0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, it is often said that an Englishman's home is his castle,
0:00:06 > 0:00:09but if that is indeed the case, who do you suppose built this one,
0:00:09 > 0:00:11where and why?
0:00:11 > 0:00:13Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34On today's show, a husband and wife
0:00:34 > 0:00:36challenge us to find a new home for them
0:00:36 > 0:00:40and his elderly mother, but from early on, we stumble over style.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44I would never want this kitchen.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47Wow. This week's going to be more challenging than I thought.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53But later, some modern decor gets a big thumbs up.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- This is more like it. - Yay! Brilliant.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Well, today we are in Cornwall,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03and this is the rather pretty St Mawes Castle,
0:01:03 > 0:01:07constructed high on the cliffs overlooking the Fal estuary,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09and it was built by Henry VIII.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12He was expecting an invasion from the French and the Spanish
0:01:12 > 0:01:15following his divorce from Catherine of Aragon
0:01:15 > 0:01:16and his break with the Catholic Church,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20but this wasn't just about the defence of the realm for Henry,
0:01:20 > 0:01:22this was also an assertion of his power.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26His coat of arms, still above the doorway, bears the inscription,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30"Henry by honour and praises will remain forever."
0:01:30 > 0:01:31Now, of course, Henry has long gone,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33but thankfully, this castle does remain
0:01:33 > 0:01:38as one of the best-preserved Tudor landmarks on the Cornish coast.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Today's search takes us to the county
0:01:44 > 0:01:48at the far western tip of Great Britain, bordering Devon.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Cornwall is almost completely surrounded by sea
0:01:53 > 0:01:57and has some 300 miles of spectacular coastline.
0:01:57 > 0:01:58From sea to shore,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02the craggy cliffs give way to vast swathes of moorland and heath
0:02:02 > 0:02:05and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08Scarred with remnants of its industrial past,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12tin and copper mining peaked here in the early 19th century
0:02:12 > 0:02:15when the county boasted nearly 2,000 mines.
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Long-abandoned, stark chimneys remain as reminders
0:02:18 > 0:02:22looking out across the water which sweeps along
0:02:22 > 0:02:24to picturesque harbours like Mousehole,
0:02:24 > 0:02:29described by poet Dylan Thomas as the loveliest village in the UK,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32the narrow streets and stone fishermen's cottages
0:02:32 > 0:02:33huddle around the quay.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36It also inspired an award-winning children's story
0:02:36 > 0:02:41called The Mousehole Cat, about a cat which calms the sea.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44And it's these turquoise waters meeting dramatic skies
0:02:44 > 0:02:47with an overall climate more in keeping with the Continent
0:02:47 > 0:02:50that attracts so many people wanting to call Cornwall home.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55Well, with so much to inspire you in this county,
0:02:55 > 0:02:59it's great to know that property prices are equally as captivating.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Currently the average price of a detached property in Cornwall
0:03:02 > 0:03:08is £273,000, that's 11,000 below the natural figure and, of course,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11you can make your budget go that little bit further
0:03:11 > 0:03:12by getting away from the coast
0:03:12 > 0:03:16and those tantalising and expensive sea views and heading inland
0:03:16 > 0:03:19to towns like St Austell and Redruth.
0:03:19 > 0:03:21There, you could save yourself a further 50%.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23So, if you're here to property hunt,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26clearly the door to Cornwall is wide open.
0:03:26 > 0:03:27So, let's meet today's buyers
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and find out what's attracted them to this glorious part
0:03:30 > 0:03:31of the South West.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37Recent retirees David and Jenny from the village of Woodham Ferrers
0:03:37 > 0:03:40in Essex have lived in their current five-bedroom house
0:03:40 > 0:03:42for the last three decades.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46They first met when David was working as a photographer
0:03:46 > 0:03:50at a busy local fair where Jenny was the jewel in the crown.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54I was Chelmsford Carnival Queen in 1974.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57Well, I was there just taking some photographs
0:03:57 > 0:03:59of everything that was going on.
0:03:59 > 0:04:01There were the three of you, weren't there?
0:04:01 > 0:04:03You were the queen and there were two princesses from Chelmsford
0:04:03 > 0:04:05and that was it.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07And I invited them all to the dance in the evening,
0:04:07 > 0:04:09and I picked the queen, of course.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Married for 38 years,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16they have two children who have now grown up and moved away.
0:04:16 > 0:04:20So, they feel the time is right to make a break from the busy built-up
0:04:20 > 0:04:24streets of their local town to go in search of something more serene.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27At the moment, we're in a very residential area,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30we're looking out at houses.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31And we want space now.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33We want to be somewhere where our back garden,
0:04:33 > 0:04:35we don't look out and see roofs.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37We want to look out and see trees.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39And it would be lovely to see the sea.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43We like Cornwall because it's a variation everywhere.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48There can be beaches, coves, cliffs, fields and hills as well.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50You know, you can drive for ten minutes
0:04:50 > 0:04:53and get a different outlook completely.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55Joining them on the move will be David's mother, Dolly,
0:04:55 > 0:04:58who's lived with them for the last 20 years.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00At the grand age of 86,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03navigating their current home is no longer easy for her,
0:05:03 > 0:05:06so a downstairs bedroom is a must.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08What we'd like to do is get her on the ground floor level,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11which we can't do practically in this house,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14so she's got access to the kitchen easily
0:05:14 > 0:05:16and also hopefully go outside.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17You know, if we're on one level,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20if she feels like coming and being sociable and having a chat,
0:05:20 > 0:05:21she can toddle in and see us.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Since retiring, David has had more time to spend
0:05:25 > 0:05:27on his beloved model railway,
0:05:27 > 0:05:30so a space for his hobby would be just the ticket.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34I was obviously into trains all my life, and my son is as well.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38And here we've actually had a garden railway, which is now dismantled,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41unfortunately, for the move.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46It would be nice wherever we go that I can have a rather nice shed
0:05:46 > 0:05:48in the garden or somewhere in the house.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50The bottom of the garden.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53Where I can have my train shed.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57And with all signs pointing in the right direction,
0:05:57 > 0:05:58packing has already begun.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01We've put the house on the market about four,
0:06:01 > 0:06:06five weeks ago now, and we had a few people round, and last weekend we
0:06:06 > 0:06:07actually got an offer on it. So...
0:06:07 > 0:06:10- Yay.- We're ready to go, we're ready to go.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19David and Jenny want to move to the north Cornwall coast near St Ives,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22so we're going to concentrate our search around this area.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25I'm meeting up with them in the county to find out more
0:06:25 > 0:06:28about the priorities on their property wish list.
0:06:28 > 0:06:31Jenny, David, welcome to Cornwall. Look at this.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33- It's beautiful, isn't it? - Couldn't be better.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- I wish I could sell you that view. - That one will do.- That one will do.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38I know you do want a house with a view,
0:06:38 > 0:06:42but you're also bringing your mum, Dolly, with you, David?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Yes, Dolly's coming with us. Yeah, yeah.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47She's been with us for about 20 years now, since she retired.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Now, in terms of the properties that you've all been thinking about,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53I know there's a slight difference of opinion in the camp. Jenny?
0:06:53 > 0:06:57Yes, well, I like modern houses and I like modern architecture,
0:06:57 > 0:07:02and David likes more cutesy-looking houses.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- Shall we say traditional?- Yeah, traditional...traditional houses.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08Give us an idea of what it needs to have to really work for you.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11Well, it's got to be a modern interior.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14I like a nice large kitchen, as the hub of the home.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- It can be open plan, can't it? - It can be, yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19And I also want a downstairs bedroom
0:07:19 > 0:07:22and shower room for my mother-in-law.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26And I think, really and truly, as long as it's modern inside,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29perhaps David can have his...
0:07:29 > 0:07:30Traditional exterior?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33Absolutely. I've got a traditional exterior, so...
0:07:34 > 0:07:37That would be a happy compromise, wouldn't it?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- It would.- Yes, it would.- So, downstairs bedroom, a must for mum.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Upstairs - two, three bed?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Three beds would be nice, cos we've got, you know,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47if the children come and stay and bring the little dots,
0:07:47 > 0:07:49when we get them, that would be nice as well.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53You also need space in this house for your hobby, David.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55- Come on, tell us more about it. - Indeed, yes,
0:07:55 > 0:07:58I'm a keen model railway modeller.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02So, yeah, I need a room for my trains.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05And in terms of outdoor space, I mean, are you keen gardeners?
0:08:05 > 0:08:07Would you produce something like this?
0:08:07 > 0:08:10- No.- No.- I can grow grass, that's it.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13We have Astroturf, let's be honest, David.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Yeah, we've got Astroturf at the front.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17That kind of tells me all I need to know.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Now, your house is under offer, which is good news.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20So, what's the budget?
0:08:20 > 0:08:23450,000.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25We've got three, I think, very interesting,
0:08:25 > 0:08:28very different properties lined up for you today.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32We've got £450,000 for a house for you two and, of course,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Dolly and the trains.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36- We've got a lot to do. Let's go. - Thank you.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44With a budget of £450,000,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48David and Jenny are looking for a three to four bedroom house with a
0:08:48 > 0:08:51ground floor room that's accessible for David's mother.
0:08:51 > 0:08:56A large kitchen diner is a must for Jenny and an inside or outside space
0:08:56 > 0:08:58for David's train set would be ideal.
0:08:58 > 0:09:03And whilst they don't agree on house style, they do agree on location,
0:09:03 > 0:09:05both wanting far-reaching views.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09We've found three fantastic properties to tempt them with,
0:09:09 > 0:09:11but at each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price
0:09:11 > 0:09:14at the end of the tour.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16Our final stop will be our Mystery House,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19which I hope will challenge them to go the extra distance.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27What about hobbies that you can do together, Jenny?
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I mean, you know, Cornwall and its coast must be
0:09:30 > 0:09:33a great allure for you?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36It is, and we thought we might get ourselves a little boat,
0:09:36 > 0:09:41like a picnic boat, that we can go out on in the daytime and, you know,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43pop around the coast a little bit.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- That would be nice, wouldn't it? - Not on the high seas, I might add.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I want your life. I think it sounds ideal. It's great.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55We're starting off our search exactly where our buyers want to be,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58in the seaside town of St Ives.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00This historic seafaring town once thrived
0:10:00 > 0:10:02on its prosperity from pilchard fishing,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05but a decline in stock and the arrival
0:10:05 > 0:10:09of the Great Western Railway in the late 1800s changed all that.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12St Ives soon became a popular holiday destination,
0:10:12 > 0:10:16attracting an artistic crowd, and remains so to this day.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19It's surrounded by five award-winning beaches
0:10:19 > 0:10:22of white surf and golden sand which sifts between the toes
0:10:22 > 0:10:25of thousands of visitors each year.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Attracted not only by the stunning coastal scenery,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31but also the quaint cobbled streets of the old town
0:10:31 > 0:10:36known as Downalong, it caters for both tourists and locals alike.
0:10:36 > 0:10:37Just a mile from the seafront,
0:10:37 > 0:10:41on the outskirts of the town and at the end of a gravel track,
0:10:41 > 0:10:43we find our first property.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46- DAVID LAUGHS - My traditional one.- Yeah.- OK.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- I reserve judgment.- It's solid, it looks really solid.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51You're not sure yet, but I'm confident that this one
0:10:51 > 0:10:54could work for you, because it's in the right location,
0:10:54 > 0:10:56it's got the right amount of space,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59it's certainly got lots of flexible accommodation.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00Right.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02And it's the first one on the list.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Well, we'll look at it, yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06You will look at it, yeah, follow me.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Dating back to the 19th century,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13this handsome house was formerly a farm building.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17Built out of granite, it has the traditional facade David was after,
0:11:17 > 0:11:20even if Jenny isn't yet convinced.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22However, it does have a modern extension
0:11:22 > 0:11:25as well as far-reaching country views.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27But what will she make of the rustic decor?
0:11:29 > 0:11:31This, I think, is the best place to start, Jenny.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Yes.- You can see you like it.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Yes, it's OK. - DAVID AND JENNY LAUGH
0:11:37 > 0:11:39It's OK?
0:11:39 > 0:11:43I mean, it's very cute and traditional.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46But for years, I've lived with a brick fireplace
0:11:46 > 0:11:49in my lounge, and I've always wanted to rip it out.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53It's very lovely, but it's not a Jenny kitchen.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- David, help me out.- It's a modern kitchen made with old materials.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I would never want this kitchen.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Wow. This week's going to be more challenging than I thought.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Let's go next door. Come on.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13Across the hall, accessed through a lovely dining room,
0:12:13 > 0:12:16we come to the newly extended sitting room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Now, this is a room that I love,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22but I'm beginning to wonder that because I might like it,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25you probably won't, Jenny.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- What do you reckon? - Now, I like this, this is...
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- It's modern, isn't it?- I like the fireplace, it's very interesting.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37Yeah, it links a modern room with an old house. Very good, yeah.
0:12:37 > 0:12:41Now, just across the hallway there is the downstairs shower room.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46- Right.- So, your mum, David, could potentially have this
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and access to the downstairs shower across there.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51- Yeah.- So, it might have the options we're after.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Yeah, possibly, yeah.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- It's just style.- It's just style.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00With the living room earmarked for David's mother and an additional
0:13:00 > 0:13:01utility room to boot,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05we need to find a living space for the whole family, and the way the
0:13:05 > 0:13:08current owner has reassigned the four upstairs rooms
0:13:08 > 0:13:10is an excellent solution.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11Down a long corridor,
0:13:11 > 0:13:15the first room is already presented as a lounge and takes full advantage
0:13:15 > 0:13:17of the rural surroundings.
0:13:18 > 0:13:22- Wow.- Wow. I love the view. Very amazing view.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24DAVID LAUGHS
0:13:24 > 0:13:27This, I think, ordinarily, would be the master bedroom.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32Right. The view's great, there's still a very old feeling
0:13:32 > 0:13:33in the house.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36And it's a beautiful house, it's just not me.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41Also on this floor, off the hallway, is a large family bathroom,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43a separate shower room and two further bedrooms,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45both large enough to fit a double bed.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48That leaves just one last bedroom to see.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52So, currently, there are three bedrooms here -
0:13:52 > 0:13:54they're all the same sort of size -
0:13:54 > 0:13:57any one of which could be your master bedroom, really.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Yeah. It's interesting.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Still not convinced. - And there's more brick.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04- More stone.- More stone.- Stone.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06If you're going to knock it, get it right.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08It's stone, it's not brick.
0:14:08 > 0:14:09- Stone.- Yeah.- Brilliant.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- Come on.- Yes.- What are we going to do with you?
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I think I may have underestimated Jenny's desire
0:14:17 > 0:14:19for a modern interior,
0:14:19 > 0:14:24but hopefully the incredible setting outside might help her fall for this
0:14:24 > 0:14:26charming farmhouse.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28So, David,
0:14:28 > 0:14:30I'm thinking outdoor railway now.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34Garden railway in three quarters of an acre, which is what this plot is.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I can see what you mean, absolutely.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Yeah, it's a big garden railway.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41But consider, if you will, the views,
0:14:41 > 0:14:43because it's what everybody wants,
0:14:43 > 0:14:45but it's not what everybody can afford.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46It's beautiful.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So, who's going to make me an offer first?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Well, I think this is about 425.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54Oh, straight in with 425.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- OK, David?- I'd go for 435.
0:14:57 > 0:15:02- 435. You're right to creep up the scale somewhat.- Yeah.
0:15:02 > 0:15:09This is currently on the market for offers in excess of 450.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Right.- Right. - That's the weight of St Ives
0:15:12 > 0:15:14just bumping those numbers up.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I like it and I'm confident this could be a grower.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20Go on, off you go. Go and have another look around.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23I'm not going to take no for an answer.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28On the market for offers
0:15:28 > 0:15:29over £450,000,
0:15:29 > 0:15:31this former farmhouse,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33set in a beautiful location,
0:15:33 > 0:15:34could offer the flexibility
0:15:34 > 0:15:35our buyers are after.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Though the traditional style
0:15:37 > 0:15:38may not be to Jenny's taste,
0:15:38 > 0:15:40the layout does offer ground floor
0:15:40 > 0:15:42living that would be ideal
0:15:42 > 0:15:43for David's mother,
0:15:43 > 0:15:44leaving our couple the run
0:15:44 > 0:15:46of the upstairs,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48including its three bedrooms
0:15:48 > 0:15:49and lounge with views,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51and it's all topped off
0:15:51 > 0:15:52with a great garden.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57- This is large.- Train room.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Big.- It's nice and long as well. Yeah, that'll work.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05My feelings of house one are it's a very comfortable house,
0:16:05 > 0:16:09it's a sweet-looking house. It's real chocolate box on the outside,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12it really is. The garden's lovely as well,
0:16:12 > 0:16:14it's been very well looked after.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17David's mother would like this house.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21She would love the double doors onto the garden,
0:16:21 > 0:16:25she would enjoy the scenery, cos the views are amazing.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Come on, Jenny. Running out the door, can't wait to move on.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34David, that loft space, perfect for more railway?
0:16:34 > 0:16:36Absolutely, it's just the right size.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38It is indeed. And I've got the garden.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40And you've got the garden as well, I mean, you know.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42We just need to find a house that you both enjoy.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45- We do.- Right then, two more to come.
0:16:45 > 0:16:46Let's crack on.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Just beyond Falmouth,
0:16:54 > 0:16:57the ragged rocks of South Cornwall's coastline give way
0:16:57 > 0:17:00to the sheltered muddy waterways and wildlife haven,
0:17:00 > 0:17:02that is the Helford River.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05This flooded valley was once an important trading point
0:17:05 > 0:17:09where ships brought rum, tobacco and lace back from the Continent.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13Nowadays, many people choose to explore the creeks by boat.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15And with David and Jenny keen to buy one,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18we've arranged for them to meet Hetty Wildblood,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21who's made a living out of her love of the area.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23- Welcome to Cornwall. - Thank you very much.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25It's lovely. How long have you been in Cornwall?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27We've been down here for four years.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30We were holidaying in Cornwall and seeing friends and family,
0:17:30 > 0:17:33and then we just fell in love with the beaches and the coastline
0:17:33 > 0:17:34and the lifestyle,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37so we decided to move down here from Harrogate.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40- Oh, wow.- That's a long way. - So, a real change. Yeah.- Absolutely.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42But then we set up the water sports,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45we set up a kayaking company and we also do Helford River cruises.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49- Lovely.- So, enjoying the wildlife and the outdoors.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Today's trip launches from a small quayside on a boat
0:17:52 > 0:17:55called the Hannah Molly.
0:17:55 > 0:17:5919ft long, she's built of wood and is similar to the traditional
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Cornish cove boats used for centuries to ferry fishermen around.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07These days, tourists are the more popular catch who come to see
0:18:07 > 0:18:11the abundant wildlife that lives along the river.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Sadly hidden from view today,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15it's not uncommon to spot kingfishers and herons
0:18:15 > 0:18:18along the water's edge and even the occasional dolphin at play.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23We would like to, possibly, if we move down here,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27buy a boat and start, you know, really using the facilities.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So, do you have any advice for the sorts of boats
0:18:30 > 0:18:32that we could get on this river?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34Well, there's a lovely boat yard up at Gweek, actually,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37and they actually make boats from scratch,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40so you can go in there and actually describe what kind of boat.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42You can buy a selection of second-hand boats.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45People tend to sell them at the end of the season.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Oh, right.- So, it's quite a good time to buy a second-hand boat.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50What's this, where we are now, called?
0:18:50 > 0:18:51We're on Frenchman's Creek now.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Why was it called Frenchman's Creek then?
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Apparently, this was a smokehouse just over here,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58and it was used to smoke the fish.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02So, the French would smoke their fish here before the age of fridges,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06and they'd smoke it and then set sail back to France.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- Clever, yes.- And the Cornish nicknamed it Frenchman's Creek.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13The creek has inspired thousands of people over the years.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Daphne du Maurier, who, obviously,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19came on holiday here with her family in 1927.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22And then by 1932, she came down here with her husband, Tommy,
0:19:22 > 0:19:28on their honeymoon, and they moored up and she absolutely loved it here.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Set on these still and soundless waters,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Du Maurier went on to write the classic novel of the same name.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38It was also on these banks that local resident
0:19:38 > 0:19:42and 20th-century maritime artist Percy Thurburn left his mark.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46He was a bit naughty. He was 17 years old,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48he ran off and joined the navy.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51He ended up coming along with his boat, the Iron Duke,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54which you can see behind you.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57He moored up here and he went and he went and asked a farmer
0:19:57 > 0:20:00if he could go and build a house on the land.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And he built a house up there, which you can see...
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- Wow.- Do you think we'd get away with that now?
0:20:06 > 0:20:08You never know. You never know.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11And then in 1940, he gave it to the National Trust.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16No trip on the river would be complete without stopping for tea.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19And the Ferryboat Inn, dating back to the 16th century,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21makes an excellent spot.
0:20:21 > 0:20:22It's lovely down here, isn't it?
0:20:22 > 0:20:25- It's beautiful. It's really lovely. - Really good.
0:20:25 > 0:20:26That was a fantastic trip on the river as well.
0:20:26 > 0:20:32- It was.- Really made me think, "Yeah, a little boat, absolutely ideal."
0:20:32 > 0:20:35So now you're going to be buying lots of boating magazines
0:20:35 > 0:20:39- to choose a boat.- Absolutely right, yeah, yeah. From trains to boats.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43So, with David and Jenny fully refreshed,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45it's back to the house hunt.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51For our second property,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53we're moving up the coast to the village of Goonhavern,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56three miles from the small seaside resort of Perranporth.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01Popular for the Atlantic swell that brings surfers to the shore,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04in the fifth century, the waters also washed up
0:21:04 > 0:21:07an extremely important figure to the county -
0:21:07 > 0:21:09St Piran, one of the patron saints of Cornwall,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13who set about building a small chapel in the sand.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17These days, people flock here not only to celebrate St Piran's Day,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19which happens on the 5th of March,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23but also to enjoy some three miles of golden sands that stretch either
0:21:23 > 0:21:25side of the historic bay.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Just a short drive away back to Goonhavern
0:21:29 > 0:21:32is where we find our next house.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35Now, my thinking on this one is that this morning
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- we started with old for you, David...- Yes.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42This afternoon, we're going new for you, Jenny.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46- What do you think? - Um, yeah, it's modern, er...
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- Stylistically, I'm hoping, Jenny... - It's modern, yeah.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51..this is going to be more of the thing,
0:21:51 > 0:21:52- and I think you'll like it as well. - OK.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54And I'm going to convince you that this could be
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- the property for both of you.- Right.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Are we all agreed? - We're very agreed.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Right, come on.- Let's go see it.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07Finding a house to cater for two generations and that hits the mark
0:22:07 > 0:22:10decor-wise was always going to be a tall order,
0:22:10 > 0:22:15but I think this modern house built in the 1980s does just that.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19It comes with a double garage and is immaculately decorated throughout.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21We're starting off in the kitchen.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26Now, is this or is this not more like it?
0:22:26 > 0:22:27This is more like it.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Yay! Brilliant.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Yes, there's lots of cupboard space. Yeah, it's very nice.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Very nice. I mean, look how slick it is.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39You've got a fabulous range there with, I have to confess,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42the funkiest extractor that I have ever seen.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- It's lovely. Very nice.- Yeah. - Very nicely done.
0:22:44 > 0:22:45Very spacious as well.
0:22:45 > 0:22:48The clever thing is they've extended it, right?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51This little doorway here was a set of patio doors going out
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- to quite a dark little courtyard. - Yes.
0:22:54 > 0:22:55But they've extended it,
0:22:55 > 0:22:58creating this fabulous kind of family-space dining room.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- It is very good.- Yeah. That's lovely.- I like the space.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05And that it all flows through in this lovely open-plan way
0:23:05 > 0:23:07into your main, sort of, family living room.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09Really nice wood burner built in there,
0:23:09 > 0:23:10very kind of contemporary.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12And then through that wall there,
0:23:12 > 0:23:14they've done something rather clever,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18leaving these little pillars there, which are part glazed,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- separating the room, but also kind of connecting it.- Yeah, yeah.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23I like it because it's interesting.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26There are some very interesting design features in the house,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28which suit it very well.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30And let's spare a thought for Dolly, actually.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Because we have got a dedicated downstairs bedroom
0:23:33 > 0:23:35and shower room next door.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37And that means that she's on this level,
0:23:37 > 0:23:39and then she can share this space with you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Yeah, that would be nice.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43And also she'd be able to move around well,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- cos you could open the doors... - Big double doors.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- ..and she can get with her frame and...- Yes.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50It would be nice to sit in the family room outside there,
0:23:50 > 0:23:51looking out on the garden.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Right then, let's go upstairs.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56You will not be disappointed with what's on offer.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58With David's mother's room sorted,
0:23:58 > 0:24:01I hope the upstairs will suit them just as well.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04A fresh, modern bathroom featuring a free-standing bath
0:24:04 > 0:24:07serves two bright and light-filled bedrooms.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Then last of all is the impressive master with a decked terrace
0:24:11 > 0:24:12to maximise the superb views.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18There.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23Yeah. I like the ceiling joists being left.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26It's also got a walk-in wardrobe there.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30And through that door, you've got quite a small shower en suite.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33- And, of course, you've got the balcony.- Oh, look at the view.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- The view's great. - The views are incredible.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Well, let's get outside and talk about the money, shall we?
0:24:38 > 0:24:39- And see where we go from there.- OK.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45With some good vibes from David and Jenny,
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I feel we're heading in the right direction.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52The garden, which wraps around the side of the property, is decked to
0:24:52 > 0:24:54provide a great place for alfresco entertaining.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59Isn't that view lovely?
0:24:59 > 0:25:01That's beautiful, really is.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- It's really nice.- It's sort of nicely framed as it were,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06but it does set the whole property off.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- Not as big a garden as we had at number one...- No.
0:25:09 > 0:25:10..but in a way I'm not bothered,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12cos I don't think you really wanted that much land.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- No.- No, need easy-to-upkeep-ers.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18And flat enough for the railway tracks?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20It is very nice and flat.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Yeah. So, there you go, that's what's on offer.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Is it going to work for you financially?
0:25:25 > 0:25:26That's the big question.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28So, David?
0:25:28 > 0:25:29Hm.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34I would say...375.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38- OK.- Well, I was going to say it's bang on budget.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- Yeah.- Might even be 455.
0:25:41 > 0:25:46This is bang on budget at £450,000.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49Right, OK. It has a lot of elements that I'm looking for.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Good, well, I'm delighted that you got the money right.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54I think we've all enjoyed seeing this one, it's a really,
0:25:54 > 0:25:58- really good option for the pair of you.- It is, it's a lovely house.
0:25:58 > 0:25:59- It's a fabulous house.- Yeah.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04On the market for £450,000,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06this price tag gives them a property
0:26:06 > 0:26:08that's definitely worth considering.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10Of the four bedrooms,
0:26:10 > 0:26:11one is downstairs,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13ideal for David's mother.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14It has the modern style
0:26:14 > 0:26:16that Jenny was looking for,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18along with plenty of sunlit rooms.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19And the garden has
0:26:19 > 0:26:20a large deck terrace
0:26:20 > 0:26:22to watch the sunset
0:26:22 > 0:26:23over the meadows.
0:26:23 > 0:26:26When I walked inside and saw the layout,
0:26:26 > 0:26:28I thought, "It's got a beautiful flow to it,
0:26:28 > 0:26:32"the rooms connect, it's got some architectural details.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37"The rooms are light and airy, the ceilings are high."
0:26:37 > 0:26:41It had every ingredient that I like in a house.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I think house number two would be suitable for Mum.
0:26:43 > 0:26:49The bedroom downstairs is a good size and there's the shower room,
0:26:49 > 0:26:51just outside the bedroom,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54which would be perfectly adequate for her.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57And also, the inside of the house is all on one level.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01Well, that's it for today.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Has it been a good one? A useful one?
0:27:03 > 0:27:06It has, yeah, you've given us something old.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08And you've given us something new!
0:27:08 > 0:27:09It's all good, isn't it?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12And tomorrow, that's going to remain a mystery.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13Ahh, come on.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28It's the start of day two in Cornwall with Jenny and David
0:27:28 > 0:27:32from Essex who have a budget of £450,000 to spend on a home
0:27:32 > 0:27:35with far-reaching views to house both themselves
0:27:35 > 0:27:36and David's mother, Dolly.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Still to come, I offer them a cheeky solution to solve a problem.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45I think it might be just a bit too small.
0:27:45 > 0:27:46It's tiny.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48Bunk beds?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Bunk beds, what a great idea!
0:27:50 > 0:27:54And I dig deep into Cornwall's pottery past.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- JULES LAUGHS - That's not too bad.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58This is harder than it looks, isn't it?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00It's so much harder than it looks.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Well, it's not uncommon to meet a couple
0:28:03 > 0:28:05who have differences of opinion
0:28:05 > 0:28:08as to the style of property they're after,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10but rarely have I seen those differences
0:28:10 > 0:28:13so sharply articulated as they were yesterday as we viewed,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16let's face it, two very contrasting properties.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18So, what about our final offering?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20Well, we're going to switch tack
0:28:20 > 0:28:22from Cornwall's north coast to its south.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25But where? Well, that is the mystery.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29For our final property destination,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31we're travelling to the port of Falmouth,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34down in the south of the county.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36Steeped in history, this port's importance
0:28:36 > 0:28:38stretches back to Tudor times,
0:28:38 > 0:28:41when Henry VIII built the coastal fortress of Pendennis Castle here.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45In a strategic location overlooking the natural harbour,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48it made the perfect place to fend off foreign invasion.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Today, Falmouth attracts boating enthusiasts on vessels
0:28:51 > 0:28:54of all shapes and sizes and the harbourside
0:28:54 > 0:28:57is home to Cornwall's National Maritime Museum,
0:28:57 > 0:28:58which opened in 2003.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03What's more, the town was recently ranked in the top five best places
0:29:03 > 0:29:07to live in Britain, all the more reason to consider this area
0:29:07 > 0:29:08for our buyers.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10On the outskirts of the town,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11we come to our final house,
0:29:11 > 0:29:15which I think will offer them both what they're looking for.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20Right, guys, come in to this corner of the garden,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23cos I think this gives you the best aspect to really appreciate
0:29:23 > 0:29:24what our Mystery House offers you.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Wow. It looks very, very traditional.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31I mean, I don't suppose you probably would've considered Falmouth?
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- No.- But we've chucked it in the mix because of what it gives you
0:29:34 > 0:29:38and, in particular, Dolly. And the way the house is appointed is -
0:29:38 > 0:29:39you'll see when we get inside -
0:29:39 > 0:29:41I think it would really suit Dolly very well.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- OK.- OK.- Thank you.- It sounds good. Sounds interesting.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Good. Right, let's see what you think.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Dating back to the 1930s,
0:29:49 > 0:29:52this is the youngest property of the lot.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54And although out of their search area,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57it has an ideal layout for multi-generational living,
0:29:57 > 0:29:59with roomy proportions throughout.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01In you come. Look at this.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Nice hallway for you.
0:30:03 > 0:30:07- Yeah.- And then in here,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- I guess, probably, arguably, the main event, really.- Yes.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Central living room. The fireplace is, obviously, the focal point.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Fireplace, yeah.- Yeah, it's amazing. - Very nice.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18- That's lovely, isn't it? - It is lovely.- Nice, big room.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22- It's a beautiful room. - Yeah. And it's got that sense
0:30:22 > 0:30:25of character, but, I hope, a sense of new.
0:30:25 > 0:30:26It's still modern, yes. Yeah.
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Let's have a look at the kitchen, that's right through here.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33There you go.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Really good, isn't it? - It's nice and light, yeah, yeah.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39- Very nice kitchen. - It's got skylights.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Something of a kind of kitchen diner as well.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44Yeah, it could make a nice breakfast room here, isn't it?
0:30:44 > 0:30:45Lot of light coming in.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- It's a nice kitchen. - It's a nice kitchen.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Are we scoring some points? - Yeah, the kitchen's nice.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- You've got a few back. - Yeah, all right.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55And I hope to improve on that score in the next room.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57It's perfect for David's mother
0:30:57 > 0:31:00and is easily accessible just across the hall.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04There. Would this be big enough for Dolly's needs, do you think?
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Think so.- Yes. Single bed would give her a lot more space.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11Room for a dressing table, comfy chair maybe, as well.
0:31:11 > 0:31:12- And there's the wet room.- Oh.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Which is really simple, you know, really straightforward.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16- Straight into it.- Yeah.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19But let's think about you two. Let's get upstairs.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- You've got three bedrooms up there as well.- OK.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26With David's mother well catered for on the ground floor,
0:31:26 > 0:31:29it's time to check out the three further bedrooms upstairs.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32One is a neutrally-toned double and the second,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35a single used as a playroom.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38There's also a well-appointed family bathroom
0:31:38 > 0:31:40and then the master bedroom.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- There we go.- It might be a bit small for the bed.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47- Yeah.- It's nice and light, very big windows, nice, white floors.
0:31:47 > 0:31:48I like what they've done with that,
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- but I think it might be just a bit too small.- It's tiny.
0:31:52 > 0:31:56- Bunk beds?- Bunk beds? What a great idea.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- Oi.- Could be the future, you never know.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00I'll go at the top.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03We're here to find solutions. It's what we do.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08So, whilst the downstairs layout could work for David's mother,
0:32:08 > 0:32:11upstairs they are clearly feeling the pinch.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14So, let's hope the garden makes up for it.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16It does surround the property, which is nice,
0:32:16 > 0:32:17so it's completely detached.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21There's a little sort of workshop-cum-store shed,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23as it were, that way.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- OK.- And then, of course, you've got the summerhouse here as well.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28But, yeah, I'm glad we've come here.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31I think it's a really interesting option to throw into the mix.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32It's very interesting.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Traditional, got everything we want inside.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Very good Dolly space, isn't it? - Yeah, yeah.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Well, let's consider the price, shall we?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43Our final price guess of the week, Jenny?
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Well, because of the location, I'm going to say 465.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50465? So, over budget.
0:32:50 > 0:32:51David?
0:32:51 > 0:32:54I'm going to go for 435.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59This is on the market for £400,000.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01- Oh.- Wow.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Right then, off you go, take your time.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Soak up the atmosphere here.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I will come and find you a little bit later,
0:33:08 > 0:33:12when they figure out what to do with that £50,000 of change.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17Comfortably under budget at £400,000,
0:33:17 > 0:33:20our Mystery House gives David and Jenny much to consider.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22It has three bedrooms,
0:33:22 > 0:33:25plus a ground floor en suite and comes with a mix
0:33:25 > 0:33:27of contemporary and character
0:33:27 > 0:33:29that might just suit them both.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32And although it's set in an unexpected location,
0:33:32 > 0:33:37it does offer a great set-up for two generations to live happily together
0:33:37 > 0:33:40within easy reach of key amenities.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43When you step through the front door of the house,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46you get a very modern feel.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50I'm quite surprised, very spacious.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53They've brought some of the 1930s details into the fireplace
0:33:53 > 0:33:58in some of the rooms, which I really enjoyed.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I think coming and seeing the Mystery House,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05we've learnt a lot that Falmouth is well worth considering,
0:34:05 > 0:34:12and the Mystery House gave us a positive outlook on this area.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- All done?- Yeah, all done.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19So, we gave you three properties, that was the deal.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Have we sealed the deal?
0:34:22 > 0:34:23We need to think about it.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27I think you do. Right then, after you. Off you go.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Let's get you somewhere where you can think about it.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38Drawn by the breathtaking scenery and quality of light,
0:34:38 > 0:34:41Cornwall has long been a popular destination
0:34:41 > 0:34:44for creatives, and nowhere more so than St Ives,
0:34:44 > 0:34:47which is widely renowned as an artistic hub.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51In recognition of its contribution to abstract art,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55the Tate St Ives opened in 1993 and has attracted some four million
0:34:55 > 0:34:58visitors through its doors.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Also of interest is what's considered to be the birthplace
0:35:01 > 0:35:03of British studio pottery.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07Pioneered by the late Bernard Leach in the 1920s.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10I've come along to the studio to meet director Julia Twomlow
0:35:10 > 0:35:13to find out about its enduring legacy.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14This is wonderful.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17I wasn't expecting to find something so evocative.
0:35:17 > 0:35:19I mean, I do feel like I've stepped back into the 1920s.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22Yeah, it's a very special place indeed.
0:35:22 > 0:35:23Now, I have to confess,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27I'm not hugely familiar with Bernard Leach or indeed his work.
0:35:27 > 0:35:28Tell us a bit more about him.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Well, I don't think that's unusual in itself, cos, actually,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33although he's a famous name in the pottery world,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36he isn't generally on everybody's lips in the UK.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38He's much more famous in Japan.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40But why is he so well known in the Far East?
0:35:40 > 0:35:43I think that's because that's where he established himself,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47and he really made himself an important reputation there.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49He became involved with other Japanese artists,
0:35:49 > 0:35:53and they invited him to go to what's called a raku firing, a party.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56And a raku firing is, like, a low-temperature firing.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01The pots are made, they're decorated and then they're fired
0:36:01 > 0:36:03up to about 900 degrees, I believe it is,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05and they have a rapid cooling process.
0:36:06 > 0:36:09It was the magic of these parties that inspired Leach
0:36:09 > 0:36:14to become a potter and where he met the much revered Shoji Hamada.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16When he returned to Britain in the 1920s,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19they came back together and built traditional Japanese kilns
0:36:19 > 0:36:22that fired many of their original designs.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26So, for anybody wanting to identify a classic piece,
0:36:26 > 0:36:29what would they be looking for from the examples behind you?
0:36:29 > 0:36:33So, if I just show you... If you take that piece a moment.
0:36:33 > 0:36:34A lovely-looking tankard.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Yes, if you look at that, you can see, I think,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39the Western influence in there in the design.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41And within this, you can see, hopefully,
0:36:41 > 0:36:45you've got the more Eastern kind of form there with the bamboo handle.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- Yeah.- And, again, the glazes
0:36:47 > 0:36:50are reminiscent of Eastern glazes as well.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53Well, I'm certainly impressed with this fusion of pottery styles
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and the Oriental influences behind them.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00So, to find out how you'd follow in such a master's footsteps,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03I'm going to see one of the current employees, Roelof Uys.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Roelof.- Hello. - Hello, mate, nice to see you.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- What are you doing?- I'm just applying some wax to these pots,
0:37:10 > 0:37:12getting them ready for glazing later.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15But the pottery seems to attract potters from all over the world,
0:37:15 > 0:37:17how many have you got working here now?
0:37:17 > 0:37:19At the moment, there's seven potters,
0:37:19 > 0:37:20including myself, working here.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Are you copying those early designs or are you able to reinterpret
0:37:24 > 0:37:25the Leach philosophy?
0:37:25 > 0:37:28What we do here, really, is to reinterpret that.
0:37:28 > 0:37:29We don't copy.
0:37:29 > 0:37:34So, for example, if you look at the mugs from the old pottery,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36the shape has changed.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Although there's echoes of that shape in it,
0:37:38 > 0:37:44it's smaller and the lines are just softer and adapted for modern needs.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46I'm very happy to get my hands dirty today.
0:37:46 > 0:37:47So, can you show me the process?
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Yeah, of course. Let's go down to the old pottery.
0:37:51 > 0:37:55It's clear it takes a lot of skill to make these beautiful pieces,
0:37:55 > 0:38:00made all the more special by using local clay from nearby St Agnes.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Whilst it can take three years of training to perfect a pot,
0:38:03 > 0:38:06I'm being thrown the challenge of making one myself,
0:38:06 > 0:38:07although a mere amateur.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10So, you're going to centre it for me?
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Yeah, I'll start you off and then see how you get on.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16- Then I can make a real hash of it, yeah.- OK.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20It's learning to use all the muscles in your body to do this.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23That's the hard part. It's... You know.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26You can have a go from here if you want.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- Come on, I'll have a go from there. - Yeah, go on.- OK.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- And you want it to go... - That way.- Yeah.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33That way. Oh, right, OK.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35- So...- Anticlockwise, yeah.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36So just nice, steady.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41Firstly I take both thumbs and press them into the centre.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Oh, that's already going slightly out of kilter.
0:38:44 > 0:38:47OK, well, let me help you just get that back under control
0:38:47 > 0:38:48and we'll take it from there.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51I love the idea that you're getting it back under control.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53It has a mind of its own, doesn't it?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Next, with a clenched hand in a fist,
0:38:55 > 0:38:58I gently press my curled finger against the clay.
0:38:58 > 0:39:02And with my other hand inside, I slowly draw the clay upwards.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07- Oh, hang on.- Keep going. Keep going.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- Ohh.- That's not too bad.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12This is harder than it looks, isn't it?
0:39:12 > 0:39:15- It's so much harder than it looks. - That's not bad.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It's almost a bowl, perhaps a flowerpot.
0:39:18 > 0:39:21I love the idea that it's almost something.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Thank you very much indeed. - You're welcome.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27Undoubtedly, it will take a while to hone my pottery skills,
0:39:27 > 0:39:29but it's been a delight to witness master crafters
0:39:29 > 0:39:33ensuring that Leach's design philosophy stays relevant
0:39:33 > 0:39:35to this day.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Well, when we left our mystery property,
0:39:37 > 0:39:40David and Jenny were very clear that we've given them plenty to consider
0:39:40 > 0:39:43this week. But despite all the relative merits
0:39:43 > 0:39:45of the properties we've been able to show them,
0:39:45 > 0:39:48if I'm really honest, I'm still none the wiser
0:39:48 > 0:39:51as to whether or not this search has actually been successful.
0:39:51 > 0:39:55So, let's go and find them and see what happens next.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04So, this week then, on your house search, how do you think it's gone?
0:40:04 > 0:40:05I think it's gone very well,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08cos it's sort of brought more into focus
0:40:08 > 0:40:10what we do want and what we don't want.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14So, have we opened your eyes to new areas of Cornwall that you
0:40:14 > 0:40:15hadn't previously considered?
0:40:15 > 0:40:18Because your initial focus was that northern coast, and that's certainly
0:40:18 > 0:40:21where we started with our first two properties.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22I think you have, definitely.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25I mean, looking at the Falmouth area and around there,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28although we hadn't really considered it before,
0:40:28 > 0:40:32it's got so many plus points and it's such a lovely area.
0:40:32 > 0:40:36I think you've given us ideas maybe to widen the net.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Now, I don't get the feeling that we've sold you a property this week,
0:40:40 > 0:40:42but just humour me.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46If you had to pick one of the three, which one would it be, Jenny?
0:40:46 > 0:40:51Well, for me, on layout, it would be property number two,
0:40:51 > 0:40:54cos I love the open-planness of it all.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58I like the view from the back window, that was very good.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- David?- I think I'd have property number two,
0:41:01 > 0:41:03but exactly where property number one was.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05That is such a common refrain.
0:41:05 > 0:41:07If only we could pick them up and move them,
0:41:07 > 0:41:08we'd sell more properties,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11that is for sure, but it's just not possible.
0:41:11 > 0:41:16In looking ahead at your search, which I'm sure will now continue,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19have your criteria changed at all?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21From my point of view, I think we might have to
0:41:21 > 0:41:23put more money into the pot to buy a house
0:41:23 > 0:41:25to get exactly what we want.
0:41:25 > 0:41:28I think that's made me think a little bit more,
0:41:28 > 0:41:30"What will I get for another hundred grand?"
0:41:30 > 0:41:34So, I think I need to really think carefully
0:41:34 > 0:41:36about the spend on the property.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38What happens next?
0:41:38 > 0:41:40I guess whatever it is, it's going to be fast?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I think what we're going to have to do... Obviously,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45our property is as good as sold now
0:41:45 > 0:41:49and we need to be out in about five or six weeks.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52So, it looks like we'll be looking for somewhere to rent
0:41:52 > 0:41:56in the meantime and keep looking hard around this area.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59We wish you all the very best of luck, guys. It's been a lot of fun.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01And I look forward to hearing, I hope very soon,
0:42:01 > 0:42:02that you've finally moved to Cornwall.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- BOTH:- Thank you very much.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06It has been a lot of fun and we've learnt a lot.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08Thank you, Jules.
0:42:11 > 0:42:14You know, the phrase less is more is one I've often relied upon
0:42:14 > 0:42:17throughout my life to try and find simple solutions
0:42:17 > 0:42:20to complex problems, but my experiences this week
0:42:20 > 0:42:23with David and with Jenny may yet have turned
0:42:23 > 0:42:26that simple rule of thumb on its head.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28When we met them, they were very clear they wanted a home
0:42:28 > 0:42:31with less rooms, but as it's turned out,
0:42:31 > 0:42:33they may end up paying an awful lot more for it.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36But when it comes to house-hunting, well,
0:42:36 > 0:42:37sometimes that's just how it goes.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39I'll see you next time.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43As a result of encouraging David and Jenny
0:42:43 > 0:42:44to look on the south coast,
0:42:44 > 0:42:46they quickly found a property in Looe,
0:42:46 > 0:42:50and I'm pleased to say they've had their offer accepted.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53If you would like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Scotland, Wales or England and need our help,
0:42:56 > 0:42:58then please apply online at...