0:00:02 > 0:00:05This sweeping facade is one of the most impressive Georgian structures
0:00:05 > 0:00:07in the whole of the UK.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Find out where it is in just a moment.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30'In today's show, our house hunters can't wait to leave behind
0:00:30 > 0:00:34'suburban life and move on into pastures new in the countryside.'
0:00:34 > 0:00:38'The size of our properties gets the seal of approval.'
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Brace yourself, it's quite a big one. Ta-dah!
0:00:41 > 0:00:43- SHE GASPS - Brilliant.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45'But there's dissent along the way too.'
0:00:45 > 0:00:47You're not getting the views, you're getting hedgerows.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- I think the answer is to take down the hedges.- Quite.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Today, I'm in Bath in the county of Somerset
0:00:54 > 0:00:59and this is the Royal Crescent, the city's most iconic structure.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02It was built at the end of the 18th century by the architect
0:01:02 > 0:01:03John Wood the Younger
0:01:03 > 0:01:07and it consists of 30 individual Grade I listed buildings.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10In amongst them, there's a luxury hotel and a museum
0:01:10 > 0:01:12but most of them have been divided into flats.
0:01:12 > 0:01:17Although the facade has stayed unchanged for 230 years.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21And it's not the only remarkable thing in this county
0:01:21 > 0:01:23that has stood the test of time.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28For today's house hunts, we're homing in on North Somerset.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30Bordered by Devon and Dorset, the area stretches
0:01:30 > 0:01:35from the Bristol Channel in the west to the Wiltshire border in the east.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Over 35 miles of stunning coastline here
0:01:38 > 0:01:43border Exmoor National Park, which showcases dramatic moorland
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and some of the highest sea cliffs in England.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51The Mendip Hills cover an area of over 120 square miles,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54where you'll find attractive villages such as Priddy.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58At the east of this evocative landscape sits Glastonbury Tor,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02which provides panoramic views across the Somerset Levels.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06The county's produce sustains a thriving food and drink industry,
0:02:06 > 0:02:11notably cider, made in its abundance of apple orchards.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13With scenery such as the Quantock Hills inspiring
0:02:13 > 0:02:16the works of romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20this county is an enlightening choice for aspiring escapees.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Let's talk about those pesky monetary matters.
0:02:24 > 0:02:29The average price for a detached house here in Somerset is £276,000,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33which is £6,000 less than the national figure.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36But as always, there are hot spots in this county,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39particularly in the north-east around the city of Bath
0:02:39 > 0:02:42where you pay a lot more for the same sort of property.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44So, if you can steer clear of Bath,
0:02:44 > 0:02:46your money is going to go a lot further.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49But what other factors have attracted our buyers
0:02:49 > 0:02:52to this lovely county? Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Training and development consultant Laurie
0:02:55 > 0:02:57met graphic designer David 15 years ago
0:02:57 > 0:02:59when her company was starting out
0:02:59 > 0:03:02and she was liaising with work clients.
0:03:02 > 0:03:04I would describe David as...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09..a bit eccentric in a wonderful, wonderful way.
0:03:09 > 0:03:10He makes me laugh all the time.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16I'd describe Laurie as enthusiastic, positive, lively, loving,
0:03:16 > 0:03:20and probably the best person I've ever met in my life.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22I was going to say the same thing but I thought I'd cry.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24SHE LAUGHS
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Wokingham holds a special place in their hearts as it's not just
0:03:27 > 0:03:31where they currently live but where they met and were married.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34David came up with a really good idea of how we could never ever,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36or how he could never ever forget our anniversary.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38Yes, November 5th.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41So I would never forget my anniversary and also have
0:03:41 > 0:03:44free firework displays every single wedding anniversary.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49But after living in the town for over 25 years, they've noticed that
0:03:49 > 0:03:51the area is changing
0:03:51 > 0:03:54with more green space being built on by developers.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57It's not quite the same charming little market town it used to be.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59Memories are all in here, aren't they?
0:03:59 > 0:04:02You know, it's not in the bricks and mortar, really.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04It's what you take with you
0:04:04 > 0:04:06and I'm taking him with me so I'll be fine.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Now that the Laurie's daughters and David's sons have all left home,
0:04:10 > 0:04:12they're more than ready to move to the peace and quiet
0:04:12 > 0:04:15of the countryside and buy their first home together.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Now it's all about us
0:04:17 > 0:04:19and the change of environment.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21And having some space and having
0:04:21 > 0:04:24a new house to really invest some time in.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27And just making it right for us.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29I like change, I'd like things to be moving
0:04:29 > 0:04:30so that doesn't worry me at all.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33It's going to be very, very exciting.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36David was all set to move to Somerset before he met Laurie,
0:04:36 > 0:04:38which meant putting his plans on hold.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41However, after 18 years of working from home
0:04:41 > 0:04:45and now nearing retirement, the county holds even more appeal.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50It's just beautiful and there's space, there's freedom out there.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52But it's not too rural.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Because I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57So, it still has a village
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and a town feel and there are things going on.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Having travelled extensively in the UK and abroad in their caravan
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and sports car, Laurie and David have a lot of experience
0:05:08 > 0:05:09of staying in guest houses,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13which they hope to put to good use once they relocate.
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Part of the move would be perhaps to buy a property that has
0:05:17 > 0:05:18a business associated with it.
0:05:18 > 0:05:19Perhaps a holiday let.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21It would be much easier for me.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23I'd only worry about changeover on Saturdays,
0:05:23 > 0:05:24maintaining the property,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27dealing with any problems the guests might have.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I'm going to continue in my job, but then gradually,
0:05:31 > 0:05:34I'm not going to want to work as much as I do at the moment.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Then I can become more of a part of it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40So, with grand plans ahead of them, it's all systems go
0:05:40 > 0:05:43to find the house of their dreams.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48- I'm a frustrated country boy. - Yes!- And can't wait.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51I'm a townie but I'll cope. It'll be fine.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Laurie and David are happy to consider
0:05:55 > 0:05:57a range of locations in North Somerset.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00However, for the immediate future, Laurie will continue to work
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and so needs good access to motorways
0:06:03 > 0:06:06and they'd both like to be within an hour's drive of Bristol.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09I'm meeting up with them in Somerset to dig deeper
0:06:09 > 0:06:12into what they're looking for in their new home.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15So, you've made it from Wokingham to lovely Somerset.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16We have, we have.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18And the beautiful spring weather you've brought with you.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20- Great setting, yes.- Yes.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23David, you're more of a country boy so is this sort of your dream move?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25I've been trying to move for...
0:06:25 > 0:06:27- How long, darling?- About 15 years.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- 15 years. - And she's been stopping you.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31She has, actually, because...
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I was just set to move to Somerset itself about 15 years ago
0:06:34 > 0:06:35and that's when we met.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38So, Laurie, are you a bit more ambivalent about the countryside?
0:06:38 > 0:06:39I love the countryside.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43It's just at the moment, my business is really busy.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45So I need to keep a foot in the Home Counties
0:06:45 > 0:06:48but it would be great to have a rural retreat to come back to
0:06:48 > 0:06:50and I'm looking forward to that very much.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53You're quite international so do you need to be near Bristol airport?
0:06:53 > 0:06:54That will help a lot, yes.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I understand you want to kind of get some money out of the property
0:06:57 > 0:06:59in terms of business. Tell me about that.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01The idea is to have some kind of holiday let.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03I will be a little bit more part-time
0:07:03 > 0:07:05but gradually, I'll have more time to spend on it.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07And the house for you, what's the spec for that?
0:07:07 > 0:07:10We're looking for three or four bedrooms.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Four would be great.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Rooms with quite reasonable proportions would be great.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17Some views.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20And period? Are you fussed about the age of the property?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22It would be nice to have an older property.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- Georgian, something like that. - Some character, yes.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27But not too pokey.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29I've met your type before. SHE LAUGHS
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Well, "Character but not too character.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- "A bit modern but not too modern." - Not too twee.- And location?
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Do you want to be in a community or out in the sticks?
0:07:38 > 0:07:40Just outside a village would be OK.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42I think one of the reasons why we've hit on North Somerset
0:07:42 > 0:07:46is because Bristol is not that far and Bristol is great.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Bristol has everything that London has but on a smaller,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51slightly more quirky, relaxed scale.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56So, as o long as I'm within reach of those kind of social activities,
0:07:56 > 0:07:57then that will be fine.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59So, you've still got the kind of social bug.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- What about you, David? - Yeah, no, I'm happy in my own...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04In the middle of the field with a couple of dogs. That would...
0:08:04 > 0:08:06That would suit me.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08And remind me of your budget?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10We have £700,000.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13But if the property was absolutely perfect,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15we could go up as far as £750,000.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17That's a very handsome budget.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19We've got some lovely properties lined up.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20And interesting in terms of the business.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- So I hope that you find them to your taste.- Great.- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:34With a healthy budget of £750,000, Laurie and David
0:08:34 > 0:08:37are after a character property with three to four bedrooms,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40Generous living areas and countryside views.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42They'd also like a holiday let
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and to be within an hour's drive of Bristol.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48We've lined up an impressive range of properties which reflect
0:08:48 > 0:08:52the West Country charm our buyers are looking for.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54After each of the house tours, I'll be asking them
0:08:54 > 0:08:56to guess the price tag.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58And our final offering is the Mystery House,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01designed to challenge the elements on their wish list
0:09:01 > 0:09:03and encourage them to look at something
0:09:03 > 0:09:05that normally they would have ruled out.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Are you a bit nervous about the move to the country?
0:09:12 > 0:09:15I'm not nervous about the full-scale country life
0:09:15 > 0:09:17but it's not right for me today.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- Career-wise?- Career-wise.
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Well, as someone who's done it,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25I can genuinely say that all my anxieties about being...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27"Oh, how far is it from London?"
0:09:27 > 0:09:30- ..melted away within about a week. - Really?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33You do meet people quite quickly in the countryside
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- because people are more friendly.- Yes.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39For our first property, we're heading to the village of Mark,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42which is a 50-minute drive from Bristol.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Mark has a vibrant local community, thanks to its village hall,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49which hosts a variety of weekly activities.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52With a convenience store, post office and two pubs,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55it is surrounded by open countryside.
0:09:55 > 0:09:57This village would provide Laurie and David
0:09:57 > 0:09:59with the tranquil setting they're after.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02Our first property is a short stroll from the village,
0:10:02 > 0:10:03down a quiet lane,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05overlooking open fields.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07This is our first offering.
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- It's really, really pretty. - Uh-huh.- It's lovely.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- I like the pink at the back.- Yeah. - The pink with the red brick.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Double front, like you've always wanted.- Double-fronted, yes.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22And sash windows. No, I like it very much from the outside.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- You also have an annexe standing behind it.- Wow.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- It's beginning to get better and better.- Shall we look inside?
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- Yes, please.- Love to.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35'Built in 1754, this former bakery has retained its character.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38'Laurie and David already seem excited about it
0:10:38 > 0:10:40'but let's see what they make of the interior.'
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- So I've whisked you round into the oldest part of the house.- Oh.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Oh, it's lovely.- It's got a lovely feel to it, hasn't it?
0:10:46 > 0:10:48This is the bit that goes back to the 1700s.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- And this is the front door, which they don't use.- I like the windows.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53They're like a little mini sort of bay.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54The views are amazing, actually.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Just from standing in the corner of the room,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59you can see a farm over there, fields over there.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02So the feel is lovely, perfect.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05In contrast with the original part, the current owners added
0:11:05 > 0:11:09a modern extension at the back during the 1990s.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- SHE GASPS - Great.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- Yeah, good. - It's quite a size, isn't it?
0:11:13 > 0:11:15- That's huge.- That's terrific, yes.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18Come forward and you can see it really is a very big kitchen.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Got a lovely range cooker here. Masses of working space, an island.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24That's great. There's loads of stuff going on.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27You've got a small table there, you've got a breakfast bar there,
0:11:27 > 0:11:30you've got a snug there and yet it doesn't feel cramped.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- It's just enormous. - Good social room too.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- It's terrific. - You can get a lot of people here.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36Where we're moving from has a large kitchen-diner
0:11:36 > 0:11:39and it's where we have lots of parties. Irrespective of any other
0:11:39 > 0:11:42room in the house, that's where everybody congregates.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43This would just take over from that.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46It's just perfect for the way we like to live.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48It's also got a wonderful walk-in larder
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- and a big utility room through there.- Yeah.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- You wouldn't have to do a thing. - Yeah.- Which is... Which is good.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'Also on the ground floor, there is a formal dining room,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00'a cosy but elegant snug
0:12:00 > 0:12:02'and a large bright conservatory overlooking the garden.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07'Upstairs are five bedrooms, four of which are doubles
0:12:07 > 0:12:10'and one single, which is currently used as a study.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13'There's also a family bathroom but it's the master suite
0:12:13 > 0:12:16'which I'm most looking forward to showing Laurie and David.'
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Brace yourself, it's quite a big one.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21En suite, walk-in wardrobe.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23SHE GASPS And ta-dah!
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- Brilliant.- It's wonderful. - Brilliant.- It's lovely!
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- Is this over the kitchen?- Yeah. - Gosh, it's enormous.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34You'd have no idea looking at the outside,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36to have a room of this size.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Gosh, you're in your element, aren't you, in here?- Yeah.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Huge bedroom, always wanted a nice big master bedroom.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44What I've noticed walking into each room is that it doesn't matter
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- which window you look out of, it's a lovely view.- It is a view.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49Which is fantastic.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53So this is your offering, so quite a spacious sort of personal house.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- Let's go look at the business side.- OK.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02The holiday let here is built over the double garage
0:13:02 > 0:13:05and has its own private courtyard garden,
0:13:05 > 0:13:09which leads into a conservatory, off which is a compact kitchen.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12There are two double bedrooms, a shower room
0:13:12 > 0:13:14and a good-sized living area.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16It's a blank canvas at the moment
0:13:16 > 0:13:18and offers bags of potential for our buyers.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21I think there's more than enough space for you here for the week.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23There is. The fact you've got two bedrooms,
0:13:23 > 0:13:25it means you could have a family.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27So is this sort of what you were thinking of?
0:13:27 > 0:13:29This is absolutely bang on what we were thinking of. Yes.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- Let's see if you can afford it.- Oh!
0:13:34 > 0:13:36'With an acre of land on offer here,
0:13:36 > 0:13:40'the outside space is a generous proposition for Laurie and David.'
0:13:40 > 0:13:42I like it because it's big without being open.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45I'm not very keen on that sort of football pitch type of garden.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- And I think this is lovely. - This is absolutely perfect.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50So, what do you think this is on the market for?
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- This is the tricky bit, isn't it? - Hmm.
0:13:52 > 0:13:54SHE LAUGHS
0:13:54 > 0:13:59- I'd say around 700. - I was going to say 690.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- OK, so in this sense, you're a bit optimistic.- Yes!
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- This is on the market at 725. - OK.- Well, that's OK.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- It's not that optimistic, yeah. - It's within your budget
0:14:07 > 0:14:09and I think it gives you a lot of what you ask for.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- It's great.- Good, we can go home. - OK!- Sign the cheque.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- OK, we'll buy this. - THEY LAUGH
0:14:14 > 0:14:16But have an explore and I will see you out the front
0:14:16 > 0:14:18with your thoughts. Then we can go on to the next one.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- Lovely, thank you.- On you go.
0:14:23 > 0:14:28£25,000 under their budget, this former bakery with five bedrooms,
0:14:28 > 0:14:32a huge kitchen and bags of living space also offers Laurie and David
0:14:32 > 0:14:36the holiday let potential they were hoping for from their new property.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Set on the edge of a village, it's a 50-minute drive from Bristol.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- This is a super little room, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43I was thinking
0:14:43 > 0:14:44we've got so many books.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Just sit around with a fire going.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- A cup of tea?- No TV, just books.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51Quiet, just the countryside through the window.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- It would be lovely, wouldn't it?- Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56I really like this property. I think the space is terrific.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00The real highlight rooms are the kitchen-diner part
0:15:00 > 0:15:03and the master bedroom. And also, to have the views.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- What do you think about it, then? - I think it's fantastic.
0:15:06 > 0:15:07- It's answered all the brief.- I know!
0:15:07 > 0:15:10And the rest, I mean, I didn't expect a garden this big.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14- It feels like our house. - It feels like our place but better.
0:15:14 > 0:15:18The potential holiday let is great, plus the potential to open it up
0:15:18 > 0:15:20even further with the garage beneath.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23So, overall, as a first house, this is almost perfect.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26So, if they get better than this, then we'll be very pleased.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Hello!- Hello.- You all done?- Yes.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Good. Well, I won't pick your brains too much
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- but let's go straight on to the next one.- Great.- Excellent.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Dating back to the 12th century, Wells Cathedral has been described
0:15:43 > 0:15:47as one of the most beautiful and most poetic of English cathedrals.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52Visited by 300,000 people every year, it's renowned for its scale
0:15:52 > 0:15:55and the architectural intricacy of its exterior.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Keen to learn more about Somerset's heritage,
0:15:58 > 0:16:02we've arranged for Laurie and David to meet the Clerk of Works, Jez Fry.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05To hear about its striking stonework.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06When was it all built?
0:16:06 > 0:16:09The first phase of the cathedral took 80 years to complete,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12culminating in the West Front we see behind us,
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- which was started in 1215 and took around 30 years to build.- Fantastic.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- Wow.- And in medieval times, it was painted, wasn't it?
0:16:18 > 0:16:20Yes, all the statues were painted.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23All the niches behind them were painted.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28So, it was a riot of colour but it wasn't only a visual spectacle,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30it was also an audible spectacle.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34There are openings through the walls where trumpeters would have stood
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- acting as the heralds from the angels trumpeting down.- How amazing!
0:16:38 > 0:16:42As the earliest Gothic example in England, Wells Cathedral
0:16:42 > 0:16:45would have been the 3-D movie of its time.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47Drawing people from far and wide to worship
0:16:47 > 0:16:50and wonder at its architecture.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53It's a particularly intricate front. How many statues are there?
0:16:53 > 0:16:58Originally, there was 400 statues. Now there's only 300.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Starting at the top, there's the statue of Christ
0:17:01 > 0:17:04flanked either side by the six-winged seraphim, or angels.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07And then obviously, the disciples are below that.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12And then as we move down, there's historic kings, quite a few bishops.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Because obviously they were keen to have themselves
0:17:14 > 0:17:16- immortalised on the West Front. - Yes, yes.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- Really, really fascinating. - Thank you very much.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Wells Cathedral's ongoing restoration work
0:17:21 > 0:17:24draws on the traditional skills of stonemasonry.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26And our couple are getting a masterclass
0:17:26 > 0:17:29from the cathedral's stonemasons in Cheddar.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32They're meeting director and award-winning stonemason Ryan Brunt,
0:17:32 > 0:17:34who completed his apprenticeship
0:17:34 > 0:17:37whilst working on the cathedral in 1989.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41How long does it take to become a stonemason?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Um, the apprenticeship is three years.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45And what kind of skills do you learn over that period?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47It's all to do with a chisel control
0:17:47 > 0:17:49and mallet control to start off with.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51So, working a square block
0:17:51 > 0:17:52true and square and flat.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Then you'll progress onto moulded work.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Driving around here, you see lots of different houses
0:17:58 > 0:18:00made of different-coloured stones.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Do you work on different stones here?
0:18:03 > 0:18:06Yeah, we work on any stone anyone wants, really.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10For instance, Doulting stone that the cathedral's built with.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12And this one here is called Stoke Ground Top Bed.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13It's one of the Bath Stones quarry
0:18:13 > 0:18:16- just outside Bath. - What would that be used for?
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Um, it's used for fireplaces, window surrounds,
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- any of the architecture on a building, really.- Lovely.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24So you can sculpt with it? You can...
0:18:24 > 0:18:26- do quite intricate work. - Yeah, funny enough,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28I've got something set up for you to play with.
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- Oh, lovely. Thank you. - Brilliant. Thanks.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Quarried since Roman times, Bath Stone's soft, chalky texture
0:18:34 > 0:18:37makes it easy for the stonemasons to work with.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41Laurie and David are trying their hand at making a unique souvenir
0:18:41 > 0:18:42to take home with them.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- I'll do a W, darling.- OK.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49- In a circle.- OK.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53The letter W represents Laurie and David's family name.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Three years at fine art college and this is where he gets to.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58HE CHUCKLES
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- That's about right. - Oh, wow.- That's fine.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- Trying to visualise it in 3-D. - Yes.- Yes, that's it.- Yes.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- OK, so this is the bit that goes. - Yep.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- So then, the W is then in relief. - Then it rises out of the circle.
0:19:15 > 0:19:16I know.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- So, I've got you these to put on. - All right.- To protect your eyes.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25If you start here, on a little angle.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29So we're keeping away from the lines first
0:19:29 > 0:19:31and then we'll move back again.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35Just make sure it chips in the right direction now.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38So what we're trying to do is just release some of the waste first.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Right, now it's your turn. - Yep, thank you.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45With more than 26 years of experience,
0:19:45 > 0:19:47Ryan makes sculpting look easy.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52But with the stone costing £2,500 per cubic metre,
0:19:52 > 0:19:53there's little margin for error.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- That's the line, so if I give it slightly out...- Yep.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07They're changing from the wide chisel to a smaller precise chisel
0:20:07 > 0:20:09to complete the carving.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13So basically, hold this one upright and just stab with it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Pepper it, yes.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- So, how's that?- So, what do you think?- That's fine...
0:20:25 > 0:20:27for your first attempt.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- Not bad at all! - THEY LAUGH
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- This one here you're taking home with you today.- Oh, wow.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- We can have it.- Oh, that's great.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- And then we can put it in our new home in the country.- Exactly, yes.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Perfect! Oh, thank you so much. It's been really, really great.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46Our house hunt continues in the village of Draycott,
0:20:46 > 0:20:4845 minutes from Bristol.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Sitting on the southern edge of the
0:20:50 > 0:20:52Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Draycott is a popular draw for many tourists,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57which is worth bearing in mind,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00given Laurie and David's holiday let aspirations.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03The village remains a major strawberry producer,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07even though the historic Strawberry Line railway is no longer running.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10With a local store and a wealth of community activities,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13there's a lot on offer for newcomers to the area.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16On the edge of the village and with magnificent views of the Mendips
0:21:16 > 0:21:18is our next offering.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22And here we are, it's the second of our offerings.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24- Wow, another lovely, lovely-looking house.- Yes.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29Great colour. Love... It's helped beautifully with the sun on it.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31But just looks great. And the views!
0:21:31 > 0:21:34I like the simplicity of the exterior.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- It's...- Handsome building. - Yeah, it is handsome.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39And it all looks very... All looks very neat and tidy.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- The business is there behind us. We'll look at that later.- OK.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- But let's look inside.- Lovely.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47Dating back to the 1860s,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51this property was significantly extended during the 1940s.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53Over the last four years however,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56the house has been completely refurbished by the current owners.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Oh, they have quite a difference decor in this house. More modern.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04Yeah, that's nice. Feels welcoming when you come in.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08- I'm assuming this is the smaller of the rooms.- Well, actually, no.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- The rooms are not quite as big as the last property.- OK.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13You've got this room and then another room next-door
0:22:13 > 0:22:14which is about the same size.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18And then it goes through to the big kitchen, which is modern.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22- This is a stark contrast to the last kitchen.- Oh, yes.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24Gosh, it's completely different.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27It's not that country kitchen feel at all, is it?
0:22:27 > 0:22:30And I suppose one big difference that's immediately apparent is that
0:22:30 > 0:22:32when you look out of the windows, you're not getting the views.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35You are getting the garden, you're getting hedgerows.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- I think the answer is to take down the hedges.- Quite. Simple.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Alistair, why didn't I think of that?- I agree.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Without the hedge, that would open up a huge view.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Because there's just pasture or paddock behind that, isn't there?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- Mm-hm.- Yes.- But I like it, they've done it beautifully.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52It just doesn't feel quite so expansive as the other one.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55OK, so a sort of so-so response.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57You showed us such a show stopper to start with.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59I think that's the difficult thing.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'Also on the ground floor, there is a conservatory off the kitchen,
0:23:04 > 0:23:06'along with a utility room.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'Upstairs, there are two spacious double bedrooms
0:23:09 > 0:23:12'and a generous split-level bathroom.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'Up again on the second floor, there are a further two double bedrooms,
0:23:16 > 0:23:19'one of which is currently used as a study
0:23:19 > 0:23:22'and both have amazing views.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25'There's also a compact shower room.'
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- This one they're using as the master bedroom.- OK. Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:31- OK, modern four-poster.- Yes.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35I think the heavy curtains are maybe limiting the amount of light
0:23:35 > 0:23:38that there could be quite naturally in here.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40But there's plenty of space to move around
0:23:40 > 0:23:43and that's a fairly large bed. So it's a good size, yes.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- I do want to show you the holiday let cos it's quite impressive.- OK.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50'The self-contained holiday let option here
0:23:50 > 0:23:54'is already up and running and consists of two generous bedrooms,
0:23:54 > 0:23:59'a double and a twin, along with a bright bathroom and a living area.'
0:24:00 > 0:24:05- Now, this is classed as a four-star holiday let.- I can see why.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07- It's fabulous, isn't it? - It is fabulous.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09They've done it absolutely beautifully.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- They get around £15,000 a year.- OK.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15- And peak season is about £700 a week.- Hmm.- Yes.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18This is far more impressive as the holiday let
0:24:18 > 0:24:20but I think the house lets it down slightly.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24It feels far more constricted than the first one.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Well, let's just step outside one more time to think about the price
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and then you can go roaming.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33'The garden consists of around an acre of land,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37'including a swimming pool, stables and a paddock.'
0:24:37 > 0:24:38There's sort of a big open space.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- I think it would take a bit of landscaping, put it that way.- Yeah!
0:24:42 > 0:24:46- But not impossible.- OK, so that's pretty much all your outside space.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- What do you think it's on the market for?- Well...
0:24:49 > 0:24:53It still has space and the holiday let is lovely.
0:24:53 > 0:24:59So, I'm going to say 7...35.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04Well...I was going to say the same as I said before, maybe a bit more.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08- 705.- 705?- 705, yes.- OK.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- Well, actually, this is on at offers over 700.- OK.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14And it's got a lot going for it
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- because you can get a lot of income from the holiday let.- Yes.
0:25:17 > 0:25:20But do a few lengths of the pool, why don't you?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- And I'll see you out the front. - Super, thank you.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28Comfortably under budget,
0:25:28 > 0:25:33this modernised character property is refurbished to a high standard.
0:25:33 > 0:25:36It gives them four bedrooms and plenty of living space.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39With the holiday let option ready to go,
0:25:39 > 0:25:41it meets many of Laurie and David's demands.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43Located on the edge of a village
0:25:43 > 0:25:45and with stunning views of the Mendip Hills,
0:25:45 > 0:25:47it's a 45-minute drive from Bristol.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Oh, look at the views.- The view! - Interestingly, it feels more open.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Gosh, that is absolutely fabulous. - Stunning.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Compared to the first house, this has got a lot to live up to.
0:25:59 > 0:26:00It's got all the ingredients
0:26:00 > 0:26:03but just doesn't come together quite as well.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07OK, so this is the main bedroom for the holiday let.
0:26:07 > 0:26:09- Yeah, it's surprisingly large.- Yeah.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11- You wouldn't think it from looking in the outside.- No.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Great,- en suite. Lovely.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15The holiday let is already here and up and running
0:26:15 > 0:26:18and finished to a fantastic standard.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21In fact, it's the kind of finish that we would be looking to achieve
0:26:21 > 0:26:24in any holiday let that we were putting together ourselves.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28But the house doesn't fire my imagination
0:26:28 > 0:26:30in terms of how we might live.
0:26:30 > 0:26:35And that's quite important. I need to imagine us living there.
0:26:35 > 0:26:36Ah, here you are.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Thought you might be in the pool but you must have towelled off.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43- Oh, yes!- That's all the properties for the day.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44So, now we can chew the cud
0:26:44 > 0:26:46and get ready for the Mystery House tomorrow.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47- Great.- OK.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00'Laurie and David from the town of Wokingham in Surrey
0:27:00 > 0:27:05'have a budget of up to £750,000 to buy their first home together
0:27:05 > 0:27:07'in rural North Somerset.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09'Coming up, the mystery property
0:27:09 > 0:27:11'gives our buyers a pleasant surprise.'
0:27:12 > 0:27:14It really is a little Hobbit house. SHE GASPS
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Oh, it's so cute!- Isn't it cute?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20'And I find out how extreme low tides in the Bristol Channel
0:27:20 > 0:27:24'are revealing previously unseen and untasted marine life.'
0:27:24 > 0:27:25All seaweeds are edible.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- Mm, it's actually nice.- Yes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31HE SIGHS
0:27:31 > 0:27:33The weather is not playing ball here in Somerset.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36But hopefully, Laurie and David will with our Mystery House.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Although what has become clear is that they are looking for
0:27:39 > 0:27:43a lot of personal space in the house where they're going to live.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Well, maybe the business is not quite as important.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49And the Mystery House is really going to test how far
0:27:49 > 0:27:52they're willing to take their business project.
0:27:52 > 0:27:53Let's see how it goes.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57For our mystery property, were heading south to Coxley,
0:27:57 > 0:28:01which lies two miles from Wells and is the furthest house from Bristol.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04It's a peaceful village with a scattering of properties
0:28:04 > 0:28:07and might prove to be the rural retreat
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Laurie and David have been looking for.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Whilst being close enough to the Mendip Hills to attract
0:28:12 > 0:28:14a steady flow of business.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17It's an attractive stone-built property.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- Essentially, it's this big cottage in front of us.- Gosh!
0:28:20 > 0:28:22It's incredible!
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- Now this is three holiday lets. - OK.- And a small house.- OK.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29But the house could be turned back into the original house?
0:28:29 > 0:28:31House could be turned back into the original house.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35But the point is that this holiday let brings upward of £50,000 a year.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39- Whoa!- OK. Stay in the small house. - THEY LAUGH
0:28:39 > 0:28:43- And that's a 30-week occupancy, so you could push it up.- Very good.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- That's really interesting. - Yeah, great.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47This one you're going to have to use your imagination,
0:28:47 > 0:28:49particularly about how to reconfigure the house
0:28:49 > 0:28:51if you wanted to join it up again.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55- And also to see through some of the decor.- That's fine, we can do that.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57That's what I like to hear. Follow me.
0:28:59 > 0:29:00'Dating back to 1690,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03'this is the oldest of the properties I'm showing them.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05'Built out of the local stone
0:29:05 > 0:29:08'typically used to construct cottages at this time,
0:29:08 > 0:29:11'the compromise here is on the amount of personal space on offer.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15'However, with an already established and thriving business,
0:29:15 > 0:29:16'I'm hoping they'll be tempted.'
0:29:18 > 0:29:22- Come in, it's a lovely big... - Oh, yes.- Very sunny kitchen.
0:29:22 > 0:29:23Quadruple aspect.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- No, it's great!- Yeah, it's nice. - Really, really big.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28I was slightly nervous when you said outside
0:29:28 > 0:29:31we might need to use our imagination!
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Actually, this is great. No, it's lovely. Very nice.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39And I can imagine on a good day, it must be just filled with light.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41- It's got space. - Colour scheme is great.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43We wouldn't need to do anything in here.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45'The kitchen here doubles up as the dining room.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48'Leading off the kitchen, there's a study
0:29:48 > 0:29:51'and a small sitting-room that opens up to a conservatory.'
0:29:53 > 0:29:54And then this room.
0:29:54 > 0:29:55This was the original cottage,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58just one room, I think, with windows on both sides
0:29:58 > 0:29:59and a great big hearth.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- I think it's rather sweet, this room.- Yes, it's nice!
0:30:02 > 0:30:04It is quite small.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07But there's something rather comfortable about it.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09It's lots of windows again, all round.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13I mean, the obvious thought is maybe you could take this wall out
0:30:13 > 0:30:15and make it one big sitting room.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17We were asking for larger proportions
0:30:17 > 0:30:19but this is lovely, this size.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Wouldn't even necessarily think about knocking it through.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It will be just us most of the time.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- Yeah.- I like it. - Bit of mystery.- Hmm!
0:30:27 > 0:30:29Let's look at the master bedroom here.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- It's through that little door.- OK.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38- It's a one in, one out... - It is, isn't it?
0:30:40 > 0:30:44On the first floor, there's a double bedroom and shower room.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48And up on the second floor is a further twin with its own en suite.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50But we're inspecting the master.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54- Oh! OK.- Bit more snug upstairs. - It's OK.
0:30:54 > 0:30:55You know, it is a low ceiling
0:30:55 > 0:30:58but because there's light flooding in all directions, it feels fine.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Above here, this is why the ceiling's a bit low,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03there's another bedroom up in the eaves.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06You know, it's quirky and I think with our decor
0:31:06 > 0:31:10and our spin on it, it could be very interesting.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12I think it could be a lovely property.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15One of the holiday let options is a two-storey annexe
0:31:15 > 0:31:18attached to the house, which can be accessed through a door
0:31:18 > 0:31:20just off the sitting room.
0:31:20 > 0:31:25It has a living area, a space for dining, a cosy kitchen
0:31:25 > 0:31:27and usefully for a holiday rental,
0:31:27 > 0:31:29the two double bedrooms are both en suite.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33The second holiday let is self-contained
0:31:33 > 0:31:36with the living area and double bedroom sharing
0:31:36 > 0:31:37the same open-plan space.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41There's also a separate kitchen.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44But we're going to take a closer look at the rather impressive
0:31:44 > 0:31:46and quite unexpected third option.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Mind your head.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53It really is a little Hobbit house. SHE GASPS
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- Oh, it's so cute!- Isn't it cute?
0:31:56 > 0:31:58You've got a bedroom here and then a very nice little bathroom
0:31:58 > 0:32:02with a shower here and then through here is the little...
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- ..Bilbo Baggins house. - It's wonderful.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06I don't think that we mentioned to you
0:32:06 > 0:32:08but we'd had a conversation about whether -
0:32:08 > 0:32:11if we didn't have the holiday let, if we had some land -
0:32:11 > 0:32:14we might build some cabins and have a glamping idea
0:32:14 > 0:32:16and here you've given us both.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18It really sparks the imagination, doesn't it?
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Let's go outside and talk about the budget.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25Also hidden within the landscape gardens here
0:32:25 > 0:32:28is a summer house with a hot tub.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30I appreciate there's a lot to take in.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I'll give you a chance to revisit all the bits and bobs inside
0:32:33 > 0:32:35so you can make sense of them.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- But what do you think the price is? - Well, Alistair.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40With what you've shown us, the fact there are three holiday lets,
0:32:40 > 0:32:44a lovely house and the fact there's £50,000 coming in a year,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46it's got to be top of the budget.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50In fact, I'd say slightly more, I would say 760.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52I agree, it's going to be near the top.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Locationally as well, the views are beautiful.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58So because I need to have a different figure,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01I'm going to say 755.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Well, in this instance, you're both a bit pessimistic.
0:33:04 > 0:33:08- Only a little bit. It's actually on the market for £750,000.- OK.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10And that's with no contents.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- You could negotiate to get all the contents.- OK.- It is a lot.- Right.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- So you might want to explore. - Yes, we do.- Yeah.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- Can we have the next two days? - HE LAUGHS
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Um, and then...
0:33:21 > 0:33:24Where shall I meet you? I'll meet you out here and then we can go
0:33:24 > 0:33:26and find somewhere to think about it all.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27- All right, thank you.- All right.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31At the top of their budget,
0:33:31 > 0:33:34our mystery cottage paints a completely different picture
0:33:34 > 0:33:37of what Laurie and David's new rural life could be like.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40It has two bedrooms, a large kitchen,
0:33:40 > 0:33:42plus three holiday let options
0:33:42 > 0:33:44located in a stunning rural setting
0:33:44 > 0:33:47and is an hour's drive from Bristol.
0:33:48 > 0:33:52- OK, so this is the holiday let.- Yes. - Attached to the house. It's amazing.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54I mean, you just have no idea how many rooms
0:33:54 > 0:33:57- and how much space there is in here. - It's a lot to take in in one go.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00It's great, it's just so quirky.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02It is absolutely bursting with character, this house.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04We could strip it down,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06we could modernise it or we could leave it as it is.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08It's very versatile.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12The rooms are on the small side and yet there's something about it.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15It's got real charm and there's a real warmth about it.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18It felt cosy, but not in a confined way.
0:34:18 > 0:34:19The business is great
0:34:19 > 0:34:23because I was considering slowing my business down.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26This house gives me the opportunity to stop it dead.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28That's the plus on here.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32The Hobbit house is a real winner and I like the garden as well.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36There's something about being surrounded by the hills
0:34:36 > 0:34:40that feels more reminiscent of the Somerset that we really love.
0:34:43 > 0:34:47So that's actually all the houses I have to show you. All done.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- It's been really great. - Yeah, it's been good.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Best perhaps to get away from here
0:34:51 > 0:34:54so you have a bit of a clear space to think about all three.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- And then we can mull over which one you like best.- Thank you.- OK.
0:35:04 > 0:35:08'The Northern Somerset coast is known for its wide sandy beaches
0:35:08 > 0:35:11'and dramatic cliffs rich in fossil remains.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14'The shallow waters are distinctly opaque
0:35:14 > 0:35:17'due to the stirred up silt beds of the Bristol Channel.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21'The Somerset coast is currently experiencing the lowest tides
0:35:21 > 0:35:23'the county has seen for hundreds of years.
0:35:23 > 0:35:26'And the retreating sea is revealing a glimpse
0:35:26 > 0:35:28'of rarely seen in marine species
0:35:28 > 0:35:32'and ancient structures normally hidden by the murky waters.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34'I've come to the town of Minehead on the border
0:35:34 > 0:35:36'of Exmoor National Park
0:35:36 > 0:35:38'to its beach, known as the Strand.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42'I'm meeting Nigel Phillips of the Somerset Wildlife Trust
0:35:42 > 0:35:44'who's taking me on a seashore safari.'
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Nigel, so this is the Severn Estuary, right?
0:35:46 > 0:35:48It is the Severn Estuary.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50There is quite a spectacularly low tide, I believe?
0:35:50 > 0:35:54The tides are caused by the pull of gravity from the sun and the moon.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56And a couple of weeks ago,
0:35:56 > 0:35:59the sun and the moon were in a very close orbit to Earth.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02And so, they sucked the sea further out.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04Allowing us to see some amazing stuff
0:36:04 > 0:36:06- that we just haven't seen in 200 years.- Great.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- I think we should stop and look at this.- Ah. What is it?
0:36:10 > 0:36:15Well, this is actually peat. This is part of the submerged forest.
0:36:15 > 0:36:18Um, if we'd have stood here 10,000 years ago,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20we would be in a low-lying damp woodland.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24As the Ice Ages were melting, the sea rushed in here and knocked
0:36:24 > 0:36:28all the trees over and squashed it down into this layer of peat.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Amazing. So the Severn Estuary was all forest?
0:36:31 > 0:36:36Yeah, there was just a little sort of stream between us and Wales.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39The retreating sea has also revealed fish weirs
0:36:39 > 0:36:40from centuries ago.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43These were designed to trap and net fish as they travelled through
0:36:43 > 0:36:46the narrowing walls and were used until
0:36:46 > 0:36:48just after the First World War.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51A whole host of other marine species are also thriving here.
0:36:53 > 0:36:57- Do you know your seaweeds? - I know my bladderwrack.- Good man.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Well, this is actually saw wrack.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- Oh.- Which has got a toothed edge.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04- I love seaweed. Can you eat this one?- You can.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06All seaweeds are edible, there's no poisonous ones.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's just some are rather tough and leathery.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Quite sandy!- It won't hurt you.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Mm, that's actually nice. - Isn't it? yeah.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17It's like being in a Japanese restaurant.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Just like a Japanese restaurant. And it's all for free.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Thank you very much.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25'Like many beaches along our coastline,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27'marine life here in Somerset is under threat
0:37:27 > 0:37:29'from a source close to home.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31'Everyday household litter.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34'I'm visiting another Somerset beach, Sandy Bay,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36'which is popular with tourists.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38'Charlotte Coombes is beach watch officer
0:37:38 > 0:37:40'for the Marine Conservation Society -
0:37:40 > 0:37:43a charity which publishes an annual Good Beach Guide.'
0:37:45 > 0:37:49Charlotte, tell me what do you do here? What's behind the project?
0:37:49 > 0:37:51So, we clean beaches all around the UK.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55We've got thousands of volunteers that get involved in organising
0:37:55 > 0:37:56and coming along to beach cleans.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00So, can we have a look and see what we can find here? Oh.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- Cigarette lighter.- Again, plastics are particularly bad, aren't they,
0:38:03 > 0:38:04as they just don't break down.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Yeah, that's right, they can last for hundreds of years in the sea.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10And they never disappear, they break down into smaller
0:38:10 > 0:38:13and smaller pieces and the problem with that is that
0:38:13 > 0:38:15- lots of animals mistake them for food.- Yeah.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17- So we've got some that you collected earlier.- Yeah!
0:38:17 > 0:38:18Now what have we got here?
0:38:18 > 0:38:21In about 2002, a minke whale was washed up
0:38:21 > 0:38:24and when they did an autopsy on it, they had a look in the stomach
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- and they found 800g of plastic in the stomach.- Oh, no.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Which, it doesn't sound like a huge amount,
0:38:29 > 0:38:32but actually, this is the equivalent of 800g of plastic.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35- And is that what killed it? - This is what it was carrying around.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37Yes, it died of starvation and this is the kind of thing
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- that it was carrying around in its stomach.- Oh, that's so sad.- It is.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45'It's estimated that the volume of plastics in our oceans
0:38:45 > 0:38:48'is six times greater than the plankton population.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51'Microbeads found in cosmetics such as body scrubs
0:38:51 > 0:38:54'and toothpastes are harmful to marine habitats.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57'But it's not just marine life that's being affected by litter.'
0:38:57 > 0:39:01It seems that sort of toxins and bacteria like E Coli
0:39:01 > 0:39:04can stick to these plastic bits, they can aggregate around them.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06So what we're starting to worry about now is that these toxins
0:39:06 > 0:39:08are being passed on up the food chain.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- To us?- Not only is that bad for animals, yeah,
0:39:10 > 0:39:11it could be bad for us as well.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14So what can we do to stop the planet being swallowed by plastic?
0:39:14 > 0:39:16The three Rs - reduce, re-use, recycle.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19You know, try to avoid single-use plastics.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Also, think of the three Ps only -
0:39:21 > 0:39:23that's pee, poo and paper down the loo only, please.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25Everything else should go in the bin.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27And obviously, you take part in a beach clean,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29- get involved in a beach watch. - How do we do that?
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- Is that across the country? - Yeah, you can sign up to come along.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34If you really want to get involved, you can register
0:39:34 > 0:39:37as an organiser and you can set up your own beach clean.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39We've got everything you need to get you going there.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- Do I get a little litter picker if I do that?- Er, maybe!
0:39:42 > 0:39:44I'm quite keen. I'm quite good at the litter picking.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- I hope you're impressed. - Quite addictive. I am, yes.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- So, it would be great if we can keep the beaches clean.- Yes.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Well, that was a turn-up for the books.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57I'd really thought that David and Laurie
0:39:57 > 0:39:59weren't going to like the Mystery House
0:39:59 > 0:40:01but it seems to be the top contender. At least I think so.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07So, in order to get a seat by the fire, I had to take the cat's place.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10- So, he's going to have to join us. - Oh, he's gorgeous.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12He is gorgeous. But tell me about your week.
0:40:12 > 0:40:16I think the highlight of the week is the Mystery House. For me, anyway.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18I mean, it's just been getting better and better.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21Obviously, the first property was quite exciting.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24In fact, last night, we were talking about what we were going to do,
0:40:24 > 0:40:29what we were going to change. In quite some detail. But then...
0:40:29 > 0:40:32the Mystery House today scuppered all that.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- And so, we had to start rethinking. - Now, that surprised us
0:40:35 > 0:40:38because I really thought you were sold on the first house.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39I loved the first house.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43I really loved the first house because it had everything,
0:40:43 > 0:40:44it's so pretty.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47And the interior is very much to our taste, which is always great
0:40:47 > 0:40:49because you know you don't have to do too much.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51But it also had the business opportunity as well.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54But the thing about the third house
0:40:54 > 0:40:57is that it's more of a long-term better bet.
0:40:57 > 0:40:59Exactly, it's up and running.
0:40:59 > 0:41:02So, we can just move in and see how it goes.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Now, that surprised us because I think we thought
0:41:04 > 0:41:07that the Mystery House might be a business too far.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09But actually, it was the other way round.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10That seemed to really excites you.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15To find a very pretty house, be it carved in half,
0:41:15 > 0:41:17plus three holiday lets, a dream come true, really.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22And finding out that it's earning £50,000 a year as it is,
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- that turned my lights on! - SHE LAUGHS
0:41:25 > 0:41:27It did, your eyes lit up.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It was interesting because you came with quite a...
0:41:30 > 0:41:34let's call it a loose set of criteria from your wish list.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37But actually, something came into focus for you over the week.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39I wonder what that was.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Yes, I've always thought it's a tall order
0:41:40 > 0:41:44to have a certain set of prerogatives that you lay down
0:41:44 > 0:41:45and you have to find,
0:41:45 > 0:41:46that would never happen.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50And in fact, we'd always said that we would just wait until
0:41:50 > 0:41:52we got somewhere we thought, "Yes.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55"This will work for us and this feels right as well."
0:41:55 > 0:41:57And that's, I think, what happened this afternoon.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00- And so, what happens next? - I think we need to revisit.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05I think we also need to talk about priorities and location
0:42:05 > 0:42:08and really think about what we would do next with it.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11But it's a real, real possibility, I think.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14Well, I'm really glad that we found something because it was,
0:42:14 > 0:42:16you know, it is quite a challenge to find businesses like that.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19And hopefully, soon that you make the move.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20Thank you so much, it's been a...
0:42:20 > 0:42:23- It's been a really, really great week.- It's been fun.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24Thank you, Alistair.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Although the Somerset skies have been rather overcast this week,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32not setting off our properties to the best advantage,
0:42:32 > 0:42:35nonetheless it seems they have persuaded Laurie and David
0:42:35 > 0:42:40to maybe buy the Mystery House, which was quite a surprise to me.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42But this show is full of surprises
0:42:42 > 0:42:45and I hope that's one of the reasons that you stay watching
0:42:45 > 0:42:48and will join us next time for more Escape To The Country.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53'If you'd like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:53 > 0:42:54'Northern Ireland or Wales
0:42:54 > 0:42:58'and you would like our help, you can apply at...'