married,
0:17:00 > 0:17:01in those days, in your best dress.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05But she started the fashion that's still going today.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07Then, when she took to wearing only black
0:17:07 > 0:17:09after the death of her beloved Albert,
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Honiton artisans were inundated
0:17:11 > 0:17:13with orders for black lace adornments
0:17:13 > 0:17:17from wealthy aristocrats eager to emulate their Queen.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20And in about 1870 to 1880,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23- there was about 2,000 lace makers in Honiton.- That's...
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- And Honiton's population was not much more than 4,000.- Wow.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Since Pat embraced this ancient technique in the 1960s,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33she's taught both here and abroad.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36And last year, she was awarded the British Empire Medal
0:17:36 > 0:17:38for services to the heritage of lace.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43So who better for Ann and Amanda to receive some expert tuition from?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45So, you take two pairs of bobbins.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Bobbin number two goes first...
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Those two come that way.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55And that one comes that way. And that's a stitch.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57One, two, three.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00And we say if you can count to three, you can do it!
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Fascinating. - It's like a little dance.- Absolutely.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- Somebody referred to it as maypole dancing.- Yeah.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08Maypole dancing with bobbins.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Making Honiton lace is a bit like weaving on a miniature scale,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14the loom being made from pins
0:18:14 > 0:18:16poked into a pattern on a straw pillow.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19The fine threads held on the bobbins
0:18:19 > 0:18:21are woven back and forth to build up the pattern.
0:18:21 > 0:18:23Do you ever forget where you are?
0:18:25 > 0:18:26Not really!
0:18:28 > 0:18:31And it's a very time-consuming process.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34To create one square centimetre can take around five hours.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- What are you making there? - This is a dragonfly on here.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40- Did you design that yourself?- Mm-hm.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42And how long is it going to take to make that?
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Oh, you're looking at 45, 50 hours, maybe.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- Right, so don't forget, number two bobbin goes first.- OK.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51One, two, three. Don't worry.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53People often ask, "Can you undo it?"
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Well, the answer is yes, you can.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58That's good cos somebody's going to need to have a go at this!
0:18:58 > 0:19:00THEY LAUGH
0:19:00 > 0:19:03It clearly takes more than one lesson to get to grips
0:19:03 > 0:19:06with this intricate art form but if Ann moves to the area
0:19:06 > 0:19:09she knows where to come to develop her skills.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16Journeying five-and-a-half miles south we reach the little
0:19:16 > 0:19:20village of Blackawton, the second stop on our search.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Just over a 15-minute drive away is Totnes,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26the town that Ann is particularly keen on.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28It lies on the west bank of the River Dart
0:19:28 > 0:19:33where there's still a working port and has a great community spirit.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37In 2007 it introduced its own alternative currency
0:19:37 > 0:19:39as a way to support the local economy.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Seven-and-a-half miles away is our second property
0:19:43 > 0:19:45which has a tiny community of its own.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48It's a barn conversion which is set amongst a cluster
0:19:48 > 0:19:52of other dwellings that were also once working farm buildings.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56I can't see your faces.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58- I'm smiling, I'm smiling. - I'm grinning.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02- Yes, your loving this beautifully landscaped courtyard?- I do.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05It brings us up to our second property.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07This is looking very promising.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I love the fact that there are more houses than just one here
0:20:11 > 0:20:12so there's a little community.
0:20:12 > 0:20:14There is, there's seven in total.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18The barns date back to about the 1800s
0:20:18 > 0:20:23- but this whole plot was developed in 2006.- So quite modern then?- Yes.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25And it comes with a garage, I'm guessing?
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- It does come with a garage.- Cool. - And seven acres of land.- Wow!- Each?
0:20:30 > 0:20:33You do have to share it! You've got seven neighbours
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- but you are surrounded by countryside here.- Fantastic.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39I can tell you're both really energised, aren't you?
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Look at that smile, how can I resist? Let's go.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Well, we've got off to an excellent start with this house
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and I feel quietly confident that things will continue
0:20:48 > 0:20:51in the same positive manner once we venture inside.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53I've brought you through the back door
0:20:53 > 0:20:56because we are in the country and that seems to be the norm.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59You walk into this splendid kitchen, would it be fair to say?
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- Yes, I like the look of this kitchen, it's gorgeous.- Modern, clean lines.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Very nice.- It is beautiful.- Ready to move into.- Yes, very much so.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08You wouldn't need to do a thing, would you?
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- No.- No, no. Except unpack!
0:21:11 > 0:21:14It's got such a lovely feeling the minute you walk in.
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- You both had a very good vibe outside.- Instantly.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20It feels like a home away from home.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24So we're loving the kitchen.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Here we've got... I'm going to call it our first sitting room because
0:21:29 > 0:21:32I'm going to take you through here and show you a little bit more.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38There is an additional sitting room come study here.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43This would make a great sort of studio, workroom, wouldn't it?
0:21:43 > 0:21:47I really like the space, I like the way it is so clean and open,
0:21:47 > 0:21:49very practical and very flexible.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52So you probably wouldn't change this, you'd leave it as it is?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I would cos you can literally close the door on work and then go
0:21:54 > 0:21:57and enjoy yourself next door, which would be brilliant.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59Amanda, come on, what do you think?
0:21:59 > 0:22:02No, I think it's fantastic, gorgeous, ready to move into.
0:22:02 > 0:22:03OK, I'll help you pack.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- You can always bring Amanda with you.- Any time!
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Always bring Amanda with you when you're looking for properties.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- She knows.- You've got an open invitation or year-round!- Thank you.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Upstairs there's an immaculate family bathroom which should suit
0:22:16 > 0:22:19Ann's preference for contemporary decor.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22There's also a generous guest bedroom with a large skylight
0:22:22 > 0:22:25that lets the sun pour in and then there is the equally
0:22:25 > 0:22:27light and bright master bedroom.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- Oh, my goodness!- So we have a large set of in-built wardrobes there,
0:22:33 > 0:22:34some more here,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36plus an en-suite.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- Lovely.- And what do you think about the size?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42It's lovely, it's really lovely.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Again you could just move straight in
0:22:44 > 0:22:46and it's light, it's airy, it's clean,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49it's got a lovely nice sort of solidity to it.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- I'm impressed.- Yes!
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Yes! Amanda?- Yes, it's fantastic. It's lovely.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59We've got a little find here, haven't we? Let's step outside.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02There is one final part of the jigsaw to take care of,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- isn't there, ladies?- Yes.
0:23:04 > 0:23:05Money. Come on.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11As well as the shared space outside,
0:23:11 > 0:23:14which includes the lovely planted courtyard we entered from,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17the house also has its own private patio area
0:23:17 > 0:23:21which comes off the sitting room and a beautiful secluded garden.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23It's a very nice garden.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26Not only does it have this, but that view behind you.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29It's gorgeous, really lovely view.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- The paddock behind us, that is included.- Wow!
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Now, you're used to having neighbours very close by to you
0:23:35 > 0:23:38but it's not too bad here, is it?
0:23:38 > 0:23:40No, there's huge amounts of privacy with the garden
0:23:40 > 0:23:43and actually just enough local life around you here
0:23:43 > 0:23:46so that you don't feel too remote, which is good.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Is this part of the dream?- Yes.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51- Are we getting close?- Yes.- Amanda?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54I think she just woke up. I think this is it.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56You said Amanda is a good gauge, that she would know
0:23:56 > 0:23:59if a property was right for you.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01What do you think, Amanda?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03I think it's got your name on it.
0:24:03 > 0:24:04Ooh!
0:24:04 > 0:24:07How much do you think the asking price is?
0:24:07 > 0:24:13Well, I would say I think it's on the market for about £399,000.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- So just literally...- Just under your budget.- Yes, yes, yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- Amanda?- I'm going with 389.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Amanda is closest.- Really?- Yes! - Again.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25The asking price is £375,000.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- ANN GASPS - Wow!
0:24:29 > 0:24:31That is very compelling.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33I'm going to have to think quite seriously about this.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35Go and have another look,
0:24:35 > 0:24:38see if you can visualise yourself living in there full-time.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- I think I can! Off you go. - Thank you.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46£25,000 below Ann's maximum budget,
0:24:46 > 0:24:50this beautifully converted barn gives her the open flexible space
0:24:50 > 0:24:54she loves, as well as the clean-lined contemporary decor.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57It includes a really spacious kitchen diner,
0:24:57 > 0:24:58upstairs there are two bedrooms
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and there's a third potential bedroom downstairs,
0:25:01 > 0:25:04which is currently being used as an office.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Outside, as well as seven acres of shared land,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10there's a private garden with extraordinary views.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17- This is gorgeous. - This is another nice room, isn't it?
0:25:17 > 0:25:18It's hard not to like it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21As soon as I saw this property I thought, "Well,
0:25:21 > 0:25:24"we might be onto something here," because the brickwork is gorgeous,
0:25:24 > 0:25:27it's quite old, you can get that sense of it,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29but inside it's really well done, too,
0:25:29 > 0:25:33so it's got the modern and it's got the established building,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36you know, very rural, and I like that combination.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39I think this property suits Ann down to the ground.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41When we thought about what she would want
0:25:41 > 0:25:44and what she was looking for, this absolutely does it.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- Smiling faces are always a good sign.- Yes, it is.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50So, are we ending today on a high?
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- I think so.- I would say so.- Yes? Yes?
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Definitely. It definitely hits the spot.- Good.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59I have to drag you away now. That's it. More tomorrow, come on.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10It's the second day of our property search here in Devon
0:26:10 > 0:26:12and, with a budget of £400,000,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Ann, with the help of her friend Amanda,
0:26:15 > 0:26:18is hoping to find a home that pretty much has everything her current
0:26:18 > 0:26:23East London loft apartment offers but in a tranquil, rural setting.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27Coming up, our mystery house delivers one or two surprises.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31- No way! - That's incredible.- No way.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33'And I learned some ancient tanning techniques
0:26:33 > 0:26:36'at a one-of-a-kind family business.'
0:26:36 > 0:26:37God, it's heavy!
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Yesterday we showed Ann and her friend Amanda two properties
0:26:43 > 0:26:46and they were surprised, pleasantly surprised, at the price.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50And both seemed very smitten with our barn conversion,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53which really puts the pressure on our third property
0:26:53 > 0:26:56because today it's time for our mystery house
0:26:56 > 0:26:57and this one's a real gem.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01Now, Ann said she wants to take the best of her city dwelling
0:27:01 > 0:27:03and transport it to the countryside.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Well, some might say that's a tall order
0:27:06 > 0:27:09but with our mystery house I think we may have achieved it.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16Our final destination takes us from South Devon into East Devon
0:27:16 > 0:27:17to the village of Wilmington,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19which is about an hour's drive from Totnes.
0:27:19 > 0:27:23The nearest town, just over three miles away, is Honiton.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25Aside from its lace-making heritage,
0:27:25 > 0:27:28this appealing centre is one of the main shopping hubs for East Devon,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31and is well-known for its array of antique shops
0:27:31 > 0:27:34which attracts collectors from all over the country.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Our mystery house is just a short drive from the town.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40But, before I show Anne and Amanda the actual property,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43there's something I'd like them to see first.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48So I've brought you to show you this property.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49But it's not what it seems.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Mmm.
0:27:51 > 0:27:52- Intrigued?- Very.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Any ideas what the mystery might be?
0:27:54 > 0:27:55Not a clue.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58I like it when this happens.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01OK, well, this isn't your mystery house,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04but it is part of the mystery tour.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- See that green door there?- Yeah. - Follow me.- OK.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11'Although this fabulous Grade II listed Georgian mansion
0:28:11 > 0:28:15'isn't the mystery house, it is closely connected to it.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17'Inside, there are some features that I think
0:28:17 > 0:28:19'Anne might find rather appealing.'
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Now, how important are your creature comforts to you?
0:28:25 > 0:28:26Highly important.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- This is great. This is wonderful. - Bit of a surprise?
0:28:30 > 0:28:31This could be home from home.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33Gym's next-door.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Perfect. - All within this one building.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40I really like this.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41How close do you think the mystery house is?
0:28:41 > 0:28:44I'm hoping it's very convenient.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Shall we take a look, you two? - Yes.- Come on.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52The mansion house was built in 1830 as a home
0:28:52 > 0:28:54for a wealthy local landowner.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57But around 35 years ago it was developed into a hotel,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and buildings were added to the back of the property
0:29:00 > 0:29:02to house extra guest facilities.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04That's where we're heading now,
0:29:04 > 0:29:06because one of those buildings happens to be the home
0:29:06 > 0:29:08we're hoping to tempt Anne with.
0:29:09 > 0:29:12So, through the garden gate...
0:29:12 > 0:29:14to our mystery house.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17OK.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20In total, there are 31 houses / apartments
0:29:20 > 0:29:22- in this whole place.- Right.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26All in about ten acres of communal grounds.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Looked after, so you don't have to go gardening,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30but what is wonderful about this apartment
0:29:30 > 0:29:31is that it has its own garden.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Yeah, it's a nice-sized garden.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- Plus two parking spaces just by your gate.- Perfect. And views, as well.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39And spectacular views.
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- Your apartment is upstairs.- Right.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47It's a wonderful property. I can't wait to take you inside.
0:29:47 > 0:29:48- Shall we start?- Yes, please.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53'When this place stopped functioning as a hotel in the late-1990s,
0:29:53 > 0:29:55'it was divided up and converted
0:29:55 > 0:29:58'into the private apartments we can see today.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00'The one that we're hoping Anne might call home
0:30:00 > 0:30:03'used to be the hotel restaurant.'
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Wow, it's wide and open. - Oh, my goodness.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09I can hear great comments behind me, but step in here.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- Oh, what a lovely room! - Oh, wow. This is gorgeous.
0:30:13 > 0:30:14Who'd have known?
0:30:14 > 0:30:16You've got such a fantastic view.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19It's a studio type of space, which is what I really like about it.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21It's got the antiquity of the building,
0:30:21 > 0:30:24but then it's got this lovely studio vibe, as well.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26It's a brilliant combination.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Who'd like to see a little bit more? - Yes, please.- Yes.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35The all-important kitchen, with an extremely high ceiling.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37- Fabulous.- It's great.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40It's got everything, by the looks of it, pretty much.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42It's a nice layout.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44You could do a lot of creative cookery in here.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It's more than a property, it's a lifestyle, kind of readymade.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- We're getting close, aren't we, Amanda?- Very close.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52'I thought we did well yesterday with the barn conversion
0:30:52 > 0:30:54'but, going on their reactions today,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57'I'm thinking this place might just end up surpassing it.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00'I have a feeling the room I'm about to show them
0:31:00 > 0:31:02'could help tip the balance.'
0:31:02 > 0:31:04And if that sitting room wasn't enough for you,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- we've also got up here. - Oh, wow.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- Oh, my word. - It's like being in a lighthouse.- Yes!
0:31:12 > 0:31:15I really like that, and the thing that's really speaking to me
0:31:15 > 0:31:19is the fact that it's galleried, because that's what I'm used to.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23- Yeah.- And to be able to see over and have that openness of space,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25it feels great, actually. Really nice.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30Ooh, you do like it! I can hear the emotion.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Amanda, what feeling does it give you?
0:31:32 > 0:31:35It just feels really bang-on right.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Beautiful space, you can't not like it.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- Well, let's crack on. Deep breath. - Mm-hmm.- Bedrooms next.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Oh, gosh, yeah.- Amanda, if you wouldn't mind leading the way.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52Back down on the first floor of this very uniquely shaped property
0:31:52 > 0:31:54is where most of the accommodation is located.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Next to the large living space we looked at earlier
0:31:57 > 0:31:59is where the two bedrooms can be found.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02One of those is a very generous guest room with the same
0:32:02 > 0:32:05wrap-around sunlight we've seen in the rest of the apartment,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07and next to that is the family bathroom.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11The other bedroom is the master, which is where we're headed now.
0:32:13 > 0:32:14Oh, my goodness.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17I love you two, cos as I walk through the door I can hear,
0:32:17 > 0:32:19"Ooh, wow, oh, my goodness."
0:32:19 > 0:32:22I thought that room was nice, but this is really good.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Oh, there's a balcony!
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- So I take it you both like this room?- Oh, it's beautiful.
0:32:27 > 0:32:31It's just such a beautiful feeling in this room.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34Plenty of storage, we've also got an en-suite bathroom.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37AMANDA SIGHS DEEPLY
0:32:37 > 0:32:42- London's suddenly feeling really- passe. Good! Good.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Why don't we go back downstairs into your garden? See, I've already
0:32:47 > 0:32:51called it yours. Cos there is one more thing we do have to discuss.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- Money. After you.- OK.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Outside in the ten acres of managed grounds there are beautiful
0:33:00 > 0:33:02formal gardens and some wonderful wooded areas
0:33:02 > 0:33:05which I'm told are regularly visited by deer.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10So, I've brought you round to this side, this is the communal part,
0:33:10 > 0:33:12and also you can see the mystery house
0:33:12 > 0:33:13- from a different angle. - BOTH: Mmm.
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Look at those wonderful balconies.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18It's a lovely courtyard, this, isn't it?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20- Feels quite regal.- Yes, it does.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23I love the serenity of this place, the environment,
0:33:23 > 0:33:26it's got a certain Italian feeling to it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28So, for the final time, we've got
0:33:28 > 0:33:31to guess the price for the mystery house.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32Am I going first?
0:33:32 > 0:33:36Yeah, you've been right both times so far, so I'll follow your lead.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- I'm going to guess 398,000.- Right.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Well, I said to myself if it was under 400 I'd be amazed,
0:33:45 > 0:33:49so I'm going to say 415.
0:33:49 > 0:33:55- The good news is...it is under your budget.- How much is it?
0:33:55 > 0:33:58£335,000.
0:34:00 > 0:34:05- No way.- That's incredible!- No way. Even I feel emotional now.
0:34:05 > 0:34:10- I'm just completely gobsmacked. - There are tears, in a good way.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Yes, yes.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15It's come as a bit of a surprise, you can dry your eyes,
0:34:15 > 0:34:17go and have another look around.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Do take your time, and give me a shout when you're ready.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23- BOTH: OK.- Thanks, girls.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26(Yes!)
0:34:28 > 0:34:29You don't want to get your hopes up,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33because you never know what people's reactions are going to be,
0:34:33 > 0:34:38but this mystery house is absolutely perfect for Ann,
0:34:38 > 0:34:42it gives her everything she wants with this move.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46This wonderfully unique apartment is, to use Ann's words,
0:34:46 > 0:34:52a gobsmacking £65,000 below her maximum budget and it manages to
0:34:52 > 0:34:53fulfil pretty much every requirement
0:34:53 > 0:34:56of her rather challenging brief.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00It has two spacious, flexible living rooms and two large bedrooms,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02both with their own balconies.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04There's all-day sun,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07360 degree views and a private garden.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Last but not least are those all-important leisure facilities
0:35:10 > 0:35:13just a very short stroll across the grounds.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I wasn't expecting to find a place like this.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21The woodland setting is gorgeous, it's very tranquil,
0:35:21 > 0:35:26I love the Italian nature of the courtyard setting and the balcony.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30Can you imagine just relaxing and taking in all of this?
0:35:30 > 0:35:32It's like being on holiday.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34I would really describe this as pretty close
0:35:34 > 0:35:39to my ideal in terms of something in the country that's comparable
0:35:39 > 0:35:41to what I've been living in London.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44I would give this property absolutely ten out of ten.
0:35:44 > 0:35:48The proportions, the spaciousness, the light -
0:35:48 > 0:35:50everything about it is completely spectacular,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54and I'm really, really happy that Nicki showed it to us.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58I feel a little bit mean dragging you away.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00- Well, I might be coming back.- Yeah?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02I shall be handing you the keys, perhaps.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Ah, but on that note, let's go somewhere we can sit down
0:36:05 > 0:36:07and talk about the merits of the mystery house
0:36:07 > 0:36:09and the other properties you've seen.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17In the mid 1800s, Devon was one of the
0:36:17 > 0:36:19largest leather production centres in England,
0:36:19 > 0:36:24with well over 100 tan yards operating throughout the country.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27A vital ingredient used in the tanning process
0:36:27 > 0:36:28at that time was oak bark.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31But, at the end of the 19th century, chemical alternatives
0:36:31 > 0:36:34were introduced that speeded up the process
0:36:34 > 0:36:38and many of the traditional tanners were forced to close down.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41One resilient family in Colyton, East Devon, however,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44managed to hang on to the tried and true methods
0:36:44 > 0:36:48and have been practising them for 150 years.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52Today, they're the only remaining oak bark tannery in Britain.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Current manager of the business
0:36:54 > 0:36:57is fifth generation family member Andrew Parr.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00Andrew, good to meet you, thank you for inviting us to your tannery,
0:37:00 > 0:37:06which is enormous, but can you explain, what exactly is a tannery?
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Yes, tanning is a process of converting a raw material -
0:37:09 > 0:37:12a hide in this case - from raw material,
0:37:12 > 0:37:14which will putrefy and go off, into leather.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18So once it's converted into leather, it can't revert to the raw state.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21We're using oak bark, which is our main process.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25So it's the oak bark that... Well, I suppose it's the magic ingredient.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27It's where the tanning comes from, very much like making tea,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30with soaking the tan out of the bark.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34And that tan is unique, so if you have a chestnut or mimosa, each tan
0:37:34 > 0:37:37is slightly different and produces a different type of leather.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40The oak bark produces a light-weighing leather,
0:37:40 > 0:37:43but it's very strong and hard-wearing.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'Andrew's introducing me
0:37:45 > 0:37:47'to just a tiny glimpse of what's involved here,
0:37:47 > 0:37:52'because from start to finish oak bark tanning takes 15 months
0:37:52 > 0:37:54'and involves as many as 26 different processes.'
0:37:54 > 0:37:58This is a coppice oak and it's a bit like a weed.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00You cut it and it'll regrow from the stool,
0:38:00 > 0:38:04and 15, 20 years later you can go back and cut it again.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- So it's all sustainable then. - Yeah, it's all sustainable.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10The tannin is mostly in the outside of the bark,
0:38:10 > 0:38:14and that is protecting the tree, cos the tannin is a tannic acid,
0:38:14 > 0:38:18and that preserves the tree from infections.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Since the family bought the tannery in 1862,
0:38:21 > 0:38:25many of the production methods have remained the same, including the
0:38:25 > 0:38:29grinding of the bark, which is still carried out using a water wheel.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31You've got these teeth running here,
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- you've got to be careful not to put your hand in.- Right.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42Once the bark is ground,
0:38:42 > 0:38:46it's steeped in pits of cold water to leach out the tannin.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50The tannin filled water - known as "liquor" - is what is then used
0:38:50 > 0:38:53to soak the hides in, and this all happens in the tan yard,
0:38:53 > 0:38:55where today Alan and Dan are carrying out
0:38:55 > 0:38:57a process known as "dusting".
0:38:57 > 0:38:59Doesn't look like the dusting I do at home.
0:38:59 > 0:39:00No, it isn't quite the same.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03'They're layering hides that have already been soaking for
0:39:03 > 0:39:07'six months on top of each other, adding fresh bark between each layer
0:39:07 > 0:39:09'to ensure even coverage.'
0:39:09 > 0:39:12The modern techniques that we're more used to today,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15for example the belt I'm wearing here,
0:39:15 > 0:39:19this will have been done with chemicals, I'm presuming?
0:39:19 > 0:39:22Yeah, which takes about three weeks to a month.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25That's the difference, so yours takes 15 months in total,
0:39:25 > 0:39:26my belt might have taken a month.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30- But it's obviously worth it.- It is, yeah, cos it's the extra strength
0:39:30 > 0:39:31you get from tanning them slowly.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35And it's this strength that has made the leather much
0:39:35 > 0:39:39sought-after by manufacturers of high-end equestrian products.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42And, fittingly, I'm finishing my tannery tour
0:39:42 > 0:39:43by helping Malcolm here stain
0:39:43 > 0:39:47some tanned leather which is destined to be made into horse bridles.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52This is a valuable piece of leather, I'm not going to ruin it, am I?
0:39:52 > 0:39:56No, it's not just the one stain, I stain this four times.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59So if I come back to Devon in, say, 20 years' time, and I see
0:39:59 > 0:40:03someone riding down a country lane, that might be my bridle...
0:40:03 > 0:40:08- Yeah, every possibility. - Malcolm, thank you very much indeed.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10That's all right, you're welcome.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17So, that all went rather well, we even got tears from Ann
0:40:17 > 0:40:21on our mystery property, but will she be putting in an offer?
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Let's find out.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28So, Ann, the dream was to leave the big smoke and move to Devon,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- are we still on track? - Definitely.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34If anything, I've found more in Devon than I thought would be here.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36And has anything changed for you, Amanda?
0:40:36 > 0:40:39We brought you along, quality control,
0:40:39 > 0:40:41- can you see her living here now? - Absolutely.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44I couldn't before, as clearly as I wanted to,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48but now we've been here for three days, yes, absolutely.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Sounding very good, very positive.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54We did show you three splendid properties,
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I don't mind saying so myself, but with a couple of them...
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Mm.- ..we got quite a reaction, from the two of you.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03I think the second and third ones, the mystery one particularly,
0:41:03 > 0:41:08both of those really got my wind whirring in a way I'd hoped for,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10but wasn't really expecting.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12Cos we got tears, didn't we?
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Was that because you were overcome with looking round the property,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18or was it that your dream was going to be finally realised?
0:41:18 > 0:41:21It becomes very much a prospect.
0:41:21 > 0:41:26You think, "Oh, my goodness, this could happen," and you connect.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30You connect with a life, what it might feel like being there,
0:41:30 > 0:41:34and, yeah, it was quite an experience, really.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36Do we have a favourite out of the two?
0:41:36 > 0:41:40I think the mystery house was really something else.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42It was unconventional, it had lots of space,
0:41:42 > 0:41:46it was a beautiful setting and I was very taken with it.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48So, what happens next?
0:41:48 > 0:41:51The settings in the second and third were both lovely,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and what I need to do now is get to find out more about the
0:41:54 > 0:41:58local area for each, just picture myself in the surroundings,
0:41:58 > 0:41:59do a little bit more homework.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01So, what I'm hoping to hear is that you're going
0:42:01 > 0:42:03to go back and take another look.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I'm going to stay down a little longer and have another look.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- Are you?- Yes.- Go for a second viewing of the mystery?- Yes.
0:42:09 > 0:42:10Well, all the very best.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13I'm going to say you've brought a fantastic friend along with you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- I have. - Thank you so much, Amanda.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17And, Ann, we hope you're very happy here in Devon,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20- cos I know you're going to make that move.- Thank you.
0:42:20 > 0:42:21- Let me know how you get on.- I will.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23We're going to come to the
0:42:23 > 0:42:25- house-warming, aren't we? - Definitely.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33Aww, I really thought we'd secured a sale here in Devon
0:42:33 > 0:42:36with our mystery house - we even had tears.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38But, I must admit, I don't blame Ann
0:42:38 > 0:42:41for wanting to do just that little bit more homework
0:42:41 > 0:42:45and really get to know the Honiton area before she's ready to commit.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49I just hope this part of the region delivers as much as our
0:42:49 > 0:42:52mystery house did, because, for me, they're made for each other.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I'll see you again, bye-bye.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59Ann is still very interested in the mystery house
0:42:59 > 0:43:03and plans to return for a second viewing very soon.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06If you would like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:43:06 > 0:43:08Northern Ireland or England
0:43:08 > 0:43:11and would like our help, please apply online at...