Cornwall Escape to the Country

Even in the rain, this landscape is stunning,

and the beautiful colours within it and its proud heritage

are all reflected in the vibrant design of this tartan,

but I might not be where you think I am.

Intrigued? All will be revealed in just a moment.

After decades of living the city life,

today's house-hunters are looking to slow down the pace.

I think you'll just about fit my TV in that corner.

Be a bit of an angle, I have to say. You might have to downsize!

You're such a boy!

But who on this house-hunt is wearing the trousers?

We've got three votes. I have one, Annie has one,

and then Annie has a spare one, so...

Well, if you thought tartan was exclusively Scottish,

then you're wrong.

This is Cornish national tartan, created by Cornish poet

E Morton Nance in the mid-20th century.

He wanted to give his beloved homeland something to honour

its Celtic heritage with.

There are now 19 official Cornish tartans - the black and gold,

a reflection of the ancient Cornish kings.

The black and white comes from the county flag.

The red, from the beak and legs of the national bird, and the blue...

Well, that's the sea.

As the UK's most south-westerly county,

Cornwall is renowned for its glorious, sweeping

open countryside, and over 400 miles of rugged, untamed coastline.

The historic town of Falmouth has royal connections,

stretching back to the mid-16th century.

Under the gaze of Pendennis Castle, built by Henry VIII,

the town boasts the third deepest natural harbour in Western Europe,

and, to this day, it's a major contributor to Falmouth's economy.

Steeped in nautical history,

the news of Lord Nelson's death was landed here.

Moving inland, and nestling on the banks of the River Helford,

the village of Gweek lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It's been a thriving port since Roman times, and today,

it's home to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary,

where over 40 abandoned pups a year are saved and rehabilitated,

before they're returned back to the wild.

So, whether it's the dramatic coastline with glorious beaches,

or stunning open countryside, this county really seems to have it all.

Cornwall's rich heritage includes its very own language.

In 2009, Cornish was put on a list of extinct languages by the UN.

That's since been amended, to "critically endangered,"

with more than 500 people now claiming fluency.

And, when it comes to talking house prices in Cornwall,

the average for a detached home is around about £277,000,

about 22,000 below the national average.

So what's calling today's house buyers to Cornwall? Let's find out.

Retired maths teacher, Roger, and his acupuncturist wife,

Annie, met one another online.

They've now been together for six years, and got married in 2012.

The couple had been living in London,

but have recently moved to Nottinghamshire.

The reason that we're here is that the house sold terribly,

terribly quickly,

and we weren't quite sure where we wanted to go, so we came here

to Bingham in Nottinghamshire, so that we could just take stock.

We chose this place cos it's where my family are from.

Annie was a Londoner for over three decades, but believes the Big Smoke

has changed so much in that time,

so she decided to sell her long-serving family home.

There are a number of reasons why it feels like the right time.

One is that it's got so expensive in London.

My children can't afford to live there, and I'm not sure

I want to live in a place where young people can't afford to be.

Annie's had time to come to terms with the idea of moving,

and London is getting extremely busy.

It's growing outwards,

and it's growing over the top of the places that you used to live in.

Turning their backs on the city,

our house-hunters are now setting their sights on Cornwall,

a location which evokes very happy memories for Roger.

Ever since I was a young lad, my parents would take us to Cornwall

for a summer holiday - every year, two weeks in a caravan -

and I think if you've ever been on the coast, it gets in the blood.

The smell of sea air and ozone - fantastic.

Hankering after some stability, and a quieter life,

the couple are planning on enjoying their current hobbies,

as well as taking up some new ones.

I'm looking forward, when we move, to playing more golf,

just having more time together, free time.

Getting dogs, walking dogs,

just having time not to be working so hard.

And I would like to find some lovely country pub down there,

and a pasty shop. Beautiful.

All they need now is to find the home that will accommodate Annie's

four visiting sons, and help the couple ease into their Cornish life.

I'm frightened that I won't find a house that I loved as much as

the one that we had in London, and I'm not going to feel really

happy about moving to Cornwall until I find the right place.

If you're able to kind of help us find THE right property,

I'll be fine.

As long as you're with me.

I think to buy a house together is really important, because

it's another step forward in our relationship, and I think,

depending on each other's tick lists,

whoever gets the most ticks, that will decide who's the boss, really.

Roger and Annie have asked us to target our search in

the beautiful countryside surrounding Falmouth.

I'm catching up with our two buyers to discover

a little bit more about the details of their move.

-Roger, Annie, welcome to Cornwall.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

So, what's pulled you to this gorgeous corner of the world?

Erm, well, I think, with a Cornish surname like I've got, somewhere

a few generations back, there was, you know, family living here,

and it just seems that it's in the blood,

but I just like the sea and the fishing.

-And the pasties.

-And the pasties!

And what are we looking for today?

Well, ideally, I think, you know,

having left London, I'm hoping that we can get somewhere that's

really stunning, that all my friends and family will want to

come and visit and stay in, so a couple of bathrooms is important,

I think.

Erm... Yeah, I'd like open fire, or, you know, a sort of wood-burner.

What everybody craves, I think, when they leave London, you know...

-I'm sensing cosy is what you're after.

-Definitely cosy.

And what kind of style would you like?

I like property with character, a bit quirky.

My absolute nightmare would be a new-build square box

- that's a bit soulless for me - so I like original flagstone floors,

yeah, a bit cosier, but, unfortunately,

-no low beams for Roger.

-No.

-OK, yeah, six foot something.

-Yeah.

Nice established garden would be nice, as well,

a bit like the one we're in.

-Not so big.

-How many acres are we looking for?

Anything else, Roger, that you'd like to add to that list?

If there's a pub nearby, it wouldn't be a problem.

And are you looking to be part of the community,

or would we like somewhere more rural,

really getting away from it?

Erm... We definitely wouldn't want to be isolated.

We would perhaps join a golf club together,

I'd like to join the fishing club, and just try and, you know,

join in and add bits to whatever's going on down here.

So, let's talk price. How much are you looking to spend?

I think, ideally, we'd hoped to find somewhere for sort of £750,000,

but if we found the perfect place, and maybe if it had some

potential for income from letting, we could go up as high as 875.

-Great, let's get searching! Come on.

-Fantastic.

-Brilliant.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

With a budget of around £750,000,

but with some room to stretch for the right house,

Roger and Annie are looking for a property that offers

a quieter life, but they still have some important needs

- they want a character property, with a spacious living area,

for friends and family to visit, a minimum of two bathrooms,

and an established, large garden.

They're also keen to be part of the local community.

We've found some fantastic properties to tempt them with,

and, at each one,

I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.

One will be our Mystery House,

which could well put a new design on their search.

How important is it that I find you somewhere friends and family

can come to visit easily?

-Vital.

-OK.

I'm only going to be happy moving here to Cornwall if I know

that friends, family will want to come and stay.

-I think they should want to come just to see Annie, really.

-Aww!

Not just cos we're in a nice area.

I can see why you married him. He's a romantic, isn't he?

The first house is located close to the village of St Keverne,

south of Falmouth.

St Keverne has been inhabited for many thousands of years.

In the late '60s, nearly 50,000 flint tools were unearthed,

all dating back to around 5,500 years BC.

As well as amenities, including a post office and pubs,

the village features a church that dates back to the 15th century,

and our first rather youthful house

is just four miles from all this history.

So, here we are, Roger, Annie, property one. First impressions?

Absolutely fantastic view.

-That is amazing.

-That is gorgeous, isn't it?

-Water in the front...

-Yep.

..and further water further on.

Fields...

You've got St Anthony, the church, there, little mooring,

the yacht club behind.

It's an absolutely beautiful view. Fantastic.

And, Annie, what about the house?

Well, it looks a little small,

but it's hard to tell from the outside, sometimes, isn't it?

-It certainly is.

-I want to see inside.

-Shall we take a look in the house?

-Yes, please.

-All right.

-Fantastic.

'Built in the 1950s, this house comes with commanding views

'over Gillan Creek, and out to Falmouth Bay.

'We're entering through a side door, which leads directly

'into a small hall, with a utility room and cloakroom either side.

'From here, we can access the main house.'

So, here we go, straight into the kitchen,

which opens up into the living/dining area.

-Oh, lovely.

-OK.

So, what do you think?

Very stylish. All the wood and surfaces. Looks nice.

It does feel a little small to me at the moment,

but I'm liking the way it leads on.

-Because entertaining was so important, wasn't it?

-Yeah.

-Having that kitchen/living space?

-Really...

I think what's really working is,

I really like the idea of being able to be in here, cooking,

but Roger potentially not being far away, or other people being there.

And you could open it... Take these shelves down, and these cupboards...

-Do you know? I think I would.

-Yeah?

-Yeah. I might.

-Just really open this area up.

-Yeah.

-Shall we take a look at more of the house?

-Absolutely.

-Come this way.

-Thank you.

'The kitchen leads directly to a good-sized dining area,

'which opens out into the main sitting room.'

This is lovely and light and bright,

and you've got your lovely wood-burner, Annie.

That's lovely.

So, how do you feel? What do you think?

-Would this work as entertaining space for you?

-Definitely.

This is a really good size, actually, for us.

And I think you'll just about fit my TV in that corner.

Be a bit of an angle, I have to say. You might have to downsize!

-You're such a boy!

-Beautiful.

And do you like the idea of this opening straight out onto the patio?

-Very much.

-And all the birds that are coming to feed on those feeders,

-are just magnificent for us.

-Yeah.

-Beautiful.

-Great. Shall we see more?

-Very cosy. Yes, please.

-Let's.

Lead on!

The ground floor also includes the main entrance hall,

off which is a family shower room, and two double bedrooms,

one with great views over surrounding countryside,

and another currently being used as an office.

Stairs take us up to a good-sized landing, and bedroom three,

complete with double-aspect windows, and its own bath and shower room.

Then, down the hallway, is the final room.

Here we are in the master bedroom. Come on in and have a look.

-OK.

-So, this master bedroom, en suite. What do you think?

I think it's lovely, and to be on this corner of the house,

where you've got the view out the two windows, is really good.

-Really good.

-And, Annie, to your taste?

-This is definitely big enough. Yeah.

-Yeah.

I love that view. I really love that view.

So, for you, this would work as a master bedroom?

-All the built-in wardrobe space, the en-suite, the views.

-Yeah.

-Lovely.

That would work.

-Really nice.

-It looked small from the outside.

I'm really impressed with how it's laid out.

It's working much better inside than

I thought it would from the view outside.

With encouraging feedback all round regarding the inside

of this house, we're heading outside.

A driveway leads to a double garage, then, at the back,

we find a generous, well-stocked garden, with mature trees

and shrubs, and, despite the inclement coastal weather,

for Roger and Annie, this is what it's all about -

uninterrupted breathtaking views, over Gillan Creek and Falmouth Bay.

So, even in the rain, that's a pretty good view, isn't it?

-It's amazing.

-Absolutely brilliant.

-Really lovely.

-Shall we talk money?

-OK.

-What do you both think the house is worth?

Well, I think we're probably talking about 820.

Oh, goodness.

My hope would be that it would actually be under budget,

so that I'd have enough money to make some changes, make it mine.

Around the 700, yeah, mark.

-This property is currently on the market for £650,000.

-Ooh, crikey!

-I could do all the changes I wanted.

-You could!

-That's amazing!

-That's great. That's really good.

-Music to your ears?

-Very much so, yeah.

-Beautiful.

-Lovely.

-Absolutely beautiful.

Do you want to take another look around,

-now you have that figure in your mind?

-That'd be good.

-Yeah.

-You do that...

-We'll make the changes now.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-I'll catch up with you in a moment.

-Cheers.

-Thank you.

This mid-20th century property comes in massively under budget.

With an open-plan kitchen/diner, living room, and four bedrooms,

this house has the space and facilities for visiting guests.

Outside, it has a large, established garden, and the bonus,

of course - those breathtaking views.

-Yeah.

-That's nice. The little angles and things.

-Yeah, without being right over the top.

-Yeah.

-Same view.

-That's not bad feng shui.

-It's not bad.

-Really good. Yeah.

I was surprised.

The drive up through the estate, all the houses were totally different,

and you get no view of the sea,

until you turn into the drive, and then you've got that view of...

Well, it's just the most amazing view.

I didn't walk in and think, "Oh, my God, this is the place for me,"

but as we explored it, and when we saw the view, it's definitely grown

on me, so there's a lot to think about with this property, I think.

Yeah. In terms of...

I'd have to spend quite a lot of money to make it

into the kind of place that I'd like to live.

I think it will take a lot of beating. It was really special.

I think Roger's really in love with it,

which is reflected in the price that he guessed,

and I think he'd probably be happy to buy it and move in tomorrow.

-So, you had a good look round?

-We have, yes.

-Ready for more?

-Ooh, goodness, yes.

-Do we have to?

-Come on! Right, the adventure continues.

-Yes.

During the 19th century,

Cornwall's tin-mining industry was booming, but a collapse

in price meant that, by the 1920s, this profitable business was gone.

However, one legacy from this great industrial past lives on,

in the form of the humble Cornish pasty.

Once a staple food for miners, it's now a takeaway treat,

and Roger is a really big fan.

We arrange for our couple to meet baker, Charlie Choak.

His family firm have been making this Cornish delicacy

in Falmouth for over 60 years.

So why did so many miners choose this particular snack

to take with them underground?

It's very easy to eat underground,

-and it was cheap for their wives to make.

-And a full dinner.

-Yeah.

And how has the making of pasties changed over the years?

I think lots of things have changed, because of machinery,

like we no longer roll out pasties by hand,

and the taters and things are peeled by machine...

-Right.

-..but, basically, they're virtually the same.

Much of Charlie's pasty-making is done by hand, including the

all-important crimping, which seals in the ingredients.

The whole process starts with the pastry.

-Now, as you're rolling it out...

-Yep.

-..move the pastry, not the rolling pin.

-Yeah.

-You see how I'm getting it nice and round?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Thin pastry's very, very important.

But it looks a little easier than it actually is.

Right, move the pastry, not the rolling pin.

-Turn it over. Just gently roll it.

-This one's sticking.

Put a bit of effort in. Put some weight on it.

-Use some of your excess weight.

-Hey, steady!

The raw vegetable ingredients are simply potatoes, onions, and swedes.

-So that's not been cooked at all?

-No, nothing's cooked at all.

-It's all raw.

-Right, OK.

Squeeze together, two reasons - makes it nice and dry...

-Yeah.

-..and it also makes it very compact.

-OK, squeeze together like that.

-Press it in there, drop it on there.

The meat is locally-sourced diced beef.

You can put too much meat in a pasty, and then it becomes

a meat pie, but you put your own in, to what you want.

-OK.

-And put it from end to end.

-Very dainty!

-Yeah.

-Add a bit of seasoning...

-Gently pull...

-Pull.

-..bring together, and squeeze.

-Bring together, squeeze.

And down you go, each side, keeping it all in there.

Just gentle, be gentle with it.

-Pinch. OK?

-Yeah.

-Shove it in.

-There we go.

Shut the door.

And, after just 25 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius,

this great Cornish delicacy is ready.

-Oh, oi, oi!

-There you go.

-Beautiful.

There you go, Annie. There's your pasty. That's how you eat it, look.

-Like that.

-Is it? Lovely. Thank you.

-That's how you eat a Cornish pasty.

-Beautiful.

-It's a bit hot. Save it for later.

-Well done, sir.

-Well done. Thank you.

-Thank you very much. Brilliant.

-Thank you.

The Cornish pasty may have fed an army of miners,

but will Roger and Annie strike gold with their own property search,

as their house-hunt continues?

Our second property is located in the village of Stithians,

around eight miles north-west of Falmouth.

Situated in a valley with a thriving community,

at the heart of the village is this 14th-century church.

Nearby, there's a general store, a village hall,

and - music to Roger's ears - not one, but two pubs.

To the west lies Stithians lake, considered one of the country's

best inland sailing and fishing locations.

The house we've come to see is just a short stroll

from the centre of the village.

-So, here we are, property number two.

-Wow.

-Annie, that's a big smile.

-Yeah!

-It's a big, big smile!

That's much more visually appealing than the first one for me,

I have to say, from the outside.

That does look stunning. Really good.

-That smile says we should get inside. Is that right?

-We should.

-Yes, please, I'd love to.

-Come on, let's do it.

'This Grade II listed former miller's cottage

'has Cornish charm by the bucket-load.

'The main part of this granite-built house dates

'from the mid-17th century,

'with a sympathetically-constructed extension going up in the 1990s.

'Entering through the door of the utility and boot room gives

'us direct access into the spacious kitchen and breakfast room.'

OK, so, in you come.

ANNIE GIGGLES EXCITEDLY

-Oh, look!

-You just want to run and hug it!

-Yes, I'm sorry!

-Not now!

-Now, there is a woman in love.

-Blimey.

-Oh, my goodness.

-Oh, it's divine.

-Look at the floor.

-Yeah.

-Gorgeous.

-Original granite,

which they discovered when they refurbed this section of the house.

Flagstone floors.

The granite from the extension on the kitchen,

that's locally-sourced granite.

Oh, it's beautiful!

And a kitchen table that opens up to seat ten,

-so you could have all your boys...

-Yeah.

-..their partners, everyone.

-This is a family room.

-Really lovely.

-You're almost speechless, I know!

-Feel the warmth.

Oh, it's beautiful. Really beautiful.

What are you feeling right now? What do you think?

I feel quite good, because that's exactly what Annie's looking for.

-That is exactly what she's looking for.

-Yeah.

'This beautiful, bespoke kitchen comes complete with

'a walk-in larder, featuring slate shelving.'

I love it. Yeah, I really, really love it.

-It's cosy, not...

-It's nice. It is nice.

-"Nice?"

-Well, Annie likes it.

-It's brilliant.

Let's show you both more. There's lots to see. Come this way.

-Lovely.

-Thank you.

'Annie is almost ready to move in.

'I think Roger might need a little more convincing.

'Maybe the adjacent sitting room will swing it.'

You have this lovely, cosy living room space, with log burner again...

-Oh, yeah.

-..which I know was something that you were after.

-Yeah. Lovely.

-So warm.

-Really warm.

-It is. It's got that cosy cottage feel to it.

-Yeah.

Really lovely.

-It's a good size. It's perfect.

-It's nice.

I was so struck by the view in the first property, that I'm finding...

Looking out the windows, it's totally different.

It takes a little bit of time.

But, certainly, the inside is really brilliant.

I think the outside's more important to Roger,

and the inside's important to me, so this is...

Can we put the two together?

Well, let's take a look at the rest of the inside first, and then

let me see if I can tempt you with what it has to offer outside.

-Brilliant.

-Great.

-Carry on!

-Let me show you the way.

'Also on the ground floor is a utility room,

'and a double bedroom, complete with en suite shower room.

'A stairway from the kitchen leads up to the first floor landing,

'with storage potential.

'There's also a family bathroom, and two further double bedrooms,

'one of which is currently being used as an office.

'And, at the other end of the hallway, is the biggest bedroom.'

And here we are. This way into the master bedroom...

-Wow.

-..which doesn't have an en-suite,

-but they have looked into getting one built in to that corner.

-Right.

-Right.

-..and it wouldn't be too much of a problem to add that in,

which is pretty much the only thing you'd need to do to the property.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, it's a nice size.

-Could you imagine just moving in?

Yeah, absolutely. Could move straight in here, definitely.

-Yeah. Nothing to...

-I'd write to you.

Oh! Right, right, come on. Let me show you the garden.

'I'm getting the feeling that Roger is still not convinced by

'this former miller's cottage, so we're heading outside and

'into the garden to see if I can win him over, and get a change of heart.

'Sitting in nearly two and a half acres of land,

'which includes a separate paddock and woodland,

'the property is approached by a granite driveway, flanked by

'the River Kennall, and a pretty stream that runs through the garden.

'This back area boasts outbuildings and a terraced lawn.'

Two tool sheds, workbenches, all powered up.

That'd be useful for Annie.

-And this gorgeous property.

-Mm.

-Indeed.

-Let's get down to business -

how much do you think this property's worth?

Well, I'm going first again, cos I was rubbish last time.

If we came here first, I'd go for 750.

But, knowing what the other one was, I'd bring this down to 700.

OK. Annie, what do you think?

Oh, I think more. I do. I'd...

My guess is going to be 800,000.

This property is currently on the market for £645,000.

Does that change things a little bit, or...?

I was in love with it anyway!

-Yeah.

-Do you want to have a look round again, knowing that now?

Well, we have got three votes.

I have one, Annie has one,

and then Annie has a spare one, so we'll have another look round!

-Enjoy.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

£105,000 under budget, this Grade II listed former

miller's cottage seems to give Annie that cosy feel she craves.

There are four good-sized bedrooms and a spacious kitchen,

while outside offers a stream flowing through the garden

and some two and a half acres of land.

-Your own meadow.

-Complete with a polytunnel.

-What'll you grow there?

-BOTH: Strawberries.

-Wayhey! Lovely jubbly. Come on, let's get back.

-OK.

I love this house. I loved it from the moment we first saw it.

I think it's gorgeous.

I think the people have done a really good job with it.

As we drove down the lane, we were coming down into a dell,

with hills all the way round the outside,

compared to house number one that had that superb view from the

top of the hills over the coast, so it wasn't for me.

I don't think Roger's quite as taken with this house as I am,

so I might have to, yes, work some magic on my husband.

-Hello.

-Hello!

-Have you had a good look round now?

-Yes.

-Everywhere.

-Property two.

-I even got her out of the kitchen!

-You're still in love with that kitchen, aren't you?

-Yes.

-That range was just...

-I am.

-Well, lots to think about.

-Yep.

And, of course, we've got the Mystery House tomorrow

-still to come, so don't make your mind up quite yet.

-OK.

-All right.

Husband and wife, Roger and Annie, from London, are relocating to

Cornwall with a budget of £750,000, in search of a quieter country life.

We've shown them two very different houses that could give them

a rural base without losing that sense of community.

But, with Roger and Annie pulling in different directions,

our breathtaking Mystery House might just unite them.

-You're speechless, Annie! So...

-I'm speechless! It's amazing.

And I'll be putting my horticultural skills to the test,

at spectacular Cornish gardens.

-Get it nice and tight, that's ideal.

-OK.

Ooh! Wow.

So, what a great day's searching we had yesterday, finding property one,

with those breathtaking views that Roger fell in love with,

and finding property two, with those interiors that Annie adored.

Where does that leave us today, though?

And the Mystery House, well,

it certainly has the high-spec interiors that should get

Annie's approval, and there's definitely one particular

aspect of the location that I know Roger's going to love.

So, how are you feeling about today, and the Mystery House?

I'm not worried, actually.

I mean, part of the reason for us selling the house in London

was to have a big adventure, you know,

go outside my comfort zone, experience new things, so I quite

like the idea of being put outside of my comfort zone, so, erm...

I might change my mind when we get there!

The Mystery House is in the village of Veryan, lying just a couple

of miles inland from the dramatic Roseland heritage coastline.

At its heart is a coffee shop cum art gallery,

a pretty village green, complete with a water feature,

and there's also something that might be just the ticket for Roger.

-This would be your local pub.

-Lovely.

-Fantastic.

So, what do you think of the area?

-It looks...

-I like THIS area!

Well, the best thing about loving this area - this particular

pub behind you - is that it's one minute from your Mystery House.

Oh! Nice.

And that's a one minute WALK home - you could STROLL home from here!

-Would you like to take a look?

-Is that in a straight line?

Yeah, well, it depends how many you've had!

Come on, let me show you.

-Come this way!

-Oh, my gosh.

That looks amazing.

-Look at the stonework!

-You've saved the best till last, haven't you?

-Dear...

-I know you said you didn't want a new build.

-Is that a new build?

-This is actually a new build.

-It's two years old.

-Good lord!

-And...

-Oh, but they've used proper materials, haven't they? Old...

-It is absolutely in keeping with the area.

-Oh, it's lovely.

I feel like you're just racing to get... Shall we?

-Yep, yeah, let's go!

-Let's not waste any time!

-Brilliant.

'With the looks of a well-established,

'traditional property, it's hard to believe that this impressive

'modern Mystery House is only two years old.'

Built from locally-sourced Cornish stone, it offers

generous living space across three floors,

and a side annexe for B&B opportunities.

It's also the biggest property we're presenting to Roger and Annie,

offering some 3,400 square feet of living space.

On the ground floor are two en suite bedrooms, and a utility room,

as well as a completely self-contained one-bedroom annexe.

With its fully fitted kitchen and seating area,

and a spacious double bedroom that has its own en suite, this annexe

could be ideal for our couple to run as a holiday let business,

or simply an ideal place for Annie's visiting kids to stay.

We're heading up another level to the first floor.

-And into the main living space.

-Oh, my goodness!

Lovely. Really nice. Nice room, lots of room.

-You're speechless, Annie! So...

-I'm speechless! It's amazing.

I... I don't know what to say. I want to buy it now, please!

The open-plan styling seamlessly flows,

from the kitchen-diner through to the main sitting room.

Well, this is another nice room.

-You liking it?

-Very comfortable.

I don't think I've ever been in a house with

a more beautiful interior space.

It is stunning. It is really beautiful.

Got your wood burner in here.

Lovely big space to get all the family in for entertaining,

but still has that nice cosy feel, which, again,

-I know you're really after.

-Yeah.

-It is, yeah.

Slight concern on the outside space that the garden might be a hill.

ALL CHUCKLE

But the inside space - just absolutely divine.

'This floor is also home to a study and an incredibly well-appointed

'master suite, featuring a freestanding bath in the bedroom

'as well as stylish en suite.

'There are a total of five bedrooms.

'The two on the ground floor are both doubles,

'and could be perfect for our couple to run as a B&B business,

'as each one has its own en suite shower room.

'The remaining two bedrooms are on the top floor,

'and both are served by a family bathroom.

'We're making our way to yet another potential master bedroom.'

And on to the third level of the house.

This could be one of your master bedrooms.

Each room is huge. Isn't it? They're large rooms.

You have two bedrooms on this floor and

a Jack and Jill bathroom in between.

There's also a gorgeous attic space,

which the current owners have turned into a walk-in wardrobe,

which I thought would make someone particularly happy.

Yes, I shall enjoy being in there.

'The Mystery House seems to offer Roger and Annie everything

'they're looking for in their move to Cornwall,

'but will the garden be a sticking point?'

This is the outdoor space for your property.

So, the owners decked this area.

Below it, you have space to have a work room,

or you could store kayaks, outdoor equipment.

Behind us, you can see the project that isn't quite finished,

-because the owner thought this was going to be a forever house.

-Yes.

-This was the next project.

-Well, it's a heck of a project.

Too much of a project, or...?

Considering the house needs nothing doing to it...

-Depends what the price is.

-OK!

What do you think this property is on the market for?

850? Something like that?

-850...

-OK, 850. Roger?

No, I don't think it's as high as that.

Erm... I'll go...

-790.

-790.

-Would it surprise you if I told you you're both over?

-Oh!

-In your guesses.

-Yeah, that would surprise me.

Yes, that would surprise me.

-This property is on the market for £775,000.

-Good heavens!

-That's incredible.

-Shall I let you keep exploring?

-Yes, please.

-OK!

Have a good look round. Make yourselves at home.

Although this mystery option IS £25,000 over budget,

Roger and Annie have said they would stretch themselves for

a property with business opportunities,

and this large, modern, detached house does deliver on space,

and has a separate annexe which could be used for B&B.

In addition, there are five double bedrooms, ideal for visiting family.

All this, and a central village location.

-Oh, it's lovely!

-Oh, yes.

-That's a nice little private area.

-This is a good space.

Self-contained, isn't it? Brilliant.

I like that.

When we got out onto the decking and looked at the garden,

there was no grass, there were no birds,

and it gave me the impression the whole thing was a massive project,

and I'm not sure I've got the drive and energy to complete

the beautiful job they've started.

The Mystery House is amazing.

It's given me an awful lot to think about. It's big, you know.

The more we saw, the more I started to get a bit of a panic about,

"Oh, my goodness, is this too big for me?"

It feels much more suited to being run as a B&B,

so that's scaring me a little at the moment, but, oh, it's so lovely!

I just need to sleep on it and decide if I'm ready

to make that shift, I think.

Annie's the driving force in the partnership.

If she really wanted to take this on,

and do the bed and breakfast and that sort of stuff, I'd be happy.

Down the pub.

-Hello!

-Hello.

-Still smiling?

-Still smiling!

-Oh, huge grins!

-Very nice.

-OK, you've seen all three.

-Yep.

-Shall we go and have a chat?

-We do need to have a chat.

-It's time to talk. Come on!

-Let's go.

Cornwall's unique position within the UK

does give it certain advantages.

Tucked away on the south coast, you'll find Trebah Garden,

one of the 12 great gardens of Cornwall.

This beautiful 26-acre site is down to the hard graft of 19th century

wealthy horticulturalist and Quaker, Charles Fox.

He used Trebah as a private garden, and it contains over 5,000 plants

and trees from around the world, that flourish in this idyllic spot.

From Asian and American conifers, to Chinese bamboos, Trebah's 100,000

plus visitors a year are promised a truly sub-tropical experience.

Now owned and managed by the Trebah Garden Trust,

I've come to meet head gardener, Darren Dickey, to find out more.

Darren, you have so many varieties here that aren't native to the area.

What is so special about this climate?

Well, we're very lucky to have, obviously,

a very mild winter climate. We're also very close to the sea,

so we benefit from the Gulf Stream, so there's warming waters.

We have a south-facing aspect, which, again,

is perfectly placed, on a sunny day like today,

to draw in and trap that extra heat,

so a combination of those things mean that we can grow a lot

of plants you wouldn't necessarily see growing outside of Cornwall.

26 acres of garden, lots to explore - have you got time

-to show me around?

-Indeed. Follow me.

Darren is taking me to see a tropical fern that's

over 12,000 miles from its natural home, in south Australia.

The fronds, or fern leaves,

often need cutting back to show off the plant in its best light...

So, literally, just get it in as tight as you can...

..and Darren is letting me loose with the pruning shears.

-If you want to start on this side, just...

-You made it look easy!

-Like the...

-You'll find it's not too bad. Not too bad.

-So, better?

Yeah, if you get it nice and tight, that's ideal.

-OK. Ooh! Wow.

-You see, they're surprisingly soft.

-Yeah.

You think of them as being quite woody,

but they've actually got a soft pith in there,

because the tree ferns basically absorb water and store moisture,

they're really easy just to trim off.

-Right, so, nice and low?

-Yeah, nice and low.

-Straight through?

-Yep.

-Ideal.

-Wow.

'Maintaining a garden like this is nonstop.

'We're on our way to finish off a plant bed

'that Darren has been preparing for Trebah's bamboo collection.'

Why does the bamboo grow so well in this garden?

It likes a certain amount of moisture.

It doesn't like to sit in the wet,

but it'll like a reasonable amount of moisture

around its roots through the summer months,

so that's why they do so well in Cornwall.

We're set to add the final plant to the bed.

We'll just knock it out of the pot.

This one itself is probably just about at the perfect stage,

it hasn't got too rootbound.

-If you want to grab the spade.

-OK.

And the other thing you need to make sure

is that the plant itself is at roughly the same level as the soil.

So if you want to backfill in around.

This is a really good mixture of compost and soil.

The plant should establish really well.

Darren, thank you so much for showing us around Trebah,

and I look forward to coming back and seeing how she's doing soon.

It's my pleasure. You're welcome.

So, Roger and Annie have had a little time to consider

all three of those great properties.

Can't wait to find out what their next step is going to be.

Annie, Roger, it's good to see you.

So, where are we at now in this house search?

We've seen three gorgeous properties, how are you feeling?

-I think, probably, the mind's all over the place, to be fair.

-It is.

Because there was bits of each of us in all three.

I loved the first one with its view,

Annie loved the second one with its history,

and the skill that went into the third one was fantastic.

So, as choices for us,

those three properties couldn't have been better.

But it's like the start of the search for us in Cornwall,

and we just wonder what else is out there.

And it wasn't enough in that Mystery House of the interior,

close enough to some of those locations to tempt you?

I was ready to buy it.

As we walked into the door,

you know, through the door and the entrance,

I would've signed the paperwork then.

We went up into that kind of main kitchen and living area.

I'm thinking, "Yes, this is it. I still want to buy it."

I think it was as we progressed further

and I realised exactly how big it was

and then saw how much work there was still to do.

It was the garden. I think, you know, we do like a garden,

and I would struggle with that hilly bit.

So, just too much of a project on the outside?

Yeah, that set the doubts in.

"Oh, is it all too much? Is it a bit too big?"

So are you feeling more confident about the move to Cornwall

after a couple of days of house-hunting?

It's really helped, spending the time with you

and seeing these properties and meeting the people down here

has really clarified that this is definitely

the place we'd like to be.

Well, it sounds like we've definitely given you

a lot to think about,

and I wish you continued success in the house-hunt,

and I look forward to sharing a Cornish cream tea

-and a Cornish pasty with you soon at yours.

-Indeed.

Thank you very much for all your help this week. It's been lovely.

Well, come rain or shine,

I really can see why Annie and Roger have fallen in love with Cornwall,

and I'm really pleased that after a few days of property searching,

Annie in particular is feeling much more confident about that move,

which is a huge one for her, leaving her home of some 30 years.

We got so close on each of those properties, especially number one.

Those breathtaking views that Roger just couldn't get out of his mind.

And I'm hoping, with a little more research

into whether or not it could work for them,

we'll be hearing soon that Roger and Annie

have found that first property to buy together here in Cornwall.

I'll see you soon on Escape To The Country.

I'm delighted to report that

Annie and Roger did find their dream Cornish property

which is just 20 minutes' drive from our second house

and has beautiful river views.

We wish them well in their new country life together.

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