0:00:02 > 0:00:04As recently as the 1920s, horses like Taffy here, were vital
0:00:04 > 0:00:07in transporting over 7,000 tonnes of cargo
0:00:07 > 0:00:10along an 11-mile route every year.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15Find out how they did it and which county we're in just a moment.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35Today's buyers can't wait to escape suburbia
0:00:35 > 0:00:37and settle down in the countryside.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Our straight-talking couple set the bar high for our properties.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Not as wide as I would like it.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Smaller than what we've actually got at the moment.- Right.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Luckily, some rooms do measure up to their expectations.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54That's my perfect sized kitchen. It's exactly...
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Yeah, that's really nice.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00Today we're in Devon and this is the Grand Western Canal in Tiverton.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Completed in 1814,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06the canal ran from Tiverton to Taunton, across the border
0:01:06 > 0:01:10in Somerset and was designed so that tug boats carrying loads
0:01:10 > 0:01:16of up to 30 tonnes could be pulled along by a single horse.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20Now, the calm waters meant there's very little resistance and this
0:01:20 > 0:01:24incredibly efficient use of horsepower was used successfully
0:01:24 > 0:01:27for around 200 years.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Today, it's purely used for leisure purposes
0:01:29 > 0:01:34but this barge - called the Tivertonian - and young Taffy here,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38are just one of a small handful of horse and barge partnerships
0:01:38 > 0:01:40across the whole of the UK.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50The county of Devon is set in the southwestern sleeve of England.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55With distinctive coastlines totalling 450 miles in length,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58the northern shores benefit from rugged cliffs
0:01:58 > 0:02:01and golden sandy beaches which look out over the Atlantic.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06To the south, lie the popular seaside resorts of Paignton,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10Torquay and Brixham, which make up the English Riviera.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Characterised by exotic palms, this area is home
0:02:13 > 0:02:15to one of the mildest climates in the country.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Further along the coast is the sheltered harbour of Dartmouth
0:02:20 > 0:02:23where the Pilgrim Fathers moored up in the Mayflower
0:02:23 > 0:02:25en route to the New World.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29Its sailing heritage is still very much in evidence today,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33with the Royal Naval College standing proud above the estuary.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36Inland, the sweeping hills of Dartmoor National Park
0:02:36 > 0:02:39are home to a scattering of attractive villages,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41such as Chagford and Lustleigh,
0:02:41 > 0:02:45with fine examples of traditional thatched cottages.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47Offering both coast and country,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51it's easy to see why Devon is an escapee's paradise,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54offering real potential to get away from it all.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56With so much on offer,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59it comes as no surprise that the average price of a detached home
0:02:59 > 0:03:04here in Devon is £25,000 more than the national figure,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09coming in at just over £307,000.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11And there are areas in this county
0:03:11 > 0:03:13where prices are even higher than that.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17For example, if you want to live near the highly desirable beaches
0:03:17 > 0:03:21and seaside towns of the English Riviera on the south coast,
0:03:21 > 0:03:27brace yourself to pay up to 20% more than a similar property inland.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30So what is it about this beautiful region that has
0:03:30 > 0:03:32so attracted today's buyers?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Well, let's meet them and find out.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Former property developers Karen and Keith
0:03:38 > 0:03:42met on a blind date set up by work colleagues 18.5 years ago.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Up until recently,
0:03:44 > 0:03:48their lives have been pretty full-on with work, managing their business.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52The idea of retiring as young as we have
0:03:52 > 0:03:55was really just to chill out and take things slowly.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59They both lived in Rochford near Southend in Essex
0:03:59 > 0:04:00for most of their lives
0:04:00 > 0:04:04but now they are no longer tied to the area for work, they can't wait
0:04:04 > 0:04:07to escape the ever-growing population moving to the town.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Before we had fields behind us and it's always been very, very quiet.
0:04:12 > 0:04:18And then three years ago, a developer put in plans for
0:04:18 > 0:04:21600 houses and a school as well,
0:04:21 > 0:04:25which will just totally change our living, really.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29With six children and four grandchildren between them
0:04:29 > 0:04:32from previous relationships, also leading their own busy lives,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35now is all about investing in their own future.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38You've only got one life and you've only got one go at it
0:04:38 > 0:04:41so I think you should fit in as much as you can.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45We haven't got to worry about anyone else any more. It's just our time.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Sounds like you care about me.- I do.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50SHE LAUGHS
0:04:50 > 0:04:54They've decided to move to Devon because Karen has many happy
0:04:54 > 0:04:57memories of spending holidays there as a child.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59It's beautiful down there.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01You've got the beaches, you've got the countryside
0:05:01 > 0:05:03and it's just somewhere I've always wanted to go.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05And you like the clotted cream.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09I actually don't like clotted cream though!
0:05:09 > 0:05:11As self proclaimed socialites,
0:05:11 > 0:05:15they're also looking forward to making new friends and pursue
0:05:15 > 0:05:19leisure activities which they've never had time to do before now.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21We would like to get involved with the community
0:05:21 > 0:05:25and I would like to start up a supper club and invite people
0:05:25 > 0:05:28round for dinner cos I do like doing dinner party entertaining.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31Yeah, I think just joining clubs and stuff.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33You know, whatever's going on, whether it's...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I want to join a pensioner's cricket club.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41Although they're planning to retire, Keith and Karen are also keen
0:05:41 > 0:05:44to maintain their young-at-heart attitude.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Sometimes we'll go out and 1.00 in the morning we're,
0:05:46 > 0:05:48"Oh, let's get in the hot tub,"
0:05:48 > 0:05:51in the middle of winter, in the rain.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I don't think we've ever acted our age.
0:05:53 > 0:05:58- We still keep an element of humour, don't we?- You have to do.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01They currently live in their own separate homes
0:06:01 > 0:06:04so even though Karen regularly stays over at Keith's,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08a joint venture is definitely at the top of their agenda.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10This move will change our lives.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11We've never had our own house
0:06:11 > 0:06:16so it'd be nice to get our own place and choose it together.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20And it'd be nice to live together after all these years.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Despite decades of property development experience,
0:06:26 > 0:06:30Karen and Keith are unfamiliar with the housing market in Devon.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33They're optimistic about what the county has to offer
0:06:33 > 0:06:35and open-minded about location.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39I'm catching up with them to get a clearer picture of what
0:06:39 > 0:06:42they're hoping for from their new home.
0:06:42 > 0:06:46Well, Keith and Karen, welcome to beautiful Devon.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Very young retirees, I have to say. - Good moisturiser.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- Is that what it is? That's the answer?- Yeah.- I'm liking that.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54I need the secret.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56What you are hoping to do when you make this move?
0:06:56 > 0:07:00I would like to just have more of a community life.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Join in with things and see what's going on.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06You know, just get to know people and chill out really.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Basically, just enjoy ourselves, don't we, really?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Now, both of you worked in the property business so why
0:07:12 > 0:07:15do need our help with this search? You see, I am feeling the pressure.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17We're really hoping that you can find something that we
0:07:17 > 0:07:21- haven't seen before.- What is it, what are we looking for?- Detached.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- OK.- Four bedrooms, three or four bedrooms.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Hopefully with a little bit of land, that would be nice.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30How much do you want, Keith? How much land?
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I'd like to say an acre-plus.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35And, Karen, what about the actual style of the property?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I quite like contemporary,
0:07:38 > 0:07:41as long as it's really got a nice, big, modern kitchen
0:07:41 > 0:07:43cos I do like entertaining.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47I do like cooking and that is usually our hub, isn't it?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50So it's got to be big enough to accommodate all the children,
0:07:50 > 0:07:52the grandchildren and our friends.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55What about the geography, the location within the county?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58We're open to any location as long as the house is right and,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02obviously, it's within walking distance of a community.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- That's it, basically.- So you'd like right on the edge of a village?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- The edge of the village would be good.- that would be ideal, yeah.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Remind us then of your budget, How much we've got to spend.
0:08:10 > 0:08:14We're looking around the 450,000,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17maybe 475 if it's the right property.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20And do you think that's a realistic amount?
0:08:20 > 0:08:22I mean, Devon is an expensive county
0:08:22 > 0:08:24because so many people want to move here.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27Do you think realistically you're going to get everything that
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- you want for that amount of money? - We'd like to think so. That's...
0:08:31 > 0:08:32We can get a property for that.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I mean, if we've got to extend it a little bit more,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- then not a problem, we can do that.- OK.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41Well, we do have some splendid properties lined up to show you.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- It is a glorious day. I think we have to get started.- Great.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Follow me.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52With a maximum budget of £475,000, our couple are after a modern
0:08:52 > 0:08:55four-bedroomed property which has enough sociable living space to
0:08:55 > 0:08:59accommodate visiting grandchildren and entertain their friends.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02They'd also ideally like an acre of land
0:09:02 > 0:09:03and to be on the edge of a village.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08We've got a diverse mix of properties in store
0:09:08 > 0:09:11which addresses the various elements of their wish list.
0:09:11 > 0:09:15After every viewing, I'll be asking them to guess the price.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Our final offering is the Mystery House,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21where unconventional living and 20th-century technology
0:09:21 > 0:09:23have been thrown into the mix to
0:09:23 > 0:09:26challenge their property-buying preconceptions.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33The reason I want your help is with Keith, he knows what he wants
0:09:33 > 0:09:38and I think this will give him a bit of a broader outlook on properties.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43So, Keith, are you less flexible, would that be fair to say?
0:09:43 > 0:09:46I know what we want, that's the, you know, what we're looking for.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49So are you the one that I might have to convince?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51You reckon Karen is going to be easier or is it really...
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- Karen's more flexible.- Is she? - Yeah.- I'm more flexible.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55Karen's definitely more flexible.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58She always says, "Keith's never happy." But, yeah, I am.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01If we can find the right property, I would be.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04Well, we're not too far from the first one.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Let's see if we can at least get a smile out of you.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12With location top of the agenda,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16our property search begins in the rural village of Georgeham.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19There are more amenities a couple of miles away
0:10:19 > 0:10:22in the coastal village of Croyde, which lies within the
0:10:22 > 0:10:25North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Facing west, the windswept waters of the Atlantic
0:10:28 > 0:10:32and vast sandy beaches attract surfers from far and wide.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Back in Georgeham, there's a local pub surrounded by pretty cottages
0:10:37 > 0:10:39and on the edge of the village is house number one.
0:10:42 > 0:10:48So our first property here in North Devon. It is a converted barn.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51And this is your property.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53- Right.- OK.- Interesting.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56Completely different to what I was expecting
0:10:56 > 0:10:58but I can't wait to see inside now.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Come on, Keith, you're looking at me.- I know.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- It's attached.- It is.- I'm wondering where the acre or two is.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08This house has lots of merits.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- Let's dip inside and hopefully all will be revealed.- Excellent.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14Dating back 300 years,
0:11:14 > 0:11:16this barn originally belonged to the nearby farm.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It was converted in 2004 by the current owners
0:11:19 > 0:11:24and has been tastefully renovated, so hopefully the style and space
0:11:24 > 0:11:26will measure up to expectation.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30You've got a good hallway which leads to the kitchen.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33It's a nice kitchen. Not as wide as I would like it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35It's lovely and modern, which is what I do like.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- Yes, but it is a bit smaller than what we've got at the moment.- Right.
0:11:38 > 0:11:42Patio doors to your garden with that amazing view.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- It's a beautiful view, yeah.- That is the main area to dine.- Mm-hm.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48The dining area is not big enough.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Cos our table is also at least twice the size of this, the one we've got.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53Right. Size is an issue.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Let's see what we make of next door. Do you mind your head.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Cos this is your sitting room.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Really nice lounge but probably a little bit on the small side for us.
0:12:04 > 0:12:05- Is it?- It's a little bit darker
0:12:05 > 0:12:08in here than I would like for a lounge, cos I quite like
0:12:08 > 0:12:11big windows, plenty of natural sunlight.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14A lot of the time it is only going to be the two of you.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Well, it is but the intention of coming down here was to
0:12:17 > 0:12:21hopefully meet new friends and with Karen doing her supper club.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22- We love entertaining.- Yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25So ideally, are we thinking of inviting, like, 12 people round
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- on a Saturday night?- That would be normal for us.- Would it really?- Yes.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- All right. Well, that's good to know. Let's keep going.- OK.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38Also on the ground floor off the sitting-room, there's a small double
0:12:38 > 0:12:42bedroom with its own en suite which could be useful for visiting guests.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44With a downstairs cupboard, we're heading upstairs
0:12:44 > 0:12:47where there are three further bedrooms.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49There's a potential double and one single,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52as well as a tiled family bathroom.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55I am hoping that the proportions up here will get the thumbs up
0:12:55 > 0:12:58as we inspect the largest bedroom.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00So here's our master bedroom...
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- ..with its own en suite toilet and sink.- En suite as well. Lovely.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06This is a good size, yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09And obviously, the views out there, excellent, yeah.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The balance in living space downstairs, I'm taking it,
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- is the priority, isn't it?- It is.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17And upstairs you don't mind the bedrooms being a little bit smaller.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- I think the entertaining area is more important to us.- OK.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22I'll let you explore the upstairs on your own.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Let's head back downstairs, look at the garden.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27And also, you've got to start thinking about putting a price
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- on our first property.- OK.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Outside the property and just off the courtyard,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36there are two good-sized garages.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40The rear garden benefits from a large paved area ideal for outdoor
0:13:40 > 0:13:45entertaining and the lawn gently slopes down towards open fields.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48This may be slightly smaller than Karen and Keith expected
0:13:48 > 0:13:51but perhaps they'll be buoyed by a suggestion I have up my sleeve.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56It's a good size but I think we all can agree it's not the acre
0:13:56 > 0:13:58- that you'd set your heart on.- Yes.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01What you do have though is the field behind us.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Having spoken to the owners, one option might be to see
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- if you could rent the land.- Mm-hm.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Nice garden but it's going to be too small for us.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11We do spend a lot of time in the garden, even in the winter
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- cos we've got a hot tub. - We've got a lot of garden furniture.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18What is this about hot tubs? Your eyes lit up there when you said it.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- Is this going to be the first thing that arrives in the garden?- Oh, yes.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22It will be, yeah.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25OK, for the first time, our first property,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27let's see what price we're going to put on it.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Who wants to go first?
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- I would say 425.- Keith?
0:14:32 > 0:14:36Being as it is attached, I'd have probably thought 400.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38It has only has just gone on the market about two weeks.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42The asking price is £450,000.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Now, are you shocked by that?- Yeah.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Being as it is attached, I would've thought that was a bit toppy.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54This is only the first house that you've actually seen here in Devon.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57I mean, sometimes it is a bit of reality check, what your money
0:14:57 > 0:14:59will buy you, certainly in an area like this,
0:14:59 > 0:15:02but I think it's worth another look anyway.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- Have a browse and I'll catch up with you later.- Thank you.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11£25,000 under their maximum budget,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14this converted barn with a contemporary interior has
0:15:14 > 0:15:17four bedrooms and is set in a desirable edge of village location
0:15:17 > 0:15:19close to the coast.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23Although it hit the mark on style, it seems the space may have fallen
0:15:23 > 0:15:26short of their great entertaining ambitions.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I think when I saw it I was a little bit disappointed
0:15:29 > 0:15:33because we'd asked for a detached and obviously,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36the first thing we noticed is that it was a courtyard setting
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and it was an attached building.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42I really like the house. I do like the fact that it's contemporary.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46My main concern is an entertainment area for the family.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49We've got grandchildren and we've got lots of friends that come round
0:15:49 > 0:15:53so my priority is the downstairs areas.
0:15:53 > 0:15:58It's a very nice house, great location, really well decorated
0:15:58 > 0:16:01but unfortunately, a little bit too small for me.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- All right, you two, have you seen enough?- We have.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- Yes, that's great, thank you. - OK, that was our first property.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- Not a bad start. More to show you. Shall we?- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Hugging the dramatic North Devon coastline and drawing visitors from
0:16:21 > 0:16:25far and wide is the picture postcard fishing village of Clovelly.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29With cobbled streets and cottages that cascade down to the sea,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33it's a perfect snapshot of the county's preserved heritage.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36Three families have governed the village since the 13th century
0:16:36 > 0:16:40and since 1878, the Hamlyns have owned the estate.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43This means that all residents' properties are leasehold.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46However, with no holiday lets permitted and tenants required
0:16:46 > 0:16:50to spend at least 200 days a year living here,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53there's an extremely tightknit community.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Karen and Keith are keen to find out more about the history of the county
0:16:57 > 0:17:01so we've arranged for them to meet Clovelly tour guide Jana Edwards
0:17:01 > 0:17:03and residents Eli and Noah
0:17:03 > 0:17:07whose ancestors were vital to daily life in the village.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10What do the donkeys do here in the village?
0:17:10 > 0:17:13Historically, they were absolutely crucial for bringing things,
0:17:13 > 0:17:15mostly out of the village.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20Any heavy objects like fish or coal or limestone, they'd off-load ships
0:17:20 > 0:17:24onto the donkeys and take the goods, usually up to the top.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27How do people transport their goods nowadays?
0:17:27 > 0:17:29People use sleigh-like apparatus
0:17:29 > 0:17:30and they slide along the cobbles.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34You bring in all your worldly goods when you move into this village
0:17:34 > 0:17:35in a sledge.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Everybody has their own personal little sledge
0:17:37 > 0:17:39for their own personal shopping.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43One of the most influential owners of Clovelly was Christine Hamlyn,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47who inherited the estate in 1884 and was passionate about
0:17:47 > 0:17:50the restoration and preservation of the village.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54Its unique identity still endures today.
0:17:54 > 0:17:55There's a lot of different
0:17:55 > 0:17:57architectural styles in this village.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59A lot of that had to do with Christine Hamlyn.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01She would travel somewhere
0:18:01 > 0:18:03and she'd find some architectural style she really liked and she'd
0:18:03 > 0:18:07come back and she would just apply it to whatever she was restoring.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09It's a really nice view from up here
0:18:09 > 0:18:11and I can see there's a quay down there.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- Is that still an active quay? - It's a very active quay.
0:18:13 > 0:18:17It's active for different reasons perhaps now than it was.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The harbour breakwater was built to encourage to herring fishing
0:18:21 > 0:18:24back in the 16th century, which enabled Clovelly to become
0:18:24 > 0:18:26a thriving fishing port.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30However, 300 years later when that industry was on the decline,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33Christine Hamlyn turned her attention
0:18:33 > 0:18:35to encouraging tourism here.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39By the late 19th century, boats were ferrying 2-3,000 people
0:18:39 > 0:18:42a day across the Bristol Channel from Wales.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Although tourism is now the main industry here,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48two fishing families still remain in Clovelly.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Stephen Perham is a sixth generation fisherman
0:18:51 > 0:18:53and is the current Harbour Master.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- How long have you been Harbour Master?- About 12 years.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58Just over 12 years now.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01My cousin was Harbour Master just before me and my father's
0:19:01 > 0:19:04been Harbour Master, my older brother's been Harbour Master
0:19:04 > 0:19:06so it has been in the family for quite a few years.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09It's an honorary position, you're given it by the estate.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11It's a lovely place to live and work, isn't it?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13What is your job as Harbour Master?
0:19:13 > 0:19:15You get quite a few yachts coming here in the summer,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18make sure they're OK. We allocate moorings as well as looking after
0:19:18 > 0:19:20the fabric of the harbour wall.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Has tourism impacted on the fishing industry here?
0:19:23 > 0:19:25It's a very small fishing industry now.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26There's only three or four of us
0:19:26 > 0:19:29that fish commercially all year round.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32In its heyday there were over 80 fishing boats working from Clovelly,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35mainly for the herring. Everybody in the village would have
0:19:35 > 0:19:37been associated with the herring in one way or another as well.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39Stephen, thanks for meeting us today.
0:19:39 > 0:19:42It's been really nice meeting you and it's really nice to see Clovelly
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- from this side. - Yeah, it's lovely, isn't it?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- Thank you for telling us all about it.- No problem at all.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Karen and Keith seem inspired by their visit to this glorious corner
0:19:51 > 0:19:55of Devon so lets hope our properties pique their interests too.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Our second house takes us over the border into Somerset
0:20:06 > 0:20:08to the village of Brushford.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Close by is Dulverton -
0:20:10 > 0:20:13a historic market town in the heart of the West Country
0:20:13 > 0:20:15and a popular base for visitors
0:20:15 > 0:20:19as it's located on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22Here the River Barle is crossed by its Grade 1-listed bridge
0:20:22 > 0:20:25which dates back to medieval times.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28The river is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest
0:20:28 > 0:20:31on account of its wildlife.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Dulverton offers a range of amenities catering for its tourists
0:20:35 > 0:20:39and the surviving buildings reflect its textile manufacturing heritage.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Situated three miles away and with views over the national park
0:20:44 > 0:20:46is our next offering.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50So you're standing here thinking, "Well, which is the property?"
0:20:50 > 0:20:53- Mm-hm.- This one is our next house. - It's nice.- Yeah?
0:20:53 > 0:20:55Very nice. I like that.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58So even though it looks like it's brand-new, in actual fact,
0:20:58 > 0:21:02this used to be an old stables. What is it that appeals to you?
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- Is it the local stone, slate roof? - The big windows.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07KAREN CHUCKLES Ah, yes. Keith?
0:21:08 > 0:21:12- I'm keeping an open mind till we've had a look inside.- OK. All right.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14You know what, I'm not going to say any more.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15- Let's see- what you think. Good.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Shall we start the tour?- Yes. - Definitely.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Formerly stable blocks dating back to 1874,
0:21:22 > 0:21:27this property was later part of a purpose-built hotel established
0:21:27 > 0:21:30to accommodate the influx of Victorian visitors to the area.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34It was converted into a home three years ago with modern living
0:21:34 > 0:21:36in mind so hopefully they'll be
0:21:36 > 0:21:39impressed by the space on offer for entertaining.
0:21:39 > 0:21:43- Oh, this is really nice.- Yes. - Exactly what I like!
0:21:43 > 0:21:46- It's really nice, isn't it? - It's really nice, yeah.
0:21:46 > 0:21:49- So is this what you were thinking of as a sitting room?- Yes.- Really nice.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52They've tried to keep as many of the features they could
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- but still have that contemporary feel that you're after.- It does.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58It wouldn't be a struggle to fit everybody in.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01You know, we've got the children running around and it's bright,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03it's light, it's nice.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Certainly a fantastic start.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07I think you're going to like what's next door.
0:22:10 > 0:22:15- The all-important kitchen.- Wow. That is my perfect sized kitchen.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18- It's exactly what we were... - Yeah, that's really nice.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Yeah, definitely.- Really nice. And you've got the bi-fold doors
0:22:21 > 0:22:23- there as well so plenty of light in here.- Plenty of light.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27- Beautiful light.- Huge dining table. - Ours would fit there.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31Number one stop for the supper club, this new hobby that you want?
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Absolutely, yeah. Really nice. - So far...- So far so good.- ..so good.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Right, head upstairs.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Also on the ground floor, at the other end of the sitting room,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46is a second reception room currently used as a study,
0:22:46 > 0:22:49which could be a playroom for the grandchildren.
0:22:49 > 0:22:50Making our way upstairs,
0:22:50 > 0:22:55the striking double-height stairwell and galleried landing exposes the
0:22:55 > 0:22:59original character of the property, which is flooded with natural light.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01There are four double bedrooms in total.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03Featuring exposed brickwork,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07the first is currently being used as a snug with its own en suite.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10The second also benefits from an en-suite and the third
0:23:10 > 0:23:13is neutrally decorated.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15This lies next to the family bathroom, which is also
0:23:15 > 0:23:18high spec and contemporary.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22I'm hoping the size and decor up here will keep those positive
0:23:22 > 0:23:26reactions flowing as we look at where they would sleep.
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- So this is your master bedroom, with en suite.- This is really nice.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- It's a nice size, good size. - Really good size.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Yeah, even though it's got sloping ceilings, it's a
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- really good-size room. - It's ideal, it isn't?- And the views.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Beautiful views again. - That's not too sad, it is?
0:23:43 > 0:23:47- Wake up to that every morning. - This would be a hard act to follow.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51Keith, you said to me in the car you're the hard one to please.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- He nearly broke into a smile then, Karen.- Did he?- Yeah, easy.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57Don't be silly, don't be silly. I'm going to cut while I'm ahead.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02Let's take you outside. Hopefully that will be the icing on the cake.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Outside the property there's a carport and parking for four cars.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09At the back, the garden has two large sun terraces
0:24:09 > 0:24:11with steps down to an expansive lawn
0:24:11 > 0:24:14which looks out over open farmland.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18The patio, you could get ten hot tubs on there, should you want to.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20- One's enough. - KAREN AND NICKI LAUGH
0:24:20 > 0:24:23And then just over our shoulder on the right,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27- that is the national park. Do you like it?- Really lovely.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30- Amazing view, that is. - That used to be a hotel...- Mm-hm.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32..that has been converted.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35That was done in about 2002, so you do have neighbours.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37That would be a big concern to me.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- The house is absolutely lovely, the garden is great.- Garden's perfect.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Don't mind not having an acre because it's so open
0:24:43 > 0:24:47but to sit in your garden and be looking up at all them flats,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- I thing that would be a deal breaker for me.- Right.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Let's see what you think of the actual price of the house,
0:24:52 > 0:24:57our converted stable block. How much do you think the asking price is?
0:24:57 > 0:25:00- I would have thought 495.- OK.
0:25:02 > 0:25:07- I think it's going to be 500. - The asking price is...
0:25:07 > 0:25:13- It is over your budget. It's £485,000.- Wow.- Yeah.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16The owners are aware of your top budget of 475 so they'd be happy
0:25:16 > 0:25:19to have a conversation with you but obviously,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23if that wasn't next door, if perhaps that was a field or a meadow,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26you could be looking over £500,000 for that, I think.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29- I'd love you to have another look around, just the two of you.- OK.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- Check out all the bedrooms, the finish, be my guest.- Thank you.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Nudging just over budget at £485,000,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45this 19th-century former stable block provides four bedrooms
0:25:45 > 0:25:47and an exceptional quality interior.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50Its contemporary style and flow would provide them
0:25:50 > 0:25:52with the ideal living spaces
0:25:52 > 0:25:54they need in their new home.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56Overlooking Exmoor National Park,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58this property also gives them
0:25:58 > 0:25:59a great location
0:25:59 > 0:26:01just outside a village.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Well, it's a good size room, isn't it?- It's amazing. Really nice room.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09I love the house.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12The house is everything that I would want our house to be.
0:26:12 > 0:26:17The kitchen area, for what I want to do, I want to entertain and,
0:26:17 > 0:26:21you know, do a supper club, it would just suit everything I would like.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I could certainly see myself living in the house
0:26:24 > 0:26:27but not where it's positioned.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30Being so overlooked would be an issue for me.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33You know, that's what we're trying to get away from.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36All right.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I thought, there was a good second there when I thought that was it,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44- we'd done it, we'd cracked it with this house.- You are so, so close.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- Just can't get over being overlooked, can you?- No.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- Unfortunately, it's the people overlooking.- Yeah, yeah.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53Well, I'm not giving up because tomorrow...
0:26:53 > 0:26:57we have our Mystery House. We'll see how we get on with that.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59- Looking forward to it.- Yeah. - Good, come on.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10It's the second day of our house hunt in Devon with Keith and Karen
0:27:10 > 0:27:12from near Southend in Essex.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15Armed with a budget of £475,000,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19they'd like a property that will suit their sociable lifestyle.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Coming up, our Mystery House offers a vision of the country dream
0:27:22 > 0:27:24that takes their breath away.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- I don't think you could pick a better view, could you?- No.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28That is really lovely.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31And I hope I don't lose my marbles as I turn my hand
0:27:31 > 0:27:33to creating a glass masterpiece.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37I think that's as far away from a circle as you could possibly get.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's more like a lozenge.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43So Karen and Keith, our fun loving couple from Essex
0:27:43 > 0:27:46are desperate for a new life here in Devon,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49but they haven't done an awful lot of research
0:27:49 > 0:27:51so I think yesterday, our first day showing them
0:27:51 > 0:27:54around the county, was a little bit of a reality check.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56They've got a healthy budget
0:27:56 > 0:27:58but they also want quite a lot for their money.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02So today with the Mystery House, I'm feeling more confident.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05They love entertaining and with this property...
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I think it could have all the answers they're looking for.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13For our mystery property,
0:28:13 > 0:28:15we're heading back into Devon
0:28:15 > 0:28:17to the quiet village of Blackborough.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Nearby is the village of Kentisbeare,
0:28:20 > 0:28:22set in the lower Culm Valley.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Here, charming whitewashed thatches line the winding country lanes
0:28:25 > 0:28:29and right in the centre is a local store with post office and
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Grade 2 listed pub. Back in Blackborough,
0:28:32 > 0:28:35on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, in the heart of the village,
0:28:35 > 0:28:37is our super modern Mystery House.
0:28:38 > 0:28:43So our final property is, of course, the Mystery House. And here it is.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- It looks quite big. Hopefully, it will be big inside.- Different.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48It is different, yeah.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52This is one of the original kit houses that came over by lorry
0:28:52 > 0:28:55from Scandinavia around 1995.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- I'll reserve judgements till we've had a look inside!- That's usual.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Come on then, be honest. Tell me what's going through your mind
0:29:02 > 0:29:04because reserving judgment doesn't
0:29:04 > 0:29:06help us for about what you're thinking.
0:29:06 > 0:29:07Or is it you've got nothing to say?
0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Go on, tell me. - It's busy round here.- OK.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17- It's hard to judge from the outside. - OK. All right.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Let's see if the mystery can win you over inside.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- Let's have a look.- Thank you.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26Our 20th-century Mystery House majors on delivering
0:29:26 > 0:29:29excellent thermal insulation and energy efficiency
0:29:29 > 0:29:31so it's extremely economical to run.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35However, it does throw down the gauntlet of upside-down living,
0:29:35 > 0:29:39which could challenge their conventional mind-set.
0:29:39 > 0:29:45- This is an upside-down house.- It's nicely open plan.- Yes, very nice.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47Beautiful views. Amazing views.
0:29:47 > 0:29:52You've got this wonderful living space maximising that vista.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Yeah, it's a good-size lounge so the space is good.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- Have either of you ever lived in a property that's topsy-turvy?- No.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02Keith's quite a traditionalist. He likes sleeping upstairs.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- I like going up to bed.- Yeah.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- You're both itching to get out on that balcony, aren't you?- Yes.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Come on, I think we should.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14Built to benefit from its elevated position, on a clear day
0:30:14 > 0:30:18views here can stretch as far as Dartmoor 40 miles away.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22You know, appreciate we do have neighbours either side but these are
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- the type of views that you're seeking.- The views are amazing.
0:30:24 > 0:30:25Absolutely amazing.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28- I don't think you could pick a better view, could you?- No.
0:30:28 > 0:30:29It is really lovely.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31I'm really glad to see that you've got us a lake
0:30:31 > 0:30:34and also probably a couple of acres.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Well, we'll go into that in a bit more detail
0:30:36 > 0:30:40when we go into the garden but we're going to continue with the house.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41I'm going to take you away from that view.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Keith, if you wouldn't mind leading the way back into the property.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47Turn left cos we're going to take a look at the kitchen.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51So here we have our kitchen.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54As you can see, it's got a dining table in it.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57- It's ready for a little bit of love and a refit.- Yeah.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- I would probably change the layout as well. Wouldn't you?- Yeah.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04It's not very sociable if I'm cooking and we've got people round.
0:31:04 > 0:31:05- No.- And they're sitting through there.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08This would probably be too small, wouldn't it?
0:31:08 > 0:31:11Well, I'm not going to give up with our Mystery House.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12I'm going to take you downstairs
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- because that's where the bedrooms are.- OK.- Excellent.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Down on the ground floor
0:31:20 > 0:31:22there are a total of four bedrooms.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24A compact double and a good-sized
0:31:24 > 0:31:26single are currently children's rooms.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28There's also a further snug single,
0:31:28 > 0:31:32a neutrally-decorated family bathroom
0:31:32 > 0:31:34and a handy utility room,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36but we're heading for the master.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- It's a good-sized bedroom.- Yes. - And obviously, excellent views.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40That's really lovely.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Sit in bed with your cup of tea looking out there would be perfect.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Really lovely and bright in here. - Yeah.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48I like that idea of the big windows.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51With your own balcony, access to the garden,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53good size en suite next door.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55What do you think?
0:31:55 > 0:31:56I've still got this thing
0:31:56 > 0:32:00about privacy and the garden finishes there.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04I assume that people go out there to the land and the pond
0:32:04 > 0:32:06and you haven't got the privacy.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07I do understand what you mean about privacy.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10Let's go down into the garden and then you can see it in all its glory
0:32:10 > 0:32:12- and make that decision.- Excellent.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18Having explored the quirky interior layout of our Mystery House,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20it's time to explore outside.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23To the rear of the property there's access to storage beneath the house
0:32:23 > 0:32:26and with long reaching views over the Blackdown Hills,
0:32:26 > 0:32:28the garden has a decking area -
0:32:28 > 0:32:30ideal for entertaining outdoors.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32There's also a shepherd's hut,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35which might prove to be a hit with the grandchildren.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Karen seems to be embracing the merits of this property more
0:32:38 > 0:32:41than Keith but hopefully what's on offer out here will give them
0:32:41 > 0:32:43a fresh perspective.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46It looks more modern and it looks bigger from here
0:32:46 > 0:32:49than it does the front, I think. More character.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- Anything else you've spotted, Keith? - I've spotted a hot tub.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53At last, we've found one!
0:32:53 > 0:32:56What is it about hot tubs that you two love so much?
0:32:56 > 0:32:59I think where we are, ours is really private and everything.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02I can imagine if you sit in that one you could actually wave
0:33:02 > 0:33:04at the people in the field and the lake.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Who do think's going to be in that field?
0:33:06 > 0:33:09Not at the time of night we're in the hot tub.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- Sadly, you don't own the field.- No.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13But if you wanted to,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16there could be a possibility of actually buying it or renting it.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19But how much do you think this is on the market for?
0:33:19 > 0:33:22I would say 450.
0:33:22 > 0:33:26No, I'd say less than that. I would have probably thought 410.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29OK. The asking price is £435,000.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32- Would that tempt you?- No.- Still not.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35No, not because of... It's not the money issue, it's just...
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- It's just not the house for you. - It's just not the house for us.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40I'm going to send you back in so you can reacquaint yourself
0:33:40 > 0:33:43with the property but before you do that, I think you should
0:33:43 > 0:33:45take a look in the shepherd hut there.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- That is a keeper. It's such fun. Go and have a look.- Thank you.
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57£40,000 under budget, our contemporary Mystery House
0:33:57 > 0:34:00is configured so that the four bedrooms and living areas
0:34:00 > 0:34:03make the most of those stunning countryside views.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06It's also an essential village location.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12- Aw, this is really lovely. - This is different, isn't it?
0:34:12 > 0:34:15The grandchildren would love this. They'd think this is their...
0:34:15 > 0:34:17It would be ideal, wouldn't it?
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- If they stayed the night and a lovely sleepover.- Yeah.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22I was quite surprised at the Mystery House.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26It has got a wow factor to it but the kitchen doesn't flow with
0:34:26 > 0:34:29the dining room and then the garden, they're all separated.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I don't think it's quite the house for us.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Very nice lounge, absolutely amazing views.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40A little disappointed with the lack of garden again.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43It has made me realise that probably we need to spend more money
0:34:43 > 0:34:44to get what we want.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49Well, that's it, you've seen all our properties now, including,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51of course, the Mystery House.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54I think it's been, well, an interesting few days.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- Very interesting, yeah. - Yeah.- Very interesting.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01We now need a proper chat, don't we? I want to hear your thoughts.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02- OK.- Come on.
0:35:07 > 0:35:11Although Devon is well-known for its striking coastlines, beautiful
0:35:11 > 0:35:16rolling hills and national parks, it also has a rich industrial heritage.
0:35:16 > 0:35:21One industry that prospered for over 160 years was pottery production,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25which took advantage of the natural abundance of clay in the county.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27Potteries grew up all over the region
0:35:27 > 0:35:30and although the kilns under these chimneys are no longer fired
0:35:30 > 0:35:34to create earthenware, traditional skills are still in use.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I've come to meet Andrea Harkin from Teign Valley Glass
0:35:37 > 0:35:42to find out more about the ancient art of glass sculpting.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- Andrea, good to meet you. - Hello there.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Now, when you think of Devon, well, certainly for me, I think
0:35:47 > 0:35:52of agriculture, tourism, beautiful countryside, arts and crafts
0:35:52 > 0:35:53- but not pottery.- No.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58The Bovey Tracey Pottery Company was based here at around 1843
0:35:58 > 0:36:01and it did employ about 300 people.
0:36:01 > 0:36:07Unfortunately, in around 1957 it went bankrupt due to changing
0:36:07 > 0:36:09markets and so it was left to ruin.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11So, how did you find your company here?
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Well, we were making glass and toys and games just down the road.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20We expanded and we moved to this site in 1990.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23The business originally began as a games manufacturer producing
0:36:23 > 0:36:25solitaire boards.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28However, they quickly moved on to producing their own artisan marbles
0:36:28 > 0:36:33so in 1981 they opened their own glassworks.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37This is an extraordinary studio. It's like an Aladdin's cave.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40Now one thing that has caught my eye is this.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44- Now that is like a work of art in itself, isn't it?- It is.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47These are all handmade using traditional techniques that have
0:36:47 > 0:36:50been passed down through generations to generations of craftsmen.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53This is craftsmanship, isn't it, at its best.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55- Every one is an individual piece. - Yes.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57Well, I've fallen in love with this little marble.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00How easy would it be for me to recreate something like this?
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- You're welcome to have a go. - Let's see how I get on.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05- Andrea, thank you very much. - Thank you.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08Coloured glass marbles are thought to date back to
0:37:08 > 0:37:11as early as 15th century in Venice.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Glass workers used to gather up remnants off the factory floor
0:37:14 > 0:37:18and roll them into little balls to take home for their children.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21The Victorians went on to master techniques used for making marbles
0:37:21 > 0:37:23that are still used today.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Senior glass-maker Matt Sharpe has been sculpting glass
0:37:27 > 0:37:30for 16 years so I'm hoping he thinks I can cut it.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33How long would it take you to make something like this?
0:37:33 > 0:37:35Probably about six/seven minutes to make one of those.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36What's the first step?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39We've got to take the gather of glass out the furnace,
0:37:39 > 0:37:41- which is over here. - How hot is it in there?
0:37:41 > 0:37:43It's 1,100 degrees.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46So, all I'm doing now is putting the rod into the glass,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49giving it a few turns, then coming back out.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52If you keep turning it all the time. And what we're going do,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55we're going to start doing rolling it in the white first.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- Just keep giving it a dusting? - Yes.- Enough?- Yes.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Now we need to go into the grill and warm it up.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02And the heat in this furnace, similar or less?
0:38:02 > 0:38:05It's a little bit more. This is about 1,250.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I mean, I can feel it on my face.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Now we can come out and add some more colour.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- Keep turning?- Yes.- Is that enough? - Yes, that's lovely.- OK.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Back in?- Yes, back in and melt the colour in again.- OK.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24Next, some more plates of iridescent glass called dichroic
0:38:24 > 0:38:27are added to the softened surface.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29The glass is then heated again to make it more malleable
0:38:29 > 0:38:34so it can be rolled on a metal plate to smooth out irregularities.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38Now that looks like an interesting sweet at the moment, doesn't it?
0:38:38 > 0:38:39Yes.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42'A further layer of clear glass is added to the outside to seal
0:38:42 > 0:38:45'the colour inside and it's rolled again.'
0:38:45 > 0:38:47And you're just getting used to shaping the glass.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- You can push a little bit harder now.- It's more like a lozenge.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54Tools called jacks are then used to squeeze the centre of the glass
0:38:54 > 0:38:55to form the beginning of marble
0:38:55 > 0:38:58before it's blasted once more in the furnace.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Now what we do is put it in there and we start spinning
0:39:01 > 0:39:04and hopefully it will start to make a round shape. Well done.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08This is so difficult and you make it look so easy.
0:39:08 > 0:39:09Lots and lots of practice.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12But look at that, it's transforming in front of my eyes. The colour.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Brilliant, you're just about there now.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18The final part of sculpting a marble is to separate the rounded end
0:39:18 > 0:39:19from this rest of the glass.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21When we knocked it off, there'll be
0:39:21 > 0:39:24a little sharp rough patch on the top.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27- That was so delicate. - We knock it off like that.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29And then with our little torch here
0:39:29 > 0:39:30we just try and melt that top in
0:39:30 > 0:39:32and make it as round as we can.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35We've got to have a nice even heat around the marble just to try
0:39:35 > 0:39:36and make it back round again.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39I'm really pleased with that. Am I able to take it?
0:39:39 > 0:39:41No, cos we've got to cool it down now.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44We've got to pop it into one of our kilns for about 15/16 hours.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Cos if we don't do that, it will shatter.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Matt, I am delighted with that end result.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I think you helped me far more than you were probably meant to
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- but it looks perfect, thank you very much.- Cheers, thank you.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00It's been a fascinating insight into the process of glass-making
0:40:00 > 0:40:04and heartening to see skilled sculptors like Matt continuing
0:40:04 > 0:40:06to champion Devon's craft heritage.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13This has been a tough few days. We have struggled.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Not with Keith and Karen.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17No, they've been very complimentary about all the properties
0:40:17 > 0:40:21we've shown them, but for what they're after on their budget,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24it's proved so hard to find.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Now, interestingly enough, they've made a few comments
0:40:27 > 0:40:30and observations, especially after the Mystery House
0:40:30 > 0:40:32so I'm keen to hear what their conclusion is.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Karen and Keith, well, we started off with a clean slate.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- Desperate to leave Essex, new life in Devon.- Mm-hm.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51But finding you that perfect property has been,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54- well, it's quite elusive for us, hasn't it?- Yeah, I think so.
0:40:54 > 0:40:59It hasn't quite met our criteria as far as size of the buildings
0:40:59 > 0:41:02and land, which is what we're looking for.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06But we did get very close with our second property
0:41:06 > 0:41:09just over the border in Somerset, tantalisingly close.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13- Very close.- Yeah. It was 90% there.
0:41:13 > 0:41:18- 98% there for me.- Pretty close.- The house perfect. You adored the view.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- And then we had a few neighbours next door, didn't we?- Yeah.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24You can like entertaining, you can invite them all over
0:41:24 > 0:41:25for your supper clubs.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28He likes entertaining, he doesn't like being overlooked.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32So, on reflection, now that you've seen some housing stock,
0:41:32 > 0:41:35do you think you can get what you want on your budget
0:41:35 > 0:41:37in this particular area?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41- I think properties are available in that bracket.- Yeah.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44But then we've got to make compromises.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47I think if we can adjust it, maybe 50, another £75,000 more,
0:41:47 > 0:41:50we will probably get what we're looking for.
0:41:50 > 0:41:51For us, it is long-term
0:41:51 > 0:41:54so it's worth spending that little bit of extra money.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Is it possible, do you think, to find an extra £75,000?
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Yeah, it would be possible, yes.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Hopefully you will find that dream home.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- It is out there, we've given you a taste.- Mm-hm.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- A little bit more exploring and you might find it.- I'm sure we will.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- I'm sure we will.- Let us know though, won't you?
0:42:09 > 0:42:11- We certainly will.- We will. - Wonderful.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13The party house, that's what I'm going to name it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14- Thank you so much. BOTH:- Thank you.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Well, I think that was a fair assessment of the situation
0:42:19 > 0:42:21from Karen and Keith there.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23And they've come up with the conclusion that
0:42:23 > 0:42:27if they are going to find that beautiful, entertaining party house
0:42:27 > 0:42:30that they're so after, with the grounds and the privacy
0:42:30 > 0:42:34they crave, they are going to have to dig just that little bit deeper.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38In all honesty, I'm delighted that they came to that conclusion,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40that I didn't suggest that they had to find more money,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43but I think that's the perfect answer.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47We wish them all the best and that's it from me from wonderful Devon.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50I'll catch you again on Escape To The Country.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55After the reality check of what they could get for their money,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Karen and Keith have decided to raise their budget and are
0:42:58 > 0:43:00continuing to scour the county
0:43:00 > 0:43:03in a bid to find their ideal country home.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales, Scotland
0:43:07 > 0:43:11or Northern Ireland and need our help, please apply online at...