0:00:02 > 0:00:05I'm standing on the banks of a river whose meandering charm has had
0:00:05 > 0:00:07a huge influence on a small region of the county I'm in today.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Find out where in just a minute.
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Today's buyers are a retired couple seeking
0:00:29 > 0:00:31salvation from the sounds of the city
0:00:31 > 0:00:34and our beautiful countryside properties leave them feeling
0:00:34 > 0:00:37refreshed, both spiritually and physically.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40You could have your aperitifs in here, move in to 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 > 0:00:46With the odd surprise along the way.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Under here, there is a dance floor.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53- Oh, there you go!- No way! Honestly, we'll be busting our moves on there.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Today I'm in Devon, in the South Hams area of the county,
0:00:59 > 0:01:01and this is the River Dart.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Beginning its journey on Dartmoor,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06it lends its name to many of the places it touches,
0:01:06 > 0:01:11including Dartington and the Port of Dartmouth, where it enters the sea.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14An easily navigable stretch of waterway for 12 miles inland,
0:01:14 > 0:01:18it has helped to shape the towns and villages along its course.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22This beautiful river is just one of the gems this glorious
0:01:22 > 0:01:25part of the county has to offer.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Devon is the third largest county in England,
0:01:28 > 0:01:30but the seventh most sparsely populated,
0:01:30 > 0:01:35with Cornwall lying to the west and Somerset and Dorset to the east.
0:01:35 > 0:01:37We are concentrating our search in the South Hams district
0:01:37 > 0:01:42of South Devon. It covers an area of 340 square miles,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46with 60 miles of serene coastline, featuring long beaches
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and sheltered coves.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52Protected by the granite uplands of Dartmoor, South Hams enjoys
0:01:52 > 0:01:55one of the mildest climates in the whole of mainland Britain.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Pretty settlements include the waterside town of Salcombe
0:01:59 > 0:02:01on the banks of Kingsbridge Estuary,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05ever popular with the sailing community and second homeowners.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09The region also has its fair share of maritime history.
0:02:09 > 0:02:1212th-century Crusaders set sail from Dartmouth.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15Fast forward to the 20th century
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and it was one of the leaving points for the D-Day landings.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22With beautiful towns and villages, as well as rural scenery to
0:02:22 > 0:02:25rival anywhere in the UK, it's no wonder that this small part
0:02:25 > 0:02:30of Devon is so sought after by those wanting a slice of country life.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35Devon's enduring popularity is certainly reflected
0:02:35 > 0:02:37in its house prices.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41The average cost of a detached property here is £305,000 -
0:02:41 > 0:02:45that's £21,000 above the national average.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47What's more, the southern half of the county boasts some
0:02:47 > 0:02:51prime waterfront and is home to the costliest seaside town
0:02:51 > 0:02:53in the country, Salcombe,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57where average house prices have even trounced those in London.
0:02:57 > 0:03:01So, what is it about Devon that is so appealing to today's buyers?
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08Today's couple are Will and Kate, who live in the commuter belt
0:03:08 > 0:03:10village of Kings Langley in Hertfordshire.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12They have been married for six years but,
0:03:12 > 0:03:15unlike their royal namesakes, they met the modern way.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18I'm divorced. Will is widowed.
0:03:18 > 0:03:23We actually met online, we met through a Christian dating website.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- We had a long courtship, didn't we? - We did.- About three years?- Yes.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31Yeah. Until he got fed up of me nagging at him.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36- Yes, proposed over the Lion King. - Yes.- Watching the Lion King.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Will was a finance manager for the health service
0:03:40 > 0:03:41and Kate a schoolteacher.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44But having both retired from their public sector jobs,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47these keen churchgoers are no longer tied to the place
0:03:47 > 0:03:49where Will has spent most of his life.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51Kings Langley, it says it's a village,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54it's actually a bit of a spore out of the town of Watford,
0:03:54 > 0:03:55and it's very busy.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58The traffic, even through the village itself, is constant.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00And the noise and pollution...
0:04:00 > 0:04:02It would be nice to be able to see the stars.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- We'd just like a bit more peace, wouldn't we?- Mm.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09And the move to Devon is a chance to fulfil a long-held dream.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11It's a beautiful part of the world.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14It's got a beautiful coastal pass as well as open countryside.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18Some pretty little villages as well as one or two bigger towns.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- It's timeless, isn't it?- Timeless. That's a good word. Timeless, yeah.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25With six children and ten grandchildren between them,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28they're looking for a home to accommodate the visiting family and
0:04:28 > 0:04:32are also hoping to properly wind down after an active retirement.
0:04:32 > 0:04:34People say they don't know how we found time to go to work.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38I think it is absolutely true in our case. We are very busy.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41We both do voluntary work at the church.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Well, the idea when we move is that we do slow down
0:04:43 > 0:04:45and I think that we're going to have to be very
0:04:45 > 0:04:49careful that we don't just find lots of things to do.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53So, we will look to be involved but I think we need to pick what
0:04:53 > 0:04:55we get involved in.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58For Will, top on the list of hobbies is the garden.
0:04:58 > 0:04:59I love gardening.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03I find it de-stresses me, you know. When I'm feeling very stressful,
0:05:03 > 0:05:08I can plant out a few plants and I get calm again.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11And although they are leaving behind a busy life and good friends,
0:05:11 > 0:05:13the couple are looking forward to moving into what would be
0:05:13 > 0:05:15their first main home together.
0:05:15 > 0:05:16It will be a fresh start.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20I guess when we got married that was the one thing that was missing.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24Kate found it difficult moving into the old family home,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26so this will be a new start for us both.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29The reality of any move is daunting.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I think we are young enough and active enough,
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- and we've got the right mind-set to make it work for us.- Yes.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39So, that's what we're going for - the excitement.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48Will and Kate have set their hearts on the South Hams region,
0:05:48 > 0:05:51so we are focusing our search on this part of the county,
0:05:51 > 0:05:55and I'm meeting up with them to run over the finer details of the move.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Well, welcome to South Devon. Why make this move now?
0:05:59 > 0:06:00Why this particular time?
0:06:00 > 0:06:01We are both retired
0:06:01 > 0:06:04and our commitments back home in Hertfordshire have reduced.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06So, we're free and... Yeah, I think that's...
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- And no family living with us at the moment.- So, time for an escape.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- A new start.- Yes! Time to go.
0:06:12 > 0:06:13And what will you be doing?
0:06:13 > 0:06:16What about the local community and getting involved in that?
0:06:16 > 0:06:19Certainly I would like to get involved in the local community.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Perhaps, I don't know, village association, WI.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Well, let's turn our attention to the property that
0:06:24 > 0:06:26you'd like to find here.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28What's on the wish list for you both?
0:06:28 > 0:06:31We'd like to have room for our family to come and stay with us
0:06:31 > 0:06:32because I'm sure they would.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35We've got lots of children and grandchildren between us,
0:06:35 > 0:06:37so we'd look for four bedrooms, ideally.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41I would particularly enjoy a really nice kitchen -
0:06:41 > 0:06:45one that is well-designed. It doesn't need to be huge,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48but it needs to be a good working space where I can work
0:06:48 > 0:06:51and look outwards rather than at wall.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- What else, Will? - Well, I like open fires.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57I like log burners and I like chopping wood and burning wood,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00so that would be a feature in the lounge. I think I'd like that.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Lots of space in the lounge, we like entertaining a lot.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07And a big family, so... And I think we would like, if possible,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10annexe accommodation to rent out.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13What about the things that you don't want to see, are there any no-no's?
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Modern. We don't do modern, so probably not a bungalow.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- We like to go upstairs to bed. - Yeah, and we like it light.
0:07:20 > 0:07:24We don't need it particularly big, but we'd like light.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27And what about outside space? How much is manageable for you?
0:07:27 > 0:07:28I'm not a gardener at all,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31so gardens for me are for sitting in and enjoying.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Not more than about a quarter of an acre, I think.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Any more than that, it would have to be something we could rent out.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38That would be quite good for us to have something that we could
0:07:38 > 0:07:41maybe get a bit of income from, that would be a bonus.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43- So, a kind of holiday let?- Yes.- Yes.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46We wouldn't want a project for us to live in,
0:07:46 > 0:07:49but we wouldn't mind a project to convert for a holiday let,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51if there was space in the budget for it.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53What kind of budget are we working with then?
0:07:53 > 0:07:58We've said 750, but we've said, for the right house, we'd go up to 800.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00If it was more than that, we could go a bit above that by selling
0:08:00 > 0:08:02the little place we have.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05So, up to 800 we can cope with and maybe even a bit beyond that
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- if need be.- It's a very healthy sum of money,
0:08:07 > 0:08:10but we are in a very expensive part of the country.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12How much time have we got to work with?
0:08:12 > 0:08:14How quickly do you need to be in?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Well, we've got a buyer for our house and it's a short chain.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19So, he's got nothing to sell, so... Cash buyer.
0:08:19 > 0:08:24- We'd better get moving, so let's not waste any time.- OK.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27With a flexible top budget of £800,000,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29Will and Kate would like an older property with
0:08:29 > 0:08:32enough room for the family when they come to stay.
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Will is after a log burner or open fire
0:08:34 > 0:08:38and Kate wants a well-designed, practical kitchen space.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42They'd like a separate holiday let, or the potential to build one,
0:08:42 > 0:08:45and they could sell their holiday home to find some extra cash
0:08:45 > 0:08:47for the perfect home.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49We've lined up a selection of wonderful homes to
0:08:49 > 0:08:51show our buyers, here in South Devon,
0:08:51 > 0:08:55but they won't know the price of each until the end of our viewings.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Our last property, the mystery house,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00will challenge our couple on both age and layout.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08Well, you are moving quite away from where you are currently.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11How are the family feeling about you making this move?
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- Are they supportive? - They're sort of mixed about it.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17We've got six children between us
0:09:17 > 0:09:21and most of them have said that we need to do what is right for us.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23And, in fact, one of our daughters
0:09:23 > 0:09:27and her husband have gone on the internet and had a look
0:09:27 > 0:09:32at what houses are available in this area within our sort of budget,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35and they have printed out some predictions and we've got them
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- in an envelope here.- Let's have a look. Have you got it with you?
0:09:39 > 0:09:40I don't know if you can read it.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43It says, "Do not open until after filming."
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- And it's well sealed on the back. - Oh, that is fantastic.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50So, they are predicting what we might look at.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52So, we are absolutely going to have to open
0:09:52 > 0:09:54that at the end of our second day's hunt.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56Yes, see how close they are.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00Our first house is located a short distance from the village
0:10:00 > 0:10:03of Stokenham, about a mile from the coast.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Stokenham is the archetypal, picturesque South Hams village.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11It has an active church for Will and Kate, two popular pubs
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and a village green serving the 2,000-strong community.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17The architecture is made up of an attractive collection
0:10:17 > 0:10:20of listed stone and thatch cottages,
0:10:20 > 0:10:23with more chalet-style modern bungalows on the outskirts.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25Surrounded by rolling farmland,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28house number one is located a mile south of the village
0:10:28 > 0:10:31and is very much an older affair.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35So, here we are at the first property I wanted to show you.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37It's around 300-to-400 years old.
0:10:37 > 0:10:41A beautiful stone barn that was converted around 20 years ago.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- Right.- Yes.- Like the look of it.- Devon stonework, beautiful.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- And nice windows keeping with the building.- Yes.- Palm trees, even.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52I've got to say, I love that contrast between that
0:10:52 > 0:10:57- beautiful Devon stone and those palm trees.- Shows how tropical we are.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- It certainly looks interesting, doesn't it?- Two doors.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Eagle-eyed, you've got two doors, yes,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06because the second property there
0:11:06 > 0:11:08to the left is an adjoining holiday annexe.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11It's a one-bedroom and it's been let for many years very successfully.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- Fantastic.- Are you keen to have a look inside?- Yes, please.- We are.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20We'll turn our attention to the holiday let later.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21But first, I want Will and Kate
0:11:21 > 0:11:25to take in the spacious three-storey barn.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27The property is currently unfurnished
0:11:27 > 0:11:29but packed with character features.
0:11:29 > 0:11:34In we come. Watch your step. Now, this is an upside-down house.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37On the ground floor, off the entrance hall, are two bedrooms.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41One is a double with an en-suite and the other is a single.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44The day-to-day living accommodation is on the first floor
0:11:44 > 0:11:47and has a host of architectural features,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51including arched stained windows and exposed beams.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54And you come straight up to this amazing vaulted ceiling
0:11:54 > 0:11:57with these wonderful stone walls.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- Lovely.- Fantastic. - A great feeling of space.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- There is. And the feeling of space continues in here.- Oh, yes!
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- Oh, my word!- We could get our entertaining done in here, Kate.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Lovely gallery landing. Beautiful inglenook fireplace.- Look at that.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- Look at that.- Will, you did say you wanted to fireplace.- I did.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17And you've given it to me. Definitely, that's it. Super.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- And it's interesting, the two levels, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- An interesting space.- And a stained-glass window up there, I see.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25There is a lovely story to that window.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28In the main farmhouse, when some renovation work was happening,
0:12:28 > 0:12:33they discovered a priest hole and that was in the priest hole.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35It hasn't been specifically dated but the general feeling
0:12:35 > 0:12:37is that it probably goes back to the Reformation,
0:12:37 > 0:12:40so there's a lovely piece of history in this room.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Fantastic, yes. Lovely.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43Now, I know you got lots of friends, lots of family.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46There's something I want to show you because, under here, there is
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- a dance floor.- Oh, there you go! - No way!- Honestly. There we go.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- A wooden dance floor. - Oh, look at that!
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Well, we'll be busting our moves on there.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The owners describe this space as a great party space.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01I should think it is.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Well, we're into parties, so that's us.- I should think it is.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Now, I'm keen to head up into the mezzanine level.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09Let's go and have a look.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11The religious heritage of the converted barn seems to
0:13:11 > 0:13:15appeal to Will and Kate, as does its party potential.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18And after all that dancing, they'll need a lie down.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Well, Will, you said you liked bedrooms to be quite modern
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- and bright.- Oh, yes. Fantastic.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- There is a lot of storage there. - Yes, very nice. And light.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- And a lot of light. It is very light in here.- And the en-suite.- Yes.
0:13:32 > 0:13:35Very nice, yes. Light and airy.
0:13:35 > 0:13:37And you'd get a good double in here, wouldn't you?
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Now, Kate, I know that the kitchen is close to your heart.- It is.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44So, let's head back downstairs and I'll take you to look at that.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45Oh, show me the kitchen.
0:13:46 > 0:13:50Some positive vibes from Will and Kate towards this vast property
0:13:50 > 0:13:52with its somewhat unusual layout,
0:13:52 > 0:13:54but I want our couple to start imagining how
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- they could use the space on offer. And here is the kitchen.- Wow!
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- It's a good size.- Good size.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04I think I would need to use the space in the middle for something.
0:14:04 > 0:14:09- A table or an island or... - Or a bar even.- A bar!
0:14:11 > 0:14:12A dance floor and a bar.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15I'm coming to some of your parties, Will, I'm telling you.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Oh, I'm the life and soul.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20The only thing is, where would you do your preparation for your baking?
0:14:20 > 0:14:25- Well, that's where you would have an island, in the middle.- Oh, yeah.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Now, you'll notice there is a second set of stairs
0:14:27 > 0:14:31and that leads up to another good-sized bedroom with an en-suite.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33And what I think is interesting about this house is
0:14:33 > 0:14:36the fact that the bedrooms are separated the way they are.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38I think if you've got visitors coming to stay,
0:14:38 > 0:14:39it gives people some privacy.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- A little bit of privacy. - It does, yes.- Yes.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44And we've still got the holiday let to see,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- so let's go and explore that.- OK.- OK.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50The holiday let occupies a ground floor wing of the barn
0:14:50 > 0:14:54and could be ideal for holidaying couples or small families.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Inside there is a large double bedroom,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01a double glazed conservatory for dining and, off that, a shower room.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04The main living space in the annexe is open plan.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06It's a good space for a holiday let, isn't it?
0:15:06 > 0:15:10You could always get a family in here if you wanted to. It's cosy.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13The cupboards are a little bit old-fashioned, aren't they?
0:15:13 > 0:15:15Don't mind them particularly but might want to make...
0:15:15 > 0:15:17But the space is there and the basics are there.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- You could work on it, can't you?- Yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- You did say that you weren't afraid of a bit of work.- That's right.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- That's true.- You know, there's no huge amount.- Yes.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28Now, the gardens on this property are really quite something.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30I think you'll enjoy seeing them.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34The holiday let has its own private garden, complete with summerhouse,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37but the main garden for the residential part of the barn
0:15:37 > 0:15:38is at the back.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41It's largely lawn, boarded by beds of shrubs
0:15:41 > 0:15:44and backs onto open farmland.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- Peaceful spot, isn't it? - Beautiful.- Lovely.- Definitely.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Just hear the sounds of the birds and that's all.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52Well, you know what's coming now.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55This is the bit where I ask you to guess the price of this property.
0:15:55 > 0:15:56So, who wants to go first?
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- Shall I go or do you want to go? - Go on, then, you go first.- Right.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03I'm going to go at 725,000.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I'll go for 710.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08And I'm afraid you're both off the mark when it comes to the price
0:16:08 > 0:16:09because you're both over.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13It's been on the market for three weeks
0:16:13 > 0:16:17and they are asking for offers in excess of £700,000.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Well, that's a lot of house and the annexe as well.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22That's a pretty reasonable price.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25And you would have the money within your budget to do those
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- things that you may want to do.- We would.- Yes.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30So, why don't you two head back inside and just take it in,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33wander around and have a really good look?
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- That would be brilliant.- Thank you.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40This first house is a really good way to test the water
0:16:40 > 0:16:44and I have to say, I'm quite unsure what they're honestly feeling.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46I have a feeling it might be a bit too big for them.
0:16:48 > 0:16:53At £100,000 under budget, our first property, a converted stone barn,
0:16:53 > 0:16:57leaves Will and Kate and money to make improvements.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01The large living space has a sitting room, with its own dance floor,
0:17:01 > 0:17:04and the character features in this four-bedroom property include
0:17:04 > 0:17:07a stunning stone fireplace and stained glass window.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10The holiday let adjoins the main house
0:17:10 > 0:17:12and is self-contained with one-bedroom.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15The position of this property is a good one -
0:17:15 > 0:17:17it's nice and close to the coast -
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- and certainly there are some lovely views.- It's vast, actually.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24It's a vast house and the lounge certainly is great for entertaining.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27Exactly how we'd fit it in when there's just two of us on our own,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I'm not sure. We might feel we rattle a little bit.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31The layout is challenging.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34It's unconventional in the sense that the bedrooms are off in
0:17:34 > 0:17:35different parts of the house,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38so you haven't got the usual four up, four down.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40The layout of the barn might be a problem when we've got children
0:17:40 > 0:17:43and grandchildren staying because the children would end up
0:17:43 > 0:17:47separate from their parents for sleeping,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50so I don't know that the layout of this barn would work for us.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54I'm just admiring the palm trees
0:17:54 > 0:17:59- and the blue sky. - And we got the sun as well.- Yes.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Lots to see on that property. We've got lots to see still to come.- OK.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Perched high on the cliffs above the town of Salcombe is
0:18:11 > 0:18:14the house of eccentric inventor and scientist Otto Overbeck,
0:18:14 > 0:18:17who lived here in the early 20th century.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21This Edwardian seaside home contains his collection of curios,
0:18:21 > 0:18:23natural history specimens and gadgets.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27But Overbeck was most famous for advocating electrotherapy,
0:18:27 > 0:18:31a popular medical treatment in the early 1900s.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33It's a house Will and Kate have visited before on their trips
0:18:33 > 0:18:36to Devon but they've never been behind the scenes,
0:18:36 > 0:18:41so they are meeting long-serving volunteer Malcolm Wesley.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44As part of the tour, one of the things that we show people is
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Otto Overbeck's Rejuvenator.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Rejuvenator? What's a Rejuvenator? What does that do?
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Otto was very much into electrotherapy
0:18:51 > 0:18:54and Otto had the theory that our brains were
0:18:54 > 0:18:56the source of the electrical energy in our body.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58And as you age, the balance between the positive
0:18:58 > 0:19:00and negative electricity goes wrong
0:19:00 > 0:19:04and that's what causes all of your aches and pains ailments.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08And so in order to restore your health, rejuvenate, you restore
0:19:08 > 0:19:10the balance in the brain and you do that
0:19:10 > 0:19:12by giving the brain an electroshock.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16And what he patented is this comb-type device and the treatment
0:19:16 > 0:19:19consists of taking the two combs, connecting it to a battery -
0:19:19 > 0:19:23and I can just show it is connected because we have lots of sparks
0:19:23 > 0:19:26from it - and then very simply you just comb it through your hair.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29You do that for several minutes and then you swap hands to
0:19:29 > 0:19:33reverse the polarity and then you repeat the process.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36And the electrical energy flows into the brain
0:19:36 > 0:19:40and that restores the balance, and hence rejuvenates the body.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42And does it work?
0:19:42 > 0:19:47Well, I bought this on eBay a few years ago, I paid £30 for it,
0:19:47 > 0:19:52I use it every day and I am just celebrating my 113th birthday.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Joking aside, the Rejuvenator's success made Otto a wealthy man,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01enabling him to buy the Salcombe house.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Although early instruments were discarded,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07electrotherapy is still practised to this day and is widely used
0:20:07 > 0:20:11to relieve chronic pain, including arthritis and labour.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Like much of Britain's heritage,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16Overbeck's relies heavily on the work of volunteers to keep the house
0:20:16 > 0:20:20and its beautifully exotic six-acre garden running.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Will and Kate have expressed an interest in helping out
0:20:22 > 0:20:24when they moved to Devon,
0:20:24 > 0:20:26so our couple are visiting the greenhouse,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29where they're meeting head gardener, Kat Saunders.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31The gardens here at Overbeck's are really beautiful,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34but I can see some tropical-type plants
0:20:34 > 0:20:38and I'm just wondering how come we've got tropical plants in South Devon.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42Well, actually, this part of South Devon's got the most amazing microclimate.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46It's much warmer and it's much drier than other areas of Devon.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49Now, Kat, I'm interested in volunteering in the gardens.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- I think you've got six volunteers. - Six volunteers here, yes.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55So how could I do that? How would I go about it?
0:20:55 > 0:20:57Perhaps we could try something this morning, could we?
0:20:57 > 0:21:01- Well, now I've got you here, I'm going to get you to do something. - OK.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Volunteer gardeners help out with a range of duties,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09from regular weeding to pruning palm trees.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Today, Will and Kate are going to help Kat take some cuttings
0:21:11 > 0:21:14from this aeonium plant.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16What I'd like you to do is chop off
0:21:16 > 0:21:19all of these rosettes, OK?
0:21:19 > 0:21:21And give it about an inch.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24So if you do that and I'll prepare some compost.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Aeoniums are well-suited to the balmy South Hams climate.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30It originates from the Mediterranean
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and can tolerate long periods without water
0:21:32 > 0:21:34by storing it in its thick leaves.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Now, you can also chop this into lengths.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- So I'm going to give it to you as the gardener.- OK.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- I want about...that long. - Four, five inches?
0:21:43 > 0:21:46And...remember which way is up...
0:21:46 > 0:21:50- They don't root if they go in upside down.- Oh, right, OK.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Aeoniums do well in containers
0:21:52 > 0:21:55because their shallow roots grow near the surface of the soil.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57And the final step is to insert the cuttings into pots
0:21:57 > 0:22:01containing a mixture of peat-free compost and grit sand.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- I see.- That's it.- Firm it in? - Firm it in.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Cuttings should then be left uncovered
0:22:05 > 0:22:08and kept indoors at a temperature of around 18 degrees
0:22:08 > 0:22:11in a well-lit place, like a sunny windowsill.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- Smashing.- Well, that was lovely.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- I've really enjoyed that. Can I take...?- Go on!
0:22:15 > 0:22:17- Oh, thank you.- That's yours. Go on.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Thank you. I shall call it Kat, in honour of you!
0:22:19 > 0:22:21THEY LAUGH
0:22:21 > 0:22:24With Will and Kate determined to put down roots of their own in South Devon,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28it's time to get back to the all-important house-hunt.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34We are on our way to the hamlet of Dunstone,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36around a mile from the coast.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Nestled in rolling South Hams farmland,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42nearby Chillington is the most convenient Village for amenities.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46There's an excellent range of services, including a post office
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and general store, a hairdressers, as well as a health centre.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52It's by far the largest village in the area
0:22:52 > 0:22:55and its narrow streets are lined with pretty pastel-painted cottages,
0:22:55 > 0:22:57covered in flowering wisteria.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02The property I want to show Will and Kate is around a mile away from the village,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04on a quiet country lane.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06It consists of two detached buildings,
0:23:06 > 0:23:08arranged around a gravel courtyard,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11one an L-shaped stone farmhouse
0:23:11 > 0:23:14and the other an up and running holiday let.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17So, I've brought you to see a very elegant,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21very pretty farmhouse that dates back to 1550.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Oh! Wow! That's got a bit of age, then.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25It's got some history, this house,
0:23:25 > 0:23:28and you will have also noticed another building there to the left.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- That used to be the dairy.- Oh, yes. - That was converted 30 years ago
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and it's a two-bedroomed holiday let...
0:23:33 > 0:23:35WILL AND KATE CHUCKLE Fantastic.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38..slash family accommodation.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40What are your initial impressions?
0:23:40 > 0:23:42- Lovely.- It's very pretty, isn't it? - Lovely stone.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Lovely stonework.- Very pretty.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Windows in keeping, lovely French doors...
0:23:46 > 0:23:50Lovely barn, yes, for the...dairy.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52This...outlook is just beautiful.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54Yeah, fantastic, isn't it?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56How is it striking you so far? What about the location?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59It's quite rural...
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- It's a beautiful setting.- It's lovely.- Fantastic looking house.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- So let's go and take a look. - Smashing.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09The look of our stone farmhouse clearly appeals to Will and Kate,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11although I detect some nervousness from one half of our couple
0:24:11 > 0:24:13about its location.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16But I know that for Kate, the kitchen is key
0:24:16 > 0:24:19and I'm pretty confident the one in this property is on the money.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23In we come, through the entrance hall...
0:24:23 > 0:24:25Ah! Kitchen, Kate. There you go.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- You did talk about liking some views while you cook.- I did.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- There's a pretty good view.- Well, that is a pretty good view, isn't it?- It is beautiful.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35I could be making cakes looking out over that hillside...
0:24:35 > 0:24:37And a huge table.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- I could sit there with my gin and tonic, watch you baking!- You could.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It seems like quite a sociable space
0:24:42 > 0:24:44and, actually, there's a lovely flow to this house.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48- If you follow me, I'll take you through to the next room.- Lovely.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54And we come through to a really good-sized sitting room-cum-dining room.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Love it, yeah, fantastic.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58And the depth of the window ledges is amazing.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Fantastic, the thickness of the walls.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- And is that a log burner I spy in the background?- Indeed, you do.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Give you some nice heat in winter. - Yes, fantastic room.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09Big room, but cosy, too. A combination of both.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11You've been quite keen for that, haven't you?
0:25:11 > 0:25:14You want space, but you also want to be able to feel cosy
0:25:14 > 0:25:16- when you haven't got family. - That's right.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18How does that feel with that in mind?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20This feels like a good room for that.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22You can imagine curling up on the sofa with a book
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and not feeling that you're in the middle of a...
0:25:24 > 0:25:28- When I'm not out chopping wood, you mean?- When you're not out chopping wood, certainly.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30We're going to stay in this part of the house,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32we're just going to go up the stairs
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- because I want to show you the master bedroom.- Ooh.- OK.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36There are four bedrooms in the main house.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39Three of these are at the other end of the property
0:25:39 > 0:25:40and include a ground floor room,
0:25:40 > 0:25:42which is currently being used as a study.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45Above that, and accessed by a second staircase,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48are two further double bedrooms, both in the eaves
0:25:48 > 0:25:52and each benefiting from their own separate en-suite bath and shower rooms -
0:25:52 > 0:25:54useful for the visiting family.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58And that leaves the bedroom we've set aside for Will and Kate.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01What a beautiful room! Really light.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Sun streaming in. Beautiful. Super room.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- Lovely.- Plenty of space.- Good size. With an en-suite...
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Beautifully fitted, light, contemporary.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12I'd just like to step back,
0:26:12 > 0:26:15- if I could, and show you the view through the window.- Beautiful.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Fancy waking up to that in the morning.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19You couldn't want for more, could you, really?
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Not when you've bought me my cup of tea up! Fantastic.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24KATE CHUCKLES To die for.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- Lovely.- You couldn't ask for better than this. That's a perfect room.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Well, this is your bedroom taken care of.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31What I'm really keen to show you is the holiday annexe.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- Let's head back downstairs and outside, and go and look at the old dairy.- OK.- Brilliant.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37A fantastic response to the main house,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40despite the rural remoteness of the property.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44I hope our couple will be equally as impressed with the holiday let,
0:26:44 > 0:26:46right across the courtyard.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48So this is the holiday let.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50Quite nautical with the blue banister.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53- It's got a real seaside feel. - Yes. Very nice.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56A good-sized lounge and there's a second log burner over there.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58- That's lovely.- Fantastic.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I don't know if you noticed when we passed through the sunroom,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- there's an indoor barbecue with a chimney.- That's right up your street.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- Right up my street.- You'll never use it as a holiday let! - No, no, we'll be here all the time.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09And upstairs are two really good-size bedrooms.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I can imagine its popular for being rented out.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14Is the location a drawback?
0:27:14 > 0:27:17I need to get in the car and I need to drive around,
0:27:17 > 0:27:20and just find out exactly where we are.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24Ironically, I think the mixture of remoteness which may be remote,
0:27:24 > 0:27:26but actually is a beautiful setting.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29To come out here and have your breakfast on the patio
0:27:29 > 0:27:31and hear the sheep in the field next to you...
0:27:31 > 0:27:33You know, it's just wonderful.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35We've got that mixed emotion.
0:27:35 > 0:27:36You've got to balance it all out
0:27:36 > 0:27:39cos you don't tend to get many sheep in the middle of the village.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- That's true.- Or open views in the middle of the village...
0:27:43 > 0:27:45We're a contradiction, I know!
0:27:45 > 0:27:47So it may be a compromise that we are prepared to take.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Well, let's go and look at those fields and those open views,
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- and let's just have a chat about the garden and also the land.- OK.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55The garden is comprised of a sunny patio area
0:27:55 > 0:27:59and a low-maintenance strip of lawn that overlooks those stunning views.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Then across the road, there's also a paddock with a barn,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05a vegetable patch and a greenhouse.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08In addition to the holiday let with its adjoining carport,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10there's also a further outbuilding.
0:28:10 > 0:28:12This consists of garaging for two cars,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15as well as a two-storey self-contained annexe
0:28:15 > 0:28:19with a kitchen, shower room and an open-plan studio space,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22creating even more room for children and grandchildren.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24This is the bit I like.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27- So you've had a good look around? - We have.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- Oh, I've got to go first.- What do you think it's on the market for?
0:28:31 > 0:28:32It's probably...
0:28:32 > 0:28:34maybe 775?
0:28:34 > 0:28:37- OK, Will? - I'm going to go more than that.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39I wouldn't be surprised if it was over 800.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40OK.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Well, you're both off the mark,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44but Will you're only slightly off the mark.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49- It's on the market with a guide price of £795,000.- OK.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53Yep. I was going to say 795, but I would say that now, wouldn't I?
0:28:53 > 0:28:54THEY LAUGH
0:28:54 > 0:28:57I think that's a good price. There's a lot of...property.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00But there is the potential, if you didn't want the land, to sell the...
0:29:00 > 0:29:02- the parcel of land off. - That includes the land?
0:29:02 > 0:29:06- Yes, that price includes the land. - OK.- Well, that's a good deal.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Are you keen to carry on looking and to explore more?
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Yes, I am.- Yes.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12- Off you go. - BOTH: Thank you.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14KATE GIGGLES
0:29:15 > 0:29:18It's funny, I can't quite get a feel for what's going on here.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22But my gut instinct is that Will likes it a lot,
0:29:22 > 0:29:25but Kate has some reservations about the location.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28Priced at just under £800,000,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30which is at the top end of their budget,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32this fabulous stone farmhouse
0:29:32 > 0:29:34gives our couple everything they asked for.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38Kate gets her nice kitchen and Will gets his log burner.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40There are four bedrooms in the main house
0:29:40 > 0:29:42and a further two in the well-appointed holiday let.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45The property is surrounded by peaceful countryside
0:29:45 > 0:29:48and has stunning views.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Well, it's a fantastic house.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's got the right combination, I think, of old and new...
0:29:53 > 0:29:56Beautifully maintained, love the courtyard garden...
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Oh, this is beautiful, Kate, isn't it?- What a sun trap!
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Glorious. And look at this!
0:30:02 > 0:30:04This is my...dream.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05All-year-round barbecue.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- An indoor barbecue.- I could be there in the middle of December barbecuing. - You could.- Fantastic!
0:30:10 > 0:30:13This is such a lovely house, great accommodation for us,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16great accommodation for paying guests
0:30:16 > 0:30:18and I can honestly see us living here.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21My only concern is it does feel really rural.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Kate, I think, has always felt we should be near somewhere where,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27you know, we can get a paper and a pint of milk,
0:30:27 > 0:30:29visit the doctors, for example.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31If it's too countrified then, I suspect,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33she may have more reservations than I do.
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I think Will is keen on this.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37I think he really likes it.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40He probably likes the rurality of it, I think, and it's unusual
0:30:40 > 0:30:44because I'm usually the one that goes with my heart
0:30:44 > 0:30:46and Will's the one who goes with his head.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48He's the sensible one.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50But I think, at the moment, to me,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53it feels like we've swapped roles there...a little bit.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56This is such a special spot.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57If Will and Kate aren't interested,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00I might need to consider a little escape to the country of my own!
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- I found my gin and tonic spot! - Fantastic!- It is. - THEY CHUCKLE
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- Have you found yours? - I think there's three,
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- so I need three gin and tonics! - There's a lot to think about!
0:31:17 > 0:31:20It's the second day of our property search
0:31:20 > 0:31:21in the South Hams area of Devon
0:31:21 > 0:31:24with retirees Will and Kate from Hertfordshire,
0:31:24 > 0:31:28who have the princely sum of £800,000 to spend.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31Coming up, I meet the Devon artist whose ornate creations
0:31:31 > 0:31:34are one serious labour of love.
0:31:34 > 0:31:36How long would it take to create something like that?
0:31:36 > 0:31:38- It's 1,000 hours.- 1,000 hours!
0:31:38 > 0:31:40That's incredible.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43And there's a big revelation at the end of our house-hunt.
0:31:43 > 0:31:44THEY LAUGH
0:31:44 > 0:31:47Oh, my word. Oh, my word!
0:31:50 > 0:31:53Now...I sensed a difference of opinion in our couple
0:31:53 > 0:31:55over the stone farmhouse we showed them yesterday.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59I could tell Will absolutely loved the position and the stunning views,
0:31:59 > 0:32:03but, for Kate, I think, it could have been just too remote.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Well, we have got a new day, two new properties to show them.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08Coming up later is the mystery house.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13Now this is going to test out whether they really want to holiday let or not.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16But, first of all, another property with fantastic views
0:32:16 > 0:32:19set to rival those of yesterday.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21Let's hope we can have a shared opinion on this one.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27For our next offering, we're heading to the hamlet of Kingston,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30close to the beautiful riverside village of Dittisham.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Situated on the banks of the River Dart,
0:32:33 > 0:32:35this sought-after, attractive village has two pubs,
0:32:35 > 0:32:40one of which plays host to both the post office and local shop.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42During the Second World War,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44the river at Dittisham played an important role
0:32:44 > 0:32:48in providing safe anchorage for the D-Day invasion fleet.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50Today it's popular with holiday-makers
0:32:50 > 0:32:53and also offers a regular ferry trip to the town of Dartmouth,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55around three miles downstream.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59The property I'm going to show Will and Kate is less than a mile from the village,
0:32:59 > 0:33:04set on a quiet country lane with uninterrupted views of the South Hams hills.
0:33:06 > 0:33:07So, Will and Kate,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10this is the property I've really wanted to show you.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Quite a stunning setting. - It's stunning, absolutely stunning.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14It's amazing.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17We've got sheep and we've also got some other friends...
0:33:17 > 0:33:21that I'll tell you about a little later on. I'll keep that a surprise.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23It was originally a worker's cottage,
0:33:23 > 0:33:25there's an older part to the house that dates back 150 years.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30It's been extensively renovated over, the owners think, over the last 50 years.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Lovely.- It looks so pretty.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35And it's got that Devon, sort of, slate.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Hung slate. Oh, it's hung slate, is it?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41And it looks like there's some serious windows going on that look out...
0:33:41 > 0:33:44And if you're very eagle-eyed, you can probably see a second roof
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- just over there, beyond the property.- OK.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49That's because there's a old piggery that's been converted
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- to a very beautiful two-bedroom holiday let...- Wow.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- ..which has been let very successfully.- Fantastic.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58- Wisteria growing up the wall. - How beautiful!
0:33:58 > 0:34:02I think we should go and see if there are any views from those windows!
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- I'm going to take you back round to the front door.- Lovely.- OK.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09Our buyers are clearly impressed with the outlook from this
0:34:09 > 0:34:11whitewashed hillside property.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13We're using the entrance the current owners prefer
0:34:13 > 0:34:15as it's right next to the parking area.
0:34:15 > 0:34:17THEY CHUCKLE
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- Kitchen! There you go.- Oh, my gosh!
0:34:19 > 0:34:21There you go!
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Yeah, the views are OK, on this house, I think?
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- Yes, yes.- You know. Just acceptable!
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- Plenty of open space in front of you, that's for sure.- Yeah...
0:34:30 > 0:34:33- It's got the social aspect to the kitchen...- Yes, so it has.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Nice breakfast bar.- Yes. - Is that a larder in there?- It is.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- Is it?- Are you fond of a larder?- Oh!
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- Yes, yes.- I just love a larder!
0:34:41 > 0:34:42Her dream is a larder.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44- Are you smiling?- I am smiling.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Can you imagine yourself cooking up a storm in this kitchen?
0:34:48 > 0:34:50I think I could, actually, I think I could.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53Good work space and open as well, which is lovely.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56And it has a nice, sort of, country feel to it, as well.
0:34:56 > 0:34:58Do you like the style, Will?
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Yes, very nice. Countrified and every woman's dream - a larder.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05- And some men's, as well, I guess! - Sorry, that's very sexist, very sexist!
0:35:05 > 0:35:07And some men's, absolutely.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- Let's wander on through.- Thank you.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Before we go and explore that view, that very tempting view,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16I just want you to duck in here.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24This is the main sitting-room for the property,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26with that spectacular fireplace.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- Ah, I get my log burner.- Lovely.
0:35:29 > 0:35:30It is a lovely room,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33but I think the most spectacular room of the property
0:35:33 > 0:35:36is the one that I am going to show you next.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39So with Kate happy with the larder, and Will with his log burner,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41we're weaving our way through a dining room,
0:35:41 > 0:35:42which leads to the star of the show.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Oh, lovely!
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- Beautiful views, look at those views!- Oh, wow.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53I don't think you'd ever leave this room, would you?
0:35:53 > 0:35:56- Just live in here. - Almost speechless, really.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00- It's the kind of view that's good for the soul.- Yes, it is, isn't it?
0:36:00 > 0:36:02You could have your aperitifs in here,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04move into the dining room, have your dinner,
0:36:04 > 0:36:06and move back here for your brandy and cigar.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08And once Will's finished for the evening,
0:36:08 > 0:36:10there are numerous beds to choose from.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Of the four bedrooms, three are on the first floor,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16they're all doubles, and one is currently being used as a study.
0:36:16 > 0:36:20There's also a family bathroom, complete with roll-top bath.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23But I think the bedroom our couple may want to use
0:36:23 > 0:36:26is below the sunroom, down on the lower ground floor.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- So, great views from this room. - Certainly.- Fantastic, yeah.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- Cup of tea in bed, very nice. - Beautiful.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35And a door out onto the garden.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- And you've got a nice, modern en suite.- Always important.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- What about the size of the bedroom? - That's fine.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45It's fine. It's compact, it's not huge, is it?
0:36:45 > 0:36:48But there's a sofa in here.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52And you're yet to see the annexe, which has got two beautiful,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- very large double bedrooms. - Oh, right.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59So the main house gets the royal seal of approval from Will and Kate.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03But before we see the annexe, it's time to meet the neighbours.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05There are the extra friends I told you about -
0:37:05 > 0:37:09- the owner's pet alpacas. - They're so beautiful.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12The holiday let is accessed by its own path and garden,
0:37:12 > 0:37:17- and is finished to a very high standard.- Oh-ho!
0:37:17 > 0:37:19- We could live in here, Kate!- Yeah.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I could work as happily in here as I could in the one in the main house.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25For a holiday let, it's terrific.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27It lets out at various points in the year,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31from anywhere between £400-900 per week.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33And you've got this great-sized kitchen,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37a good-sized living room with a cosy log burner, two beautiful,
0:37:37 > 0:37:41large double bedrooms, and a really well-equipped family bathroom.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- Fantastic.- I think you could have a queue of people wanting to come
0:37:44 > 0:37:47and stay here, couldn't you? It'd never get let!
0:37:47 > 0:37:49We won't be short of guests, that's for sure.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Let's take a look at the garden and then you can guess the price.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Amounting to one acre,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59the attractive grounds include a vegetable patch and greenhouse
0:37:59 > 0:38:01on sloping land overlooking the property.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03A separate orchard with space for a hammock
0:38:03 > 0:38:08and a more traditional lawned area lie just outside the master bedroom.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10Will and Kate wanted a manageable garden
0:38:10 > 0:38:14and I'm conscious this is more than they asked for.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- Is this too big for you, would this be daunting?- Could be.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Obviously, it's quite easy to maintain,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20so most of it's going to be grass cutting.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23And there's lots of lovely places that you can sit
0:38:23 > 0:38:25and catch the sun or the shade.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28And it's a haven for grandchildren, I can just see them
0:38:28 > 0:38:32chasing around all these different levels. It would be lovely.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35So although it's more ground than we thought we would need,
0:38:35 > 0:38:36I suspect we could...
0:38:36 > 0:38:40It needs thinking about it, but I think it's manageable.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43You know what's coming now, I need you to guess the price.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49I suspect we're looking over budget, so I'd go 825,000.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51Yeah, I was thinking certainly over budget.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54A wee bit to 835, perhaps?
0:38:54 > 0:38:57You're both right, it is over budget.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00Unfortunately, it's over budget by a little bit more
0:39:00 > 0:39:03than you've both said. It was on the market for £895,000.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08- It was reduced a month ago and relaunched at £850,000.- Right.- OK.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12However, the owners are open to potentially a slight negotiation.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14What are your thoughts?
0:39:14 > 0:39:17Because I can't read you on this one, either of you?
0:39:17 > 0:39:18I know you love the views,
0:39:18 > 0:39:22but I don't know if this is just too much of a house for you or not?
0:39:22 > 0:39:24The house isn't huge, it's not vast.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27I think the jury's still out, I wouldn't discount it.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32But we do need to talk about the budget and this amount of ground.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Lots of think about, so off you go, go and explore,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38do some thinking, and I'll come and catch up with you soon.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43Over budget by £50,000, the price
0:39:43 > 0:39:45of our white house with views
0:39:45 > 0:39:47would mean our buyers possibly
0:39:47 > 0:39:48selling their second home
0:39:48 > 0:39:49to cover the cost.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Dating from the 19th century,
0:39:51 > 0:39:52the house has undergone
0:39:52 > 0:39:54modernisation in recent years
0:39:54 > 0:39:55and gives our couple spacious,
0:39:55 > 0:39:57family accommodation,
0:39:57 > 0:39:58a cosy living room,
0:39:58 > 0:39:59and a sunroom with
0:39:59 > 0:40:02180 degree views across the valley.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03The house and separate
0:40:03 > 0:40:04up-and-running holiday let
0:40:04 > 0:40:06is set within an acre
0:40:06 > 0:40:07of stunning grounds.
0:40:07 > 0:40:11This house seems to be all about its view from the back,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13which is amazing.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17A beautiful house and the annexe is stunning, really.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21The finishing is excellent to say the least. It's first class.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22Oh, wow.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- For a holiday let, this is a really good size.- Yes, it is.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Look at the lovely wood burner in the corner.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29You could spend a couple of weeks here without any problem,
0:40:29 > 0:40:31couldn't you? You could spend your life here.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35One concern, really, is the outside space.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39There is actually quite a lot of ground to be maintained,
0:40:39 > 0:40:45which we don't want to find is a problem for us in the future.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46Have you seen enough?
0:40:46 > 0:40:50- I think so. - Fantastic views, a shame to go.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Lots to think about.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I think there might be a bit of head versus heart going on with this one.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56Yes, I think there might be.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04What would be the worst possible thing that
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I could show you for the Mystery House?
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Probably a Baptist chapel.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10As we said, we don't want to do any conversion.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13I reckon you're going to make us convert a Baptist chapel.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16I'm not all that keen on thatch,
0:41:16 > 0:41:19and Will's not particularly keen on barn conversions,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23so I think you might show us a thatched barn conversion.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26One thatched barn conversion in the middle of nowhere,
0:41:26 > 0:41:30with a Baptist chapel at the side, waiting to be converted - coming up!
0:41:30 > 0:41:32That'll be amazing.
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Our final property is located in the large hamlet of Ledstone,
0:41:36 > 0:41:38just two miles from Kingsbridge,
0:41:38 > 0:41:41which is one of the South Hams' most popular towns.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Situated on its own river estuary,
0:41:43 > 0:41:48the market town is a magnet for the boating community and tourists.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51In the 19th century, Kingsbridge was a centre for the tanning
0:41:51 > 0:41:53and boat building industries.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55Today there's vibrant local arts scene
0:41:55 > 0:41:59and an independent cinema operates from the old town hall.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Our Mystery House gives our couple a more modern,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04contemporary feel and layout,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07but the location gives them the close proximity
0:42:07 > 0:42:08to all the amenities they want.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13And here is our Mystery House.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17- So what's mysterious about it, I hear you ask?- Yes.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19Hasn't got thatch.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22It hasn't got thatch! No, it definitely hasn't got thatch.
0:42:22 > 0:42:26No, it's a large, detached stone property.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28It dates back a couple of hundred years
0:42:28 > 0:42:31and it was originally a little worker's cottage that's obviously
0:42:31 > 0:42:33been massively extended over the last 30 years.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36I guess the thing for us is that it is going to challenge
0:42:36 > 0:42:37you in the thought that you want a holiday let
0:42:37 > 0:42:40- because there's no holiday let on this property.- Oh, all right.- OK.
0:42:40 > 0:42:44I also think the style could be perhaps slightly different to
0:42:44 > 0:42:47what you've seen before, what you would've naturally looked at.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49But we'll find out about that. What do you think?
0:42:49 > 0:42:52It doesn't look as old as it seems to pertain to be.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56I suppose because it's been extended, and I suppose the whitewashed walls,
0:42:56 > 0:42:57and the roof looks new,
0:42:57 > 0:43:02so it doesn't have that age to it from immediate impact.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- But it's a sweet-looking little property.- And a nice, quiet spot.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Be interesting to see what it looks like inside.
0:43:07 > 0:43:11- Would you like to go and explore? - Certainly would.- Yeah, let's go.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12The lack of a holiday let
0:43:12 > 0:43:15doesn't seem to be a huge problem at the moment,
0:43:15 > 0:43:18but the house itself will really have to appeal to our buyers'
0:43:18 > 0:43:20tastes if it's going to win them over.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23It is, as you can see, a split-level house.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26- This is what I want to start off with.- Very intriguing.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30- Open-plan living space.- You wouldn't expect this from outside.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35- Vaulted ceiling.- Think of all the space, my word!- Lot of space.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37I know you weren't keen on a barn conversion...
0:43:37 > 0:43:40It's definitely not a barn conversion!
0:43:40 > 0:43:42No, but it has that feel, doesn't it?
0:43:42 > 0:43:46- Because you've got the high ceiling. - Quite modern inside. And it's light.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48Plenty of windows.
0:43:48 > 0:43:54- Have either of you ever lived in an open plan style property before?- No.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57So this is new. It'd be a new experience.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01Let's just walk across and see the kitchen layout as well.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- We didn't have to travel far.- No! - That's the benefit of open plan.
0:44:09 > 0:44:12Very contemporary as it's set out at the moment.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15And I could work without facing onto a wall.
0:44:15 > 0:44:16It's quite unusual, in a sense,
0:44:16 > 0:44:20the house being so old, or parts of it, but some of it's very modern.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23Although, yes, it's a contemporary, light, very sociable space -
0:44:23 > 0:44:25it does have a feeling of character to it as well.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27It's not stark and modern.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30No, no, it's a very homely sort of space, isn't it?
0:44:30 > 0:44:32If you were looking on the search on your own,
0:44:32 > 0:44:36would you have been drawn to a contemporary interior like this?
0:44:36 > 0:44:39- I don't think we probably would have, really?- No.
0:44:39 > 0:44:41I'd like to show you the master suite,
0:44:41 > 0:44:43which is on a separate level, so we've got to go upstairs to it.
0:44:43 > 0:44:45- OK.- If you follow me.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47The house comes with five bedrooms -
0:44:47 > 0:44:49three of those are back down on the ground floor
0:44:49 > 0:44:53and include a large double with two smaller bedrooms.
0:44:53 > 0:44:55This level also has a family bathroom
0:44:55 > 0:44:58and utility room with an airing cupboard.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01The two remaining bedrooms are back on the upper level.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04They're accessed by a couple steps from the living room and feature
0:45:04 > 0:45:08a guest double with an en-suite, as well as the master suite.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14- Nice, bright, airy room with a modern en suite off it.- Very nice.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19- It is very light.- Yes. Plenty of space. Good-sized room, yeah.
0:45:19 > 0:45:22I sense something, I don't know if it's disappointment,
0:45:22 > 0:45:25but I don't sense any natural enthusiasm for this property?
0:45:25 > 0:45:30You're very astute, aren't you? It hasn't hit a chord with me yet.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Maybe it's the contemporary nature, or maybe it just hasn't grabbed us,
0:45:33 > 0:45:35but we haven't seen it all.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39The immediate reaction's not, wow, this is a house we must have.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- Let's head outside.- OK. After you.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45Although the house doesn't wow,
0:45:45 > 0:45:48the grounds here are certainly more manageable for Will,
0:45:48 > 0:45:52with terraced patio areas leading up to a level, lawned garden.
0:45:52 > 0:45:53Despite the lack of a holiday let,
0:45:53 > 0:45:57the property does come with an outbuilding - the garage -
0:45:57 > 0:46:00which has been converted into a useful office space.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04- How do you feel about the garden, is it a manageable size?- Yep.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09I think this is perfect, really. Grass, easy enough to cut the grass.
0:46:09 > 0:46:12Not too much by way of bushes and open ground.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14And also this is a nice spot
0:46:14 > 0:46:17because you've got these open views there.
0:46:17 > 0:46:20You've had a good look round, now is the price bit.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24- What do you think it's on the market for?- I'm going to go...
0:46:24 > 0:46:27595, I think.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29Well, I'll pitch it down, but I wouldn't go that low.
0:46:29 > 0:46:33I'll go 675. 675,000.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35That's quite interesting
0:46:35 > 0:46:37cos you're both under.
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- Really?!- You are, yes. It's not been on the market long,
0:46:40 > 0:46:43and it's gone on for offers in excess of £700,000.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Oh, my word. OK.
0:46:46 > 0:46:48I guess its location, close to Kingsbridge,
0:46:48 > 0:46:50has probably pushed the price up.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53But I'd pitched it down because of the lack of the holiday let.
0:46:53 > 0:46:55Why don't you take a look around,
0:46:55 > 0:46:58see if you can imagine yourselves in contemporary, open-plan living?
0:46:58 > 0:47:01- Thank you!- We'll go.
0:47:01 > 0:47:03Under top budget by £100,000,
0:47:03 > 0:47:05our open-plan mystery property
0:47:05 > 0:47:07leaves money in the pot for
0:47:07 > 0:47:09Will and Kate to make improvements.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11And even build their own holiday let if they wish,
0:47:11 > 0:47:13subject to planning permission.
0:47:13 > 0:47:14The five bedrooms offer plenty of
0:47:14 > 0:47:16potential for visiting family,
0:47:16 > 0:47:18and the garden is easy to maintain.
0:47:18 > 0:47:19The location,
0:47:19 > 0:47:21just a short drive to Kingsbridge,
0:47:21 > 0:47:22also gives our couple
0:47:22 > 0:47:24all the services they want,
0:47:24 > 0:47:25right on their doorstep.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27The situation is perfect,
0:47:27 > 0:47:31and the little hamlet it's in makes it feel not isolated,
0:47:31 > 0:47:33so that's good for us.
0:47:33 > 0:47:38The position of the house is fine. I'm not used open-plan living -
0:47:38 > 0:47:40I don't think I've ever lived in a house
0:47:40 > 0:47:43where we've had open plan, not totally.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45My low price estimate is
0:47:45 > 0:47:50an indication of the fact that this house is not for me.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52This house is a fantastic space.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56I can see that it really works for a family,
0:47:56 > 0:48:02but we are past that and our prime concern needs to be a home for us.
0:48:02 > 0:48:05That's all the properties we have to show you.
0:48:05 > 0:48:09- Now it's time for us to go and have a chat.- Decision time then, eh?
0:48:09 > 0:48:10If there's one to be made.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20Devon's diverse and beautiful landscape has long been
0:48:20 > 0:48:23a source of inspiration to artists.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26On farmland just outside Exeter is the studio of one
0:48:26 > 0:48:29of the country's leading architectural sculptors.
0:48:29 > 0:48:34Geoffrey Preston specialises in making ornamental plasterwork.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36It's an art form which adorns the ceilings and walls
0:48:36 > 0:48:39of some of Britain's greatest buildings, including the
0:48:39 > 0:48:44Church of St Martin-in-the-Fields in London's Trafalgar Square.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46I've come to the studio to meet Geoffrey
0:48:46 > 0:48:47and find out more about his work.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52Geoff, could you tell me about this form of decorative plasterwork?
0:48:52 > 0:48:56It goes back to Roman times and probably before.
0:48:56 > 0:48:59And how did it arrive here in the UK on our shores?
0:48:59 > 0:49:01It probably already happened
0:49:01 > 0:49:06with lime plaster decoration in houses in medieval times
0:49:06 > 0:49:11and Devon's very rich in plasterwork from the Tudor times
0:49:11 > 0:49:13and Jacobean times.
0:49:13 > 0:49:14Talking about your work,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17we're surrounded by some wonderful pieces here
0:49:17 > 0:49:20and this piece is stunning. Tell me about that?
0:49:20 > 0:49:22This was a commission for a house in Ireland,
0:49:22 > 0:49:28but it's actually a direct copy of a vault in a church in Bavaria.
0:49:28 > 0:49:32In the 18th century, there was an international style,
0:49:32 > 0:49:35so the forms in this particular piece,
0:49:35 > 0:49:37you would see them all over Europe.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39How long would it take to create something like that?
0:49:39 > 0:49:43Well, Jenny, my wife tells me it was 1,000 hours.
0:49:43 > 0:49:451,000 hours, that's incredible!
0:49:45 > 0:49:46I'd love to see the process
0:49:46 > 0:49:49behind creating something as beautiful as that.
0:49:49 > 0:49:51- Would you show me? - Yes, certainly. Come this way.
0:49:53 > 0:49:54Until the late 18th century,
0:49:54 > 0:49:57decorative plasterwork was handcrafted directly onto
0:49:57 > 0:50:01the ceiling using a material called stucco.
0:50:01 > 0:50:04Today, the most common method of producing plaster ornament is
0:50:04 > 0:50:07to model in clay first before making a silicone mould
0:50:07 > 0:50:09and casting in gypsum plaster.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13Geoffrey's commissions include the drawing room ceiling
0:50:13 > 0:50:16at Great Fulford, a Grade I listed manor in Devon.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18It took over 3,000 hours to create
0:50:18 > 0:50:22and is based on designs from the 17th and 18th centuries.
0:50:22 > 0:50:25Geoffrey's going to take me through some of the processes
0:50:25 > 0:50:27involved in this art form,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31in particular making a cast from the mould of a leaf pattern.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34This is one of the silicone moulds I was talking about.
0:50:34 > 0:50:38It's actually got a case behind it to keep it rigid.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42Less likely to bend while we're doing the cast,
0:50:42 > 0:50:43so it'll be accurate.
0:50:43 > 0:50:46- And the cast would be the messy bit? - That's going to be messy, yeah.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- Shall I put this on then? - Put an apron on.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51The cast mixture is made from gypsum plaster
0:50:51 > 0:50:53and a specific quantity of water.
0:50:54 > 0:50:57So you pick it up with two hands, like that,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00and let it fall through your fingers,
0:51:00 > 0:51:02so it goes in evenly.
0:51:02 > 0:51:04Is there a limited time for how long you've got to work with it?
0:51:04 > 0:51:06- Yeah.- OK.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09In terms of the finished product, I've noticed that everything in
0:51:09 > 0:51:13the studio is this beautiful, chalky colour - is that how it should stay?
0:51:13 > 0:51:14I think so, yeah.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17It never looked very good when it's actually painted a colour.
0:51:17 > 0:51:19Do they need to be treated?
0:51:19 > 0:51:21Cos they look incredibly fragile, some of them.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23No, they don't. They don't need to be treated.
0:51:23 > 0:51:27Right now, it's just taking the water on board.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30But very shortly, it's going to begin a chemical reaction
0:51:30 > 0:51:33which is going to create crystals of gypsum,
0:51:33 > 0:51:37which is ultimately going to give it that rigidity. So, rapidly.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Why is it, whenever you've got hands like this,
0:51:39 > 0:51:40you get a really itchy nose?
0:51:40 > 0:51:44I've got a really itchy nose!
0:51:44 > 0:51:47The next step is to start mixing by hand to dissolve the lumps,
0:51:47 > 0:51:51all the time trying to avoid introducing air into the plaster.
0:51:51 > 0:51:55Right, we're ready to pour, so just put the handle over that side.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59And then if you just pour in one location right in the middle...
0:51:59 > 0:52:03- relatively slowly. - So don't move around?- That's right.
0:52:03 > 0:52:07Before the advent of silicone in the 1980s, artists used
0:52:07 > 0:52:10a range of materials to make moulds, including lead and gelatine,
0:52:10 > 0:52:14although neither were as flexible and durable as modern-day rubber.
0:52:14 > 0:52:17Once the plaster is set a little, the over-fill is screed off
0:52:17 > 0:52:19using a straight edge.
0:52:19 > 0:52:22- Slowly, or one big fast movement? - Slowly.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25In order for the piece to be hung on a wall, a wire hook is
0:52:25 > 0:52:30embedded in the drying plaster and it's then left to set.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33Now, just push it in a bit.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35An hour so later, the plaster has fully hardened,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39so the case and silicone mould can be removed.
0:52:39 > 0:52:40Shall I turn it over?
0:52:42 > 0:52:44- There's some weight in it, isn't there?- There is.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Getting the large pieces out must be a big...
0:52:47 > 0:52:49Ooh, it's already fallen out.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51Just take the case. Got that?
0:52:51 > 0:52:53- Yeah, got that bit.- Great.
0:52:53 > 0:52:57OK, now you can have the fun job of just pulling off the rubber.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00This is like taking the best cake ever out of a cake tin.
0:53:00 > 0:53:04Oh, it's beautiful. Oh, goodness me! It's beautiful!
0:53:04 > 0:53:06Oh, it's so lovely!
0:53:06 > 0:53:08- Wow!- I don't know why I'm surprised.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11I know, you did sound a bit shocked then!
0:53:11 > 0:53:14I would be pleased with that for my first one.
0:53:14 > 0:53:16It's absolutely beautiful.
0:53:16 > 0:53:18I've got a long way to go to get your standard, but...
0:53:18 > 0:53:20Oh, I don't know. Give you a job.
0:53:21 > 0:53:25With ornamental plasterwork very much in vogue, it's amazing
0:53:25 > 0:53:30to see this 500-year-old tradition still going strong in South Devon.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35We certainly gave our couple plenty to consider
0:53:35 > 0:53:37and it's time for me now to discover
0:53:37 > 0:53:40if any of the houses we showed them could become a home.
0:53:44 > 0:53:46What a glorious two days we've had in South Hams.
0:53:46 > 0:53:50The sun has been shining for us, we've see some fantastic properties,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53and I have a feeling that two are standing out for the two of you,
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Am I on the right lines?
0:53:55 > 0:53:57The stone farmhouse, I think, ticked all the boxes.
0:53:57 > 0:54:01Absolutely stunning, loved the courtyard, loved the accommodation,
0:54:01 > 0:54:04and the ideal holiday let for us as well.
0:54:04 > 0:54:07And even gave us an acre pasture, a little paddock,
0:54:07 > 0:54:08which we hadn't expected.
0:54:08 > 0:54:10We want to check out the location, I think,
0:54:10 > 0:54:12because of the proximity to Chillington.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15We'd just need to check how easy it is to get in and out of Chillington.
0:54:15 > 0:54:20I think that was the only thing that didn't fully tick the box,
0:54:20 > 0:54:22to say, all right, we'll sign the contract today.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25When it came to the white house, that was stunning.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28The fittings and the features, absolutely outstanding.
0:54:28 > 0:54:31And the holiday let, well, you could have lived in there
0:54:31 > 0:54:32quite happily on its own.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35The views from both were stunning and lovely.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38So, I think we would do that one on the back burner, but only
0:54:38 > 0:54:41because, if need be, we would have to secure the extra funding.
0:54:41 > 0:54:43It's obviously over-budget.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46We can do that, but it would take a little bit longer to achieve.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49But I think that's absolutely fantastic news.
0:54:49 > 0:54:52I'm so thrilled that we've managed to find two properties
0:54:52 > 0:54:53that appeal to you.
0:54:53 > 0:54:56So are there any plans for the stone farmhouse?
0:54:56 > 0:54:59We'll certainly check out the area
0:54:59 > 0:55:02and just get that solidified in our minds.
0:55:02 > 0:55:06And go back and have a second viewing,
0:55:06 > 0:55:10just to see if it's just as good the second time as it was the first.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13Because, you know, it helps to view something twice at least.
0:55:13 > 0:55:14Absolutely.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17Now, I recall at the start of this process,
0:55:17 > 0:55:21you had this very large envelope and inside it was some properties
0:55:21 > 0:55:25that your daughter thought we might pluck out for you to look at.
0:55:25 > 0:55:29- Are you ready to open it?- Yes. - Go on.- I think we need to do that.
0:55:29 > 0:55:31- Sealed.- Sealed.
0:55:31 > 0:55:35Now we have to see whether these predictions are anything like...
0:55:35 > 0:55:38I'm really intrigued to see if people
0:55:38 > 0:55:42that know you well have chosen similar properties. So...
0:55:42 > 0:55:45Oh, my word!
0:55:45 > 0:55:47Oh, my word.
0:55:47 > 0:55:49There we are.
0:55:49 > 0:55:51That's it.
0:55:51 > 0:55:55- There we are.- They do know you well.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58Oh, she's gone quite emotional. Oh, bless yourself.
0:55:58 > 0:56:02- Who knows? Maybe it's meant to be. - Oh, dear me.
0:56:02 > 0:56:04- You all right?- Sorry!
0:56:04 > 0:56:05Oh, my word. That's...
0:56:05 > 0:56:08- And it says, on a big sticky... - Big, orange sticky...
0:56:08 > 0:56:11"Our first choice."
0:56:11 > 0:56:17- Well, the family like it, you know that much!- Oh, my word!
0:56:17 > 0:56:20I think you need to go and get that second viewing booked.
0:56:20 > 0:56:24- I think we might, before we go back.- Oh, deary me.
0:56:24 > 0:56:26We wish you well with your search and we really hope you find
0:56:26 > 0:56:29somewhere that makes you very happy down here.
0:56:29 > 0:56:32Well, thank you, Ginny, too for a fantastic experience for us.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34- Thank you very much. - Yes, it certainly has.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40While we're looking around the stone farmhouse, I got such
0:56:40 > 0:56:44a strong sense that our couple really liked it, Will in particular.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46So, hopefully, once they've explored the area more,
0:56:46 > 0:56:51they may have found the perfect home to enjoy those gin and tonics in.
0:56:51 > 0:56:55Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:56:55 > 0:56:58Will and Kate did return to the stone farmhouse for a second
0:56:58 > 0:57:01viewing, but in the end their heads overruled their hearts
0:57:01 > 0:57:04and they decided it was too remote for them.
0:57:04 > 0:57:07If you'd like to escape to the country in either
0:57:07 > 0:57:10England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland and need our help,
0:57:10 > 0:57:13then please apply online at...