0:00:02 > 0:00:04Framed by the churches of St James and St Mary Magdalene,
0:00:04 > 0:00:07this historic county's cricket teams have been playing on this very
0:00:07 > 0:00:10pitch for the last 134 years.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14But where is this slice of quintessentially British
0:00:14 > 0:00:16sporting life? Find out in just a moment.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Today's buyers can't wait to make their great escape from the coast
0:00:38 > 0:00:41and immerse themselves in rural living.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46At times it seems as if our properties over deliver.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48It's a bit bigger than I was expecting really.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52But then some aspects receive an overwhelming response.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- Wow! That's a surprise.- Yes, what a surprise!- I didn't expect that.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57What a beautiful vista.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Today, I'm in Somerset
0:01:00 > 0:01:03and this is the County Cricket Ground in Taunton.
0:01:03 > 0:01:07The origins of cricket go back to the 1600s, with a game called stoball
0:01:07 > 0:01:09which used a tree stump as a wicket
0:01:09 > 0:01:12and a leather bag filled with quills as a ball.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17But by the end of the 19th century, the modern rules had developed.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And in 1875, the Somerset County Cricket Club was formed.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26And it's now one of the 18 top clubs in the country.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29I'll be coming back to find out more about the history of cricket
0:01:29 > 0:01:31later in the show,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35but the noble game is not the only thing this county is famous for.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Lying in the south-west of England, Somerset covers
0:01:40 > 0:01:43an area of over 1,600 square miles.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47And borders the coastal counties of Devon and Dorset.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50South Somerset, where we are focusing our search,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53is defined by its remote terrain
0:01:53 > 0:01:56with broad ridges and steep scarps.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Its limestone and sandstone geology
0:01:58 > 0:02:02form the bedrock of much of the local architecture here.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Montacute is a beautifully preserved village full of hamstone
0:02:05 > 0:02:09cottages, with the magnificent Montacute House at its heart.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Nearby, the small market town of Somerton in the valley
0:02:13 > 0:02:17of the River Cary still retains its 17th century Butter Cross.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23Turning to the coast, Burnham-on-Sea is known for its wide sandy beaches.
0:02:23 > 0:02:29And inland lie the Somerset levels which stretch to the Mendip Hills.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Here 170,000 acres of wetland
0:02:32 > 0:02:36and river systems have been drained over several centuries and have
0:02:36 > 0:02:40become a haven for rare wildlife and a fertile ground for farming.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46With its windswept beaches, idyllic historic villages,
0:02:46 > 0:02:50and dramatic scenery, this diverse county has an enduring appeal.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57If you're buying a property here in Somerset, you'll be pleased
0:02:57 > 0:03:01to know that prices hang temptingly below the national average.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04The average price for a detached house in England
0:03:04 > 0:03:07and Wales is £284,000 at the moment.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08But if you come shopping
0:03:08 > 0:03:09here in Somerset,
0:03:09 > 0:03:13you could make a saving of £7,000 on that price.
0:03:13 > 0:03:14Although there is price difference,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18the further south you go, for example, from the Somerset levels
0:03:18 > 0:03:21down towards the Dorset border, prices do go up.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22What about our buyers though?
0:03:22 > 0:03:25What sort of people want to own a property in this glorious county?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33Former marketing consultant Les met retired civil servant Jean
0:03:33 > 0:03:36when they were out walking as part of an organised group
0:03:36 > 0:03:38back in the late '90s.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41I would describe Jean as being someone who is very loving,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43very caring.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46And also up for trying anything. An adventurer.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49I would describe Les as the ideas man.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Coming up with all the ideas to fulfil these
0:03:52 > 0:03:55adventures that we end up going on.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00The couple have spent their whole lives in Chichester, West Sussex.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03They have five children between them from previous marriages
0:04:03 > 0:04:05who have all now flown the nest.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09So Les and Jean feel it's time for a change of lifestyle.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Chichester itself really hasn't got
0:04:11 > 0:04:13that village-y feel about it any more.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17It's got busier and busier so we want to move from more
0:04:17 > 0:04:20of an urban environment to a countryside environment.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22And we just feel like we'd like a new playground to play in
0:04:22 > 0:04:24in our later years.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Our buyers were all set on moving to France before the arrival
0:04:27 > 0:04:29of their new grandson.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31But now definitely want to stay in the UK.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34They've decided to put down roots in Somerset
0:04:34 > 0:04:37after initially researching across the border.
0:04:37 > 0:04:41We were looking in Dorset. East Dorset didn't really do it for us.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Then when we crossed the border into South Somerset,
0:04:44 > 0:04:48the beautiful hamstone buildings were there. Lovely yellow stone.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And you just look out across the countryside.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53We just thought, "This is it. This is fabulous."
0:04:53 > 0:04:56They're keen to move away from a coastal location and seek out
0:04:56 > 0:05:01the wide open spaces and fine local produce of the countryside.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04It will offer us 360 degrees.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08Because when you're here, you only have 180 degrees because of the sea.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15We both love walking. We like cycling as well.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17And to try some of the local beers as well,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- that's something to look forward to. - And ciders.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22And ciders. Yes, we do particularly like cider.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Les and Jean spent a year travelling
0:05:25 > 0:05:27across Europe in their trusty motorhome.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Before that, Les was particularly taken with exploring
0:05:30 > 0:05:33British shores by boat.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35You enjoyed the sailing more than me.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37Jean enjoyed the leaving and the arriving,
0:05:37 > 0:05:39the bit in the middle she wasn't keen on.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42The bit in the middle I was a bit frightened of.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46And so we found that we'd seen all the coastal areas.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49We thought the motorhome would be a great way of travelling round.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51To see more inland areas.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Eager to move onto the next chapter in their lives,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57our couple are all fired up to find the house of their dreams.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00We've already sold our house, luckily.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03So the hunt is on quite seriously to find somewhere,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05sooner rather than later.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07This house that we are going to is going to be our first ever
0:06:07 > 0:06:09house that we have chosen together.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12So, for us, it's quite a step really. Raring to go.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Les and Jean have been touring around getting to know this
0:06:19 > 0:06:20part of the country.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23And they are open-minded about where they would like to settle down.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I'm catching up with them
0:06:25 > 0:06:29to get a better idea of what their ideal country home looks like.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Good morning. Welcome to slightly damp Somerset. Sorry about the rain.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37It's not always like this here and it's meant to clear up a bit later.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Thank you very much.- You have already sold your house.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44Yes, two weeks ago we moved from our house in West Sussex.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- And we are now based here. - In your motor home.- Exactly, yeah.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- That's right, yes.- Wow.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Because we are new to the area we have no friends or family here.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54So we've been out exploring all the different villages
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and the countryside in the area. And we like it very much.
0:06:57 > 0:06:58Good, that's a good sign.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02So tell me exactly what it is you're looking for in terms of the house.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07We'd like three bedrooms. Preferably in a village location.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10We'd like enough space for the motorhome to be kept
0:07:10 > 0:07:14at the house, along with our car. And preferably detached.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18When you say a village, what sort of village? What's your dream village?
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Our dream village, I suppose it's got a village shop, pub perhaps,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26and a village hall where lots of activities go on
0:07:26 > 0:07:29so we can join in and become part of the community.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31And remind us your budget.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We've got a budget of up to 400,000.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39But if a house ticks all the boxes then we could push up to 425,000.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41We've got some lovely properties actually.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44- So let's get in the car and go see. Follow me. Let's go.- OK.- Thank you.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52Armed with a maximum budget of £425,000,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Les and Jean's brief is pretty concise.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59They are after a three-bed property situated within a village
0:07:59 > 0:08:01with access to a local community
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and enough space to accommodate their motorhome.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07We've a stunning selection of properties lined up which
0:08:07 > 0:08:11reflect the Somerset heritage and charm that appeals to them so much.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15After viewing each one, I'll then reveal the price tags.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Finally, there is the Mystery House, whose unique heritage might
0:08:18 > 0:08:21charm but ultimately challenge our pragmatic couple.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28Psychologically, it's quite an important move,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31it's like a break with a lot of tradition and...
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Yes. As we've both lived there in that area since we were young.
0:08:34 > 0:08:3850 years we've been there. But I think we were ready for it though.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Do you have any nerves?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Not really, no.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I think because we went away for that year, um,
0:08:45 > 0:08:48travelling in Europe and met so many nice people.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I think also the year away in the van made us
0:08:50 > 0:08:53realise we don't need to be tied to that area.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55There is a big wide world out there.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59So I think those two factors have helped us to decide to make
0:08:59 > 0:09:03this large move for us, you know, away from friends and family.
0:09:03 > 0:09:04It's exciting really.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07In terms of the property, are there any kind of no-nos or anything
0:09:07 > 0:09:09that you really won't tolerate?
0:09:09 > 0:09:12Road noise really is my bugbear.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15I think really, as far as the homeliness of the house,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18I think Jean is the driver of that really.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19If she's happy then I'm happy.
0:09:21 > 0:09:22It's a winning combination.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29Our property search starts in the south of the county in Bishopswood.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32Located on the edge of the Blackdown Hills,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35the is a strong sense of community in this tight-knit village,
0:09:35 > 0:09:37where there is a local chapel and a pub.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41In nearby Churchinford, there is also a useful community-run shop
0:09:41 > 0:09:45which would be an ideal meeting point for getting to know local residents.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49Back in Bishopswood, and just a short stroll from the centre,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52in a secluded spot, is our first option.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55This is it. House number one.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Hey. Yeah, nice.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01It's the old mission house. It goes back to the end of the 19th century.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03So you see it is attached.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- That slightly yellow outfit is your neighbours.- Right.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08What are your first impressions from the outside?
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- It's big. It's good. - Yes, it's nice.- It's a good size.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- A lovely front garden as well. - Yeah.- Not too big.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- Could you get the campervan here? - I've got nine paces for the van.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- OK, you can measure that later. - Nine paces and it will fit.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I was thinking about it. You could perhaps remodel the front garden.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27There's a sort of bay but you could open that up
0:10:27 > 0:10:28and maybe make space for it.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Yeah. Let's investigate that and see.- Let's go in.- OK.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35This former mission house was built in 1889 to house
0:10:35 > 0:10:38the pastor of Bishopswood church.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40Constructed from local flint,
0:10:40 > 0:10:43in recent years the front facade has been rendered.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Come into the front room.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49It's a very simple layout in this house.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52It's essentially two big rooms downstairs, back and front windows.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53It's very light, isn't it?
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- In terms of proportion, is this what you were looking for?- It is, yeah.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58This has really excellent proportions.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Yeah, it's a good size.- Yes. - And square which is what we like.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02You can always make a lot out of a square room
0:11:02 > 0:11:04rather than a long, thin room, I think.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- A log burner. Beautiful. - I hadn't seen that at first.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- That's what we wanted. Very nice. - JEAN LAUGHS
0:11:10 > 0:11:11We like what we see so far.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- Let's have a look at the kitchen/diner.- Right.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Wow.- Wow.- Good size. This is a mirror size from next-door.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Absolutely, yes. But bigger bay window.- There is a bay window there.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- Such a lot of light coming in. - Lovely.- Yes.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32This was originally two rooms and the current owners sort of
0:11:32 > 0:11:35knocked them through so that the kitchen was part of the dining room.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I don't know whether there is a utility room as well.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40- There is a little bit more storage round the corner.- Yes. Yes.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Really nice to be cooking here and have everybody sitting here
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and you can chat with them while you are at it.
0:11:47 > 0:11:48- That's great.- Good.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Upstairs, I'm going to show you the master bedrooms.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- BOTH:- OK.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00On the first floor, there are three double bedrooms and a bathroom.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04One particularly spacious room in the eaves of the garage
0:12:04 > 0:12:07is accessed through an adjoining room just off the landing.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12However, we are exploring the largest bedroom in the main house.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15This is a lovely room, I think, the master bedroom.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- Yes, yes, it is. And a nice squarish room as well.- Again, light as well.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- Windows at either end.- Lovely views of the countryside and the garden.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Yes.- There is an en suite.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28This is the one room that they haven't done up.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- It's got a sort of disability bath in it.- OK.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34Is it tugging at your heartstrings, that's the question?
0:12:34 > 0:12:39So far, for me, it's not quite ticking enough boxes.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41It's a nice house with nice, proportioned rooms.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Maybe it's just the age of the house.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46There's aspects of it from a maintenance point of view.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48There's things that need to be brought up to a level
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- that I would prefer.- It's a bit bigger than I was expecting really,
0:12:51 > 0:12:53I don't know, perhaps a little bit older.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- Yes, it's hard to put your finger on, isn't it?- It is.- Yeah.
0:12:56 > 0:12:57No, absolutely.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00It's just what you feel when you walk in initially, I suppose.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03Although it is growing on me because of the lightness,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05that is one of the factors that I do like.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I'll let you explore the other rooms upstairs in your own time.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- Let's go and look in the garden.- OK.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Although Les and Jean have mixed feelings about the interior
0:13:14 > 0:13:17of this property, the garden, which is mostly laid to lawn with
0:13:17 > 0:13:22maintained flower beds, has views which should lift both their spirits.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- Oh, marvellous!- That's beautiful.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26That's definitely ticks a box. Without a doubt.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28What do you think of the garden?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- It's a manageable size. Doesn't look like too much hard work...- Hmm.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- ..to keep.- Yeah, it's well established.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37This is north facing. In the countryside that doesn't really make
0:13:37 > 0:13:40much difference cos you've got the sun all over the expanse of the day.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Mmm.- But this is a nice place to eat in the evening.- Yeah.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45- Mm, lovely.- Yeah. - The back of the house, you can
0:13:45 > 0:13:48see the more historic stonework which was all rendered at the front.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53I prefer this flint look to it than the rendered front, to be honest.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56Yeah. So how much do you think this one is on the market for?
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I think I would say 415,000.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02I'm going to go for a more conservative 400,000.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04Good. You are closer to the mark, actually.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- It's actually on the market for 395. - OK.- Oh.- Right. Not far out then.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11Go back inside and have a look around.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15- Then I'll catch you out the front and we can press on.- OK.- Fine.- Thank you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22£30,000 under budget, our first property gives them
0:14:22 > 0:14:26the three bedrooms they asked for, sits in an ideal
0:14:26 > 0:14:29edge of village setting, and benefits from stunning views.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33There is also potential space for Les and Jean's motorhome.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35Ah-ha! My man cave. It's brilliant.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- It's a nice, big garage. - I like this.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- I'm sure you will enjoy this. - Yeah, it's fine with me.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46- This must be above the garage then. This is huge, isn't it?- Ah!
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I think this is bigger than the main bedroom.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50But what would you do with that...?
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- I'm not sure what I'd use it for, to be honest.- Yeah.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53It's a very nice house.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56It's got a lot of good design features in there.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59I find the bedroom above the garage space with that
0:14:59 > 0:15:01sort of anteroom is a bit of an oddity, really.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06From my point of view, it's not ringing my bell, as they say.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08The lounge is very nice.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11And I certainly like the kitchen/diner too.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14The garden is to die for, especially the views.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16It's quite a large property.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19Probably a bit bigger than we were imagining.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22I think it's opened my eyes to the fact that
0:15:22 > 0:15:25I really want something a bit more cosy, I suppose. Yeah.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28- Ready, guys?- Yes, we are. - Just pull the door.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30- Let's press on to house number two. - OK.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39But before the second property, Les and Jean are getting
0:15:39 > 0:15:43acquainted with the south-west's great reputation for food production.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47The dairy industry here contributes about £1 billion
0:15:47 > 0:15:50annually to the local farming economy.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54Artisan-made products use the region's natural resources.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Cheddar cheese, made from local cow's milk, matures
0:15:57 > 0:16:02deep inside the caves of the famous gorge from which it gets its name.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05The region is less known for its goat population
0:16:05 > 0:16:07and the milk they produce to make cheese.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09We've arranged for food enthusiasts Les and Jean
0:16:09 > 0:16:14to meet Matthew Organ - technical manager of Lubborn Creamery.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16First up, they are meeting the resident goat herd.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18How many goats do you have here?
0:16:18 > 0:16:21On the farm here they have a number of breeds - Saanens,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24Anglo-Nubians, Alpines and a number of crosses as well.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- About 1,000 milkers.- 1,000!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28How often are the goats milked?
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- Twice a day.- Twice.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Early in the morning and sort of early in the evening.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36So how many litres of milk would a goat produce in a year?
0:16:36 > 0:16:39A typical goat here would produce about 900L per year.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Is the West Country particularly good for dairy farming?
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Yes, it is because the climate allows for the growth
0:16:45 > 0:16:48of a lot of the crops that they feed on for the whole of the year.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51So what does the feed consist of?
0:16:51 > 0:16:52On this particular farm,
0:16:52 > 0:16:57it's maize and grass silage supplemented with barley and soya.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Would you like to see the creamery? - We'd love to.- Thank you.- OK.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06The milk from the farm is collected three times a week.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09And, together with goat's milk sourced from other local farms,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12is delivered directly to the creamery in Chard.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16The milk is immediately pasteurised by being heated
0:17:16 > 0:17:20to around 70 degrees Celsius to kill harmful bacteria
0:17:20 > 0:17:25and retain flavour before beginning the process of becoming cheese.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26Welcome to our maturing room here
0:17:26 > 0:17:29where the goat's cheese are finishing off their
0:17:29 > 0:17:30mould coat development.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33They would have been made about nine or ten days ago.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Do you have to do anything special for the mould to start growing?
0:17:37 > 0:17:40We add special cultures to the milk to start with
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and then we will spray some onto the surface.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46It feels a bit chilly in here. What actually is the temperature?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48The temperature, once the cheese are on the racks,
0:17:48 > 0:17:50is about 13 centigrade.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53And we've got quite a humid atmosphere to help
0:17:53 > 0:17:54the coats to develop.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57How much cheese do you produce a year?
0:17:57 > 0:18:01For the 100g goat's cheese, it's about 3.25 million of those.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07Lower in calories, cholesterol and fat than its bovine counterpart,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10goat's cheese is also popular as it is great for people who
0:18:10 > 0:18:14suffer from allergies to dairy products made from cows' milk.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17However, given the fact that goats don't produce as much
0:18:17 > 0:18:21milk as cows, you can expect to pay around 15% more for the product.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25Matthew is taking our couple to sample one of the most popular
0:18:25 > 0:18:27goats' cheeses in the UK.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29He also has a slightly less conventional recipe
0:18:29 > 0:18:31for them to try too.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33If you'd like to try a piece.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34Thank you.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Lovely, thank you very much.
0:18:39 > 0:18:40- Mm.- Mm.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42Mm. Very nice.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Much milder than I thought it might be.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47It's lovely and creamy as well.
0:18:47 > 0:18:48That tastes really good.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50This is also something else that we recommend.
0:18:50 > 0:18:52- Oh!- Wow! - THEY LAUGH
0:18:52 > 0:18:53What are they?
0:18:53 > 0:18:55They are goat's cheese chocolate truffles.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- Please try one.- Oh, lovely. Yes, I'll have this one, thank you.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04- Gorgeous! Gorgeous. - Really nice.- Mm.- Mm.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07You know that cheese kit I bought you a few months ago?
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- Mm.- You can start making cheese now
0:19:09 > 0:19:11and perhaps we can end up with some of these.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14I don't think I'll be any competition for you...
0:19:14 > 0:19:16- That's a relief! - ..with my cheesemaking kit.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18- Thanks for a lovely day. It was superb.- Pleasure.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Les and Jean certainly enjoyed savouring these Somerset delights.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26So let's return to our property search and find out
0:19:26 > 0:19:28if our next house whets their appetite too.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33To get there we are travelling to West Chinnock.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Lying at the foot of Ham Hill,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39this attractive village is set within a conservation area,
0:19:39 > 0:19:44where beautiful period buildings are constructed from local hamstone.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46A vibrant community thrives here.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49And just around the corner from the pub is our next property.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- Right.- Wow.- The second property.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Ah. Here we are.- Different to the last one.- Certainly is.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00- Different period.- This is nice. - Lots of room here on the drive.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04That's what I thought, it's perfect for the camper.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- It's a fairly modern property.- OK.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- But as you can see, it's kind of in a sort of sympathetic stone build.- Mm.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13I think it looks tidy. It looks compact.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- The house to me looks much more together than the last house.- Mm.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19And again, my practical head says it looks like it's easier
0:20:19 > 0:20:21maintenance than the other house as well.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25I think it's got the potential for a lovely view out, I would imagine.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26Yeah, let's go inside.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Built in the early 1970s, this modern stone bungalow provides deceptively
0:20:32 > 0:20:36large living areas inside, as they are about to discover.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38Come in.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45- Here we go.- That's a surprise! - Surprise?- That's it, yeah.
0:20:45 > 0:20:50- It's big.- It's all on one level. You've got a nice L-shaped room.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- Plus the conservatory which they added.- Does make a very nice room.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56They have an open fire there, by the looks of it.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Yeah, it's an open fire. You can put logs on in winter.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03- And the sort of bay window which they also added.- Lovely, isn't it?
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Yeah, looking out to the garden.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07It lets a lot of light in too.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Yeah. I think this is much more our style than the previous property.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14- Mm.- So, yeah, I'm liking what we see so far.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17This feels a bit more homely, this feels like something...?
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Yes, it does.- I think this is more us really, isn't it?
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Great. Let's take a look in the kitchen.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26The light, spacious conservatory here has a lovely view over
0:21:26 > 0:21:30the garden and can be accessed from both the living room and the kitchen.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36It's another surprise really, isn't it? It's quite a pleasant room.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39It's a dining kitchen. This is the area we would use
0:21:39 > 0:21:41on a day-to-day basis when it's just the two of us here.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Whereas the dining area in there
0:21:43 > 0:21:45would be if the family come and visit.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It's a sort of zigzag shape, the kitchen.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49It's partly the way they've designed it with the kitchen units.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52But you get extra work surfaces. It goes around there into the
0:21:52 > 0:21:55conservatory so you can eat there in the summer if you want to.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58You could have all the windows open. It's a bungalow.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00The bedrooms are all on this floor. But there are plans...
0:22:00 > 0:22:02There's a huge loft space up the top.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05So there are plans, or have been plans made, to take that up
0:22:05 > 0:22:08and have a big master suite with an en suite.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10I suppose you get a feel for the house for a while
0:22:10 > 0:22:12and then decide whether you need that space or not.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14At least it's a good option to have.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16Some positive thinking from Les,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19who is clearly buoyed by the potential of this property.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22Off the main hallway and to the left side of the bungalow
0:22:22 > 0:22:24there are the three bedrooms.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Two cosy but light doubles.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31And one single, currently used as a playroom.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35The four-piece family bathroom is next-door to what could be
0:22:35 > 0:22:36the master.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38Couldn't decide which room to show you
0:22:38 > 0:22:41because there is another room at the front which is maybe slightly bigger.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- But then there is this room. They are not huge bedrooms.- No.- No.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46I think there is enough room.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- Obviously there is a big wardrobe here.- Wardrobe fits in there OK.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Got storage here. More wardrobe space.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Right. The back of the house. It's nice and quiet here. Works well.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Good, OK. This is another house you'd need to really explore to make
0:22:58 > 0:23:01sense of how everything joins up. But I do want to show you the garden.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03So lead the way back out.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12With access to outside, there is a home office off the double garage.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15The rear garden here offers a large paved area.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Ideal for dining outdoors.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20And there is also another bonus at the end of the garden.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- This is a little added extra.- Wow! That's a surprise.- What a surprise!
0:23:25 > 0:23:28I didn't expect that. What a beautiful vista.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It's great, isn't it?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33The raised terrace here really takes advantage of these beautiful
0:23:33 > 0:23:34rolling hills and fields.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- You've got the church steeple over there.- Yeah. Yeah.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- And a little kind of a barbecue area. - Yes.- Very good.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Is it too much?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Well, this is the question, isn't it?
0:23:44 > 0:23:47We have to consider the fact we have the motorhome
0:23:47 > 0:23:49and are sometimes away two, three months.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52We have to think about whether it's a little bit too much for us
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- to manage. But, yeah... - We can have a think about it.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57If we could put the house here, we'd be in business.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59THEY LAUGH
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Might be a little more expensive. Will it be in your budget?
0:24:01 > 0:24:03How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:24:03 > 0:24:07I think it's going to be around about 400, 420.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- I'll plump for the 410. Somewhere in the middle.- OK.
0:24:10 > 0:24:16I'm going rather lower than you. I think £385,000.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19OK. Interestingly, again, both of you have over estimated.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- This is on the market for £375,000. - Oh, really? Surprising.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- That's cheaper than you thought. - It is, yeah. I'm surprised.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29So that would give you quite a hefty chunk of money to kind of...
0:24:29 > 0:24:32- Do what we wanted to.- Do what you wanted.- Yeah, think about the loft.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- That's a surprise. Yeah. - Yeah.- A nice surprise?- It is.- Yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39- Always nice to overestimate, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42- OK, so go and explore. There is another man cave for you.- Right.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45And, you know, maybe have a look around the garden and see
0:24:45 > 0:24:47whether you can make it work for you.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- And I'll see you out front. - OK. Thanks.- OK.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Much more satisfying.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57It seems like this is more in keeping with what they are looking for.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And even though the garden might be a bit big, it could just work.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06£50,000 below their budget,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10this generous three-bedroom bungalow situated in the heart of a village
0:25:10 > 0:25:13provides gorgeous views over rolling countryside.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17There's also more than enough parking space for their motorhome.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20- Oh, this is a conservatory here.- Oh!
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- It's lovely and warm in here at the moment.- Yeah. Good space.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24You could sit in here in the winter
0:25:24 > 0:25:26and it would be nice and warm if the sun's out.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Yeah, you'd get the sun in the winter.
0:25:28 > 0:25:29I'm very impressed with the property.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32It's got an awful lot of positives about it.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34The parking at the front was ideal.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35I've done my pacing out
0:25:35 > 0:25:38and the van will fit in there easily along with the car,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40so that certainly ticks that box for us no problem,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42along with the double garage.
0:25:42 > 0:25:43I think it's a contender.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45It's a nice house in a lovely village
0:25:45 > 0:25:47in a lovely, quiet location.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50It has a cosier feel than the previous house.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54I think I could see myself living in this village and in this house.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- OK?- Yes, thank you.- All done?
0:25:57 > 0:26:00- Well, those are your two properties for the day.- Fine.- Thank you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03So, now we can rest and get ready for the Mystery House tomorrow.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- Look forward to it.- OK, great.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17It's day two of our house-hunt in Somerset
0:26:17 > 0:26:21and with a budget of up to £425,000,
0:26:21 > 0:26:23Les and Jean from the Sussex city of Chichester
0:26:23 > 0:26:27are on a mission to find their perfect country pad.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Coming up, our mystery property serves up a slice of history
0:26:30 > 0:26:32that's off the scale...
0:26:32 > 0:26:35- I've never seen anything like it, actually.- I'm speechless.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39..and I find out why Somerset is proud of its County Cricket Club
0:26:39 > 0:26:42and try and educate myself about the game.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46If you could explain the rules of this to me, then I'd be on board.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50Yesterday was interesting, wasn't it? It brought everything into focus
0:26:50 > 0:26:52about what Les and Jean are looking for
0:26:52 > 0:26:55because I think they don't really want
0:26:55 > 0:26:56a period, character property.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58They want something a bit more modern,
0:26:58 > 0:27:01a bit more sort of lock-up-and-leave and low-maintenance.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03HE LAUGHS So, for the Mystery House,
0:27:03 > 0:27:05we're taking them to a quite ancient
0:27:05 > 0:27:08and probably quite high-maintenance property,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10but it's beautiful.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12And we never said it was going to be easy with the Mystery House.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19So, what do you think we might show you for the Mystery House?
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Well, I've been thinking about this and I'm thinking,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25bearing in mind the county we're in - Somerset, cider -
0:27:25 > 0:27:27maybe it's an old cider barn.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- Oh.- Very county-specific. Good.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32SHE LAUGHS What about you, Les?
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Well, on our travels,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38I've seen quite a few thatched properties around.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I've got a sneaky suspicion it might be a thatched property.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43How would you feel about either of those?
0:27:43 > 0:27:46- I wouldn't mind the barn. - SHE LAUGHS
0:27:46 > 0:27:49I think we're curious to see whatever it is, really.
0:27:49 > 0:27:54If it's got the wow factor, then we could have our heads turned.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59For our mystery property, we're heading to Hinton St George.
0:27:59 > 0:28:00This sought-after village,
0:28:00 > 0:28:04with its handsome, honey-coloured, limestone cottages and thatches,
0:28:04 > 0:28:09is home to a local store, tearoom and award-winning pub.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Up until the 1960s, the whole village was owned by the Poulett family,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16whose ancestors served Queen Elizabeth I.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Today, there's an active community here holding weekly events.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22On the outskirts of the historic centre
0:28:22 > 0:28:28and set within a private estate is our rather magnificent Mystery House.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- LES LAUGHS - Well...
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- Here we are.- It's amazing.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- LES LAUGHS - It is something, yes.- Look at that.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37I didn't expect that for one moment.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- You thought it would be a thatched cottage...- That's right.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- ..or a barn conversion. - Or a barn conversion.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44- Nothing like this at all. - Well, it is a conversion.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46It's a sort of stately home conversion.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50What we're looking at is essentially the Georgian wing
0:28:50 > 0:28:51of a much bigger aristocratic pile,
0:28:51 > 0:28:53some parts of which have been demolished.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58And you get one very stately slice of this beautiful Georgian property.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- Wow.- Looking forward to seeing inside.
0:29:00 > 0:29:01Yeah, sounds exciting.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- Let's go and look. It's quite a long drive.- Let's do it.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07The Poulett family actually owned
0:29:07 > 0:29:11this Grade II listed Georgian mansion until the 1960s
0:29:11 > 0:29:13when it was then sold and developed
0:29:13 > 0:29:16into eight separate residential dwellings.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20However, the historic bones of the house have been well preserved.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23The mystery property is split over four floors,
0:29:23 > 0:29:27so will this layout and grandeur be a step too far
0:29:27 > 0:29:29for our pragmatic couple?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- Ha-ha!- Goodness! - SHE CHUCKLES
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- Wow! - SHE LAUGHS
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- This is a wow room, isn't it? - It is. It is a wow room.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- It is impressive.- Yeah.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- An extraordinary vaulted ceiling. - Yeah. Yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46I've never seen anything like it, actually.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50- Yeah, it's amazing.- I'm speechless. - SHE LAUGHS
0:29:50 > 0:29:52It's certainly different, that's for sure.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55HE CHUCKLES Could you imagine living here?
0:29:55 > 0:29:58- That's the question. - I think you could, couldn't you?
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- SHE LAUGHS - I think I could, yes.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03Yeah, Jean has fancied this type of concept
0:30:03 > 0:30:07of an apartment or a wing in a lot more older stately house,
0:30:07 > 0:30:09so I think you could see yourself there.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11- I could.- I don't know if I'm ready for it myself yet...
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- Really?- ..but I think Jean might be persuaded.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17- What puts you off?- I just...
0:30:17 > 0:30:19I suppose I'm used to the independence
0:30:19 > 0:30:22of having my own property with my own drive
0:30:22 > 0:30:24and my own garage and my own garden.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I'd maybe need to think about it for a while longer.
0:30:27 > 0:30:28It's a very different offering.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30That's why we saved it for the Mystery House.
0:30:30 > 0:30:31It's very gracious living.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34I mean, you can fill it with beautiful furniture.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35Lots to explore, then.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37We're going to go down again and start with the kitchen,
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- which is underneath us.- OK.- OK.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44In contrast to the grand proportions of the reception rooms,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47the charming country kitchen on the lower ground floor
0:30:47 > 0:30:50was refurbished by the current owner eight years ago.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Smaller kitchen. Nice and cosy.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54And underfloor heating throughout here.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56Yes. Enough cupboard space here.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Yeah. Like the colours. Nice, soft colours...
0:30:58 > 0:31:00- Nice and light. - ..with the wooden work surfaces.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02A little area there to...
0:31:02 > 0:31:05Yeah, that's probably where you'd eat most of your breakfasts and things.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07It is a cosy, cosy kitchen.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09I think it is a really cosy kitchen. I like it.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11So, it's not prohibitively small for you?
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- No, I don't think so, actually.- No.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15It's a good size, I think, for the two of us.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17We've got three stories. Well, four, including this one.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21The middle storey is a study - a very nice study - and a washroom.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24- And then the three bedrooms are up the top...- Three bedrooms?
0:31:24 > 0:31:26..and some very lovely views.
0:31:30 > 0:31:31With a spring in our step,
0:31:31 > 0:31:33we're making our way up the impressive staircase
0:31:33 > 0:31:35to the top floor.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37There are two generous doubles,
0:31:37 > 0:31:41one of which is the master with its own en suite.
0:31:41 > 0:31:45There's also a good-sized single and a modern family shower room.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47This, I think, is one of the most charming rooms.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50- It's got amazing views. They all have views on this side.- Yes, lovely.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53It's got a lovely light and airy feel to it, hasn't it?
0:31:53 > 0:31:55- This would be the spare bedroom, in a sense.- Mm.- Right.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58- Yeah, a very good size. - Certainly for a second bedroom.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01- It's a well proportioned room. - Yes.- It's very good.- Good.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04I'll let you explore everything in more detail later on, as always,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07but let's go and look at the garden and see which space you have.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12Jean seems to be quietly impressed by the mystery property,
0:32:12 > 0:32:16even if Les might need a little more convincing.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Perhaps the small but perfectly formed garden
0:32:18 > 0:32:21might appeal to his practical side.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22There's also a sun terrace,
0:32:22 > 0:32:26ideally positioned to take full advantage of the vast grounds
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and a single garage with parking to the rear of the house.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31So, you have your own knot garden.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- SHE LAUGHS - Is that what it is?- Yeah.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36So, these are like knots of topiary.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38- Box-trimmed hedges. - Box hedges, yeah.- OK.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41And it's really just this little portion.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43So, it's a pretty small, easy-maintenance garden,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46but all of this space behind is owned by the big house
0:32:46 > 0:32:47and maintained by them,
0:32:47 > 0:32:50so you don't have to do anything to look after that.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52It doesn't belong to you, but you do get to enjoy it.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Yes. Yeah.- OK.- And borrow the view. - And borrow the view.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59This is south-west facing, so you get sun all afternoon here.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- And this is quite private, in a way, isn't it, here...- It is.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07- ..with the bushes round?- I mean, it's a difficult one to price...
0:33:07 > 0:33:09Oh, the price. Yes. I'd forgotten about that.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11..because it's not really what you've been looking at.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14What do you think this would be worth?
0:33:14 > 0:33:16- Jean? - SHE LAUGHS
0:33:16 > 0:33:22- No?- I would say £435,000. - Ooh. Right.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25I'm going to go slightly less at 425.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- Well, in this instance, you are spot-on.- Ah!- It is on at 425.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32I can see, you know, why it warrants that price
0:33:32 > 0:33:34cos it is a delightful property.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36Obviously, it's a lot to get your head round
0:33:36 > 0:33:37cos it's not what you asked for,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40but if you want to go back in and explore,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42there's a whole floor that we didn't look at in the middle.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45And then I'll meet you at the back and we can go on from there.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- OK.- OK. Thank you.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Bang on budget at £425,000,
0:33:54 > 0:33:57our elegant Georgian mystery apartment with three bedrooms
0:33:57 > 0:34:00has fabulous views over the private grounds.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04With a manageable garden and motorhome parking,
0:34:04 > 0:34:05this offers country house living
0:34:05 > 0:34:09in a way Les and Jean could never have expected.
0:34:09 > 0:34:10A study.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13- That's a good size, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15We could get a desk in there and a computer in there.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- Could you do dressmaking in here? - I think I could, yeah.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20- There's enough light? - There is enough light, yes.- Yeah.
0:34:20 > 0:34:24It's a lovely apartment and that lounge is something to die for.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Beautiful vistas all round the place
0:34:25 > 0:34:27and a beautiful, peaceful setting out here
0:34:27 > 0:34:29out on the edge of the village.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32So, all in all, I think it's a really nice property.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35The head is really ruling my heart, I think, on this one
0:34:35 > 0:34:38and that takes precedence for us at the moment.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I think it could be a great property.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43I don't know if it's for me particularly.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46It's maybe something we'll consider at some time in the future.
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- So, that's all our three houses done.- Yeah.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53Let's go and find a place where we can discuss them.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01To many people,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03cricket is synonymous with the English countryside -
0:35:03 > 0:35:07picture perfect village greens and the sound of leather on willow.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10The sport was first played in southern England
0:35:10 > 0:35:12during the 16th century.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Thought to have been a children's game in its infancy,
0:35:15 > 0:35:18cricket was very much an English sport.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19By the end of the 19th century,
0:35:19 > 0:35:21with the expansion of the British Empire,
0:35:21 > 0:35:24the game had flourished internationally
0:35:24 > 0:35:28and is now played by 120 million people worldwide.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31However, I am not one of those people,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35so in order to gen up on the history of this popular English sport,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38I've come to Somerset County Cricket Club in Taunton,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41one of the homes of county cricket.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44The first stop is Somerset Cricket Museum
0:35:44 > 0:35:47where I'm meeting curator and secretary David Wood.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49- Hello, David.- How nice to see you. - How very nice.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Thank you for coming to visit us.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53What a great museum you have. It's a lovely building.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Well, we are very proud of it. It's at least 500 years old.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00It's the last remaining building of Taunton Priory,
0:36:00 > 0:36:04which was taken over by Henry VIII in 1537.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07I'm afraid you got the presenter who knows least about cricket
0:36:07 > 0:36:08and I'm actually most interested
0:36:08 > 0:36:10about the history of the cricket club itself.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14The cricket club itself was founded in 1875 in Sidmouth.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17The one thing I do know - Sidmouth is not in Somerset.
0:36:17 > 0:36:18So, how did that happen?
0:36:18 > 0:36:22The people who formed the club who were from Somerset
0:36:22 > 0:36:25had just played the Gentlemen of Devon and won
0:36:25 > 0:36:27and obviously thought that they were on a roll
0:36:27 > 0:36:29so they would set up their own county club.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Initially, the club prided themselves
0:36:32 > 0:36:34on being the MOST amateur cricket team
0:36:34 > 0:36:36in the County Championship.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39That is, until a series of successful wins
0:36:39 > 0:36:43granted them first-class status in 1891.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45So, when were the glory days?
0:36:45 > 0:36:49The glory days would have been about 1979 to 1983
0:36:49 > 0:36:52when we won five cups in four years.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54And at that time, of course, we had our great big three -
0:36:54 > 0:36:58Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Ian Botham and Joel Garner.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00The one highlight which we are least proud of
0:37:00 > 0:37:02is the fact that we've never won the County Championship,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05but every year, we strike out hopefully again
0:37:05 > 0:37:07and say, "This is going to be the year."
0:37:07 > 0:37:09And it will be one day.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13Before it became the sport of high society in the 18th century,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16crude bats and balls were made from sticks and crooks
0:37:16 > 0:37:18in rural communities.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21Today, though, with 30 years' experience,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24one of the world's most prestigious bat-making companies
0:37:24 > 0:37:27is based here at Somerset cricket ground.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30Company owner and master bat maker Rob Chambers
0:37:30 > 0:37:32is going to give me an insight
0:37:32 > 0:37:35into the winning formula behind creating a world-class bat.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39So, you're a traditional bat maker. Are you a dying breed?
0:37:39 > 0:37:42I'm probably one of only 20 left.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45So, talk me through the process. How do you actually make a bat?
0:37:45 > 0:37:49This is a segment of an English willow tree.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53We source these from Sussex in cleft form.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56From this stage, we then machine that material
0:37:56 > 0:37:58to a kind of workable size.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Now it's starting to look a bit more like a bat.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02The handle is actually made of a cane.
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- Cane as in bamboo cane? - Yeah, that's correct.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- It's very flexible.- Oh, right.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11So, if a cricket bat was made of sort of one piece,
0:38:11 > 0:38:14it would actually hurt every time you hit the ball.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- So, it's like a shock absorber? - Absolutely.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18From start to finish, how long is the process?
0:38:18 > 0:38:20On average, it's two to three hours.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24We're probably producing in the region of 40 to 50 bats a week.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26And presumably you're at the top end of the market.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29How much does a bat go for?
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- Somewhere in the region of £500... - Oh, really?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34..for a fully bespoke cricket bat.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37These championship bats marry 21st-century technology
0:38:37 > 0:38:40with the finest of traditional materials.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Nowadays, the design of the bats is larger and wider,
0:38:43 > 0:38:45which helps propel the ball further
0:38:45 > 0:38:48to gain more runs in a shorter space of time.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50APPLAUSE
0:38:50 > 0:38:53I'm catching up with the club's CEO, Guy Lavender,
0:38:53 > 0:38:56to see what the future holds for the club.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59This is a longer form of cricket. This is the four-day match.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02This is the kind of old school cricket.
0:39:02 > 0:39:05This is, in many people's view, proper cricket. Four days.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09A great test of cricket skill and ingenuity,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11pitting the batsmen against the bowlers.
0:39:11 > 0:39:13So, there's lots of other forms of cricket.
0:39:13 > 0:39:1520-over cricket is the up-and-coming,
0:39:15 > 0:39:17the new kid on the block, really.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Extremely popular.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23We're selling out our crowds for T20 every match that we have.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26T20 cricket, effectively, the clue is in the title -
0:39:26 > 0:39:2820 overs a side.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31So, the match lasts for three hours and one side wins.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34So, easy to understand, easy to follow.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36Do you have international sides playing here?
0:39:36 > 0:39:38Really exciting time for the club.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39We've got some amazing things going on.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42We've been selected as an international venue,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44so we've got England playing South Africa here in 2017
0:39:44 > 0:39:46and then the men's World Cup
0:39:46 > 0:39:49which takes place in England in 2019.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50And young players?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53Are you involved in furnishing the future in terms of teams?
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Yeah, absolutely. We've got a really good age group programme.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59We've got talented players coming into the age groups,
0:39:59 > 0:40:00really, from under ten onwards.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02We've got a really good track record
0:40:02 > 0:40:04of producing some of the best talent in the country.
0:40:04 > 0:40:06I have to say, you've sold it to me.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- You're a very good salesman for cricket.- Am I? Good!
0:40:08 > 0:40:11After years of like, "Hm, not sure about cricket," I'm on board.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13You've got to give it a go. T20, that's where to start.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16If you could explain the rules of this to me, then I'd be on board.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Well, we could sit down for an hour. - That could take us some time.
0:40:19 > 0:40:20- Thanks very much.- Not at all.
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- It's been a real pleasure. Good luck.- Thanks a lot.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Somerset County Cricket Club's pride
0:40:25 > 0:40:29in championing this very English sport is an inspiration.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32So much so that even I have been bowled over.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36MEN SHOUT
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Time to find how we've done here in Somerset
0:40:38 > 0:40:40finding a house for three -
0:40:40 > 0:40:43for Les, for Jean and their motorhome.
0:40:43 > 0:40:44Let's find out.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48Hello, guys.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Been a lovely week in Somerset with you two.
0:40:51 > 0:40:53- Very nice, yes. - Yeah, enjoyed it very much.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55And also really nice because you are so ready to move.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58- You know, you've got your house sold. - Yes, we have.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- You're living in your motorhome. - Motorhome, yes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02We can stay in the motorhome for the summer.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04I'm a bit concerned if it goes on too long.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06When the winter approaches...
0:41:06 > 0:41:07We don't want to be there for winter, no.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09So, of all the houses that you looked at,
0:41:09 > 0:41:11was there one that jumped out at you?
0:41:11 > 0:41:13I think the second house was the one that we quite fancied.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15That's the one we liked the best.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17What did the second house give you in terms of your journey
0:41:17 > 0:41:19towards finding a house here in Somerset?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21It gave us certainly room for the motorhome,
0:41:21 > 0:41:24which is a priority, really.
0:41:24 > 0:41:26And it's similar to the type of house we've had
0:41:26 > 0:41:28in the sort of modern refinements
0:41:28 > 0:41:30that we didn't find in the other houses.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32And what happens next? What's the next step?
0:41:32 > 0:41:37- Well, I think make arrangements to visit that second house again.- Yeah.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38But it's the first three houses we've seen
0:41:38 > 0:41:40since we've been in Somerset,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43so I think maybe have a look at one or two other houses as well now
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- just to compare, but... - Yes. Now you're free.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48- You have set us on our way, which is great.- That's great.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49It's been a real pleasure
0:41:49 > 0:41:51and I hope you find somewhere before the winter,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54but also that you get to enjoy Somerset
0:41:54 > 0:41:55in your mobile home for a while.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57Well, I think we've certainly decided,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59from the time we've been out here,
0:41:59 > 0:42:01that Somerset's the right place for us.
0:42:01 > 0:42:02- Definitely, yes.- Yes.
0:42:02 > 0:42:05- That's a bonus.- Thank you very much. - Great.- My pleasure.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It does show remarkable restraint
0:42:11 > 0:42:14that Les and Jean have been here in the county
0:42:14 > 0:42:16driving around Somerset villages in their motorhome
0:42:16 > 0:42:20not looking at any properties prior to us showing them our three.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23I'm hoping that even if they don't go for one of our houses,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26it will have inspired them to think differently
0:42:26 > 0:42:28and maybe put in some new elements into their house search.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31I hope that it's inspired you to join us next time
0:42:31 > 0:42:33for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Les and Jean gave the second property a lot of thought,
0:42:37 > 0:42:41but finally decided the layout wasn't ideal for them.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44However, the good news is that after our Somerset property search,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47they had an offer accepted on a house in Lopen
0:42:47 > 0:42:50and are set to move into the county very soon.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Wales or Northern Ireland and would like our help,
0:42:56 > 0:42:57you can apply at...