0:00:02 > 0:00:04This elegant Grade-I listed pier is the only one of its kind
0:00:04 > 0:00:07in the whole country that's stood the test of time.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10And that's an impressive feat considering it has to withstand
0:00:10 > 0:00:12some of the highest tides in the whole world.
0:00:12 > 0:00:13So, where am I?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Find out in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today I'm helping a sporty couple
0:00:36 > 0:00:38looking to get their feet on the UK property ladder.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40They're swapping the sights of suburbia
0:00:40 > 0:00:44for a more rural outlook in the countryside.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45That's a nice room.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48And with the view, I want to wake up to that in the morning.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51And with a top selection of properties up my sleeve,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54I'm hoping I can keep my buyers on a high.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- A big thumbs up...- Woo-hoo! - ..from me!
0:00:57 > 0:00:58From me as well.
0:01:00 > 0:01:01Today, I'm on Clevedon Pier
0:01:01 > 0:01:04overlooking the Severn Estuary in Somerset.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Constructed in 1869,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09the pier was built to service steamers
0:01:09 > 0:01:12ferrying tourists across the estuary over to Wales.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14Now, as you can see, the pier stretches out to sea
0:01:14 > 0:01:16for over 300 metres.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18And was built from steel rails
0:01:18 > 0:01:21left over from Brunel's South Wales Railway.
0:01:21 > 0:01:23In fact, the proximity of the town
0:01:23 > 0:01:25to the line running between London and the South West,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28ensured Clevedon's popularity as a seaside resort
0:01:28 > 0:01:30with Victorian holiday makers.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35The county of Somerset is in the heart of the West Country,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37sandwiched between Wiltshire and Devon.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40A predominantly rural county,
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Somerset is a mix of large flat expanses of land,
0:01:44 > 0:01:45stunning coastline
0:01:45 > 0:01:47and rolling countryside.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51From Exmoor National Park to the Mendip Hills.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55On the southern tip of the Mendips is the cathedral city of Wells.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57A popular tourist destination
0:01:57 > 0:02:00due to its religious and architectural history.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Lying adjacent to the cathedral is the impressive Bishop's Palace,
0:02:04 > 0:02:08home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Further north, the River Chew merges with the River Avon
0:02:12 > 0:02:14to form the Chew Valley.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Dammed in the 1950s to form Chew Valley Lake,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20the river supplies Bristol with most of its drinking water.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22It's now an important site for birdlife
0:02:22 > 0:02:27and has been designated a sight of special scientific interest.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30The pretty traditional villages of the Chew Valley,
0:02:30 > 0:02:32such as West Harptree and Stanton Drew,
0:02:32 > 0:02:35boast hundreds of listed buildings between them,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37some dating back to the 13th century.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39The main village, Chew Magna,
0:02:39 > 0:02:43was designated a conservation area in 1978
0:02:43 > 0:02:46and has recently been voted the best village in Britain.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51Boasting coast, countryside and culture,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54it's no surprise that you'll pay more than the national average
0:02:54 > 0:02:57to live in Somerset, but not as much as you might expect.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01The good commuter links and the proximity to Bath and Bristol
0:03:01 > 0:03:03make North Somerset the most expensive spot.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05With a detached house here coming in at
0:03:05 > 0:03:08about 25 grand more than the national average.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10But further south, into Somerset proper,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12and away from the major cities,
0:03:12 > 0:03:14your money will stretch a little further
0:03:14 > 0:03:17as it's only 5,000 more than the national figure.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19So why have today's buyers decided to make
0:03:19 > 0:03:22this corner of the South West their home?
0:03:22 > 0:03:24It's time to meet them and find out.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Today's buyers are Lindsay and Patrick,
0:03:28 > 0:03:30who currently rent this three-bedroom home
0:03:30 > 0:03:32in Stoke Bishop, Bristol.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33Lindsay is from Yorkshire,
0:03:33 > 0:03:37while Patrick was born in Glasgow, but grew up in Canada.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39The well-travelled couple met five years ago
0:03:39 > 0:03:42when they were both living and working in Brussels.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Well, I moved to Belgium from Canada in 2002
0:03:46 > 0:03:48to study at university.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52And then loved it so much that I just didn't leave.
0:03:52 > 0:03:53Made loads of friends,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55including the friend who introduced Lindsay and I.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58- Yeah.- And then one thing led to another.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59The rest is history.
0:04:01 > 0:04:02Married now for two years,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06and with plans to start a family in the not too distant future,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09they've chosen to return to their roots in the UK
0:04:09 > 0:04:10to be closer to family.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Our friends, when we left Brussels,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16thought we were a bit mad moving to Bristol or Somerset,
0:04:16 > 0:04:17which nobody had ever heard of.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20But after the city life for many years,
0:04:20 > 0:04:22we decided it's time to get out, and move to the country.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Brussels has many good aspects
0:04:24 > 0:04:26but it is a bit congested, it's busy.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Both pleased to have found jobs in Bristol,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33they decided to rent on the outskirts of the city
0:04:33 > 0:04:35while they settled back into life in the UK.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38But when it comes to finding a more permanent home,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41their sights are set on a more rural outlook.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43We're looking to move to Somerset in that
0:04:43 > 0:04:46it offers some of the best of the English countryside,
0:04:46 > 0:04:47green rolling hills...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51But, on the other hand, it offers us proximity to Bristol for work
0:04:51 > 0:04:53and for being in the city with friends.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57It feels a little bit like Scotland on a miniature version.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00I reminisce about our time up there when we got married,
0:05:00 > 0:05:02when I see the rolling countryside in Somerset.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05And the rolling hills of the West Country
0:05:05 > 0:05:08have another advantage for this couple,
0:05:08 > 0:05:10who, when not at their busy day jobs,
0:05:10 > 0:05:12still like to be on the go.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14We're both very happy getting outside in to the sunshine
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- and enjoying the outdoors. - Exercising.- Exercising.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20Cycling is THE sport in Belgium,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22and, conversely, I'm not very keen on the running,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24but that's Lindsay's passion.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25Yeah, I love the running.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Currently training for a marathon, so in October,
0:05:28 > 0:05:32I'll be going back to Belgium to run the Brussels marathon.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36In Somerset you have lots of rolling hills, and different terrain,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38whereas Brussels is very, very flat.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41And being in Somerset, in the countryside,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43we'll be able to move straight out the front door
0:05:43 > 0:05:44and go walking, go cycling,
0:05:44 > 0:05:46and be in the fresh air and the green right away,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49without having to navigate through the city.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53And there's someone else who's rather keen on the outdoors
0:05:53 > 0:05:54who'll be joining them on the move.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Snoopy is a one-year-old mischievous beagle.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00He's got lots of character.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03He's also got lots of energy and he needs at least three walks a day.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Despite leaving behind the excitement of city life,
0:06:06 > 0:06:08and many of their friends,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11they're in no doubt this change of lifestyle and culture
0:06:11 > 0:06:13is the right move for them.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I think living in Somerset is just going to be fantastic for us.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19We'll be able to go running, cycling, walk the dog...
0:06:19 > 0:06:23And just...I think we'll be in our, in our element.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25This isn't just a move for the next couple of years.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27This is going to be a long-term move.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30We want to find a property that suits our lifestyle now
0:06:30 > 0:06:31and in the future.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40Patrick and Lindsay both need to commute to Bristol city centre
0:06:40 > 0:06:44on a daily basis. As they often have to travel internationally,
0:06:44 > 0:06:47they also want to be within easy reach of the airport.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50So we're focusing our search in the rural areas and villages
0:06:50 > 0:06:52within an hour of Bristol.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54I'm catching up with our frequent flyers
0:06:54 > 0:06:56to find out their property particulars.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Welcome to beautiful Somerset,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- and I have to say welcome back to the UK.- BOTH: Thank you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- A long time in Belgium, hey? - BOTH: Yeah.
0:07:05 > 0:07:06It's nice to be back in the UK.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09So, why now? What's the allure of coming back home,
0:07:09 > 0:07:10and what are you looking for?
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Well, we're looking for a change of lifestyle.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15We're looking for openness, rolling hills,
0:07:15 > 0:07:16the rolling countryside.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- And you're both quite active, aren't you?- Yeah.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19- Yeah, we are.- Scarily so!
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- You're a keen cyclist. - I'm a keen cyclist.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Several years in Belgium, got passionate about cycling.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- How passionate?- Very passionate. How many bikes are we talking?
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- There's probably about six bikes in the garage right now.- Oh!
0:07:30 > 0:07:32So the ideal property then for you?
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Just remind me of the key features.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37We want something that's got nice country style,
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- a bit of character.- Yeah. - But on the inside,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42we're really looking for something that's got a lot of light.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- We'd like to live in an open-plan style house.- That's right.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48I think we'd ideally like a three-bedroom property
0:07:48 > 0:07:50so we could accommodate family and friends
0:07:50 > 0:07:52when they come to stay with us. Garden is a must.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Somewhere to store the bikes
0:07:54 > 0:07:58and all of the...all of the outdoor pursuit equipment.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00How far are you willing to go for this ideal property?
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- I think...- Well...- ..sort of, we're open to compromise,
0:08:03 > 0:08:05but I don't think we want to drive more than an hour
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- from work in a morning.- Yeah.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10I think the hour would be the absolutely maximum we could go.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12Now, just remind me of your budget.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Our budget is £400,000.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18OK. Now, that's not bad for this area.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21But it's a punchy market, and you're looking to be close to Bristol,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24but you still want sort of bucolic surroundings, so...
0:08:24 > 0:08:26- That's where we're going to have to comprise.- Yeah.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28We know we set you up for a challenge.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- So...we're ready and waiting to see what you've got to show us.- Good.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Well, you set a challenge for us, we'll be challenging you too.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- There may be a compromise here or there.- Of course.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- Can't wait.- Let's go. - Come have a look.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44With their budget of £400,000,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Lindsay and Patrick are looking for a traditional English property
0:08:48 > 0:08:50with real country character.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52They'd like three bedrooms,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54a good sized garden to accommodate the dog
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and a location no more than an hour's commute
0:08:57 > 0:08:59from their work in Bristol.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01With three fantastic properties to show them,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05I'm confident we can find them something to get excited about.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07I'll be asking them to guess the price of each property
0:09:07 > 0:09:09at the end of the house tour.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12And our final stop will be to a mystery property
0:09:12 > 0:09:16which I think has the power to really test their priorities.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20What's the number one priority for you, Lindsay?
0:09:20 > 0:09:21I'm wanting to see a property
0:09:21 > 0:09:24that has some views of the countryside maybe.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27I don't think there's any point in moving to the countryside
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- if you can't see it around you.- Ooh.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31I think everything else I can work around
0:09:31 > 0:09:33and I can compromise on.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Our search starts on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Wookey,
0:09:39 > 0:09:41two miles from Wells.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43The village itself is small
0:09:43 > 0:09:46but has a primary school and three pubs to choose from.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51Its Grade-II listed parish church dates to the 12th century,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54and its period properties are a mix of stone terraced cottages
0:09:54 > 0:09:56and farm houses.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59With a public footpath from the village directly to the Mendips,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02hikers and walkers like Lindsay and Patrick
0:10:02 > 0:10:04have all the benefits of village life,
0:10:04 > 0:10:07with the green rolling hills right on their doorstep.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Property number one is a character cottage
0:10:09 > 0:10:11in the heart of the village.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13The start of the search!
0:10:13 > 0:10:17And here we are at property number one.
0:10:17 > 0:10:18- Wow.- Oh, it's lovely!
0:10:18 > 0:10:20It's so quaint. It's great.
0:10:20 > 0:10:21The style of the property
0:10:21 > 0:10:24is exactly what I had in mind from the outside.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26It's very, very pretty.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28And the drive and the lane is amazing,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30it's just so peaceful.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34Now we are about 45 minutes drive from work for you in Bristol.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Yeah.- So, not too bad? - That's fine.- Not too bad.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38I'm comfortable with this so far.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41- But most important is the property itself, isn't it?- It is.- Yeah.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43- Let's have a look.- Can't wait.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48This three-bedroom detached cottage is built of locally quarried stone.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51On the inside, it's been sympathetically extended,
0:10:51 > 0:10:54and modernised, retaining its character.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55Step inside.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Ooh.- Wow.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Wow.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Now, this is a bit of a surprise, isn't it?- It is.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Because it's an entrance way but, actually, it's a room in itself.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Used at the moment as an office, but a bit of flexible space.- Yeah.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Oh, it's lovely. I wasn't expecting this at all.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- What I really want to show you is through here.- OK. OK.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- So it's an open-plan feel...- Wow. - ..into the living room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20This is very, very nice.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- The wood burner is really nice as well, I like that touch.- Yeah.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25Lots of natural materials. The floor is limestone.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- And I like it for you guys...- Yeah. - ..because it's dog friendly.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It's been very well done. You've seen that they've taken the time
0:11:31 > 0:11:33and put a lot of effort into getting it right.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36An important room though, really, is the kitchen.
0:11:36 > 0:11:38You like entertaining, you're going to have friends over?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- Yeah.- Yeah. - Let's go have a look.- BOTH: OK.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44I couldn't have hoped for a better reaction to this property,
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and I'm glad they appreciate the mix of traditional features
0:11:47 > 0:11:51with the more modern layout I know they wanted.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- Oh!- Wow!
0:11:52 > 0:11:55THEY LAUGH
0:11:55 > 0:11:56That is great.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00- A big thumbs up from me.- Woo-hoo!
0:12:00 > 0:12:02From me as well. The cooker is just absolutely...
0:12:02 > 0:12:05- Your eyes went straight there, didn't they?- Yeah, top notch.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06A range is what you were looking for.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- So, in the village, there's no gas. - BOTH: OK.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12So this house is heated by that range.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14- Oh!- Really?- Yeah. And then through that door,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17you've actually got a utility area and downstairs cloakroom as well.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20That leads to the outside, So it could be sort of boot room,
0:12:20 > 0:12:21it's great for Snoopy
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- to come in and out of the outdoors. - That's perfect.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- Leads through to a sidewalk way for...- Epic.- ..the bikes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- So...- That's great.- Is there much you would change in this room?
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Not really I have to say, no.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- Very, very little. Very promising. - Very.- Let's carry that on
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- as we go upstairs and check out the bedrooms.- Great.- OK.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40The upstairs is part-furnished,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42but has three good sized bedrooms
0:12:42 > 0:12:44including a master with en-suite,
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and a double currently laid out as a twin,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49served by a stunning modern family bathroom.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Oh.- Wow.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58More wows! You guys...are just...
0:12:58 > 0:13:00- brilliant! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:00 > 0:13:01It's very nice.
0:13:01 > 0:13:02Love the floor.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04All the wooden flooring throughout.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06And a great view out over the garden.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And a huge amount of light coming through those windows,
0:13:09 > 0:13:10that's really good.
0:13:10 > 0:13:12I like the fact that you have the lovely ledge there.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15You could sit there on a morning with a cup of coffee
0:13:15 > 0:13:16and look out over the garden.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18- To me, this is the master bedroom...- Yes.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21..because of the view, but it doesn't have the en-suite,
0:13:21 > 0:13:23whereas next door does. I don't know how you feel,
0:13:23 > 0:13:26would you keep this as the master or want the en-suite?
0:13:26 > 0:13:27I'm not sure really.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I think I would keep this as the master suite.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33You've done extremely well, you've exceeded my expectations.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35OK, scale of one to ten, how excited are you?
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- Um...- Oh, at least a nine and a half.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I'd say, yeah, I'd say a nine.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42OK, so what's going to push this up to a ten?
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- Let's see the garden.- Yeah.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48I know how important outside space is to these two,
0:13:48 > 0:13:50and I don't think they'll be disappointed.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52The enclosed rear garden is south-facing,
0:13:52 > 0:13:57and has a terrace for entertaining, as well as circular lawned area.
0:13:57 > 0:13:58Oh...flowers.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- Butterflies, birds singing... - THEY LAUGH
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- ..and a pretty substantial property. - Very substantial.- Yes.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07We were surprised about how much space there is inside,
0:14:07 > 0:14:09it's really...a lot of room.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11And the garden's lovely.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Very well maintained. We have the split between the terrace there
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and the lawned area here, and it...works very well.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19And then it leads down.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21You've got the shed there, space for the bikes.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22- Yes.- All six of them.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Also, space for a car just at the side of the house.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27But how much do you think it's on the market for?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Definitely towards the top end of the budget, I would say.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33I'm going to go for 400,000.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35I agree top end of the budget.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37I'd go with er...395.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40OK... And would you pay that for it?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Yes, I think so.- I think so.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44That's music to my ears.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48This property is on the market at just £50 short of 400,000.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- So 399,950.- OK.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Right, so now you have the reality of how much this house will cost,
0:14:54 > 0:14:57go back in, wander round and we will have a chat later on.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58- OK.- That's good.- Thanks.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Coming in just under budget,
0:15:02 > 0:15:03this traditional stone cottage
0:15:03 > 0:15:05would give our buyers the three
0:15:05 > 0:15:07bedrooms they need and offers them
0:15:07 > 0:15:08the charm of a character cottage
0:15:08 > 0:15:09with a contemporary
0:15:09 > 0:15:12and spacious layout downstairs.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13There's an enclosed garden
0:15:13 > 0:15:14perfect for their dog,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16and although it doesn't have views
0:15:16 > 0:15:17of the rolling hills,
0:15:17 > 0:15:19it is in a great village location,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21moments from the countryside
0:15:21 > 0:15:23and 45 minutes from their jobs in Bristol.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- This is a nice space, isn't it? - It is. It's really light and bright.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I think it'd make an excellent guest room.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Yeah, and we'd certainly get the double bed in here.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35And nice views out over the garden.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39I'm really impressed so far. I think the...the space,
0:15:39 > 0:15:43the appointments, the quality of the build is really impressive.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47This kitchen, with all the space we have here and the combination
0:15:47 > 0:15:50of the dining room, we could really do some nice entertaining.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54I can see ourselves living here and settling here for the long term.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Also, I think it'd be a great property to bring up a family in.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Ooh, you've had a good look around now, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- Yes.- Yeah, you like this one.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06A great start, but we're not done yet.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08There are more properties to see, so let's get going.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The hills of Somerset are a far cry from the Belgian plains that
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Lindsay and Patrick have left behind.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28With the potential of all this rolling landscape soon to be
0:16:28 > 0:16:31at their fingertips, we sent our energetic couple to the
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Polden Hills to meet Theresa Smith, organiser of a local running club,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39the Shapwick Runners, to show them some of the outdoor delights
0:16:39 > 0:16:42they'll be able to explore when they finally make their escape.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45We moved here about eight years ago now.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47We were living in Bristol and working in the city
0:16:47 > 0:16:49and decided to bring our children up in the country.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51I'm a keen runner, my husband's a keen runner,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54he's also a keen cyclist, so it's great for both of us.
0:16:54 > 0:16:55- Oh, yeah.- Like Patrick. - Love my cycling,
0:16:55 > 0:16:59So, yeah, you know, you'll find it fantastic in this area for that.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01So, the route I'm going to take you on today is one of my favourite
0:17:01 > 0:17:04training runs, and I'm going to show you some of the best parts.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- Great.- Let's go.- Let's go, yeah. - Let's do it.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11Theresa set up the Shapwick Runners seven years ago and currently
0:17:11 > 0:17:13has around 20 local members.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17With its variety of hills, Levels, and coastline, Somerset has
0:17:17 > 0:17:20something to suit many adventurous appetites,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22and you don't have to travel far
0:17:22 > 0:17:26to catch sight of some of the regions iconic landmarks either.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27Wow.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- Wow, that's amazing. - Beautiful scenery.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Well, it is a really lovely spot.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33You've got the Mendips over there.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36And you can see as far out as the sea, out at Burnham-on-Sea,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38and over across to Wales.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40And then you've got Cheddar Gorge just there.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- Yeah.- Yeah.- Then of course there's Glastonbury Tor,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- which you'll probably recognise. - Wow, certainly.- Yes.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Well, that's obviously our most famous local icon.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50And it was also, at one stage, an island thousands of years ago...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- Really?- ..when the whole of Somerset was under water.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Yeah. That's five or six miles away from here.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Probably to run to the top of the tour it's a bit further,
0:17:57 > 0:18:01- about an hour to run to the top. - I should try that one day.- Yeah.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07Rising from the flat landscape of the Levels at a height of 158m,
0:18:07 > 0:18:11the Glastonbury Tor is one of the most spiritual sites in the country.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14Legend has it that King Arthur and his knights came to the tor
0:18:14 > 0:18:17on his quest to find the Holy Grail.
0:18:17 > 0:18:22The tower we see today is all that remains of a 15th century church.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25But as well as being steeped in history, the Levels are also
0:18:25 > 0:18:27rich in biodiversity.
0:18:28 > 0:18:29Oh, it's beautiful here.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31This area is the middle of Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34so we're in the middle of the Somerset Levels now
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- having dropped down off the Polden Ridge.- OK.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38- This area is famous for starlings.- Oh.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40Well, generally bird watching.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43I came down just on a run and there were crowds of people
0:18:43 > 0:18:46with their binoculars, things like that, then you looked up in the sky
0:18:46 > 0:18:50and all these black swarms of interesting formations of starlings.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53They're here from November till about February.
0:18:53 > 0:18:55- OK. Each year?- Each year, yes.
0:18:55 > 0:18:56Oh, right, we'll have to come and see that.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Then just over there they discovered a Neolithic road,
0:18:59 > 0:19:01called the Sweet Track.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- OK.- Wow.- Which was actually... It dates back to 3800 BC, more or less.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- Wow.- Yeah. So, you know, that's a bit of ancient history.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13Until around 4500 BC this area was all sea.
0:19:13 > 0:19:17As the water level dropped, reeds and sedge began to grow and then
0:19:17 > 0:19:20decomposed over time to form peat.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24When machines were sent in to remove the peat in the 1960s
0:19:24 > 0:19:28so it could be used in horticulture, workers discovered the perfectly
0:19:28 > 0:19:31preserved timber track that would have enabled Neolithic man to
0:19:31 > 0:19:36cross the marshy landscape between Meare Island and the Polden Hills.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40The Sweet Track is the oldest man-made route way in Britain.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Oh, it's beautiful here, Theresa.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44I'm really jealous that this is on your doorstep.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46We've got a bit of a run uphill now, and I know it's
0:19:46 > 0:19:48really hot. We've got to go back up to the Polden Ridge.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- Good training for me. - Definitely. Let's go this way.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- Keeps me fit and strong. - Come on, let's go.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58With so much to explore, it seems Somerset could be a good
0:19:58 > 0:20:01place for Lindsay and Patrick to pursue their passion for adventure.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05One day soon, they too could have all of this on their doorstep.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17For our second property, we're travelling closer to Bristol,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20into popular commuter territory. Just over ten miles south
0:20:20 > 0:20:25of the city and eight miles west of Bath is the village of Marksbury.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28A popular destination for those keen on outdoor interests,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32the rural village is surrounded by breathtaking countryside.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34There's a primary school rated outstanding
0:20:34 > 0:20:35and a shop in the village,
0:20:35 > 0:20:38as well an active community holding yearly fetes
0:20:38 > 0:20:41and activities run through the local village hall.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44More extensive amenities can be found four and a half miles away
0:20:44 > 0:20:46in Keynsham.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Our next property started out as a farmer's cottage for the local farm
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and backs onto open fields.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- Property number two.- Wow.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59- Another village. A lovely village. - And a gorgeous property.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Very nice. It looks very nice from the outside.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Lovely. Very promising.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Now, another plus with this property is that it's that much closer
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- to your workplace, 20 minutes away from Bristol for you.- That's great.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14It's a semidetached. How do you feel about that?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16That doesn't bother me. It looks very nice from the outside.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19I like... Again, it's another stone property,
0:21:19 > 0:21:21so it has that traditional character.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23I like very much that it's set back from the road a little bit,
0:21:23 > 0:21:26there's a bit of a front garden which gives you extra space,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- which I think is really nice. - There has been an extension
0:21:29 > 0:21:31as you can probably tell, just on the side.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- So, lots to explore. Let's go in. - All right.- OK.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38This cottage dates back to 1800.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41The two-storey side extension was built in 2010
0:21:41 > 0:21:44by the current owners, doubling the size of the downstairs living
0:21:44 > 0:21:48space, which I hope will really appeal to Lindsay and Patrick.
0:21:48 > 0:21:49In you come.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51- Oh.- Wow.- Oh, lovely.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Ah, a look of surprise.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56It's similar to the first property, isn't it?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58You sort of walk straight into a room,
0:21:58 > 0:21:59and this is the living room.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02It's quite a nice sized room. Not a bad start.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- Not a bad start.- Not a bad start at all.- Yeah. Smiles. Great.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- But there's a lot more to this house, come on.- OK.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Behind the front living room is an area used as an office space
0:22:11 > 0:22:14which leads into the new part of the property.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17Down through here and into open-plan luxury.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20Yes, another range, I'm happy about that.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23- And look that way.- BOTH:- Oh!
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- There we go, there's your view.- Oh.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29And I like this arrangement with the kitchen, a sort of family area
0:22:29 > 0:22:31which is separate to the main living room.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32How are you feeling about...?
0:22:32 > 0:22:36I like it. It's got a modern feel but also a country kitchen feel
0:22:36 > 0:22:39with the green cupboards and the big range. I like it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42And it wraps all the way round, so living space here
0:22:42 > 0:22:45but dining area just around the corner. Let's take a look.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- This is nice.- Very nice.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51They've got the French doors looking out onto that lovely terrace,
0:22:51 > 0:22:52and the view.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55The open-plan feeling, is this what you were looking for?
0:22:55 > 0:22:57- Yeah.- Yes.- Definitely, in terms of the layout,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59that's what we're looking for.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And, for me, the expanse out there and that view
0:23:02 > 0:23:03makes it feel even bigger.
0:23:03 > 0:23:04- That's right.- It does.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- Let's go check upstairs and see the bedrooms.- OK.- OK.
0:23:10 > 0:23:14Also downstairs is a cloakroom and a utility room.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17As we head upstairs, there's a large double bedroom
0:23:17 > 0:23:19that would make a great guest room,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23a single, useful should the family expand in the future,
0:23:23 > 0:23:24and a family bathroom.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- Step through to the master bedroom. - Oh, yeah.- Wow, that's a nice room.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33Yeah. And with the view.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37I want to wake up to that in the morning.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40Now, it's a descent sized room. It hasn't got an en-suite
0:23:40 > 0:23:42but you do have this space here where they have got a little sink.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- OK.- And you probably notice there isn't a wardrobe,
0:23:45 > 0:23:48so, I mean, for me, I might turn that space
0:23:48 > 0:23:50into more of a wardrobe space.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54Yeah. I just worry that we might not get all of our furniture in here.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57No. I think it'd be a tight fit for sure.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59OK, I asked you before, I'm going to ask you again,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01marks out of ten?
0:24:01 > 0:24:06Hmm. I'm saying around eight and a half this time.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08Yeah. I'm going down to an eight, I would say.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Well, let me take you outside, see if the view
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and the wonderful tiered garden that you're going to see down there
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- swings it a little bit higher up for you.- Sounds good.- OK.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23The outside space has also benefited from the recent extension,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26with twin French doors opening onto a decked terrace
0:24:26 > 0:24:28and two tiered levels below,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31making the most of those spectacular rural views.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34This is what the countryside is all about.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- Yeah.- Very pretty indeed.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38And what the current owners have done is really make
0:24:38 > 0:24:41the most of this garden area. So, as you can see, it was on a slope
0:24:41 > 0:24:43and they have tiered it off like this.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- Yeah.- And protected it with the fencing,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47so I think it would work well for Snoopy.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49Yeah, that's a really good idea.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51I like the way they've done that. Yeah.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53How much do you think it's on the market for?
0:24:53 > 0:24:55I would say...375.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Yeah, I'd say it's going to come in under house number one,
0:24:58 > 0:25:03so I'm thinking in the region of 360, 365.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Interesting. Well, I think you're going to have a bit of a surprise.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- OK.- This property is on the market for £425,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- Oh, really?- Wow. OK.- Yes, really.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16This is that much closer to Bristol and Bath.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20Now, I know it is above your budget but the owners are open to offers.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23You are in a very strong position. And bearing that in mind
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and the fact that you've halved your commute and get the views,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28I definitely think you should have another wander round.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- OK.- All right.- Will do.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35This property does come in £25,000 over their budget but I felt
0:25:35 > 0:25:40I had to show it to our buyers as it delivers so much on their wish list.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43It offers the character property they wanted with three bedrooms,
0:25:43 > 0:25:48open-plan living downstairs and a great garden space for entertaining.
0:25:48 > 0:25:52A major advantage for this cottage is its proximity to Bristol.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Patrick and Lindsay would have just a 20-minute commute.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58I really like the way the terrace is set out.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02I like this little table, you could sit here and have a barbecue.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05Be a nice barbecue, wouldn't it, looking over the fields?
0:26:05 > 0:26:06It would be looking over the view.
0:26:06 > 0:26:07I do very much like this property,
0:26:07 > 0:26:11in particular those views out there, they're spectacular.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13I like the family room and the dining area.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17It'd very comfortable and very easy to live here in the downstairs.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21But I do have a bit of a concern about the master bedroom.
0:26:21 > 0:26:22It's still in the running
0:26:22 > 0:26:26but definitely coming behind house number one, I think.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31The small upstairs bedroom and the price being a little bit
0:26:31 > 0:26:35out of our budget range, sort of push it further down the list.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- There you are.- Hi. - Had another good look?
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- Yes.- It's been a long day, hasn't it?
0:26:39 > 0:26:42It has, yeah, but you've shown us two beautiful properties today.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44Yeah. And how are you feeling?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- Tired but inspired.- Good!
0:26:46 > 0:26:48I like the last bit, inspired.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Good, keep that feeling going, and you can mull over it tonight.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52- Yeah.- Perfect.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04It's the second day of our Somerset search with house hunters
0:27:04 > 0:27:05Patrick and Lindsay.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Recently returned from Brussels, Belgium, and ready to put down roots
0:27:09 > 0:27:12in the UK, they're hoping their budget of £400,000
0:27:12 > 0:27:16will buy them a character property with long-term potential.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19But after getting off to a strong start, will the quirks
0:27:19 > 0:27:23of my mystery house see my buyers running for the hills?
0:27:23 > 0:27:26- Do you think you could adapt to this?- It's not worrying me.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30No. On the contrary, you've got lovely big, beaming smiles.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34And I find out how the Victorians turned this pile of putty
0:27:34 > 0:27:35into a work of art.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Patrick and Lindsay are looking to buy their very first home together
0:27:42 > 0:27:45and inevitably that involves a degree of compromise.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48But so far I'm really encouraged by their willingness to re-evaluate
0:27:48 > 0:27:52their priorities and weigh up what's most important to them.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55They're ready to give up city living, but with the mystery house,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59I'd like to see how far they're willing to go to embrace rural life.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02If they choose this house, it's got a more traditional layout
0:28:02 > 0:28:05and there'll be a longer commute to work, but if they can see past
0:28:05 > 0:28:08all of that, I think they'll get everything they're looking for
0:28:08 > 0:28:09and a whole lot more.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15For our mystery house, we're heading further a field,
0:28:15 > 0:28:1845 minutes south of our last property
0:28:18 > 0:28:22to the village of North Brewham, two miles from the town of Bruton.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24The village itself is small
0:28:24 > 0:28:26but has a local pub and is set in beautiful
0:28:26 > 0:28:31rolling countryside, making it an ideal spot for walkers and cyclists.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34The nearby ancient town of Bruton is small but has a thriving
0:28:34 > 0:28:38local art scene as well as highly regarded schools.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41There's also a museum where visitors will learn that the town was
0:28:41 > 0:28:44once home to author John Steinbeck,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48who stayed for nine months in 1959 whilst writing one of his novels.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Five minutes in the car takes us back to North Brewham.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Right, mystery house time.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- You want to escape to the country. - We do.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58So we've brought you somewhere very rural,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00but look what could be yours.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- Amazing.- That is gorgeous.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Grade-II listed, 350 years old.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- Oh!- Wow. THEY LAUGH
0:29:08 > 0:29:10And if you just look behind you...
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Yeah.- Yeah. Views.- Lovely.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15We are also an hour away from Bristol.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- OK.- So it's the other thing with this mystery. So, longer commute.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21Right. Maybe the drive to Bristol is a bit long
0:29:21 > 0:29:24but I think depending what's on the inside of the house
0:29:24 > 0:29:25and how our home life would be,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27it might be might be worth making that compromise.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- Oh, I love that word. Let's go and have a look.- All right.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35I'm really relieved the longer commute time hasn't put them off
0:29:35 > 0:29:37this beautiful old farmhouse.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40If they continue to stay open minded, I think this house
0:29:40 > 0:29:43could provide the long-term potential they're after.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46The largest property we've seen so far, one end has been adapted
0:29:46 > 0:29:49to created what is currently a separate cottage.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53But if Patrick and Lindsay prefer, it could easily be converted back
0:29:53 > 0:29:54as part of the main house
0:29:54 > 0:29:57with the potential for either a fourth bedroom or extra
0:29:57 > 0:29:58living space.
0:29:58 > 0:30:03- Now, through here and you walk straight into...- Oh.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04..what they call the snug!
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- It's lovely.- That's great. - Oh, it's a lovely size, yeah.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- I really like it. - I love that big fireplace and the...
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- That's gorgeous. - ..wooden roof beams.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14This isn't even the proper living room. Come this way.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Oh, that's...gorgeous, yeah. - That bay window is amazing.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Another really good size living room.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- It's more traditional as well, though, isn't it?- Yes.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27But it's got... I think it's got quite an open feel still.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29It does, there's a lot of light coming in
0:30:29 > 0:30:32and the big windows really help it to feel very open.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- Yeah.- On the other side of the house you've got pretty much
0:30:35 > 0:30:39- a self-contained separate cottage. It's got its own kitchen.- Really?
0:30:39 > 0:30:42Shower room, a little living room and a bedroom,
0:30:42 > 0:30:44which we thought, for you guys,
0:30:44 > 0:30:46would be perfect for when you have visitors over,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- particularly your international guests.- That sounds great.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- That's ideal for us.- Shall we look at that kitchen?
0:30:51 > 0:30:53- I know you're itching to. - Let's.- It's this way.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58Unlike the previous two properties, this place hasn't been opened up
0:30:58 > 0:31:01or modernised, but all it needs is a little vision.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04- Oh, wow!- That's amazing.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Yeah, it has that very kind of rustic country cottage feel.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11- Probably needs a little bit of work but...- Yes.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- ..that's fine.- Oh, that's fine? - Yeah.- Oh, great.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16I'm glad. I think you're absolutely right,
0:31:16 > 0:31:18with this property you've more of an opportunity
0:31:18 > 0:31:21to kind of put your own stamp on it and change things about.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23There is a little bit of touch up work to do
0:31:23 > 0:31:25but it does have a lot of character, that farmhouse charm.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- I like it a lot.- Yeah. - Let's have a look out here
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- and then we can have a proper talk about what you might change.- Great.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35At the far end of the house, beyond the kitchen, there's a bright
0:31:35 > 0:31:38conservatory, currently used as a dining room.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41So, you can imagine your dinner parties here...
0:31:41 > 0:31:43Yeah, that's a...that's a cracking view. It really is.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45They're stunning views, yes.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48I know it's not the open-plan kitchen-diner that we'd
0:31:48 > 0:31:52anticipated, but it doesn't feel as though you're cut off.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- Do you think you could adapt to this?- I think so.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Yeah, I think so.- It could work, yeah.- It's not worrying me.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01No. On the contrary, you've got lovely, big beaming smiles.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04So, I'm keen to take you upstairs to show you the bedrooms
0:32:04 > 0:32:05and the layout there.
0:32:05 > 0:32:06- OK.- Great.- After you.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Upstairs there are three bedrooms,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14one currently used as part of the separate cottage.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17And there are a couple of options for the master bedroom.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Decent sized double.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22Yeah. No, it is a good size.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- OK.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Yeah, the built-in cupboards might deal with our clothes storage issues.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30I was waiting for you to say about the storage, yeah.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33This is currently used as the master but there are two other bedrooms.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35At the other side there's another room
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- which, actually, is a bigger space.- OK.- OK.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- I think you might want to use that as your master bedroom.- OK.- Really?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Now, the bathroom here, the family bathroom, is downstairs,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46so I think if you're also looking for more projects,
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- you could think about putting some bathrooms upstairs.- Yeah.- OK.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52I'm surprised. I thought it would be much smaller up here.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54- OK. So, pleasantly surprised? - Yeah, yeah.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58It was definitely worth the risk bringing Lindsay and Patrick
0:32:58 > 0:33:02a little further from Bristol than they initially wanted.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06If the price is right, I think this place could be a real contender.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09We've finished the magical mystery tour of our mystery house.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12- Yes.- It's lovely and higgledy-piggledy, isn't it?
0:33:12 > 0:33:14- Yeah.- It is, yeah.- Great.- Gorgeous.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Lots of character, lots of charm.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18And then out here a charming garden as well.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21Lovely. Yeah, really nice sized garden.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23Out there you've got two car ports.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- You've got a lovely big shed for all the bikes.- Brilliant.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28So, that brings us to the big question.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31How much do you think you have to pay to get all of this?
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I think it's probably...it's going to be above our budget.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36I'm going to take a punt on 450.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41I'm going to go in with 430.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45This property is on the market at £400,000.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- BOTH: Really?- Smack on your budget.
0:33:47 > 0:33:48- Oh. Wow.- Wow.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51I am surprised. Oh, that's good news.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54It's reassuring to know that a property of this character
0:33:54 > 0:33:56and this size is within budget.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58Look what you can find if you just go a bit further out.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- BOTH: Yeah. - Yeah, and you've shown us that.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03There's so much to explore in there.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05- Go on. Off you go.- All right.
0:34:09 > 0:34:11Coming in bang on budget, this house scores high on
0:34:11 > 0:34:13Patrick and Lindsay's wish list.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15It's got the character charm
0:34:15 > 0:34:17and three bedrooms they're after.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18And despite not being open-plan,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20it has plenty of light, bright
0:34:20 > 0:34:22living space plus the potential to
0:34:22 > 0:34:25extend or reconfigure in the future.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26The separate cottage would come in
0:34:26 > 0:34:28handy when guests come to stay.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31The only compromise is the longer commute to Bristol.
0:34:31 > 0:34:32But if they can deal with
0:34:32 > 0:34:34the distance, then this could
0:34:34 > 0:34:36make a dream property.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37This is a nice, big room.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40Potential to make this into a master bedroom I think.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Yeah, and I like the split level.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44And there's plenty of space if we wanted to take
0:34:44 > 0:34:46a corner of the room and turn it into an en-suite, we could do so.
0:34:46 > 0:34:47Yeah, easily.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50The mystery house has been just fantastic.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54It's really blown me away. There are so many different rooms
0:34:54 > 0:34:56and I think it's got so much potential.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59The layout maybe not quite what we were looking for
0:34:59 > 0:35:02in terms of an open-plan modern space
0:35:02 > 0:35:04but I think we're able to make the compromise with that
0:35:04 > 0:35:06and work around that,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09so we're really, really interested and excited about this house.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12It's really made me think about, where do we want to be?
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Is location everything?
0:35:14 > 0:35:16But it's such a beautiful property.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19I think it's a front runner for us now.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21It's been a busy two days, hasn't it?
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- It has been.- Yeah. - You've shown us quite a lot.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25A big variety.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28So, thinking caps on because it'll be decision time soon.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40The Somerset countryside is home to numerous historic buildings
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and country houses, such as the magnificent 13th century
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Maunsel House, which is said to be where Geoffrey Chaucer
0:35:47 > 0:35:51wrote his Canterbury Tales, basing them on local characters.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55The art collection here at Maunsel has built up over centuries
0:35:55 > 0:35:58and includes valuable works by artists such as Rembrandt,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00Van Dyck and Constable.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Specialist restorers Everett Fine Art have been caring for
0:36:03 > 0:36:06paintings and frames for Maunsel and other houses in the area
0:36:06 > 0:36:09for over 50 years.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Their team of highly-skilled restorers and conservators
0:36:12 > 0:36:15work out of a studio near Taunton, where I've come to meet
0:36:15 > 0:36:17second-generation owner, Tim Everett,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20to be shown some of their complex work.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Tell me a bit more about exactly what you do here.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24I see frames and some paintings.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26Well, it's really two departments.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28We do frame restoration and making,
0:36:28 > 0:36:33and then I personally do the conservation of oil paintings.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37That involves repairing canvases that are ripped or torn or flaking,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39and cleaning them as well.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43So, every 100, 150 years a painting has to go through some
0:36:43 > 0:36:46sort of conservation, so that is where we come in.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48We've got a very interesting project at the moment
0:36:48 > 0:36:50which is this large old master behind you,
0:36:50 > 0:36:54and it had been restored very heavily in the past.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57In fact, came out of a convent in Belgium, originally.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01So, once we cleaned it, we actually revealed the sky,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04many of the figures, and indeed a lot of the clothing
0:37:04 > 0:37:07on the figures had been Victorian overpaint.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09So, the modesty of the Victorians...
0:37:09 > 0:37:12So, originally this painting would have been of naked ladies?
0:37:12 > 0:37:15Indeed. And we are returning it that way now.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- I love it. And the Victorians kept the painting...- Oh, yes.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- ..but would just paint some clothes on.- Oh, many a time.
0:37:20 > 0:37:21Many a time we get that.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24We get a modesty piece of clothing here and there.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29Tim and his highly experienced team of eight restore and conserve
0:37:29 > 0:37:3218th-century paintings and watercolours for museums,
0:37:32 > 0:37:34stately homes and schools,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37as well as a large number of private clients seeking to renovate
0:37:37 > 0:37:39treasured family portraits.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42But cleaning and restoring the paintings themselves
0:37:42 > 0:37:43is only part of the story.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Often, the frames are in equally bad condition.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50That's where frame specialist Lester Gordon comes in.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54They can come in varying degrees of damage.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- That's so ornate, but...- Yes. - ..look at the damage here.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59Over time it dries out
0:37:59 > 0:38:02and bits crack and they fall off and then they lose them.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05What would you do to bring this frame back to life?
0:38:05 > 0:38:08First process would be to stabilise, so just check that any bits...
0:38:08 > 0:38:11If they're going to come off, I want them to come off now.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14For the missing bits, I then will take an impression of that
0:38:14 > 0:38:16and then I will mould a piece to go in there.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20The team here have a collection of over 300 original
0:38:20 > 0:38:2418th and 19th-century wood-block moulds, used to make the decorative
0:38:24 > 0:38:28detailing or ornaments on the frames that enabled Lester to
0:38:28 > 0:38:31complete historically accurate repairs.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34He's going to show me some of the techniques used.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37Before these, people were carving whole frames,
0:38:37 > 0:38:40so they would be carving all this kind of ornament.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43They realised that you could pay...get one person to carve
0:38:43 > 0:38:47a section and then get people just to press out ornaments.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50So you can mass-produce the frames and that's what allowed people
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- to furnish their homes so ornately in Victorian?- Yes.- Is it
0:38:53 > 0:38:55something a lay person like me could have a go at?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57There's certainly aspects of the work you could do.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00In fact, I've got a frame that needs some ornaments pressing out now,
0:39:00 > 0:39:04so, actually, if I move this one, we've got one we start on.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08The compo or moulding material used
0:39:08 > 0:39:11is a 200-year-old traditional method
0:39:11 > 0:39:15made from chalk, called guilder's whiting, and rabbit-skin glue.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20It is steamed to give it the elastic consistency of a hot putty material.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22That comes out of there.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25Over to what looks like flour, but I think it's chalk.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29No, it's chalk. And then, just like with making dough, you dust it.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32What makes the traditional way of doing things work so well?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Why haven't you modernised the technique?
0:39:34 > 0:39:37There is no modern substance that can do the job.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- Very satisfying work this, isn't it? - Yes.- Yeah.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Compo goes right into all the little crevices of the mould.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- And then we leave it to set.- Yes.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Once that cools down, that'll be soft enough,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57we'll be able to pull that away.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00'The compo takes five to ten minutes to cool
0:40:00 > 0:40:02'before removing from the mould.'
0:40:02 > 0:40:04- If you peel it out.- Beautiful, yes.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08So, if we carefully just let it fall onto the table.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10- So, then we have...- Oh, gorgeous.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12And there we have our four corners.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16The final stage is to cut off the ears, or rough edges,
0:40:16 > 0:40:19around the ornaments as precisely as possible.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- That'll sit on there.- Just there? Does it go up a bit
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- or just sits there?- That sits in the middle there like that.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25Yeah. Perfect. Beautiful.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- And then along the top here.- Yes.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- There we go.- Yeah. That's a good first effort.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- Excellent.- It's not...not bad.- No.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I would love to spend the day here with you finishing this off
0:40:43 > 0:40:44but I think I'd better get back.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Wonderful to get an insight into how you turn a plain frame like this
0:40:48 > 0:40:49into a thing of beauty.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57I love the power of the mystery house.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I'm pretty sure that Patrick and Lindsay would never have looked
0:41:00 > 0:41:02at that property if they'd been left to their devices,
0:41:02 > 0:41:05but now we've really put the cat amongst the pigeons,
0:41:05 > 0:41:08and it's a choice between village life or a rural retreat.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10What have they decided? Let's find out.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Hello.- Hi.- Hello. - You found a lovely spot here.
0:41:17 > 0:41:18And you're looking very pleased,
0:41:18 > 0:41:20so I'm hoping you've made some decisions now.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22I think we have. Yeah.
0:41:22 > 0:41:27I think we've decided that property number two is out of the running.
0:41:27 > 0:41:28OK, I had a feeling.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31I mean, you had a great reaction to the first house
0:41:31 > 0:41:33and an even better, I've got to say, to the mystery house.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36So, where are we at now in kind of weighing it all up?
0:41:36 > 0:41:37Having talked about it,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41I think the mystery house is probably in the front running.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44I think it has a lot of charm and character
0:41:44 > 0:41:47and the rural location that we...we really like.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51We would need to look into the local area a bit more
0:41:51 > 0:41:55and I think we need to do a bit more research as to what we can
0:41:55 > 0:41:57and can't do with a grade-II listed property.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00What about the first house then? Still in the running?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- Is it a close second?- We haven't thrown it out completely.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05But I think, yeah, the mystery house is still the leader.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I think I'd like to go
0:42:07 > 0:42:10and have a second viewing of the mystery house first,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12see how we feel and then possibly
0:42:12 > 0:42:14a second viewing of property number one.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17The mystery house, could that be your family home?
0:42:17 > 0:42:19- It could well be. - It could well be, yeah.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21It's been a real pleasure spending time with you.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23I can't wait to hear how it all turns out.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Yeah.- Thanks so much for having us. - Thank you very much.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30What a success.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32It looks like Patrick and Lindsay
0:42:32 > 0:42:34have fallen in love with the mystery house.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36But it has taken some compromise,
0:42:36 > 0:42:38and that word can often make you feel like you're giving
0:42:38 > 0:42:41something up or you're going to lose out.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43But I think what Patrick and Lindsay have shown us is that
0:42:43 > 0:42:46if you're just willing to look at things a little differently,
0:42:46 > 0:42:49it can open up a whole world of opportunity for you.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55If you would like to escape to the country
0:42:55 > 0:42:58in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England,
0:42:58 > 0:43:00or perhaps even further afield to the Continent
0:43:00 > 0:43:05and would like our help, please apply online at...