0:00:02 > 0:00:05200 years ago, this secluded cove was inaccessible by land,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08until a group of entrepreneurs came up with an ingenious plan
0:00:08 > 0:00:12to turn a remote beach into a popular seaside spot.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15Find out how, and where I am, in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35Today's dog-loving duo have a keen eye for detail
0:00:35 > 0:00:37as they explore our country properties.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39My knitting bag could sit just right over there.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- If you've picked out a place for your knitting bag...- It's near the fire.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Their wish list presents its challenges,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48but also some positive reactions.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- Wow, yeah.- I got a bigger "wow" from Colin
0:00:51 > 0:00:53for this part than the main house.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58Today, I'm in Devon
0:00:58 > 0:01:01and these are the Tunnels Beaches on the northern coast.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04In the early 19th century, coalminers from Wales
0:01:04 > 0:01:07were brought in to tunnel through these cliffs.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11In doing so, they opened up this natural gem to the growing trend
0:01:11 > 0:01:15of the Victorian seaside holiday and the town of Ilfracombe,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19on the other side of these rocks, prospered as a resort.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23Later on, I'll be exploring those tunnels and the beaches they lead to.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25But first, let's shine a light on what else
0:01:25 > 0:01:27this picturesque county has to offer.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Forming part of England's South West Peninsula,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36Devon's north coast is separated from Wales by the Bristol Channel.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40It's bordered by three counties, including Cornwall.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44The north of the county is dominated by a glorious stretch of coastline,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47where dramatic cliffs rear up from its unspoiled beaches.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51The seaside village of Westward Ho! near Bideford
0:01:51 > 0:01:54proudly holds Blue Flag status for its beach
0:01:54 > 0:01:57and attracts plenty of visitors,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00including those drawn to the excellent Atlantic surf.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Exmoor National Park, shared with neighbouring Somerset,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06runs from the coast and inland
0:02:06 > 0:02:08through an undulating farming landscape
0:02:08 > 0:02:10of fields and grazing livestock.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Fishing used to sustain villages such as Clovelly.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17These days, its traditional whitewashed cottages
0:02:17 > 0:02:20and steep cobbled streets are impeccably preserved
0:02:20 > 0:02:24and serve as a reminder of the county's coastal heritage.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27So with its fusion of countryside panoramas
0:02:27 > 0:02:31and tranquil shoreline, Devon is certainly rich pickings
0:02:31 > 0:02:34for a life away from the hectic pace of urban living.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42Devon's enduring popularity is reflected in its house prices.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The average cost of a detached home in this county
0:02:45 > 0:02:47is just shy of £305,000.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51That's £21,000 above the national average.
0:02:51 > 0:02:55Coastal properties are obviously more pricey, but as a general rule,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58the northern areas of Devon are less expensive than the south.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02So what is it about this diverse county that's so appealing
0:03:02 > 0:03:04to our buyers today? Let's meet them.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10A chance meeting brought former nurse Claire and retired firefighter Colin
0:03:10 > 0:03:15together 22 years ago, while Claire was hanging out her washing.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17We met many years ago.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21My sister-in-law's sister lived upstairs from Claire
0:03:21 > 0:03:25and I saw her one day, and thought it would be nice to ask her out.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28- Which he did.- And then it went from there.- Yeah.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32When they met, Claire was in the process of house-hunting.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35I found this house in January 1993
0:03:35 > 0:03:39because I was looking for a property that would house my disabled son,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and give him all the facilities that he needed at home.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45They moved in with Claire's son Jamie the following year,
0:03:45 > 0:03:49and they married three years later and had a daughter together.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Colin also has a son and daughter from a previous relationship.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56However, they now live by themselves in the five-bedroom detached house
0:03:56 > 0:03:59in Bexley in Kent, just outside London.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03Bexley doesn't seem to offer us the quietness any more.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05It's just so busy all the time
0:04:05 > 0:04:07and we just feel as though it's time for us
0:04:07 > 0:04:10to move somewhere quieter now. The children have grown up,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14so we'd like to be able to just move away and do our own thing now.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Having enjoyed many happy holidays in Devon,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20they've decided it's where they want to call home.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Like the scenery. Open spaces.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It's much more relaxed and stress-free way of life
0:04:25 > 0:04:28down in Devon. So once we get down there,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32we can just take our time, at the pace that Devon does.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34- Mm.- And it'll be great.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37And after a happy partnership spanning over two decades,
0:04:37 > 0:04:41they can't wait to choose their first property together.
0:04:41 > 0:04:46For me, the most exciting part is going to be finding that house,
0:04:46 > 0:04:49just to have one that we have bought together
0:04:49 > 0:04:53because we both like it, not because it's what we need.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Yeah, which this house was.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58None of the children will be making the move south,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01but Claire and Colin won't be relocating on their own.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03The dogs will definitely be coming with us.
0:05:03 > 0:05:04They're a big part of our lives now.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08As far as we're concerned, they're part of the family.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Our dogs are Archibald, and he's a Golden Cocker Spaniel,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and we have Missy-Moo, who's a Pomeranian.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18So they'll definitely be kept busy with dog walks
0:05:18 > 0:05:21and they've got other plans to while away their retirement, too.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24We bought a touring caravan a couple of years ago
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and we think it's something that we really enjoy doing,
0:05:27 > 0:05:31so much so we'd like to try and make it into a small business.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- Just a small site, no more than five caravans.- Yeah.
0:05:35 > 0:05:36We don't want to make a fortune.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40We want a reason to get up in the morning and go and do something,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43and meet some really nice people. We've never run a business before,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- but I feel it's something we would like to do.- Yeah.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- We can do it together.- But it's not going to be all about work.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I'd like to get my sewing machine out
0:05:53 > 0:05:55and do some more sewing, quilting.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- The other thing I'd like to do would be grow some vegetables.- Yeah.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Their house is already sold,
0:06:02 > 0:06:06so the pressure's on to find them a Devon pad to call home.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- It's just a nice place to be, isn't it?- It is, yeah.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11We find that we relax quite a lot when we go to Devon.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14And if that's how we'll be when we live there,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- it can only be beneficial, can't it?- That's right.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I think that's why we've decided to move to Devon,
0:06:18 > 0:06:20or that we'd like to move to Devon,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23is because we only have happy memories there.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Claire and Colin have decided it's the north of Devon
0:06:32 > 0:06:34where they'd like to make their escape to,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37so that's where we're concentrating our search.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40But before we get our house-hunt underway,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43I'm meeting them in the county to hear more about the criteria
0:06:43 > 0:06:45for their perfect property.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Colin and Claire, welcome to a gloriously sunny Devon.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Tell us why you want to make this your home.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53I think the scenery says it all, really.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56It's just so nice. It's a slower pace of life.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- It's just a nice place to... - Better quality of life, I think.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00And what are you looking for from a property?
0:07:00 > 0:07:02We'd like a minimum of three bedrooms.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05We don't mind if it's an old property or a new property,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07as long as it's got some character.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Reasonable-size kitchen, but we can work with that.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I'd like an en suite, but it's not a deal-breaker.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- You know, it's really flexible. - That's good to hear.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19Ideally, we'd like a bit of land on the side
0:07:19 > 0:07:22so we can open a small touring caravan site,
0:07:22 > 0:07:24just for five caravans,
0:07:24 > 0:07:28and ideally we'd like a holiday let as well.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- And you're dog owners too. - We are. Got two dogs.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- And how many properties have you already seen?- Just five.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38- Quite a few online.- And what's been the problem generally for you?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42Generally it's nearness of neighbours
0:07:42 > 0:07:45because we wouldn't like to upset the neighbours with the dogs
0:07:45 > 0:07:48or caravans coming in and out.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50So you can't be too close to neighbours.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52What are you looking for in terms of location, then?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Ideally we'd like edge of village,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57so when guests do come and stay onsite,
0:07:57 > 0:08:01they can walk into the local village and have a pub meal,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04a couple of drinks, and then walk back again afterwards.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06That would be the ideal sort of location.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09So you don't want to be too isolated?
0:08:09 > 0:08:11I don't think it would matter too much
0:08:11 > 0:08:14because the sort of location we're hoping to provide,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17if it's out in the country, the people that want that
0:08:17 > 0:08:18are the people who will come.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21And if they want a pub lunch, they'll drive.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24So, you know, it's flexible.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- Flexible is the keyword.- Flexible!
0:08:27 > 0:08:29How flexible is your budget, though?
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Our budget is 575,000.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34OK, decent-size budget.
0:08:34 > 0:08:39But you want a property, land and possible annexes.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43So it's not going to be that easy, but we will do our very best.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- Thank you.- We've got a few lined up for you.- Great.- Let's go.
0:08:50 > 0:08:56Claire and Colin's budget of £575,000 is generous for North Devon
0:08:56 > 0:08:59and it should give them most of the demands on their wish list.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03They're looking for a house with character, three bedrooms
0:09:03 > 0:09:06and a reasonable-sized kitchen, but age isn't important.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09Although they would rather not have near neighbours,
0:09:09 > 0:09:12they would like to be on the edge of a village.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15As they're planning to run a small caravan site,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17land to accommodate that is important,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20as well as space for their two dogs to run around in.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23What's more, a holiday let would be a bonus.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26And the good news is Claire and Colin are fairly flexible,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29which is a great starting point for our search.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Putting all their requirements into the pot,
0:09:33 > 0:09:35we've come up with a fabulous range of properties
0:09:35 > 0:09:38and that vital price tag will only be revealed
0:09:38 > 0:09:40after the house has been viewed.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42The last stop will be to the Mystery House,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46which could involve a short break, but not for Claire and Colin.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Our first house takes us to the village of Paracombe,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00located on the west side of Exmoor National Park
0:10:00 > 0:10:02and around half an hour from Barnstaple.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06Paracombe is a pretty village with the River Heddon running through it.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08There's a traditional dining pub on offer,
0:10:08 > 0:10:11plus a post office and a pottery.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15A two-minute drive from the village centre is our first property,
0:10:15 > 0:10:19located in a beautiful rural setting with spectacular views.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23This is the farmhouse I want to show you.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25It's built of stone, slate roofs.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Obviously it's been rendered, which I think makes it look quite pretty.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31Yeah. Clean and tidy. Also keeps the rain out.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35Did you notice we're inside Exmoor National Park?
0:10:35 > 0:10:37- Wasn't quite aware of that. - Fabulous views.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40This is the real selling point, I think, of the house, is the setting.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Look at those views. This is why you want to live in Devon.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45- Yes, it is.- It is.- And the quiet!
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- I know! It's so peaceful, isn't it? - Yeah.- Looks very nice.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- We're off to a good start, then. - We are.- Let's go inside.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Parts of this impressive property date back 100 years,
0:10:58 > 0:11:01though the house was refurbished 27 years ago
0:11:01 > 0:11:03before the current owners moved in.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07Although the farmhouse is only a fraction of what's on offer here,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09that's what we are exploring first.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15I wanted to start with the living room because of the views.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18- Yeah.- Triple aspect. - Fabulous.- Really good.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Wouldn't need a telly. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Nice size. Square-ish, I like that.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26This is where you'd spend most of your time downstairs.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- Yes.- And for beams, they're high ceilings.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- It's always been one of my concerns, low beams.- You are a tall man.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33- Doesn't feel claustrophobic in here, does it?- No, not at all.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Could you see yourself sitting in here?- Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38My knitting bag could sit just right over there.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41If you've picked out a place for your knitting bag...
0:11:41 > 0:11:43- It's near the fire. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Are you eager to see the rest of the house?- Yes, please.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49If you lead us through the hallway into the kitchen, Colin.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Next to the living room is a dining area, and next to that,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56running from the front to the back of the house, is the kitchen diner.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01It's a really nice-sized kitchen. Nice range cooker.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05I like the idea of having the space to put a table in the kitchen.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- With...- A view.- ..lovely views, exactly. Let's head upstairs.- OK.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14Also on the ground floor, with access through the kitchen,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17is a huge 20-square-foot garage.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19If they converted this into another room,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23it would almost double the size of the ground floor living quarters.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Moving upstairs, there's a bright family shower room
0:12:26 > 0:12:29and four bedrooms, comprising a single,
0:12:29 > 0:12:31two sunny doubles
0:12:31 > 0:12:34and, overlooking the garden, there's the master.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40And this comes with the en suite that you said you'd quite like.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Ooh.- A very good-sized en suite as well.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46Yes, that was always going to be an added bonus. I've always wanted one.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50- And you'd wake up to those views. - And the stars at night.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53- Plenty of storage as well. - Yep. It's good.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56So you've seen most of the inside of the house,
0:12:56 > 0:12:59but you're both not giving too much away.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01Are you being polite? Are you not getting that feeling?
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Cos you seem to like most of the house.- Yes.- We like the house.
0:13:04 > 0:13:09I'm not getting the feeling at the moment that this is me.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Are you not? - Can you put your finger on why?
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- No, I can't at the moment. - Do you feel the same way, Claire?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I like the house. I like the sizes of the rooms,
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- but it's the whole package. Let's have a look outside.- OK.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Well, there's plenty more to see outdoors,
0:13:25 > 0:13:29all sitting comfortably in around 13 acres of land.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34There's an equestrian yard with two stables underneath a hayloft,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36a workshop and further outbuildings,
0:13:36 > 0:13:38all waiting to be put into action.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43Do you think this could be adapted for caravans?
0:13:43 > 0:13:47- So knocking this shed down and this space.- Potentially, yes.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51And the draw for you guys is that you would be inside the national park,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- so the draw for your customers... - Would be for the same thing, yeah.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57Should we talk about the price? Would that help you?
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Possibly. Quite possibly. - THEY LAUGH
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Who'd like to go first? How much is this property
0:14:03 > 0:14:06and the land that comes with it on the market for?
0:14:06 > 0:14:10- 475.- Ooh, I think that's too low.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13- I know it's a lot of land. - So what would you say it is?
0:14:13 > 0:14:17It's got to be over 500. It's got to be 550.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21We've used up your budget. It's on the market for 575.
0:14:21 > 0:14:24On the max. Yeah, I was just being hopeful.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26- Delusional!- Bit cheeky, really. Yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:14:26 > 0:14:30Well, have another look around and I'll meet you at the front door.
0:14:30 > 0:14:31- OK. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39This fabulous farmhouse is bang on Claire and Colin's budget
0:14:39 > 0:14:42and, on paper, delivers the elements on their wish list.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45It provides them with the character features they're after,
0:14:45 > 0:14:48plus living space and a good-sized kitchen.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52There's one more bedroom than they asked for, along with endless options
0:14:52 > 0:14:56for hobby rooms, guests and even a holiday let with that large garage.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59And not only would their pet dogs have a field day
0:14:59 > 0:15:02running around the land, but with a little thought,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04it gives them options for their caravan park.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07One of the downsides of this house is it doesn't have a holiday let.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10The garage probably would lend itself to a holiday let,
0:15:10 > 0:15:13but it's whether we could juggle the finances enough
0:15:13 > 0:15:14to be able to do it that way.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I like the farmhouse.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20It's got a lot of character to it. The more I saw of the house,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23the more I could see us living in this house.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25The amount of land isn't too much.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27The only concern is the fall of the land.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30You'd need to have it at a minimum level
0:15:30 > 0:15:32to be able to put caravans on it.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Is it out of the picture?
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Not entirely, no.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41But you'd prefer somewhere with flatter land.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- A little bit flatter, yes.- Right. On to the next house, then.- OK.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58Around two million people in the UK take caravan holidays each year
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and, as keen caravanners, Claire and Colin are looking forward to
0:16:01 > 0:16:05turning their passion into a new business, which will keep them active
0:16:05 > 0:16:09and provide them with a useful income to help fund their retirement.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13They want to run a CL, a Certified Location,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16which is a small caravan site attached to a house or farm
0:16:16 > 0:16:19with no more than five visiting caravans.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Like our couple, the owners who stay here
0:16:22 > 0:16:24would all be members of the Caravan Club.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27They've come to meet Louise and Greg Holmes,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30who run one of the 2,500 CLs in the UK,
0:16:30 > 0:16:34to find out what running such a site really entails.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35We recently moved to the area,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and we were looking to set up a CL as well,
0:16:38 > 0:16:42and we were fortunate enough to find a house here with a CL already made.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- Oh, that's very fortunate.- Perhaps you'd like to come and take a look.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- We'd love to, please.- Thank you.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53Not only did Louise and Greg buy an existing site,
0:16:53 > 0:16:55but they also inherited an award-winning one.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58It was recently crowned Caravan Club's
0:16:58 > 0:17:02Certified Location Of The Year, so it came with a ready-made reputation,
0:17:02 > 0:17:07but it still takes some hard graft to maintain it to such a good standard.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09What's the criteria for setting up a CL?
0:17:09 > 0:17:13You'd be looking at a 12-foot-wide entrance to allow safe access
0:17:13 > 0:17:17for the caravans. Fresh water for drinking water purposes.
0:17:17 > 0:17:21You'd be looking at waste management for the chemical disposal,
0:17:21 > 0:17:24so the grey water waste, washing-up water, for example.
0:17:24 > 0:17:28So if we're starting a new CL, how can we expand the business?
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- LOUISE:- Having spotless facilities,
0:17:30 > 0:17:32cleanliness in the toilet facilities,
0:17:32 > 0:17:33- if that's what you have.- Yes.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Making sure the grass is kept nice and that can be two,
0:17:36 > 0:17:38three times a week at least in the summer season.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40And being around and chatting to people.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42You know, they're having their holidays.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45They want to feel like they're really important
0:17:45 > 0:17:47and they're getting their expectations met.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Caravanners who visit a CL are allowed to stay
0:17:52 > 0:17:55for a maximum of 28 days at a time,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58so with around a million Caravan Club members in the UK,
0:17:58 > 0:18:01there's never a shortage of visitors, especially
0:18:01 > 0:18:05if you're prepared to go that extra mile when looking after your guests.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Louise and Greg are expecting to welcome
0:18:07 > 0:18:10over 250 caravanners this season.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13What sort of turnover could we expect to get from a CL?
0:18:13 > 0:18:17You'd be looking at about £12,000 a year if you're fully booked.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20We also have a B&B here, which increases our turnover.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24How labour-intensive do you find the actual running of the business?
0:18:24 > 0:18:25It's not too bad.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29The grass takes a couple of hours, to get round all of the grass.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32I work full-time during the day, so I do evenings and weekends,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34maintenance, fixing fences, weeding.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Perhaps you'd like to have a go over the grass with the tractor we have?
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- LAUGHTER - Yeah, that'd be good. - Sounds like fun.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45The minimum for a Certified Location is half an acre.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48This caravan site is just under two and a half acres,
0:18:48 > 0:18:51which takes up around a third of the land.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53An extra bonus here is that four-legged friends
0:18:53 > 0:18:55are as welcome as two-legged ones.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Caravans are thought to date back to the 15th century
0:19:00 > 0:19:04and were at first simply trailers to transport goods.
0:19:04 > 0:19:09Towards the end of the 19th century, they evolved into portable homes
0:19:09 > 0:19:12and were seen as a luxury for the wealthy.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Now caravanning is hugely popular and it's on the increase.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19Today, more and more people are choosing to holiday at home,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23with sales of touring caravans growing by about 10% a year
0:19:23 > 0:19:26and motor homes double that.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28So, Colin, if you'd like to take a seat
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- and I'll run through the controls with you.- OK, thank you.
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Colin's hopping on to master
0:19:32 > 0:19:36one of the more crucial roles of his retirement.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38You've got two orange pedals, forward and reverse.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41If you want to start it, you turn the key this way
0:19:41 > 0:19:43and the engine should fire up.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54While Colin mows, Louise is going to show Claire the shower block,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57considered a luxury and not something that has to be provided.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- How many times a day do you clean the hut?- Every day.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04It has to be absolutely spotless for our guests
0:20:04 > 0:20:07cos that's what they want. You start with the sink and the loo
0:20:07 > 0:20:09and the shower and the floor
0:20:09 > 0:20:12but, you know, you do get quicker at it the more you do it.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13Right, then.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- I'll leave you to it. - Thanks very much.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- And I'll see you at the house in a bit.- All right, then. Bye.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23While Louise has half an hour to put her feet up,
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Claire's getting some work experience herself.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30And after rolling up their sleeves,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Louise and Greg want to know how Claire and Colin got on.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36So is running a CL for you? Do you feel inspired to do it?
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Yeah, I think so. - Yeah, I think it's something
0:20:39 > 0:20:41- we're going to do, definitely. - Excellent.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54It's day two of our property hunt in Devon, looking for a new house
0:20:54 > 0:20:57with land for Claire and Colin from Bexley in Kent
0:20:57 > 0:20:59to set up a small caravan site.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03With a budget of £575,000 to spend,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07this will be the very first home they'll have bought together.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Coming up, reactions to the Mystery House require me to dig deeper.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13It's nice. I like it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- But you always like the houses. - I know, I know.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19And I'll be discovering the hidden treasures
0:21:19 > 0:21:22at the end of some historic tunnels.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25It must have been quite daunting for some people, to have come through
0:21:25 > 0:21:29somewhere like this, very dark, and wondering where it was going to lead.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35It's become clear that Colin and Claire are more particular about
0:21:35 > 0:21:39the business side of things than they are about actually finding a home.
0:21:39 > 0:21:41Well, we've got two properties coming up today.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43Later on, we'll head to the Mystery House,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45where we really have gone big on business.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47But first, I'm going to show them a house
0:21:47 > 0:21:50that has an enterprise already up and running.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55We're travelling to the small market town of North Tawton,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58which is just over 26 miles south of Barnstaple
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and lies north of Dartmoor National Park.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04The centre has a host of local shops, along with a town hall
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and the distinctive Church of St Peter.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11Just a short walk from the centre is this attractive thatched cottage.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15- Very pretty.- Very pretty.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19- Quaint.- So the actual house is the middle part here.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- The pink house is a neighbour.- Right.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26And the bit on the end is a holiday let that comes with this property.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31- Oh, right, OK.- So what you have with this is a ready-made holiday let.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- Income straight away.- Ready to go.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Good.- That's a couple of boxes ticked.- Exactly.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40How do you feel about the fact that this property is semidetached?
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- I don't think you'll like that. - No, not too keen on that,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45but I will keep an open mind.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48What I would say is, the holiday let at the end
0:22:48 > 0:22:51didn't used to belong to the previous owners of this house,
0:22:51 > 0:22:53but when that came up, they then bought it.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57So an opportunity like that could one day come up with this.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01You know, it wouldn't have to be a semidetached forever.
0:23:01 > 0:23:02- It's an option.- If you liked it.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- Should we go in?- Yes, please. - Yes, please.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09This Grade 2 listed cottage exudes character
0:23:09 > 0:23:13and still retains some of its original 16th-century features.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17The front door leads to a long, beamed hallway, which takes us
0:23:17 > 0:23:20to a bright 1980s extension at the other end of the house.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24This is the original door.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26THEY LAUGH Hello, there.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Wow.- It's nice, isn't it? - Yeah. I wasn't expecting this.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34And look at the views. This is why I wanted to bring you
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- straight into the kitchen-diner. - Yeah, that would draw you through
0:23:37 > 0:23:40- from the front door, wouldn't it? - Well, it really does
0:23:40 > 0:23:43because you can see that view as you come in through the font door.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44That's where your eyes are drawn.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Would this space do for the family as a kitchen-diner?
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Yeah.- I think so.- Yeah, nice-sized dining room here.- Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55- The kitchen looks very usable. - Happy so far?- Yeah.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57OK, on to the living room.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00This can be accessed from the kitchen or the hall.
0:24:01 > 0:24:05So in the living room, we're back in the original part of the cottage.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Here you've got the beams.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- They fit in with the cottage. - They really do.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- They fit with the house, yeah. - Fireplace.- Yeah, that's great.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Yeah, lovely fireplace.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17- And you can go through into the kitchen from there as well.- OK.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Round about.- So it's a double entrance. Exactly, the house flows.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23- Yeah. Very cosy. - Nice window seats as well.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26How are you feeling so far?
0:24:26 > 0:24:28I'm liking what I'm seeing inside.
0:24:28 > 0:24:33- I'm still undecided about the neighbours.- OK.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37What I want to now do is show you that all-important holiday let.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- Let's go next door.- OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45On this floor, there's also a double bedroom and a store room,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48and upstairs there's a family bathroom set into the eaves,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51a large landing currently in use as a bedroom,
0:24:51 > 0:24:54and two further doubles.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57With the house covered, it's time to explore the holiday let
0:24:57 > 0:24:59and the land on offer.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02We're starting of in the taddie barn and it's a far cry
0:25:02 > 0:25:07from its old life storing taddies - that's Devon speak for potatoes.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12So, as you saw coming in, it's a two-storey let.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Nice kitchen into...- Wow, yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19It's a lot bigger than you think it's going to be, isn't it?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- I got a bigger "wow" from Colin for this part than the main house.- Yeah.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26So one of my suggestions is,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29you two could live here and let out that.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- It's another option. - It's a definite option.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- It's definitely got the wow factor in here.- Yes, it has.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- This is really nice.- I mean, this used to be a potato barn.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I know. I could live in a potato barn.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43THEY LAUGH You absolutely could.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Let's go and see the outside space, and then we will discuss the price.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Also on the ground floor is a smart bathroom,
0:25:54 > 0:25:57and upstairs there's a double bedroom and an L-shaped single,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00one room either side of the landing.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Outside is just as delightful as inside.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07There are beautiful views, a ready-made vegetable garden,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10and a paddock extending to just over an acre.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- There's space outside.- Mm.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16Could you turn this land into the caravan park that you would like?
0:26:16 > 0:26:20I think it would be difficult. The sloping ground -
0:26:20 > 0:26:23I think it would take a fair bit of work to terrace it.
0:26:23 > 0:26:24With the holiday let,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27if the price was right on the house,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- you wouldn't need to do the caravan bit.- No.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33And this could just be the view
0:26:33 > 0:26:35for us and any potential holidayers.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39You might be willing to let the caravan business go?
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Possibly, yeah. We're open.- Yeah.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44OK. Shall we talk about the price?
0:26:44 > 0:26:46I haven't got a clue.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49540.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52- 555.- You're both way out.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57It's actually on the market for £375,000.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- SHE GASPS - Oh, wow.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01That's really something to think about now.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04Go back in to the main house, have a look around, have a chat.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08- Will do.- Mm-hm.- Thank you. - I'll meet you on the other side.
0:27:08 > 0:27:09- You will.- OK.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19This thatched farmhouse is a staggering £200,000 under
0:27:19 > 0:27:21Claire and Colin's budget, which would leave them
0:27:21 > 0:27:25all the cash they'd need to get their business ventures underway.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29The size and character fits the bill, and even the sticking point
0:27:29 > 0:27:32of the attached neighbours could come good over time.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34The holiday home is ready to let
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and there's well over an acre of land for the dogs to run around in.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41What's more, the edge of village location
0:27:41 > 0:27:44means amenities are just a short stroll away.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47I was pleasantly surprised with this house.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50The size of it, the holiday annexe attached to it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54The only concern I do have is the semidetached status of the house.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Although possibly the people could be moving at some point
0:27:57 > 0:28:01in the future, which may make it possible to buy,
0:28:01 > 0:28:04and have it as one large detached house.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08Steps everywhere.
0:28:08 > 0:28:10- It's a good size.- It is, isn't it? - Cupboard as well -
0:28:10 > 0:28:14- that's always useful.- It's really different.- Yeah. I like it.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18The caravan side of things are not quite as important
0:28:18 > 0:28:20because there is an immediate income.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24But with the money that's being saved on the overall purchase price,
0:28:24 > 0:28:28the potential is there for us to try and expand
0:28:28 > 0:28:29into the caravan side of things.
0:28:29 > 0:28:33When we found out the price, well, it was flooring, I think.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38Any doubts that we were having, they became less significant,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41so it is going to be up for serious consideration.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- Nice to see two smiling faces.- Yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- And we've still got the Mystery House to go.- We do.- Come on.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00For our Mystery Property, we're journeying
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to the hamlet of Oakfordbridge, around two and a half miles from
0:29:03 > 0:29:08the village of Bampton, which sits just south of Exmoor National Park.
0:29:08 > 0:29:13Bampton centre provides residents with an array of useful local shops.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17A seven-minute drive and we're in Oakfordbridge
0:29:17 > 0:29:21at our attractive mystery property, thought to date back to the 1700s.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It's built from stone from the local quarry
0:29:24 > 0:29:27and topped with a traditional pantile roof.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33Welcome to the Mystery House - or should I say hotel?
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- OK. - SHE LAUGHS
0:29:35 > 0:29:37It's an eight-bedroom house
0:29:37 > 0:29:40and the current owners let out five of the rooms
0:29:40 > 0:29:43in more or less a B&B style, but sometimes they do do dinner.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46And part of the deal is the house that you can see next door.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49That's a two-bedroom holiday let
0:29:49 > 0:29:53- that's self-catering.- OK. - Really wasn't expecting that.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57I know that you've been wanting a holiday let business
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- and the business side of things is important to you.- Yeah.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04I don't know whether you've ever considered the B&B option.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- We have considered it. - Let's go and see inside.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13Our characterful Mystery Property started life around 250 years ago
0:30:13 > 0:30:17as a storage barn for bark used in the tanning industry.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20It became a home during the 19th century
0:30:20 > 0:30:23and it's been a guesthouse for the past 60 years or so.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28So this is the guest drawing room.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31- Pleasant.- It's nice and light. - Homely.- Yeah.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- This is all a bit unknown to you both, isn't it?- It is, yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37It's nice. I like it.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- But you always like the houses. - I know, I know.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44- It's very traditional. - You like it?- Yeah, so far.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Shall I show you one of the rooms?
0:30:46 > 0:30:49- Yes, please.- So you can really start to get a feel for the business.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54On this floor, there's also a fully kitted-out catering kitchen,
0:30:54 > 0:30:57a storage area, a utility room
0:30:57 > 0:31:01and a guest dining room with character roof beams.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04All of the guest accommodation is upstairs,
0:31:04 > 0:31:07with bedrooms spread over two floors.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10So on this floor, there are six bedrooms.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13The owner uses that one as a study, so they let out five,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17and each one of the five bedrooms has its own bathroom.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Also on this expansive floor is a sunny double
0:31:20 > 0:31:23with a feature brick wall and an en suite,
0:31:23 > 0:31:27along with a further four doubles, also with adjoining bathrooms.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30But I've saved the best for last.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33This is my favourite room that they let out.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35The biggest at the end.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- That's a nice room. - It's impressive.- Very light.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Triple aspect. - Impressive size for a bedroom.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43And then, on the floor above,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46the owners are actually staying there and using the two bedrooms
0:31:46 > 0:31:50and a little kitchenette that they've got up there at the moment.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54But could you imagine, having seen parts of the hotel now,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- living in a hotel? - Yeah, it's definitely an option.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Yeah. Once we've seen the rest of it, you know,
0:32:00 > 0:32:03we might think of other options, of ways we could work the property.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Well, let's go and see the holiday let part
0:32:05 > 0:32:09because I think then you have the full picture of what's on offer.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Yeah.- OK.- Let's go.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17The neighbouring holiday let is accessed through a side door.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22So the kitchen's just through there.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26And then we come in to the main living room of the property.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28So you could let that whole place out,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31if you didn't want to live with your guests.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- Yeah.- Cos this is detached, but very close to your business,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38if you'd be happy in a property this size.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41It's definitely worth thinking about.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43That would work, wouldn't it?
0:32:43 > 0:32:46- OK, let's go outside and talk money.- OK.- OK.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52This holiday cottage is all on one floor,
0:32:52 > 0:32:55with two double bedrooms and a shared bathroom.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Moving outside, there's around an acre and a half of land,
0:32:58 > 0:33:02including terraced gardens and mature woodland.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Here there's access to the self-contained apartment
0:33:05 > 0:33:06at the back of the main house
0:33:06 > 0:33:10and car parking, including a double garage, just opposite.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I know, because it's been a little overwhelming,
0:33:12 > 0:33:14I'm not going to ask too many questions at the moment.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16I think let's talk about the price first,
0:33:16 > 0:33:19so then you can really put things in context
0:33:19 > 0:33:21and see whether it's something you can consider.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24How much is the Mystery Property on the market for?
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- 600,000.- 599.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31It's on the market for £595,000.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- OK.- So it is over budget.
0:33:34 > 0:33:39The good news is...they would accept an offer closer to your budget.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40- Would they?- Mm.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43That's handy to know going in, isn't it?
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- It's definitely food for thought.- Yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47The thing about this Mystery Property, though,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50is your caravan dream would have to be put to bed.
0:33:50 > 0:33:51Are you OK with that?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55If it's the right one, yes, we are.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- If this would work for us, that's not a problem.- Mm-hm.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59Have another look around,
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- have a chat, and then I'll meet you at the front.- OK.- OK.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Granted, our historic Mystery Property
0:34:11 > 0:34:14is £20,000 over Claire and Colin's budget,
0:34:14 > 0:34:17but it sounds like the vendor would be willing to come down in price.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20It's full of character and bedrooms,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and comes with two enticing business opportunities.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25The hotel and the holiday let
0:34:25 > 0:34:29currently bring in around £50,000 a year combined.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32As the Mystery Property generates such a great income,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35the land can be dedicated to their beloved pets
0:34:35 > 0:34:38and Claire's much-wanted vegetable garden.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- Nice bright rooms.- Yeah, very bright. Nice size as well.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47When we first saw the Mystery House, this wasn't what I was expecting.
0:34:47 > 0:34:48We'd had a chat, Colin and I,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52about what you may throw into the mix.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- Hotel wasn't mentioned. - SHE LAUGHS
0:34:54 > 0:34:56The caravan side of the business
0:34:56 > 0:34:59would have been a nice thing to have,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02but running a hotel is still hospitality-based
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and that's the thing we would probably enjoy.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Your minds must be buzzing, I know, and I've got so many questions,
0:35:11 > 0:35:13so let's go and get a cup of tea.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Devon's beautiful beaches are a magnet for holiday-makers
0:35:24 > 0:35:26and Ilfracombe on the North Devon coast,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28overlooking the Bristol Channel,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31is one of the main bases for tourists.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35But 200 years ago, the town's visitors weren't able to enjoy
0:35:35 > 0:35:37what's on offer here as they do today
0:35:37 > 0:35:40because the archetypal British seaside holiday
0:35:40 > 0:35:42was still in its infancy.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45I've come to one of its famous tunnel beaches,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47the ladies' beach, to meet Sara Hodson,
0:35:47 > 0:35:50manager of Ilfracombe Museum,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54to find out what a trip to the seaside was like two centuries ago.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Sara, the views from this beach - they're just spectacular -
0:35:58 > 0:36:01- and it's so peaceful here.- Yes.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04It's hard to imagine that, just behind these cliffs,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06is quite a bustling seaside town.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10Yes, it is a busy town, but it hasn't always been busy.
0:36:10 > 0:36:14It was a small fishing port, but it became very popular
0:36:14 > 0:36:17with the wealthy and the fashionable,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20partly because of these beaches and the tunnels that were created here
0:36:20 > 0:36:22for them to come and take the waters,
0:36:22 > 0:36:25and Ilfracombe became popular because of that.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Until the early 19th century,
0:36:28 > 0:36:32the town was separated from beautiful coves like this one
0:36:32 > 0:36:34by the high cliffs and rugged rocks,
0:36:34 > 0:36:37making the crystal clear waters inaccessible.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Then, in 1823, everything changed
0:36:40 > 0:36:42when the tunnels were built into the rock
0:36:42 > 0:36:46to provide direct access from the town to the sea.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- Must have been a lot of work. - Yes, a lot of very hard work.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52And you can see all the marks on the tunnels with their pickaxes.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56But they had a vision that they really wanted to create a place
0:36:56 > 0:36:59for, as I say, the fashionable and the wealthy to come.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02The story is that Welsh miners built the tunnels.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04We don't know any more details than that.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08It took two years to carve out six tunnels
0:37:08 > 0:37:11so that the townsfolk could be linked to the shoreline.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Then, in 1836, the bathhouse was built,
0:37:15 > 0:37:19meaning visitors could bathe inside in both cold and heated seawater,
0:37:19 > 0:37:22allowing for a complete spa experience.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25In Georgian times, it may have been only the wealthy
0:37:25 > 0:37:27that could visit Ilfracombe,
0:37:27 > 0:37:30but in Victorian times, taking a dip here became fashionable
0:37:30 > 0:37:35for the masses as the railway arrived in the town in 1874,
0:37:35 > 0:37:39making it more affordable to take a trip to the coast.
0:37:39 > 0:37:41So what rock were the miners dealing with here?
0:37:41 > 0:37:45It's a type of slate and you can see
0:37:45 > 0:37:48that there are other types of rock mixed in with it as well.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- Yeah, it's really layered, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55You can see here there are some marks actually still left
0:37:55 > 0:37:58in the wall of the tunnel from the pickaxes of the men
0:37:58 > 0:38:00that worked cutting all this through.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06Just the experience of walking through the tunnel,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09that would have added to the anticipation
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- of getting down to the beach. - Yeah, it must have been quite eerie
0:38:12 > 0:38:14and quite daunting for some people to have come through
0:38:14 > 0:38:16somewhere like this, very dark,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19and wondering where it was going to lead.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21The main tunnel leads to the men's beach,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24then further tunnels lead to the ladies' beach.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27These unspoilt beaches may have kept their names,
0:38:27 > 0:38:31but 21st-century swimming isn't segregated.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36Paint a picture of what it would have been like here in the 1830s.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39In the early days of bathing, the ladies,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42they wouldn't have actually swum in the water.
0:38:42 > 0:38:43They would have taken the waters
0:38:43 > 0:38:45by going down in their bathing machines.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48What did these bathing machines look like?
0:38:48 > 0:38:51They were really like a wheeled shed
0:38:51 > 0:38:55that was pulled down by a horse or a pony,
0:38:55 > 0:38:56down to the water's edge,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59so that they could get into the water
0:38:59 > 0:39:01without being seen by anyone else.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Whereas the gentleman were a lot freer in what they could do.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07Over on this side, they could have swum round
0:39:07 > 0:39:10and engaged in sporting activities,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13but for the ladies, it was very genteel,
0:39:13 > 0:39:16and certainly no swimming in the early days.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20Boulders and lime mortar were used to construct tidal pools
0:39:20 > 0:39:23to hold back the rough seas and create a calmer,
0:39:23 > 0:39:27more refined bathing experience for swimmers.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Here, for instance, we've got a photograph
0:39:29 > 0:39:31of the men's bathing beach.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35And then you've got a photograph here that shows
0:39:35 > 0:39:37what people would have worn on the beach.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Oh, gosh! Full Victorian dress.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Absolutely. Certainly not showing any flesh.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45No chance of getting the sun.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49So at the beginning there was this segregated bathing and swimming.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50When did it all mix?
0:39:50 > 0:39:54We think in 1905 they began mixed bathing here.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58There are several photographs of men and women in the pool together,
0:39:58 > 0:40:01which was a great sort of advance at the time.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06What effect did the building of the tunnels have on the town?
0:40:06 > 0:40:11Without the Tunnels Beaches, without the hot and cold water baths,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13there wouldn't have been that important element
0:40:13 > 0:40:17of the spa town that Ilfracombe wanted to be.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20It was an important stage in Ilfracombe's growth
0:40:20 > 0:40:24and eventually it became the second most popular destination
0:40:24 > 0:40:27in the whole of Devon for seaside resorts.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30So it was really the start of the building up of this area.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34- Yes, it was. Yes.- Sara, thank you. It's been lovely.- Thank you.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Claire and Colin have now seen all our properties,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47which offer different living and business opportunities,
0:40:47 > 0:40:49but did any of them hit the spot?
0:40:50 > 0:40:54So, Colin and Claire, when we first met,
0:40:54 > 0:40:56you were looking for a house,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00space for caravans and possibly holiday lets.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Yep.- What is your thinking now?
0:41:02 > 0:41:07We're thinking of expanding our search into a larger area and...
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Focus more on the holiday let. - Yeah, I think so.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15What made you focus more on the holiday let rather than the caravans?
0:41:15 > 0:41:20I think the difficulty of finding level enough land in Devon.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Out of the houses that we've shown you,
0:41:23 > 0:41:25it's the cottage with the annexe
0:41:25 > 0:41:28that fits the bill the most. Is that right?
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- Yeah, I'd say that's correct. - The semidetached.- That's right, yeah.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33- But, Colin, you don't want neighbours.- No, that's right.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36- I don't want to be attached to them. - You've started thinking
0:41:36 > 0:41:39beyond where we were a couple of days ago,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- is that where you are, really? - Oh, yeah.- Yeah, definitely.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46So in a way that focus has really shifted, hasn't it?
0:41:46 > 0:41:48It's still something that we would like to have,
0:41:48 > 0:41:51but if we were to find a property that only had a holiday let
0:41:51 > 0:41:55and didn't have an appropriate amount of land,
0:41:55 > 0:41:56and it was in the right place,
0:41:56 > 0:42:00then it wouldn't be a deal-breaker that we couldn't have caravans.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05- None of the houses that we showed you quite hit the mark, did they?- No.- No.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09That's right. We've waited a long time to buy a house together,
0:42:09 > 0:42:10so we want to do it right.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13We don't want to rush and buy the wrong house and then regret it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16- Well, it sounds like we've helped you in some way.- You have.
0:42:16 > 0:42:17You have. It's been wonderful, thank you.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- Good luck with the search. I hope it doesn't take too long.- So do we.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26- And let us know when you've found the wow house.- We will.- We will.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Although Colin and Claire aren't keen on the properties
0:42:32 > 0:42:35we've shown them, I'm pleased we were able to open their eyes
0:42:35 > 0:42:37to the opportunities here in Devon.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40It's great to hear they're now widening their search as a result
0:42:40 > 0:42:42and we wish them all the best.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45See you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Claire and Colin have now had an offer accepted on a bungalow
0:42:49 > 0:42:51with a caravan site in North Devon
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and are living in their caravan nearby until they move in.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58If you'd like to Escape To The Country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:58 > 0:43:01Scotland, Wales or England
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