Cornwall

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0:00:02 > 0:00:03Back in the 1700s,

0:00:03 > 0:00:05the family that once lived in this magnificent Tudor manor house,

0:00:05 > 0:00:08but had long since moved out, decided to give it a new

0:00:08 > 0:00:10lease of life and reinvent it as their ancestral show home.

0:00:10 > 0:00:12But who were they and where are we?

0:00:12 > 0:00:15Join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.

0:00:32 > 0:00:36Today's property search has fairytale beginnings.

0:00:36 > 0:00:37Goodness gracious.

0:00:37 > 0:00:41This is something that's always been in picture books, in storybooks.

0:00:41 > 0:00:46But will we find our home hunters a happy ever after?

0:00:46 > 0:00:47- No!- My goodness!

0:00:47 > 0:00:49- No!- Goodness.

0:00:49 > 0:00:51THEY LAUGH

0:00:54 > 0:00:55Well, today we are in Cornwall.

0:00:55 > 0:00:57And this is Cotehele House,

0:00:57 > 0:01:00just a stone's throw from the River Tamar.

0:01:00 > 0:01:03The original Tudor mansion was built by a family called the Edgcumbes.

0:01:03 > 0:01:06However, by the 1550s, they moved out,

0:01:06 > 0:01:09having built a new family home just down the road.

0:01:10 > 0:01:13But fast forward two centuries and the Edgcumbes had began to

0:01:13 > 0:01:17exploit the growing romantic appeal of this place.

0:01:17 > 0:01:20And it attracted some pretty high profile visitors. Amongst them,

0:01:20 > 0:01:23George III and his wife, Queen Charlotte.

0:01:24 > 0:01:27The most southerly county on the British mainland,

0:01:27 > 0:01:30Cornwall is a peninsula surrounded by the Celtic Sea to the north

0:01:30 > 0:01:33and west and the English Channel to the south,

0:01:33 > 0:01:36with the county of Devon lying to its east.

0:01:36 > 0:01:39Cornwall's coastline has seen the county prosper

0:01:39 > 0:01:41both as an official trading post

0:01:41 > 0:01:45and via the more illicit activities of smugglers and pirates.

0:01:45 > 0:01:49With a nautical history dating back hundreds of years, the winding

0:01:49 > 0:01:53character of the Fal is the result of it being a drowned river or ria.

0:01:53 > 0:01:57Submerged by a rapid rise in sea level after the last ice age,

0:01:57 > 0:02:00providing the third-largest natural harbour in the world.

0:02:03 > 0:02:04On the rugged north coast,

0:02:04 > 0:02:08the town of Newquay was home to a burial site during the Bronze Age.

0:02:08 > 0:02:11These days, it's a popular holiday location

0:02:11 > 0:02:15and generally considered to be the surfing capital of the UK,

0:02:15 > 0:02:18with Fistral Beach hosting many international competitions.

0:02:20 > 0:02:24Cornish scenery has been a backdrop for many film and television dramas.

0:02:24 > 0:02:27The picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac provided

0:02:27 > 0:02:31locations for Poldark and more recently, the series Doc Martin,

0:02:31 > 0:02:35where it's known by the fictional name of Portwenn.

0:02:35 > 0:02:38So, whether you are seeking maritime intrigue,

0:02:38 > 0:02:41dramatic countryside or a surfers' paradise,

0:02:41 > 0:02:45the Cornish peninsula is a very special place to plan an escape to.

0:02:48 > 0:02:50Now, when it comes to property here in Cornwall,

0:02:50 > 0:02:53no surprise that the coast is king.

0:02:53 > 0:02:56Hot spots like Rock, Fowey and Padstow

0:02:56 > 0:02:58can see properties running into the millions.

0:02:58 > 0:03:02But for all that, the average price of a detached home here is

0:03:02 > 0:03:06surprisingly affordable at £274,000.

0:03:06 > 0:03:11That's £13,000 below the national average figure.

0:03:11 > 0:03:12But what about today's buyers?

0:03:12 > 0:03:15What's attracted them to a life in Cornwall?

0:03:15 > 0:03:17Well, let's meet them and find out.

0:03:18 > 0:03:21Today's house-hunters, Bill and Rosemary,

0:03:21 > 0:03:25have been married 27 years and their paths first crossed in the late '80s

0:03:25 > 0:03:28on an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

0:03:29 > 0:03:361987, I had this fabulous teaching post on Ascension Island.

0:03:36 > 0:03:38I joined the amateur dramatic society

0:03:38 > 0:03:41and Bill turned up at a rehearsal.

0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Brown legs, white shorts. - Very short shorts.

0:03:44 > 0:03:48And Rosemary was attracted to my brown, hairy legs.

0:03:48 > 0:03:53Along came marriage and children, as well as decades of moving

0:03:53 > 0:03:57from pillar to post due to Bill's job with the RAF.

0:03:57 > 0:03:59Sometimes we were two or three years in a place.

0:03:59 > 0:04:02But other times we moved three times in a year.

0:04:02 > 0:04:06I never really felt that we had a proper home home.

0:04:07 > 0:04:10Finally, Bill's military career came to an end

0:04:10 > 0:04:13and he got a new job with the Metropolitan police.

0:04:13 > 0:04:16The couple have settled on an estate in the commuter town

0:04:16 > 0:04:18of Bracknell, Berkshire.

0:04:18 > 0:04:21But both still yearn for greener pastures elsewhere.

0:04:21 > 0:04:23Rush-hour times, in the morning,

0:04:23 > 0:04:25it's all going on its way out to London.

0:04:25 > 0:04:29And in the evenings, everything is returning from London.

0:04:29 > 0:04:31When you look out, it's rooftops everywhere.

0:04:31 > 0:04:34- And everywhere is overlooking everywhere.- Yeah.

0:04:34 > 0:04:36We are looking for a bit of solitude, rather than

0:04:36 > 0:04:39there is another set of screaming children.

0:04:39 > 0:04:40We are beyond estate living.

0:04:40 > 0:04:45We just want a little bit of peace and quiet, own boundaries,

0:04:45 > 0:04:49and my wish is for a five-bar gate at the end of the drive.

0:04:50 > 0:04:54To find that solitude and serenity, Rosemary, who was born

0:04:54 > 0:04:56and raised in the South West,

0:04:56 > 0:04:59feels there is only one place she could ever truly call home.

0:04:59 > 0:05:01My grandparents were from Cornwall.

0:05:01 > 0:05:07I just love the moorland, the mossy stones, I love dry-stone walls.

0:05:07 > 0:05:09To me, that is home.

0:05:09 > 0:05:11That's where I grew up and that's where I want to be.

0:05:11 > 0:05:16I think we always realised that Cornwall has been the goal.

0:05:16 > 0:05:20Whilst Rosemary is ready to make the move now, at a decade her

0:05:20 > 0:05:24junior, 54-year-old Bill is a few years away from retirement.

0:05:24 > 0:05:28The plan is for Rosemary to move full-time and Bill to join her

0:05:28 > 0:05:30on his days off between shifts.

0:05:30 > 0:05:34Until he can organise a more permanent relocation.

0:05:34 > 0:05:38I'm older than Bill and this is it. I have to go now.

0:05:38 > 0:05:42I can't wait any longer. And I'm making the move.

0:05:42 > 0:05:44I still have a few working years left

0:05:44 > 0:05:46to make sure that we are funding the move.

0:05:46 > 0:05:50I would like a garden where I can grow my own vegetables

0:05:50 > 0:05:52and I can sit in the sunshine and read a book.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55I've led such a busy, hectic life

0:05:55 > 0:05:59and I want to have a bit of calm around me.

0:05:59 > 0:06:03I just want time now to just watch the seasons go by.

0:06:04 > 0:06:07I used to run marathons and half marathons

0:06:07 > 0:06:10and I'm trying to get back into that frame of mind.

0:06:10 > 0:06:15I very much like the idea of running in clean air

0:06:15 > 0:06:17rather than having to dodge the cars.

0:06:17 > 0:06:21But most of all, it's all about finally getting the life

0:06:21 > 0:06:23they've strived for all these years.

0:06:23 > 0:06:26It's about time that Rosemary was given the opportunity to go

0:06:26 > 0:06:29back to where she wants to live.

0:06:29 > 0:06:32- And wherever Rosemary is, I want to be.- Yeah.

0:06:32 > 0:06:35Having a place in the country, that's what I want.

0:06:39 > 0:06:42In order to maximise their chance of finding that dream Cornish home,

0:06:42 > 0:06:47Rosemary and Bill are open to living anywhere in the county.

0:06:47 > 0:06:50But before I show them some of the choices on offer,

0:06:50 > 0:06:53we are meeting on the Cornish coast to discuss the details.

0:06:53 > 0:06:56- I thought I'd find you enjoying this.- Hello, Jules.

0:06:56 > 0:07:00Here we are, overlooking the beaches around Newquay on a beautiful day.

0:07:00 > 0:07:04And all of Cornwall at our disposal to find you a new home.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08Give us an idea of the sort of property that would really appeal.

0:07:08 > 0:07:11I would really like something within my own boundaries.

0:07:11 > 0:07:14Something with a bit of a drive.

0:07:14 > 0:07:17A five-bar gate at the end of it, possibly, that's been my dream.

0:07:17 > 0:07:18Somewhere quiet, somewhere pretty,

0:07:18 > 0:07:21somewhere to look at the green grass.

0:07:21 > 0:07:24Do you have any views on what sort of property you would

0:07:24 > 0:07:26entertain looking at?

0:07:26 > 0:07:28Two to three bedrooms, ideally.

0:07:28 > 0:07:30We are not looking for a massive kitchen.

0:07:30 > 0:07:32Something with two reception rooms

0:07:32 > 0:07:36so that we can pursue our own interests and hobbies.

0:07:36 > 0:07:39And maybe a conservatory or somewhere where we've got

0:07:39 > 0:07:42the potential to actually put a conservatory.

0:07:42 > 0:07:45Many buyers come here looking for these classic sea views.

0:07:45 > 0:07:47But actually, you're not that bothered, are you?

0:07:47 > 0:07:49We don't need to live by the coast.

0:07:49 > 0:07:51We know that when you live in Cornwall,

0:07:51 > 0:07:53- a short drive away you will reach the coast anyway.- Absolutely.

0:07:53 > 0:07:57- And you've got two coasts to choose from, let's face it.- Yes.- Yes.

0:07:57 > 0:08:00So, no, somewhere inland where we can see green valleys,

0:08:00 > 0:08:05green hills, and a pretty garden outside the back door.

0:08:05 > 0:08:06How much do you want to spend?

0:08:06 > 0:08:09Because Cornwall does have its hot spots, let's be honest.

0:08:09 > 0:08:12The money that would be available for this project

0:08:12 > 0:08:15- would be up to £450,000. - Up to £450,000.

0:08:15 > 0:08:16Look, the weather is with us.

0:08:16 > 0:08:19We've got three very interesting properties to show you.

0:08:19 > 0:08:20Great. Can't wait.

0:08:20 > 0:08:22- Well, let's get going. Come on.- Thank you.

0:08:26 > 0:08:30Bill and Rosemary have up to £450,000 to spend to finally

0:08:30 > 0:08:33find themselves that Cornish forever home.

0:08:33 > 0:08:35They would like two to three bedrooms,

0:08:35 > 0:08:37a couple of reception areas,

0:08:37 > 0:08:41a conservatory or room to build one, and a pretty garden.

0:08:41 > 0:08:44And Rosemary has a dream of a five-bar gate

0:08:44 > 0:08:46at the end of a private drive.

0:08:48 > 0:08:51We've got three wonderful properties to tempt them with.

0:08:51 > 0:08:53And at each one, I'll be challenging them

0:08:53 > 0:08:55to guess the price before I reveal it.

0:08:55 > 0:08:58Our last option will be our Mystery House,

0:08:58 > 0:09:01which could really offer a fresh outlook on their search.

0:09:01 > 0:09:04But first to see is house number one.

0:09:06 > 0:09:09Bill and Rosemary are seeking solitude.

0:09:09 > 0:09:12And our first property is rurally located about three miles

0:09:12 > 0:09:14from the town of St Austell.

0:09:14 > 0:09:18And around a mile from the village of Sticker.

0:09:18 > 0:09:22A former mining village, facilities at Sticker include a

0:09:22 > 0:09:25Grade II listed inn, and post office and stores.

0:09:25 > 0:09:29Under a mile away but a far cry from estate living,

0:09:29 > 0:09:31our first offering nestles near paddocks.

0:09:31 > 0:09:35And we are starting our tour at the rear side of the house.

0:09:35 > 0:09:37That's property number one.

0:09:37 > 0:09:38What do you think?

0:09:38 > 0:09:40It's very traditional. It's very pretty.

0:09:40 > 0:09:43I love the stonewalls on the outside.

0:09:43 > 0:09:46This, to me, is a classic bit of Cornish architecture.

0:09:46 > 0:09:48You don't get many of these in Bracknell, do you?

0:09:48 > 0:09:50- LAUGHING:- No.- True.

0:09:50 > 0:09:52Is this the sort of thing you've been dreaming about?

0:09:52 > 0:09:56- It is. It is, yes. It is. And they had the five-bar gate.- Yeah.

0:09:56 > 0:09:59First impressions, you've set the bar very high.

0:09:59 > 0:10:02- Shall we have a look inside? - We will, yes.- Yes, please.

0:10:02 > 0:10:04Originally built in the 1830s,

0:10:04 > 0:10:08this was once three granite stone farm workers' cottages.

0:10:08 > 0:10:12Now extended and converted into a sizeable single home.

0:10:12 > 0:10:14The porch covered stable door opens

0:10:14 > 0:10:18onto a characterful country reception room.

0:10:18 > 0:10:20Look what we've got for you.

0:10:20 > 0:10:22Goodness gracious!

0:10:22 > 0:10:26It's the traditional, old, original fireplace.

0:10:26 > 0:10:29It's not something that's been added on in a new build property.

0:10:29 > 0:10:31No, that is the real deal.

0:10:31 > 0:10:34- And that has kept generations of people warm.- Mm.

0:10:34 > 0:10:38I like the welcoming feeling of walking in to that fireplace.

0:10:38 > 0:10:43It's just got so many original, old, traditional features.

0:10:43 > 0:10:45Everything, it's just great.

0:10:45 > 0:10:48- If you like old and traditional, you are going to love the kitchen.- OK.

0:10:50 > 0:10:52I was really heartened

0:10:52 > 0:10:55when you said you didn't want a massive kitchen-diner.

0:10:55 > 0:10:57It's not small. You do have a dining end.

0:10:57 > 0:11:00You've got a classic oil-fired range there, of course.

0:11:00 > 0:11:01On a really hot day, you can

0:11:01 > 0:11:04turn that off and use the gas top there.

0:11:04 > 0:11:06You've got another oven.

0:11:06 > 0:11:10It all flows rather nicely into your main living/dining area.

0:11:10 > 0:11:12Bill has got to duck a bit. THEY LAUGH

0:11:12 > 0:11:14I'm sure I'll learn quickly.

0:11:14 > 0:11:16I think you would, yeah. Absolutely.

0:11:16 > 0:11:18It's really traditional.

0:11:18 > 0:11:22This is something that's always been in picture books, in storybooks.

0:11:22 > 0:11:26It's something I've always really want to try and get back to,

0:11:26 > 0:11:27a place in the country.

0:11:27 > 0:11:32Wide walls, apples on the counter, everything about it is just great.

0:11:32 > 0:11:36It couldn't be anything other than a country property.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38- So we are liking this, aren't we? - We are, yes.

0:11:38 > 0:11:40Let's continue our tour then. Follow me.

0:11:42 > 0:11:46A small flight of stairs leads down to an inner hallway, passing

0:11:46 > 0:11:51a lower ground floor shower room and onto a second reception area.

0:11:51 > 0:11:53This, I think, makes the ideal craft room.

0:11:54 > 0:11:56It's great. Got a lot of light.

0:11:56 > 0:11:59We might be competing for this space.

0:11:59 > 0:12:01THEY LAUGH

0:12:01 > 0:12:02No.

0:12:02 > 0:12:04Above us is one of the three bedrooms.

0:12:04 > 0:12:07Accessed by a separate staircase there.

0:12:07 > 0:12:10- So you could have either this as a sort of guest end.- Yes.

0:12:10 > 0:12:13Or, you know, you could have a den up there.

0:12:13 > 0:12:14You could do the ironing up there.

0:12:14 > 0:12:16THEY LAUGH

0:12:16 > 0:12:20I'm taking the domestic banter as a positive sign that Bill

0:12:20 > 0:12:24and Rosemary are already imagining themselves living here.

0:12:24 > 0:12:27The second staircase on the ground-floor leads to the

0:12:27 > 0:12:29remainder of the sleeping quarters.

0:12:29 > 0:12:31Above the kitchen,

0:12:31 > 0:12:33a small double bedroom is currently used as a study.

0:12:33 > 0:12:38Next to which is a family bathroom with a claw foot bath.

0:12:38 > 0:12:40And opposite, sitting over the first reception room

0:12:40 > 0:12:44and overlooking the south-facing garden

0:12:44 > 0:12:46is the largest of the bedrooms.

0:12:46 > 0:12:47It's not short of space.

0:12:47 > 0:12:50It's probably the biggest room in the house.

0:12:50 > 0:12:54You could happily put a sofa in here and create a suite, as it were.

0:12:54 > 0:12:56It's definitely got possibilities, hasn't it?

0:12:56 > 0:12:58It certainly has the right feel about it.

0:12:58 > 0:13:02It certainly is drawing me in to life in the country.

0:13:02 > 0:13:04There you go. There you go, look, you see, Rosemary?

0:13:04 > 0:13:05Your plan is working.

0:13:05 > 0:13:08- Yeah.- There is one final bit we need to talk about, of course.

0:13:08 > 0:13:10And that is the price.

0:13:10 > 0:13:13Let's go out to the garden and see what you think it's worth.

0:13:13 > 0:13:15- OK.- Right.- After you.

0:13:17 > 0:13:21Well, let's see if Rosemary's plan to entice Bill to the

0:13:21 > 0:13:25South West is given a further boost outside, where private

0:13:25 > 0:13:29and enclosed grounds include paved seating areas, lawn,

0:13:29 > 0:13:30mature borders,

0:13:30 > 0:13:33and some versatile outbuildings.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36- This is country living.- Absolutely.

0:13:36 > 0:13:38Hook, line and sinker.

0:13:38 > 0:13:41And chickens and ducks as well thrown into the mix.

0:13:41 > 0:13:46But what do you think property number one is on the market for?

0:13:46 > 0:13:49- Rosemary. - I'll hazard a guess at 410.

0:13:49 > 0:13:52410. OK. Bill?

0:13:52 > 0:13:57I think it's slightly higher than that. I reckon it's on for 425.

0:13:57 > 0:14:00We are going to have to top those numbers up a bit.

0:14:00 > 0:14:03- This is currently on the market for £450,000. BOTH:- OK.

0:14:03 > 0:14:06Go and explore it. Soak up the atmosphere.

0:14:06 > 0:14:09- And I will catch up with you a little bit later on.- Thank you.

0:14:09 > 0:14:10Off you go.

0:14:13 > 0:14:16With an asking price at the very top of their budget,

0:14:16 > 0:14:21this detached period property has the two reception areas needed.

0:14:21 > 0:14:24And one more bedroom than Bill and Rosemary have asked for.

0:14:24 > 0:14:28And there is an enclosed garden surrounded by countryside.

0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Again, another good-sized room. - Yeah.- Dual aspect as well.

0:14:33 > 0:14:37An area to escape to watch my sport etc.

0:14:37 > 0:14:40- You can have your television up here.- Yes. I could.

0:14:41 > 0:14:44This house has really inspired me.

0:14:44 > 0:14:47It's beautiful. It's solid. It's got lovely, thick walls.

0:14:47 > 0:14:49Just the right number of bedrooms.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51It's got something special about it

0:14:51 > 0:14:55and I think this could be ours quite easily.

0:14:55 > 0:14:57It had an enveloping nature about it.

0:14:57 > 0:15:01I liked the fact that I felt as if the home was cradling me.

0:15:01 > 0:15:02It was cuddling me.

0:15:02 > 0:15:04I like this house a lot.

0:15:04 > 0:15:05- Really good start.- Good.

0:15:05 > 0:15:08Well, I'm going to tear you away because we've got two more to see.

0:15:08 > 0:15:10What will this afternoon offer you, I wonder.

0:15:10 > 0:15:12- Who knows?- Off you go. Come on.

0:15:12 > 0:15:14- I might even treat you to lunch. - Ooh.

0:15:18 > 0:15:23The second house on our tour is situated in the hamlet of Menadew,

0:15:23 > 0:15:25under a mile from the village of Bugle

0:15:25 > 0:15:28and five miles north-east of St Austell.

0:15:28 > 0:15:30Located on the coast,

0:15:30 > 0:15:32St Austell is one of the largest towns in the county.

0:15:32 > 0:15:35There has been a Christian building of worship on the site of

0:15:35 > 0:15:38Holy Trinity since at least the 12th century.

0:15:38 > 0:15:41Although the current church is 15th century,

0:15:41 > 0:15:44with niched sculptural groups including the 12 Apostles

0:15:44 > 0:15:47on all four sides of the impressive bell-tower.

0:15:47 > 0:15:51The nearby village of Bugle has a pub and post office,

0:15:51 > 0:15:54with house number two just a five-minute drive away.

0:15:54 > 0:15:58Accessed by something which promises to please Rosemary.

0:15:58 > 0:15:59Come on in. There.

0:15:59 > 0:16:01Wow. That's a wow.

0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Goodness gracious me. - That's beautiful.

0:16:03 > 0:16:05Now this is an interesting proposition.

0:16:05 > 0:16:08- It is at the end of its own drive... - With a five-bar gate.

0:16:08 > 0:16:09..with its own five-bar gate.

0:16:09 > 0:16:12- With a view.- Yep. You've got the views all over the place.

0:16:12 > 0:16:15I am gobsmacked. I am stunned.

0:16:15 > 0:16:17I just want the numbers to be right.

0:16:17 > 0:16:19Ah, well, we'll get to the numbers later on,

0:16:19 > 0:16:21don't you worry about the price now.

0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Rosemary has, I think, already moved in, haven't you?- I have.

0:16:23 > 0:16:25Come on, let's see it inside.

0:16:27 > 0:16:30Well, Bill is talking money before we've even stepped inside this

0:16:30 > 0:16:33rather handsome late-Victorian detached property.

0:16:33 > 0:16:37Formerly a dairy, it's been renovated from tip to toe

0:16:37 > 0:16:39by the current owners over the last three years.

0:16:41 > 0:16:44We are entering via the elegant central hallway.

0:16:45 > 0:16:47I think we'll start with the living room.

0:16:47 > 0:16:50That's lovely. That is lovely.

0:16:50 > 0:16:53It's very, very, very well laid out. That's stunning.

0:16:53 > 0:16:56- They've retained this fireplace. - It's beautiful.

0:16:56 > 0:16:58And really well finished. Everything is so well finished.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01- I love the amount of light that is flooding in.- Yes.

0:17:01 > 0:17:02It's a lovely, light room.

0:17:02 > 0:17:04And you've got these lovely high ceilings.

0:17:04 > 0:17:08That's the joy of this sort of period, this sort of build.

0:17:08 > 0:17:10I'm also loving the silence, the solitude.

0:17:10 > 0:17:13It's very, very peaceful.

0:17:13 > 0:17:15'On the other side of the hall

0:17:15 > 0:17:18'is a large, well appointed kitchen-diner.'

0:17:18 > 0:17:19- Now then...- Oh, my goodness!

0:17:19 > 0:17:21THEY LAUGH

0:17:21 > 0:17:24The space is...fantastic.

0:17:24 > 0:17:27Yeah? Wood burner in there, which is lovely.

0:17:27 > 0:17:29That door over there leads back into the living room.

0:17:29 > 0:17:33- Yes.- OK. The other door goes out to a boot room and downstairs loo.

0:17:33 > 0:17:35- Utility room through there.- Right.

0:17:35 > 0:17:37It's got everything, hasn't it?

0:17:37 > 0:17:39- And, of course...- Wow.

0:17:39 > 0:17:42Next to the room is that. This huge conservatory.

0:17:42 > 0:17:46- It looks like a sun trap. - It's just absolutely fabulous.

0:17:46 > 0:17:49And I love the way that the steps from the conservatory lead

0:17:49 > 0:17:52- so well into...into the garden. - Yeah.

0:17:52 > 0:17:54I really get the sense, Rosemary,

0:17:54 > 0:17:57that this one is stirring those emotions a little bit.

0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Just a touch. - THEY LAUGH

0:18:00 > 0:18:02- Are you all right? Do you need a minute?- No, I'm fine.

0:18:02 > 0:18:03- I'll survive.- Good, OK.

0:18:03 > 0:18:06Well, let's get upstairs and have a look at what that offers you.

0:18:06 > 0:18:09I know you only asked for two, possibly three bedrooms.

0:18:09 > 0:18:11This one has four.

0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Oh, goodness. Goodness. - Come and have a look.

0:18:15 > 0:18:19To the front of the property is the first of the double bedrooms

0:18:19 > 0:18:21with a feature fireplace.

0:18:21 > 0:18:25Next to this, a smaller bedroom is being used as a study.

0:18:25 > 0:18:27And to the back of the house, another double room

0:18:27 > 0:18:30and the family bathroom, with separate fixed-head shower

0:18:30 > 0:18:34and roll-top bath, which just leaves the master.

0:18:34 > 0:18:38And then finally, this, we think, would be yours.

0:18:38 > 0:18:42- It does have the addition of a little shower en suite.- Oh.

0:18:42 > 0:18:44- And the view.- Yeah. Not forgetting the view.

0:18:44 > 0:18:47I could lie in bed all day. Look at the view.

0:18:47 > 0:18:49- You have surpassed yourself.- Oh!

0:18:49 > 0:18:51Well, you know, and we haven't finished yet.

0:18:51 > 0:18:53But so far, so good today.

0:18:53 > 0:18:54This is impressive.

0:18:54 > 0:18:58- The overtime, I'm going to have to do now.- Might be just. Yeah.

0:18:58 > 0:19:00You wanted to move, not keep working.

0:19:00 > 0:19:02Come on, let's take a trip to the garden

0:19:02 > 0:19:05- and we'll talk about the price, shall we?- OK.- Thank you.

0:19:05 > 0:19:09With gardens surrounding the property on all sides

0:19:09 > 0:19:11and that gated driveway, there is

0:19:11 > 0:19:15even more reason to get Bill worried about affordability.

0:19:15 > 0:19:18The paved patio overlooks well-stocked beds.

0:19:18 > 0:19:21And a selection of outbuildings,

0:19:21 > 0:19:25including a really useful garage, only adds to the potential here.

0:19:25 > 0:19:27Cos I think, from this position,

0:19:27 > 0:19:29you get a nice aspect of the front of the property.

0:19:29 > 0:19:30There's some lovely views

0:19:30 > 0:19:33as well from the end of the garden, over that wall.

0:19:33 > 0:19:36The whole package has this feeling of rather splendid isolation,

0:19:36 > 0:19:38but actually, we're only five miles

0:19:38 > 0:19:40from popular spots that are around here.

0:19:40 > 0:19:43Everything about it is exactly what we've asked for and more.

0:19:43 > 0:19:48- But what do we think property number two is worth?- Well, I don't think

0:19:48 > 0:19:52that the money we brought out here will be enough for this property.

0:19:52 > 0:19:57I think it's an asking price of £475,000.

0:19:57 > 0:20:00475, yeah? Rosemary?

0:20:00 > 0:20:04I would say between 460, 470.

0:20:04 > 0:20:09It's very interesting, price guesses reveal quite a lot about how

0:20:09 > 0:20:11much buyers want a property.

0:20:11 > 0:20:14I'm afraid it's not 475. It's not 460.

0:20:14 > 0:20:16It's five something.

0:20:17 > 0:20:18There is a five in it.

0:20:20 > 0:20:22- It's 395.- No!- My goodness!

0:20:22 > 0:20:24- THEY LAUGH - My goodness!

0:20:24 > 0:20:26That's interesting.

0:20:26 > 0:20:29My goodness! Goodness gracious me.

0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Forget the Mystery House! - THEY LAUGH

0:20:33 > 0:20:35I couldn't have dreamed of a better house.

0:20:35 > 0:20:40- But for you, this move is quite a big number.- Yeah.

0:20:40 > 0:20:42Giving up working in London early,

0:20:42 > 0:20:46would you give it up sooner rather than later to move here?

0:20:46 > 0:20:49With no hesitation at all.

0:20:49 > 0:20:51BILL LAUGHS

0:20:51 > 0:20:54I think you need some time alone.

0:20:54 > 0:20:58Off you go. And I will find you a little bit later on.

0:20:59 > 0:21:02Wow.

0:21:02 > 0:21:04£55,000 below budget,

0:21:04 > 0:21:07this late-Victorian former dairy

0:21:07 > 0:21:09has everything Bill and Rosemary

0:21:09 > 0:21:11have ever dreamed of.

0:21:11 > 0:21:12With a large living room

0:21:12 > 0:21:14and a spacious sunny conservatory,

0:21:14 > 0:21:15plus four bedrooms,

0:21:15 > 0:21:17including an en-suite,

0:21:17 > 0:21:19there's more than enough space

0:21:19 > 0:21:20for their sons to visit.

0:21:20 > 0:21:23The secluded grounds provide

0:21:23 > 0:21:24a private idyll. And of course,

0:21:24 > 0:21:26there's that gate at the end

0:21:26 > 0:21:28of their own gravel drive.

0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's a fantastic property. It's a wow factor.

0:21:32 > 0:21:35Not within my wildest dreams would I have imagined that we would be

0:21:35 > 0:21:37looking at a property like this.

0:21:37 > 0:21:40To walk into the kitchen and see the jewel in the crown,

0:21:40 > 0:21:41which was the conservatory.

0:21:41 > 0:21:43It's...it's phenomenal.

0:21:43 > 0:21:47It's exactly the sort of thing that we were looking for.

0:21:47 > 0:21:48Four bedrooms as well!

0:21:48 > 0:21:53I just can't believe that this house is so ideal for us.

0:21:53 > 0:21:58I feel as if it's mine already. But I daren't sort of hope yet.

0:21:58 > 0:22:02I don't think this is a house that we can let escape from us.

0:22:02 > 0:22:05- Have we done it? - Very much so. Very much so.

0:22:05 > 0:22:08Well, you need to sleep on it, but at this point in the day,

0:22:08 > 0:22:11I normally suggest we go and find somewhere to have a drink.

0:22:11 > 0:22:15Traditionally, I'm a real ale man. But I think today, maybe...

0:22:15 > 0:22:17a bit of champers?

0:22:17 > 0:22:20- I think so.- I think... might be popping a cork.

0:22:20 > 0:22:21- Come on.- I think we need to.

0:22:31 > 0:22:34Bill and Rosemary from Bracknell, in Berkshire,

0:22:34 > 0:22:37have £450,000 to achieve

0:22:37 > 0:22:41their lifelong goal of a move to Cornwall.

0:22:41 > 0:22:43Our first day of house hunting was so successful,

0:22:43 > 0:22:46they're convinced we need look no further.

0:22:46 > 0:22:49But when they see our Mystery House,

0:22:49 > 0:22:51there could well be a change of view.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55- There you go.- OK. - Wow. I'm impressed with that.

0:22:55 > 0:22:58Well, to say that yesterday finished on a high would be

0:22:58 > 0:22:59a classic understatement.

0:22:59 > 0:23:00And whilst we did allow Bill and

0:23:00 > 0:23:04Rosemary a minor celebration last night, I have ignored her

0:23:04 > 0:23:08assertion that we need look no further because, as you can see,

0:23:08 > 0:23:12we are still here for our final day of house hunting in Cornwell.

0:23:12 > 0:23:13And let's be honest,

0:23:13 > 0:23:15any tour of properties in this part of the world would not be the

0:23:15 > 0:23:20same without showing them something that made the very best of that.

0:23:26 > 0:23:29The Mystery House is situated in the coastal village

0:23:29 > 0:23:32of Holywell, a six-mile drive southwest from Newquay and a mile

0:23:32 > 0:23:36and a half northwest of the village of Cubert.

0:23:36 > 0:23:39Once known as St Cubert after a Welsh missionary,

0:23:39 > 0:23:41Cubert offers fish and chips,

0:23:41 > 0:23:44a bakery selling home-made Cornish pasties

0:23:44 > 0:23:47and a post office and stores.

0:23:47 > 0:23:48A two-minute drive away,

0:23:48 > 0:23:53Holywell's shop also sells groceries and seaside goods.

0:23:53 > 0:23:56There is also a 13th-century thatched inn rumoured to be

0:23:56 > 0:23:58haunted by several ghosts,

0:23:58 > 0:24:02and it's located just a minute's walk from our final proposition.

0:24:03 > 0:24:07OK, here we are then. Our Mystery House.

0:24:07 > 0:24:10In truth, this isn't the best way to really begin to appreciate

0:24:10 > 0:24:14this property because its location means that its charm is all

0:24:14 > 0:24:16predicated on what's beyond it.

0:24:16 > 0:24:19Yes. I'd be interested to see the other side.

0:24:19 > 0:24:20It's well worth the look.

0:24:20 > 0:24:22But to do so, we need to get through that door

0:24:22 > 0:24:24and soak up the views beyond. Come on.

0:24:24 > 0:24:29I'm keen to get Rosemary and Bill inside this detached 1930s

0:24:29 > 0:24:32build with its later additions as it's really only after

0:24:32 > 0:24:36passing through the entrance hall and into the living room at the rear

0:24:36 > 0:24:37of the property, that the reason

0:24:37 > 0:24:40I've brought them here reveals itself.

0:24:41 > 0:24:42There you go.

0:24:42 > 0:24:44- OK.- That is what it is all about -

0:24:44 > 0:24:49- a magnificent view over Holywell Bay and the ocean beyond.- Wow.

0:24:49 > 0:24:52- That's lovely. - I'm impressed with that.

0:24:52 > 0:24:56This is your main living room. That enormous picture window.

0:24:56 > 0:24:58I love the amount of light that's flooding into the room.

0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Yes, it's a lovely big window. - Yeah.- Yes.

0:25:00 > 0:25:03But it still has to compete with the second one.

0:25:03 > 0:25:06And for me, it's not doing that right now. Even with that view.

0:25:06 > 0:25:10We've spoilt you. But let's spoil you with more views, come on.

0:25:10 > 0:25:12Turning right out of the living room,

0:25:12 > 0:25:14we're heading into the kitchen/diner,

0:25:14 > 0:25:19which features the first of the two conservatories spaces on offer.

0:25:19 > 0:25:21Now, once again, the views are front

0:25:21 > 0:25:23and centre of the way this room has been put together.

0:25:23 > 0:25:25Well, that is a view!

0:25:25 > 0:25:27So it's something of a kitchen/diner/living room.

0:25:27 > 0:25:29Oil-fired range.

0:25:29 > 0:25:31The island here with the sink, of course.

0:25:31 > 0:25:34A utility space round the back there as well.

0:25:34 > 0:25:37Yes, it's lovely. It's a very exciting property.

0:25:37 > 0:25:40It's an impressive view. It very much is.

0:25:40 > 0:25:43That is what you're going to be gazing at most of the day,

0:25:43 > 0:25:47- I would think.- The entrance does conceal the hidden treasure.

0:25:47 > 0:25:50You really are reminded, I think, 24 hours a day,

0:25:50 > 0:25:53- that you are living in Cornwall... - Yes.- ..on the coast.

0:25:53 > 0:25:55It's not bad to wake up to that view, is it?

0:25:55 > 0:25:57Talking of waking up, let's get upstairs,

0:25:57 > 0:25:59because the views get even better.

0:26:02 > 0:26:05Perhaps this Mystery House is starting to offer some stiff

0:26:05 > 0:26:08competition for Bill and Rosemary's affections.

0:26:08 > 0:26:11On the ground floor, running alongside the kitchen,

0:26:11 > 0:26:13is also a study.

0:26:13 > 0:26:16And on the coastal frontage, an additional conservatory

0:26:16 > 0:26:20really maximises this property's stunning aspect.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23It also offers something of a potting shed for keen gardener

0:26:23 > 0:26:27Rosemary plus a ground floor double bedroom and a separate shower room.

0:26:28 > 0:26:31Meanwhile, up in the converted loft space,

0:26:31 > 0:26:33it's all about the master en suite.

0:26:35 > 0:26:39- There we go. Again... - Yes.- It's a wonderful view.

0:26:39 > 0:26:41Well, you talked about waking up to the view.

0:26:41 > 0:26:43- This is where it would happen, Bill...- Absolutely.

0:26:43 > 0:26:46..if you went for it. You've also got a bath en suite through there.

0:26:46 > 0:26:50- Plenty of storage, as you can see. - That's a good use of space.

0:26:50 > 0:26:52You don't feel cramped in here.

0:26:52 > 0:26:55You would feel as if you were on holiday.

0:26:55 > 0:26:57- Wouldn't you?- Yeah. Yeah.

0:26:57 > 0:26:59Wouldn't that make a change from working in London?

0:26:59 > 0:27:01- It certainly would. - It certainly would!

0:27:01 > 0:27:03I'm pleased to show it to you

0:27:03 > 0:27:05because I think it sort of completes the set.

0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Yes.- All very strong properties.

0:27:07 > 0:27:10But of course, the price of each of them is one of the guiding factors.

0:27:10 > 0:27:14- It is.- You can keep thinking about it while we pop down to the garden.

0:27:15 > 0:27:19I sense this property really does have something to put

0:27:19 > 0:27:21the cat among the pigeons.

0:27:21 > 0:27:24Outside, as well as a driveway with parking for a couple of cars,

0:27:24 > 0:27:27there are two detached garages.

0:27:27 > 0:27:31But once again, it's the coastal side of our Mystery House,

0:27:31 > 0:27:34featuring a decked seating area and panoramic sea views,

0:27:34 > 0:27:37that really is something special.

0:27:37 > 0:27:40Steps lead down to the enclosed landscaped garden,

0:27:40 > 0:27:43combining lawn and well-stocked beds.

0:27:43 > 0:27:46Look at that. I mean, it's just mesmerising, isn't it?

0:27:46 > 0:27:47I think rather interesting,

0:27:47 > 0:27:50certainly very well-positioned Mystery House.

0:27:50 > 0:27:53It's rather surreal with these great big sand dunes. It's captivating.

0:27:53 > 0:27:57The veranda itself does lend itself to want to spend some time out here.

0:27:57 > 0:28:00Well, is this the sort of property you could see yourself living in?

0:28:00 > 0:28:03For the right price, I would certainly want to live

0:28:03 > 0:28:06- in this property, Jules, yes. - OK, off you go then.

0:28:06 > 0:28:09Give me your final estimate of the week on our Mystery House.

0:28:09 > 0:28:13Well, I think... Because of the sea views, I think

0:28:13 > 0:28:17this property would be on the market for £460,000.

0:28:17 > 0:28:20- Yep. Bill?- For a change, actually, I think it's below budget.

0:28:20 > 0:28:23I think it will be £380,000.

0:28:23 > 0:28:25Is that just wishful thinking

0:28:25 > 0:28:27- and hopeful optimism? - It is very wishful thinking, yeah.

0:28:27 > 0:28:32Because I'm afraid your wife is much closer to it.

0:28:32 > 0:28:36- This is on for offers in excess of £450,000.- OK.

0:28:36 > 0:28:39- So well done, you, Rosemary. - Thank you.

0:28:39 > 0:28:42This is a truly exceptional property and a real treat to see.

0:28:42 > 0:28:46So have a wander around, and I will catch up with you a little later on.

0:28:46 > 0:28:47OK, thank you.

0:28:47 > 0:28:49While you take your time,

0:28:49 > 0:28:51I think I'll spend my time taking in the views.

0:28:53 > 0:28:56Right at the top of Bill and Rosemary's budget,

0:28:56 > 0:28:59this detached 1930s two-bedroom coastal home

0:28:59 > 0:29:02offers all the accommodation they're after.

0:29:02 > 0:29:05There's a large living room and kitchen, with conservatory,

0:29:05 > 0:29:10dining space. And it's all in a plot with amazing sea views.

0:29:10 > 0:29:12It's impressive that they're growing their own wines.

0:29:12 > 0:29:15- Yeah. It is a real sun trap. - It is, yeah.

0:29:15 > 0:29:17The big bonus, the big selling point

0:29:17 > 0:29:19is definitely the fantastic views of the sea.

0:29:19 > 0:29:22The rooms themselves have a fantastic amount of light,

0:29:22 > 0:29:26and I did like that. It has a very, very fresh feeling to it.

0:29:26 > 0:29:29It has an awful lot of pluses to it.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33It's got a lovely situation. It's overlooking the bay.

0:29:33 > 0:29:36You could be on holiday all year round in this house.

0:29:36 > 0:29:38It has a lot to offer us.

0:29:38 > 0:29:41It's certainly a contender in our search.

0:29:41 > 0:29:44You know, there are days when this doesn't feel like a job.

0:29:44 > 0:29:47- Hello, Jules.- How are you? - I think we've seen enough of

0:29:47 > 0:29:49- this wonderful property, thank you. - Happy, Bill?

0:29:49 > 0:29:52Yes, I think it's time for us to go and have some serious thought.

0:29:52 > 0:29:54I think so.

0:29:54 > 0:29:57And some serious discussion, too. Right then, after you, mate.

0:29:57 > 0:29:58Lead on.

0:30:02 > 0:30:05Look at that, a Cornish beach bathed in sunshine.

0:30:05 > 0:30:09On a day like today, it's easy to forget that we're not on holiday,

0:30:09 > 0:30:11but we are of course engaged in the very serious business of

0:30:11 > 0:30:15house hunting, as Bill and Rosemary know only too well.

0:30:15 > 0:30:17They, I'm assured, are down there,

0:30:17 > 0:30:20making sense of all that we've shown them this week.

0:30:20 > 0:30:23So the burning question, as ever of course, is what happens next?

0:30:25 > 0:30:29JULES LAUGHS Look at you two, living the dream.

0:30:29 > 0:30:34Well, look at this, we really have spoiled you this week.

0:30:34 > 0:30:36- Is that for me?- It is, yes. - Fabulous.

0:30:36 > 0:30:38Well, look, I will look forward to drinking to your good health

0:30:38 > 0:30:41in due course, but not before

0:30:41 > 0:30:44we find out about your future plans.

0:30:44 > 0:30:48I think there is clearly still one winner.

0:30:48 > 0:30:50- Yes.- Yes.- I think...

0:30:50 > 0:30:53I think we would like to go back and see number two,

0:30:53 > 0:30:56with the owners, and have a chat with them

0:30:56 > 0:30:59- and put in an offer.- Wow!

0:30:59 > 0:31:03I think with property two, I have completed my mission,

0:31:03 > 0:31:05which was to bring Rosemary home

0:31:05 > 0:31:10and to provide the ideal family home for our whole family.

0:31:10 > 0:31:13Guys, it's been an awful lot of fun. We look forward to hearing,

0:31:13 > 0:31:17I hope, that your purchase of property two has been successful.

0:31:17 > 0:31:19- So in the meantime, here's to you.- Cheers.

0:31:19 > 0:31:21- Thank you very much.- Cheers. - Very much.

0:31:25 > 0:31:28Well, whether it's the stories that surround Tintagel

0:31:28 > 0:31:30and King Arthur or indeed the dark

0:31:30 > 0:31:33and brooding romance of Poldark, for centuries,

0:31:33 > 0:31:37writers and artists have rightly celebrated Cornwall

0:31:37 > 0:31:38as a land of myth and legend.

0:31:38 > 0:31:41But I don't think there is much that is fiction about this week's

0:31:41 > 0:31:45tale of Bill and Rosemary's ambition to finally

0:31:45 > 0:31:48realise their hopes of a life in the Cornish countryside.

0:31:48 > 0:31:52And let's face it, with beaches like this on your doorstep,

0:31:52 > 0:31:53who could blame them?

0:31:53 > 0:31:55I'll see you next time.

0:31:56 > 0:32:00Bill and Rosemary returned to house number two the very next morning

0:32:00 > 0:32:03and put in an offer that was accepted.

0:32:03 > 0:32:06We wish them every success with their Cornish future.

0:32:06 > 0:32:08If you would like to escape to the country

0:32:08 > 0:32:11in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or England

0:32:11 > 0:32:14and need our help, then please apply online at...