0:00:02 > 0:00:03This magnificent viaduct
0:00:03 > 0:00:06with its 27 arches that reflect in the water behind me
0:00:06 > 0:00:10makes a striking backdrop to some rather restorative gardens.
0:00:10 > 0:00:13But where have I come to for this picturesque setting?
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Find out in just a moment.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36Today's buyer has dreams of the good life
0:00:36 > 0:00:39and has brought her best buddy along for the ride.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41They are both impressed by our characterful
0:00:41 > 0:00:43collection of cottages.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47- Oh, this is a pretty little room, isn't it?- It's very nice, yes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49And at one of our houses she clearly feels at home.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51It's gorgeous.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- Love it.- You're beginning to go, aren't you?- Yeah, she is.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- The dream is a step closer.- Yes.
0:00:59 > 0:01:00Today, I am in Somerset
0:01:00 > 0:01:04and this is the Grade II listed Charlton Viaduct.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Built in 1874,
0:01:06 > 0:01:11it stands an impressive 15 metres above the River Sheppey
0:01:11 > 0:01:13and was the longest of seven viaducts that were
0:01:13 > 0:01:18built along the 26-mile stretch of the Somerset and Dorset Railway.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20Now no longer in use,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23the viaduct makes a statuesque feature to the public gardens
0:01:23 > 0:01:26here at Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27And later on in the show
0:01:27 > 0:01:30I'll be back to find out more about the history of these gardens,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34but in the meantime, there is plenty more on offer
0:01:34 > 0:01:36in this beautiful western county.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40In the heart of the West Country, Somerset is England's
0:01:40 > 0:01:43seventh largest county and shares its border with Devon
0:01:43 > 0:01:47and Dorset in the south, and Wiltshire to the east.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51It is a county with a range of contrasting landscapes,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53from dramatic rocky shorelines
0:01:53 > 0:01:55to gently rolling countryside.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57As well as craggy cliffs,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01the coast of the Bristol Channel is made up of long sandy beaches
0:02:01 > 0:02:06such as the resort of Burnham-On-Sea, home to two wooden lighthouses
0:02:06 > 0:02:08perched high on stilts.
0:02:08 > 0:02:13Inland, the Mendip Hills cover an area of 120 square miles.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Popular with hikers, it's also home to one of the most famous
0:02:16 > 0:02:20limestone gorges in the world at Cheddar.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Pretty villages include Norton St Philip
0:02:22 > 0:02:24with its 15th century pub
0:02:24 > 0:02:28which some would say is the oldest tavern in Britain.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31The low-lying Somerset levels and moors are a haven to
0:02:31 > 0:02:33a variety of birds and wildlife
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and, although prone to flooding,
0:02:35 > 0:02:37it's hoped a major investment in defences,
0:02:37 > 0:02:41including the dredging of its network of river channels,
0:02:41 > 0:02:46will prevent a repeat of the 2013 flooding.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49With the added draw of the Quantock Hills,
0:02:49 > 0:02:51a rolling landscape of patchwork fields,
0:02:51 > 0:02:57this is a county for those seeking an authentic slice of rural Britain.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03If you pick Somerset as your county of choice, you will find that
0:03:03 > 0:03:07prices hang tantalisingly below the national average.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10Currently, the average price for a detached house in England
0:03:10 > 0:03:14and Wales is around £282,000,
0:03:14 > 0:03:16but in Somerset as a whole
0:03:16 > 0:03:21you will be making a saving of around £5,000 from that figure.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25However, in the far north of the county you may expect to pay
0:03:25 > 0:03:28a little bit more due to the swift transport links
0:03:28 > 0:03:30between Bristol and London.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33So, how will this glorious county provide the perfect
0:03:33 > 0:03:35environment for today's buyer?
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Well, let's meet her and find out.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Today's house hunter is Gina from Bristol
0:03:41 > 0:03:43who has lived in this three-bedroomed cottage
0:03:43 > 0:03:46on the outskirts of the city for 18 years.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Supporting her on the move is Claire, Gina's best friend.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53Claire and I met about 30 years ago, wasn't it,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55in Northamptonshire where we both lived.
0:03:55 > 0:03:56- And we got chatting.- Yeah.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- We just instantly liked each other.- Yep. Clicked, didn't we?
0:04:00 > 0:04:03We've religiously kept in contact.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06At minimum, we have a long conversation once a week
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and, really, our friendship has just been like that
0:04:09 > 0:04:11- all the way through.- Absolutely.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15Although Gina's spent nearly two decades in her beautifully
0:04:15 > 0:04:19renovated and much-loved home, she now feels it's time to move on.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21I currently live in North Bristol.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25My property is situated on a no-through road,
0:04:25 > 0:04:28but at the end of this road is the A38, which is a dual carriageway,
0:04:28 > 0:04:32so that's a very busy road, particularly in the rush hour.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35Bristol, generally, is a very busy area.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37I think if you could pick up this house, actually,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40and move it into the country you would be really happy.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42I would, yeah.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45But since Gina's two adult sons still live in Bristol,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47she doesn't want to venture too far,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50so the Somerset countryside is the happy medium.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53Somerset is an ideal location for me.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57It's got good motorway access back to Bristol,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00but then again, you are out in the beautiful countryside
0:05:00 > 0:05:05and I particularly love waking up in the morning, hearing the birds.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07It just feels right to me,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09if you can understand that, it's a feeling.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10And in her spare time
0:05:10 > 0:05:12Gina plans to pursue a more
0:05:12 > 0:05:14self-sufficient way of life.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17I think you're going to love living in the countryside.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19You're going to have a bit of outside space,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21- you'll be able to grow your vegetables.- Absolutely.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- Have more animals.- Yeah, keep a dog.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27As well as her friendship, when it comes to rural endeavours,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Claire speaks from experience.
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I've done a similar move to the country.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33I escaped five years ago,
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and I think some of our friends thought we were
0:05:36 > 0:05:39a bit crazy when they saw how remote we were living,
0:05:39 > 0:05:43but when Gina came down and saw the place for the first time...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- Oh, it was just wonderful.- ..she got it, she totally understood.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49So I do know the ins and outs
0:05:49 > 0:05:51of living in the country, and hopefully
0:05:51 > 0:05:55I can point out some of the possible pitfalls, if there are any.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Until she retired, Gina worked as an office manager
0:05:59 > 0:06:03for a construction company, so now the keen animal lover has more
0:06:03 > 0:06:05time to devote to her two cats
0:06:05 > 0:06:08as well as caring full-time for her elderly mother,
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Anita, who lives with her.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13Mum is obviously a big part of this move.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16And to start with, when I first talked to her about it,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19obviously she was a little bit reticent,
0:06:19 > 0:06:21but I think now she can see the benefits
0:06:21 > 0:06:24and it would make life much easier for her.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Despite a big change in lifestyle for Gina,
0:06:26 > 0:06:30her good friend Claire has no doubt this is the best thing for her.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33This move is only going to be positive for Gina.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38You'll have peace of mind that your mum is in suitable accommodation.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- Yep.- So that's all good and you'll have such a better quality of life.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44I think so too.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Gina wants to be within an hour's drive from her sons in Bristol,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57so our Somerset search will bear that in mind.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59I'm meeting up with the two friends
0:06:59 > 0:07:01to hear more about Gina's planned move.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Well, Gina and Claire, lovely to meet you.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- And welcome to Somerset. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- Why Somerset? Why this county? - It's just a good location for me.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- And it's beautiful.- It is. Best of both worlds in a way.- Absolutely!
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Close to Bristol but in the country.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- And you've brought your best friend Claire with you.- I have, yeah.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Claire, what are you going to bring to this search?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Well, we've been best friends for a long time, over 30 years.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27I know exactly the sort of thing Gina is looking for, because
0:07:27 > 0:07:29we've got similar tastes.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31And I'm hoping I can help her make the right decision.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34- Are you going to be the voice of reason?- Well, probably.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36Is there anything I should be looking out for?
0:07:36 > 0:07:38Um, she might just fall in love with something that's
0:07:38 > 0:07:42- not necessarily exactly what she really wants.- Right.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44So, what exactly, then, are we looking for? Just remind me.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47OK, yeah. A minimum of three bedrooms.
0:07:47 > 0:07:52I need one bedroom to be downstairs with a shower room for my mum.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55I'd quite like a big kitchen-diner.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57I would like a character property
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and I would like a nice big back garden
0:07:59 > 0:08:03where I can have a little veggie plot, fruit trees,
0:08:03 > 0:08:09chickens, and if there was space for more animals, that would be lovely.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12So I would like a big, animal-safe garden, really.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Yes, the larger, the better. - Yes, I think so.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18And, Gina, you've recently become your mother's carer, haven't you?
0:08:18 > 0:08:22And she's moved in with you. How does she feel about this move?
0:08:22 > 0:08:26I think she appreciates that with the facilities that she
0:08:26 > 0:08:30will have to a downstairs shower room, bedroom, it'll be a good move.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- So she's looking forward to it, is she?- Yes.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35And is she confident with your abilities to find you both a home?
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- Has she given you a little wish list?- Oh, bless.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Um... No, because I think she knows
0:08:42 > 0:08:45I have a mind of my own and I will
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- do the best for both of us. - Awww...
0:08:47 > 0:08:52- I'm liking that answer. I'm loving your mother even more.- Aw!
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Now, Claire, you know Gina so well. Anything that she wouldn't like?
0:08:55 > 0:08:56Any no-nos?
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I think anything that is too remote, she may like,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03but I don't think is going to be practical for her and her mum.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- Definitely. - And remind us of your budget.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08It is 375,000.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10And do you think that is realistic for this part of the country?
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I think so, yes.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It's the land that is going to be the interesting one, isn't it?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Well, let's just see what you've got for me, Nicki.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20Are you feeling flexible?
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Yes, I'm just open to looking at anything.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24Really excited about it.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27We do have some splendid properties to show you.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Claire, pressure is on you as well as me with this search.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32We've got to find that perfect home for the two of them.
0:09:32 > 0:09:33Absolutely, we have.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- Shall we get started, ladies? - That would be lovely.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Come on then.- Thank you, Nicki. - Thank you.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41With a top budget of £375,000,
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Gina would like a character property with a minimum of three bedrooms
0:09:45 > 0:09:48with one on the ground floor for her mother Anita.
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Gina would like a range in her kitchen
0:09:50 > 0:09:52and a large enough garden to keep
0:09:52 > 0:09:54chickens and grow her own produce.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57We've scoured the property market
0:09:57 > 0:10:00and come up with a fine selection of Somerset homes
0:10:00 > 0:10:02to entice Gina and Claire,
0:10:02 > 0:10:06but they won't be furnished with the price until the end of our viewings.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09At our last contender, the Mystery House, we will see just how
0:10:09 > 0:10:12far Gina is willing to compromise on her home
0:10:12 > 0:10:13to get the land she's after.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Your time is going to be busy, isn't it? Yeah! Yeah! It'll be lovely!
0:10:23 > 0:10:24Yeah.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27And do we think a local community is going to be important, Claire?
0:10:27 > 0:10:28Because you've made the move. Your macro yes.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31How quickly did you make friends by new moves to the country
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Well, actually, I think it's a lot easier in the country.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38If you make that effort and go halfway to meet people and
0:10:38 > 0:10:42join in things, then they really are very welcoming.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Jena seems a very sociable person. - She'll be doing all sorts, Nicky,.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49She'll be on every committee, she'll be going to every type of class...
0:10:49 > 0:10:50Yes.
0:10:50 > 0:10:51There you go. Yes.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56The first property lined up for Gina and Claire is in the village
0:10:56 > 0:10:58of Pilton, in the north of the county.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Situated on the edge of the Somerset levels,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04the pretty village is made up of attractive lanes flanked by
0:11:04 > 0:11:08rows of cottages built from locally quarried Middle Lias stone,
0:11:08 > 0:11:12with red clay double Roman roof tiles.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Today, Pilton is probably most famous as the location for
0:11:15 > 0:11:17the Glastonbury music festival,
0:11:17 > 0:11:20which takes place on farmland just south of the village centre.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24Many of the proceeds from the festival are reinvested in local
0:11:24 > 0:11:28amenities and all the residents benefit from a free ticket.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31House number one is located on the edge of the popular village.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36So, our first property in Somerset!
0:11:36 > 0:11:39It's very nice. Very well-kept.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43It looks in very good condition, as if it doesn't need anything doing.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Ideal.- Mm-hm.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49It looks as if there's going to be a fair amount of downstairs space.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- Yeah. Lovely location.- It looks in good condition.- Beautiful views.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Yes!- Oh, look at those views!
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- What a nice location.- It's fantastic!- Isn't it beautiful?- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Very nice, yes.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Is it a new-build?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Built around 1950s.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Quite a lot of work has been done to it,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09especially in the last 10 to 15 years.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- It has been extended. - Interesting, yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- It sounds like first impressions of the house are pretty good, as well! - Yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Are you liking it as well, Claire? - Yes, I am. I am.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20I like the look of it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Excellent. Right, well, I think we should start, don't you?- Definitely.
0:12:23 > 0:12:24- Yes.- Come on, then.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29The current owners have lived in the property for nearly 20 years
0:12:29 > 0:12:30and added the wing to the left,
0:12:30 > 0:12:35which incorporates a garage with an additional bedroom above.
0:12:35 > 0:12:37The ground floor accommodation is arranged off
0:12:37 > 0:12:39a central hallway and includes a dining room,
0:12:39 > 0:12:44study area and a bedroom, that could work for mum Anita on one side.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Then the kitchen and sitting room lie to the other.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50So let's start off with our sitting room.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52With access to the patio outside.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55The doors to the outside are nice and I like the fireplace.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56The fireplace is lovely.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Nice having the double aspect with the doors and windows.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04Having access is lovely, especially if you've got a dog or the animals.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Yes!- So perhaps not the largest of sitting rooms,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10but there are plenty of rooms with this property.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14Do you want to follow me? We'll go through to the kitchen.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18So the sitting room isn't that large,
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- but the kitchen is certainly bigger. - Yeah.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- Do you like it?- It's nice having the patio doors out.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- And it's nice to have room for the table.- Yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28I do like the range cooker.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31- And you've got an additional hob as well.- Yes.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34- There is a utility room around the corner.- I see, yeah.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37And from here, along the hallway, you've got a separate dining room.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42And down a couple of stairs you've got another very small study,
0:13:42 > 0:13:46snug... So I'm thinking, for your mum,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48you could be in one part and she could be in the other.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49There's enough space.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- So although the rooms aren't huge, you do have separate rooms. - That's good, yeah.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- That makes a big difference. - Very good.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58And you're probably hoping that there is an additional room
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- downstairs that's going to suit Anita.- Yes!
0:14:01 > 0:14:03Let's take a look at the bedroom.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07So that's Gin's living space covered.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10The potential bedroom for her mother is just across the hallway
0:14:10 > 0:14:12from the sitting room.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15So the all-important room for Anita.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- That would be ideal for a bedroom. - It's a good size, isn't it?
0:14:19 > 0:14:23You also have a bathroom on the ground floor.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25So you've got a bath and you step in for a shower, as well.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Mm, not ideal.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31OK. Now, we're going to show you houses that aren't going to be...
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Oh, absolutely!- ..perfect.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36So that's something you're probably going to have to think about.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Would that put you off buying a house?
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- Because that, for me, is a very small job.- Yes.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44No, if everything else was right, no, it wouldn't.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49- Yeah. But, as space goes... - Pretty good room.- Yes, yes.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52And I think as long as you've got the downstairs bathroom,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- you can always convert. - Yeah.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57And Gina, it's just as important we find somewhere lovely for you
0:14:57 > 0:14:59as a bedroom.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01So let's go and take a look upstairs.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07As well as the downstairs bedroom, there are three further bedrooms
0:15:07 > 0:15:11upstairs, including two in the eaves in the older wing of the property.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Both served by a small shower room.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17The bedroom I've earmarked for Gina is accessed by its own staircase
0:15:17 > 0:15:20from the ground floor study in the extended part of the house.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24This is the extension.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27So the staircase that we came up has this bedroom and
0:15:27 > 0:15:31- a really good family bathroom behind us.- That's nice.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34And you're on your own - this is the wing, if you like.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- That's good, isn't it? - That's brilliant!
0:15:36 > 0:15:39You could have this as your little master suite or guest wing.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Absolutely.- When the boys come on a separate bathroom.- Yes.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44That's nice, isn't it?
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- Plenty of storage.- Yes.- And another nice view.- Yes.- Yes.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53What's the overall feeling for this property, girls?
0:15:53 > 0:15:57Um, for me, it's the character thing.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Not necessarily old, but character.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Does this have enough character for you?- No, I don't think so.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Right. Claire?- I don't think it's quite Gina's era, if you like.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- Yeah.- A little too modern in some ways.- Well, let's head back outside.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Claire, if you wouldn't mind leading the way,
0:16:13 > 0:16:14we're going to discuss money.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Right.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Although we've got it right with the configuration of the rooms,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I think Gina and Claire are struggling to appreciate the
0:16:22 > 0:16:25style of our 1950s property.
0:16:25 > 0:16:29The gardens to the front and side are mainly lawn,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32and there's a private patio area at the back of the kitchen.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36But I'm conscious that Gina wanted to keep animals and grow her own produce.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39Although there is probably space for a chicken run,
0:16:39 > 0:16:42she'll be hard pushed to achieve self-sufficiently at this house.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48- I was looking for a little bit more garden.- Yeah.- I'm not going to lie,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50it's not huge.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54However, if you did want to keep animals further down the line -
0:16:54 > 0:16:58you wanted some rare pigs or perhaps a donkey - you can see those
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- parcels of land or around. - Yeah.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Farmers are always looking for people to rent it.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So that's not a problem.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08- Let's see what we think of the price.- OK.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11How much do you think this is on the market for?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- Right, who's going first? - You go first, Gina.- OK. Um...
0:17:14 > 0:17:18I think probably about 360.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Right. Claire?
0:17:21 > 0:17:24I was going to say 365, because I think it's in
0:17:24 > 0:17:27a fantastic location and it's a lovely house, actually.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30I'm just not sure it's the right one for Gina.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Well, you're both remarkably close.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35In fact one of you is on the money.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Claire!- Ah!- Well done!
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- The asking price is £365,000. - Well done!
0:17:41 > 0:17:45So why don't you take the opportunity to have a wander around on your own?
0:17:45 > 0:17:47- Check out the side of the garden. - Thank you, Nicki.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Be my guest.- Thank you.
0:17:50 > 0:17:56Under budget by £10,000, this extended 1950s property gives
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Gina much of what she asked for with a bit of money left over.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01It has a kitchen with a range,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04one more bedroom than she requested,
0:18:04 > 0:18:06including a ground floor for Mum,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09and little to do in the way of alterations.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13It's on the edge of a sought-after village, but may lack the land
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Gina is looking for.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17I think the property is really nice.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20The area is absolutely stunning.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25For me, I think I need slightly more character in the property.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- This is a bit of a sun trap, isn't it?- Oh, yes, it's lovely.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32- Yeah, it's a nice little patio area. - Yeah.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36But I don't think it quite the big garden, is it?
0:18:36 > 0:18:40THe location is fantastic - the views, the village.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42We were a bit disappointed in the size of the garden, though.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45For Gina, that is one of her real must-haves.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47So overall, I think it's a beautiful property,
0:18:47 > 0:18:50but I don't think it's the one for Gina.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- Have we seen enough, ladies? - Yes, thank you.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56- That's our first house done, more to show you.- Lovely. Thank you.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06Situated in the rolling Somerset landscape of the Blackdown Hills
0:19:06 > 0:19:09is the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which has been providing
0:19:09 > 0:19:13refuge for unwanted animals since the Second World War.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16As a charity, it relies entirely on donations
0:19:16 > 0:19:20and members of the public to help look after its 300 or so residents.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25Gina's passion for animals is clear, but she's also expressed
0:19:25 > 0:19:28an interest in volunteering when she moves,
0:19:28 > 0:19:31so we have arranged for her and Claire to visit the shelter
0:19:31 > 0:19:33where they are meeting director, Jenny Wheadon.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Welcome to Ferne Animal Sanctuary. - Thank you, Jenny.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Thank you very much for having us here today. It really is a beautiful place.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41So how did it all start, Jenny?
0:19:41 > 0:19:44There's a lovely story behind the beginnings of the sanctuary,
0:19:44 > 0:19:46actually. Back at the beginning of the Second World War,
0:19:46 > 0:19:49there was a lady called Nina, who was the Duchess of Hamilton.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52She recognised that there were men and women going off to fight
0:19:52 > 0:19:55for their country who wouldn't have anyone to look after their pets
0:19:55 > 0:19:59and she went to the BBC and asked if she could use the medium of radio
0:19:59 > 0:20:00to broadcast that to the nation.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And legend has it that by the time she got back to her London home,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06there were 40 cats and dogs and a parrot waiting for her!
0:20:06 > 0:20:09So you can imagine that was a huge task for her to look after.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And she shipped them all down to her country estate,
0:20:12 > 0:20:14which was near Shaftesbury in Dorset
0:20:14 > 0:20:16and was called Ferne, hence the name.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- Hence the name, yeah.- And, of course, at the end of the war,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21many of the owners didn't return so that was how the sanctuary started,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24when she's tried to find permanent homes for all the animals
0:20:24 > 0:20:26that she had collected through the war.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30So, Jenny, you say the site used to be in Dorset and they moved here.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Yes, after the Duchess died, the estate was wound up and the
0:20:34 > 0:20:38sanctuary relocated to this site in Somerset, just over the border.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41How many animals have you got here?
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Well, we have around 300 animals here at any one time.
0:20:44 > 0:20:45All various species
0:20:45 > 0:20:48from horses, donkeys, cattle, sheep, pigs,
0:20:48 > 0:20:52goats, cats and dogs, and all the small furry pets as well.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56300 animals may sound a lot, but it's just the tip of the iceberg.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01Every year, over 7.5 million arrive at animal shelters across the UK.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03The vast majority, cats and dogs
0:21:03 > 0:21:08either abandoned by their owners or found roaming Britain's streets.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11As well as providing refuge, the Somerset sanctuary
0:21:11 > 0:21:15tries to find loving new homes for as many of its animals as possible.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Some horses and ponies are available for permanent loan.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Gina used to ride herself
0:21:21 > 0:21:24and she is keen to meet one of the shelter's new arrivals.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28So, Gina and Claire, this is our latest resident, as yet unnamed.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30- Oh!- Oh!
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- How gorgeous.- She's just two weeks old today.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Aw, so what's Mum's story? How did she get rescued?
0:21:37 > 0:21:40Well, the mum is called Sydney and she had been abandoned
0:21:40 > 0:21:44with 14 other ponies, in spite of the fact that she was pregnant.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And she came here and very soon delivered her baby.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- So will the foal be adopted? - Hopefully, when she's old enough.
0:21:51 > 0:21:52And Mum as well.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55It would be lovely if the two of them could go together.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Look at that foal.- Look at that little foal. It is gorgeous.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03Charities like the Ferne Animal Sanctuary could not function
0:22:03 > 0:22:05without the help of volunteers.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Around 150 of them work across the 51-acre site,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12including current volunteer Bernie
0:22:12 > 0:22:15and her two companions, Molly and Rosie.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17I'll leave you in Bernie's capable hands.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19- It's been lovely meeting you both.- Thank you very much.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Thank you, Jenny.- Bye-bye. - Thank you.- Bye-bye.- Bye-bye.- Hello!
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Dogs and cats are available for re-homing within a 40 mile
0:22:25 > 0:22:27radius of the shelter.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29With up to 250 dogs waiting to be adopted,
0:22:29 > 0:22:34one of the tasks is to help exercise and socialise these animals.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36So, Bernie, how long have you worked here?
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Well, I've volunteered here for the past two years.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- I started when I retired from work. - Oh, what a nice thing to do.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- Yeah, it is. - What made you decide to do that?
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Well, I retired and I wanted to do something voluntary
0:22:49 > 0:22:51and I had worked all my life with children
0:22:51 > 0:22:54- so I decided I'd rather work with animals for a change!- Yeah!
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Is it sort of a nine-to-five job, you have to be available all day?
0:22:57 > 0:23:00No. Really, the volunteer is in charge of the hours they work
0:23:00 > 0:23:03or the days and you can help on a regular basis.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05I work in the cattery, for example.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09You can walk dogs, you can help in the office or in our charity shops,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12because, obviously, fundraising is a major thing that we do.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15So all that kind of fundraising activity, shops,
0:23:15 > 0:23:17they all need people to help.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21The Somerset countryside is not only a haven for animals, but could
0:23:21 > 0:23:25also offer Gina sanctuary to pursue her hobbies.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28We now need to find our buyer some territory of her own,
0:23:28 > 0:23:30and with that in mind it's back to the house hunt.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37For our next offering, we're heading to the hamlet of Parbrook,
0:23:37 > 0:23:40which is just a few miles from Baltonsborough.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42Here there are basic amenities,
0:23:42 > 0:23:44including a public house and a large village hall,
0:23:44 > 0:23:48hosting a range of events and clubs for the local community.
0:23:48 > 0:23:49Back in Parbrook,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52the house we are viewing is in the middle of the hamlet,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55where there is an array of pretty stone cottages, which will
0:23:55 > 0:23:59hopefully provide Gina with the kind of character she is after.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03So let me show you our next property.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Is very nice, isn't it?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08It's a Victorian property, so dates back to the 1870s.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- I like the look of it. - I do, as well.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Do you to know where we are within Somerset?- No.- No.- No idea, really.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17We're about six miles from Glastonbury
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- and about seven miles from Wells. - Right, OK.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23There is a village three miles away that has everything you need day-to-day,
0:24:23 > 0:24:27but we're actually in Parbrook, and it is a hamlet, so there
0:24:27 > 0:24:30aren't any amenities, just, as you can see, some wonderful properties.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- Yes.- Mm.- Very pretty.- Very pretty.
0:24:32 > 0:24:38I'm glad you're loving the outside. Hopefully, you're going to be just as impressed with what's inside.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Shall we?- Yes, let's!- Yes, please.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44The former farm cottage is actually semidetached,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47although from this angle it's hard to tell.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50At the front there's a single garage, handy for storage,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53which sits in front of an L-shaped cottage.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55The house is a two-storey building attached to
0:24:55 > 0:24:58a single-storey extension built seven years ago,
0:24:58 > 0:25:01which is where we're starting our tour.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Come on in, ladies. I'm going to start off with Mum.
0:25:04 > 0:25:10- We're actually thinking downstairs bedroom.- Oh, right, yes!- Yes?
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Yes, it should make a bedroom, wouldn't it?- Yeah.- I like the beans.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- A feeling of space, with the beans.- Yeah, yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19And then just off the hallway is a downstairs toilet.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23- Oh!- So that you could extend all the way along to this wall,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26to make it a downstairs shower room.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27So you've got the plumbing already,
0:25:27 > 0:25:29but you wanted a little bit of character.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- Yeah, we've certainly got that, haven't we.- Definitely.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34So this could be for Mum.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- Let's see what you make of the rest of the downstairs.- Yes.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42There is a small step. You've got your dining room here,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- and then you've got an L-shaped kitchen.- Quite a good size.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52The size is workable, isn't it? Because you've got a table there.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54It's very nice.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58I'd say I don't think the style of the units is exactly your style,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00but that's irrelevant, really, isn't it?
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Because it's a good shape.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- Could you work with this?- I could work with it. Absolutely, yes.
0:26:06 > 0:26:14And next door to this you've got your sitting room just through here.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18- Oh, this is a pretty little room, isn't it?- It's very nice. I like it.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21Very, very nice, yeah. Nice features.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- Big window looking at all, hopefully, your garden!- I hope!
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- That is - that's the good news! - There is a garden.
0:26:27 > 0:26:32- You two are instantly animated walking into this room.- Yes.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34- First time.- I like it! - I could tell.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36It's got a nice feel to it.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It has. It has, it has.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- Could you see yourself here with your mum?- Yes.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Oh, yes, I can see her in here, yes.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- Would you change anything in this room, do you think?- No, it's fine.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51I'll be asking you upstairs. Let's have a look.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57So both our ladies seem happy with what the downstairs house to offer,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00although Gina may need to make a few alterations to make it work
0:27:00 > 0:27:02for her and her mother.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Upstairs is a little smaller,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06not benefiting from the ground floor extension,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10but does have a bath and shower room and three good-sized
0:27:10 > 0:27:13neutrally decorated double bedrooms, including a master.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- It's a nice shape, isn't it?- Not a bad size, is it?- No, not at all.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Nice light room.
0:27:19 > 0:27:20I like it.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- It's not wowing you, is it? - Um...
0:27:22 > 0:27:26It's just because I think I would change certain things.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- It's probably about feeling, isn't it?- It is.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30And whilst I've got a feeling it's a nice house,
0:27:30 > 0:27:35I'm not exactly getting that 100% feeling for myself
0:27:35 > 0:27:38Well, there are three important elements to this move -
0:27:38 > 0:27:40getting it right for Anita, your mum,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43getting you the right property, but also finding you the right garden.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47- Yes.- So let's look at the final part of the jigsaw.- Yes, thank you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Although she is quite hard to read, I can't help but think Gina
0:27:51 > 0:27:53was expecting a bit more from this house.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Hopefully, the garden will impress,
0:27:56 > 0:27:58as it gives her space to grow her own vegetables
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and maybe even keep an animal or two.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03The garden is ideal.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07It's a nice shape, enclosed, private, chickens up the corner.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I couldn't have put it better myself!
0:28:10 > 0:28:11It's really nice.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Do you like it, Claire?- I love the garden, yes. I think it's perfect.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16- Yeah.- So, ladies, what are we thinking?
0:28:16 > 0:28:18Can we put a price on this property?
0:28:18 > 0:28:20I'm thinking maybe 345.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- OK. Gina?- Um...
0:28:24 > 0:28:28It is difficult... And it is a guess, and I'll say 350.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33- You two are so good at this, in a healthy way.- No!
0:28:33 > 0:28:37Because the asking price is £350,000.
0:28:37 > 0:28:40- So you're only five out. - We've got one each now!
0:28:40 > 0:28:42You're doing very well but in all seriousness,
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- it means you've got £25,000 left. - Yes, of course.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48If you wanted to change anything.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52So, knowing the price, does that change anything?
0:28:52 > 0:28:55- Um... No, I don't think so.- OK.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57No, I think it's still about the feel.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59And I do like it very much,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02but I'm just not getting that absolute feel at the moment.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Not straightaway. Fair enough. Well, go back in,
0:29:04 > 0:29:08get reacquainted with it and then give me a shout when you're ready.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Thank you.- Thank you, Nicki.
0:29:10 > 0:29:15Under budget by £25,000, this extended former farm worker's
0:29:15 > 0:29:18cottage gives Gina the character she was after.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19For her mother,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23there's a sizeable bedroom downstairs and three upstairs.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26Although the practical kitchen isn't to her taste, there would be
0:29:26 > 0:29:31capital left over to remodel and perhaps even install a range.
0:29:31 > 0:29:35It has a pretty, large garden and is set in a peaceful hamlet.
0:29:35 > 0:29:40I really like this property. Maybe I like it a little bit more than Gina.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Gina likes it, but I'm not sure she loves it.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I'm not sure that even having a spare bit of money
0:29:46 > 0:29:51will persuade Gina that she wants to go through the work of changing the
0:29:51 > 0:29:54content of the kitchen and putting in a shower room downstairs.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Let's have a look in here.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01- Another bedroom!- Yeah. - Probably a guest bedroom.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03Another nice room.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06Yes, this would make a good room for your best friend to stay in!
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- Oh, it would, wouldn't it, yeah! - I think so.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12My heart, I suppose, is about feeling,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15and my head is the practicalities.
0:30:15 > 0:30:18And I'm trying, really, to be very practical about it,
0:30:18 > 0:30:21because it's not just me to consider.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24Gina is looking for something that she will fall in love with,
0:30:24 > 0:30:27but it has got to also have all the right components.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Whether that exists, let's hope it does.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32But I'm not sure this is the one.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36- Well, we've had a good day to day, haven't we?- We have.- Very good.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39This is a beautiful spot. I'm not quite sure if we've cracked it,
0:30:39 > 0:30:41but the good news is we've got more to show you tomorrow.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43- Look forward to that.- Thank you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55It's the second day of our Somerset house hunt with Gina,
0:30:55 > 0:30:58who is accompanied by her friend Claire.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00On a £375,000 budget,
0:31:00 > 0:31:01Gina wants a country home
0:31:01 > 0:31:04which suits both her and her elderly mother too.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Still to come, the Mystery House reveals its surprise.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10- Well, I can see why it is the Mystery House.- Yes.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- It's just gorgeous, isn't it? - It really is lovely.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15And I meet the green-fingered fashion guru
0:31:15 > 0:31:18whose colourful garden is setting a trend.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21All I could see was lines of corporation roses - orange, yellow,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23pink, orange, yellow, pink.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26So I thought, "Well, they've got to go."
0:31:27 > 0:31:32Yesterday was a beautiful day weather-wise, but little gloomy
0:31:32 > 0:31:37on the property front, so today, I am hoping for some role reversal.
0:31:37 > 0:31:38Now, this search hasn't been easy.
0:31:38 > 0:31:43Trying to find that characterful home with a large garden
0:31:43 > 0:31:47that marries up both Gina and her mum Anita's requirements
0:31:47 > 0:31:49with very little adjustments.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52So what I'm showing them today, well, I hope it's going to give Gina
0:31:52 > 0:31:54that feeling that she so craves.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59The next home we're showing Gina is in the village of Burtle,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01around nine miles inland from the coast.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06Nearby Wedmore is a larger village situated on a ridge of land
0:32:06 > 0:32:09rising out from the Somerset Levels.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11A prosperous focal point for the area,
0:32:11 > 0:32:15its amenities include a range of independent shops, cafes and pubs.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Wedmore is steeped in history.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22In Saxon times, it was under the control of the Kings of Wessex
0:32:22 > 0:32:25and in 878 AD, King Alfred the Great
0:32:25 > 0:32:28declared peace with the Danes nearby.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31Today, its architecture gives the village a real charm
0:32:31 > 0:32:34which shines through whatever the weather.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37From late-Georgian townhouses...
0:32:37 > 0:32:41to an example built in the Italianate style.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Just south of Wedmore is the smaller village of Burtle,
0:32:44 > 0:32:46where our next house is located.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49Right, it might be raining, but it's not going to deter us
0:32:49 > 0:32:52because this is our next property.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55- Oh, wow.- Oh, I like this.- Oh, wow.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- This is lovely.- I'm liking it too well, even in the rain.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02- Is that the whole house?- It's the whole house.- The whole house!
0:33:02 > 0:33:06- Oh, look at the door. - Is this an extension?- Yep.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08The original part was 19th century.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10One extension was done in the 1970s
0:33:10 > 0:33:14and the other was done in the 1990s, so pretty substantial.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16It looks fabulous.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- So, because of the rain, let's head straight inside, yeah?- Please.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23Despite the downpour, there are upbeat reactions from both Gina
0:33:23 > 0:33:26and Claire to this detached country cottage.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29We are bypassing the porch and using the French doors, going
0:33:29 > 0:33:33through a lobby to reveal one of the reception rooms in the property.
0:33:33 > 0:33:36The good news is it's nice and dry in here, ladies.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- Ooh! Very nice.- I like it. - Look behind you, Gina.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46- Oh, that's beautiful.- Going to keep you toasty in the winter, isn't it?
0:33:46 > 0:33:50- Actually could do with it today. - Yes. Absolutely.- And this, I like this.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52That's beautiful.
0:33:52 > 0:33:55Now, the current owners have done an awful lot of work on this property.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Where they have,
0:33:57 > 0:34:01they've tried to take it back to how it perhaps looked 150, 200 years ago.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03- They've used as much as they can. - Absolutely.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06It's a beautiful bressummer beam there, isn't it?
0:34:06 > 0:34:08- It certainly is.- Lovely.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- I'm just getting that good feeling at the moment. Definitely.- Yeah.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- Yeah, it's looking good. I like it. - Do you like the beams?- Yes.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- It's a lovely room.- Yeah? - So, this is a wooden floor?
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- This is reclaimed parquet flooring. - Oh, OK.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27- You mentioned character and charm. Are you feeling that?- Yes, yes.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- Bucketfuls, I think. - Yes, it's lovely.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Early days, but could you see Gina here so far?
0:34:33 > 0:34:37This is a Gina house. So far, yes. So far, so good.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40We will continue the Gina tour then, shall we?
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Well, Claire clearly thinks this house works for her friend,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48but knowing how important the feel of the place is for Gina,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52I'm hoping the kitchen gives her the same sense.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- Love it.- It's not massive but it's gorgeous.- Love it.- Fabulous cooker.
0:34:56 > 0:35:02- You are beginning to go, aren't you? - Yeah, she is.- Yep.- Aww.
0:35:02 > 0:35:07Oh, wow, that's amazing. I love the wooden worktops.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08Look at the floor.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11- You've actually got underfloor heating. It's electric.- Oh, OK.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- Great, that's really good with these type of tiles.- Yeah.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- So it's not cold on your feet first thing in the morning.- No.
0:35:17 > 0:35:22- And if you've got a cat, they're going to love it.- I've got two.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24So far, it is working for me, yeah.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28- It's working, isn't it?- It is. - Look at the smile.- I saw...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Claire, I saw a little moist eye earlier on.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- This is just so Gina, it's lovely. - It's lovely.
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- Beautiful, I love it too. - The dream is a step closer.- Yes.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40OK, well, still one more thing to show you on this level,
0:35:40 > 0:35:43and also to mention there is a utility room.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Because the house has been extended,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47they couldn't put the utility room on this side,
0:35:47 > 0:35:48they've actually put on the other,
0:35:48 > 0:35:53- but you've got additional storage space, washer and dryer, room for that.- OK.
0:35:53 > 0:35:56Right, let's see what you make of the final thing on the ground floor.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01So, with both ladies falling for our country cottage,
0:36:01 > 0:36:05we just need to deal with mum Anita's living space and I've set
0:36:05 > 0:36:09aside the second reception room as her downstairs bedroom.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12Now, we can't forget Anita, can we?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- Gasp!- All-important Mummy.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18- I don't believe this, it just gets better.- Oh, I don't believe it!
0:36:18 > 0:36:21That is amazing.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23- Look at that stone fireplace. - It's beautiful.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27- Lovely and light and bright.- This is the way I actually brought you in.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29There's two entrances to the cottage.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32This one is a little bit wider, so perhaps if ever your mum did
0:36:32 > 0:36:35need a wheelchair or easier access, you could bring her straight in here.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39You've got this wonderful room which seems like a day room
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- rather than a bedroom.- Yes.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Potentially, if you wanted to change things around a little bit,
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- you've got your utility room next-door.- Oh, right.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48You can make that into a bathroom.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- I think we could do that.- Yes!
0:36:51 > 0:36:54- I'm happy, Claire.- Suddenly... - I'm happy.- A bit easier to do that.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57I might have sulked if she said no.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01You might be wondering about the staircase. So, this is the extension.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Upstairs, you've got a really large, generous double bedroom.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Next to that, you've got the family bathroom,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10single bedroom with walk-in wardrobes.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14- But there's another staircase with further bedrooms.- Goodness.- Right.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18As well as the two upstairs bedrooms in this wing of the property,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20there are two more in the older part.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24Both bedrooms are served by a beautiful family bathroom.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26One could make an excellent guest room for
0:37:26 > 0:37:30when Claire comes to stay and the other, Gina's master.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33- It is lovely room, another lovely room.- Absolutely.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- It's just hitting the spot, I think. - I love it.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Yeah? Getting a big thumbs-up?
0:37:40 > 0:37:43Yes, definitely. Couldn't be better. I hate to think what it costs.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Well, we are going to have to touch on that.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48It doesn't look as if it's raining quite as much as earlier on, but
0:37:48 > 0:37:52the garden is so beautiful, I think it's worth getting a little bit damp.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- Definitely.- Absolutely. - Let's take a look.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58The enclosed garden is south-facing and laid to lawn
0:37:58 > 0:38:01with a paved patio area at the front of the house.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04The level land provides space to keep animals
0:38:04 > 0:38:07and there's easily room for a greenhouse or vegetable patch.
0:38:08 > 0:38:13- Now you can see the garden in all its splendour.- It's really lovely.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15It's a lovely garden. Lots of nooks and crannies.
0:38:15 > 0:38:20Shrubs and trees, just what I wanted. And I even see chickens
0:38:20 > 0:38:21- and a chicken run.- Yes.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24You can negotiate, actually, keeping those on.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27But, what do we think about the price?
0:38:27 > 0:38:29I think it's over my budget.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33I think I'm going to go for 385.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35£385,000.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37That's exactly what I was going to say.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I do think that and hope they take an offer.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42I like that, the optimism.
0:38:42 > 0:38:46- So, you both think £10,000 over the your top budget?- Yes.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48The asking price is...
0:38:48 > 0:38:52£359,950.
0:38:52 > 0:38:57- No!- 15,000 under your budget. - Oh, my goodness.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- I don't believe that. Do you? - Oh, I'm so excited about it.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Should we do a rain dance?
0:39:02 > 0:39:04THEY LAUGH
0:39:04 > 0:39:06So why don't you go back in the warm?
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Have a look at the garden through that window at the top
0:39:08 > 0:39:10and all catch up with you when you're ready.
0:39:10 > 0:39:11- BOTH:- Thank you.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17The price of this extended country cottage comes as a nice surprise,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20as it's £15,000 under budget.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Dating back to the 19th century,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24it's been recently remodelled
0:39:24 > 0:39:25and includes
0:39:25 > 0:39:27a farmhouse-style kitchen,
0:39:27 > 0:39:28two large reception rooms,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30one of which could be turned
0:39:30 > 0:39:31into a bedroom,
0:39:31 > 0:39:33and four further bedrooms upstairs.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35The south-facing plot provides
0:39:35 > 0:39:37ample garden space for animals
0:39:37 > 0:39:38and vegetables.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42I definitely got the feeling with this property from the moment
0:39:42 > 0:39:46we actually came through the gate and saw it and saw the garden.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50And it continued when I walked in through the rooms.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53It's about a feeling and I definitely got it, yeah.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57- What have we got here, Gina? - Oh... This is a nice room, isn't it?
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- It's a lovely bedroom. Pretty, all done, nothing to do.- No, no.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04So what do you think you'd do with this room?
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Well, I'm not sure a moment. It could be a spare room.- Yeah.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09- It could be my room.- Yeah. - I'm not sure.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11I really like this property,
0:40:11 > 0:40:13and I know Gina does, obviously.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16It's fantastic. It really couldn't be any better.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17I just think it's made for her.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20It's her style, it's got the character,
0:40:20 > 0:40:22it's got the wood burner.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24And it's perfect for her mum as well.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- Now, that was a good house tour, wasn't it?- Certainly was.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Your faces say it all. Let's go.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42One last house to see and it's really got our two ladies thinking.
0:40:42 > 0:40:46Any idea how much we're going to challenge you with our Mystery House?
0:40:46 > 0:40:48I don't know, really,
0:40:48 > 0:40:51because I'm not sure on what front you're going to challenge me.
0:40:51 > 0:40:56I'm hoping it' not a really full of character doer-upper that Gina
0:40:56 > 0:40:57will fall in love with.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01Yes, because that's how my other properties have been, yeah.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04And that would be just awful, I think,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07because her heart would be, like, going two ways.
0:41:07 > 0:41:08Yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:09And what do you think, Gina?
0:41:09 > 0:41:13Well, um...open plan,
0:41:13 > 0:41:18contemporary, church or barn conversion...
0:41:18 > 0:41:20I hope it's not something with a communal garden.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Oh, gosh! I don't think that would suit you.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28For our final house, we're hopping over the border into Devon
0:41:28 > 0:41:31and travelling to the hamlet of Staple Cross.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35Two miles away is Holcombe Rogus, which was a centre of chair-making
0:41:35 > 0:41:40for 400 years until the last artisan shop closed in 1919.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42The village's most notable landmark
0:41:42 > 0:41:44is the privately-owned Holcombe Court,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47one of the finest Tudor houses in England.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49There's also a thriving pub
0:41:49 > 0:41:52and a garage which doubles up as a post office.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55There's an interesting mix of architecture with many houses
0:41:55 > 0:41:59built from cob or stone dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03And the 500-strong community is served by a freshwater spring.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08Our Mystery House is in the smaller settlement of Staple Cross.
0:42:08 > 0:42:09By venturing into Devon, we are
0:42:09 > 0:42:12lengthening Gina's journey time back to Bristol, but we are
0:42:12 > 0:42:16going on a charm offensive, plus there is a surprise in store.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18So...
0:42:18 > 0:42:24Our final property, of course, is your Mystery House.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27- It's cute, isn't it?- Very sweet. Very cute, yes.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30I think it's going to be full of character, hopefully.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34So we've had a little bit of a drive, not too far, to get here.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Any idea why we brought you here, why this is our Mystery House?
0:42:37 > 0:42:39No, not a clue at the moment.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Is it because we are no longer in Somerset?
0:42:41 > 0:42:45On the money. Totally. We are only half a mile across the border.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48- Not far, but we are actually in Devon.- OK.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52And this property is very different because it's part of a terrace.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54It dates back to the 17th century.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59It was actually the stables for the horses that worked for the pub.
0:42:59 > 0:43:04- Right, OK.- And I think it was in the 1970s it was converted into a house.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- Hopefully you are going to get the character that you are after. - OK.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- Yeah?- Yeah!- Let's start.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14Although it looks small from the front, the cottage has been extended
0:43:14 > 0:43:18to the rear, offering deceptively spacious accommodation inside.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23- So, off the hallway we have our sitting room.- This is a nice room.
0:43:23 > 0:43:24- This is very cosy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:43:24 > 0:43:29- A nice inglenook fireplace with a wood burner.- It oozes character.
0:43:29 > 0:43:30It does ooze character.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33I thought it was going to be really quite small but it goes back,
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- doesn't it?- It is a warm, very friendly property.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40And it does keep giving and giving as you are going to see.
0:43:44 > 0:43:49So, you have a beautiful dining room which leads out onto the patio area.
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Then next-door...we have our kitchen.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56That's nice, isn't it?
0:43:56 > 0:44:01Very characterful. And a range cooker which is on my wish list.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- And this is a kind of an L shape, is it?- Yes.
0:44:04 > 0:44:06So going down the little alleyway here,
0:44:06 > 0:44:10you have a larder at the back, a little area and you also
0:44:10 > 0:44:13have got a door which leads into a downstairs toilet and a utility room.
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- Oh, OK.- I really like it.- Mm.
0:44:15 > 0:44:18Would you change anything in here?
0:44:18 > 0:44:20Um, I don't think so, no.
0:44:22 > 0:44:23Mystery House is working so far.
0:44:23 > 0:44:27But, of course, there's another person we'd like to keep happy,
0:44:27 > 0:44:30- so were going to go back through the dining room.- OK.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33It seems that Gina and Claire
0:44:33 > 0:44:36are both captivated by the charms of this mystery cottage.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40The downstairs room we've set aside for Gina's mum is currently
0:44:40 > 0:44:41being used as a study.
0:44:41 > 0:44:46I know it's tight, but I'm hoping it could accommodate her needs.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50- It's a sweet room.- Yeah. - It's not very big, though, is it?
0:44:50 > 0:44:53I'm sure you could get a double bed in, but whether that would leave enough room...
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- You could definitely get a double bed....- Yes, you can.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- ..but you wouldn't get an awful lot of access inside.- No, no.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05- True.- But at the end of the day... - It's a sweet little bedroom.- Yeah.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09Upstairs, the historic tone continues.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12There are three bedrooms in total, all good-sized doubles
0:45:12 > 0:45:15and a family bathroom with corner bath.
0:45:16 > 0:45:21So, here is just one of the three bedrooms.
0:45:21 > 0:45:23Oh, isn't that sweet.
0:45:23 > 0:45:27- This is lovely.- Isn't it lovely? - I love the beams.- That's beautiful.
0:45:27 > 0:45:29It has been beautifully done, hasn't it?
0:45:29 > 0:45:31Oh, I really like this room, yeah.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- It looks very nice. - Is that a cupboard there?
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- That is a really good size en suite. Shall we?- En suite?!- Yep.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- This is...- This is your room.- Yes.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46This is bigger than what you imagine, isn't it, from the outside.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48- This is a lovely room. - It's a lovely room.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50I mean, when you first see the cottage,
0:45:50 > 0:45:53you think perhaps a generous two up, two down, don't you?
0:45:53 > 0:45:55- You do really, yes. - And you step in and in actual fact,
0:45:55 > 0:45:57what we are looking at is a family home.
0:45:57 > 0:46:01- Absolutely.- Yes, it's lovely.- And that's quite a surprise, isn't it?
0:46:01 > 0:46:03If you'd like to follow me,
0:46:03 > 0:46:05I've still got something else up my sleeve to show you.
0:46:05 > 0:46:06Ooh!
0:46:07 > 0:46:10The surprise I mentioned earlier is outside
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and it's not the fully enclosed courtyard garden with steps
0:46:13 > 0:46:16leading up to the landscape raised lawn area.
0:46:16 > 0:46:18The space I want to show Gina
0:46:18 > 0:46:21and Claire is further along the lane from the house.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24It's a private woodland garden offering Gina the chance to
0:46:24 > 0:46:26fulfil her dreams of self-sufficiency.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30- All right?- Think so.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34The mystery continues up here.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- This is your land.- No!- Yes.
0:46:37 > 0:46:41- That is amazing!- 0.8 of an acre.
0:46:41 > 0:46:43There is a vegetable patch just there.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46Some of it is laid to lawn but you've got your own woodland.
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- Look at the trees! - THEY LAUGH WITH DELIGHT
0:46:49 > 0:46:52- I'm speechless!- You could keep a pig in here.
0:46:52 > 0:46:53It would clear it for you.
0:46:53 > 0:46:57- You could, if you wanted to keep animals here.- It's lovely.
0:46:57 > 0:46:59So, this is the final part of the Mystery House.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Well, it is a mystery, yeah!
0:47:01 > 0:47:03Has it been worth crossing the border into Devon?
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- It's lovely, really lovely. - Certainly has.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08I can see you're both speechless, but in a good way.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11But we are going to have to try and put a number
0:47:11 > 0:47:14on the property with this land. So, let's guess the price.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16It's really difficult. I have no idea.
0:47:16 > 0:47:21- I'm just going to say £360,000.- OK.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Um...370.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26Ooh!
0:47:26 > 0:47:29What about if we went in between the two of you?
0:47:29 > 0:47:31Cos it's on for £365,000.
0:47:31 > 0:47:34- Wow. That's amazing, isn't it? - Under budget.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38Every property we've shown you has been under budget.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40- It has, yes.- Yeah.
0:47:40 > 0:47:42That's...very interesting.
0:47:42 > 0:47:46- And this is the one that has the land.- Yes.- Yes.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49Well, I can see why it was the Mystery House, because it's...
0:47:49 > 0:47:51- Gorgeous, isn't it? - It really is lovely.
0:47:51 > 0:47:53So why don't you head gently back, have a little look,
0:47:53 > 0:47:55and I'll see you when you are ready.
0:47:55 > 0:47:57- OK.- Mind those stairs.- Thank you.
0:47:58 > 0:48:02Below budget by £10,000, our mystery property
0:48:02 > 0:48:04is a terrace stone cottage
0:48:04 > 0:48:06dating to the 17th century
0:48:06 > 0:48:08that boasts a wealth of old features.
0:48:08 > 0:48:10It has a farmhouse-style kitchen
0:48:10 > 0:48:12and a downstairs study
0:48:12 > 0:48:14that could make a bedroom for Mum.
0:48:14 > 0:48:16Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms
0:48:16 > 0:48:18and, as well as a courtyard garden,
0:48:18 > 0:48:20there is almost an acre
0:48:20 > 0:48:22of private woodland just up the lane.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27From pulling up outside, it just had a very small frontage,
0:48:27 > 0:48:29and the cottage just kept giving and giving.
0:48:29 > 0:48:31And then, to be brought up here
0:48:31 > 0:48:34to this parcel of land, it's absolutely lovely.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38So, yes, the Mystery House hit the mark as well. Very nice.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43- Oh, this is another lovely room, isn't it?- This is pretty, yes.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46- I like the beams. - It's a good size too, isn't it?
0:48:46 > 0:48:49It is, actually, because you've got two singles there.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53- You know, you could easily fit a king-size bed.- Absolutely.
0:48:53 > 0:48:56I can see Gina living in this house. It's very much her type of house.
0:48:56 > 0:49:00It had a lot of character. I think her mum would like it as well.
0:49:00 > 0:49:05I'm not sure that the accommodation for Anita was perfect.
0:49:05 > 0:49:09I do have a lot to think about, but, to be honest with you,
0:49:09 > 0:49:12there's a clear winner in my mind.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15Right, well, you've seen our properties in Somerset.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19We've crossed the border into Devon for the Mystery House. That's it.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22- So, I guess you want some time to have a chat?- I think so.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24- We'll have a think about it. - Absolutely.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27- Find out what your next move is going to be.- OK.- Come on, then.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36During the late medieval period,
0:49:36 > 0:49:41the Somerset countryside was home to a thriving cottage textile industry.
0:49:41 > 0:49:45The market town of Shepton Mallet close to the Mendip Hills,
0:49:45 > 0:49:47was a major wool trading centre.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49And by the 17th century,
0:49:49 > 0:49:52a number of mills had sprung up along the River Sheppey.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57Fast forward to the 1990s when fashion entrepreneur Roger Saul
0:49:57 > 0:50:00bought Kilver Court, a former Victorian mill complex
0:50:00 > 0:50:04and ran his successful leather handbag company from the estate.
0:50:04 > 0:50:08But after selling the fashion business in 2004,
0:50:08 > 0:50:10he opened up the site to the public.
0:50:10 > 0:50:12I've come to meet him to find
0:50:12 > 0:50:15out more about the history of the mill and its gardens.
0:50:16 > 0:50:19- Hi, Roger. Lovely to meet you. - Welcome.- Thank you very much.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21Beautiful spot here.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25And I understand this site has a fascinating history.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27Can you tell us a little bit about its background?
0:50:27 > 0:50:31Yeah, it started really, I suppose, back in probably Roman times
0:50:31 > 0:50:33when they first made textiles here.
0:50:33 > 0:50:35There would have been sheep up on the Mendips
0:50:35 > 0:50:38and down in Shepton with the river coming through, it would
0:50:38 > 0:50:41have been where they milled all of the wool from the Mendips.
0:50:41 > 0:50:46By 1500, Somerset was probably a bigger wool producer than Yorkshire.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48- Was it really? - One of the biggest in the country.
0:50:48 > 0:50:51So you could say that was a sort of fashion beginning.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53West of England cloth came from here,
0:50:53 > 0:50:55Queen Victoria's dress was made here.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58So a whole sort of succession of really strong
0:50:58 > 0:51:00entrepreneurial, industrial history.
0:51:02 > 0:51:06The earliest mill at Kilver Court was established in the 1500s.
0:51:06 > 0:51:10The present buildings date to the 19th century when businessman
0:51:10 > 0:51:15Ernest Jardine ran a lace-making factory on the 3.5 acre site.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Jardine was a progressive industrialist who
0:51:17 > 0:51:22wanted to keep his workforce happy, so he created fabulous gardens
0:51:22 > 0:51:25and a lake for his employees to relax in.
0:51:25 > 0:51:27All entrepreneurs that understood that
0:51:27 > 0:51:29if they wanted to grow their businesses successfully
0:51:29 > 0:51:32in those really successful Victorian times,
0:51:32 > 0:51:35they had to have a workforce that was motivated.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38So, at that stage, he would have rebuilt the buildings,
0:51:38 > 0:51:40he would have redone some of the cottages
0:51:40 > 0:51:42and made it a much more amenable place to work in.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45And also, he built the gardens.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48So he's really was thinking about how he could give them
0:51:48 > 0:51:52the freedom to have leisure as well as work.
0:51:52 > 0:51:53So, investing in the grounds
0:51:53 > 0:51:56but also investing in his workforce at the same time.
0:51:56 > 0:51:57Yeah, absolutely.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01Jardine's factory eventually closed in the 1920s.
0:52:01 > 0:52:05But Kilver Court found a new lease of life in the 1950s
0:52:05 > 0:52:07when the Showering family began producing
0:52:07 > 0:52:10a well-known sparkling perry from the site.
0:52:10 > 0:52:13Francis Showering remodelled much of the gardens in the '60s
0:52:13 > 0:52:16using the gold medal-winning design he'd seen
0:52:16 > 0:52:17at the Chelsea Flower Show.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20Are there any elements of the garden that exist from
0:52:20 > 0:52:23when it was created back in Jardine's day?
0:52:23 > 0:52:25The lake would have been here for the water power.
0:52:25 > 0:52:29The viaduct, I think, first went up in about 1860, 1870.
0:52:29 > 0:52:32Today, Roger keeps the gardens in the same style
0:52:32 > 0:52:34developed in the mid-20th century.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37The centrepiece is a rockery surrounded by upright junipers
0:52:37 > 0:52:39and yew trees.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42But being a cutting-edge creative himself, Roger couldn't resist making
0:52:42 > 0:52:45his own fashion statement,
0:52:45 > 0:52:48influenced by a garden design in Paris.
0:52:48 > 0:52:51So, here we are. My favourite bit of the garden.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53And has it changed, then, in recent times?
0:52:53 > 0:52:57In '96, I bought the whole site.
0:52:57 > 0:53:01So you looked out from the amazing director suite into the garden.
0:53:01 > 0:53:04And all I could see was lines of corporation roses -
0:53:04 > 0:53:07orange, yellow, pink, orange, yellow, pink.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09And very, very '60s, if you like.
0:53:09 > 0:53:12So I thought, "Well, they've got to go."
0:53:12 > 0:53:13So we ripped them all out.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17And there's a wonderful museum in des Invalides
0:53:17 > 0:53:20and it's got shapes like these box,
0:53:20 > 0:53:22which are like shells or missiles.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25So I took that idea and created a parterre here in the middle
0:53:25 > 0:53:28and put roses and lavender and so on in it.
0:53:28 > 0:53:31You certainly have got a wonderful spot here, Roger.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33- Thank you very much. - It's been my pleasure.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37In gardening terms, Kilver Court is largely considered to be a classic
0:53:37 > 0:53:41'60s design, but Roger has ensured that the gardens continue to
0:53:41 > 0:53:45evolve to be enjoyed by future generations.
0:53:47 > 0:53:48So that's it.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51We've shown Gina and her best friend Claire our properties
0:53:51 > 0:53:53here in Somerset and,
0:53:53 > 0:53:56of course, just over the border in Devon for our Mystery House.
0:53:56 > 0:53:59Now, I must admit - I don't think we started off in the strongest
0:53:59 > 0:54:03of fashions, but it got better as time went on.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05And, well, I'm feeling quietly confident.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07But let's hear what Gina has got to say.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14Well, Gina and best friend Claire, we've had
0:54:14 > 0:54:17a great few days here in Somerset and Devon, of course, in the end.
0:54:17 > 0:54:18We have, yeah.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21Blazing sunshine, pouring rain all the elements thrown at us.
0:54:21 > 0:54:23Yes, we have.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25But we haven't been deterred with our house-hunting.
0:54:25 > 0:54:28- No, absolutely not. - So, how well did we do, then?
0:54:28 > 0:54:30Go on. Please let me know.
0:54:30 > 0:54:32Well, I think you did very well.
0:54:32 > 0:54:37The beautiful white property with the lovely big garden
0:54:37 > 0:54:39is the clear winner in my book.
0:54:39 > 0:54:45I think it just fits the bill for Mum, myself and for any visitors.
0:54:45 > 0:54:48it's got so many options with all the bedrooms, and the accommodation,
0:54:48 > 0:54:51which would be for Mum, I think she'll really like.
0:54:51 > 0:54:55It was just light and airy and the only thing, obviously,
0:54:55 > 0:54:57it didn't have was the shower room.
0:54:57 > 0:54:59But, actually, that wouldn't be a problem.
0:54:59 > 0:55:03It'd just, I think, go probably where the utility room is.
0:55:03 > 0:55:05- So it's a clear winner. - And she's all on one level.- Yeah.
0:55:05 > 0:55:08- So it's a clear winner.- Oh! Delighted.
0:55:08 > 0:55:13Delighted! Well, we are talking about a clear winner, how far we going to take it?
0:55:13 > 0:55:16- Cos your house is currently on the market, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18And the next step, I think, is to talk to Mum
0:55:18 > 0:55:21and book a second viewing and take her to see it.
0:55:21 > 0:55:23Lovely. Claire, you know Gina
0:55:23 > 0:55:26and her mum Anita probably better than nearly anyone.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29What difference do you think that property is going to make
0:55:29 > 0:55:32to their lives if Gina's mum Anita likes it just as much?
0:55:32 > 0:55:34I thin it'll be a new start for them.
0:55:34 > 0:55:36So I think life will be easier all round.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38Gina will be happier because she's got her animals.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40It's got chickens in situ.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43Yes, we've heard all about the chickens.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46And also you can relax a little bit with your mum as well, can't you,
0:55:46 > 0:55:50- knowing that she's safe, that she's happy, that she's independent.- Yes.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53- And let's hope she loves it as much as you do.- Yes.- I think she will.
0:55:53 > 0:55:55So, I've got to ask you one last question.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57You've wanted this for years.
0:55:57 > 0:55:58What's the first animal you're going to buy
0:55:58 > 0:56:01- when you move into your new home? - Well, if the chickens
0:56:01 > 0:56:03are already there - that would be crossed off the list -
0:56:03 > 0:56:05probably a dog.
0:56:05 > 0:56:06Well, let us know how you get on.
0:56:06 > 0:56:09We've really wanted to try and find you that perfect home
0:56:09 > 0:56:12- and I think in the end we got there, didn't we?- Yes.
0:56:12 > 0:56:15- Let's hope all the rest falls into place.- Thank you.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21Well, I don't mind admitting, it is
0:56:21 > 0:56:24tricky trying to find the right house for two people
0:56:24 > 0:56:26with individual needs.
0:56:26 > 0:56:30And Gina was adamant there was no room for compromise.
0:56:30 > 0:56:33She wanted the perfect house for them both.
0:56:33 > 0:56:34And guess what,
0:56:34 > 0:56:38when we showed her that stunning property with the large garden,
0:56:38 > 0:56:40no compromise went out the window
0:56:40 > 0:56:44and she's happy to make those tweaks so it's perfect for Anita.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47And, if her mum loves it as much as Gina does,
0:56:47 > 0:56:49and their offer is accepted, well,
0:56:49 > 0:56:54they could be moving in very soon and make Somerset their new home.
0:56:54 > 0:56:56I really hope it works out for them
0:56:56 > 0:56:59and we wish them the very best of luck.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02And I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08If you would like to escape to the country in Scotland, Wales, England
0:57:08 > 0:57:12or Northern Ireland and need our help, please apply online at...