0:00:02 > 0:00:06Welcome to Escape To The Country. At 1,425 feet above sea level,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09that isolated building behind me
0:00:09 > 0:00:12is said to be the highest public house in the south of England.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15It's also claimed to be the third highest in Britain.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18So where have we come today to quench our thirst?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Today our house-hunting couple is waving goodbye to a lifetime
0:00:42 > 0:00:47spent in Essex and following family ties to a new life in the country.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49That is certainly a farmhouse kitchen.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51There are smiles here.
0:00:51 > 0:00:53I love the range, that's lovely.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55And there are surprises around every corner.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57It's very quirky.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59- Yeah, it's lovely. - A bit like us, really.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Well, today we are in Devon, right on top of Dartmoor.
0:01:05 > 0:01:07And this is the remote Warren House Inn.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16It was built in 1845
0:01:16 > 0:01:18and it's said that
0:01:18 > 0:01:22a fire has been burning in this grate, continuously, ever since.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Now, originally the pub catered for many of the local tin mining villages,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28but since the last mine closed in 1930,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32it's survived on passing trade and tourism - a business which
0:01:32 > 0:01:36brings in some three million visitors to Dartmoor itself every year.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39But, take it from me - if you are in this part of the world,
0:01:39 > 0:01:43it makes a very welcome rest for many a weary walker.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48The third largest county in England, Devon
0:01:48 > 0:01:51sits in the south-west of England and is bordered by Cornwall to the
0:01:51 > 0:01:55west and Somerset and Dorset to the east.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58The county is home to some of Britain's most beautiful
0:01:58 > 0:02:00and dramatic countryside.
0:02:00 > 0:02:03Inland, the Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are bound with
0:02:03 > 0:02:07stunning rolling moorland, dense woodland and patchwork fields
0:02:07 > 0:02:11with sensational high points overlooking the open sea beyond.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15The coast near the village of Combe Martin
0:02:15 > 0:02:19is equally breathtaking, with a beautiful secluded bay sheltering
0:02:19 > 0:02:23a green, clear ocean, overlooked by dramatic tree-topped rocks.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27And agriculture provides an eclectic Devon canvas,
0:02:27 > 0:02:31with a landscape of farmer's stripes and sandy hay bales,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35contrasting with the land's vibrant greens and bright blue sky.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39And with villages like Croyde near the coast, where flowers
0:02:39 > 0:02:41and shrubs frame thatched cottages,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44and where tiled roofs are a feature too,
0:02:44 > 0:02:48it's easy to see why Devon has an appeal to those escaping city life.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Now, at £297,000,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57the cost of your average detached property here in Devon is
0:02:57 > 0:02:59some 30,000 above the national figure.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01And that can dramatically increase,
0:03:01 > 0:03:04particularly around the coastal hot spots of Dartmouth and
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Salcombe, where houses regularly go for twice the national figure.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11But don't be put off - you'll certainly get a lot more
0:03:11 > 0:03:15value for money up in the north-west and over towards the east of the county.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17So, let's now meet today's buyers
0:03:17 > 0:03:20and find out why they think Devon could be their new home.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26Retirees Lorna and Nigel have lived in Rayleigh, Essex for 39 years,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28and they've been in their current home -
0:03:28 > 0:03:33a three-bedroom detached house with their two sons - for 29 of those.
0:03:33 > 0:03:35But it was delightful Devon that brought them
0:03:35 > 0:03:37together almost half a century ago,
0:03:37 > 0:03:41where Nigel was working as an apprentice carpenter and joiner.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45We've been married 45 years, this year.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47We've been together 47.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52We met in Torquay - I lived there and Lorna came down on holiday.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54And realised that we wanted to be together,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56and after that I moved down, that was in the July, wasn't it?
0:03:56 > 0:03:58That was in the July.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00I moved down to Torquay in the November,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and it was a holiday romance that lasted.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07They've never forgotten the beautiful county,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11and since Lorna and Nigel both still have family there, they've decided
0:04:11 > 0:04:14that now they've retired, Devon is where they want to be.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17I think the main reason I want to move to Devon is
0:04:17 > 0:04:18because of my family ties.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22What I call home is where I was born, in Devon.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24North Devon, I find, is a very rustic,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27unspoiled part of the country.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29There's some lovely coastal walkways
0:04:29 > 0:04:33and paths that we love walking on,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35even in the winter.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39It's just really picturesque and peaceful.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Essex has been good to them, but after a recent loss
0:04:41 > 0:04:46in the family, they feel the time is right to move on to pastures new.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48The right time for us to move now is
0:04:48 > 0:04:51because your mother is no longer with us and...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Yeah, and she was the one thing that kept us here, really.- ..that was the tie.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58So we've both got leisure time on our hands.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03We've stopped work and we can take up some other activities that
0:05:03 > 0:05:06we've not been able to do here.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And with a host of hobbies already keeping them busy,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11they're both looking forward to making the most of their free time
0:05:11 > 0:05:13together as a couple.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16We definitely need to spend more time doing things
0:05:16 > 0:05:19together, as well as our current list of hobbies.
0:05:19 > 0:05:20As our own hobbies, yeah.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24So that's something that's important - that we can actually do things and share.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We love walking, so what we're expecting to get from moving
0:05:28 > 0:05:31to Devon is we'll live in an environment that we can actually
0:05:31 > 0:05:34leave the house and go out on the walks.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- That's important to us.- Yeah.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38Nice long walks.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42My other hobby is golf, which takes up three days, at the moment,
0:05:42 > 0:05:44of my life.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Sometimes four.- Yep.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Their son Greg will be upping sticks too and joining them
0:05:49 > 0:05:51in their move to Devon.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54So, with their house on the market, there's nothing stopping
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Lorna and Nigel returning to the county where they first met.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00I'm excited about moving to Devon.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I'm looking at it as a new challenge and something different
0:06:04 > 0:06:06in the rest of our life together.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Yes, a new fresh start,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11I think that'll be excellent and I think that's what we both need.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- The next chapter of our life.- Yes.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Lorna and Nigel have asked us to concentrate our property
0:06:21 > 0:06:25search near Barnstaple in north Devon, where Nigel's mother was born.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28They'd ideally like to be within ten miles to the south of the town,
0:06:28 > 0:06:31but are happy to consider moving slightly further afield
0:06:31 > 0:06:33if the house is right.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36But before we start our search for the property that's going to
0:06:36 > 0:06:39bring Nigel back to his roots, I'm meeting them in the county,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43to get to grips with the detail of their property desires.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Well, Lorna and Nigel, welcome.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Here we are, back in Devon, mate.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- Yes, home at last.- Home at last.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I knew I would come back sometime, but it was whether I can
0:06:53 > 0:06:55win Lorna round to agree to it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- Well, look at Devon, Lorna, I mean, it's...- I know.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59How could you not like this?
0:06:59 > 0:07:02It's a new beginning for us, that's the way we're looking at it.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04A new beginning, and a new beginning also for one of your sons, Greg.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07He's going to come with you and start over here in Devon.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- He is, yes.- He's going to start his life down here as well.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13What kind of a property have you been lusting after,
0:07:13 > 0:07:15dreaming about all these years then?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Definitely a detached property.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Ideally, four bedrooms with a lovely kitchen/diner
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and, ideally, I'd like somewhere for my art because I love my art.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29And you, sir, were a carpenter, joiner.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31Carpenter and joiner, yes.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34So you still want somewhere to have a little tinker, don't you?
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Yes, things need doing and I need space.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38What about the style though?
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Well, we like the older properties,
0:07:41 > 0:07:45but I much prefer a more contemporary, modern interior.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- Something that's been refurbed. really, would be ideal.- OK.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51So, for all of this then, how much have we got to spend?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- 425,000.- £425,000.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56That should go quite a long way here.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57- We're hoping it will.- We hope so.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01We've whittled down our initial shortlist to just three
0:08:01 > 0:08:05properties to show you, including, of course, our mystery house.
0:08:05 > 0:08:06So, let's see.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09We've got two days to help you find your new home
0:08:09 > 0:08:13and to indulge this glorious county on a glorious day such as this.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15- Right then, come on. - Lovely, thank you.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Lorna and Nigel have a decent budget for North Devon, and their wish list
0:08:21 > 0:08:24does seem realistic for the cash they've got to play with.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27They'd like a detached house with four bedrooms.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30And while there're happy with a period exterior, they'd like
0:08:30 > 0:08:32the inside to be bright and modern,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34with a good sized kitchen/diner.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37They'd also love a space for Lorna to use as an art room
0:08:37 > 0:08:41and another for former carpenter and joiner Nigel to pursue his hobby.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43And as son Greg will be joining them
0:08:43 > 0:08:44to begin with, there'll
0:08:44 > 0:08:46need to be room for him too.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Lorna and Nigel are looking forward to returning to the place
0:08:50 > 0:08:53they first met, and we've chosen three completely contrasting
0:08:53 > 0:08:55properties for them to peruse.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59And only after they've inspected each house will they find out its price tag.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04Their last stop will be our mystery house, which may, at first glance,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07seem to veer off track from their wish list,
0:09:07 > 0:09:09but I'm hoping that it will be a welcome diversion.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15The thing I love about Devon are these deep lanes
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- and these steep wooded valleys... - Yes.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21..and these wonderful little villages tucked away in the bottom.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- It really is kind of otherworldly. - It is.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- It's a big wrench for you, isn't it? - It is, it is a big wrench.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I mean, I love Devon because I've lived in Devon when
0:09:30 > 0:09:34we first got married and also when the children were born down here.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37So I've got a strong affinity with Devon,
0:09:37 > 0:09:39so, in a way, it's sort of like coming semi-home to me as well.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43We're kicking off our Devon property search
0:09:43 > 0:09:47in the north of the county in the village of Stoke Rivers,
0:09:47 > 0:09:49just over six miles north-east of Barnstaple
0:09:49 > 0:09:54and just over four miles south of the village of Bratton Fleming.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Bratton Fleming itself runs along one street,
0:09:56 > 0:09:59with a store and a traditional, friendly pub.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01Plus, there's also a village hall where newcomers can
0:10:01 > 0:10:05get to know the locals, and there's also a sports club.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Just under a 10-minute drive
0:10:07 > 0:10:10and we're in Stoke Rivers at our first property.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12There we are.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- Property number one.- That looks nice.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- It does, doesn't it?- Yeah. Big.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20It is actually very big and we're in this lovely little hamlet.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22It's so quiet here.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24There's a really vibrant community.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Every month in the village hall there's an art club.- Oh, really?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29And the next-door neighbour is an art teacher.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Wow.- How about that?- That sounds good.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34But this, I think, is really interesting.
0:10:34 > 0:10:35It's only 10 or 11 years old.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- I was going to say, it doesn't look very old.- But it's all done.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- Right, lovely.- And it also comes with that feature alongside it.
0:10:42 > 0:10:43That's interesting.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Now, down below you've got a garage/workshop,
0:10:46 > 0:10:51and above it an amazing one-bedroom studio.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Oh, wow. I can't wait to see.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56The studio will have to wait, as we're heading
0:10:56 > 0:10:58straight for the main house.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00We're going to the back of the property and across a raised
0:11:00 > 0:11:03veranda, which leads to a large, bright entrance hall.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Right, in you come. This is a nice kind of welcome, isn't it?
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- It is, it's lovely.- Let's go into the living room, first of all.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- That's a nice size lounge, isn't it? - Yes, isn't it?
0:11:14 > 0:11:19Leading onto that sunroom, garden room, and then that way, a study.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24- Oh, OK.- I can see you're scanning it all with the craftsman's eye.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28I'm looking at all the building bits and, yes, it's good.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- Does it meet with your approval, sir?- Yes.- Excellent, hurrah.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34But back across the hallway, we've got
0:11:34 > 0:11:35you...
0:11:35 > 0:11:38separate dining room in there,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42but it all flows into the kitchen.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46Yeah, that's quite a nice sized kitchen, isn't it?
0:11:46 > 0:11:50It's probably not as modern as I would actually like.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51Really? OK.
0:11:51 > 0:11:57I do like the white, sleek cupboards and more granite work surfaces.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- It's very nice.- It's lovely.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00This is a nice kitchen.
0:12:00 > 0:12:03Just next to the kitchen is a utility room,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07accessed from the front of the house, and a cloakroom.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10But next, we're headed upstairs, where there's a family bathroom
0:12:10 > 0:12:12and four bedrooms -
0:12:12 > 0:12:15one in each corner of the house with a master at the back overlooking
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- the garden. - That's a nice size room.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- That's a nice room, isn't it? - With those lovely views.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- The views are stunning, aren't they?- Yeah, they're beautiful.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26And there's your en-suite.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Right.- A little shower room.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- Oh, yeah, that's nice, isn't it?- It is, isn't it?
0:12:30 > 0:12:33I want to finish up by taking you next door into this
0:12:33 > 0:12:36studio, which is fabulous.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- OK.- Come on, let's have a look.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45The studio above the garage has a seating area, a bed,
0:12:45 > 0:12:48a kitchenette and a shower room, and it's currently used
0:12:48 > 0:12:53as a holiday let, but it would be perfect as an art space for Lorna.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Now, how about that then, Lorna? Come on.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- Oh, wow. That is amazing.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:12:59 > 0:13:03I think the whole glass just opens up the vista completely, doesn't it?
0:13:03 > 0:13:06You haven't come to Devon looking for a business,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08but this is a bonus.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Do you think about keeping this as a little bit
0:13:12 > 0:13:17of income on the side or do you say, "No, this is my art studio?"
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Well, I'd be torn, I must admit,
0:13:19 > 0:13:22because it would make a lovely art studio, but I think we'd be
0:13:22 > 0:13:26silly to disclaim it when you could have a slight income from it.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Well, you're going to have to fight to keep Greg out of here
0:13:29 > 0:13:31because he's not going to want to leave home, is he?
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Well, he couldn't come in because he never would leave.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40There's certainly a lot to think about as we head to the back of the
0:13:40 > 0:13:45house to the attractive garden, with its flowerbeds, shrubs and trees.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49We haven't really had a chance to consider what the back of this property looks like.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50No.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53But there it is, with this lovely veranda, the wisteria there.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56And there's that fabulous picture window above in the studio.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- Yes, that is amazing. - It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:13:58 > 0:14:02So, come on then, Lorna. What's it worth, property one?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I would go for 405,000.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Oh, very clear.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08A very definite 405. Nigel?
0:14:08 > 0:14:11I'm going to be cheeky and go 395.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14395. An optimistic 395 from Nigel.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15Well, here's the thing.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- It's on the market at £400,000. - Oh, right.- Wow.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21Now, there is one bit that I really do want you to explore
0:14:21 > 0:14:23and I know you're itching to have a look at,
0:14:23 > 0:14:26and that is the workshop and the garage area below the studio.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28And then the house is yours.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- Roam around and I'll catch up with you a little bit later.- Smashing.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- Thanks, Jules.- Go on, then. Off you go.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38This detached house has the modern interior Lorna
0:14:38 > 0:14:42and Nigel like, plus the number of bedrooms they're looking for.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44There's the bonus of a stand-alone garage
0:14:44 > 0:14:48and studio, which could provide a welcome income as a holiday let,
0:14:48 > 0:14:51as well as giving Nigel a workshop and Lorna an art space.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55And there are attractive grounds with stunning views.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00So this is the garage.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03This actually could be...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06used as a workshop or an art studio for you.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Cos all I need is a small space.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- You could have one end and I could have this end as a studio.- Yeah.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Yeah, that would be...- That would work, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:15:15 > 0:15:19It's very nice. I was surprised at how modern it was.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23I liked the galleried landing as we walked in.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27And all the rooms are a nice size, the lounge is a nice size
0:15:27 > 0:15:28and the master bedroom.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32And the bonus, obviously, is the holiday let which is amazing,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35really, and I think would have to be kept as a holiday let.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38It's too nice... Although I'd like to use it myself.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43The workshop area, for me, I think the garage would possibly be
0:15:43 > 0:15:47converted into that and possibly an art studio for Lorna by putting
0:15:47 > 0:15:50a big window in the back, get more light in.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53Well, that's it from property one. We've got two more to come
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but in the meantime we might treat you to some lunch.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57That sounds good.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11Artist Lorna and former carpenter Nigel are both looking forward
0:16:11 > 0:16:14to bringing their hobbies with them to Devon.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16And to give them some inspiration, we've arranged for them
0:16:16 > 0:16:18to meet Merlyn Chesterman,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22a local artist who uses the Chinese art form of woodcut printing,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25dating back to 5 AD, to produce prints
0:16:25 > 0:16:28inspired by the landscape around her.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30They're meeting at the splendid Hartland Quay,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34somewhere Merlyn loves to use as a backdrop to her artwork.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- Well, welcome to Hartland Quay. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39I brought some wood blocks.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42I'm a wood block print maker and you're going to have a go.
0:16:42 > 0:16:43What does that actually involve?
0:16:43 > 0:16:48One cuts into a block of wood and then we'll ink up the block
0:16:48 > 0:16:50and put paper on top
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and apply pressure either with a press or by hand.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55And how does the Devon coastline affect your work?
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It's a great place to live and work.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01You've got these wonderful chevron folds.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04I mean, I understand that these are the greatest chevron folds
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- in the world.- Oh, really?- I mean, they are amazing, aren't they?
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- They certainly are.- Let's go and find somewhere to sit and work.
0:17:10 > 0:17:11OK, lovely.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16The first stage in woodcut printing is to sketch a design onto a wooden board.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19Merlyn, Lorna and Nigel are using the dramatic scenery
0:17:19 > 0:17:21before them as their inspiration.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- I want you to choose something that interests you.- Right.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Sketch it out quickly and roughly.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Merlyn believes that speed is key because she thinks that
0:17:33 > 0:17:36when you're under pressure you often produce your best work.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- That is an extraordinary landscape, isn't it?- Is certainly is.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- These are looking really great. - Oh, thank you.- Lots of detail.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50- Certainly is.- So, I think we ought to go back to the studio
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- and get cutting.- OK, sounds good.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58Merlyn exhibits her work locally in her studio
0:17:58 > 0:18:00but also in some of the biggest galleries in the country
0:18:00 > 0:18:03including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Here, at an art centre in the village of Hartland,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Lorna and Nigel will bring their work to life.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12They'll use different size tools to cut their designs onto
0:18:12 > 0:18:14the wooden blocks.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17OK. So, I think we're ready to go. Work as fast as you can.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24It takes Lorna and Nigel around an hour to carefully cut
0:18:24 > 0:18:27their images of the rugged coastline they sketched at Hartland Quay.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31Great. I love these diagonal lines.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34I think that's going to print out really nicely. Let's go and print.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35OK.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41The wooden block is sanded down before oil-based black ink is
0:18:41 > 0:18:44applied to the design with a roller.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48More experienced artist can also experiment with colour.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Then paper, with the smooth side down, is laid on top of the ink.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57This is called a baren. And it's Japanese, it's a bamboo leaf.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59And it's for burnishing.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Burnishing is the process of rubbing the paper
0:19:02 > 0:19:06so the ink image is transferred from the wooden block.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10And burnish really hard and if you've inked it well,
0:19:10 > 0:19:12you don't need to burnish for very long.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14So... The big moment.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16- Wow.- Wow.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- That's brilliant, isn't it? - OK, so it's your turn now.
0:19:21 > 0:19:27Yeah, that's right. Keep lifting it. And... Small and often is best.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Just cover it.
0:19:29 > 0:19:33And then reload until it's a solid black.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37So, make sure it's stuck.
0:19:41 > 0:19:42Round and round. That's good.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48The reveal.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Put it down, let's have a look.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- It's lively, isn't it?- It is lively.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59Yeah. And I love the clouds.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01Some more ink and a good rub
0:20:01 > 0:20:04and it's Nigel's turn to transfer his design.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08It is interesting that you haven't cut as deeply.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Yes, I was going for the soft effect.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12SHE LAUGHS
0:20:12 > 0:20:14It is easier to get a bit of welly on that.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Wow.- That's different.- That's really
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- a strong cutting. I like it.- Do you?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30- Yes.- It is nice.- Yeah. - I'm glad you said that.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- I think it is a great first proof. Yeah.- And I really enjoyed it.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36I did find the cutting the hardest part.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- For me, the drawing I found easier. - It is not obvious.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40SHE LAUGHS
0:20:40 > 0:20:43But, yes, it is certainly something I'd like to do again,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46and I definitely think I will try it at home.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56For our next visit we are travelling just under 15 miles
0:20:56 > 0:21:00south-east to the village of Bishops Nympton, which is around 16 miles
0:21:00 > 0:21:04south-east of Barnstaple, and an eight-minute drive from South Molton.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07South Molton itself is an attractive market town with
0:21:07 > 0:21:11a good selection of artisan shops and local food producers.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Plus there's the added attraction of the Quince Honey Farm,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18where the world's largest exhibition of honeybees is housed.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20A journey of just under four miles takes us to the
0:21:20 > 0:21:24edge of Bishops Nympton and our second property.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- That is property number two.- Right.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29That looks big. SHE LAUGHS
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- It is very long. - It is actually an old farmhouse.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33- Oh, right, OK. - What do you think, Nigel?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35It is very different, the setting of it.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39But it's got all those lovely old farmhouse proportions.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41And lots of character that's still in there.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44I'm very conscious of the fact that the challenge you face isn't
0:21:44 > 0:21:48just a practical one...in terms of moving here, it is an emotional one.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- Yes.- From leaving behind all that's been familiar for the last 30,
0:21:53 > 0:21:5740 years or so. But I think this is an interesting idea.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00No, it certainly... Certainly interested to go in and see.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- See more inside.- Have you ever been in a building like this before?- No.
0:22:03 > 0:22:04- No.- Ah.
0:22:04 > 0:22:06Well, there we are, you see, that might
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- be where we are going to make some headway. Come on.- OK.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14'This period farmhouse is thought to be over 250 years old.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16'It's pretty eco-friendly, too,
0:22:16 > 0:22:20'with solar roof panels which help save on bills.'
0:22:20 > 0:22:23The traditional way of entering a farmhouse.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24Into the kitchen first.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- That is certainly a farmhouse kitchen.- Isn't it?- Yes.
0:22:28 > 0:22:29That is.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Oh, there are smiles here. - I love the range, that's lovely.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- What are you thinking, Nigel?- It is a lovely...
0:22:36 > 0:22:38a lovely space, isn't it?
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Yes, a very nice space. You've got the new and the old together.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- That's it, yes.- Keen to see more. - Yeah, come look at this.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46This is the dining room in here.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- That's a nice dining room.- It is. - A lovely size.- How about that?
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- You haven't spotted that yet. - Oh, wow, yes.- Yes, look at that.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59'And the farmhouse character continues
0:22:59 > 0:23:02'just across the hall in the sitting room.'
0:23:02 > 0:23:03That's nice.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07It's not as big as I'd imagined it to be, but it is very cosy.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09- Mm-hm.- Yes. I was going to say snug.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Snug in a nice way, not snug, it's small,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13but it is cosy and a warm feeling.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16- Should we go upstairs?- Yes. - Let's have a look at this.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20'A small doorway takes us to the
0:23:20 > 0:23:24'first floor, where there is a family bathroom, a shower room,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27'a single bedroom, a double bedroom,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29'a bedroom cum study
0:23:29 > 0:23:33'and sandwiched in between them all is the master.'
0:23:33 > 0:23:36- The views are lovely from here. - How's the upstairs doing, Nigel,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38because it was all going quite well downstairs?
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- Doesn't flow up here as well as the downstairs. Downstairs was lovely. - Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Up here I'm churning things over in my head at the moment,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49trying to work out how we could, how it could work for us.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Yes, I must admit I much preferred downstairs than upstairs.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56And our happy meter has dropped off a bit as we've come upstairs,
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- is that right? - Yes, it has a bit, I think.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- But there have been smiles here... - Oh, yes.- ..which is good.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03Better than I thought it was going to be, I must admit.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07- Should we go talk about the price, then?- Yes.- Let's go back out there.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11'On paper this old farmhouse gives Lorna
0:24:11 > 0:24:13'and Nigel the space they need in a home,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17'but it seems something is stopping them feeling that it's right for them.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22'Maybe they will have a change of heart when they see the delightful gardens with a large patio,
0:24:22 > 0:24:25'fruit trees and stunning views to boot.'
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Garden-wise, what you see is pretty much what you get.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32There is an area of hard standing around the corner there,
0:24:32 > 0:24:36which might allow you to put up a freestanding timber workshop.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Yes.- But there's no garage...as such.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44So, let's talk about the price then, Nigel.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45I'd say 420.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I'm going to be silly and say just under the 400,000.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52- This is on the market at 450.- Oh.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- Right.- But open to offers.- OK.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- But there is a lot to think about. - There is, yes.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01I think it is the maintenance side of it, that worries us slightly.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- Have another look around.- OK.- Go on, off you go.
0:25:07 > 0:25:12This character farmhouse is £25,000 over Lorna and Nigel's budget,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16but the vendors are open to offers and it does have a lot going for it.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18There's a great kitchen diner,
0:25:18 > 0:25:20plus there are just the number of bedrooms they are after.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23With one perfect as a study for Nigel.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It may not offer an obvious workshop or art room,
0:25:26 > 0:25:28but the house is spacious
0:25:28 > 0:25:31and there are definitely rooms that could be given a new purpose.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34The gardens and views really make the most of the Devon
0:25:34 > 0:25:37countryside, and there's easy access to the amenities in the village.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42When we actually came into the house, erm, there was
0:25:42 > 0:25:45quite a big wow factor coming into the kitchen.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It's a very nice kitchen, the way it's laid out.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I was a little bit worried at the...
0:25:50 > 0:25:53the age of it and thinking about the maintenance side
0:25:53 > 0:25:57was the first thing I thought of. I was surprised at the size of it.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- It looked very big. - We looked upstairs and...
0:26:00 > 0:26:04My mood changed slightly when we went up there
0:26:04 > 0:26:08because of the spaces and the sizes of the rooms.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10I think the one thing that struck me as well
0:26:10 > 0:26:13is I couldn't see where I could have an art room.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- Here you are. All done? - Yes, all done.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Ready for a nice cold pint of the local?
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- That sounds a really good idea. - Definitely.- Come on then, let's go. - OK.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27BIRDSONG
0:26:30 > 0:26:34It's the second leg of our trip around Devon, looking
0:26:34 > 0:26:39for a new place for Lorna and Nigel, from Rayleigh in Essex, to call home.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43And with a healthy £425,000 to spend on a detached house,
0:26:43 > 0:26:47they're looking forward to returning to the county where Nigel grew up.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50And where he first met Lorna, almost 50 years ago.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53'Coming up - I'll be throwing a cat amongst the pigeons
0:26:53 > 0:26:55with our mystery house.'
0:26:55 > 0:26:58- Are we happy, Nigel?- Yes. Yeah, very happy. I like it.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- Absolutely, yeah.- Very much. - Certainly is a mystery house.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- 10 out of 10.- 10 out of 10?
0:27:04 > 0:27:09'And I'll be getting down and dirty with some Devon locals.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:11Well, I think, as we've discovered so far,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14the business of moving for Nigel and Lorna isn't just
0:27:14 > 0:27:18a physical process of getting themselves from Essex to Devon.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21It also involves an enormous emotional component as well.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25And in my experience, the best way to overcome that is just to keep looking.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29To keep going through the door of as many properties as you can.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32So, that is a theme we're going to continue with. One more to come.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34It's mystery house time.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Well, I think the field's still wide open.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- I think you're still waiting for a property to come and grab you.- Yes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- In a way that perhaps you didn't expect it to.- Yes, possibly.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I'm just waiting for that...
0:27:48 > 0:27:51That feeling you get that you know this is the one.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Which we got with the house we are currently in and that's
0:27:53 > 0:27:56what I guess... I'm hoping that I'll get that feeling again.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- You never know, maybe the mystery house might do it.- Well, we can hope!- We hope so.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05A 35-minute journey West takes us to our final
0:28:05 > 0:28:08destination in the village of Alverdiscott, around 20 minutes
0:28:08 > 0:28:12south of Barnstaple and five miles from the town of Great Torrington.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Great Torrington sits in the middle of beautiful
0:28:15 > 0:28:17North Devon countryside.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21The setting for the 1920s novel, Tarka The Otter.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25The town has plenty of shops and eateries lining its pretty streets.
0:28:25 > 0:28:29Plus, most exciting of all for Nigel, there's a golf club just over
0:28:29 > 0:28:3210 minutes away from our third and final property, the mystery house.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- So, this is our mystery house. - He-he! That's different.
0:28:39 > 0:28:45- It is very different. There is a complex of converted properties here in this old farmyard.- Right.
0:28:45 > 0:28:50Erm, the one I want you to think about is that yellow rendered chunk.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- Right.- It is by far the biggest.- I was going to say, it looks enormous.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57- It all goes sort of that way.- Wow.
0:28:57 > 0:28:58Again, we've stepped back in time,
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- in terms of the structure of the property.- Mm.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06- But inside, it's absolutely brand-new.- Oh, brilliant.- OK.- Sounds good.- Yeah?
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- Can't wait to see.- Are you happy? - BOTH: Yes.- Absolutely.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Is this a mystery house worth taking a closer look at?- Oh, definitely.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14- Definitely.- Right, come on then.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18'This interesting property is one of five here.
0:29:18 > 0:29:23'It was converted 24 years ago and is actually two homes knocked into one.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26'It may not be the detached home Lorna and Nigel are hoping for
0:29:26 > 0:29:30'but our mystery house is sure to deliver on many other levels.'
0:29:30 > 0:29:35- Come into our mystery house. That's the dining room.- Oh, yeah. Lovely.
0:29:35 > 0:29:41- All right?- OK.- But it all flows through to the kitchen.- Ah! Wow!
0:29:41 > 0:29:46- Wow.- That is lovely.- Lovely. - Definitely up my street. - I thought it might be.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49I mean, when it was two properties, this was the dividing line.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Oh, I see.- So, in making it all one, they've pushed through.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- It's very quirky.- Yeah. It's lovely.- A bit like us, really!
0:29:56 > 0:29:58THEY LAUGH
0:29:58 > 0:30:01It's just laid out exactly as I would have it done myself.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04And through that door there is the utility room, downstairs loo
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- and all the rest of it. - No, it's all been done beautifully.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- It's lovely, isn't it?- It's really lovely. I want to see more now.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13There's plenty of it! Come and have a look at this.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15'Across the hallway is the sitting room.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18'Once a round barn, it has a small mezzanine floor above it
0:30:18 > 0:30:21'and a conservatory to the back.'
0:30:21 > 0:30:25- Wow! - NIGEL LAUGHS - It's different again, isn't it?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- I am gobsmacked.- What a space! - It's beautiful. Really lovely.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30It's just been done so tastefully.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Sort of Christmassy, you can imagine, everybody being here for Christmas, couldn't you?- Yeah.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- Are we happy, Nigel?- Yes. Yeah, very happy. I like it.- Absolutely, yeah.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- Very much.- Certainly is a mystery house. 10 out of 10.- 10 out of 10?
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Oh, excellent! Right. Well, there's plenty more to spoil you with.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46Come this way.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51'Lorna and Nigel's reaction to this unusual conversion
0:30:51 > 0:30:55'is just what I've been waiting for. It has so many surprises all under one roof.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58'And just across the hallway is a cosy snug.'
0:30:58 > 0:31:00And it's got this lovely great big window above there,
0:31:00 > 0:31:05pouring light into it. So, maybe that's where you do the art?
0:31:05 > 0:31:09Oh, it's a lovely room. I think it's far too nice to do art in there.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12I wouldn't want to spoil it. I think it's lovely as it is, to be honest.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Well, my dad uses their conservatory for his artwork.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Maybe you could do the same with this one.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22The light is amazing here. And you've got the views as well, which could inspire.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Yeah, I think this is where the art would be.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27'Not only does the ground floor contain the impressive rooms
0:31:27 > 0:31:31'we've seen but there's also a self-contained annexe.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33'It has a living area and shower room.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37'And upstairs, an en-suite bedroom, which would be just the ticket
0:31:37 > 0:31:40'for Lorna and Nigel's son, Greg, while he finds his feet here in Devon.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43And as we move upstairs, in the main house, there is
0:31:43 > 0:31:46also a family bathroom and four bedrooms.
0:31:46 > 0:31:51There are two singles, with a shared en-suite, another single and a large master.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- Ah, that's a lovely size, isn't it?- Yes.- Yeah.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- Now, it's not en-suite but the bathroom is right next door.- Yes.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59- So, if you shifted the door...- Yes.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02..down the corridor, you could make it that way.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- But, to be honest, you wouldn't need to.- It's not a problem, is it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- It's just there.- An en-suite is not a big issue, is it?- No.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Are we still on a magical 10?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Erm, I think I'd give 10 downstairs probably 9 upstairs.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19But again, it's just the sizes of the other bedrooms,
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- I think is making that just go down a little bit.- Yeah.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24I'm still happy with a generous nine
0:32:24 > 0:32:26and, hopefully, the score will increase
0:32:26 > 0:32:29when Lorna and Nigel have seen outside.
0:32:29 > 0:32:30A beautiful landscaped garden,
0:32:30 > 0:32:34with a contemporary deck terrace and panoramic views.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36It's really nice, yeah.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39And it's a lovely garden and it's level, which is
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- a bonus for a garden in Devon.- Yeah.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Would this keep you busy enough, Nigel?
0:32:44 > 0:32:47It's a size that I won't be out here very long.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49You're going to be out playing golf, aren't you?
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Yeah, that's right.- That's what it is. Yeah.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53Let's get down to the nitty-gritty.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56It's difficult, because it's so beautiful,
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- but, bearing in mind it's not detached...- Yep.- Erm...
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Bang on the budget of 425. - 425, yeah, Nigel?
0:33:04 > 0:33:07Yeah, I think it might be slightly more.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09So we'll go...
0:33:09 > 0:33:10440,000.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15I think your instincts are right. But the reality is quite different.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16This is on the market
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- for £350,000.- You're joking?
0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Wow.- How about that?- Well!- Yeah.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24Yeah! Does that make your mind up?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27LORNA LAUGHS It certainly helps.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Go and have a look. Go and see what you're going to do
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- with all that space.- OK.- OK.- And I will catch up with you a bit later.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Well, there we go. Our magical mystery tour has ended
0:33:34 > 0:33:37with yet another magical mystery house.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39I do love it when a plan comes together.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43This rather stunning barn conversion
0:33:43 > 0:33:48is an unbelievable £75,000 under Lorna and Nigel's budget,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50which would give them a fabulous amount of pocket money
0:33:50 > 0:33:53to spend well into their retirement.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56As our mystery house, it might not be detached, but its exterior
0:33:56 > 0:34:00is full of character and the interior is completely modernised.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02The space it offers them means there's enough rooms
0:34:02 > 0:34:04to pursue their hobbies.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07The manicured gardens are just perfect to take in
0:34:07 > 0:34:10the splendid views and the annexe would give their son, Greg,
0:34:10 > 0:34:12his own space and privacy.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14- Oh, this is nice, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16That would make a lovely erm...
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- ..lounge.- ..lounge.- Or even another bedroom.- Yes, that's true.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- Because there's another en-suite through there, as well.- Yeah.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- Yeah, that would work really well. - Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:26It's something totally different.
0:34:26 > 0:34:29It's outside of my comfort zone, initially.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31But it works well.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34A real wow factor when we first walked in.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Everything's done... I mean, the kitchen is amazing.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Just the sort of kitchen I would really love.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41It had so many possibilities.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44Plenty of room for everybody,
0:34:44 > 0:34:48even if we had, you know, a load of friends arrive at the same time.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51There's somewhere for everybody to go.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53The actual layout of this and the size of it
0:34:53 > 0:34:56is a lot larger than I was thinking.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00But it is so beautiful. I think it's certainly a strong contender.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06- Well, you were hoping for a property that would grab you.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09- This one certainly has. - Hasn't it just?- Definitely.
0:35:09 > 0:35:11And, I'll be honest, I was a bit nervous with only one to go.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Would we do it, but...
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- maybe our mystery house is the one. - Yeah.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17It's certainly given us lots to think about.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- Yeah, we need to go away and think and...- Yeah.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Do a lot of thinking and a bit more research
0:35:22 > 0:35:24and get a few questions answered, don't we?
0:35:24 > 0:35:25- Yeah. I think so.- Yeah. Come on then.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Devon is the textbook retreat in the summer months
0:35:39 > 0:35:42and the waft of barbecue smoke, fuelled by charcoal,
0:35:42 > 0:35:44often fills the air.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49In the UK, we buy around 60,000 tonnes of the black fuel each year.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52But around 98% of it comes from overseas.
0:35:52 > 0:35:57Here, near Rackenford in rural Devon, Anna and Pete Grugeon
0:35:57 > 0:36:00traded in city life for the good life six years ago
0:36:00 > 0:36:03and produce about 3,000 bags of charcoal a year
0:36:03 > 0:36:07from wood felled on or near their 12½ acre smallholding.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Nice to see you. - I'm glad you got this up.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- It's pouring down out there. - That's typical, yeah.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Such is the life of a pair of charcoal makers.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18It can't be barbecue weather every day.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20So what got you into charcoal making?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Well, we wanted to buy our own bit of land.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25This bit of land, it lends itself to charcoal production.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28We've got overgrown hedges, so, by managing the land,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32we can take uncommercially viable wood, turn it into charcoal.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34But for anybody not in the know,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36what is charcoal?
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Charcoal's basically carbonised wood.
0:36:39 > 0:36:40You...
0:36:41 > 0:36:45..take a piece of wood and, in effect, you burn it.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48It removes all the water, it removes the volatile chemicals
0:36:48 > 0:36:52and you're left with what is reasonably close to pure carbon.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55It's amazing, isn't it? And it's always incredibly light,
0:36:55 > 0:36:56that's what I find amazing.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59So I suppose the great thing is you're using every component
0:36:59 > 0:37:01that a felled tree could possibly offer you.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Yes, so it does make it very cost-effective
0:37:04 > 0:37:07and environmentally sustainable.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Well, I'm fascinated to see how you do it.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13To turn rough wood into a product that you can now sell sustainably.
0:37:13 > 0:37:14I think that's brilliant.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17The wood Anna and Pete use is hardwood.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Ash, beech, oak and birch and it's felled at least six months
0:37:20 > 0:37:24before it's turned into charcoal, to let it season or dry out.
0:37:26 > 0:37:30It's a great way of using these old hedgerows, isn't it? Cos you've got
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- to thin them out.- Yeah.- And most of the time, this would just be chipped
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- on the side of the road, wouldn't it?- Absolutely.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39Or just piled up and burned, if it's in the woods.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- But you're using all of yours? - We are.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Not a lot goes to waste.- No.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47The wood's taken back to the barn,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49where it's split with an axe to make smaller pieces
0:37:49 > 0:37:53and then stored before being transferred to the kiln.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56Do you just chuck it in or is there some system?
0:37:56 > 0:37:58There is. We have the larger bits in the middle,
0:37:58 > 0:38:00cos that's the hottest part of the kiln.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04And then working our way to smaller bits towards the edge.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07The kiln is a bottomless cylinder of steel.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09It needs to be full to the top for the dried out wood
0:38:09 > 0:38:14and Anna and Pete burn around 45 kiln-loads of wood a year.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16The charcoal it produces is sold locally to farm shops,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18campsites and butchers.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21They also make charcoal for artists.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It takes around two hours to fill the kiln to the top.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28The smell here is fabulous.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- This lovely wood smoke smell.- Yeah.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33And I always thought that if you could bottle it and put it in a can
0:38:33 > 0:38:37and spray it around any house, you'd sell them all.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Maybe that could be your next business venture?- OK.- Maybe.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- It would be less effort than charcoal.- Wood smoke in a bottle.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- So the next step is the lid then? - Indeed.- It is, yes.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59'The lid is also made from steel and it controls the fire,
0:38:59 > 0:39:02'preventing the wood just burning to ash.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04'There are eight vents around the bottom of the kiln.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08'Chimneys are placed in four and four are air inlets.
0:39:08 > 0:39:11'These vents allow the air to travel in and out of the kiln,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13'slowly burning the wood.'
0:39:13 > 0:39:16So, at this stage, we're going to be lighting it
0:39:16 > 0:39:19and we need to get as much air going through to get it going as possible.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22So we've got the lids up at an angle,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26we've got the gaps in between the inlets and outlets all open, so...
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- Crudely industrial, I love it.- Yeah. - Yeah.
0:39:28 > 0:39:29- ANNA LAUGHS - Go on, then. Fire it up.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Let's see it go.- OK.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Anna lights a rag doused in vegetable oil, which is placed
0:39:35 > 0:39:37through one of the vents into the centre of the kiln
0:39:37 > 0:39:38to ignite the fire.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Well, guys. It certainly seems to be working.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47- Yep, it is.- Certainly alight.
0:39:47 > 0:39:51- So how long now till it's done? - We've got 18 hours.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55That's 18 hours of temperatures up to 800 degrees Centigrade
0:39:55 > 0:39:58to transform the dry wood into energy-giving charcoal
0:39:58 > 0:40:02and then another 24 hours to cool down and it's ready to be bagged.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04It has been a wonderful insight
0:40:04 > 0:40:08into one very unique couple's escape to the country.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Devon's charcoal makers. Here's to you. I love it.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13- Thanks.- Thanks.- Best of luck.
0:40:18 > 0:40:20Well, when we left the mystery house, you may recall that
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Nigel and Lorna said they needed to discuss
0:40:22 > 0:40:24all that we had shown them so far.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27But I'm afraid the time for talk is now over.
0:40:27 > 0:40:28It's decision time.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37Well, Lorna and Nigel. This has been quite an eventful week, I think.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40- One way and another.- It certainly has.- Yes.- But very enjoyable.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Well, I have to confess, I wasn't sure if we were going to find
0:40:43 > 0:40:46that elusive feeling that you've been looking for, of home.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49But then we took you to our mystery house,
0:40:49 > 0:40:51converted barn conversion, and, Lorna,
0:40:51 > 0:40:53your face just lit up when we got inside.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57It was. It was a real wow factor, that house. It was...
0:40:57 > 0:40:59When I looked outside, I thought...
0:40:59 > 0:41:01And you said it was modern inside,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03I couldn't imagine it as lovely as it was.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05It was beautiful inside.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- It was to die for, really, wasn't it?- Yeah. It was lovely.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- The shape of that ceiling, the roof. - And the lovely fireplace.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14And, of course, the separate wing, as it were,
0:41:14 > 0:41:18- that offered you potentially two en-suite bedrooms.- Yes.- Yeah.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21So ideal for guests, but, in the meantime, perhaps for Greg?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Yes, I think he would love it.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26He would have the same feelings that we had with it.
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Well, this is all very exciting, guys.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30Is there now a greater sense of urgency
0:41:30 > 0:41:32in getting this move underway?
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Yeah. I think now we need to go home,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38give it some serious thought and see where we go from there.
0:41:38 > 0:41:39As ever, let us know how you get on.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- OK, we'll certainly keep you posted. - Thanks for all your help, Jules.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44- Yeah.- It's been an absolute pleasure.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- Best of luck to the pair of you. - BOTH:- Thank you.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55You know, feeling at home in a new home can be harder
0:41:55 > 0:41:58than it might sound, particularly for a couple like Lorna and Nigel,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01who are making a move that means they've got to leave behind
0:42:01 > 0:42:04all that's been familiar for decades.
0:42:04 > 0:42:05And I have to confess, when we started out,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10I wasn't sure if, this week, our buyers would find that elusive
0:42:10 > 0:42:13feel-good factor that every successful house hunt needs.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17But, once again, it seems we have managed to save the best till last
0:42:17 > 0:42:20in our beautiful mystery barn conversion.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Now, there's still a long way to go before they're able to get it,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25but if they do have to keep searching,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28I'm confident that one thing is for sure -
0:42:28 > 0:42:31at least now, they should know what they're looking for.
0:42:31 > 0:42:32I'll see you next time.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Lorna and Nigel decided not to revisit the mystery house,
0:42:37 > 0:42:39but it did open their eyes to a different way of living
0:42:39 > 0:42:41and they've now had an offer accepted
0:42:41 > 0:42:45on another Devon barn conversion.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Scotland, Wales, England or perhaps even further afield
0:42:50 > 0:42:53to the Continent, and would like our help,
0:42:53 > 0:42:54then please apply online.