0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06As you can see, I'm in the heart of a beautiful
0:00:06 > 0:00:08and rather sleepy rural village.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10But during the First World War, the residents here played
0:00:10 > 0:00:14a crucial role in helping Allied troops out on the Western Front.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16But what did they do and where are we?
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42This week, I'm helping two diverse sisters to relocate.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44They yearn to escape the humdrum of suburbia
0:00:44 > 0:00:46to live the countryside dream.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Our search brings out sibling rivalry.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51- Mine.- Mine!
0:00:51 > 0:00:52THEY LAUGH
0:00:52 > 0:00:54You see, I knew we'd get to this.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56But in time, it looks like I may have found something
0:00:56 > 0:00:58to keep everyone happy.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00I'm feeling the love at the moment.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- Walking into this one is like, oh, yeah.- Ah.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04- It did feel good.- Oh, yeah.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08Well, today we are in Devon.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12This is Dartmoor and, below me, the village of Widdecombe-in-the-Moor.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Now, Dartmoor is well known for its dramatic landscapes,
0:01:15 > 0:01:20herds of wild ponies, but also as a prolific source of sphagnum moss.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23During the First World War, the people of Widdecombe
0:01:23 > 0:01:25and the surrounding areas came up onto the moor
0:01:25 > 0:01:27and collected it in enormous quantities.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30Once dried out, its unique sponge-like qualities
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and its antiseptic properties made it an ideal substance
0:01:33 > 0:01:36to treat Allied wounds out on the Western Front.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39Now, these days, the moss is highly protected.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41I can't even pick any up to show it to you.
0:01:41 > 0:01:42But as you can imagine,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45it's a tradition that the people here are rightly proud of.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52The county of Devon lies in the south-west of England,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56next to Somerset and Dorset, and east of Cornwall.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58With a rich and varied landscape,
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Devon boasts five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:01 > 0:02:05and two National Parks, the largest of which, Dartmoor,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09spans a huge 368 square miles.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12It offers not only great hiking terrain in its vast expanse
0:02:12 > 0:02:16of moorland but also pretty rural villages, such as Lustleigh
0:02:16 > 0:02:20and North Bovey, which feature traditional thatched cottages.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22If water sport is more your thing,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24the north coast of Devon is a Mecca for surfers,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28whilst the south offers calmer waters perfect for sailing.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31And it's where you'll find the attractive town of Sidmouth.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34Once a small fishing village, Sidmouth grew in size
0:02:34 > 0:02:37in the Georgian and Victorian periods
0:02:37 > 0:02:39as the fashion for coastal resorts developed,
0:02:39 > 0:02:44and it even played host to the baby Queen Victoria in 1819.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Its fine Georgian and Regency houses still line the esplanade today.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Now, with all that on offer, it probably comes as no great
0:02:53 > 0:02:56surprise to learn that prices here in Devon are somewhat
0:02:56 > 0:02:57on the steep side.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01To give you an idea, the cost of your average house here is some
0:03:01 > 0:03:08£30,000 above the national figure, coming in at around £296,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:09But there is some good news,
0:03:09 > 0:03:14they are some 8% lower than they were at their peak back in 2008.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16So, time now to meet today's buyers
0:03:16 > 0:03:20and find out what attracted them to this glorious county.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22Sisters Jenny and Heather have made a big decision
0:03:22 > 0:03:26to leave their separate lives behind and buy a home together
0:03:26 > 0:03:28where they can share the responsibility
0:03:28 > 0:03:30of caring for their elderly mother.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Currently living in Hornchurch, Essex, and Farnborough in Hampshire
0:03:33 > 0:03:36respectively, it will be a big move for both sisters,
0:03:36 > 0:03:39and it's not just their current homes that are miles apart.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Well, Heather, she's really scary.
0:03:42 > 0:03:49Um, she's very spiritual and she's also quite sensational.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Jenny is extremely organised, dependable
0:03:53 > 0:03:56and can make anything pretty.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Be nice to spend more time together. We are completely different.- Yeah.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03- She's day, I am night. - Yeah, but we love each other.- Pff.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- JENNY LAUGHS - I suppose so.
0:04:06 > 0:04:07But, differences aside,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11it's their shared family values that have prompted the big move.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- We're both not getting any younger. - Speak for yourself.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18But it's more about Mum, I suppose. You know, because Mum is
0:04:18 > 0:04:21at the point where she's really starting to get quite helpless.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26Um... And although she doesn't intend joining us immediately, you know,
0:04:26 > 0:04:29we need to get the place ready so that we can get her in
0:04:29 > 0:04:30and look after her, really.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Big sister Jenny is currently retired
0:04:34 > 0:04:37but her career as a florist is still very much a part of her life.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41I was the Retail Florist Of The Year for the eastern counties
0:04:41 > 0:04:42a few years back.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47I did it for 30 years, 15 of which I had my own business.
0:04:47 > 0:04:48It's in your blood when you, you know,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50you can't suddenly switch off from it.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54I really look forward to having a really big garden
0:04:54 > 0:04:56that I can really let loose on
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and grow vegetables properly rather than in little silly pots.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02If at all possible, if it's good enough,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04I'd love to open it up to the public.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I'm just so happy when I'm in the garden.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08But it's Heather's work in hosting events that's been
0:05:08 > 0:05:12a major factor in choosing this coastal county.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13We are thinking about Devon
0:05:13 > 0:05:18because I run dance weekends for a living as my main thing
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and they are all down in Torquay.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22So if I was in Devon,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25it wouldn't be such a mammoth drive home.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28And it was my brainwave originally to move.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30We could all realise our dream.
0:05:30 > 0:05:31You know, my dream of having a massive garden
0:05:31 > 0:05:34and living in a lovely country property.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38Heather's dream's not quite so tangible but, eventually...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- Maybe.- ..when we get a lovely barn,
0:05:40 > 0:05:46- we can make it into a venue to realise your dream.- Yeah.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47So, as well as a home,
0:05:47 > 0:05:49she's looking for space to build a business.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53But despite agreeing on the location, the sisters have somewhat
0:05:53 > 0:05:56different ideas when it comes to the lifestyle they're looking for.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59The thing I'm most excited about is just being able to live in
0:05:59 > 0:06:01a really beautiful property.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Peaceful, serene. I like serenity.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Even when I bring all my mates round for a party in the garden?
0:06:08 > 0:06:11- Well, obviously...- Won't be so serene then.- ..be parties occasionally too.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- Occasionally?- Yeah.- (Every weekend.)
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Having lived apart since leaving home,
0:06:16 > 0:06:20moving back in together after such a long time could present challenges.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- The prospect of living together is a little bit daunting, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25In some ways, because we are so different.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30As long as we have the ability to sort of separate ourselves.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34But it'd be great that, you know, she's just sort of nearby.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36Nearby but... Sort of nearby...
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Like, almost like two separate dwellings but with a join
0:06:39 > 0:06:43somehow because Jenny's got her end of the world,
0:06:43 > 0:06:45I have my end of the world and we can, you know,
0:06:45 > 0:06:47both be there for each other. It'd be great.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53The sisters would like to be close to Torquay, where Heather
0:06:53 > 0:06:55runs her dance weekends.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Provided they have good road access to the rest of the country
0:06:58 > 0:07:01and for visiting their brother in Hertfordshire,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03they're open to all parts of Devon.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05I'm meeting up with them to find out exactly what they need
0:07:05 > 0:07:07from their property.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09Well, Heather, Jenny, welcome to Devon
0:07:09 > 0:07:11for your Escape To The Country.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Devon is somewhere that you know quite well.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16Yes, I come here a lot. I come here when I run my dance weekends.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19We go down to Torquay and I take 300 people with me
0:07:19 > 0:07:22and we party on hard until Monday and go home exhausted.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Your life, on the other hand, Jenny...- Is completely different.
0:07:25 > 0:07:26- Is completely different.- Yeah.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- I imagine your life being rather quieter.- It's sedate, yes.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31So, as a couple...
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- HEATHER SNIGGERS - We are not suited at all.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35THEY LAUGH
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Well, you are sisters, so there is some suitability there.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- We love each other. - We've got the same mum and dad.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42There you go. Well, that brings us on nicely to talk about your mum.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45So we're looking for a separate sort of annexe arrangement for Mum.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49- BOTH: Yes.- Between you you've got 490...- Yes.- ..or so.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Let's talk about specifically what you're after, Heather.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56I will be getting in late at night, so I'd like something away from...
0:07:56 > 0:07:58other end of the house from Jenny.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Separate bathroom, or an en suite bathroom, would be awesome.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03After that, a nice garden,
0:08:03 > 0:08:06grounds - if possible - to put something on later on.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Talk about this other something that you might want to build.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11The other something I would like...love to have round here,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15if the house had an old barn or some sort of structure to it
0:08:15 > 0:08:19that...I could use as a venue later for a dance,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22possibly if it's big enough or wide enough or open enough - a wedding.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24Tell us about what you want.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26I sort of centre around the kitchen and the garden,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28so I'm up fairly early.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30So I potter around in the morning.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32How many bedrooms do we need, then?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35Minimum three, maximum at least 33.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- For half a million? - THEY LAUGH
0:08:37 > 0:08:39It's a big ask.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Because the other issue that concerns me, you don't drive, Jenny.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44- Yes.- So you need to be close to a community.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Yes.- I'm really excited about this one cos I do like a challenge.- Good.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50And I think, with you two, we've certainly got that
0:08:50 > 0:08:54- but I also get the feeling it's going to be a lot of fun.- Good.
0:08:54 > 0:08:56We've got three options to show you
0:08:56 > 0:08:58and, of course, it includes our Mystery House.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- Yay.- Which is always a bit of fun. - We can't wait.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- So, let's go and see what we've got you.- Ooh!- Awesome.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08For just under half a million pounds,
0:09:08 > 0:09:10Jenny and Heather are looking for three or more bedrooms,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13a kitchen big enough to socialise in,
0:09:13 > 0:09:15a large garden to keep Jenny busy
0:09:15 > 0:09:16and an outbuilding or space
0:09:16 > 0:09:19to create a venue for Heather's events business.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22They'd also like the property to be within walking distance
0:09:22 > 0:09:24to local shops and amenities.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27We've lined up three fantastic homes to show them,
0:09:27 > 0:09:29all with plenty of potential.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I won't be revealing the price of each
0:09:31 > 0:09:33until they've guessed at it themselves.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35The final offering will be our Mystery House
0:09:35 > 0:09:37that will challenge them by presenting something
0:09:37 > 0:09:39a little out of the ordinary.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42Now, as a family, you interest me
0:09:42 > 0:09:45because you've got such very wide interests.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- Yes.- Do you all get on?
0:09:48 > 0:09:49Most of the time.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52- HUSHED LAUGHTER - Most of the time.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56This is why we need separate places so that we can just go and
0:09:56 > 0:09:59retreat to go and think about the error of our ways.
0:09:59 > 0:10:00THEY LAUGH
0:10:03 > 0:10:06To kick off our Devonshire house-hunt, we're starting
0:10:06 > 0:10:09three miles from the medieval town of Totnes
0:10:09 > 0:10:11in the sought-after village of Littlehempston.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14The character cottages of Littlehempston are surrounded
0:10:14 > 0:10:18by the beautiful countryside this part of Devon is famous for.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21The village itself has a church and a local pub
0:10:21 > 0:10:24but for more extensive facilities locals venture to Totnes,
0:10:24 > 0:10:28one of the main towns of the South Hams area.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Our first property is three quarters of a mile from Littlehempston
0:10:31 > 0:10:33in the hamlet of Hemsford.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35Well, girls, for our first property,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37we've got you this converted stable block.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38- Can you see the windows? - Yeah, beautiful.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41But it all happens the other side of this wall.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44The stables were built around 1890
0:10:44 > 0:10:48and were converted into a single-storey property in the 1990s.
0:10:48 > 0:10:49From the parking area,
0:10:49 > 0:10:53a gate leads visitors along a path into the walled garden.
0:10:53 > 0:10:59Now, look at this little sunny oasis behind that great big wall.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's incredible, isn't it?
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Yeah, nice.- Completely hidden away. - Yeah. Not overlooked by anybody.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Happy days.- Happy days.- Yeah.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Now, the other thing to point out is that it does have this feature here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Currently this is a store and a garage and workshop
0:11:13 > 0:11:17and so forth, but through that door in there is a separate annexe.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18- Ooh!- Oh!
0:11:18 > 0:11:21It's currently a kind of one-bed en suite.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22- OK.- So no kitchen.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24BOTH: It doesn't need a kitchen.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28But what we're thinking is that you could actually spread it all out.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32Convert this and your mum would have potentially all of that bit.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33- Yeah.- That'd be cool.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36I mean, is this the sort of thing that whets the appetite?
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- Yes. Oh, yeah, it's got character, hasn't it?- Yeah, like it so far.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Depends what ground it's got with it too.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Well, I'll let you into a little secret.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Over the road, it also has 1.2 acres of paddock and orchard.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- BOTH:- Oh!
0:11:50 > 0:11:52This is sounding perfect so far.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Let's see if it is. Come on.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59I think this property really offers the family potential they're after.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00The paddock and orchard
0:12:00 > 0:12:03could give Heather the space she needs to host events
0:12:03 > 0:12:05and the main house offers flexible accommodation
0:12:05 > 0:12:07for all three of the ladies.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12All on one level, the property covers over 210 square metres,
0:12:12 > 0:12:15with the living areas at one end and a separate annexe at the other,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17ideal for Mum.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19We're starting in the kitchen.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- This, I'm thinking, really is going to be your domain.- Absolutely.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Yes.- What do you think, Heather? - This is looking good.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Like it so far. Yes, good.- Looking nice. This is looking nice.- Yeah?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Very cosy.- This is good, I like this dining room.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Yes, it's nice. It's all together, isn't it?
0:12:33 > 0:12:35And I think, actually, this area is really quite clever
0:12:35 > 0:12:38cos it opens up into the kitchen with a breakfast bar.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- And all the bedrooms go off that way.- Lovely.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42- So it's all just going to flow through quite nicely?- Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Exactly that, yeah.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Now, the living room is this way. I think you might like this.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48Come and have a look.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55- This I love.- Ooh.- This is lovely.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- Such a good ceiling.- Gosh. - Real wood.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00- It's proper wood, not mucked about, I like that.- Yeah.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- I know you wanted beams, some cosy and all the rest of it.- BOTH: Yeah.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Now, bearing in mind it was an old stable block,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08so this might have been a kind of a tack room cos it's got this
0:13:08 > 0:13:11old chimney breast which they've obviously got the wood burner in.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14But above it, they've inserted this fabulous kind of mezzanine area
0:13:14 > 0:13:19which they've got as a study, which you need.
0:13:19 > 0:13:20That'd suit me down to the ground.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23This is a room you could share and I could see all three of you,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25actually, with Mum in here enjoying it.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27But if you want to split it up a bit,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29you've also got this fabulous garden room in here.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Look at this.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33- Ooh.- Wow.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- Yes.- It's so light, isn't it?
0:13:35 > 0:13:38This bit was added about four years ago which, I think,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41just absolutely makes the best of the garden.
0:13:41 > 0:13:42BOTH: Frames the garden.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Frames the garden really, really nice.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46And I love these lights in the ceiling.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47When that's all open in the summer,
0:13:47 > 0:13:50- you really are making the best of the garden.- In heaven.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Yeah, this is all good so far.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- Yeah?- Really good.- We like.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57But next, it's bedrooms
0:13:57 > 0:14:00and I'm a bit nervous that there might be an argument.
0:14:01 > 0:14:02- Could be.- Could be.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Ha-ha, let's see who gets what.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08Back through the lounge and kitchen to the other end of the house
0:14:08 > 0:14:10are the three bedrooms,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12one smaller room with bunk beds,
0:14:12 > 0:14:15followed by a family bathroom and the two largest bedrooms.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18And then finally...
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- ..the master.- Hmm.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- Mine.- Mine! - THEY LAUGH
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Ah, you see, I knew we'd get to this
0:14:26 > 0:14:30because the problem is normally we only need one master bedroom,
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- but in your case, we need two. - We have two masters.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35The thing I like about this one for you, Heather,
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- is that it has a separate door out.- Yes!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And it is the only one with an en suite in here.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43We have of course got...
0:14:43 > 0:14:45the one-bedroom annexe next door.
0:14:45 > 0:14:50However, maybe you could have that bit...out there,
0:14:50 > 0:14:53you could have here, or Mum could have this,
0:14:53 > 0:14:56and you've got one of the other bedrooms to play with down there.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I don't know, it's going to take a bit of working out.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00It's certainly feasible.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03So, in the meantime, I think we should pop back to the garden
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and think about the price.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08- This is going to be interesting on this one, isn't it?- It is.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11It looks like there are discussions to be had about the interior
0:15:11 > 0:15:13if it's going to work for this family.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16But outside, I'm confident the garden offers the oasis
0:15:16 > 0:15:18that Jenny is after.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20So here we are, then.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24Back where we started in our gorgeous walled garden.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26I mean, quite a lot to keep you busy.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Yes.- This is a garden in which you could really enjoy pottering.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Absolutely.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34Um, OK. Well, let's think about the price then on this one.
0:15:34 > 0:15:39I'm sort of thinking of a cheeky offer of about 475.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I'm going to be rude and say 460, but I love it. But I think 460.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46The bad news is that it is technically over budget.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- Oh, right.- It's on for offers over £500,000...- OK.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53..but the vendors know your situation
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- and I suspect there is a conversation to be had.- BOTH: OK.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59A couple of things to explore, obviously the annexe and the land.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00- Off you go.- Yep, five minutes.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- And I will catch up with you a little bit later on.- OK.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07For around £10,000 over their ideal budget,
0:16:07 > 0:16:11these converted stables offer our buyers flexible accommodation
0:16:11 > 0:16:13with the three bedrooms they asked for
0:16:13 > 0:16:15plus an additional annexe with en suite.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17The acre of land over the road
0:16:17 > 0:16:21could be developed in future as a venue for Heather's events business.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24The only downside is that it's a mile from the village.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- This is nice, isn't it? - This is nice.- Yeah.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29That's got to be the bathroom.
0:16:29 > 0:16:30Ah!
0:16:30 > 0:16:34What I like about this property is it's got a fantastic feel to it.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Really cosy. I can see myself sitting and chilling in here.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The room above, the office above - excellent!
0:16:42 > 0:16:46I personally would like to be able to walk into a village
0:16:46 > 0:16:49to buy provisions and things like that,
0:16:49 > 0:16:53so that's something I need to explore a little bit further.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55It's got a lovely feel about it.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00It feels homely and...comfortable and well loved, I think.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05I might have known you'd be lounging around in the garden.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Come on, we've got to go.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Seen it all? Seen the annexe and the paddock?- Seen it all.- Yes.- Good.
0:17:11 > 0:17:12Taken it all in.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- I think this was a very good start, actually.- It is, yeah. Great start.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18But we have two more to go.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- But, first things first, let's have some lunch.- Ooh!- Yes!- After you.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36Every year in Britain, around 3,800 people
0:17:36 > 0:17:39open their gardens to the public through the National Gardens Scheme
0:17:39 > 0:17:41to raise money for charity.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45In Devon, 150 residential gardens took part this year.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48When both sisters make their move to the county,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Jenny hopes to create another immaculate garden
0:17:51 > 0:17:53which she also plans to open to the public,
0:17:53 > 0:17:56something that could keep sociable Heather busy.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59We've arranged for them to meet horticultural enthusiast
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Miranda Allhusen, the National Gardens Scheme's
0:18:02 > 0:18:06county organiser for Devon, at her home in Moretonhampstead.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11I hear you're interested in moving to Devon and having a lovely garden
0:18:11 > 0:18:14and perhaps opening it for the National Gardens Scheme.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15Yeah, I...um...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I've visited quite a few NGS gardens myself
0:18:18 > 0:18:21but I don't know what the criteria is, you know,
0:18:21 > 0:18:25or how good your garden has to be in order to be accepted into the scheme.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28Well, it's got to be an interesting garden.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32It doesn't matter how big it is. The little gems are very special.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I mean, people love visiting small gardens to get inspiration
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- of what to do in their own garden.- Yeah.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Or you could just rely on having a lovely view, like here.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41THEY LAUGH
0:18:41 > 0:18:44I mean, that's the fun of it, really, if you enjoy gardening,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- to then share it.- Sharing it is the enjoyment, isn't it?- It is.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- And garden visitors are always lovely people.- Yeah.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52They're always very friendly and appreciative
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- that you open your garden.- So, how often do you open the garden?
0:18:55 > 0:18:58We open for two weekends in the year.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00We open in May and then we open in September.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- Can I have a look around?- Absolutely, shall we go off this way?
0:19:03 > 0:19:04- Yes.- Oh, yeah, can't wait.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10The NGS started in 1927, when council member Elsie Wagg
0:19:10 > 0:19:13organised a one-off event to raise money for district nurses
0:19:13 > 0:19:16before the days of the NHS.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19People were encouraged to open up their gardens for a shilling a head,
0:19:19 > 0:19:25and 609 gardens took part, raising over £8,000 in the first year.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28Today, it's still a voluntary organisation which has donated
0:19:28 > 0:19:34over £40 million to charity, raising 2.5 million last year alone.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Miranda started opening her impressive four-acre garden
0:19:37 > 0:19:40on the edge of Dartmoor to the public 15 years ago.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Like all gardens, it takes a lot of work to maintain,
0:19:43 > 0:19:45but today she's got two helpers.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50So, is the climate particularly good in Devon for gardening?
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- Yes, it is. And you get lots of different microclimates.- Yeah.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56So you can really choose the type of garden you want to do
0:19:56 > 0:19:58and then choose a house to fit it.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00So, what sort of garden would you like to have?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04I like cottage gardens, the stereotypical cottage garden.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- Not too much formality, preferably, for me.- Well, that suits Devon.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- I like quirky...quirky sort of features.- Orchard, veggies?
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Veggies very important?
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Yeah, and the thing is everyone's so interested in vegetables now.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18But we have quite an acid soil here.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Yeah, is it all acid or are there pockets of alkaline?
0:20:20 > 0:20:24No, there are pockets of it, so you might not land up
0:20:24 > 0:20:26with acid, but it's all good growing soil,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29so you'll be able to grow a good variety of plants.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33So what sort of challenges are we going to expect, do you think?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Well, I think if you want to open your garden,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39the main thing is to have it looking at its best when it's open.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42You've really got to plan the garden so you've got lots of colour
0:20:42 > 0:20:45and interest at the time of year that you're going to open.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Like Jenny, Miranda spends most of her day working away in the garden.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53And what better way to end an afternoon of gardening
0:20:53 > 0:20:56in the West Country than with a Devonshire cream tea?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- So I hope you've enjoyed your visit to Devon...- Absolutely.- Yes.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- ..and you really feel it's the right thing to do to move here.- Yes.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04You will be able to grow a gorgeous garden,
0:21:04 > 0:21:06and I hope you will open for the NGS.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Thank you very much. - Thank you so much.
0:21:08 > 0:21:12It looks like our sisters are settling in well to the county's
0:21:12 > 0:21:15lifestyle, so the pressure's on for me to find them a house.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22For our next property, we're venturing north of Dartmoor
0:21:22 > 0:21:25to the mid-Devon village of Chawleigh.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28The village itself offers a pub and a number of shops,
0:21:28 > 0:21:29but for more extensive facilities,
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Chulmleigh is a mile and a half away.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Now a conservation area, Chulmleigh is known for its attractive
0:21:35 > 0:21:39historic architecture with over 200 listed buildings.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Property number two is a four-bedroom
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Grade II listed thatched cottage
0:21:43 > 0:21:45situated on the outskirts of Chawleigh.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48There is property number two.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- In the rain but hopefully it won't put you off too much.- No.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52What do you reckon?
0:21:52 > 0:21:55I love it in the rain, so it's going to look gorgeous in the sun.
0:21:55 > 0:21:56- Really pretty.- Yep.
0:21:56 > 0:22:00And location-wise, I think this is a step forward from number one.
0:22:00 > 0:22:04Although that was only a mile away from its amenities,
0:22:04 > 0:22:06this is a ten-minute walk into Chawleigh.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- Oh, perfect.- Nice.- So great location, loads of charm, loads of character.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12Traditional thing in the countryside,
0:22:12 > 0:22:14nobody ever uses their front doors.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- We're going round the back, that way.- Awesome.- Come on, then.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Good, good.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22This cottage is of traditional Devon stone and cob construction
0:22:22 > 0:22:24under a thatched roof
0:22:24 > 0:22:27and is believed to date back to the 17th century.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I can't wait to show them the inside,
0:22:29 > 0:22:30which is equally full of character.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33We'll start with...
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- ..the kitchen.- Excellent.- Nice.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- This is doing it for me.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41In terms of space, does it work for you?
0:22:41 > 0:22:45It's a very good shape, actually, a workable, practical shape.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48Room for a table, which is absolutely fantastic. Yeah.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51Now, you've also got a really generous utility room next door...
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Yeah, that's fantastic.- ..with a loo in it. First impressions, then?
0:22:54 > 0:22:57- I'm feeling the love at the moment. - Hmm.- Big time.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Walking into this one is like, oh, yeah.- Ah.- It did feel good.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Let's see if that feeling continues.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Follow me through here.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09It seems our sisters are really falling for this property's
0:23:09 > 0:23:12period charm. And there's more to come as we go into the living room.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16And then, in here, is the main living room.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Another lovely fireplace.- Oh!
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Another wood burner.- Wow!- Yeah.- Wow!
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Look at this. Yeah.- Love it. - It's hugging me.- It's hugging you?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- Yeah.- The house is hugging me. - This is all good.- Yeah!- It is, yeah.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Of course, with the dining room next door, you've got this lovely
0:23:30 > 0:23:34sort of flow from the kitchen to your main reception rooms, really.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36It's great. Double aspect as well.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Is it listed?- It is listed. - Is it? Grade II?
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Grade II, which is the bog-standard.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44And where it comes into its own is in terms of preserving
0:23:44 > 0:23:48things like the beams, you know, the fireplaces, the external look.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- It just means you've got a house with character.- Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Well, I'm rather pleased with this tour so far.- So am I.- Yep.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57A positive reaction so far.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01I'm just hoping things don't go downhill as we move upstairs.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05On the first floor, there is one single
0:24:05 > 0:24:09and three double bedrooms, all currently sharing one bathroom.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11Now, there is one thing that slightly concerns me.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14You asked for three bedrooms, we've got you four bedrooms.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- Fantastic. - And nothing, of course, is en suite,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20which... Maybe you could give up a bedroom if you wanted to do that.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24- Yep.- But it also has an enormous workshop,
0:24:24 > 0:24:29- which really is crying out to be converted.- Awesome.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33It's almost done. It's self-contained. Mum could have it.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- I say annexe, it's like a small cottage.- Awesome.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Maybe you'll fight over it yourselves. Come and have a look.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Huge chance of that.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45Now, I think this workshop is the real selling point of this property.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Built six years ago, it offers huge scope for development.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53- Now, how big is all this! Look at this.- Wow.- Cool.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Gosh, yeah, that's massive.- That's a blank canvas for you.- Isn't it?
0:24:56 > 0:24:57- BOTH:- Yeah.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It's the perfect way to describe it. It absolutely is a blank canvas.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04But walls are all plastered, it's all insulated, it's wired.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07- All it needs is a floor. - Huge scope, hasn't it?
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Through here, you've got this little lobby area,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11- which could be a bathroom. - BOTH:- Yeah.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And then in here, this is more the workshop at the moment.
0:25:14 > 0:25:20But we were thinking - kitchen, diner, living room.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24With that door replaced with an enormous picture window.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27- BOTH:- Yeah. - Nice.- Fantastic!- Isn't it?
0:25:27 > 0:25:31- It is.- Good stuff.- I mean, this is a really generous annexe.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Yeah, it's good stuff. Lots of power, everything. Nice windowsill.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35So what's it worth?
0:25:35 > 0:25:37THEY GASP AND LAUGH
0:25:37 > 0:25:39Come on. Let's have a think.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Outside, the property is surrounded by approximately an acre
0:25:46 > 0:25:50of flat land, mainly lawn, with panoramic views of the countryside.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I've got a feeling, if the price is right,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55this one could be a real possibility.
0:25:55 > 0:26:01Now then, as it's raining, we'll make this fairly quick.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03There's the garden.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04I think you could have a lot of fun planning that.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Oh, I certainly could.- Do you love it?- Yeah, I certainly could.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10There is one more bit you haven't seen, and that's the older
0:26:10 > 0:26:13barn that's attached to this building at the front.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Maybe you've got a few plans for that.
0:26:15 > 0:26:19Before we all get wet, let's think about the price.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21- This is really scary. - After you, Heather.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25Oh, I think, without seeing the barn, I think
0:26:25 > 0:26:28it's top of the budget and some. 500.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32- 500?- And I'm really scared it's going to be about 520.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34It is on the market for
0:26:34 > 0:26:39£499,950.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41Oh!
0:26:41 > 0:26:42£50 out.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45But here's the thing - we know Mum is moving, obviously.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- We're thinking that money will go towards the annexe.- OK.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- Need to see that barn.- You can go see it. Go on, off you go.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Brilliant.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- HE LAUGHS - I love, love their enthusiasm.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59This is a big move for this entire family,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02but they are taking it in their stride.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04In fact, at a gallop! How about that?
0:27:05 > 0:27:09If Jenny and Heather can stretch their budget, this cottage offers
0:27:09 > 0:27:12them the real country character they're after with an extra
0:27:12 > 0:27:15bedroom, a large workshop with scope to create a fantastic
0:27:15 > 0:27:19annexe for their mother as well as an additional old barn.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22And it's within walking distance of those all-important shops
0:27:22 > 0:27:23and amenities.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- Oh, now, this has got... - Oh!- This is not a dance room.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- Not big enough for dancing? - No. No, it's because it's too low.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- Charming, though. - It's lovely.- Isn't it?
0:27:35 > 0:27:38I love everything about this property.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42As soon as we walked in, it sort of felt like home.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45Done very well finding this place.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46The bedrooms are cool.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49It's a shame there isn't an en suite, but hey-ho,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52the bathroom's right next door to the room I would probably use.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54What's not to like?
0:27:54 > 0:27:58I think I'd have to mark this property probably a 9.5 out of ten.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00I'm only holding that half a mark
0:28:00 > 0:28:02because I just think I must have missed something.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04It's just too good to be true.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- Now then, I think, not a bad day of - house-hunting. Absolutely brilliant.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Not bad at all. - Are you going to buy one yet?- Oh!
0:28:10 > 0:28:13Well, maybe, that's for us to know and you to find out.
0:28:13 > 0:28:14We'll find out tomorrow,
0:28:14 > 0:28:17but not before we've seen our Mystery House in the morning.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19In the meantime, the weather has taken over.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22- Pub.- Pub.- Pub? - Come on, then, let's go.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Today's house hunters, sisters Heather and Jenny,
0:28:34 > 0:28:37are armed with a decent £490,000 budget.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40They're looking for an escape from their suburban
0:28:40 > 0:28:43lives in Farnborough, Hampshire, and Hornchurch, in Essex,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46to a country property in Devon.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Coming up, our Mystery House offers up some rather alternative
0:28:49 > 0:28:51accommodation.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54This building over here, which used to be the old piggery.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56- THEY LAUGH - That's mine.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- She'll take the piggery. - I like pigs.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02And I try my hand at one of the county's oldest trades.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Go for it. Yes!
0:29:04 > 0:29:07Oh, beautiful. Look at that! That's really satisfying.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09I could do that all day long.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17Well, no house search is ever easy, but this one is particularly
0:29:17 > 0:29:20perplexing because of the widely contrasting demands of our buyers.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Now, in an ideal world, they'd buy all three
0:29:23 > 0:29:25of the properties we're able to show them.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28But of course, that can't happen, they can choose only one.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31So, for our final offering, we have looked long
0:29:31 > 0:29:35and hard for our Mystery House, or should I say...Mystery Houses.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Situated eight miles north of Okehampton,
0:29:42 > 0:29:45on the northern edge of Dartmoor, our final property is in a rural
0:29:45 > 0:29:48setting on the outskirts of North Tawton.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51In the heart of this scenic West Devon countryside,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54North Tawton is exceptionally small for a town
0:29:54 > 0:29:57but has retained this title due to its having a town hall,
0:29:57 > 0:30:00which plays host to a number of local events.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03There's also a post office, community centre
0:30:03 > 0:30:05and a number of shops and pubs.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08A 12-minute stroll over a bridge from the town centre
0:30:08 > 0:30:10is our mystery property.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14So, here we are at our Mystery House.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Or should I say Mystery...Houses.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20We've got you two.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- Right there.- This is nice.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26Used to be, obviously, a much bigger, sprawling farm complex.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28And over the years, it's been divided up.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32So what you have on offer here is that building there,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35which was the old shire horse stables,
0:30:35 > 0:30:39and this building over here, which used to be the old piggery.
0:30:39 > 0:30:42- THEY LAUGH - That's mine.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- She'll take the piggery. - I like pigs.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47This one has residential planning on it, obviously,
0:30:47 > 0:30:48because it's a house.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51This one is currently more of a dedicated holiday let,
0:30:51 > 0:30:54but they have applied for full residential planning.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56They both have three bedrooms.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59This one has the living room on the upstairs,
0:30:59 > 0:31:00so it's a bit upside down.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03This one is much more conventional, with it on the ground floor.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And the garden that comes with this property is attached,
0:31:06 > 0:31:07really, to that one.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- That's got to be mine, then. - That's yours, then.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14So I thought maybe, then, we should start
0:31:14 > 0:31:18upside down with that one. Yeah?
0:31:18 > 0:31:19- Wonderful.- Come on.- Yeah.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23These sisters lead separate lives,
0:31:23 > 0:31:25so could two separate buildings be the answer?
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I've got a good feeling about this one.
0:31:28 > 0:31:29So, here we are.
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Upside-down living.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Gosh!
0:31:34 > 0:31:35Oh, nice.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37Yeah, like that. Yeah.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40It's quite a clever use of the building, actually.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- Yeah.- It's very nice. - It's much lighter up here.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44There's a kitchen just behind that wall.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46A sort of open-galley kitchen.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48- Have a look.- Oh, yeah.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- Yeah.- It's lovely.- Yeah, I could cope with this very easily.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- I could see you in here particularly.- Yeah, definitely.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- I can see this really suiting you. - Yeah.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Let's have a quick view of these bedrooms.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01This might work for your mum, cos we've got two en suites for you.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07So, here's where the rest of this particular property
0:32:07 > 0:32:11begins to come together, because leading off of this central hallway,
0:32:11 > 0:32:13we've got you three bedrooms.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Now, two of them are currently furnished as two doubles -
0:32:15 > 0:32:18one there and one there. They are both en suite.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22That one has a wet-room shower, maybe good for Mum as well.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26And then this little sort of study area, which, you know,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29is on the spec as a bedroom, but to be honest, I think
0:32:29 > 0:32:31you'd probably keep it as a bit of a study.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- So that's our first bit.- Yep. - With our upside-down living room.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- OK.- Let's go over the courtyard
0:32:37 > 0:32:39and see what the rest of it has to offer you.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44The first barn has certainly sparked Heather's interest, and I'm hoping
0:32:44 > 0:32:48Jenny's reaction will be just as positive when she sees the second.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51So, Jenny, this could be you.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56Well, Jenny, here's your bit.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- Oh! It's a good square shape. - Uh-huh.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03- A little bit on the dark side, though.- Yes.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- It could do with a bit of relighting, more lighting.- Yes.
0:33:06 > 0:33:07I mean, it's a great space.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09That's the key thing to take away from it.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Now, your living room is much more conventional.- Yes.
0:33:12 > 0:33:13- It's on the ground floor...- OK.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16..although just up these two steps. So come and look at this.
0:33:19 > 0:33:22So, would you be able to relax in here, Jenny?
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Oh, that's different, isn't it? It's good.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27It's neutral and again, a good shape.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29You've got three bedrooms above.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- OK.- And a separate bathroom, so nothing en suite for you.
0:33:32 > 0:33:33It doesn't matter.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37But the lovely thing is it leads out into the garden that comes
0:33:37 > 0:33:38with the property.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41So, we're letting your green fingers close to the action.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- Great.- That's what we're thinking. - Yeah.- What do you reckon?
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Having seen this one, are you happy?
0:33:46 > 0:33:48Yeah, I am, as long as I can get to her garden.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Come on, let's have a look at the garden.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Heading outside,
0:33:53 > 0:33:56the gardens are relatively modest compared to the other
0:33:56 > 0:33:59properties, but they do offer privacy and great views
0:33:59 > 0:34:00of the countryside.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- So, Jenny, this is your garden.- Wow. Yes.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06- Probably not the biggest we've shown you.- No.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- But would it be big enough to keep you busy?- Uh, yeah,
0:34:09 > 0:34:12I can get a vegetable patch in here.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- Yep.- I mean, I don't want you to put a brave face on it.- No.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I know it's not as huge as you would've liked.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I'm not sure, necessarily, that you would open to the public
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- on a regular basis.- Probably not.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- It's all about accommodation.- Yes. - Well, let's talk about the price.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28And that might help us reflect on what we have got.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31- So, you can go first, Jenny. - Oh, gosh.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- I'm going to have to go for 520. - 520. Heather?
0:34:35 > 0:34:37I think it's going to be more than that. I think 560.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40This is on the market for 50 quid short of
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- £490,000.- Wow...- No way!
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- No way!- 489,950.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50THEY LAUGH
0:34:50 > 0:34:51Now, there's no dance studio.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54There aren't acres of gardening to be had,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56but it does give you very separate living.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- Gosh.- Lots to take in, but off you go.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- Go and explore upstairs in your bit, Jenny, why not?- OK!
0:35:02 > 0:35:06For just £50 under budget, our mystery properties
0:35:06 > 0:35:10offer the sisters a practical set-up for their contrasting lives.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13The two separate barns each offer three bedrooms, one with
0:35:13 > 0:35:17the convenience of a downstairs bedroom and bathroom for Mum.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18And although the gardens aren't huge,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20there are a number of separate areas.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23And it's all within a ten-minute walk of a town.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26The Mystery House is a lot more practical than the other
0:35:26 > 0:35:30two in terms of accommodating Heather and I.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34It didn't grab me as much as house number two.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36I think the Mystery House would work very well for me.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39I hope the Mystery House will work very well for Jenny.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43It is a shame there isn't a dance thing attached to it.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45But we can't have everything.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48Well, that's it, ladies.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51Our Mystery House is over.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- Two for the price of one. - Yeah.- Good stuff.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- Happy?- Well done.- Yeah, yeah.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58I think any one of the properties we've shown you would fit the bill.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01If I gave you the keys, I'm sure you'd make them work.
0:36:01 > 0:36:03But you do need to think about it all and, of course,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05consider what your mum might want.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- Yeah.- So shall we go and think? - Yes, please.- Come on, then.
0:36:18 > 0:36:21Devon's charm extends beyond the beautiful scenery on offer.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25Its rich industrial heritage spans many centuries.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28Historically, one of the most important industries
0:36:28 > 0:36:31in the county was the production of leather, known as tanning.
0:36:31 > 0:36:35Nowadays, John Haggar is one of a few leatherworkers still
0:36:35 > 0:36:38employing the traditional crafting techniques,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41using the leather that the area is famous for.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44I've come to his workshop at the Dartington Estate,
0:36:44 > 0:36:46not far from our first property, to learn about the history
0:36:46 > 0:36:49and skills needed for this special craft.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- John, very nice to see you, sir. - Nice to meet you.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Now, I think I smelled this workshop before I even walked through
0:36:56 > 0:36:58the door, but it's a lovely, lovely smell.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00There's something I've always found with leather -
0:37:00 > 0:37:04it's one of those sort of almost primeval substances, isn't it?
0:37:04 > 0:37:05- Mm.- It's timeless.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07The leather's very special because it comes from Devon.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09That's the thing.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12- Let's talk about Devon and its history of leather-work.- OK.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Because you're upholding a long tradition here, aren't you?
0:37:15 > 0:37:19I was taught to do things in a very traditional way, but my interest,
0:37:19 > 0:37:24really, is how to make something look stylish, fashionable.
0:37:24 > 0:37:30I suppose you could describe my work as being tradition meets technology.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32Now, you make all kinds of things, I know.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35And I know that belts are also something you make.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- This is my old belt. - Oh, nice.- This...
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- HE LAUGHS - You might say that,
0:37:39 > 0:37:43but I've had this for...about 16 years.
0:37:43 > 0:37:44I could do with a new one.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47So, how hard is it going to be to create something that
0:37:47 > 0:37:48I can walk out of here wearing?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Well, I could show you how to make one.
0:37:50 > 0:37:51Let's have a go.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55John originally trained as a saddler
0:37:55 > 0:37:58and bridle maker in order to learn the traditional methods.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02He's now been turning leather into goods in his workshop for 20 years.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05How many belts do you think you make a year?
0:38:05 > 0:38:07We probably make 20 or 30 a week.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09That's a fabulous tool. What do you call that?
0:38:09 > 0:38:13This is a plough gauge. It's a very old tool. It's handmade.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17How many belts have you got?
0:38:17 > 0:38:20Well, really, just this one.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22You've only got one belt?
0:38:22 > 0:38:23JULES LAUGHS
0:38:23 > 0:38:27It's hard to believe, but, yes, this is it. This is my belt.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29To me, it's an old friend.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32I like the fact this belt has been everywhere with me.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34It is such a trusted companion.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37In the mid-19th century,
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Devon was a British tanning centre with over 100 tan yards operating.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45Back then, leather-working was popular as skilled tradesmen
0:38:45 > 0:38:49were needed to fashion leather into bridle and military components.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52But with the rise in cheap labour available overseas
0:38:52 > 0:38:55and the birth of replacement materials like plastic,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58the trade has declined over recent decades.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01So, with my belt cut to size and the holes marked out,
0:39:01 > 0:39:04it's time for the fun bit.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- So is this one big whack?- Yeah. - OK.- Go for it, go for it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10Yes!
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Oh, beautiful. Look at that!
0:39:12 > 0:39:13Look at that there.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- Well done.- Look at that, it's under way, my belt is coming to life.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- Brilliant.- How satisfying is that? - That's really satisfying.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21I could do that all day long.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Making everything by hand without the use of modern-day
0:39:26 > 0:39:29machinery enables John to work with the finest of materials
0:39:29 > 0:39:33and tools, creating items of real individual beauty.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35So now... You've got to cut your point now.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37You can do it in two ways.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Now, I do it by hand,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42but you can also use a chisel.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Righto, John.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47And I must say, having a go myself,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50I can see where he gets his passion from.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52To preserve the suppleness of the belt,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55I'm buffing it with natural oils and fats.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Then it's ready to add the buckle, keepers and finish with hand
0:39:59 > 0:40:02stitching, something I think I'll leave to the expert.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08Fabulous, John. I absolutely love that.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10The moment of truth - let's see if it fits.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13Right, so... Old belt in the bin?
0:40:13 > 0:40:15You must be joking.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17My old belt is going to come home with me.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21It is an old friend, I have to look after it, but my new belt...
0:40:21 > 0:40:22- It fits.- ..is...
0:40:26 > 0:40:27..just the ticket.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- That's beautiful. John, thank you very much.- You're very welcome.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Well, we have kept our end of the bargain - three houses.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40They wanted three, we have given them.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Our house searching is over, but...is theirs?
0:40:44 > 0:40:45Let's go and ask them.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52Well, Jenny and Heather.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54How are we doing?
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Good, good.- Not bad.- We're confused.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00- Yeah.- You're confused?- Mm.- Why so?
0:41:00 > 0:41:04Well, you have given us three homes, all would work in different ways.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06- Mm-hmm. - So there's an awful lot of jigging
0:41:06 > 0:41:10and double-thinking with Mum to be had.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13So we thought we would visit
0:41:13 > 0:41:16probably house number two and three with Mum,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19further investigate the local areas.
0:41:19 > 0:41:20- Property number one.- Yeah.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22- Which you seem to have discounted. - I don't know why.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25I think we were so bowled over by number two that number one
0:41:25 > 0:41:27seems to have just slipped from our memories.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29So property two, then,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31with its separate annexe, that's certainly on your list.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35I really loved property two - big, open space for a garden.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39But it didn't have anything for Heather.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43I can see how we managed to satisfy your hopes, Jenny.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47But as for you, Heather, I can share your frustration that we
0:41:47 > 0:41:49weren't able to find you the space, really.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52So where does that leave your move to Devon?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55For me, property three would work better.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59But my heart and soul would say Jenny would be making a huge
0:41:59 > 0:42:02compromise, cos she prefers two. What are we going to do?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04Be fascinating to hear what your mother thinks.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Well, she might just be the deciding thing.- Yeah.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- Well, it's been a lot of fun, guys. So best of luck.- Thank you.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- And hopefully, you'll move down here very shortly.- I hope so.- Thank you.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Thank you.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22Well, three very different properties into which
0:42:22 > 0:42:25we had to fit three very different people -
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Jenny, Heather and, of course, their mother.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29It was always going to be a challenge.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33But I suspect their house search still has some way to go.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37But if money had been no object, maybe we could have sold them
0:42:37 > 0:42:38this place - Bovey Castle.
0:42:38 > 0:42:43This was once the home of none other than WH Smith of newsagent fame.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48Plenty of room for all the family and bags of space in which to party.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51Smith, who later became Viscount Hambleden,
0:42:51 > 0:42:54certainly knew what he wanted for his escape to the country.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56I'll see you next time.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59If you'd like to escape to the country in England,
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and need our help,
0:43:02 > 0:43:06you can apply online at...