Cornwall

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0:00:02 > 0:00:04Even in the rain, this landscape is stunning,

0:00:04 > 0:00:06and the beautiful colours within it and its proud heritage

0:00:06 > 0:00:10are all reflected in the vibrant design of this tartan,

0:00:10 > 0:00:12but I might not be where you think I am.

0:00:12 > 0:00:16Intrigued? All will be revealed in just a moment.

0:00:35 > 0:00:37After decades of living the city life,

0:00:37 > 0:00:41today's house-hunters are looking to slow down the pace.

0:00:41 > 0:00:44I think you'll just about fit my TV in that corner.

0:00:44 > 0:00:46Be a bit of an angle, I have to say. You might have to downsize!

0:00:46 > 0:00:48You're such a boy!

0:00:48 > 0:00:51But who on this house-hunt is wearing the trousers?

0:00:51 > 0:00:55We've got three votes. I have one, Annie has one,

0:00:55 > 0:00:57and then Annie has a spare one, so...

0:01:01 > 0:01:03Well, if you thought tartan was exclusively Scottish,

0:01:03 > 0:01:05then you're wrong.

0:01:05 > 0:01:09This is Cornish national tartan, created by Cornish poet

0:01:09 > 0:01:12E Morton Nance in the mid-20th century.

0:01:12 > 0:01:15He wanted to give his beloved homeland something to honour

0:01:15 > 0:01:17its Celtic heritage with.

0:01:17 > 0:01:21There are now 19 official Cornish tartans - the black and gold,

0:01:21 > 0:01:23a reflection of the ancient Cornish kings.

0:01:23 > 0:01:26The black and white comes from the county flag.

0:01:26 > 0:01:30The red, from the beak and legs of the national bird, and the blue...

0:01:30 > 0:01:32Well, that's the sea.

0:01:33 > 0:01:36As the UK's most south-westerly county,

0:01:36 > 0:01:39Cornwall is renowned for its glorious, sweeping

0:01:39 > 0:01:45open countryside, and over 400 miles of rugged, untamed coastline.

0:01:45 > 0:01:48The historic town of Falmouth has royal connections,

0:01:48 > 0:01:51stretching back to the mid-16th century.

0:01:52 > 0:01:55Under the gaze of Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII,

0:01:55 > 0:02:00the town boasts the third deepest natural harbour in Western Europe,

0:02:00 > 0:02:05and, to this day, it's a major contributor to Falmouth's economy.

0:02:05 > 0:02:06Steeped in nautical history,

0:02:06 > 0:02:10the news of Lord Nelson's death was landed here.

0:02:11 > 0:02:14Moving inland, and nestling on the banks of the River Helford,

0:02:14 > 0:02:18the village of Gweek lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

0:02:18 > 0:02:22It's been a thriving port since Roman times, and today,

0:02:22 > 0:02:25it's home to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary,

0:02:25 > 0:02:29where over 40 abandoned pups a year are saved and rehabilitated,

0:02:29 > 0:02:32before they're returned back to the wild.

0:02:32 > 0:02:36So, whether it's the dramatic coastline with glorious beaches,

0:02:36 > 0:02:41or stunning open countryside, this county really seems to have it all.

0:02:44 > 0:02:47Cornwall's rich heritage includes its very own language.

0:02:47 > 0:02:53In 2009, Cornish was put on a list of extinct languages by the UN.

0:02:53 > 0:02:55That's since been amended, to "critically endangered,"

0:02:55 > 0:02:58with more than 500 people now claiming fluency.

0:02:58 > 0:03:01And, when it comes to talking house prices in Cornwall,

0:03:01 > 0:03:04the average for a detached home is around about £277,000,

0:03:04 > 0:03:09about 22,000 below the national average.

0:03:09 > 0:03:13So what's calling today's house buyers to Cornwall? Let's find out.

0:03:14 > 0:03:17Retired maths teacher, Roger, and his acupuncturist wife,

0:03:17 > 0:03:20Annie, met one another online.

0:03:20 > 0:03:24They've now been together for six years, and got married in 2012.

0:03:24 > 0:03:26The couple had been living in London,

0:03:26 > 0:03:28but have recently moved to Nottinghamshire.

0:03:28 > 0:03:31The reason that we're here is that the house sold terribly,

0:03:31 > 0:03:32terribly quickly,

0:03:32 > 0:03:36and we weren't quite sure where we wanted to go, so we came here

0:03:36 > 0:03:40to Bingham in Nottinghamshire, so that we could just take stock.

0:03:40 > 0:03:42We chose this place cos it's where my family are from.

0:03:44 > 0:03:48Annie was a Londoner for over three decades, but believes the Big Smoke

0:03:48 > 0:03:50has changed so much in that time,

0:03:50 > 0:03:55so she decided to sell her long-serving family home.

0:03:55 > 0:03:58There are a number of reasons why it feels like the right time.

0:03:58 > 0:04:01One is that it's got so expensive in London.

0:04:01 > 0:04:04My children can't afford to live there, and I'm not sure

0:04:04 > 0:04:08I want to live in a place where young people can't afford to be.

0:04:08 > 0:04:11Annie's had time to come to terms with the idea of moving,

0:04:11 > 0:04:14and London is getting extremely busy.

0:04:14 > 0:04:15It's growing outwards,

0:04:15 > 0:04:19and it's growing over the top of the places that you used to live in.

0:04:21 > 0:04:22Turning their backs on the city,

0:04:22 > 0:04:25our house-hunters are now setting their sights on Cornwall,

0:04:25 > 0:04:29a location which evokes very happy memories for Roger.

0:04:29 > 0:04:34Ever since I was a young lad, my parents would take us to Cornwall

0:04:34 > 0:04:38for a summer holiday - every year, two weeks in a caravan -

0:04:38 > 0:04:44and I think if you've ever been on the coast, it gets in the blood.

0:04:44 > 0:04:49The smell of sea air and ozone - fantastic.

0:04:49 > 0:04:52Hankering after some stability, and a quieter life,

0:04:52 > 0:04:55the couple are planning on enjoying their current hobbies,

0:04:55 > 0:04:57as well as taking up some new ones.

0:04:57 > 0:05:00I'm looking forward, when we move, to playing more golf,

0:05:00 > 0:05:03just having more time together, free time.

0:05:04 > 0:05:08Getting dogs, walking dogs,

0:05:08 > 0:05:12just having time not to be working so hard.

0:05:12 > 0:05:16And I would like to find some lovely country pub down there,

0:05:16 > 0:05:19and a pasty shop. Beautiful.

0:05:24 > 0:05:27All they need now is to find the home that will accommodate Annie's

0:05:27 > 0:05:32four visiting sons, and help the couple ease into their Cornish life.

0:05:32 > 0:05:35I'm frightened that I won't find a house that I loved as much as

0:05:35 > 0:05:40the one that we had in London, and I'm not going to feel really

0:05:40 > 0:05:45happy about moving to Cornwall until I find the right place.

0:05:45 > 0:05:48If you're able to kind of help us find THE right property,

0:05:48 > 0:05:50I'll be fine.

0:05:50 > 0:05:51As long as you're with me.

0:05:54 > 0:05:58I think to buy a house together is really important, because

0:05:58 > 0:06:02it's another step forward in our relationship, and I think,

0:06:02 > 0:06:05depending on each other's tick lists,

0:06:05 > 0:06:08whoever gets the most ticks, that will decide who's the boss, really.

0:06:15 > 0:06:18Roger and Annie have asked us to target our search in

0:06:18 > 0:06:21the beautiful countryside surrounding Falmouth.

0:06:21 > 0:06:23I'm catching up with our two buyers to discover

0:06:23 > 0:06:26a little bit more about the details of their move.

0:06:27 > 0:06:31- Roger, Annie, welcome to Cornwall. - Thank you.- Thank you.

0:06:31 > 0:06:34So, what's pulled you to this gorgeous corner of the world?

0:06:34 > 0:06:38Erm, well, I think, with a Cornish surname like I've got, somewhere

0:06:38 > 0:06:42a few generations back, there was, you know, family living here,

0:06:42 > 0:06:44and it just seems that it's in the blood,

0:06:44 > 0:06:47but I just like the sea and the fishing.

0:06:47 > 0:06:49- And the pasties.- And the pasties!

0:06:49 > 0:06:51And what are we looking for today?

0:06:51 > 0:06:53Well, ideally, I think, you know,

0:06:53 > 0:06:56having left London, I'm hoping that we can get somewhere that's

0:06:56 > 0:06:59really stunning, that all my friends and family will want to

0:06:59 > 0:07:03come and visit and stay in, so a couple of bathrooms is important,

0:07:03 > 0:07:04I think.

0:07:04 > 0:07:11Erm... Yeah, I'd like open fire, or, you know, a sort of wood-burner.

0:07:12 > 0:07:15What everybody craves, I think, when they leave London, you know...

0:07:15 > 0:07:18- I'm sensing cosy is what you're after.- Definitely cosy.

0:07:18 > 0:07:19And what kind of style would you like?

0:07:19 > 0:07:22I like property with character, a bit quirky.

0:07:22 > 0:07:25My absolute nightmare would be a new-build square box

0:07:25 > 0:07:31- that's a bit soulless for me - so I like original flagstone floors,

0:07:31 > 0:07:33yeah, a bit cosier, but, unfortunately,

0:07:33 > 0:07:35- no low beams for Roger.- No.

0:07:35 > 0:07:38- OK, yeah, six foot something.- Yeah.

0:07:38 > 0:07:40Nice established garden would be nice, as well,

0:07:40 > 0:07:41a bit like the one we're in.

0:07:43 > 0:07:45- Not so big. - How many acres are we looking for?

0:07:45 > 0:07:48Anything else, Roger, that you'd like to add to that list?

0:07:48 > 0:07:52If there's a pub nearby, it wouldn't be a problem.

0:07:52 > 0:07:54And are you looking to be part of the community,

0:07:54 > 0:07:55or would we like somewhere more rural,

0:07:55 > 0:07:57really getting away from it?

0:07:57 > 0:08:00Erm... We definitely wouldn't want to be isolated.

0:08:00 > 0:08:03We would perhaps join a golf club together,

0:08:03 > 0:08:06I'd like to join the fishing club, and just try and, you know,

0:08:06 > 0:08:09join in and add bits to whatever's going on down here.

0:08:09 > 0:08:13So, let's talk price. How much are you looking to spend?

0:08:13 > 0:08:18I think, ideally, we'd hoped to find somewhere for sort of £750,000,

0:08:18 > 0:08:22but if we found the perfect place, and maybe if it had some

0:08:22 > 0:08:28potential for income from letting, we could go up as high as 875.

0:08:29 > 0:08:32- Great, let's get searching! Come on. - Fantastic.- Brilliant.

0:08:32 > 0:08:34- Thank you.- Thank you.

0:08:35 > 0:08:39With a budget of around £750,000,

0:08:39 > 0:08:42but with some room to stretch for the right house,

0:08:42 > 0:08:44Roger and Annie are looking for a property that offers

0:08:44 > 0:08:47a quieter life, but they still have some important needs

0:08:47 > 0:08:50- they want a character property, with a spacious living area,

0:08:50 > 0:08:54for friends and family to visit, a minimum of two bathrooms,

0:08:54 > 0:08:57and an established, large garden.

0:08:57 > 0:09:00They're also keen to be part of the local community.

0:09:01 > 0:09:04We've found some fantastic properties to tempt them with,

0:09:04 > 0:09:05and, at each one,

0:09:05 > 0:09:09I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

0:09:09 > 0:09:12One will be our Mystery House,

0:09:12 > 0:09:15which could well put a new design on their search.

0:09:19 > 0:09:23How important is it that I find you somewhere friends and family

0:09:23 > 0:09:24can come to visit easily?

0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Vital.- OK.

0:09:26 > 0:09:31I'm only going to be happy moving here to Cornwall if I know

0:09:31 > 0:09:34that friends, family will want to come and stay.

0:09:34 > 0:09:37- I think they should want to come just to see Annie, really.- Aww!

0:09:37 > 0:09:40Not just cos we're in a nice area.

0:09:40 > 0:09:43I can see why you married him. He's a romantic, isn't he?

0:09:45 > 0:09:48The first house is located close to the village of St Keverne,

0:09:48 > 0:09:50south of Falmouth.

0:09:50 > 0:09:54St Keverne has been inhabited for many thousands of years.

0:09:54 > 0:09:59In the late '60s, nearly 50,000 flint tools were unearthed,

0:09:59 > 0:10:03all dating back to around 5,500 years BC.

0:10:03 > 0:10:06As well as amenities, including a post office and pubs,

0:10:06 > 0:10:11the village features a church that dates back to the 15th century,

0:10:11 > 0:10:14and our first rather youthful house

0:10:14 > 0:10:17is just four miles from all this history.

0:10:17 > 0:10:22So, here we are, Roger, Annie, property one. First impressions?

0:10:22 > 0:10:25Absolutely fantastic view.

0:10:25 > 0:10:29- That is amazing.- That is gorgeous, isn't it?- Water in the front...- Yep.

0:10:29 > 0:10:31..and further water further on.

0:10:31 > 0:10:32Fields...

0:10:32 > 0:10:35You've got St Anthony, the church, there, little mooring,

0:10:35 > 0:10:36the yacht club behind.

0:10:37 > 0:10:41It's an absolutely beautiful view. Fantastic.

0:10:41 > 0:10:43And, Annie, what about the house?

0:10:43 > 0:10:44Well, it looks a little small,

0:10:44 > 0:10:48but it's hard to tell from the outside, sometimes, isn't it?

0:10:48 > 0:10:49- It certainly is. - I want to see inside.

0:10:49 > 0:10:53- Shall we take a look in the house? - Yes, please.- All right.- Fantastic.

0:10:53 > 0:10:56'Built in the 1950s, this house comes with commanding views

0:10:56 > 0:10:59'over Gillan Creek, and out to Falmouth Bay.

0:11:01 > 0:11:03'We're entering through a side door, which leads directly

0:11:03 > 0:11:09'into a small hall, with a utility room and cloakroom either side.

0:11:09 > 0:11:12'From here, we can access the main house.'

0:11:12 > 0:11:15So, here we go, straight into the kitchen,

0:11:15 > 0:11:18which opens up into the living/dining area.

0:11:18 > 0:11:21- Oh, lovely.- OK.

0:11:21 > 0:11:22So, what do you think?

0:11:22 > 0:11:27Very stylish. All the wood and surfaces. Looks nice.

0:11:27 > 0:11:29It does feel a little small to me at the moment,

0:11:29 > 0:11:31but I'm liking the way it leads on.

0:11:31 > 0:11:34- Because entertaining was so important, wasn't it?- Yeah.

0:11:34 > 0:11:36- Having that kitchen/living space? - Really...

0:11:36 > 0:11:37I think what's really working is,

0:11:37 > 0:11:40I really like the idea of being able to be in here, cooking,

0:11:40 > 0:11:43but Roger potentially not being far away, or other people being there.

0:11:43 > 0:11:46And you could open it... Take these shelves down, and these cupboards...

0:11:46 > 0:11:48- Do you know? I think I would. - Yeah?- Yeah. I might.

0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Just really open this area up.- Yeah.

0:11:50 > 0:11:53- Shall we take a look at more of the house?- Absolutely.

0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Come this way.- Thank you.

0:11:55 > 0:11:58'The kitchen leads directly to a good-sized dining area,

0:11:58 > 0:12:00'which opens out into the main sitting room.'

0:12:00 > 0:12:03This is lovely and light and bright,

0:12:03 > 0:12:06and you've got your lovely wood-burner, Annie.

0:12:06 > 0:12:08That's lovely.

0:12:08 > 0:12:09So, how do you feel? What do you think?

0:12:09 > 0:12:12- Would this work as entertaining space for you?- Definitely.

0:12:12 > 0:12:14This is a really good size, actually, for us.

0:12:14 > 0:12:18And I think you'll just about fit my TV in that corner.

0:12:18 > 0:12:20Be a bit of an angle, I have to say. You might have to downsize!

0:12:20 > 0:12:22- You're such a boy! - Beautiful.

0:12:22 > 0:12:26And do you like the idea of this opening straight out onto the patio?

0:12:26 > 0:12:30- Very much.- And all the birds that are coming to feed on those feeders,

0:12:30 > 0:12:34- are just magnificent for us.- Yeah. - Beautiful.- Great. Shall we see more?

0:12:34 > 0:12:36- Very cosy. Yes, please.- Let's.

0:12:36 > 0:12:37Lead on!

0:12:39 > 0:12:42The ground floor also includes the main entrance hall,

0:12:42 > 0:12:46off which is a family shower room, and two double bedrooms,

0:12:46 > 0:12:50one with great views over surrounding countryside,

0:12:50 > 0:12:54and another currently being used as an office.

0:12:54 > 0:12:57Stairs take us up to a good-sized landing, and bedroom three,

0:12:57 > 0:13:02complete with double-aspect windows, and its own bath and shower room.

0:13:03 > 0:13:06Then, down the hallway, is the final room.

0:13:06 > 0:13:10Here we are in the master bedroom. Come on in and have a look.

0:13:10 > 0:13:15- OK.- So, this master bedroom, en suite. What do you think?

0:13:15 > 0:13:18I think it's lovely, and to be on this corner of the house,

0:13:18 > 0:13:21where you've got the view out the two windows, is really good.

0:13:21 > 0:13:23- Really good. - And, Annie, to your taste?

0:13:23 > 0:13:25- This is definitely big enough. Yeah.- Yeah.

0:13:25 > 0:13:28I love that view. I really love that view.

0:13:28 > 0:13:30So, for you, this would work as a master bedroom?

0:13:30 > 0:13:34- All the built-in wardrobe space, the en-suite, the views.- Yeah.- Lovely.

0:13:34 > 0:13:35That would work.

0:13:35 > 0:13:38- Really nice. - It looked small from the outside.

0:13:38 > 0:13:40I'm really impressed with how it's laid out.

0:13:40 > 0:13:42It's working much better inside than

0:13:42 > 0:13:45I thought it would from the view outside.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48With encouraging feedback all round regarding the inside

0:13:48 > 0:13:51of this house, we're heading outside.

0:13:51 > 0:13:54A driveway leads to a double garage, then, at the back,

0:13:54 > 0:13:58we find a generous, well-stocked garden, with mature trees

0:13:58 > 0:14:01and shrubs, and, despite the inclement coastal weather,

0:14:01 > 0:14:05for Roger and Annie, this is what it's all about -

0:14:05 > 0:14:10uninterrupted breathtaking views, over Gillan Creek and Falmouth Bay.

0:14:11 > 0:14:14So, even in the rain, that's a pretty good view, isn't it?

0:14:14 > 0:14:19- It's amazing.- Absolutely brilliant. - Really lovely.- Shall we talk money?

0:14:19 > 0:14:22- OK.- What do you both think the house is worth?

0:14:22 > 0:14:26Well, I think we're probably talking about 820.

0:14:27 > 0:14:28Oh, goodness.

0:14:28 > 0:14:31My hope would be that it would actually be under budget,

0:14:31 > 0:14:35so that I'd have enough money to make some changes, make it mine.

0:14:35 > 0:14:39Around the 700, yeah, mark.

0:14:39 > 0:14:45- This property is currently on the market for £650,000.- Ooh, crikey!

0:14:45 > 0:14:48- I could do all the changes I wanted. - You could!- That's amazing!

0:14:48 > 0:14:50- That's great. That's really good. - Music to your ears?

0:14:50 > 0:14:53- Very much so, yeah.- Beautiful. - Lovely.- Absolutely beautiful.

0:14:53 > 0:14:54Do you want to take another look around,

0:14:54 > 0:14:57- now you have that figure in your mind?- That'd be good.- Yeah.

0:14:57 > 0:14:59- You do that... - We'll make the changes now.

0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - I'll catch up with you in a moment.

0:15:02 > 0:15:03- Cheers.- Thank you.

0:15:05 > 0:15:09This mid-20th century property comes in massively under budget.

0:15:09 > 0:15:13With an open-plan kitchen/diner, living room, and four bedrooms,

0:15:13 > 0:15:18this house has the space and facilities for visiting guests.

0:15:18 > 0:15:21Outside, it has a large, established garden, and the bonus,

0:15:21 > 0:15:24of course - those breathtaking views.

0:15:28 > 0:15:31- Yeah.- That's nice. The little angles and things.

0:15:31 > 0:15:35- Yeah, without being right over the top.- Yeah.- Same view.

0:15:35 > 0:15:39- That's not bad feng shui. - It's not bad.- Really good. Yeah.

0:15:40 > 0:15:42I was surprised.

0:15:42 > 0:15:47The drive up through the estate, all the houses were totally different,

0:15:47 > 0:15:50and you get no view of the sea,

0:15:50 > 0:15:54until you turn into the drive, and then you've got that view of...

0:15:54 > 0:15:57Well, it's just the most amazing view.

0:15:57 > 0:16:01I didn't walk in and think, "Oh, my God, this is the place for me,"

0:16:01 > 0:16:05but as we explored it, and when we saw the view, it's definitely grown

0:16:05 > 0:16:08on me, so there's a lot to think about with this property, I think.

0:16:08 > 0:16:10Yeah. In terms of...

0:16:10 > 0:16:12I'd have to spend quite a lot of money to make it

0:16:12 > 0:16:15into the kind of place that I'd like to live.

0:16:15 > 0:16:20I think it will take a lot of beating. It was really special.

0:16:20 > 0:16:22I think Roger's really in love with it,

0:16:22 > 0:16:24which is reflected in the price that he guessed,

0:16:24 > 0:16:27and I think he'd probably be happy to buy it and move in tomorrow.

0:16:29 > 0:16:33- So, you had a good look round? - We have, yes.- Ready for more?

0:16:33 > 0:16:35- Ooh, goodness, yes. - Do we have to?

0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Come on! Right, the adventure continues.- Yes.

0:16:44 > 0:16:45During the 19th century,

0:16:45 > 0:16:49Cornwall's tin-mining industry was booming, but a collapse

0:16:49 > 0:16:53in price meant that, by the 1920s, this profitable business was gone.

0:16:53 > 0:16:58However, one legacy from this great industrial past lives on,

0:16:58 > 0:17:02in the form of the humble Cornish pasty.

0:17:02 > 0:17:05Once a staple food for miners, it's now a takeaway treat,

0:17:05 > 0:17:08and Roger is a really big fan.

0:17:08 > 0:17:11We arrange for our couple to meet baker, Charlie Choak.

0:17:11 > 0:17:14His family firm have been making this Cornish delicacy

0:17:14 > 0:17:16in Falmouth for over 60 years.

0:17:19 > 0:17:22So why did so many miners choose this particular snack

0:17:22 > 0:17:24to take with them underground?

0:17:24 > 0:17:26It's very easy to eat underground,

0:17:26 > 0:17:29- and it was cheap for their wives to make.- And a full dinner.- Yeah.

0:17:29 > 0:17:32And how has the making of pasties changed over the years?

0:17:32 > 0:17:35I think lots of things have changed, because of machinery,

0:17:35 > 0:17:38like we no longer roll out pasties by hand,

0:17:38 > 0:17:41and the taters and things are peeled by machine...

0:17:41 > 0:17:43- Right.- ..but, basically, they're virtually the same.

0:17:43 > 0:17:47Much of Charlie's pasty-making is done by hand, including the

0:17:47 > 0:17:51all-important crimping, which seals in the ingredients.

0:17:51 > 0:17:54The whole process starts with the pastry.

0:17:54 > 0:17:56- Now, as you're rolling it out... - Yep.

0:17:56 > 0:18:00- ..move the pastry, not the rolling pin.- Yeah.

0:18:00 > 0:18:02- You see how I'm getting it nice and round?- Yeah.- Yeah.

0:18:02 > 0:18:05Thin pastry's very, very important.

0:18:05 > 0:18:08But it looks a little easier than it actually is.

0:18:08 > 0:18:11Right, move the pastry, not the rolling pin.

0:18:11 > 0:18:14- Turn it over. Just gently roll it. - This one's sticking.

0:18:14 > 0:18:16Put a bit of effort in. Put some weight on it.

0:18:16 > 0:18:19- Use some of your excess weight. - Hey, steady!

0:18:22 > 0:18:27The raw vegetable ingredients are simply potatoes, onions, and swedes.

0:18:27 > 0:18:30- So that's not been cooked at all? - No, nothing's cooked at all.

0:18:30 > 0:18:31- It's all raw. - Right, OK.

0:18:31 > 0:18:34Squeeze together, two reasons - makes it nice and dry...

0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Yeah. - ..and it also makes it very compact.

0:18:37 > 0:18:41- OK, squeeze together like that. - Press it in there, drop it on there.

0:18:41 > 0:18:45The meat is locally-sourced diced beef.

0:18:45 > 0:18:47You can put too much meat in a pasty, and then it becomes

0:18:47 > 0:18:51a meat pie, but you put your own in, to what you want.

0:18:51 > 0:18:54- OK.- And put it from end to end. - Very dainty!- Yeah.

0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Add a bit of seasoning... - Gently pull...- Pull.

0:18:57 > 0:19:00- ..bring together, and squeeze. - Bring together, squeeze.

0:19:00 > 0:19:03And down you go, each side, keeping it all in there.

0:19:05 > 0:19:08Just gentle, be gentle with it.

0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Pinch. OK?- Yeah.

0:19:11 > 0:19:12- Shove it in.- There we go.

0:19:14 > 0:19:16Shut the door.

0:19:16 > 0:19:19And, after just 25 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius,

0:19:19 > 0:19:21this great Cornish delicacy is ready.

0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Oh, oi, oi! - There you go.- Beautiful.

0:19:28 > 0:19:31There you go, Annie. There's your pasty. That's how you eat it, look.

0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Like that.- Is it? Lovely. Thank you. - That's how you eat a Cornish pasty.

0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Beautiful.- It's a bit hot. Save it for later.- Well done, sir.

0:19:37 > 0:19:40- Well done. Thank you.- Thank you very much. Brilliant.- Thank you.

0:19:40 > 0:19:43The Cornish pasty may have fed an army of miners,

0:19:43 > 0:19:48but will Roger and Annie strike gold with their own property search,

0:19:48 > 0:19:50as their house-hunt continues?

0:19:54 > 0:19:57Our second property is located in the village of Stithians,

0:19:57 > 0:20:01around eight miles north-west of Falmouth.

0:20:01 > 0:20:04Situated in a valley with a thriving community,

0:20:04 > 0:20:08at the heart of the village is this 14th-century church.

0:20:08 > 0:20:11Nearby, there's a general store, a village hall,

0:20:11 > 0:20:15and - music to Roger's ears - not one, but two pubs.

0:20:15 > 0:20:19To the west lies Stithians lake, considered one of the country's

0:20:19 > 0:20:22best inland sailing and fishing locations.

0:20:22 > 0:20:26The house we've come to see is just a short stroll

0:20:26 > 0:20:27from the centre of the village.

0:20:28 > 0:20:33- So, here we are, property number two.- Wow.- Annie, that's a big smile.

0:20:33 > 0:20:35- Yeah!- It's a big, big smile!

0:20:35 > 0:20:38That's much more visually appealing than the first one for me,

0:20:38 > 0:20:39I have to say, from the outside.

0:20:39 > 0:20:42That does look stunning. Really good.

0:20:42 > 0:20:44- That smile says we should get inside. Is that right?- We should.

0:20:44 > 0:20:47- Yes, please, I'd love to. - Come on, let's do it.

0:20:47 > 0:20:50'This Grade II listed former miller's cottage

0:20:50 > 0:20:53'has Cornish charm by the bucket-load.

0:20:53 > 0:20:56'The main part of this granite-built house dates

0:20:56 > 0:20:57'from the mid-17th century,

0:20:57 > 0:21:02'with a sympathetically-constructed extension going up in the 1990s.

0:21:02 > 0:21:05'Entering through the door of the utility and boot room gives

0:21:05 > 0:21:10'us direct access into the spacious kitchen and breakfast room.'

0:21:12 > 0:21:14OK, so, in you come.

0:21:16 > 0:21:17ANNIE GIGGLES EXCITEDLY

0:21:17 > 0:21:22- Oh, look!- You just want to run and hug it!- Yes, I'm sorry!- Not now!

0:21:22 > 0:21:27- Now, there is a woman in love. - Blimey.- Oh, my goodness.

0:21:27 > 0:21:29- Oh, it's divine. - Look at the floor.

0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Yeah.- Gorgeous.- Original granite,

0:21:31 > 0:21:34which they discovered when they refurbed this section of the house.

0:21:34 > 0:21:36Flagstone floors.

0:21:36 > 0:21:39The granite from the extension on the kitchen,

0:21:39 > 0:21:41that's locally-sourced granite.

0:21:41 > 0:21:42Oh, it's beautiful!

0:21:42 > 0:21:45And a kitchen table that opens up to seat ten,

0:21:45 > 0:21:49- so you could have all your boys... - Yeah.- ..their partners, everyone.

0:21:49 > 0:21:51- This is a family room. - Really lovely.

0:21:53 > 0:21:56- You're almost speechless, I know! - Feel the warmth.

0:21:56 > 0:21:58Oh, it's beautiful. Really beautiful.

0:21:58 > 0:22:00What are you feeling right now? What do you think?

0:22:00 > 0:22:05I feel quite good, because that's exactly what Annie's looking for.

0:22:05 > 0:22:08- That is exactly what she's looking for.- Yeah.

0:22:08 > 0:22:11'This beautiful, bespoke kitchen comes complete with

0:22:11 > 0:22:15'a walk-in larder, featuring slate shelving.'

0:22:15 > 0:22:18I love it. Yeah, I really, really love it.

0:22:18 > 0:22:21- It's cosy, not... - It's nice. It is nice.

0:22:22 > 0:22:26- "Nice?"- Well, Annie likes it. - It's brilliant.

0:22:28 > 0:22:31Let's show you both more. There's lots to see. Come this way.

0:22:31 > 0:22:32- Lovely.- Thank you.

0:22:32 > 0:22:35'Annie is almost ready to move in.

0:22:35 > 0:22:37'I think Roger might need a little more convincing.

0:22:37 > 0:22:41'Maybe the adjacent sitting room will swing it.'

0:22:41 > 0:22:45You have this lovely, cosy living room space, with log burner again...

0:22:45 > 0:22:48- Oh, yeah.- ..which I know was something that you were after.

0:22:48 > 0:22:50- Yeah. Lovely.- So warm.

0:22:50 > 0:22:53- Really warm.- It is. It's got that cosy cottage feel to it.- Yeah.

0:22:53 > 0:22:55Really lovely.

0:22:55 > 0:22:57- It's a good size. It's perfect. - It's nice.

0:22:57 > 0:23:04I was so struck by the view in the first property, that I'm finding...

0:23:04 > 0:23:06Looking out the windows, it's totally different.

0:23:06 > 0:23:08It takes a little bit of time.

0:23:08 > 0:23:12But, certainly, the inside is really brilliant.

0:23:12 > 0:23:15I think the outside's more important to Roger,

0:23:15 > 0:23:17and the inside's important to me, so this is...

0:23:17 > 0:23:18Can we put the two together?

0:23:20 > 0:23:23Well, let's take a look at the rest of the inside first, and then

0:23:23 > 0:23:25let me see if I can tempt you with what it has to offer outside.

0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Brilliant.- Great.- Carry on! - Let me show you the way.

0:23:28 > 0:23:31'Also on the ground floor is a utility room,

0:23:31 > 0:23:35'and a double bedroom, complete with en suite shower room.

0:23:37 > 0:23:40'A stairway from the kitchen leads up to the first floor landing,

0:23:40 > 0:23:42'with storage potential.

0:23:42 > 0:23:47'There's also a family bathroom, and two further double bedrooms,

0:23:47 > 0:23:50'one of which is currently being used as an office.

0:23:50 > 0:23:54'And, at the other end of the hallway, is the biggest bedroom.'

0:23:54 > 0:23:57And here we are. This way into the master bedroom...

0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Wow. - ..which doesn't have an en-suite,

0:24:01 > 0:24:05- but they have looked into getting one built in to that corner.- Right.

0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Right.- ..and it wouldn't be too much of a problem to add that in,

0:24:08 > 0:24:11which is pretty much the only thing you'd need to do to the property.

0:24:11 > 0:24:14- Yeah.- Yeah, it's a nice size. - Could you imagine just moving in?

0:24:14 > 0:24:18Yeah, absolutely. Could move straight in here, definitely.

0:24:18 > 0:24:20- Yeah. Nothing to... - I'd write to you.

0:24:20 > 0:24:23Oh! Right, right, come on. Let me show you the garden.

0:24:24 > 0:24:28'I'm getting the feeling that Roger is still not convinced by

0:24:28 > 0:24:31'this former miller's cottage, so we're heading outside and

0:24:31 > 0:24:36'into the garden to see if I can win him over, and get a change of heart.

0:24:36 > 0:24:39'Sitting in nearly two and a half acres of land,

0:24:39 > 0:24:42'which includes a separate paddock and woodland,

0:24:42 > 0:24:46'the property is approached by a granite driveway, flanked by

0:24:46 > 0:24:50'the River Kennall, and a pretty stream that runs through the garden.

0:24:50 > 0:24:53'This back area boasts outbuildings and a terraced lawn.'

0:24:55 > 0:24:59Two tool sheds, workbenches, all powered up.

0:24:59 > 0:25:01That'd be useful for Annie.

0:25:01 > 0:25:05- And this gorgeous property.- Mm.

0:25:05 > 0:25:07- Indeed.- Let's get down to business -

0:25:07 > 0:25:09how much do you think this property's worth?

0:25:09 > 0:25:13Well, I'm going first again, cos I was rubbish last time.

0:25:13 > 0:25:16If we came here first, I'd go for 750.

0:25:16 > 0:25:20But, knowing what the other one was, I'd bring this down to 700.

0:25:20 > 0:25:23OK. Annie, what do you think?

0:25:23 > 0:25:26Oh, I think more. I do. I'd...

0:25:26 > 0:25:28My guess is going to be 800,000.

0:25:29 > 0:25:36This property is currently on the market for £645,000.

0:25:36 > 0:25:38Does that change things a little bit, or...?

0:25:38 > 0:25:40I was in love with it anyway!

0:25:42 > 0:25:46- Yeah.- Do you want to have a look round again, knowing that now?

0:25:46 > 0:25:48Well, we have got three votes.

0:25:49 > 0:25:51I have one, Annie has one,

0:25:51 > 0:25:54and then Annie has a spare one, so we'll have another look round!

0:25:54 > 0:25:56- Enjoy.- Thank you.- Thank you.

0:25:59 > 0:26:05£105,000 under budget, this Grade II listed former

0:26:05 > 0:26:09miller's cottage seems to give Annie that cosy feel she craves.

0:26:09 > 0:26:12There are four good-sized bedrooms and a spacious kitchen,

0:26:12 > 0:26:15while outside offers a stream flowing through the garden

0:26:15 > 0:26:17and some two and a half acres of land.

0:26:23 > 0:26:27- Your own meadow.- Complete with a polytunnel.- What'll you grow there?

0:26:27 > 0:26:31- BOTH: Strawberries.- Wayhey! Lovely jubbly. Come on, let's get back.- OK.

0:26:32 > 0:26:36I love this house. I loved it from the moment we first saw it.

0:26:36 > 0:26:37I think it's gorgeous.

0:26:37 > 0:26:40I think the people have done a really good job with it.

0:26:40 > 0:26:44As we drove down the lane, we were coming down into a dell,

0:26:44 > 0:26:47with hills all the way round the outside,

0:26:47 > 0:26:51compared to house number one that had that superb view from the

0:26:51 > 0:26:57top of the hills over the coast, so it wasn't for me.

0:26:57 > 0:26:59I don't think Roger's quite as taken with this house as I am,

0:26:59 > 0:27:04so I might have to, yes, work some magic on my husband.

0:27:04 > 0:27:08- Hello.- Hello!- Have you had a good look round now?- Yes.- Everywhere.

0:27:08 > 0:27:11- Property two. - I even got her out of the kitchen!

0:27:11 > 0:27:13- You're still in love with that kitchen, aren't you?- Yes.

0:27:13 > 0:27:16- That range was just...- I am. - Well, lots to think about.- Yep.

0:27:16 > 0:27:19And, of course, we've got the Mystery House tomorrow

0:27:19 > 0:27:22- still to come, so don't make your mind up quite yet.- OK.- All right.

0:27:35 > 0:27:39Husband and wife, Roger and Annie, from London, are relocating to

0:27:39 > 0:27:45Cornwall with a budget of £750,000, in search of a quieter country life.

0:27:45 > 0:27:49We've shown them two very different houses that could give them

0:27:49 > 0:27:52a rural base without losing that sense of community.

0:27:52 > 0:27:55But, with Roger and Annie pulling in different directions,

0:27:55 > 0:28:00our breathtaking Mystery House might just unite them.

0:28:00 > 0:28:04- You're speechless, Annie! So... - I'm speechless! It's amazing.

0:28:05 > 0:28:08And I'll be putting my horticultural skills to the test,

0:28:08 > 0:28:11at spectacular Cornish gardens.

0:28:11 > 0:28:14- Get it nice and tight, that's ideal. - OK.

0:28:14 > 0:28:16Ooh! Wow.

0:28:18 > 0:28:22So, what a great day's searching we had yesterday, finding property one,

0:28:22 > 0:28:25with those breathtaking views that Roger fell in love with,

0:28:25 > 0:28:29and finding property two, with those interiors that Annie adored.

0:28:29 > 0:28:31Where does that leave us today, though?

0:28:31 > 0:28:33And the Mystery House, well,

0:28:33 > 0:28:36it certainly has the high-spec interiors that should get

0:28:36 > 0:28:39Annie's approval, and there's definitely one particular

0:28:39 > 0:28:42aspect of the location that I know Roger's going to love.

0:28:47 > 0:28:51So, how are you feeling about today, and the Mystery House?

0:28:51 > 0:28:52I'm not worried, actually.

0:28:52 > 0:28:55I mean, part of the reason for us selling the house in London

0:28:55 > 0:28:57was to have a big adventure, you know,

0:28:57 > 0:29:00go outside my comfort zone, experience new things, so I quite

0:29:00 > 0:29:05like the idea of being put outside of my comfort zone, so, erm...

0:29:05 > 0:29:07I might change my mind when we get there!

0:29:10 > 0:29:14The Mystery House is in the village of Veryan, lying just a couple

0:29:14 > 0:29:19of miles inland from the dramatic Roseland heritage coastline.

0:29:19 > 0:29:22At its heart is a coffee shop cum art gallery,

0:29:22 > 0:29:25a pretty village green, complete with a water feature,

0:29:25 > 0:29:29and there's also something that might be just the ticket for Roger.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33- This would be your local pub. - Lovely.- Fantastic.

0:29:33 > 0:29:35So, what do you think of the area?

0:29:35 > 0:29:37- It looks...- I like THIS area!

0:29:38 > 0:29:40Well, the best thing about loving this area - this particular

0:29:40 > 0:29:44pub behind you - is that it's one minute from your Mystery House.

0:29:44 > 0:29:45Oh! Nice.

0:29:45 > 0:29:49And that's a one minute WALK home - you could STROLL home from here!

0:29:49 > 0:29:52- Would you like to take a look? - Is that in a straight line?

0:29:52 > 0:29:54Yeah, well, it depends how many you've had!

0:29:54 > 0:29:55Come on, let me show you.

0:29:58 > 0:30:02- Come this way! - Oh, my gosh.

0:30:03 > 0:30:04That looks amazing.

0:30:05 > 0:30:08- Look at the stonework!- You've saved the best till last, haven't you?

0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Dear...- I know you said you didn't want a new build.

0:30:11 > 0:30:13- Is that a new build? - This is actually a new build.

0:30:13 > 0:30:16- It's two years old.- Good lord!

0:30:16 > 0:30:20- And...- Oh, but they've used proper materials, haven't they? Old...

0:30:20 > 0:30:23- It is absolutely in keeping with the area.- Oh, it's lovely.

0:30:23 > 0:30:26I feel like you're just racing to get... Shall we?

0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Yep, yeah, let's go! - Let's not waste any time!- Brilliant.

0:30:29 > 0:30:31'With the looks of a well-established,

0:30:31 > 0:30:35'traditional property, it's hard to believe that this impressive

0:30:35 > 0:30:38'modern Mystery House is only two years old.'

0:30:38 > 0:30:41Built from locally-sourced Cornish stone, it offers

0:30:41 > 0:30:44generous living space across three floors,

0:30:44 > 0:30:47and a side annexe for B&B opportunities.

0:30:47 > 0:30:52It's also the biggest property we're presenting to Roger and Annie,

0:30:52 > 0:30:56offering some 3,400 square feet of living space.

0:30:57 > 0:31:01On the ground floor are two en suite bedrooms, and a utility room,

0:31:01 > 0:31:06as well as a completely self-contained one-bedroom annexe.

0:31:06 > 0:31:09With its fully fitted kitchen and seating area,

0:31:09 > 0:31:14and a spacious double bedroom that has its own en suite, this annexe

0:31:14 > 0:31:17could be ideal for our couple to run as a holiday let business,

0:31:17 > 0:31:21or simply an ideal place for Annie's visiting kids to stay.

0:31:21 > 0:31:24We're heading up another level to the first floor.

0:31:25 > 0:31:29- And into the main living space. - Oh, my goodness!

0:31:31 > 0:31:35Lovely. Really nice. Nice room, lots of room.

0:31:35 > 0:31:39- You're speechless, Annie! So... - I'm speechless! It's amazing.

0:31:41 > 0:31:45I... I don't know what to say. I want to buy it now, please!

0:31:45 > 0:31:48The open-plan styling seamlessly flows,

0:31:48 > 0:31:51from the kitchen-diner through to the main sitting room.

0:31:52 > 0:31:54Well, this is another nice room.

0:31:54 > 0:31:56- You liking it? - Very comfortable.

0:31:56 > 0:31:58I don't think I've ever been in a house with

0:31:58 > 0:32:00a more beautiful interior space.

0:32:00 > 0:32:03It is stunning. It is really beautiful.

0:32:03 > 0:32:05Got your wood burner in here.

0:32:05 > 0:32:07Lovely big space to get all the family in for entertaining,

0:32:07 > 0:32:10but still has that nice cosy feel, which, again,

0:32:10 > 0:32:12- I know you're really after. - Yeah.- It is, yeah.

0:32:12 > 0:32:16Slight concern on the outside space that the garden might be a hill.

0:32:16 > 0:32:18ALL CHUCKLE

0:32:18 > 0:32:21But the inside space - just absolutely divine.

0:32:23 > 0:32:27'This floor is also home to a study and an incredibly well-appointed

0:32:27 > 0:32:31'master suite, featuring a freestanding bath in the bedroom

0:32:31 > 0:32:33'as well as stylish en suite.

0:32:34 > 0:32:37'There are a total of five bedrooms.

0:32:37 > 0:32:39'The two on the ground floor are both doubles,

0:32:39 > 0:32:42'and could be perfect for our couple to run as a B&B business,

0:32:42 > 0:32:45'as each one has its own en suite shower room.

0:32:47 > 0:32:50'The remaining two bedrooms are on the top floor,

0:32:50 > 0:32:54'and both are served by a family bathroom.

0:32:54 > 0:32:58'We're making our way to yet another potential master bedroom.'

0:32:59 > 0:33:01And on to the third level of the house.

0:33:01 > 0:33:04This could be one of your master bedrooms.

0:33:04 > 0:33:08Each room is huge. Isn't it? They're large rooms.

0:33:08 > 0:33:10You have two bedrooms on this floor and

0:33:10 > 0:33:12a Jack and Jill bathroom in between.

0:33:12 > 0:33:14There's also a gorgeous attic space,

0:33:14 > 0:33:18which the current owners have turned into a walk-in wardrobe,

0:33:18 > 0:33:20which I thought would make someone particularly happy.

0:33:20 > 0:33:22Yes, I shall enjoy being in there.

0:33:25 > 0:33:29'The Mystery House seems to offer Roger and Annie everything

0:33:29 > 0:33:31'they're looking for in their move to Cornwall,

0:33:31 > 0:33:34'but will the garden be a sticking point?'

0:33:34 > 0:33:37This is the outdoor space for your property.

0:33:37 > 0:33:38So, the owners decked this area.

0:33:38 > 0:33:42Below it, you have space to have a work room,

0:33:42 > 0:33:45or you could store kayaks, outdoor equipment.

0:33:45 > 0:33:48Behind us, you can see the project that isn't quite finished,

0:33:48 > 0:33:51- because the owner thought this was going to be a forever house.- Yes.

0:33:51 > 0:33:54- This was the next project. - Well, it's a heck of a project.

0:33:54 > 0:33:56Too much of a project, or...?

0:33:56 > 0:33:58Considering the house needs nothing doing to it...

0:33:58 > 0:34:01- Depends what the price is.- OK!

0:34:02 > 0:34:06What do you think this property is on the market for?

0:34:06 > 0:34:08850? Something like that?

0:34:08 > 0:34:11- 850...- OK, 850. Roger?

0:34:11 > 0:34:14No, I don't think it's as high as that.

0:34:14 > 0:34:16Erm... I'll go...

0:34:16 > 0:34:19- 790.- 790.

0:34:19 > 0:34:25- Would it surprise you if I told you you're both over?- Oh!

0:34:25 > 0:34:27- In your guesses. - Yeah, that would surprise me.

0:34:27 > 0:34:28Yes, that would surprise me.

0:34:28 > 0:34:35- This property is on the market for £775,000.- Good heavens!

0:34:35 > 0:34:39- That's incredible.- Shall I let you keep exploring?- Yes, please.- OK!

0:34:39 > 0:34:41Have a good look round. Make yourselves at home.

0:34:43 > 0:34:47Although this mystery option IS £25,000 over budget,

0:34:47 > 0:34:50Roger and Annie have said they would stretch themselves for

0:34:50 > 0:34:52a property with business opportunities,

0:34:52 > 0:34:57and this large, modern, detached house does deliver on space,

0:34:57 > 0:35:00and has a separate annexe which could be used for B&B.

0:35:00 > 0:35:05In addition, there are five double bedrooms, ideal for visiting family.

0:35:05 > 0:35:08All this, and a central village location.

0:35:12 > 0:35:14- Oh, it's lovely!- Oh, yes.

0:35:14 > 0:35:17- That's a nice little private area. - This is a good space.

0:35:17 > 0:35:20Self-contained, isn't it? Brilliant.

0:35:20 > 0:35:21I like that.

0:35:22 > 0:35:25When we got out onto the decking and looked at the garden,

0:35:25 > 0:35:28there was no grass, there were no birds,

0:35:28 > 0:35:32and it gave me the impression the whole thing was a massive project,

0:35:32 > 0:35:37and I'm not sure I've got the drive and energy to complete

0:35:37 > 0:35:39the beautiful job they've started.

0:35:39 > 0:35:41The Mystery House is amazing.

0:35:41 > 0:35:45It's given me an awful lot to think about. It's big, you know.

0:35:45 > 0:35:49The more we saw, the more I started to get a bit of a panic about,

0:35:49 > 0:35:51"Oh, my goodness, is this too big for me?"

0:35:51 > 0:35:54It feels much more suited to being run as a B&B,

0:35:54 > 0:35:57so that's scaring me a little at the moment, but, oh, it's so lovely!

0:35:57 > 0:36:00I just need to sleep on it and decide if I'm ready

0:36:00 > 0:36:02to make that shift, I think.

0:36:02 > 0:36:04Annie's the driving force in the partnership.

0:36:04 > 0:36:07If she really wanted to take this on,

0:36:07 > 0:36:11and do the bed and breakfast and that sort of stuff, I'd be happy.

0:36:11 > 0:36:13Down the pub.

0:36:14 > 0:36:20- Hello!- Hello.- Still smiling?- Still smiling!- Oh, huge grins!- Very nice.

0:36:20 > 0:36:23- OK, you've seen all three.- Yep. - Shall we go and have a chat?

0:36:23 > 0:36:27- We do need to have a chat.- It's time to talk. Come on!- Let's go.

0:36:33 > 0:36:35Cornwall's unique position within the UK

0:36:35 > 0:36:38does give it certain advantages.

0:36:38 > 0:36:41Tucked away on the south coast, you'll find Trebah Garden,

0:36:41 > 0:36:44one of the 12 great gardens of Cornwall.

0:36:45 > 0:36:50This beautiful 26-acre site is down to the hard graft of 19th century

0:36:50 > 0:36:54wealthy horticulturalist and Quaker, Charles Fox.

0:36:54 > 0:37:00He used Trebah as a private garden, and it contains over 5,000 plants

0:37:00 > 0:37:05and trees from around the world, that flourish in this idyllic spot.

0:37:05 > 0:37:10From Asian and American conifers, to Chinese bamboos, Trebah's 100,000

0:37:10 > 0:37:16plus visitors a year are promised a truly sub-tropical experience.

0:37:16 > 0:37:19Now owned and managed by the Trebah Garden Trust,

0:37:19 > 0:37:23I've come to meet head gardener, Darren Dickey, to find out more.

0:37:24 > 0:37:29Darren, you have so many varieties here that aren't native to the area.

0:37:29 > 0:37:31What is so special about this climate?

0:37:31 > 0:37:33Well, we're very lucky to have, obviously,

0:37:33 > 0:37:36a very mild winter climate. We're also very close to the sea,

0:37:36 > 0:37:39so we benefit from the Gulf Stream, so there's warming waters.

0:37:39 > 0:37:42We have a south-facing aspect, which, again,

0:37:42 > 0:37:44is perfectly placed, on a sunny day like today,

0:37:44 > 0:37:47to draw in and trap that extra heat,

0:37:47 > 0:37:49so a combination of those things mean that we can grow a lot

0:37:49 > 0:37:53of plants you wouldn't necessarily see growing outside of Cornwall.

0:37:53 > 0:37:5626 acres of garden, lots to explore - have you got time

0:37:56 > 0:37:59- to show me around? - Indeed. Follow me.

0:37:59 > 0:38:02Darren is taking me to see a tropical fern that's

0:38:02 > 0:38:06over 12,000 miles from its natural home, in south Australia.

0:38:07 > 0:38:09The fronds, or fern leaves,

0:38:09 > 0:38:13often need cutting back to show off the plant in its best light...

0:38:14 > 0:38:17So, literally, just get it in as tight as you can...

0:38:17 > 0:38:21..and Darren is letting me loose with the pruning shears.

0:38:21 > 0:38:24- If you want to start on this side, just...- You made it look easy!

0:38:24 > 0:38:28- Like the...- You'll find it's not too bad. Not too bad.- So, better?

0:38:28 > 0:38:30Yeah, if you get it nice and tight, that's ideal.

0:38:30 > 0:38:34- OK. Ooh! Wow.- You see, they're surprisingly soft.- Yeah.

0:38:34 > 0:38:35You think of them as being quite woody,

0:38:35 > 0:38:38but they've actually got a soft pith in there,

0:38:38 > 0:38:42because the tree ferns basically absorb water and store moisture,

0:38:42 > 0:38:45they're really easy just to trim off.

0:38:45 > 0:38:49- Right, so, nice and low?- Yeah, nice and low.- Straight through?- Yep.

0:38:49 > 0:38:51- Ideal.- Wow.

0:38:51 > 0:38:55'Maintaining a garden like this is nonstop.

0:38:55 > 0:38:57'We're on our way to finish off a plant bed

0:38:57 > 0:39:00'that Darren has been preparing for Trebah's bamboo collection.'

0:39:01 > 0:39:04Why does the bamboo grow so well in this garden?

0:39:04 > 0:39:06It likes a certain amount of moisture.

0:39:06 > 0:39:07It doesn't like to sit in the wet,

0:39:07 > 0:39:09but it'll like a reasonable amount of moisture

0:39:09 > 0:39:11around its roots through the summer months,

0:39:11 > 0:39:13so that's why they do so well in Cornwall.

0:39:13 > 0:39:17We're set to add the final plant to the bed.

0:39:17 > 0:39:19We'll just knock it out of the pot.

0:39:19 > 0:39:22This one itself is probably just about at the perfect stage,

0:39:22 > 0:39:24it hasn't got too rootbound.

0:39:24 > 0:39:27- If you want to grab the spade.- OK.

0:39:27 > 0:39:29And the other thing you need to make sure

0:39:29 > 0:39:34is that the plant itself is at roughly the same level as the soil.

0:39:34 > 0:39:37So if you want to backfill in around.

0:39:39 > 0:39:44This is a really good mixture of compost and soil.

0:39:44 > 0:39:46The plant should establish really well.

0:39:46 > 0:39:48Darren, thank you so much for showing us around Trebah,

0:39:48 > 0:39:52and I look forward to coming back and seeing how she's doing soon.

0:39:52 > 0:39:53It's my pleasure. You're welcome.

0:40:01 > 0:40:03So, Roger and Annie have had a little time to consider

0:40:03 > 0:40:05all three of those great properties.

0:40:05 > 0:40:08Can't wait to find out what their next step is going to be.

0:40:14 > 0:40:17Annie, Roger, it's good to see you.

0:40:17 > 0:40:20So, where are we at now in this house search?

0:40:20 > 0:40:23We've seen three gorgeous properties, how are you feeling?

0:40:23 > 0:40:26- I think, probably, the mind's all over the place, to be fair.- It is.

0:40:26 > 0:40:29Because there was bits of each of us in all three.

0:40:29 > 0:40:31I loved the first one with its view,

0:40:31 > 0:40:34Annie loved the second one with its history,

0:40:34 > 0:40:36and the skill that went into the third one was fantastic.

0:40:36 > 0:40:38So, as choices for us,

0:40:38 > 0:40:40those three properties couldn't have been better.

0:40:40 > 0:40:43But it's like the start of the search for us in Cornwall,

0:40:43 > 0:40:46and we just wonder what else is out there.

0:40:46 > 0:40:50And it wasn't enough in that Mystery House of the interior,

0:40:50 > 0:40:53close enough to some of those locations to tempt you?

0:40:53 > 0:40:54I was ready to buy it.

0:40:54 > 0:40:56As we walked into the door,

0:40:56 > 0:40:58you know, through the door and the entrance,

0:40:58 > 0:41:00I would've signed the paperwork then.

0:41:00 > 0:41:03We went up into that kind of main kitchen and living area.

0:41:03 > 0:41:06I'm thinking, "Yes, this is it. I still want to buy it."

0:41:06 > 0:41:08I think it was as we progressed further

0:41:08 > 0:41:10and I realised exactly how big it was

0:41:10 > 0:41:13and then saw how much work there was still to do.

0:41:13 > 0:41:16It was the garden. I think, you know, we do like a garden,

0:41:16 > 0:41:18and I would struggle with that hilly bit.

0:41:18 > 0:41:21So, just too much of a project on the outside?

0:41:21 > 0:41:22Yeah, that set the doubts in.

0:41:22 > 0:41:25"Oh, is it all too much? Is it a bit too big?"

0:41:25 > 0:41:28So are you feeling more confident about the move to Cornwall

0:41:28 > 0:41:30after a couple of days of house-hunting?

0:41:30 > 0:41:32It's really helped, spending the time with you

0:41:32 > 0:41:35and seeing these properties and meeting the people down here

0:41:35 > 0:41:37has really clarified that this is definitely

0:41:37 > 0:41:39the place we'd like to be.

0:41:39 > 0:41:41Well, it sounds like we've definitely given you

0:41:41 > 0:41:42a lot to think about,

0:41:42 > 0:41:44and I wish you continued success in the house-hunt,

0:41:44 > 0:41:46and I look forward to sharing a Cornish cream tea

0:41:46 > 0:41:49- and a Cornish pasty with you soon at yours.- Indeed.

0:41:49 > 0:41:53Thank you very much for all your help this week. It's been lovely.

0:41:55 > 0:41:57Well, come rain or shine,

0:41:57 > 0:42:01I really can see why Annie and Roger have fallen in love with Cornwall,

0:42:01 > 0:42:03and I'm really pleased that after a few days of property searching,

0:42:03 > 0:42:07Annie in particular is feeling much more confident about that move,

0:42:07 > 0:42:11which is a huge one for her, leaving her home of some 30 years.

0:42:11 > 0:42:15We got so close on each of those properties, especially number one.

0:42:15 > 0:42:19Those breathtaking views that Roger just couldn't get out of his mind.

0:42:19 > 0:42:21And I'm hoping, with a little more research

0:42:21 > 0:42:24into whether or not it could work for them,

0:42:24 > 0:42:26we'll be hearing soon that Roger and Annie

0:42:26 > 0:42:31have found that first property to buy together here in Cornwall.

0:42:31 > 0:42:33I'll see you soon on Escape To The Country.

0:42:36 > 0:42:38I'm delighted to report that

0:42:38 > 0:42:41Annie and Roger did find their dream Cornish property

0:42:41 > 0:42:44which is just 20 minutes' drive from our second house

0:42:44 > 0:42:46and has beautiful river views.

0:42:46 > 0:42:50We wish them well in their new country life together.

0:42:50 > 0:42:52If you would like to escape to the country

0:42:52 > 0:42:55in Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England

0:42:55 > 0:42:58and need our help, please apply online at...