0:00:02 > 0:00:03Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Now, this tranquil spot and the ancient church that overlooks it
0:00:06 > 0:00:10is surrounded by myth and mystery, and a legend that helped inspire
0:00:10 > 0:00:12one of our most popular and famous hymns.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15But where are we, and what's the story?
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Today, it's a long-standing dream
0:00:38 > 0:00:40that's driving an active and creative couple
0:00:40 > 0:00:43to search for their country paradise.
0:00:43 > 0:00:47And they're more than ready to part with their cash.
0:00:47 > 0:00:48Have you got your cheque book?
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Ah! Excellent. That's a good start, isn't it?
0:00:51 > 0:00:55And a celebratory tipple is already on the cards.
0:00:55 > 0:00:56What do you think about the bar?
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Do you think you could use it for some other purpose?
0:00:59 > 0:01:01I think I'd be inclined to keep it as a bar, my dear.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02LAUGHTER
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Well, today, we are in Cornwall and this is
0:01:08 > 0:01:12the rather pretty, 13th-century St Just In Roseland Church,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15tucked away on the banks of this gorgeous little creek,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17just across the water from Falmouth,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19and it's one of several spots here in the West Country
0:01:19 > 0:01:23that it's thought were visited by a teenage Jesus,
0:01:23 > 0:01:26who was then travelling with his relative Joseph of Arimathea,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28who, it's thought at the time, was a wealthy merchant
0:01:28 > 0:01:30dealing in Cornish tin.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Now, the idea and the legend that Jesus visited Britain
0:01:33 > 0:01:38became immortalised in the words of the 19th-century hymn Jerusalem,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40written by the poet William Blake.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Without a doubt, it is my favourite hymn
0:01:43 > 0:01:45and it's gone down as a national favourite.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51Cornwall is England's most south-westerly county,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53sharing an inland border with Devon,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55meeting the Celtic Sea to the north and west,
0:01:55 > 0:01:58and the English Channel to the south.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00The region 's sole city is Truro,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02with the tall spires of its cathedral
0:02:02 > 0:02:05towering over the Georgian streets.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11In 1880, the foundation stones for this spectacular place of worship
0:02:11 > 0:02:14were laid by Queen Victoria's eldest son Edward VII,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18and 30 years later, the cathedral was complete -
0:02:18 > 0:02:19the year of his death.
0:02:21 > 0:02:23Moving out towards the coast,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26Cornwall boasts miles and miles of glorious beaches,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29overlooked by pretty coastal villages.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Towards the east of the region,
0:02:31 > 0:02:36Bodmin Moor has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
0:02:36 > 0:02:38as has almost a third of Cornwall.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42Here, the 80 square miles are cloaked in heather
0:02:42 > 0:02:44and grazed upon by moorland ponies.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48So, with its rich canvas of stunning architecture
0:02:48 > 0:02:50and dramatic natural beauty,
0:02:50 > 0:02:53Cornwall is a hugely popular destination
0:02:53 > 0:02:55for both visitors and escapees alike.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00Well, behind me is the beautiful backdrop of St Mawes.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04It's just one of numerous coastal settlements that, for many people,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07really define what life is like in this maritime county,
0:03:07 > 0:03:11and it's worth remembering that, no matter where you are in Cornwall,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13you're never more than 25 miles from the sea.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17As for house prices, they are often as attractive as the views.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20Currently, the average price of a detached property here
0:03:20 > 0:03:23is £277,000.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26That's some £22,000 below the national figure.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Now, of course, a house with a view like that is going to come
0:03:30 > 0:03:32at a premium, but, nonetheless, as a county,
0:03:32 > 0:03:35it does represent pretty good value for money.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what's persuaded them
0:03:38 > 0:03:41to weigh anchor and move to the South West.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47Part-time lecturer Heather and her Merchant Navy officer husband David
0:03:47 > 0:03:51live near Chelmsford, but have been in Essex since the 1980s.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55They wed just six months after they met 36 years ago.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59I'd definitely say Heather is the noisy one.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02She's the one that's outward-going more than I am,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06although I think I have learned from her over the years
0:04:06 > 0:04:09and we've met in the middle somewhere now.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13The couple's two grown-up sons have now flown the nest
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and their four-bedroomed, mock-Tudor detached home is up for sale.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19Looking forward to their upcoming retirement,
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Heather and David are planning on moving out of Essex.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26I wouldn't say that Chelmsford exactly has
0:04:26 > 0:04:28a great sense of community.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31It is literally a commuter town.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37And there's one West Country county that has captured their hearts.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38I've always liked Cornwall.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I started to go down there when I was a baby
0:04:40 > 0:04:43and sort of grew up going on holidays,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45and when I go into Cornwall,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I feel that it's my natural home, that I've come home,
0:04:48 > 0:04:52and that's really a feeling that I like and want to keep.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53When they make their move,
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Heather and David are planning on enjoying their hobbies,
0:04:56 > 0:05:00and master mariner David has also got his eye on some new ones.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02'I'm coming up to retirement age now,
0:05:02 > 0:05:06'so I shall be looking for some retirement activities.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10'I've been involved in the nautical industry from the age of 13
0:05:10 > 0:05:13'and I look forward to being able to give something back
0:05:13 > 0:05:15'to the marine industry,'
0:05:15 > 0:05:17and I'd very much like to get involved
0:05:17 > 0:05:19with the National Coastwatch Institution,
0:05:19 > 0:05:21which is a voluntary organisation.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I will be giving up my work
0:05:24 > 0:05:27and I would like to get involved with the local community.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I would like to develop my art skills as well
0:05:30 > 0:05:33and I would like to sort of relax a bit,
0:05:33 > 0:05:35cos I feel at the moment that we are living our lives
0:05:35 > 0:05:39in a very full and very active way.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40I'd still like to be active,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but in a little bit more of a relaxed surrounding.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47All they need now is a sale on their house
0:05:47 > 0:05:50and they will be opening the door to their future.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55This move means a culmination of all my dreams and hopes.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58I would love a lovely home in Cornwall,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01where I can welcome my sons and my grandchildren
0:06:01 > 0:06:06and we can enjoy the Cornish scenery and the Cornish life together.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09That's what I want from Cornwall - happiness, relaxation
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and a jolly good retirement.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Heather and David have asked us to concentrate our search
0:06:18 > 0:06:22between the towns of Falmouth to the west and Looe to the east.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25But before we commence our journey to find them their new home,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29we're all catching up in Cornwall on the banks of Charlestown's
0:06:29 > 0:06:33picturesque harbour to discuss the details of their property wish list.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Well, Heather, David, what a place to start our house search.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- It certainly is. Look at that. - For a master mariner, come on, look!
0:06:41 > 0:06:43I think it really does set the scene
0:06:43 > 0:06:47and, for many people, this view is what Cornwall is all about.
0:06:47 > 0:06:52Its maritime heritage is writ large right across this glorious county.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54But let's get down to the hard facts
0:06:54 > 0:06:56of what it is you're looking for, Heather.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Well, we would like at least a three-bedroomed house.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05I would very much like a beautiful stone Cornish cottage,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07but I realise that may not be possible.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09We don't want acres of ground,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12but we want something with a little bit of character and, of course,
0:07:12 > 0:07:15we want something to accommodate David's head height.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Yes! I mean, I'm just under six foot. How tall are you, David?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- Just under six foot six.- Wow!
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Obviously the boys are going to come down and see you,
0:07:23 > 0:07:26so what about reception space? Cos, at the end of the day,
0:07:26 > 0:07:28that's where life's going to unfold on a day-to-day basis.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Well, I'd like a really nice lounge.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32I think that's the most important thing,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34a really nice, big lounge
0:07:34 > 0:07:36where we could have the boys and their families down.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40I'm not so worried about the kitchen or the other bedrooms,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43but David would like a study, and if there's a room,
0:07:43 > 0:07:44it could even a small bedroom,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47which I could sort of turn into an art studio,
0:07:47 > 0:07:48that would be absolutely ideal.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51In terms of garden space, you mentioned earlier,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54- we're not after acres.- Yes, I'd like somewhere where I can sit out,
0:07:54 > 0:07:57have a cup of tea or a glass of wine and some sandwiches,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59and I'd like somewhere to potter as well,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02perhaps David wants to grow a few vegetables.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04I'd like to plant some flowers and have some tubs.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- And you can't do that at sea, can you?- Absolutely not. Total change.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09LAUGHTER
0:08:09 > 0:08:11We have got an interesting range of properties here in Cornwall
0:08:11 > 0:08:14to show you. How much are we going to spend then, David?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- Well, our budget for the move would be £550,000.- Wow.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22But, for a suitable property, we could uplift that
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- to maybe 560 at a pinch.- Wow!
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I am confident that with your very generous 550
0:08:28 > 0:08:30or maybe a little bit more,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33we should be able to find you what you're looking for,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36from the range of properties that we have to show you,
0:08:36 > 0:08:38including, of course, our Mystery House.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Oh, this is exciting! I'm really looking forward to it.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44I'm afraid we have to bid farewell to lovely, historic Charlestown
0:08:44 > 0:08:47and its wonderful boats and its wonderful sea view,
0:08:47 > 0:08:49and head inland to our first property.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- Come on, let's go. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57For their top budget of £560,000,
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Heather and David are after a character Cornish home
0:09:00 > 0:09:01with at least three bedrooms
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and enough headroom to accommodate David.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07They'd like a living room, great for entertaining,
0:09:07 > 0:09:08and a couple of hobby rooms.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Outside, they're after a manageable garden with views
0:09:11 > 0:09:15and they'd also like to be close to the local community.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Our varied selection of properties will give Heather and David
0:09:18 > 0:09:22food for thought, but it'll only be after they've viewed each one
0:09:22 > 0:09:25that its price tag will be revealed to them.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27The final visit to the Mystery House
0:09:27 > 0:09:29is sure to turn things on their head,
0:09:29 > 0:09:33but, with an open mind, it could be the answer to their dreams.
0:09:39 > 0:09:44Our Cornish house-hunt is taking us to the English village of Luxulyan.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Locals are served by a village store and post office,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50and the village hall provides plenty of social opportunities,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53as does the popular dining pub.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55The parish church, originally Norman,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59was completely rebuilt in the 15th century from granite.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02One of its windows is a monument to a 19th-century architect,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05whose name is also linked to this detached house
0:10:05 > 0:10:07on the edge of the village.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Well, Heather, you wanted a Cornish house made of Cornish stone.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- How about this one?- It looks...
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- Like an old school. - ..like an old school.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20It looks really interesting.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22- It is an old school. - And I love the old stonework.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25And I notice it was built in 1871.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28It was, by the amazingly named Silvanus Trevail.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31He was an architect actually born in the village here.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35He built around 50 schools around Cornwall.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40When it was originally put together, there was no middle floor,
0:10:40 > 0:10:42just a huge, kind of vaulted space,
0:10:42 > 0:10:46so the current owners have inserted a floor throughout it.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Well, it looks like, dare I say it,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50a hidden gem you've found for us,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54so I'm very interested to open the package and let's see what's inside.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Right, then, let's open the package. Come on.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00'This impressive property was built from local granite
0:11:00 > 0:11:03'and converted into a family home around 1970,
0:11:03 > 0:11:06'a century after it was built.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'Once inside, a long hallway divides the ground floor in two
0:11:10 > 0:11:13'and it's home to a rather fun surprise feature.'
0:11:14 > 0:11:18Come this way, guys, because this, I think, is really unusual.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Wine rack set into the fireplace. - Oh!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22THEY CHUCKLE
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I'm sure you could fill it and just as easily empty it.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27We could make a good attempt!
0:11:27 > 0:11:28Anyway, this is the kitchen.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Nicely fitted. Very simple.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32Oh, I like the kitchen.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35It's very nice and I like the view from the window.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- And very spacious as well. - Really spacious.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40They've got this breakfast bar in here, but next door, you've got
0:11:40 > 0:11:42a really nicely appointed dining room as well
0:11:42 > 0:11:44if you want to have more formal dining and so on,
0:11:44 > 0:11:45but I imagine, sort of, for every day...
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Yes, absolutely ideal.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50I would like to see the rest of the rooms, though, please.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Oh, yes, absolutely, of course you can. Follow me.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57Beyond the kitchen and past the dining room is the sitting room.
0:11:58 > 0:11:59And, although it's beamed,
0:11:59 > 0:12:02there's enough headroom for all 6'6" of David.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- Well, the beams aren't too low, are they?- It's high enough,
0:12:08 > 0:12:11but I'm a bit worried about what Heather's about to say.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14It's a little bit too small, I think.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17It seems to come in a little bit at me.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Whether we could get used to it, I'm not sure.
0:12:20 > 0:12:21I certainly take your point,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25but I do think it benefits from the addition of this conservatory here,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27which I rather liken to the bridge of a ship.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- Yes, you could certainly survey your domain from here.- Yeah.
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I do like that view. That view is lovely.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38What I'm thinking about is, is that a solid wall?
0:12:38 > 0:12:40You could potentially open that up.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42It would become a diner-cum-living room.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46There are so many other features that recommend this property to you.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48There's also one twist, which I can't wait to show you.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49Come on, follow me.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53Also on this side of the house
0:12:53 > 0:12:55is a bath and shower room and a cloakroom.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59Now, this is a little surprise I've got for you, Heather.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02David could probably reach this.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06'Above our heads is a loft hatch concealing something rather special.'
0:13:06 > 0:13:08All will be revealed.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11'The pull-down stairway takes us to a vaulted loft room
0:13:11 > 0:13:13'that runs the length of the house.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17'It's bright and airy, so could provide a perfect space
0:13:17 > 0:13:18'for a budding artist.'
0:13:18 > 0:13:21My gosh!
0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Yeah?- Yeah!
0:13:23 > 0:13:25This has got the light that you would need
0:13:25 > 0:13:27from both ends of the room.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30This would be absolutely superb.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Look at that smile! I know we had a bit of a downer in the living room,
0:13:33 > 0:13:37didn't we? But, somehow, I think our little graph has picked up again.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40I think the old compromise is coming into play here, isn't it?
0:13:40 > 0:13:42Well, you know, what you lose with one,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45often a property will make up for with another,
0:13:45 > 0:13:48and I think this, certainly, should recommend this place to you.
0:13:48 > 0:13:49It's lovely.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Moving back downstairs into the other side of the house,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57there's a utility room and three ground-floor bedrooms.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01At the front, there's a small double and next door is a single.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06The master overlooks the back and has its own en-suite shower room.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09The nature of this converted schoolhouse
0:14:09 > 0:14:12means the upstairs accommodation isn't conventional.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16As well as the loft ladder leading to the potential studio,
0:14:16 > 0:14:17there are two separate staircases,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20each leading to a first-floor bedroom,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22again featuring vaulted ceilings.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24That makes five bedrooms in total.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28But next stop is the garden.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Hot tub straight outside the master bedroom...
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- ..for a morning dip.- Indeed!
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Outside the conservatory opens onto a raised terrace
0:14:41 > 0:14:45with views across the lawn, a pond and a panoramic countryside vista.
0:14:47 > 0:14:51There's also a walled side garden and a summer house-cum-bar.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54It's an ideal size.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56Not too much to look after.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Very, very low maintenance. I love the walls that surround it.
0:14:59 > 0:15:00You've got a nice sort of tool shed there,
0:15:00 > 0:15:04very much in keeping, obviously, with the original building,
0:15:04 > 0:15:07and the views, you know, not bad, really.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09It's a lovely spot.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10It's beautifully quiet.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13What do you think about the bar?
0:15:13 > 0:15:15I think that looks excellent, myself.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17Do you think we could use it for some other purpose?
0:15:17 > 0:15:19I think I'd be inclined to keep it as a bar, my dear.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22What other purpose could you possibly have in mind
0:15:22 > 0:15:25for your art studi... Er, sorry, David! Sorry.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27LAUGHTER
0:15:27 > 0:15:29You've got an art studio in the loft!
0:15:29 > 0:15:32So, I think this is of interest.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- Yes.- But, of course, it will come down to its price.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- I would go round about 520.- Mm-hm.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45I think it's probably a little bit more, so I'm going 525.
0:15:45 > 0:15:50If it was £500,000, that makes it very doable.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- That's interesting. - That's interesting.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56That would give us money to be able to perhaps change it
0:15:56 > 0:15:58to the way we might want it.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Yes, it's a really good first house.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04Have another look at this one, because it is quite cavernous.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06There's plenty to see.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08Go on, off you go, and I will come and find you later on.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15This 19th-century old schoolhouse is under budget,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19leaving a healthy £60,000 in the kitty.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22It's got the potential for a great family room,
0:16:22 > 0:16:25along with the huge loft room and five bedrooms.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27With the garden comes many additional features
0:16:27 > 0:16:29along with those lovely views
0:16:29 > 0:16:33and the property is located right on the edge of the village.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36When I approached the house, it looked lovely.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39I loved the stone, and I loved the age of the house
0:16:39 > 0:16:42and the big, wide driveway.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Then there was the attic space.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Well, that was a complete surprise.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51I mean, I'd never dream I could get anything as big as that as a studio.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56Well, overall, I'd feel this house has got a lot of potential for us.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00I had a reasonably good feeling in most of the house.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07Certainly, the art studio potential would be very nice for Heather.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- How are you doing? - Very nicely, thank you, Jules.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- All done?- It's very interesting.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15A really good first house.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- I thought you'd think that. Come on, let's go.- Thank you.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26With 50 years at sea under his belt,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29David can't wait to make the most of the Cornish coastline,
0:17:29 > 0:17:33which spans a distance of over 400 miles.
0:17:33 > 0:17:38He has hopes of joining the NCI, the National Coastwatch Institution,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40a voluntary organisation,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43which keeps a vigil watch along the UK's shores
0:17:43 > 0:17:45to keep seafarers safe.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47This is Polruan NCI, over.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52David and Heather have come to the ancient fishing village of Polruan
0:17:52 > 0:17:53to meet Richard Hews,
0:17:53 > 0:17:58a trustee of the NCI at one of the 50 stations in England and Wales.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Can you tell me, please, when was the NCI set up
0:18:01 > 0:18:04and where did the idea come from?
0:18:05 > 0:18:11Way back in 1994, two fishermen were tragically drowned off the Lizard.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16They were in the vicinity of a disused coastguard station.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20The local community were very upset by this and asked the National Trust
0:18:20 > 0:18:24if they could reopen the station on a voluntary basis,
0:18:24 > 0:18:29and Bass Point was reopened in December 1994 and NCI was born.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33I'm actually a serving Merchant Navy officer.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Do you consider I've got the correct qualifications for the job?
0:18:35 > 0:18:40David, you'd be in an ideal position to become an NCI watchkeeper.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44You don't actually need to have previous maritime experience.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47A lot of watch-keeping is common sense,
0:18:47 > 0:18:52but you need patience, vigilance, a good pair of eyes,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57and if we can make a difference in helping to protect and preserve life
0:18:57 > 0:18:58and safety at sea,
0:18:58 > 0:19:01then we feel we are doing a worthwhile job
0:19:01 > 0:19:02and we're passionate about it.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07There are 2,000 volunteers, like Richard, around the country
0:19:07 > 0:19:11and he's one of 40 watchkeepers who volunteer here at Polruan.
0:19:11 > 0:19:16This lookout was opened in 1998 and sits 240 feet up
0:19:16 > 0:19:18in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Right, come on in.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Welcome to the lookout.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Dan is on A-watch this morning.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32You can see from here that he's got a very good view of the coastline
0:19:32 > 0:19:35in front and to the east and the west.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39He's also monitoring several different radio channels.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41We have a number of optics,
0:19:41 > 0:19:44which aid us in looking further out to sea,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47according to the visibility.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51These are all important aids to watch-keeping,
0:19:51 > 0:19:54but it can't spot a local fisherman in distress
0:19:54 > 0:19:56or a yacht with an engine breakdown
0:19:56 > 0:19:59or a kayaker or a canoeist who's in trouble.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01What you need is the Mark One Eyeball for that...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Absolutely.- ..and that's what we do, visual surveillance.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05That's why we are here.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08So, Richard, could you please tell me
0:20:08 > 0:20:10what a typical day would be like in the lookout?
0:20:10 > 0:20:14I don't think there's any such thing as a typical day.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19Sometimes we come up here and you can't even see to the edge of the cliff,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21but we can listen to the radio,
0:20:21 > 0:20:23we can see what's going on through radar,
0:20:23 > 0:20:28there's always ongoing familiarisation and training to do in the lookout.
0:20:30 > 0:20:35All of the sophisticated technology in use here is invaluable, but,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39as Richard says, there's nothing quite like a watchful pair of eyes,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and something that makes spotting trouble that little bit easier
0:20:42 > 0:20:45are these powerful tripod-mounted optics.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47I've got the edge of the coastline.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Yes, I can see it quite well now. It's very clear.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56If you see somebody in the water, what would you do then?
0:20:56 > 0:21:00Well, the phrase to remember is "spot, plot and report".
0:21:02 > 0:21:05Once we've spotted somebody who is either in danger
0:21:05 > 0:21:08or looks as if they might be going into danger,
0:21:08 > 0:21:13we need to plot as accurate a position as we can very quickly
0:21:13 > 0:21:17and then we will relay that position,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19by phone, to the coastguard,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22and then they will decide on the resolution of
0:21:22 > 0:21:24that particular situation.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26With his marine background,
0:21:26 > 0:21:30David's training won't be too lengthy if he joins the Coastwatch.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32And with the organisation involved
0:21:32 > 0:21:35with almost 300 incidents last year alone,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38the work he could be doing would be very much appreciated.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41You've seen our lookout. What do you think of it?
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Very interesting, too.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44I think I could be very interested in joining
0:21:44 > 0:21:46when we actually, finally move down here.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48I should say also that we do have
0:21:48 > 0:21:51a number of husband-and-wife teams who keep watch together,
0:21:51 > 0:21:52and they do extremely well,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55- so I hope we do see you again. - I'm sure you will.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- I shall look forward to a nice cup of tea, then.- Thank you so much.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Yes, thank you, Richard.- Thank you.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03David may have all but signed on the dotted line,
0:22:03 > 0:22:07but, for now, it's time to press pause on our Cornish journey
0:22:07 > 0:22:11until our quest to give him and Heather a new address resumes tomorrow.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18It's the second leg of our coast around Cornwall
0:22:18 > 0:22:20on the hunt for a country pad
0:22:20 > 0:22:23for Heather and David from near Chelmsford, in Essex.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27With a top budget of £560,000 in their pockets,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31we've been given the job of finding them a home full of Cornish charm
0:22:31 > 0:22:35that also has high enough ceilings for 6'6" David.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38'Coming up, we've got a surprise in our Mystery House...'
0:22:38 > 0:22:43- It is like...a five-star hotel. - Yeah.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Do you want to check in, I wonder?
0:22:46 > 0:22:48'..and I'll be getting the pick of the county's bunch
0:22:48 > 0:22:52'when I discover why this pocket of the country is carpeted
0:22:52 > 0:22:55'by the biggest concentration of daffodils in the world.'
0:22:55 > 0:22:57You've got a rubber band already on yours,
0:22:57 > 0:22:59I haven't even picked enough yet! LAUGHTER
0:23:03 > 0:23:06Well, our Cornish quest is now heading into its final leg
0:23:06 > 0:23:08and with two more properties to come,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11we've managed to conjure up a Mystery House that should offer
0:23:11 > 0:23:14Heather and David a real slice of grand country living,
0:23:14 > 0:23:18and that I hope will prove to be as memorable as it is unusual.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21But first, a property that I hope will really appeal
0:23:21 > 0:23:23to their love of the coast, and what's more,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27it's just a stone's throw from this beautiful harbour.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31Mevagissey is a village on Cornwall's southern coast.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34This pretty fishing port attracts tourists to its harbour
0:23:34 > 0:23:39and narrow streets, teeming with artisan shops and eateries.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43In the late 1700s, Andrew Pears, a farmer's son, was born here.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46He later invented and gave his name
0:23:46 > 0:23:48to a very famous amber-coloured soap.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51Just five minutes' walk from the centre of the village
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and perched on a hill with views to the coast is our next offering.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Looks absolutely magnificent.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59- Lovely.- Have you got your cheque book?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Ah, excellent! That's a good start, isn't it?
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- Oh, come on, please, can we go in? - Come on.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09This fabulous whitewashed detached villa certainly looks
0:24:09 > 0:24:14perfectly in place with its palm tree and its proximity to the sea.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17It was once a guest house and, with a local history of smugglers,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20who knows who may have rested here in the past?
0:24:20 > 0:24:22I love the double doorway.
0:24:23 > 0:24:27It's a classic layout - central hallway, dining room is in there,
0:24:27 > 0:24:30but let's start in here. This is the living room.
0:24:33 > 0:24:37I just love it. I could see us living here very happily already.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- And it's cosy as well. - And it's cosy.- Yes.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42It could be our home already.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Wow! That's a great reaction!
0:24:45 > 0:24:48I wasn't expecting that, to be honest with you, but I'm delighted.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50I don't need to sell this any more, do I?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52- No, we're off, Jules. We're going to...- Go on, then, you can go.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59Just to remind you - sumptuous, Victorian-style dining room in there
0:24:59 > 0:25:00and then this, the galley kitchen,
0:25:00 > 0:25:02which is sort of appropriate, I suppose,
0:25:02 > 0:25:03for a master mariner, David.
0:25:03 > 0:25:08This would be very appropriate and extremely good to work in.
0:25:08 > 0:25:10You know, for a galley kitchen, it does extend this way which is,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I think, a really useful space for the dining table,
0:25:13 > 0:25:15nice little range at the end, there,
0:25:15 > 0:25:17but the whole thing is really complemented by
0:25:17 > 0:25:20this rather useful garden room as well
0:25:20 > 0:25:23that really does milk those views.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25Oh, what a wonderful conservatory.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Absolutely fabulous. Absolutely beautiful.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31Yeah. It's the bridge, it's your own maritime bridge.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33It's my own little domain.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35All you need is a ship's wheel in the middle
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- and you'll feel right at home. - Indeed.- Absolutely.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41I can see all our friends will want to visit us.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44Well, let's find some bedrooms for them, shall we? Come with me.
0:25:45 > 0:25:49The stairway from the entrance hall leads up to the first floor,
0:25:49 > 0:25:51where all the rooms are off a wide landing
0:25:51 > 0:25:55and served by a bright, monochrome family bathroom.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59There are four double bedrooms, one in each corner of the house,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02and whilst they're all generously sized,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04the biggest of the four is the master,
0:26:04 > 0:26:08which comes with an en-suite shower room and sea views.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12What a good master bedroom this is.
0:26:12 > 0:26:18- I love the big windows and the light pouring in.- Mm-hm.- That's fantastic.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22There's nothing more I can say. It's a really superb house.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Yes.- All right, then.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Come on, let's continue, there's plenty more to this place.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Below ground, in a basement level,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34lies a warren of rooms to give even more options for hobbies
0:26:34 > 0:26:36and visiting friends and family.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40There's a utility room, a bathroom and a shower room,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44a sauna, an office and a studio that's currently in use
0:26:44 > 0:26:47as a treatment room. Outside, there's a garage
0:26:47 > 0:26:49and a beautiful, multi-level garden.
0:26:51 > 0:26:52It's a little sun trap.
0:26:52 > 0:26:56- Isn't it?- It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57You couldn't have done more for us.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I quite agree with that.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's been absolutely a privilege to come round this property.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- A privilege?- A privilege, indeed.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Will it be a privilege to buy it, then?
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Where are we on this one, then, David?
0:27:09 > 0:27:12Well, it's a lovely house.
0:27:12 > 0:27:13Stunning location.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I think it's nearer to the top end of our budget.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Yep.- Yeah.- I'd go for 530,000.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20530?
0:27:20 > 0:27:23I think it's going to be slightly higher than that,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26and I'll go for 545.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28It's not £545,000, I'm afraid.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32It's £480,000. SHE GASPS
0:27:35 > 0:27:37For once, you're lost for words!
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- Good gracious!- Yes!
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Absolutely unbelievable.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45And that would give us plenty of money to do it up.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47You did say 480, didn't you?
0:27:47 > 0:27:51I did. They are the right numbers in the right order.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53- That's incredible.- Right then, better wet the ink, mate.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56I suspect you'll be writing something fairly quickly!
0:27:56 > 0:27:58- Go and have another look around. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Go on, then. Off you go.
0:28:02 > 0:28:06This wonderful detached house has come in way under budget,
0:28:06 > 0:28:07and gives Heather and David
0:28:07 > 0:28:10everything they've asked for and more.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13There's a great living room and a spectacular conservatory,
0:28:13 > 0:28:15along with four bedrooms.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18The basement offers plenty of extra space,
0:28:18 > 0:28:22and then there's the garden with all its nooks, crannies and sea views.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Location-wise, it couldn't be better situated,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27close to amenities and the sea.
0:28:27 > 0:28:32Well, it's a really lovely house. It has heaps of character.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35I can see Heather and I living here for a long time to come.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38It's light, it's airy.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41The garden is a real, little sun trap.
0:28:41 > 0:28:42I don't think we could better this.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Well, look at these beaming faces!
0:28:47 > 0:28:49- Happy with the studio? - It's fabulous.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52Well, I am delighted at your reaction to this property,
0:28:52 > 0:28:56and if it were the last property on our list, so far so good.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58However, of course, there is one more to come.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- The Mystery House. - The Mystery House.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Can it possibly better this one?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Who knows, but I am pleased to think
0:29:04 > 0:29:07that at least we've got one really good contender on our list.
0:29:07 > 0:29:08Come on, let's go.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19There's nothing more vibrant to signal the arrival of spring
0:29:19 > 0:29:22to the British countryside than the sight of yellow daffodils
0:29:22 > 0:29:25swaying in the breeze.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28And it seems we Brits just can't get enough of them.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31An estimated three-quarters of a billion daffs
0:29:31 > 0:29:34are grown commercially in the UK each year.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39But it's Cornwall that's the largest producer of this springtime bloom
0:29:39 > 0:29:41in the world.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46I've come to meet James Hosking on his 25,000-acre farm near Truro,
0:29:46 > 0:29:50where his father first planted my favourite flower half a century ago.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55I had no idea that Cornwall was the home of the British daffodil.
0:29:55 > 0:30:00Yes, the climate down here is absolutely ideally suited to daffodils,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03and it's really because we've got these mild springs,
0:30:03 > 0:30:05which mean we get the daffodils before everyone else.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09They do look beautiful today, putting on a fabulous show.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12How many acres have you got given over to daffodils, James?
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Of daffodils, we've got about 170 acres.
0:30:14 > 0:30:18And how many daffodils is it possible to quantify
0:30:18 > 0:30:19that you actually produce here?
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Roughly, we pick about 15 million stems of flowers
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- that go to market each year. - 15 million?!
0:30:26 > 0:30:27And how many varieties?
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Well, we've got about 400 different varieties.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33We tend to have a lot of speciality daffodils,
0:30:33 > 0:30:34as opposed to the Cornish crop,
0:30:34 > 0:30:39which really is producing the early yellow trumpet daffodil.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41These yellow flowers aren't just a pretty face -
0:30:41 > 0:30:44they were brought to Britain centuries ago by the Romans,
0:30:44 > 0:30:47who believed their sap to have healing powers.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49But even today, a substance in their bulbs
0:30:49 > 0:30:52is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56The daffodils on James's family farm are picked
0:30:56 > 0:30:59from the beginning of January through to mid-April.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01And although numbers run into many millions,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03they're still plucked by hand.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08They just look beautiful today.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10I mean, that's a classic example, isn't it?
0:31:10 > 0:31:12They do, and it is, but that's not what we want to pick.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14That's how it needs to look in someone's vase.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17So, actually, that's the one we want to pick.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- It's at the stage we pick it. - The one that's unopened?
0:31:20 > 0:31:23Unopened. This variety needs to just be showing a little bit of colour
0:31:23 > 0:31:25to show... And that's at the right stage to pick it.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27And do you cut them?
0:31:27 > 0:31:29No, our way of doing it is what we call pulling it,
0:31:29 > 0:31:33because what you want is a clean break on the stem, and not...
0:31:33 > 0:31:37If you pick it, you can squash it, and they curl up and it looks tatty.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41So our way is... No pressure in my thumb, I just grip it in my palm.
0:31:41 > 0:31:43You give it a sharp pull up,
0:31:43 > 0:31:45and it gives a clean break on the stem,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49and also it gives me another inch longer stem,
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- so that makes a longer bunch. - That's the perfect picked daffodil.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55- One of the 15 million. - One of the 15 million.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57Ten of those, and that's a bunch.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00We've put this out in our cold store for tonight to cool down,
0:32:00 > 0:32:01and then it's posted out tomorrow,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04so in one day's time, it'll be on someone's kitchen table
0:32:04 > 0:32:07or living room or whatever, and just starting to open.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09I mean, can I just practise the technique
0:32:09 > 0:32:11on this very pretty head here?
0:32:11 > 0:32:13Because, you know, that to me...
0:32:13 > 0:32:16And you're saying...pull, not pick.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20Yeah, so grip it with your palm and don't pinch it with your thumb.
0:32:20 > 0:32:21So grip it and just pull up.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24There we are, a nice, clean break.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27- And what variety is that one? - This one's called Rosemoor Gold,
0:32:27 > 0:32:30which is a new variety that was actually bred down here at Camborne.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33Right, then, we'd better get picking, hadn't we?
0:32:33 > 0:32:35There we go, that's a nice one, isn't it?
0:32:35 > 0:32:36- That's very nice.- Yep, there we are.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39You've certainly got your work cut out, though, I mean,
0:32:39 > 0:32:41- to get 15 million.- That's right, and then, to finish off,
0:32:41 > 0:32:43I have my daffodils, I want to even them up now,
0:32:43 > 0:32:45so I give them a little twist to straighten all the stems
0:32:45 > 0:32:47- and get them to- line up. Yep.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Bring their heads on, and so you just...
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Quick break on those, even up again.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59- Look at that.- And then, that's a nice bunch of daffodils.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02You've got a rubber band already on yours,
0:33:02 > 0:33:04I haven't even picked enough yet! LAUGHTER
0:33:04 > 0:33:07I'm not sure I'm really going to help you towards your total.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- I've done it before. - You certainly have.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Now, James may have 400 varieties of daffs on his farm,
0:33:14 > 0:33:18but there are 13,000 hybrid varieties, too.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21It's been a fascinating insight into what is, without question,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23my favourite flower.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Well, Jules, it's been an absolute pleasure having you here,
0:33:26 > 0:33:28and why don't you take those home to put in a vase?
0:33:28 > 0:33:31I know exactly where they're going to go. Lovely.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34- Made in Cornwall, just like they should be.- Yeah.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38Well, there's no doubt that these daffs are a sign of new beginnings.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40So now, it's back to our house-hunt,
0:33:40 > 0:33:44to continue our search for a new home for Heather and David.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54Our final stop is the village of St Clement in mid-Cornwall.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Just south of St Clement is the village of Malpas,
0:33:57 > 0:33:59which sits on the bank of the Truro River,
0:33:59 > 0:34:01where it meets the River Tresillian.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Malpas is a port
0:34:05 > 0:34:09and is popular for its boat trips in the summer months.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13Five minutes away is St Clement, where we find our final offering,
0:34:13 > 0:34:16which forms part of this grand, Georgian home.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21Well, chaps, this very steep drive goes to the heart of explaining
0:34:21 > 0:34:24in part how our Mystery House - there it is - is arranged.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- What do you think of that? - Is it all of it?
0:34:27 > 0:34:31No. You get...that cream wing.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- I like the style.- It looks Georgian. - Yes.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Its proportions on the inside are Georgian -
0:34:37 > 0:34:40high ceilings, big windows, loads of light,
0:34:40 > 0:34:45but, in truth, this was put on in the late 1980s.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50- Right.- Now, it is a wing of an earlier country house,
0:34:50 > 0:34:52a mixture of Victorian and Georgian,
0:34:52 > 0:34:55although, that bit there you can see is 1940s.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58I do like the fact that it's set in nice woodland
0:34:58 > 0:35:01and it's totally different to what we've seen before.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04It's a slice of mini-estate, really.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05Right then, let's have a look.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09This rather grand, semi-detached house
0:35:09 > 0:35:12uses its elevated position to its advantage
0:35:12 > 0:35:15and has been laid out in an upside-down configuration
0:35:15 > 0:35:19to make the most of the superb views across the Cornish countryside,
0:35:19 > 0:35:23and so win it its title of Mystery House.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25We're starting our tour in the sunlit living room.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28Our Mystery House may be turned on its head,
0:35:28 > 0:35:29but it's not hard to see why.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Well, this is the obvious place to start, I think,
0:35:34 > 0:35:38and you can see how the reorientation of the downstairs
0:35:38 > 0:35:40to the upstairs works rather nicely.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42With those views out of the window
0:35:42 > 0:35:45and these lovely, really generous proportions.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51I do like the layout of the room and the size and the fireplace.
0:35:51 > 0:35:52I like the fireplace very much.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56It's certainly interesting and will certainly make us think.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Good. Well, let's have a look at the kitchen.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Dining room in there.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05And then, in here... I mean, I think in fairness,
0:36:05 > 0:36:10this is probably the same size as the living room next door.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12- It is a lovely kitchen. - I think you're probably right.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Lovely working space here.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17They've got this as a bit of a sort of living end,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20so the whole thing has had a quite recent refresh.
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Not just in the kitchen, but also in the bathrooms, too.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Come on, follow me. Let's go and look downstairs.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29'Also on this floor is a beautifully appointed bathroom,
0:36:29 > 0:36:31'but it's downstairs where we find the sleeping quarters.'
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Now, unusually, I thought we might start down here
0:36:37 > 0:36:42with one of the two family bathrooms this place has to offer you.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44Oh, this is a very good bathroom.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47- Isn't it?- I like the shower. Yeah. Super shower.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50And I know Heather likes the bath.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52I like the roll-top bath, that's really nice,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54and the big radiator beside it.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58This, really, is to flatter and spoil your guests with,
0:36:58 > 0:37:01because the master bedroom, just across the hallway,
0:37:01 > 0:37:03not surprisingly, has its own en suite.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06Come and have a look at this.
0:37:06 > 0:37:07It is very luxurious.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11It is like...a five-star hotel.
0:37:11 > 0:37:12Yeah.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Do you want to check in, I wonder?
0:37:14 > 0:37:17Come on, let's go up and talk about the price.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Along with this luxurious master bedroom
0:37:20 > 0:37:24are a further three double bedrooms on the ground floor.
0:37:24 > 0:37:26There's one with an adjoining cloakroom,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28a room of the same proportions next door
0:37:28 > 0:37:32and another, slightly larger one across the corridor.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Moving back outside, as well as the private driveway,
0:37:35 > 0:37:38there's also a lawned garden on the lower level,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40surrounded by mature trees,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44but the view can be best appreciated from a raised terrace.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52There's no getting away from how intoxicating those views are, guys.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55Make me an offer for our mystery, mock-Georgian number.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00I think I would give you 430,000 for it.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02- Oh, would you? - I'd agree with Heather,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05but I wouldn't go quite so low as that.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I think I'd price it at £460,000.
0:38:08 > 0:38:10You know, there is a curious relationship
0:38:10 > 0:38:14between the estimates people give on properties...
0:38:14 > 0:38:16and how much they really love them.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19This is on the market at £550,000
0:38:19 > 0:38:22or, indeed, offers in excess of,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24although, of course, open to negotiation.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27So go and have a quick run round, don't take too long,
0:38:27 > 0:38:30and I'll come and find you and whisk you away.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32- Thank you.- Off you go.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40Our great and grand Mystery House has crept in just under budget.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44It offers Heather and David both light and plenty of space.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48and, because it's an upside-down house,
0:38:48 > 0:38:52there are wonderful views from many a window.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54There's also a manageable garden
0:38:54 > 0:38:57and the house is located just a short drive from amenities.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59This property fulfils the criteria
0:38:59 > 0:39:02of the Mystery House, most certainly.
0:39:02 > 0:39:06It's quirky in the fact that it's an upside-down house.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10However, it is a little bit isolated.
0:39:10 > 0:39:13It's very interesting to see this property, though.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It's been an intriguing property
0:39:15 > 0:39:18and one I've thoroughly enjoyed looking around.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22There are a lot of nice features within this property,
0:39:22 > 0:39:24so it does have a lot going for it,
0:39:24 > 0:39:27but perhaps not enough for ourselves.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29Out you come!
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Right, then, that's it, our house tours are now all over.
0:39:33 > 0:39:37You have got quite a lot to think about, I suspect.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39- Shall we go?- Yes.- After you.
0:39:45 > 0:39:48Well, it's now decision time for David and for Heather,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51so, as a final treat on our trip to Cornwall this week,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53I thought I'd bring them here
0:39:53 > 0:39:55to the beautiful botanic Gardens at Tregothnan.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57These are just part of what is still
0:39:57 > 0:40:01the largest privately owned estate in Cornwall
0:40:01 > 0:40:05and just over a decade ago, they started growing this stuff - tea.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07It's the perfect place for a final chat
0:40:07 > 0:40:09over a lovely, home-grown cuppa.
0:40:15 > 0:40:16Well, this is all very civilised.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- How are you?- I am very well, thank you.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21A cup of Cornish tea, Cornish scones, and look -
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Cornish daffodils that I picked.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- Cheers.- Cheers, guys.- Cheers.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30Mmm. Now, then, before we celebrate completely...
0:40:31 > 0:40:33..let's think about these properties,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36cos we've given you, I think, a really interesting range,
0:40:36 > 0:40:38but I think it will come as no surprise to anybody
0:40:38 > 0:40:42to realise that there is one front runner.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Tell me what it is.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- I think you know it's going to be the house in Mevagissey.- Absolutely!
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- David?- It's the house in Mevagissey.
0:40:51 > 0:40:52LAUGHTER
0:40:52 > 0:40:55It was a remarkable price.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59And, in terms of its location, next to the harbour, pretty much.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00Absolutely splendorous.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03Really couldn't have done better than that.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Are you surprised to have found a property this week
0:41:06 > 0:41:08that you've clearly fallen head over heels in love with?
0:41:08 > 0:41:12Yes, because it wasn't really a location that we'd thought about.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15I wanted somewhere with a community,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18and Mevagissey gives us that in buckets,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but the house was quite a surprise.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24It's got the studio, it's got the study,
0:41:24 > 0:41:26it's got the lovely, large bedrooms.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30It's got the wonderful kitchen and conservatory, and the view.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- What more could we ask? - So, what happens next?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I know you've still got your house to sell, any movement on that?
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Well, our house is on the market, as you're aware.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41We have been in touch with the agent today.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43We're informed there's been lots of interest,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46but, unfortunately, no concrete offers yet,
0:41:46 > 0:41:50but we are hoping for that to change soon.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Well, guys, I'm absolutely delighted. I can't wait for you
0:41:53 > 0:41:55to go back and have another look. I'm sure you will.
0:41:55 > 0:41:59And then, hopefully, news that you may have been able to put in an offer.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02How optimistic are you that might happen, Heather?
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- 110%! - LAUGHTER
0:42:04 > 0:42:06- Right then, David, that's told us, hasn't it?- Yes, indeed!
0:42:06 > 0:42:09So we might as well toast to your new life in Cornwall.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11It will happen, I daresay, very soon.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- New life in Cornwall.- Here's to you. - Cheers.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23Well, it is often said that some of our best decisions are made
0:42:23 > 0:42:25over a cup of good, old-fashioned tea,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27and that is exactly what has happened here
0:42:27 > 0:42:30in these beautiful surroundings at Tregothnan.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31I mentioned earlier
0:42:31 > 0:42:34that this was the biggest private estate in Cornwall.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36It is also, surely, one of the oldest.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39It's been in the same family since 1334
0:42:39 > 0:42:43and that is the sort of legacy that I think most of us would aspire to.
0:42:43 > 0:42:46And now, hopefully, Heather and David have got the chance to create
0:42:46 > 0:42:49a legacy of their own. And not just for themselves,
0:42:49 > 0:42:53but also for their children and their grandchildren
0:42:53 > 0:42:56in a beautiful, Victorian villa, overlooking the sea.
0:42:56 > 0:42:57I'll see you next time.
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