0:00:02 > 0:00:03I'm standing on the banks of a river
0:00:03 > 0:00:06whose meandering charm has had a huge influence on a small region of
0:00:06 > 0:00:09the county I'm in today. Find out where in just a minute.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Today's buyers are a retired couple seeking salvation from
0:00:29 > 0:00:31the sounds of the city
0:00:31 > 0:00:35and our beautiful countryside properties leave them feeling refreshed,
0:00:35 > 0:00:37both spiritually and physically.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40You could have your aperitifs in here, move into the dining room
0:00:40 > 0:00:43and have your dinner and then move back here for your brandy and cigar.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45And there are some big decisions to be made.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- We've got that mixed emotion.- Hm.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48You've got to balance it all out
0:00:48 > 0:00:50because you don't tend to get many sheep in
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- the middle of the village. - That's true.- No.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Today I'm in Devon, in the South Hams area of the county,
0:00:57 > 0:00:59and this is the River Dart.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Beginning its journey on Dartmoor,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03it lends its name to many of the places it touches,
0:01:03 > 0:01:08including Dartington and the port of Dartmouth, where it enters the sea.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12An easily navigable stretch of waterway for 12 miles inland,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16it has helped to shape the towns and villages along its course.
0:01:16 > 0:01:20This beautiful river is just one of the gems this glorious part of
0:01:20 > 0:01:22the county has to offer.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25Devon is the third largest county in England,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28but the seventh most sparsely populated,
0:01:28 > 0:01:32with Cornwall lying to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34We are concentrating our search in
0:01:34 > 0:01:37the South Hams district of South Devon.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39It covers an area of 340 square miles,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42with 60 miles of serene coastline,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46featuring long beaches and sheltered coves.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49Pretty settlements include the waterside town of Salcombe on
0:01:49 > 0:01:51the banks of Kingsbridge Estuary,
0:01:51 > 0:01:55ever popular with the sailing community and second homeowners.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59The region also has its fair share of maritime history.
0:01:59 > 0:02:0312th century Crusaders set sail from Dartmouth.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Fast forward to the 20th century
0:02:05 > 0:02:08and it was one of the leaving points for the D-Day landings.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11With beautiful towns and villages,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14as well as rural scenery to rival anywhere in the UK,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18it's no wonder that this small part of Devon is so sought after
0:02:18 > 0:02:20by those wanting a slice of country life.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Devon's enduring popularity is certainly reflected in its house prices.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32The average cost of a detached property here is £305,000.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35That's £21,000 above the national average.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39What's more, the southern half of the county boasts some prime waterfront
0:02:39 > 0:02:43and is home to the costliest seaside town in the country, Salcombe,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47where average house prices have even trounced those in London.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51So what is it about Devon that's so appealing to today's buyers?
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Let's meet them and find out.
0:02:55 > 0:02:57Today's couple are Will and Kate,
0:02:57 > 0:03:01who live in the commuter belt village of Kings Langley in Hertfordshire.
0:03:01 > 0:03:02They have been married for six years,
0:03:02 > 0:03:06but unlike their royal namesakes they met the modern way.
0:03:06 > 0:03:07I'm divorced.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Will is widowed. We actually met online.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13We met through a Christian dating website.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16- We had a long courtship, didn't we, really?- We did.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- About three years.- Yes. Yeah.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Until he got fed up of me nagging at him.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Yeah, proposed over The Lion King.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- Yes.- Watching The Lion King.- Yes.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30Will was a finance manager for the health service
0:03:30 > 0:03:31and Kate a schoolteacher,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34but having both retired from their public sector jobs,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37these keen churchgoers are no longer tied to the place
0:03:37 > 0:03:40where Will has spent most of his life.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41Kings Langley, it says it is a village,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44but it's a bit of a sprawl, really, out of the town of Watford.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46And it's very busy, the traffic,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49even through the village itself, is constant,
0:03:49 > 0:03:50and the noise and pollution,
0:03:50 > 0:03:53it would be nice to be able to see the stars.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- We'd just like a bit more peace, wouldn't we?- Hm.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00And the move to Devon is a chance to fulfil a long-held dream.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01It's a beautiful part of the world,
0:04:01 > 0:04:05it's got beautiful coastal paths as well as open countryside.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Some pretty little villages as well as one or two bigger towns.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10It's timeless, isn't it?
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Timeless. That's a good word, timeless. Yeah.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15With six children and ten grandchildren between them,
0:04:15 > 0:04:18they are looking for a home to accommodate the visiting family
0:04:18 > 0:04:22and are also hoping to properly wind down after an active retirement.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25For Will, top on the list of hobbies is the garden.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29I love gardening. I find it de-stresses me, you know,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31when I am feeling very stressful
0:04:31 > 0:04:35I can plant out a few plants and I'll get calm again.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38And although they are leaving behind a busy life and good friends,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41the couple are looking forward to moving into what will be
0:04:41 > 0:04:43their first main home together.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45The reality of any move is daunting.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47I think we want young enough and active enough
0:04:47 > 0:04:51and we've got the right mind-set to make it work for us.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- Yeah.- So that's what we are going for, the excitement.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Will and Kate have set their hearts on the South Hams region,
0:05:04 > 0:05:07so we're focusing our search in this part of the county.
0:05:07 > 0:05:12And I'm meeting up with them to run over the finer details of the move.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14Well, welcome to South Devon.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17Why make this move now, why this particular time?
0:05:17 > 0:05:18We're both retired
0:05:18 > 0:05:20and our commitments back home in Hertfordshire have reduced,
0:05:20 > 0:05:22so we're free... Yeah, I think that's...
0:05:22 > 0:05:24No family living with us at the moment.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27So time for an escape, a new start.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Yes.- Time to go.
0:05:29 > 0:05:30Well, let's turn our attention to
0:05:30 > 0:05:32the property that you'd like to find here.
0:05:32 > 0:05:34What's on the wish list for you both?
0:05:34 > 0:05:37We'd like to have room for our family to come and stay with us
0:05:37 > 0:05:38cos I'm sure they would.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41We've got lots of children and grandchildren between us,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44so we'd look for four bedrooms, ideally.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I would particularly enjoy a really nice kitchen.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- What else, Will? - Well, I like open fires,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54I like log burners and I like chopping wood and burning wood,
0:05:54 > 0:05:56so that would be a feature in the lounge.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57I think I'd like that.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00And I think we would like, if possible,
0:06:00 > 0:06:03annexe accommodation to rent out.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06And what about outside space? How much is manageable for you?
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Not more than about a quarter of an acre, I think. If it was
0:06:08 > 0:06:11any more than that it would have to be something we could rent out.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14We wouldn't want a project for us to live in,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17but we wouldn't mind a project to convert for a holiday let
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- if there was space in the budget for it.- OK.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21What kind of budget are we working with, then?
0:06:21 > 0:06:23Well, we've said 750,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25but we've said for the right house we'd go up to 800.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27If it was more than that, we could go a bit above that
0:06:27 > 0:06:29by selling a little place we have.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31So up to 800 we can cope with
0:06:31 > 0:06:33and maybe even a bit beyond that, if need be.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- Let's not waste any time.- OK.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39With a flexible top budget of £800,000,
0:06:39 > 0:06:41Will and Kate would like an older property,
0:06:41 > 0:06:44with enough room for the family when they come to stay.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46Will's after a log burner or open fire
0:06:46 > 0:06:50and Kate wants a well-designed practical kitchen space.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52They'd like a separate holiday let
0:06:52 > 0:06:53or the potential to build one,
0:06:53 > 0:06:55and they could sell their
0:06:55 > 0:06:57holiday home to find some extra cash
0:06:57 > 0:06:59for the perfect home.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02We've lined up a selection of wonderful homes to show our buyers
0:07:02 > 0:07:03here in South Devon,
0:07:03 > 0:07:06but they won't know the price of each until the end of our viewings.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Our last property, the Mystery House,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12will challenge our couple on both age and layout.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20Well, you're moving quite a way from where you are currently.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23How do the family feel about you making this move?
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Are they supportive?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27They're sort of mixed about it.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29We've got six children between us
0:07:29 > 0:07:33and most of them have said that we need to do what is right for us.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37And, in fact, one of our daughters and her husband have gone on
0:07:37 > 0:07:42the internet and had a look at what houses are available in this area
0:07:42 > 0:07:43within our sort of budget
0:07:43 > 0:07:45and they've printed out some predictions
0:07:45 > 0:07:48and we've got them in an envelope here.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Let me see. Let's have a look. Are they coming with you?
0:07:50 > 0:07:52I don't know if you can read it.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It says, "Do not open until after filming."
0:07:55 > 0:07:57And it's well sealed on the back.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Oh, that is fantastic.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02And so they are predicting what we might look at.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04So we're absolutely going to have to open that at
0:08:04 > 0:08:05the end of our second day's hunt.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- Yeah, see how close they are. - Yes.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11We're on our way to the hamlet of Dunstone,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13around a mile from the coast.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Nestled in rolling South Hams farmland,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19nearby Chillington is the most convenient village for amenities.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21There's an excellent range of services,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24including a post office and general store, a hairdresser's,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26as well as a health centre.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28It's by far the largest village in the area
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and its narrow streets are lined with pretty pastel-painted cottages,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35covered in flowering wisteria.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39The property I want to show Will and Kate is around a mile away from
0:08:39 > 0:08:41the village, on a quiet country lane.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43It consists of two detached buildings,
0:08:43 > 0:08:45arranged around a gravel courtyard -
0:08:45 > 0:08:48one an L-shaped stone farmhouse
0:08:48 > 0:08:51and the other an up-and-running holiday let.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54So I've brought you to see a very elegant,
0:08:54 > 0:08:58very pretty farmhouse that dates back to 1550.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00Whoa! That's got a bit of age, then.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02It's got some history, this house.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05And you will have also noticed another building there to the left.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07That used to be the dairy.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11That was converted 30 years ago and it's a two-bedroomed holiday let...
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Oh, fantastic, fantastic. - ../family accommodation.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19How's it striking you so far? What about the location?
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- It's quite rural. - But it's a beautiful setting.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- It's lovely. - Fantastic-looking house.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- So let's go and take a look. - Smashing.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30The look of our stone farmhouse clearly appeals to Will and Kate,
0:09:30 > 0:09:34although I detect some nervousness from one half of our couple about its location,
0:09:34 > 0:09:37but I know that for Kate the kitchen is key
0:09:37 > 0:09:40and I'm pretty confident the one in this property is on the money.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42In we come.
0:09:42 > 0:09:43Through the entrance hall.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Oh, kitchen, Kate! There you go.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49You did talk about liking some views while you cook.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50- I did.- There's a pretty good view.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Well, that is a pretty good view, isn't it?- It's beautiful.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56I could be making cakes and looking out over that hillside.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58And, actually, there's a lovely flow to this house.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02If you follow me, I'll take you through to the next room.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09And we come through to a really good-sized sitting room-cum-dining room.
0:10:09 > 0:10:10Yeah, it's fantastic.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13And the depth of the window ledges is amazing, really.
0:10:13 > 0:10:14Fantastic thickness of the walls, yeah.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Can you imagine curling up on the sofa with a book
0:10:16 > 0:10:18and not feeling that you're in the middle of a...?
0:10:18 > 0:10:20When I'm not out chopping wood, you mean?
0:10:20 > 0:10:23When you're not out chopping wood for the wood burner, certainly.
0:10:23 > 0:10:24We're going to stay in this part of the house,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27we're just going to go up the stairs cos I want to show you the master bedroom.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28- Oh.- Thank you.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31There are four bedrooms in the main house.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33Three of these are at the other end of the property
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and include a ground floor room,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37which is currently being used as a study.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39Above that, and accessed by a second staircase,
0:10:39 > 0:10:42are two further double bedrooms, both in the eaves
0:10:42 > 0:10:47and each benefiting from their own separate en-suite bath and shower rooms,
0:10:47 > 0:10:49useful for the visiting family.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52And that leaves the bedroom we've set aside for Will and Kate.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54What a beautiful room.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Really light.- Sun streaming in.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57Beautiful, super room.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- Lovely.- Loads of space.- Good size.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04With an en-suite beautifully fitted, light, contemporary.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06I'd just like to step back, if I could,
0:11:06 > 0:11:09and just show you the view through the window.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- Beautiful.- Imagine waking up to that in the morning.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13You couldn't want for more, could you, really?
0:11:13 > 0:11:16When you've brought me my cup of tea, I can...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Fantastic. To die for.- Lovely.- You couldn't ask for better than this.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- That's the perfect room.- Well, this is your bedroom taken care of.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- Yeah.- What I'm really keen to show you is the holiday annexe.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27Let's head back downstairs and back outside
0:11:27 > 0:11:29- and go and look at the old dairy. - OK.- Brilliant.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32A fantastic response to the main house,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35despite the rural remoteness of the property.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38I hope our couple will be equally as impressed with the holiday let
0:11:38 > 0:11:40right across the courtyard.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- So this is the holiday let. - Quite nautical again with the blue.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- Very nice.- A good-size lounge
0:11:46 > 0:11:48and there's a second log burner in there.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- That's lovely.- Fantastic.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53And upstairs there are two really good-sized bedrooms.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55I can imagine it's popular for being rented out.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57Is the location a drawback?
0:11:57 > 0:12:01I need to get in the car and I need to drive around
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and just find out exactly where we are.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Ironically, I think the mixture of remoteness, which may be remote,
0:12:08 > 0:12:13but actually it's beautiful setting, so we've got that mixed emotion.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15You've got to balance it all out cos you don't tend to get many sheep in
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- the middle of the village. - That's true, you don't.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20No, that's true. Or open views in the middle of a village.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22We're a contradiction, I know.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25So it may be a compromise that we are prepared to take.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27Let's go look at those fields and those open views
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- and let's have a chat about the garden and the land.- OK.- Right.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34The garden is comprised of a sunny patio area and a low-maintenance
0:12:34 > 0:12:37strip of lawn that overlooks those stunning views.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Then, across the road, there's also a paddock with a barn,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42a vegetable patch and a greenhouse.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45In addition to the holiday let with its adjoining car port,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47there's also a further outbuilding.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50This consists of garaging for two cars,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52as well as a two-storey self-contained annexe,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56with a kitchen, shower room and an open-plan studio space,
0:12:56 > 0:13:00creating even more room for children and grandchildren.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- This is the bit I like.- Yeah.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- So you've had a good look around? - We have.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- You've got to go first. - I've got to go first?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09What do you think it's on the market for?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12It's probably maybe 775?
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- OK, Will?- I'm going to go more than that.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I wouldn't be surprised if it was over 800.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20OK, well, you're both off the mark, but, Will,
0:13:20 > 0:13:22you're only slightly off the mark.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25It's on the market with a guide price of £795,000.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- OK.- Yep.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32I was going to say 795, but I would say that now, wouldn't I?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35I think that's good price, it's a lot of property.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38But there is the potential if you didn't want the land, to sell the...
0:13:38 > 0:13:40That includes the land?
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Yes, that price includes the land. - OK.- Well, that's a good deal.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Are you keen to carry on looking and to explore more?
0:13:46 > 0:13:50- Yeah.- Yes.- Yeah, I am.- Off you go. - Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56It's funny, I can't quite get a feel for what's going on here,
0:13:56 > 0:14:00but my gut instinct is that Will likes it a lot,
0:14:00 > 0:14:03but Kate has some reservations about the location.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Priced at just under £800,000,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08which is at the top end of their budget,
0:14:08 > 0:14:10this fabulous stone farmhouse
0:14:10 > 0:14:12gives our couple everything they asked for.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Kate gets her nice kitchen
0:14:14 > 0:14:15and Will gets his log burner.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17There are four bedrooms in the main house
0:14:17 > 0:14:18and a further two in
0:14:18 > 0:14:20the well-appointed holiday let.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23The property is surrounded by peaceful countryside
0:14:23 > 0:14:25and has stunning views.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27This is such a lovely house.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30My only concern is it does feel really rural.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33Kate, I think, has always felt we should be near somewhere where,
0:14:33 > 0:14:37you know, we can get a paper, a pint of milk, visit the doctor's,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39for example. If it's too countrified
0:14:39 > 0:14:42then I suspect she may have more reservations than I do.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46I think Will is keen on this, I think he really likes it.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49He probably likes the rurality of it, I think,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53and it's unusual cos I'm usually the one that goes with my heart
0:14:53 > 0:14:57and Will's the one who goes with his head, he's the sensible one.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58But I think, at the moment,
0:14:58 > 0:15:03to me it feels like we've swapped roles there a little bit.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05This is such a special spot.
0:15:05 > 0:15:06If Will and Kate aren't interested,
0:15:06 > 0:15:10I might need to consider a little escape to the country of my own.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- I found my gin and tonic spot. - Fantastic, isn't it?
0:15:13 > 0:15:15It is. Have you found yours?
0:15:15 > 0:15:17I think there's three, so I need three gin and tonics.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19A lot to think about!
0:15:27 > 0:15:30Perched high on the cliffs above the town of Salcombe is
0:15:30 > 0:15:34the house of eccentric inventor and scientist, Otto Overbeck,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37who lived here in the early 20th century.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40This Edwardian seaside home contains his collection of curios,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43natural history specimens and gadgets.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47But Overbeck was most famous for advocating electrotherapy,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50a popular medical treatment in the early 1900s.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53It's a house Will and Kate have visited before on their trips to Devon,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but they've never been behind the scenes,
0:15:56 > 0:16:00so they're meeting long-serving volunteer, Malcolm Wesley.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02As part of the tour,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05one of the things we show people is Otto Overbeck's Rejuvenator.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08Rejuvenator? What is a rejuvenator? What does that do, then?
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Well, Otto was very much into electrotherapy,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13and Otto had the theory that our brains are the source of
0:16:13 > 0:16:17the electrical energy in our body, and as you age
0:16:17 > 0:16:20the balance between the positive and negative electricity goes wrong
0:16:20 > 0:16:23and that's what causes all of your aches and pains and ailments,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27and so in order to restore your health, rejuvenate
0:16:27 > 0:16:29and restore the balance in the brain
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and you do that by giving the brain an electric shock.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35And what he patented is this device
0:16:35 > 0:16:38and the treatment consists of taking the two combs,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41connecting it to a battery, and I can just show it is connected,
0:16:41 > 0:16:44because we have lots of sparks from it, and then, very simply,
0:16:44 > 0:16:46you just comb it through your hair.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48You do that for several minutes
0:16:48 > 0:16:51and then you swap hands to reverse the polarity,
0:16:51 > 0:16:53and then you repeat the process.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55And the electrical energy flows into the brain
0:16:55 > 0:17:00and that restores the balance and hence rejuvenates the body.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- And does it work?- Well, I bought this on eBay a few years ago,
0:17:05 > 0:17:08paid £30 for it, I use it every day,
0:17:08 > 0:17:11and I am just celebrating my 113th birthday.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18Joking aside, the Rejuvenator's success made Otto a wealthy man,
0:17:18 > 0:17:21enabling him to buy the Salcombe house.
0:17:21 > 0:17:23Like much of Britain's heritage,
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Overbeck's relies heavily on
0:17:25 > 0:17:27the work of volunteers to keep the house
0:17:27 > 0:17:30and its beautifully exotic six-acre garden running.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Will and Kate have expressed an interest in helping out when they move to Devon,
0:17:34 > 0:17:36so our couple are visiting the greenhouse
0:17:36 > 0:17:39where they're meeting head gardener, Cat Saunders.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42The gardens here at Overbeck's are really beautiful.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45But I can see some tropical type plants,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48and I'm just wondering how come we've got tropical plants in South Devon?
0:17:48 > 0:17:53Well, actually, this part of South Devon has got the most amazing microclimate.
0:17:53 > 0:17:54You know, it's much warmer
0:17:54 > 0:17:56and it's much drier than other areas of Devon.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Now, Cat, I'm interested in volunteering in the garden,
0:17:59 > 0:18:01I think you've got six volunteers?
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Six volunteers here, yeah.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05So how could I do that, and how would I go about that,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07and perhaps we could try something this morning, could we?
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Yeah, I could... Well, now I've got you here
0:18:09 > 0:18:13- I'm going to get you to do something.- OK, good.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16Volunteer gardeners help out with a range of duties,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19from regular weeding to pruning palm trees.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Today, Will and Kate are going to help Cat take some cuttings
0:18:22 > 0:18:24from this aeonium plant.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28What I'd like you to do is chop off all of these rosettes,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31OK, and give it about an inch.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34So if you do that, and I'll prepare some compost.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Aeoniums are well-suited to the balmy South Hams climate.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40It originates from the Mediterranean
0:18:40 > 0:18:42and can tolerate long periods without water
0:18:42 > 0:18:44by storing it in its thick leaves.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48Now, you can also chop this into lengths,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52so I'm going to give it to you as the gardener. I want about...
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- Four or five inches?- ..that long, and remember which way is up.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- They don't root if they go in upside down.- Oh, right, OK.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Aeoniums do well in containers
0:19:02 > 0:19:05because their shallow roots grow near the surface of the soil,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08and the final step is to insert the cuttings into pots
0:19:08 > 0:19:11containing a mixture of peat-free compost and grit sand.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- Just firm it in? - Firm it in.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Cuttings should then be left uncovered and kept indoors
0:19:16 > 0:19:20at a temperature of around 18 degrees in a well-lit place,
0:19:20 > 0:19:21like a sunny windowsill.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Smashing.- Well, that was lovely, I've really enjoyed that.
0:19:24 > 0:19:26- Can I take that one?- Go on. - Oh, thank you!
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- That's yours, go on. - Thank you.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31I shall call it Cat in honour of you.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35With Will and Kate determined to put down roots of their own in South Devon,
0:19:35 > 0:19:38it's time to reflect on their Devonshire journey so far.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46It's the second day of our property search in the South Hams area of Devon,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49with retirees Will and Kate from Hertfordshire,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52who have the princely sum of £800,000 to spend.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Coming up, I meet the Devon artist
0:19:55 > 0:19:58whose ornate creations are one serious labour of love.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01How long would it take to create something like that?
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- It's 1,000 hours. - 1,000 hours, that's incredible.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08And there's a big revelation at the end of our house-hunt.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11Oh, my word!
0:20:11 > 0:20:12Oh, my word!
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Now, I sensed a difference of opinion in our couple over
0:20:18 > 0:20:20the stone farmhouse we showed them yesterday.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23I could tell Will absolutely loved the position
0:20:23 > 0:20:25and those stunning views,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28but for Kate, I think it could have been just too remote.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Well, we've got a new day, two new properties to show them.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Coming up later is the Mystery House.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Now, this is going to test out whether they really want a holiday let or not,
0:20:37 > 0:20:41but first of all, another property with fantastic views
0:20:41 > 0:20:43set to rival those of yesterday.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Let's hope we can have a shared opinion on this one.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52For our next offering, we're heading to the hamlet of Kingston,
0:20:52 > 0:20:55close to the beautiful riverside village of Dittisham.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Situated on the banks of the River Dart,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00this sought-after attractive village has two pubs,
0:21:00 > 0:21:05one of which plays host to both the post office and local shop.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06During the Second World War,
0:21:06 > 0:21:11the river at Dittisham played an important role in providing safe anchorage for
0:21:11 > 0:21:13the D-Day invasion fleet.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Today it's popular with holiday-makers,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18and also offers a regular ferry trip to the town of Dartmouth,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20around three miles downstream.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22The property I'm going to show Will and Kate
0:21:22 > 0:21:24is less than a mile from the village,
0:21:24 > 0:21:28set on a quiet country lane with uninterrupted views of
0:21:28 > 0:21:29the South Hams hills.
0:21:31 > 0:21:32So, Will and Kate,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34this is the property I've really wanted to show you.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Quite a stunning setting.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38It's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40- It's amazing.- We've got sheep, and we've also got
0:21:40 > 0:21:43some other friends that I'll tell you about a little later on,
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- we'll keep that bit a surprise.- OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47It was originally a worker's cottage,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51there's an older part to the house that dates back 150 years.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55It's been extensively renovated, the owners think over the last 50 years.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Lovely.- It looks so pretty.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- And it's got that Devon sort of slate...- Hung slate.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- Oh, it's hung slate, is it? - Yeah.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And it looks like there's some serious windows going on
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- that look out on all of this.- Hm.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09And you can probably see a second roof just over there,
0:22:09 > 0:22:13- beyond the property.- OK.- That's because there's an old piggery
0:22:13 > 0:22:17that's been converted to a very beautiful two-bedroomed holiday let...
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Wow!- ..which has been let very successfully.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- Fantastic. Wisteria growing up the wall.- How beautiful.- Yep.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I think we should go and see if there are any views from those windows!
0:22:27 > 0:22:29I'm going to take you back round to the front door.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Lovely.- OK.- Thank you.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35Our buyers are clearly impressed with the outlook from this whitewashed hillside property.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38We're using the entrance the current owners prefer,
0:22:38 > 0:22:41as it's right next to the parking area.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Ah, the kitchen.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48- There you go.- Yeah, the views are OK on this house, I think?
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- Yeah, yeah. - You know, just acceptable!
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- Yeah, plenty of open space in front of you, that's for sure.- Yeah.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It's got the social aspect to the kitchen.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Yes, so it has.- Nice breakfast bar.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Yes.- Is that a larder in there? - It is.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06- Oh!- Are you fond of a larder?- Oh! Yeah, yeah.- I just love a larder.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- Her dream is a larder. - You're smiling.- I am smiling.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Can you imagine yourself cooking up a storm in this kitchen?
0:23:12 > 0:23:15I think I could, actually. I think I could.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Good work space, and open as well, which is lovely,
0:23:18 > 0:23:22but it has a nice sort of country feel to it, as well.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Do you like the style, Will? - Yes, very nice, countrified,
0:23:25 > 0:23:27and every woman's dream, a larder.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28And some men's, as well, I guess?
0:23:28 > 0:23:31Well, quite right, sorry, that's very sexist.
0:23:31 > 0:23:32Very sexist, and some men's, absolutely.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34- Let's wander on through.- Thank you.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40Now, before we go and explore that view, that very tempting view,
0:23:40 > 0:23:41I just want you to duck in here.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49And this is the main sitting room for the property,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51with that spectacular fireplace.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Ah, I get my log burner!
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- Lovely.- It is a lovely room, but I think the most spectacular room of
0:23:56 > 0:24:01- the property is the one I'm going to show you next.- OK.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03So with Kate happy with the larder, and Will his log burner,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05we are weaving our way through a dining room,
0:24:05 > 0:24:08which leads to the star of the show.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Oh, lovely!
0:24:12 > 0:24:14Beautiful views, look at those views.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18Oh, wow! I don't think you'd ever leave this room, really, would you?
0:24:18 > 0:24:21- No, just live in here. - Almost speechless, really.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23It's the kind of view that's good for the soul.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Yes, it is, isn't it?
0:24:25 > 0:24:27You could have your aperitifs in here, move into the dining room,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31have your dinner and then move back here for your brandy and cigar.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33And once Will's finished for the evening,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35there are numerous beds to choose from.
0:24:35 > 0:24:38Of the four bedrooms, three are on the first floor,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41they are all doubles and one is currently being used as a study.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45There's also a family bathroom complete with roll top bath.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48But I think the bedroom our couple may want to use is below
0:24:48 > 0:24:51the sun room, down on the lower ground floor.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55- So great views from this room. - Certainly.- Fantastic, yeah.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Cup of tea in bed, very nice. - Beautiful.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59And a door out onto the garden.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- And you've got a nice, modern en-suite.- Lovely.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- Always important.- Hm.
0:25:05 > 0:25:06What about the size of the bedroom?
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- It's fine.- It's fine, it's compact, it's not huge, is it?
0:25:09 > 0:25:13But, for heaven's sake, there's a sofa in here so, yes.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15And you're yet to see the annexe,
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- which has got two beautiful, very large double bedrooms.- Oh, right.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24So the main house gets the royal seal of approval from Will and Kate.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27But before we see the annexe, it's time to meet the neighbours.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30There you go, there are the extra friends I told you about.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32The owners' pet alpacas.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34They're so lovely.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36The holiday let is accessed by its own private path and garden,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40and is finished to a very high standard.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Oh! We could live in here, Kate!
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Yeah, I could work as happily in here
0:25:44 > 0:25:47as I could in the one in the main house.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49For a holiday let, it's terrific.
0:25:49 > 0:25:54So it lets out at various points in the year from anywhere between £400
0:25:54 > 0:25:56to £900 per week.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58And you've got this great-sized kitchen,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00a good-sized living room, with a cosy log burner,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03two beautiful large double bedrooms
0:26:03 > 0:26:05- and a really well-equipped family bathroom.- Fantastic.
0:26:05 > 0:26:09Let's take a look at the garden and then you can guess the price.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Amounting to one acre,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16the attractive grounds include a vegetable patch
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and greenhouse on sloping land overlooking the property.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21A separate orchard with space for a hammock
0:26:21 > 0:26:26and a more traditional lawned area lie just outside the master bedroom.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Will and Kate wanted a manageable garden
0:26:28 > 0:26:31and I'm conscious this is more than they asked for.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34You know what's coming now, I need you to guess the price.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I suspect we're looking over budget,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40so I'd probably go at 825,000.
0:26:40 > 0:26:45Yeah, I was certainly thinking over budget a wee bit, to 835, perhaps.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48You're both right, it is over budget.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Unfortunately, it's over budget by a little bit more than you've both said.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55- OK.- It was on the market for £895,000.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59It was reduced a month ago and relaunched at £850,000.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- OK.- However, the owners are open to potentially a slight negotiation.
0:27:04 > 0:27:08What are your thoughts? I can't read you on this one, either of you!
0:27:08 > 0:27:09I know you love the views,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13but I don't know if this is too much of a house for you or not.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17The house isn't huge, it's not vast. I think the jury's still out.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18I wouldn't discount it.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Yeah, but we do need to talk about the budget
0:27:21 > 0:27:23and also this amount of ground.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27Well, there's lots to think about, so off you go, go and explore,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29do some thinking and I'll come and catch up with you soon.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- OK, thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34Over budget by £50,000,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36the price of our white house with views
0:27:36 > 0:27:39would mean our buyers possibly selling their second home
0:27:39 > 0:27:41to cover the cost.
0:27:41 > 0:27:42Dating from the 19th century,
0:27:42 > 0:27:45the house has undergone modernisation in recent years
0:27:45 > 0:27:48and gives our couple spacious family accommodation,
0:27:48 > 0:27:50a cosy living room and a sun room
0:27:50 > 0:27:53with 180-degree views across the valley.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55The house and separate up-and-running holiday let
0:27:55 > 0:27:59are set within an acre of stunning grounds.
0:27:59 > 0:28:03This house seems to be all about its view from the back,
0:28:03 > 0:28:04which is amazing.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08A beautiful house and the annexe is stunning, really.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12I mean, the finishing is excellent to say the least, it's first-class.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16One concern, really, is the outside space.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20There is actually quite a lot of ground to be maintained,
0:28:20 > 0:28:25which we don't want to find is a problem for us in the future.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- Have you seen enough?- I think so.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31Fantastic views, a shame to go but...
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Lots to think about, I think there might be a bit of head versus heart
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- going on with this one. - Yes, I think there might be!
0:28:44 > 0:28:48Our final property is located in the large hamlet of Ledstone,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50just two miles from Kingsbridge,
0:28:50 > 0:28:53which is one of the South Hams' most popular towns.
0:28:53 > 0:28:56Situated on its own river estuary,
0:28:56 > 0:29:00the market town is a magnet for the boating community and tourists.
0:29:00 > 0:29:01In the 19th century,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04Kingsbridge was a centre for the tanning
0:29:04 > 0:29:05and boat building industries.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Today there's a vibrant local arts scene
0:29:07 > 0:29:11and an independent cinema operates from the old town hall.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Our Mystery House gives our couple a more modern,
0:29:14 > 0:29:18contemporary feel and layout, but the location gives them
0:29:18 > 0:29:21the close proximity to all the amenities they want.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26And here is our Mystery House.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28It's a large, detached stone property
0:29:28 > 0:29:31and it dates back a couple of hundred years and it was originally
0:29:31 > 0:29:35a little worker's cottage that's obviously been massively extended
0:29:35 > 0:29:37over about the last 30 years.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40I guess the thing for us is that it's going to challenge you
0:29:40 > 0:29:41in that thought that you want a holiday let
0:29:41 > 0:29:44- because there's no holiday let on this property.- OK.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47- What do you think?- It doesn't look as old as it seems to pertain to be.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51I suppose if it's been extended and I suppose the whitewashed walls,
0:29:51 > 0:29:53and I guess the roof sort of looks new,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56so it doesn't have that age to it from immediate impact.
0:29:56 > 0:30:00But it's a sweet-looking little property so, yeah,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02it'll be interesting to see what it looks like inside.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03Would you like to go and explore?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- We certainly would. - Yeah, let's go. Let's do it.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09So the lack of a holiday let doesn't seem to be a huge problem at the moment,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13but the house itself will have to really appeal to our buyers' tastes
0:30:13 > 0:30:15if it's going to win them over.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18As you can see, it's a split-level house.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- This is what I want to start off with.- It's very intriguing.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- Open-plan space.- Oh, my word!
0:30:23 > 0:30:25You wouldn't expect this from outside.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- The vaulted ceiling. - Think of all this space, my word.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31- A lot of space. Quite modern inside, isn't it?- Yes.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34And it's light, yeah, plenty of windows.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Well, let's just walk across and see the kitchen layout as well.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44So we haven't had to travel far!
0:30:44 > 0:30:46- No.- That's the benefit of open-plan.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Very contemporary as it's set out at the moment.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51And I could work with that.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54It's quite unusual in the sense that the house is so old, or parts of it,
0:30:54 > 0:30:56and yet inside it's very modern.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59If you were looking on the search on your own,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02would you have been drawn to a contemporary interior like this?
0:31:02 > 0:31:05I don't think we probably would have, really.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- No.- I'd like to show you the master suite,
0:31:07 > 0:31:12- which is on a separate level so we've got to go upstairs to it.- OK.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14The house comes with five bedrooms,
0:31:14 > 0:31:16three of those are back down on the ground floor
0:31:16 > 0:31:19and include a large double with two smaller bedrooms.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23This level also has a family bathroom and utility room
0:31:23 > 0:31:24with an airing cupboard.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27The two remaining bedrooms are back on the upper level.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30They are accessed via a couple of steps from the living room
0:31:30 > 0:31:33and feature a guest double with an en-suite
0:31:33 > 0:31:35as well as the master suite.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40Nice, bright, airy room with a modern en-suite off it.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42- Yeah, very nice.- It is very light.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Yes, plenty of space, a good-sized room.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48I sense something, I don't know if it's disappointment,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51but I don't sense a natural enthusiasm for this property.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54You're very astute, aren't you?
0:31:54 > 0:31:57It doesn't... It hasn't hit a chord with me yet.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Maybe it's the contemporary nature or maybe it just hasn't grabbed us,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02but we haven't seen it all.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05The immediate reaction is not, "Wow! This is a house we must have."
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- OK, well, let's head outside.- OK.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Although the house doesn't wow,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15the grounds here are certainly more manageable for Will,
0:32:15 > 0:32:18with terraced patio areas leading up to a level lawned garden.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20Despite the lack of a holiday let,
0:32:20 > 0:32:22the property does come with an outbuilding,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25a garage which has been converted into a useful office space.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Well, you've had a good look round, now's the price bit.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33What do you think it's on the market for?
0:32:33 > 0:32:36I'm going to go 595.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39Well, I would pitch it down,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41but I wouldn't go that low.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I'll go 675,000.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47That's quite interesting cos you're both under.
0:32:47 > 0:32:49- Really?- You are, yes.
0:32:49 > 0:32:50It's not been on the market long
0:32:50 > 0:32:53and it's gone on for offers in excess of £700,000.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Oh, my word! OK.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58I guess its location, close to Kingsbridge,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00has probably pushed the price up.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03I think I pitched it down because of the lack of holiday let, really.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Well, why don't you take a look around,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08see if you can imagine yourselves in contemporary open-plan living?
0:33:08 > 0:33:09- Thank you.- We'll go.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Under top budget by £100,000,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15our open-plan mystery property
0:33:15 > 0:33:17leaves money in the pot
0:33:17 > 0:33:19for Will and Kate to make improvements
0:33:19 > 0:33:21and even build their own holiday let, should they wish,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23subject to planning permission.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26The five bedrooms offer plenty of potential for visiting family
0:33:26 > 0:33:29and the garden is easy to maintain.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31The location, just a short drive to Kingsbridge,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33also gives our couple all
0:33:33 > 0:33:34the services they want
0:33:34 > 0:33:36right on their doorstep.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40The situation is perfect and the little hamlet it's in
0:33:40 > 0:33:43makes it feel not isolated, so that's good for us.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46So I guess the position of the house is fine.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50I'm not used to open-plan living, I don't think I've ever lived in
0:33:50 > 0:33:52a house where we've had open-plan, not totally.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56My low price estimate is an indication of
0:33:56 > 0:34:00the fact that this house is not for me.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02This house is a fantastic space.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06I can see that it really works for a family,
0:34:06 > 0:34:12but we are past that and our prime concern needs to be a home for us.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15That's all the properties we have to show you.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17Now it's time for us to go and have a chat.
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- Decision time, then? - If there's one to be made!
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Devon's diverse and beautiful landscape
0:34:30 > 0:34:33has long been a source of inspiration to artists.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35On farmland just outside Exeter is
0:34:35 > 0:34:39the studio of one of the country's leading architectural sculptors.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44Geoffrey Preston specialises in making ornamental plasterwork.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47It's an art form which adorns the ceilings and walls
0:34:47 > 0:34:49of some of Britain's greatest buildings, including the
0:34:49 > 0:34:53Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London's Trafalgar Square.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56I've come to the studio to meet Geoffrey
0:34:56 > 0:34:58and find out more about his work.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03Geoff, could you tell me about this form of decorative plasterwork?
0:35:03 > 0:35:06It goes back to Roman times and probably before.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09And how did it arrive here in the UK on our shores?
0:35:09 > 0:35:14It probably already happened with lime plaster decoration in houses
0:35:14 > 0:35:16and even in medieval times.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20And Devon's very rich in plasterwork from
0:35:20 > 0:35:23the Tudor times and Jacobean times.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25I mean, talking about your work, we're surrounded by
0:35:25 > 0:35:28some wonderful pieces here and this piece behind me is stunning.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Tell me about that.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32This was a commission for a house in Ireland,
0:35:32 > 0:35:38but it's actually a direct copy of a vault in a church in Bavaria.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40In the 18th century,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44there was an international style, so actually the forms
0:35:44 > 0:35:47in this particular piece, you would see them all over Europe.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49How long would it take to create something like that?
0:35:49 > 0:35:54- Well, Jenny, my wife, tells me it was 1,000 hours.- 1,000 hours?!
0:35:54 > 0:35:55That's incredible.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59I'd love to see the process behind creating something as beautiful as that.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03- Would you show me? - Yes, certainly, come this way.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Until the late 18th century,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08decorative plasterwork was handcrafted directly onto
0:36:08 > 0:36:11the ceiling using a material called stucco.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Today the most common method of producing plaster ornament
0:36:14 > 0:36:15is to model in clay first
0:36:15 > 0:36:19before making a silicon mould and casting in gypsum plaster.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Geoffrey is going to take me through some of the processes involved
0:36:23 > 0:36:24in this art form,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27in particular making a cast from the mould of a leaf pattern.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30This is one of the silicon moulds I was talking about.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35It's actually got a case behind it to keep it rigid.
0:36:35 > 0:36:36Less likely to bend
0:36:36 > 0:36:40while we're doing the cast so it will be accurate.
0:36:40 > 0:36:41And the cast would be the messy bit?
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- That's going to be messy. - Shall I put this on, then?
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Yes, put an apron on.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48The cast mixture is made from gypsum plaster
0:36:48 > 0:36:50and a specific quantity of water.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53So you pick it up with two hands like that
0:36:53 > 0:36:56and sort of let it fall through your fingers
0:36:56 > 0:36:58so it kind of goes in evenly.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02Is there a limited time for how long you've got to work with it?
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- Yes.- OK. In terms of the finished product,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I've noticed that everything in the studio is this beautiful,
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- chalky colour. Is that how it should stay, really?- I think so, yeah.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14It never looked very good when it's actually painted a colour.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15Do they need to be treated?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Because they look incredibly fragile, some of them.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20No, they don't need to be treated.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Right now it's just taking the water on board,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27but very shortly it's going to begin a chemical reaction
0:37:27 > 0:37:30which is going to create crystals of gypsum
0:37:30 > 0:37:33which is ultimately going to give it that rigidity so rapidly.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37Why is it, whenever you've got hands like this you get a really itchy nose?
0:37:37 > 0:37:39I've got a really itchy nose!
0:37:40 > 0:37:44The next step is to start mixing by hand to dissolve the lumps,
0:37:44 > 0:37:48all the time trying to avoid introducing air into the plaster.
0:37:48 > 0:37:51Right, we're ready to pour, so let's put the handle over that side.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56And then if you just pour in one location right in the middle,
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- relatively slowly.- Right, so don't move around?- That's right.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03Before the advent of silicon in the 1980s,
0:38:03 > 0:38:07artists used a range of materials to make moulds including lead and gelatine,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10although neither were as flexible and durable as modern-day rubber.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13Once the plaster has set a little,
0:38:13 > 0:38:15the overfill is screed off using a straightedge.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18Slowly or one big, fast movement?
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- Slowly.- In order for the piece to be hung on a wall,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24a wire hook is embedded in the drying plaster
0:38:24 > 0:38:26and it's then left to set.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29Push it in a bit.
0:38:29 > 0:38:30An hour or so later,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34the plaster has fully hardened so the case and silicon mould
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- can be removed. - Shall I turn it over?
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Gosh, there's some weight in it, isn't there?
0:38:41 > 0:38:44- There is.- Getting the large pieces out must be a big...
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- It's already fallen out. - Just take the case.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Got that?- Yeah, I've got that bit.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53Great. OK, now you can have the fun job of just pulling off the rubber.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57This is like taking the best cake ever out of a cake tin.
0:38:57 > 0:38:58Oh, it's beautiful!
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Goodness me, it's beautiful!
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Oh, it's so lovely.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Wow! It's good.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07- I don't know why I'm surprised! - You did sound a bit shocked then!
0:39:07 > 0:39:10I'm a bit pleased with that for my first one.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12It's absolutely beautiful.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15I've got a long way to go to get to your standard.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18I don't know, I'd give you a job!
0:39:18 > 0:39:22With ornamental plasterwork very much in vogue, it's amazing to see
0:39:22 > 0:39:26this 500-year-old tradition still going strong in South Devon.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32We certainly gave our couple plenty to consider
0:39:32 > 0:39:35and it's time for me now to discover if any of the houses we showed them
0:39:35 > 0:39:37could become a home.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43What a glorious two days we've had in South Hams.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45The sun has been shining for us,
0:39:45 > 0:39:47we've seen some fantastic properties,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50and I have a feeling that two are standing out for the two of you.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52Am I on the right lines?
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Well, the stone farmhouse, I think, ticked all the boxes.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Absolutely stunning, loved the courtyard,
0:39:56 > 0:40:00loved the accommodation. Had the ideal holiday let for us as well.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03It even gave us an acre pasture, a little paddock,
0:40:03 > 0:40:05which we hadn't expected.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08We want to check out the location, I think, because the proximity to
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Chillington, we'd need to just check how easy it is to get in
0:40:11 > 0:40:12and out of Chillington.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15I think that was the only thing that actually, if you like,
0:40:15 > 0:40:16didn't fully tick the box to say,
0:40:16 > 0:40:18"Right, we'll sign the contract today."
0:40:18 > 0:40:21When it came to the white house, that was stunning.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24I mean, the fittings and features, absolutely outstanding.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25And the holiday let,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28well, you could have lived in there quite happily on its own.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31The views from both were stunning and lovely.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34So I think we would put that one on the back burner,
0:40:34 > 0:40:35but only because, if need be,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38we would have to secure the extra funding,
0:40:38 > 0:40:39it's obviously over budget.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43We can do that, but it would take a little bit longer to achieve.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45But I think that's absolutely fantastic news,
0:40:45 > 0:40:49I'm so thrilled that we've managed to find actually two properties
0:40:49 > 0:40:53that appeal to you. So are there any plans for the stone farmhouse?
0:40:53 > 0:40:56Well, we'll certainly check out the area
0:40:56 > 0:41:00and just get that solidified in our minds
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and go back and have a second viewing,
0:41:03 > 0:41:05just to see if it's as good the second time
0:41:05 > 0:41:07as it was the first because, you know,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10it always helps to view something twice at least.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13Absolutely. Now, I recall at the start of this process,
0:41:13 > 0:41:16you had this very large envelope.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19And inside it were some properties, and it was your daughter
0:41:19 > 0:41:21who thought we might pluck out for you to look at.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- Yes.- Are you ready to open it?
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- Yes.- Go on!- I think we need to do that.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32- Sealed.- Now we have to see if these predictions are anything like...
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I'm really intrigued to see if people that know you well
0:41:35 > 0:41:37have chosen similar properties.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40- So...- Oh!
0:41:40 > 0:41:42Oh, my word!
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Oh, my word!
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- There we are!- That is the one.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49That's it. There we are.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51They do know you well.
0:41:51 > 0:41:53She's gone quite emotional!
0:41:53 > 0:41:54Bless your soul!
0:41:54 > 0:41:57Who knows? Maybe it's meant to be.
0:41:57 > 0:41:59Are you all right?
0:41:59 > 0:42:00I'm sorry.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Oh, my word!
0:42:02 > 0:42:04And on a big sticky...
0:42:04 > 0:42:08- A big orange sticky... - "Our first choice."
0:42:08 > 0:42:10Well, the family like it, you know that much!
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- Oh, my word!- They're going to come and visit!
0:42:14 > 0:42:16I think you need to go and get that second viewing booked.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19I think we might, before we go back.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Oh, deary me.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22We wish you well with your search
0:42:22 > 0:42:26and we really hope you find somewhere that makes you very happy down here.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29Well, thank you for a fantastic experience for us.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- Thank you very much. - It certainly has.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36When we were looking round the stone farmhouse,
0:42:36 > 0:42:38I got such a strong sense that our couple really liked it,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Will in particular.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43So, hopefully, once they've explored the area more,
0:42:43 > 0:42:48they may have found the perfect home to enjoy those gin and tonics in.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Will and Kate did return to the stone farmhouse for a second viewing but,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57in the end, their heads overruled their hearts
0:42:57 > 0:43:00and they decided it was too remote for them.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04If you'd like to escape to the country in either England, Wales,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Northern Ireland or Scotland, and need our help,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10then please apply online at...