0:00:02 > 0:00:05Today, I'm in a county whose landscape is so rich in history,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07it even has its own geological period named after it.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10So if you can guess the era, then you'll get the county.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Give it some thought and I'll reveal all in just a few moments.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34'Coming up, finding a couple who have moved 15 times
0:00:34 > 0:00:37'a forever home could be a tough call.'
0:00:38 > 0:00:42It fits the brief, but something is missing
0:00:42 > 0:00:46and I can't explain to you what's missing in this house for me.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50'So, will one of our properties prove to be the missing link?'
0:00:50 > 0:00:52- The house you live in at the moment is how many bedrooms?- Two.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55Two bedrooms. So you're going to have to go and buy more beds.
0:00:55 > 0:00:57- SARAH CHUCKLES - That's a very good point.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Today, I'm in Devon.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03And this colourful stretch of coastline
0:01:03 > 0:01:07is a mere slice in the timeline of its rich history.
0:01:07 > 0:01:12Parts of the county date back over 400 million years,
0:01:12 > 0:01:17lending its name to a geological era known as the Devonian period,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19when the county was actually under the sea.
0:01:19 > 0:01:24Today, obviously, the Devon landscape is very much above water,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28meaning we can fully appreciate the bedrock of this beautiful county.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32The county of Devon is located in the southwest of England
0:01:32 > 0:01:35and is bordered by Dorset and Somerset to the east
0:01:35 > 0:01:38and Cornwall to the west.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41The county is famous for its spectacular coastlines.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45And down on the southern shore, it's a travel through time,
0:01:45 > 0:01:49where the oldest cliffs feature red rock millions of years in the making.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Whilst erosion has caused a dramatic
0:01:51 > 0:01:54and fascinating geological backdrop to the beaches.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Inland is rich in architectural and agricultural history,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04with thatched stone cottages dating back to medieval times
0:02:04 > 0:02:06and villages such as Broadbury,
0:02:06 > 0:02:10located in the Blackdown Hills' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Back on the coast, the ancient fishing village of Beer,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18named after the old English word for woodland,
0:02:18 > 0:02:22rather than the drink, now offers quintessential British seaside,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26with deckchairs and beach huts looking out to the sea.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29But in 1778, it was the birthplace
0:02:29 > 0:02:33of the county's most notorious smuggler, Jack Rattenbury.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39The eclectic mix of architecture here includes 18th- and 19th-century
0:02:39 > 0:02:42flint cottages with original and period reconstruction features,
0:02:42 > 0:02:45from stone-tiled roofs to leadlight windows.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50So, with pastoral countryside, striking coast
0:02:50 > 0:02:53and picturesque historic villages,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Devon really does deserve all the attention it receives
0:02:56 > 0:02:59from holidaymakers and escapees alike.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04So with all that on offer, it might not come as a surprise
0:03:04 > 0:03:08to learn that Devon is not the cheapest place to buy a house.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11The average price of a detached home in the county
0:03:11 > 0:03:14comes in at around £310,000.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16That's 10% above the national figure.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Now, obviously, coastal locations like this and, in particular,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22sea views, do attract hefty premiums.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25So if you want your budget to stretch that much further,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29try looking inland, especially the towns of Honiton and Tiverton,
0:03:29 > 0:03:31as they also have rail links.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33So, what is it about this beautiful county
0:03:33 > 0:03:35that's attracting today's buyers?
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41Sarah and her brewery consultant husband Ian met as students
0:03:41 > 0:03:43almost 40 years ago.
0:03:43 > 0:03:50We met in 1976 and started going out together in '77.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55We met the first week of university, in freshers' week
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and pretty much been together ever since.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02We'll have been married 34 years next month.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04They might not always see eye to eye,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07but they certainly have a strong relationship.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11We don't agree on very much, but we look after each other
0:04:11 > 0:04:15and support each other and we're a pretty good team.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19- We're quite different, so I think we balance each other out.- Yes.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22It's about understanding what each other want out of life.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26Sarah is very loving, thoughtful, very kind.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Loves mothering me and our two daughters.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Ian is much more adventurous than me.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37He likes excitement, challenges.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42Doesn't like being bored. More outgoing than I am.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46This loving pair have decided they want to move to pastures green,
0:04:46 > 0:04:48but upping sticks isn't new to them.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52We have moved a lot. This will be our 15th move.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55We've moved all over the country with Ian's work.
0:04:55 > 0:05:00We started off in Birmingham, we've lived in Cheshire, Cambridge,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Nottingham, Bath twice.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08So we feel it's about time that we found somewhere
0:05:08 > 0:05:11that we'd probably quite like to stay.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15The last house that Ian and Sarah owned was in Wales.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18But when Ian secured a work contract in Sussex, they sold up
0:05:18 > 0:05:22and are currently renting a two-bedroom house on the outskirts of Brighton.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Yet another urban location.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28Now that Ian's contract is coming to an end and their two daughters
0:05:28 > 0:05:31are grown up and living in the west of the country, they've decided
0:05:31 > 0:05:36it's time for one more move to the peaceful countryside of Devon.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38It's a county they know and love,
0:05:38 > 0:05:40so one where they'd like to set down roots.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42The countryside is lovely.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45I'm desperately keen to be close to the sea and be able to
0:05:45 > 0:05:48walk along the beach, whether it's raining or in the sunshine.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Ian's hoping less time working will leave more time for him
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and Sarah to spend together enjoying their new home.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59We're doers. We've done houses up in the past.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I'm not saying we want a huge project,
0:06:01 > 0:06:07but we have done houses up and we're quite practical people.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11I'd love to have some chickens and have our own eggs.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- I like pigs, as well.- Oh, OK.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16My love is gardening.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18I like my sewing and my knitting.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22So with their Welsh house sold and cash in the bank,
0:06:22 > 0:06:23plus Ian's soon to complete his contract,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26they're ready to start their house-hunt
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and find what they hope to be their country home.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32I am excited. I want to be somewhere that I can stay
0:06:32 > 0:06:33and hopefully make friends
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- and keep these friends and, um...build on that, I feel.- Mm.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41We've had so many houses in the past,
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and generally, they've worked reasonably well.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48And I want this one to be spot-on.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51I would love for this to be the house that is our last move.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54The challenge of actually making a house into a home,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57um...I can't wait for that.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07Sarah and Ian would love to live within striking distance of the sea
0:07:07 > 0:07:09and have asked us to concentrate our search
0:07:09 > 0:07:14along Devon's southeast coast, not far from the border with Dorset.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18Before we begin the search for their 16th home, I'm meeting them
0:07:18 > 0:07:20in the county to find out the exact credentials
0:07:20 > 0:07:22that will help them make their final move.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- So welcome to Devon, then. - Thank you very much.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Nice to be here?- Lovely.- Lovely.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Now, you guys are in a funny position,
0:07:30 > 0:07:33because you're now a bit more footloose and fancy-free.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- Grown-up children.- That's correct. - You can live anywhere.- Yep.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Why the Southwest?
0:07:38 > 0:07:42I think we like the countryside, we like the views.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46It's just a more leisurely pace of life.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49But it must have been tricky making your minds up.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- I mean, you've moved house how many times?- 15 times.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54You should have wheels on the bottom of your houses!
0:07:54 > 0:07:56We haven't unpacked all the boxes yet.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58You probably never got a chance!
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Has it been a difficult decision moving here?
0:08:02 > 0:08:06No. I think this is the area we like the most.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Having lived in lots of places,
0:08:08 > 0:08:12you sort of start to get a feel of where your favourite places are.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Yeah, yeah. You've got more experience, haven't you?- Yeah.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17Well, let's talk about what you're after.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20First of all, the environment, the location.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23I've always wanted to live close to the coast.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25I mean, my ideal would be walk out
0:08:25 > 0:08:28of the bedroom French windows, straight on to the beach.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Ideally, walking distance or a very short drive to a beach?
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- Maybe 5-10 miles. - 5-10 miles would be comfortable.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40And I think also, we're looking at maybe retiring a little bit,
0:08:40 > 0:08:41so we don't want to be too isolated
0:08:41 > 0:08:44because that will give us problems later on.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47What about the house itself? Let's talk about size first of all.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Well, I keep saying two bedrooms. So it's a minimum of two bedrooms.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52I think we should have at least three.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54We're not going to have an argument, but...
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- JONNIE LAUGHS - Two to three bedrooms.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Or four at the most.- And I have to have two toilets.- OK. What else?
0:09:01 > 0:09:05- A lovely, big, open kitchen. - Do you like cooking?- Ian cooks.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- I love cooking. - You do?- He does the cooking.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09What about outside space?
0:09:09 > 0:09:15- Don't really want to be overlooked, so fairly decent-sized garden.- OK.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- What about style of house? - I don't think it matters.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21I like character.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23This is going to be fun, these next couple of days,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25because you've got slightly differing opinions.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27- We don't agree on anything. - Well, good.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30But having bought 15 homes in the past,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33you must come to a resolution fairly easily.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Well, that's partly because we alternate.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37We have one I like, then one Sarah likes.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40- So, whose turn is it to choose this time?- Sarah's.- It's mine.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43Right, OK. But you want the bigger house. Oh!
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Right, let's talk about budget.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Maximum, really, should be £500,000.
0:09:50 > 0:09:54- OK.- However, I like bargains.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Well, all right. How soon can you move?
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Tomorrow.- Yeah.- Really?- Yep.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- We're in rented accommodation, we're cash buyers.- Ideal. OK.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- Let's get going, then. This way.- Thank you.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Sarah and Ian have a budget of £500,000.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10And for that, they would like a character property
0:10:10 > 0:10:14with a large open-plan kitchen providing a social hub in the home.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Sarah wants the house to have at least two toilets.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22There should be between two and four bedrooms, a good-sized garden
0:10:22 > 0:10:26and they want privacy without being too isolated.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28They'd also love to be close to the coast.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33We've chosen a fantastic selection of properties for our buyers to view,
0:10:33 > 0:10:37but the all-important price tag will only be revealed
0:10:37 > 0:10:40after they've completed a tour of each one.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43And the final visit will be to the Mystery House,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45which may be going out on a limb,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47but if our house-hunters are prepared to do the same,
0:10:47 > 0:10:51their search for house number 16 could be over.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59We're kicking off our tour of southeast Devon in the village
0:10:59 > 0:11:02of Uplyme, close to the border with Dorset
0:11:02 > 0:11:06and just under two miles from Dorset's historic seaside town of Lyme Regis.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10Here, the pretty resort sits at the foot of a hill,
0:11:10 > 0:11:12surrounded by majestic cliffs
0:11:12 > 0:11:15looking down on Lyme Bay and the English Channel.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18There are steep, winding streets to explore
0:11:18 > 0:11:21and plenty of ways to make the most of the water.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23A five-minute drive takes us back into Devon
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and the village of Uplyme, where there's a shop,
0:11:26 > 0:11:30a village hall and a pub, all local to our first property,
0:11:30 > 0:11:34a detached mid-19th-century house with modern additions.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39OK, then, team, property number one. First impressions?
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- It looks lovely.- Interesting. - Interesting. Well, that's good.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47- That's a good start.- It looks a nice size. It's a comfortable size.
0:11:47 > 0:11:51- It's got character.- I think it's quite attractive.- Ian?- Yes, I agree.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55- It has a nice feel to it.- Ready to go inside?- Yes.- Lovely.- Let's go.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57'With a large gravel driveway,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01'this detached period house comes with a single garage to the side.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05'The property was extended and updated around eight years ago.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08'All the rooms on the ground floor lead off from the central hallway.'
0:12:08 > 0:12:10You've got a small study area there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13You said you liked the idea of a decent-sized kitchen/diner.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- What do you think of this one?- Nice size, good size.- Ideal size.- Yeah.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Fantastic views out of the windows. - Oh, beaut... Wow!
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Right over the valley there. That is splendid, isn't it?
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- That is stunning. Really stunning. - Yep. That's very good.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- You do the cooking, don't you?- I do.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- So, you tell me. - Well, it's not ideal.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35I mean, I don't like the dark surfaces,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- but there's nothing here that can't be changed.- No.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42- The size, the orientation of it is ideal.- Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Right, let's see where you'll be sitting down waiting for your tea. Come with me.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49'Next door and at the back of the house is a large rectangular
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'living room with views and access to a stunning garden.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55'This room is in the original part of the property
0:12:55 > 0:12:58'and so over 150 years old.'
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- It's a nice size. - It is a very good size.
0:13:01 > 0:13:03- It's a good size.- I like it. Lots of light.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Yeah.- I didn't realise that garden was there.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- You're surrounded by your own gardens here.- Yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12- You're not overlooked, which is something you said was important. - Absolutely.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14Would you be tempted to have a dining table in here,
0:13:14 > 0:13:16or would you keep it just as a living room?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It doesn't matter. It's a room to live in, isn't it?
0:13:18 > 0:13:20The important thing is to set it up
0:13:20 > 0:13:23- so that we actually want to come into it.- Yep.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27So, you don't want to be necessarily connected into your kitchen/diner?
0:13:27 > 0:13:28You like that separation, do you?
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- I'd be happy for it all to be one room.- Yeah.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34I can see if we're not careful, we'll always be in the kitchen.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38- The only positive is it's got a fire.- Right.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- That might draw us in in the winter.- Mm-hm.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43But I think come summer and the spring,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45I'm not sure we'd come in here much.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49'It looks like the downstairs layout
0:13:49 > 0:13:51'may be failing to win Sarah and Ian over.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54'But the ground floor does offer one of the two essential toilets
0:13:54 > 0:13:59'Sarah has asked for and upstairs, there's not one, but two more.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01'Up here, there's a neutral family bathroom
0:14:01 > 0:14:04'that serves two of the four bedrooms.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07'The smallest is currently in use as a twin.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09'And a double that has an aspect to the rear,
0:14:09 > 0:14:13'then there's another bright double with its own en-suite shower room,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16'which just leaves the largest of all the bedrooms,
0:14:16 > 0:14:17'again, with its own en-suite,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21'providing this home with its toilet number three.'
0:14:21 > 0:14:24- What do you think about this for a master?- Very good.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I like having two windows.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Nice views. Very light.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- The house you live in at the moment is how many bedrooms?- Two.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Two bedrooms. So you're going to have to go and buy more beds.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- SARAH CHUCKLES - That's a very good point.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- Yeah.- So, would you like to live in a home with that sort of view?- Yes.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45I think, um...there are things we would change,
0:14:45 > 0:14:47but nothing, nothing major.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- You know, repaint it, that'd be it, it'd be fine.- OK.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Well, look, the less you do in the house, I think, the better.
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- Because outside, you might be getting busy.- OK.- Come with me.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03'The outdoors is somewhere both our buyers enjoy.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06'And whilst they differ on their requirements for inside,
0:15:06 > 0:15:08'neither of them should be disappointed here.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11'For this is an immaculately-kept garden
0:15:11 > 0:15:15'that comes with a veggie patch, a greenhouse and a potting shed.'
0:15:17 > 0:15:21- This, surely, is a gardener's paradise!- Absolutely.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26- And it goes down, over that bank a little further into a pond.- Wow!
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- All in all, the plot size is around a third of an acre.- Fantastic!
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Absolutely beautiful.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33So, my question to you is,
0:15:33 > 0:15:36how much do you think this house is on the market for?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38After you, dear.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41Um...£510,000.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- OK. Ian?- Yeah, £500,000.- Right.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47That was easy, wasn't it? Well, good guess.
0:15:47 > 0:15:53This place is on the market with a guide price of £499,500.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Yep. - So you're both there or thereabouts.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58- I think that's quite a lot of house for the money.- I do.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00- I think that's good value.- Good.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Go back into the house, refresh yourselves of what you've seen
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and I'll meet you when you're done. All right?
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- Lovely. Thank you.- Go right in.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10This delightful detached house has crept in just under
0:16:10 > 0:16:12Sarah and Ian's budget
0:16:12 > 0:16:14and it still manages to offer them
0:16:14 > 0:16:16over and above what they've asked for.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21There's a large, sociable kitchen/diner for cook Ian to get busy in,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25four bedrooms and no fewer than three toilets to choose from.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27Outside is a gardener's paradise,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29giving plenty for them to potter about in
0:16:29 > 0:16:32as they head into retirement.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37I was pleasantly surprised. It's a very attractive house.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40Much bigger than it looks from the outside.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44What I think would work really well for us is the large kitchen/diner.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47The sitting room was superb.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49The garden is spectacular.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52It would require quite a bit of maintenance,
0:16:52 > 0:16:55but not impossible to sort out.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Generally, I was very impressed.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02So that's your first formal viewing of a house in the Southwest.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06- How did it go?- Very good. - Yeah?- Yeah.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Well, it's only one of three, so let's keep going.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Devon's stunning scenery, beautiful beaches
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and temperate climate are a real draw to the county.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22And, three miles inland from the world-famous Jurassic Coast
0:17:22 > 0:17:25lies the Bicton Park Botanical Gardens,
0:17:25 > 0:17:28which attract over 50,000 visitors a year.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33These historic gardens form part of an estate that Lord John Rolle,
0:17:33 > 0:17:36an MP and the largest landowner in Devon,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39inherited at the end of the 18th century.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43He created this botanical paradise for his wife, Lady Louisa.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46Today, the house is an agricultural college
0:17:46 > 0:17:49and the gardens are now owned by Valerie Lister and her partner,
0:17:49 > 0:17:51who took over the grounds in 1998.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Keen gardeners Sarah and Ian have come to meet Valerie
0:17:55 > 0:17:57to get some inspiration.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00So, Val, which garden is this, please?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03We are stood in the Italian garden at the moment.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05And this was laid out in the 1730s
0:18:05 > 0:18:08and hasn't changed a lot since it was laid out.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12So, what types of garden have you got here and how big is it?
0:18:12 > 0:18:15The gardens itself are 64 acres,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18but they are divided into smaller areas.
0:18:18 > 0:18:20How long does it take to cut the grass?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23The gardeners cut the grass with hand mowers and it takes them
0:18:23 > 0:18:25from 7:00 in the morning until 10:00.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- So they try and do it before we open to the public.- Gosh!
0:18:29 > 0:18:33Next stop for our couple is the architecturally-awesome Palm House,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37home to around 15 species of palm trees from all over the world.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40It's the second-largest structure of its kind in Britain
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and it was renovated in 1985.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49- Oh, it's amazing, isn't it?- Yeah. - So this is the Palm House.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51This was built in the 1820s.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- And as you'll see, it's got 18,000 panes of glass.- Amazing!
0:18:55 > 0:18:58And it was built by Lord Rolle for Lady Rolle as a love token.
0:18:58 > 0:18:59It's an amazing building.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02It must have been quite a feat of engineering in those days.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05I think it was. And you'll notice that the panes of glass are curved.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08And that's so that the rain runs down the centre of the glass
0:19:08 > 0:19:10as not to rot the ironwork.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12And that's how the rain cleans the glass,
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- so that saves us a little job. - So, how does the building work?
0:19:16 > 0:19:18The building itself has underfloor heating,
0:19:18 > 0:19:20which we use in the winter.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23But in the summer, as you can feel now, we're melting in here.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27But we have vents which are operated by good old-fashioned string,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29so we get a good airflow through the building.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34The Palm House is one of four glasshouses in the gardens
0:19:34 > 0:19:37and was the inspiration behind the larger glasshouse
0:19:37 > 0:19:39of the same name at Kew Gardens.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42There's so much to take in here
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and the best way to see it all in one visit is by train.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47We're going to be going off in this carriage,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49but, Ian, we have a surprise for you.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- How would you feel about driving the train?- I'd love to. Thank you.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55If you'd like to go to there and, Sarah,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58if you'd like to go into the carriage and I'll follow you in.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01This train, called the Sir Walter Raleigh,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04was hand-built especially for the gardens around 10 years ago.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06TOOT-TOOT!
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- He's beeping the horn! - That's fun, isn't it?
0:20:08 > 0:20:11The track is a mile and a half long
0:20:11 > 0:20:15and it takes a leisurely 25 minutes to do a full circuit of the park.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18How many times do you go around a day?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22About four during the week, five at weekends.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24You'd never get bored of this, would you?
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Full of inspiration for their new country garden,
0:20:33 > 0:20:37it's time for Sarah and Ian to continue the search for it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42For our second property,
0:20:42 > 0:20:45we're journeying just under nine miles west
0:20:45 > 0:20:48along the coast to the seaside resort of Seaton.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51The pretty town sits on the 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55with the South West Coastal Path passing through it.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58Here, the Axe Valley meets the sea and the sheer cliff face
0:20:58 > 0:21:01overlooks an endless stretch of shingle beach.
0:21:01 > 0:21:05The town's narrow streets are teeming with shops and eateries
0:21:05 > 0:21:07and it's easy to while away the hours here
0:21:07 > 0:21:09relaxing and admiring the scenery,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12taking a gentle seaside stroll along the promenade,
0:21:12 > 0:21:14or getting a different perspective
0:21:14 > 0:21:18along the three-mile tramway first operated in the 1970s.
0:21:20 > 0:21:21Just a 10-minute walk from the action,
0:21:21 > 0:21:25we find our second offering with a birds'-eye view of the town.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32So, first impressions, probably the best spot to get them is from here.
0:21:32 > 0:21:33What do you think?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- Nice.- Yeah, I like that.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Pretty!- Isn't it just!- Very pretty!
0:21:37 > 0:21:39- Nice wisteria.- Yep.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- Now, look behind you. - Oh!- Oh, the sea!
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- View of the sea!- Yeah. - Ooo! Absolutely beautiful.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Yeah. Very nice.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51So the property, it was built 18 years ago.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- Now, what do you think of the style of the house?- It's very attractive.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57- Looks quite neat, tidy.- Yeah.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00- Well-presented, isn't it? - Yeah.- Good. Let's go inside.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06'This modern two-tone house was built in 1997.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08'It may be young, but its tiled facade gives it character
0:22:08 > 0:22:12'and no-one can dispute its outstanding outlook.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15'Hopefully, what it has to offer behind closed doors
0:22:15 > 0:22:17'will be just as well received.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19'The front door leads to a long, narrow hallway
0:22:19 > 0:22:21'running down the middle of the house.'
0:22:21 > 0:22:23All right, let's start with Ian's favourite room.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- Bit smaller this time.- Yeah.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29I'd prefer it a bit bigger, but lovely views out of the window.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- Yeah.- Nice and light. There's things we can do with it.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33There are things you can do with it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37You've got a room behind you there, that's a proper brick wall,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40but my thoughts were, just put a doorway through there,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- that becomes a utility.- Yep.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Remember when you looked at the front of the house,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- there's was a lean-to conservatory? Push that kitchen that way.- Yep.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51It would make a fantastic dining kitchen.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- It needs opening up.- It does, yeah. - Without a shadow of a doubt.- Yeah.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58What's the feeling you get when you walk through the door here?
0:22:58 > 0:23:02It's a bit like...going to a holiday cottage.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Yes, you feel that? - It's a lovely, nice house.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11But it's not giving me a wow feel inside at the moment.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Let's keep looking through. Let me squeeze past you there, mate.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Right then. It opens up here into the living and dining room.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Yes. Good space.- Isn't it? - Nice space.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- It's nice and light.- It is, yes. And you've got the views again.- Yes.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31It's still not wowing me at the moment,
0:23:31 > 0:23:35but there is a lot I think we could do to make it feel
0:23:35 > 0:23:38more in keeping with the way we like to live.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42I mean, it could be a single room downstairs almost, couldn't it?
0:23:42 > 0:23:44There is a lot of work to do that,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47but an open plan with then bringing the garden into you.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49OK. Upstairs.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54'A winding stairway takes us up to the first floor where the
0:23:54 > 0:23:57'family bathroom comes complete with a corner bath.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59'Plus there are four bedrooms.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03'There is a narrow single and two doubles with one in use as a twin.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06'But I have reserved the very best for Sarah and Ian.'
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- Your master bedroom, I think, could be fantastic.- Yes.- It could be.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- It could be.- Waking up to a sea view.- It is a beautiful view.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17But you can't see it from where you are in bed.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- Do you understand what I say? - Shuffle down the bed a bit.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Why don't you put your head that end and your feet that end
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- and then you could see out to the sea?- Agreed.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- You've got an en-suite behind you. - OK.- Right.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- And what about the bedroom?- It's the right size.- It fits the brief.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38But something is missing and I can't explain to you what's missing,
0:24:38 > 0:24:40but something is missing in this house for me.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44The highlight for me is the view.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- Let's go and take a better look at it. You've got a balcony here. - Yes.- Come with me.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56So it's not just a sea view. Look at that.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- It's beautiful.- Stunning. - Absolutely beautiful.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Let's go down to the garden and start thinking about price.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03- After you.- Thank you.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07Outside, there is a terrace garden at the rear of the property
0:25:07 > 0:25:08with a patio at the summit.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Then everything else is at the front of the house.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14There is a detached garage and plenty of parking space,
0:25:14 > 0:25:17leading up to a lawn and of course the stunning vista.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21- The house, the views, the garden.- Beautiful.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- Let's guess the price of this house. - Right.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28I would reckon this is on the market for 465,000.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31OK. Sarah?
0:25:31 > 0:25:36I am going to go below. I think it's £455,000.
0:25:36 > 0:25:40The asking price for this house is £475,000.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45If you could get it towards your guesses, would that interest you?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Yes. That would be fair.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51This house with a view has rung in
0:25:51 > 0:25:55at a generous £25,000 under Sarah and Ian's budget,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58meaning they can make the most of the fabulous location and outlook
0:25:58 > 0:26:02and still have cash to spend on creating the home they want.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05There's already the potential to create a really good size kitchen diner,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08which would complement the existing living space.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11The property also features four bedrooms,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14so there's plenty of room for visiting guests.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17And let's not forget the wonderful views
0:26:17 > 0:26:19which look out towards the nearby coast.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25My initial reaction when we walked up to the house was excitement.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30I loved the location. The view was stunning. The house is attractive.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33So first impressions were great.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37- It's a good size.- Oh, yes. It's lovely.- Plenty of storage.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Yes, very good.
0:26:39 > 0:26:45This house is a bit of a conundrum because it seems to give us lots of what we want,
0:26:45 > 0:26:48but it doesn't give me the feeling that I could make it into a home
0:26:48 > 0:26:51and I still haven't quite worked out why that is.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54I think we're going to have to go and have a beer and think about it a bit more.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- All done?- Yes.- You know what? You got through that house nice and quick.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02There might be time for a dip in the sea on the way home.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04- Excellent.- Fancy that? Let's go.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14It's the second day of our tour of southeast Devon,
0:27:14 > 0:27:18searching out a characterful home for Sussex-based
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Sarah and Ian with a budget of £500,000.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We've still got the Mystery House, which could well offer
0:27:24 > 0:27:26the fresh perspective their house search needs.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- I think it's lovely.- I like it.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31And you can see the views out of the bed.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34And I'll be serving the Devonshire locals
0:27:34 > 0:27:36as I learn about an eco-friendly tipple.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Look how much they love that!
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I'm happy that both of the houses worked well yesterday on paper, but
0:27:45 > 0:27:46according to Sarah and Ian,
0:27:46 > 0:27:49there was something special missing from them.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52But they couldn't really put into words exactly what that was,
0:27:52 > 0:27:55so I'm hoping to flush that out with the Mystery House today.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Now, in terms of location, it's the most rural out of all three properties.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01Maybe too much so.
0:28:01 > 0:28:02And in terms of style, well,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05it's the kind of house that will have some people
0:28:05 > 0:28:07running for the hills at first sight,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10but others maybe falling in love with it at first glance.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12Obviously, I'm hoping for the latter.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16You know you're going to see the mystery property,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19how do you think we are going to challenge you with this house?
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I suspect it might have or could have a lot of land possibly.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27I think there may be a bit of work to do to it.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- Yes, I think there might be a project.- The P word.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34- It could be a two-bed apartment overlooking the sea.- We'll see!
0:28:36 > 0:28:38For our Mystery House,
0:28:38 > 0:28:42we're travelling west down the coast to the village of Branscombe.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44Located just inland, the village is known
0:28:44 > 0:28:48for its charming display of cottages and thatched roofs.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51It's like stepping back in time here as it is still possible
0:28:51 > 0:28:55to see the last surviving working thatched forge in the country,
0:28:55 > 0:28:57which was originally built in the 16th century,
0:28:57 > 0:29:02as well as a fully restored watermill, now owned by the National Trust.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06A short walk from the village leads to the rural setting
0:29:06 > 0:29:09of this semi-detached thatched cottage, our Mystery House.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Perhaps a little more out of the way than Sarah and Ian had hoped,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16but I think they will agree its seclusion is worth it.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23Now, if you are after a house with personality,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I think we might have just found it.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- My word!- That is fantastic, isn't it?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Now, there are many reasons why we chose this property for you.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35Obviously, the look of it, the character it gives you.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38And look at that view. That's a sea view as well.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40- Fantastic.- That is a lovely view.
0:29:40 > 0:29:45- It's so peaceful.- Yes. - Really peaceful.
0:29:45 > 0:29:49This is much more in line with the peace and quiet
0:29:49 > 0:29:51that I think we prefer.
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Yes, absolutely. I agree.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56It is more rural than ideal but...
0:29:56 > 0:29:59Yes, but I think we are probably more comfortable with this.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04You will be surprised to hear it was built in 1952.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- 1952. Wow.- It's beautiful.- It is, isn't it?- The setting is fantastic.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10- Yes.- Let's look inside.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15'Because this picture perfect cottage is relatively youthful,
0:30:15 > 0:30:18'it benefits from many mod cons not found in an older property.'
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Let's start in the kitchen.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- This is much more our style.- It's lovely.- Yes, it's a beautiful size.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32I can see myself being in here. It feels comfortable.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- It feels homely, doesn't it? - Yes.- Yes, very good.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37This is actually a holiday home.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Gosh!- Yes, but the way you're reacting,
0:30:41 > 0:30:45you're probably getting a nicer feeling here than you've seen so far with the properties.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- Yes.- Because it's more neutral.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Yes, maybe. Next door is a full-time home.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52Everything else is full-time so don't think you're going
0:30:52 > 0:30:55to be living in the middle of nowhere on your own. You won't.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Around the side you've got the rest of the kitchen.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01- Beyond you've got a utility and then a downstairs loo.- Lovely layout.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- Very simple.- Good. I'm glad you are liking it.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07I think you will be impressed with these other rooms through here. Let me show you.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10'Across the hallway and on the other side of the front door is
0:31:10 > 0:31:13'an elegant dining room, roughly the same size as the kitchen.
0:31:13 > 0:31:16'And beyond that is a characterful sitting room.'
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- Lovely.- Isn't this cosy?
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- It's cosy but because you've got that middle room you've got space, haven't you?- Yes.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Are you surprised in how you are reacting to this house? - No.- No.- Not at all.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30Is this in the back of your minds what you thought you might be looking for but didn't know it?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33This is more the sort of thing we would go for.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36But we didn't want to admit it.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- We like this style.- It's quirky, isn't it? It's that personality coming through.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Let's see what you make of the bedrooms. Come with me.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46'I couldn't have hoped for a better response from Sarah and Ian.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49'This marvellous Mystery House is certainly selling itself.
0:31:49 > 0:31:53'But it remains to be seen whether it could become their home number 16.
0:31:53 > 0:31:57'A central stairway leads us upstairs where there is a neat, white family bathroom
0:31:57 > 0:32:00'with an adjacent toilet and three bedrooms.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03'There's a single at the back and two doubles at the front.
0:32:03 > 0:32:08'One in use as a twin and another, which is a similar size, has an added bonus.'
0:32:10 > 0:32:13Now, master bedroom because you've got
0:32:13 > 0:32:17a little walk-through closet area going into an en-suite at the end.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- And you can see the views out of the bed.- Out of the Juliet balcony.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30- This isn't a huge room, but... - It's big enough.- It's comfortable.
0:32:30 > 0:32:31- I think it's lovely.- I like it.
0:32:31 > 0:32:37You have seen reactions from each other in 15 successful purchases.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40How do you gauge each other's reaction at the moment?
0:32:40 > 0:32:42I think Sarah is falling in love with the house.
0:32:42 > 0:32:47- How do you think Ian is reacting? What is going through his mind? - I think he really likes it.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Let's talk through the whole package when we get outside,
0:32:49 > 0:32:53but also start getting your head around how much this property might be.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55It seems this home-hopping pair
0:32:55 > 0:32:58are both keen on the accommodation on offer here.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01I just hope the garden matches up to the house.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05It's raised above the property and makes the most of its remote location
0:33:05 > 0:33:07with fantastic views towards the sea.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09On a clearer day!
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Up here we get a vantage point for a couple of things.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14The amazing view obviously,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17but also we are right on top of a double bay garage
0:33:17 > 0:33:21that comes with the property and on top there is a little summerhouse.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Guests have been known to sleep in there of an evening.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- Pretty cool, isn't it? - That's fantastic. - That would be really useful.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30You also get to see all of your garden. What do you think?
0:33:30 > 0:33:32How on earth do you cut the grass?
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Well, as you can see, it is cut on levels.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- I think you could do more with this. - Yes, agreed.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41It's pretty low-maintenance at the moment.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- Could you see yourselves living here?- Definitely. I think so, yes.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48- Yes.- Can you afford it? Guess the price.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53So I am going to say 525,000.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56I think it's above budget.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- I'll go for 515.- OK.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05The asking price of this Mystery House
0:34:05 > 0:34:08is offers around £465,000.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09Gosh.
0:34:11 > 0:34:15- I think you were swayed by the fact you liked it.- Yes.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18And I was swayed by you!
0:34:20 > 0:34:23So, go inside the property and I will see you in a bit.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28This chocolate-box mystery cottage is on the market
0:34:28 > 0:34:31for £35,000 under our buyers' budget.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35It may be remote, but being semi-detached, it has neighbours,
0:34:35 > 0:34:37so it's not too isolated.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40The large farmhouse kitchen gives plenty of room for entertaining,
0:34:40 > 0:34:44plus there are three bedrooms on offer upstairs.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Outside, the elevated garden gives incredible views as well
0:34:47 > 0:34:51as a place to rest and enjoy them in a pretty thatched summerhouse.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54I was pleasantly surprised
0:34:54 > 0:34:58when we turned up at this delightful thatched cottage.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01It is so pretty.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03It's lovely. I can see Sarah and I living here.
0:35:06 > 0:35:11- That's big as well.- That's bigger than I expected.- It is. Lovely.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15My only concern about the Mystery House,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19it is really in the middle of nowhere.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23I need to sit down and have a look at a map just to get my bearings
0:35:23 > 0:35:26as to exactly where its location is, I think.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30So, have you enjoyed looking round this Mystery House?
0:35:30 > 0:35:32- Yes, very much.- Yes. Very good.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35That's the last thing we are seeing, so soak it all up,
0:35:35 > 0:35:38get it in your head and we will sit down later on and go through it all.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39- OK.- Great.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49Devon's rich landscape of rolling hills tumble down to deep valleys
0:35:49 > 0:35:53which have some of the finest rivers in the country running through them.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56And the fantastically fresh water that flows here
0:35:56 > 0:35:58has one rather appetising use.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01It's perfect to turn into local Devon beer.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04I've come to the Otter Valley in the Blackdown Hills
0:36:04 > 0:36:08Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to meet Patrick McCaig,
0:36:08 > 0:36:11a fifth-generation brewer whose father established
0:36:11 > 0:36:14an eco-brewery here 25 years ago.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17It's won multiple awards, not only for its beer,
0:36:17 > 0:36:19but also its eco-friendly credentials.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24I was very excited to hear I was going to be looking around a brewery,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27yet you have asked me to meet you by a pond.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29It's no ordinary pond, really.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31This is a place where we manage to recycle
0:36:31 > 0:36:34a third of the water that we use to brew with.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37We actually use this wonderful system called willow beds
0:36:37 > 0:36:39to actually deal with it and clean it up.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41How much water are we talking about?
0:36:41 > 0:36:44For every pint, you probably get about three pints waste.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46So there is a phenomenal amount of water to deal with.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Solid matter is removed from the waste from the brewery
0:36:50 > 0:36:53and the water then flows around 30 metres via an underground pipe
0:36:53 > 0:36:57to a series of ponds which act as water filters.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01The roots of the surrounding trees provide oxygen to the water,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04which helps bacteria and bugs flourish.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07They in turn purify the water by eating the impurities in it
0:37:07 > 0:37:09before it flows back into the River Otter,
0:37:09 > 0:37:11where it was sourced from originally.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14Now, this is probably not a new method.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- No, this goes back to medieval times.- How much would you be saving?
0:37:18 > 0:37:21We would be saving about £60,000 worth of haulage a year.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23Do you recycle anything else?
0:37:23 > 0:37:25We recycle our hops, which go for leaf mulching.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27We have yeast which goes to the pigs
0:37:27 > 0:37:29and then we have our brewers' grains.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33That is our biggest lump of stuff that needs to be got rid of and that gets taken to cattle.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36- I can show you some of those in a minute.- Lead the way. - Brilliant. This way.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Just a couple of fields away is the brewery where Patrick produces
0:37:40 > 0:37:42over seven million pints of beer a year,
0:37:42 > 0:37:45sold mainly in the southwest of England.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48I must say, I wasn't expecting to see this.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51I've been to a few breweries in my time.
0:37:51 > 0:37:53This looks like a space station. It's pretty impressive.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56- So what have we got going on here, then?- This is brewers' grains.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00They are the grains that have come out of the back end of the brewing process
0:38:00 > 0:38:04and we have taken a load of sugar out to make the wort which is turned into beer.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- So you have taken sugar out of this? - Yes, exactly.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11Basically, when the grains come in from our maltsters,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13it's full of a lovely malted sugar.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16We extract the simple sugars and we leave the complex sugars behind
0:38:16 > 0:38:18and we don't want those in the beer.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- So they're great for cows. - You can eat this?- Yes.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24It's almost like porridge. Not quite as nutritious, I don't think.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26But the cows love it.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Patrick sells his unwanted brewer's grain to local farmers and today
0:38:29 > 0:38:33we are taking it to a dairy farm a couple of miles down the valley.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35So here are our lovely ladies.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38How much of this do you give to this farm here?
0:38:38 > 0:38:40I should imagine about 20 tonnes a week comes here.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42Look how much they love that!
0:38:42 > 0:38:47So if you didn't provide this foodstuff to this farm, where would they be getting it from?
0:38:47 > 0:38:52They would get a similar product but from up country and that involves trucks and moving stuff around.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- It's the environmental impact again, isn't it?- Yes. It also ties in with working with the community.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Let's get rid of this foodstuff because all this talk about beer is making me rather thirsty.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05Patrick's lovingly brewed Devonshire beer is back in the brewery waiting for us in his cellar
0:39:05 > 0:39:09with its grass-topped roof, continuing the eco-friendly theme.
0:39:09 > 0:39:14It attracts local wildlife to the brewery, as well as providing insulation for the cellar.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Not only that, two-thirds of the cellar has been built underground,
0:39:18 > 0:39:21providing a perfect cool climate for the beer,
0:39:21 > 0:39:24meaning no need for electrical chilling machines.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Now, what we've got here, talk me through it.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31- This one is the Otter Amber which is actually... There we go.- Thank you.
0:39:31 > 0:39:36The Otter Amber is actually one of the newest beers we have done
0:39:36 > 0:39:39and it's got a lovely fruity hopness to it.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41First of all you can smell the hops in this.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- It's almost got the touch of a summer ale to it.- Exactly.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46I could see you quaffing this in a beer garden.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49I think that's actually why it goes really well during the summer.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52How many of these do you produce, then, a week?
0:39:52 > 0:39:55During the summer time, over 2,000 of these go out every week.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I'm sure you're going to go far and wide with this beer,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00- so we wish you the very best of luck for the future.- Cheers.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03'The cows have been fed and I've been watered.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05'Now it's time to see if Ian and Sarah have fallen
0:40:05 > 0:40:08'for any of our Devonshire properties.'
0:40:09 > 0:40:13From where I was standing, we saw the best reactions overall in the Mystery House.
0:40:13 > 0:40:18But I'm not sure whether it's a case of Ian and Sarah keeping their cards close to their chest,
0:40:18 > 0:40:21or after having bought 15 houses previously,
0:40:21 > 0:40:24they're not getting wildly excited about buying house number 16.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Let's find out their thoughts.
0:40:30 > 0:40:31So.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34You've had a bit of time to chat things through.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37I think it's fair to say the Mystery House was your favourite.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I certainly saw the best reactions there. Is that the case?
0:40:40 > 0:40:43But it did have challenges to it, so what are your thoughts?
0:40:43 > 0:40:45I was a bit worried
0:40:45 > 0:40:49when we started going deeper and deeper into the countryside
0:40:49 > 0:40:53and then we arrived and I was pleasantly surprised
0:40:53 > 0:40:59at the very, very picturesque setting of the thatched cottage.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02Do you think the fact that you saw other homes nearby
0:41:02 > 0:41:05maybe sort of allayed any fears of isolation?
0:41:05 > 0:41:07- Yes, certainly.- Yes.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12And there was nothing wrong at all with the first two houses.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17They gave us what we had asked for, but there was just something
0:41:17 > 0:41:20which didn't make us go, "Oooh! We really love it."
0:41:20 > 0:41:22So what's next for you?
0:41:22 > 0:41:24We're certainly going to put an offer in on it.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28- Just like that. We've seen it and we'll put an offer in on it.- Yes.
0:41:28 > 0:41:30If we like somewhere, we never do second viewings.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32We just... That's it.
0:41:32 > 0:41:35Because if that is your initial reaction and you like somewhere
0:41:35 > 0:41:38and you think, "I can live there", then you just put an offer in.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40That's brilliant news.
0:41:40 > 0:41:45OK, I'm surprised. 15 houses in, this is your next house? Who knows?
0:41:45 > 0:41:48And actually, it is a different house.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50It's another one to add to the list, isn't it?
0:41:50 > 0:41:53We have never lived in a thatched house before.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56So it's another one to add to the list.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58It's great news.
0:41:58 > 0:42:01I have certainly enjoyed showing you these three very different houses.
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- Good luck at the estate agents. - Thank you very much.- Let us know how you get on.- Thank you.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13We see it so many times that in looking at houses
0:42:13 > 0:42:17sometimes all it takes is the X-factor, something special,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21call it what you will, but sometimes a house has to give our buyers
0:42:21 > 0:42:24a special feeling in order to tip them over the edge.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28And today it looks like our Mystery House has done just that.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31So much so that I think we could well be looking
0:42:31 > 0:42:34at Ian and Sarah's house number 16.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38I certainly hope so. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. See you next time.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43Ian and Sarah put in an offer on the Mystery House,
0:42:43 > 0:42:45but unfortunately it wasn't accepted.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48So their hunt for a Devonshire home continues.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Scotland, Wales or England and need our help, please apply online at -