0:00:03 > 0:00:07This atmospheric landscape shares its name with the isle made famous in the legends of King Arthur.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10There's not much chance of me spotting the Lady of the Lake today,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14but people do come here from far and wide in the hope of catching
0:00:14 > 0:00:16a glimpse of something special.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Find out where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Today's property search is all about shifting priorities.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44You've always got to compromise when buying a place.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48I can't believe how much I love it when I hear people say that you've always got to compromise.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50It's the kind of guy I am. And you have!
0:00:51 > 0:00:56So, will any of our properties fulfil our house-hunters' dreams?
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Nice views. Yes. Good-sized garden. Nice views. Good garden.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Yeah, plenty of space.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02Could you imagine living here?
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I think so.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10Today I'm in Somerset and these are the Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury.
0:01:10 > 0:01:12Over 100 species of birds have been spotted here,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15including the elusive bittern,
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and they are also home to one of the largest reed beds in the country.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21As well as being a thriving wildlife habitat,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25this place is also embedded in the story of our past.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30Prehistoric settlements dating back 6,500 years have been found here,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and these captivating wetlands aren't the only gem
0:01:33 > 0:01:35that this county has to offer.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40Somerset is a county in the south-west of England
0:01:40 > 0:01:44with boundaries little altered since the Middle Ages.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Its coastline faces Wales across the Bristol Channel,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52whilst it borders five counties, including Devon and Dorset.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58The diverse coastline includes the seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea,
0:01:58 > 0:02:02popular during Victorian times due to its sandy beach.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06But the shifting banks and flats here are less popular with sailors
0:02:06 > 0:02:08and there are said to have been many shipwrecks,
0:02:08 > 0:02:09particularly at Gore Sands.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Interesting geological features continue inland,
0:02:14 > 0:02:16with Britain's biggest gorge at Cheddar,
0:02:16 > 0:02:20where the cliffs rise up to 450 feet above sea level.
0:02:22 > 0:02:23Along with its natural landscapes,
0:02:23 > 0:02:27the county also features historic architecture.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31The ruins of the Abbey at Glastonbury date to medieval times,
0:02:31 > 0:02:35whilst the nearby St Michael's tower atop Glastonbury Tor is all that
0:02:35 > 0:02:38survives of the 14th-century church,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42demolished during the 16th-century dissolution of the monasteries.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The area is even considered to be the legendary site
0:02:45 > 0:02:47of King Arthur's tomb.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51So, with its combination of stunning geography,
0:02:51 > 0:02:54wonderful wildlife and legendary landscapes,
0:02:54 > 0:02:59it's no surprise that Somerset is a popular county to plan an escape to.
0:03:01 > 0:03:03Broadly speaking, the average price of a detached property here in
0:03:03 > 0:03:08Somerset reflects the national figure of ?290,000.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11However, the northern parts of the county do tend to be more expensive,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14because they're closer to cities like Bath and Bristol,
0:03:14 > 0:03:18and have good access to the coast, and also the rest of the country.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20If you want more for your money, then head south,
0:03:20 > 0:03:23towards the borders of Dorset and Devon.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27The larger, more sought-after villages will carry a small premium,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30but smaller ones are more affordable and still close to everything you
0:03:30 > 0:03:34need. So where are today's couple looking to call home?
0:03:34 > 0:03:36Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42Today's house-hunters are Mark and Sue,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45a husband and wife from Bow in London's East End.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Mark has recently retired from banking and Sue is slowly scaling
0:03:49 > 0:03:52back her insurance job in the city.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55But it was in the school playground, more than 30 years ago,
0:03:55 > 0:03:57where they first got together.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59We actually met in the sixth form at school.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04We were mates for a while before we started going out.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06I think the turning point was, one day,
0:04:06 > 0:04:09we were playing football in the playground and I sprained my ankle.
0:04:09 > 0:04:11Yeah. I came to her rescue.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Yeah.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Our eyes met across a crowded football pitch.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23Home for the last 18 years has been a two-bedroom flat in a converted
0:04:23 > 0:04:27match factory. It's somewhere that has strong connections
0:04:27 > 0:04:29for these born and bred East Enders.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34We both had families that worked in the match factory
0:04:34 > 0:04:36when it was a match factory back in the early 1900s.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39My family were all from around here as well.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41But despite their roots in the area,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43the couple feel the time is right to move on.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47I didn't think either of us would move out of East London,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50let alone London. Since we got the Olympics awarded,
0:04:50 > 0:04:55it's now become such a trendy place to live, it's changed enormously.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58The amount of building work that's going on is unbelievable.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Each month that goes by,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04I think we find more reasons to want to move than to want to stay.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08And when it comes to making the move to more rural surroundings,
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Mark and Sue have got one particular place in mind.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Where we're looking to move is around south Somerset,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19on the border of north Dorset and east Devon.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22There are more rural areas there than there are elsewhere,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25which is obviously what we're after. Yeah.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Just because of the open space.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31Also looking at, sort of, the neighbouring areas.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34The... They seem to be a better value for money in that part
0:05:34 > 0:05:37of the country, in South Somerset.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40When we move out, we'll have more time so you can start looking
0:05:40 > 0:05:43at other hobbies, whether it be cider-making, beer-making...
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Jam-making. Jam-making.
0:05:46 > 0:05:47Chutneys.
0:05:47 > 0:05:52One of the things I really feel like I need is a garden.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54We might even end up getting some chickens,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57so we'll have, sort of, fresh eggs all the time.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Start growing your own vegetables.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03But, most of all, it's about leaving behind the busy city streets for the
0:06:03 > 0:06:06peace of a countrified backdrop.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09We just both want a quieter lifestyle.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And just spend more time exploring the countryside.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17And just sitting outside looking at the stars and things like that
0:06:17 > 0:06:19that you can't do in the city.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28Mark and Sue are looking to move to the south of the county of Somerset,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30anywhere below Yeovil,
0:06:30 > 0:06:34but would also consider neighbouring regions of Dorset or Devon.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37But before I show them some of the properties on offer,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40I'm meeting them in their Somerset search area
0:06:40 > 0:06:44to hear more about the country home they're hoping to find.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48Morning, you two. Morning. Morning. Welcome to Somerset.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Thank you. Thank you.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52What are you looking for from your home down here?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Sort of, three-bedroom detached,
0:06:54 > 0:06:58quiet village with a little pub and a local shop, hopefully.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02A bigger kitchen and bigger garden.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05Yeah. A reasonable-sized garden cos, I think,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08not having had one for 18 years, we'd like to get into it and maybe,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11you know, have a few fruit trees and grow a bit of veg,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14that type of thing. What about when you pull up outside the house?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17What do you envisage seeing? What do you want it to look like?
0:07:17 > 0:07:19It'd be nice to have somewhere when you do get there
0:07:19 > 0:07:21you look and you think, "Oh, that's lovely."
0:07:21 > 0:07:24But whether it's because it's really old or it's just a bit quirky or,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27you know, just different, I don't know.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30We're not really too fixated on any specific style or anything.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33No. Something with a bit of character would be nice.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36We're quite open to it being thatched or not thatched.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39We really don't mind either, so...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43It's good. You're giving me a lot to work with!
0:07:43 > 0:07:45So you're open to things, which is fantastic.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48Yeah. So it's about the house feeling right.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50Less than what it looks like, or even where it is,
0:07:50 > 0:07:53it's just about it feeling right for you two.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56Yeah, yeah. It's more about the location, actually,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58as in the feel of the village.
0:07:58 > 0:08:01And the...the setting of the house.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03You know, if we could have something with nice views,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07that would be fantastic. And, obviously, you're stuck with the views and you're stuck with the
0:08:07 > 0:08:09village - the house, you can play around with.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Now, remind me of the budget that we've got for this search.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Our budget's 450,000, top limit.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17I mean, ideally, we'd like to spend a little bit less.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Around 400,000. About 400. We don't have a deadline.
0:08:20 > 0:08:21We're not panic-buying.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We're just going to wait until we get the thing we really want.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27I'm pleased to say we've got some exciting properties to show you.
0:08:27 > 0:08:30Good. Excellent. Are you ready? Yes. Yeah. Definitely.
0:08:30 > 0:08:31Come on. Let's go.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38For a maximum budget of ?450,000,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41Mark and Sue would like a detached property with three bedrooms.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44They're open to new or old houses
0:08:44 > 0:08:46but would like something with character.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52Location is key and should offer a village community and country views.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56And, after 18 years without one, they'd really like a garden.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02We've got a great selection of properties to tempt them with, and,
0:09:02 > 0:09:06at each, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10The final offering, of course, is our Mystery House,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13where our couple's search may take a surprising turn.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Our property search is taking us to the outskirts of the market town of
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Yeovil and a five-minute drive from the large village of West Coker.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32Facilities in West Coker include a butchers and post office,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34and a garage with a shop.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37There's a choice of places to eat and drink,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40with two inns, a wine bar,
0:09:40 > 0:09:42and a hotel bar and brasserie.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Many of the picturesque houses in the village are built from hamstone,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51a local Jurassic limestone with a distinctive honey colour.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Our property is located a short drive from here
0:09:54 > 0:09:58in a quiet cul-de-sac on the western edges of Yeovil.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02What's your first thoughts?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Impressed. Yeah, it's a nice-looking house.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06It looks lovely, yeah. It looks lovely.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09It does. It looks like it's got a lot of character. Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It's... It's all really done really nicely. Yeah.
0:10:12 > 0:10:13And it's done really nicely inside.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17So let's take a look and just see the space that's on offer.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Yeah, OK. It's something that'll appeal to the two of you,
0:10:19 > 0:10:21coming from a two-bedroom flat in London. Yeah!
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Come on.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27This L-shaped, detached home
0:10:27 > 0:10:31was built in 1975, using reconstituted stone,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and has character features like mullion windows.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37The front door leads into the hallway,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40from which all the rooms fan off.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45So, straight into a good-sized entrance hall.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49And then, as you'd expect from those impressions you got outside,
0:10:49 > 0:10:51a nice, big kitchen. That's lovely.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54Yeah. It really is. Yeah. It's lovely. Very nice.
0:10:54 > 0:10:55It's got some lovely old touches.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58How does it compare for size with your current kitchen?
0:10:58 > 0:11:00It is about six times as big.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04It's made even bigger, of course, by this extension out the back,
0:11:04 > 0:11:06so let's go and take a look at that.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07It's a lovely space.
0:11:08 > 0:11:13So this was added on just to really open up the kitchen space.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16With that lovely high ceiling, and it looks out all the way,
0:11:16 > 0:11:18on three sides, round onto the garden.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19It's really lovely.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I can imagine, you know, sitting in here and...
0:11:22 > 0:11:24That's what we want, really.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Somewhere where we can do different things but be in the same room.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28That kitchen and this area.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31It flows nice... We'd be in here the whole time, wouldn't we? Yeah.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33But this actually isn't the only living space.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36There's another cosy sitting room, so follow me.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40A great reaction to the kitchen and dining space,
0:11:40 > 0:11:43to the side of which we also find a downstairs cloakroom
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and useful utility room.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48Then that additional reception room
0:11:48 > 0:11:51lies at the front of the property and is triple aspect.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58Now, I know you're fans of open-plan living. Mm-hmm.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01But this is a lovely alternative for those cold, winter's nights,
0:12:01 > 0:12:03isn't it? It's a lovely fireplace.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05Yeah, it has got that really cosy feel.
0:12:05 > 0:12:06Yeah, yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10It's nice cos it's got windows on three sides,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12which makes it light and airy. Yeah.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15And it's got the beams which give it the character. The beams. Yeah.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16It's a really nice room.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Well, this is one of the reasons we wanted to show you this property.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Because it's a modern house, the rooms do have those really
0:12:23 > 0:12:26good proportions that I know you're used to,
0:12:26 > 0:12:29certainly, from your living space in London. Yeah.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Now, when it comes to bedrooms, you said you'd be happy with three.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36We've managed to get four on this. So, shall we take a wander up?
0:12:36 > 0:12:38Thank you. Thank you.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42The space on offer in this extensive detached home
0:12:42 > 0:12:45is making an impression on Mark and Sue so far.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48Let's see what they make of upstairs,
0:12:48 > 0:12:51where a landing snakes past four double bedrooms.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54Two lie to the front of the house, above the sitting room,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57one for guests and the other a study.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00The family bathroom is at the rear,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03sandwiched between the other two bedrooms.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06There's a large twin with its own en suite,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and that just leaves the fourth and final bedroom,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12which Mark and Sue could choose to use as their master.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15And this is just one of the rooms I thought was really pretty.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18A good-sized en suite in there.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19I don't think this has got the...
0:13:21 > 0:13:23The personalisation that it's got downstairs.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26This is like walking into a, sort of, hotel room.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28It's just a nice, plain room.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31It seems... It seems a bit small as well.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35But I think downstairs was so impressive and very big...
0:13:35 > 0:13:38And, yes, you haven't got as much character up here,
0:13:38 > 0:13:41but it's about balancing off, isn't it, what matters?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42No, definitely, yeah.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44I know a good-sized garden was on the wish list,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46so let's head down and explore this one,
0:13:46 > 0:13:49and I need you also to start thinking about the price.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50OK.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Despite having one more bedroom than they asked for,
0:13:54 > 0:13:56as well as three bathrooms,
0:13:56 > 0:13:59Mark and Sue's enthusiasm seems to have dipped.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04Outside, there is an integral garage to look at,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07as well as gardens to the front, the rear and the side,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10featuring areas of lawn alongside flowerbeds
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and mature shrubs and trees.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15There's also a large deck seating area
0:14:15 > 0:14:18just off the downstairs extension.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20What do you think? Is this about the size of garden you had in mind?
0:14:20 > 0:14:23It's perhaps a tad on the small side.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26I'd say a bit more than a tad, actually.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Quite a lot. Yeah, I think we're probably looking for...
0:14:29 > 0:14:32Yeah. A reasonable amount more than this, don't you?
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Yeah, we could, sort of, put our own stamp on it, perhaps.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Obviously, the extension has eaten into quite a lot of the garden space.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Yeah, yeah. I just don't think it's big enough for what we were after.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43I wasn't sure, if you were going from nothing...
0:14:43 > 0:14:46I thought, you know, maybe you didn't want to go too much!
0:14:46 > 0:14:49No, if you're going to go for it, go for it properly.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51So, how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:14:51 > 0:14:55425. OK.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57Erm, I reckon perhaps a little bit less than that.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Maybe 410, 420.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05You're both under cos it's on the market bang on budget - ?450,000.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07All right. The downstairs is really good.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10Oh, that's perfect. We really like the downstairs.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13If you could pop that in a, you know, another house,
0:15:13 > 0:15:15in a bigger garden, it's...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18That's lovely. Listen, don't write it off.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20Go inside. Take another look around and just, you know,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23see if you could imagine yourself there, and I'll come and find you.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Okey doke. Thanks.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Right on budget, this generous detached stone property
0:15:31 > 0:15:35has many of the things our buyers have asked for.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37The large kitchen with additional living space in the
0:15:37 > 0:15:42extension offers the open-plan living that they love,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45whilst upstairs there's plenty of accommodation.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53There's also a single garage, plus gardens to three sides,
0:15:53 > 0:15:57and the peaceful location gives easy access to both countryside and all
0:15:57 > 0:16:00the amenities they could wish for.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03As we walked up, I thought the house looked absolutely fantastic.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06The downstairs, I think, is really great.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07It's almost perfect.
0:16:07 > 0:16:11The kitchen and the through dining room is ideal.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15The garden just wasn't big enough for, for us, really.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17On the whole, a very nice place,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19but I don't think it's going to be right for us.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24Have you seen enough? Yeah, I think so.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27We've got more to see. Come on.
0:16:33 > 0:16:37From Cheddar cheese to cider, Somerset has a reputation for good,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40honest fare made from local produce.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43As Mark and Sue are keen to grow their own here
0:16:43 > 0:16:45as well as explore some new culinary skills,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48we've lined up a lesson in chutney-making,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52but first they have to source their key ingredient.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55Chris Seager, who farms strawberries and pumpkins near Cheddar,
0:16:55 > 0:16:57may be just the man to help them out.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01Pumpkins and strawberries seems an unusual combination.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03How come did you come up with that idea?
0:17:03 > 0:17:07Well, me... Me granny, she used to grow strawberries years ago when the war was on.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10And then, in the '80s, me dad kept growing the strawberries,
0:17:10 > 0:17:13and decided to put some pumpkins in as well.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17Pumpkins are thought to originate from the American continent and
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Christopher Columbus is believed to have carried seeds with him back to
0:17:20 > 0:17:25Europe. This Chris grows a couple of different varieties on his Somerset
0:17:25 > 0:17:30farm, but Mark and Sue are picking out a large orange jack-o'-lantern,
0:17:30 > 0:17:34which can be used both for carving at Halloween and also for eating.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36What are you doing with this pumpkin?
0:17:36 > 0:17:38We're going to make some chutney. Ah, right. I see, right.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Well, we've got one here. He's a bit green on one side.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44But you give that one a tap.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Does that sound hollow?
0:17:46 > 0:17:47Yeah, I think so.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Yeah, that one would be a good one, then, to make some chutney out of.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Cor, yeah. She's... You make it a lot...
0:17:53 > 0:17:56a lot of chutney out of that one. Excellent.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59With a gourd that's good to go,
0:17:59 > 0:18:02they're now heading to a cookery school in South Petherton,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05where teacher Angela Langford is ready to meet them.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Hello. Hello. Hi.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12Hello, Angela. Hi. Just picked this pumpkin fresh this morning and we'd
0:18:12 > 0:18:14like you to show us how to make some chutney.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17I'd love to show you. It's a mighty pumpkin.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19It certainly is.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Angela starts by getting them to chop some onion.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24This is put into a bowl, along with crushed garlic,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27finely chopped ginger,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29and fresh red chilli,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34as well as some crushed cardamom pods.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Lovely. That's probably enough cos it's quite a strong spice.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40OK, so, then, we've got apples to go in it.
0:18:40 > 0:18:46As we're in Somerset, we must have apples.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49And then to prepare their star ingredient.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Right... How do we tackle that?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54How do we tackle that? Just take a big...
0:18:54 > 0:18:56..a nice, big slice out.
0:18:56 > 0:18:58The pumpkin is then cubed.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01It's really easy to cut that.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Some spices are toasted in a griddle pan,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06including black and yellow mustard seeds,
0:19:06 > 0:19:08cinnamon, bay leaves,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11star anise and cumin seeds.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19Can you start to smell, they're releasing their flavours?
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Then the chopped onion mixture is fried off in a large, deep pan,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24with some vegetable oil,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27along with the toasted spices and some ground turmeric.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33That's going to give it a bit of flavour but also a lovely colour.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36Then in goes the cubed apple and pumpkin
0:19:36 > 0:19:38and a good helping of brown sugar.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41So this is cider vinegar.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44Because, obviously, you want to keep it...
0:19:44 > 0:19:45Local. Local.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Finally, it's seasoned with salt and pepper,
0:19:50 > 0:19:51before bringing to the boil
0:19:51 > 0:19:54and leaving to simmer for around 40 minutes.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56OK, I think that looks about ready.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01And, of course, the ideal way to enjoy locally-grown,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05home-cooked chutney is with some cheddar cheese and biscuits.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Yeah, it's got a really, lovely kick to it.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11It's really lovely. Really good. Quite sweet as well, isn't it?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13It is, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. A good job.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15You'll have to take some back to London with you.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Mmm. Thank you. Good luck with your search.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Thank you very much.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22With a new local recipe under their belt,
0:20:22 > 0:20:26it's time to take stock of the Somerset journey so far,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29before our buyers' property search gears up again tomorrow.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40Mark and Sue from Bow in London's East End
0:20:40 > 0:20:45have up to ?450,000 to fulfil their dream of countryside living
0:20:45 > 0:20:46in or around Somerset.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50So far, they've liked what we've offered them inside
0:20:50 > 0:20:53but they're still looking for their dream country garden.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56But there's more to see, and the Mystery House
0:20:56 > 0:20:59could well put a twist in the tale.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00You look quite taken aback.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Yeah, I was just stunned, really.
0:21:02 > 0:21:05It just wasn't what I was expecting at all.
0:21:05 > 0:21:07And I'll be visiting a 14th-century barn
0:21:07 > 0:21:11and discovering what was all the rage in late Medieval flooring.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15The mucus in the manure is really what helps get it all
0:21:15 > 0:21:16gluing together.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18How charming! It is.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23It's the second day of our house hunt here in Somerset
0:21:23 > 0:21:26and our couple are definitely open to the style of property
0:21:26 > 0:21:27they're looking for.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30In fact, after yesterday, I now think the garden
0:21:30 > 0:21:33is more important to them than the house itself.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36So I have high hopes for today's two houses.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38They both have good-sized gardens.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42They're very different in character and I think our couple may think the
0:21:42 > 0:21:44Mystery House is a home from home.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Our house hunt is venturing 13 miles west of Yeovil
0:21:51 > 0:21:56to a pair of south Somerset villages known as the Seavingtons.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59The collected facilities at the villages of Seavington St Michael
0:21:59 > 0:22:01and Seavington St Mary
0:22:01 > 0:22:04include a shop and cafe run by local volunteers
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and a pub which brews its own beer.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09There's a church in each village,
0:22:09 > 0:22:11although the Grade II listed St Michaels
0:22:11 > 0:22:14is the only one that remains active.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18We're in the middle of the sister village of St Mary,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21where I have a rather picturesque proposition
0:22:21 > 0:22:24that Mark and Sue may find hard to resist.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28Oh. Oh, yeah!
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Oh, that's lovely.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Is that your cup of tea? Yeah, definitely. Yeah, definitely.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36It's exactly what we'd expect to see in a village like this.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39It's really nice. It's your picture postcard cottage, isn't it?
0:22:39 > 0:22:42So it's lovely. Do you want to have a look inside? Really promising.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Shall we bother? Shall we? Come on, let's go and take a look.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46Might as well while we're here.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51This largely 17th-century, Grade II listed,
0:22:51 > 0:22:56semidetached cottage was built from local hamstone.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Recently renovated throughout, it's currently presented unfurnished.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05The front door, below a thatched porch, takes us into a long hall,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08where the original features are immediately apparent.
0:23:09 > 0:23:10Oh...
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Yeah, you come straight through into this lovely entrance hall,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18packed with character and then this original oak panelling,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21which has got the old maker's marks down at the bottom, down there.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Oh. Yeah.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25And all that character and the original features
0:23:25 > 0:23:27carry on in here in the living room.
0:23:27 > 0:23:31You can see the renovation has been done incredibly
0:23:31 > 0:23:33sympathetically, hasn't it? Yeah, yeah.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36The only thing would be the beams and the height of the ceiling.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38The fact is, it is a character property.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It's got all those lovely features that you love,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44but with that comes things like lower ceilings.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Shall we take a look at the kitchen? Yeah, OK. Thanks.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52The kitchen is housed in a later rear extension,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55and is large enough for a table and chairs.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00So, in contrast, the kitchen is very bright and light.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03A good ceiling height. Yeah, yeah.
0:24:03 > 0:24:05A good contrast. Yeah.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08This is nice, isn't it? Yeah, yeah. It is nice and bright.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11Nice views looking outside. Yeah. Plenty of windows.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13And it's got so much character, it's amazing.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I didn't think we'd see something with this amount of character.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19That's great. Let's go upstairs and take a look at the bedrooms
0:24:19 > 0:24:22upstairs and see if this good vibe continues.
0:24:23 > 0:24:29A resounding vote of approval for this quintessentially quirky cottage,
0:24:29 > 0:24:32and the character and calm just continue as we head upstairs to the
0:24:32 > 0:24:35two-bedroomed, one-bathroom accommodation.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38Again, the original oak beams.
0:24:40 > 0:24:41Round into...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46..the bathroom. Oh, wow. That's just recently been done,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49with its roll-top bath. I thought that would get an, "Oh, wow".
0:24:50 > 0:24:53The two double bedrooms are located to the front of the cottage,
0:24:53 > 0:24:58with the smallest, again, boasting a bounty of character features.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01And then there is the largest of the bedrooms.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03And in here, into the master bedroom.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Oh. With its original panelling, its original beams.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09Those lovely, deep windows. Yeah, this is nice, isn't it?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Yeah, yeah. Yeah, it's really good.
0:25:11 > 0:25:15And I like the grain on the beams and the height of the ceilings.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19I know that, ideally, you were looking for three rooms.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21How do you feel now you know that it's a two-bedroom house?
0:25:21 > 0:25:25The only thing I'm wondering is about storage up here.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28Because you've always got to compromise when buying a place,
0:25:28 > 0:25:31so if it's two bedrooms, then we might have to live with that.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34You can't believe how much I love it when I hear people say
0:25:34 > 0:25:36you've always got to compromise.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38It's the kind of guy I am. And you have!
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Let's go and explore outside and just see what's going on out there.
0:25:43 > 0:25:44Yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Outside, Mark and Sue may find they don't have to compromise as much as
0:25:50 > 0:25:54they may think, but there's also a converted stone stable on offer.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58Divided into a WC and another larger room,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00it's a versatile bonus that could be converted
0:26:00 > 0:26:02and used for guest accommodation.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06The enclosed front garden is full of country colour,
0:26:06 > 0:26:09whilst the rear garden backs onto open countryside
0:26:09 > 0:26:13and includes a patio area plus a small orchard.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18There's also a former carthouse that provides a triple carport
0:26:18 > 0:26:21and I'm hoping all the elements and space up for grabs here
0:26:21 > 0:26:22will be enough.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26How's the garden for size?
0:26:27 > 0:26:29Better. Yeah, it's nice and I think, as well,
0:26:29 > 0:26:31because you've got the fields at the back,
0:26:31 > 0:26:33you feel like you've got a huge garden.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36What do you think about the idea of having your own mini orchard?
0:26:36 > 0:26:38That's brilliant. I love that.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Lots of apple pies! Oh, yes, apple pies.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Well, you can't come and live in Somerset and not have an apple tree or two, can you?
0:26:44 > 0:26:48I think there's probably something written in the local law about that. I'm sure.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49So I need you to guess the price.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51What do you think this is on the market for?
0:26:51 > 0:26:56I think it's going to be quite expensive, so I'm going to go 445.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57445? Yeah.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59430. 430.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01OK. That's interesting.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03You're both off the mark.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06It's on the market for ?375,000.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08Cor!
0:27:08 > 0:27:11Now... I'm amazed at that.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12Yeah.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14OK, well, that's good. I can tell...
0:27:14 > 0:27:17I can see, now, your minds are just whirring over.
0:27:17 > 0:27:18Yeah, you can hear it ticking.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21So, go in take a really good look around
0:27:21 > 0:27:24and just think about how you'd use the space and what the potential is.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26OK. Righty-oh. Fantastic.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33The asking price of this Grade II listed, fully-renovated,
0:27:33 > 0:27:38thatched cottage would leave Mark and Sue a generous ?75,000
0:27:38 > 0:27:40to create their perfect home.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44The original features, including beams and an inglenook fireplace,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46ooze country charm,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50whilst the new kitchen offers stylish, modern convenience.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54There are outbuildings that could potentially be converted,
0:27:54 > 0:27:56as well as a good-sized garden,
0:27:56 > 0:27:59and it's all located in a thriving village.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05But all this, I mean, we wouldn't really need all this as car parking,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07because we've only got the one car.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09Yeah. Well, you can block this off.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11It's a bit overwhelming, really.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13This part of it. Yeah, there's a lot we can do.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18I think it's lovely. From the first time we see it outside with the
0:28:18 > 0:28:22thatched roof and the little country garden in front,
0:28:22 > 0:28:23it just looks gorgeous.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26And then you walk in and all the wood and the big fireplace
0:28:26 > 0:28:30and the window seats and the really nice kitchen.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33It's absolutely brilliant. It's got so much character.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36The budget surprised both of us.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38And that will give us money, then,
0:28:38 > 0:28:40to perhaps do something with the outside building.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43And perhaps have a third bedroom or a games room.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45The outside... The outside looks really good.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48I mean, the views from the back of the garden,
0:28:48 > 0:28:50with your own trees in there...
0:28:50 > 0:28:53It's one of those houses that you feel like you just,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55immediately, want to say yes.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59It's definitely one that we're going to think about, yeah.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03I was just, sort of, thinking how chocolate-box pretty all of this is.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05It is. You couldn't get anything nicer, could you?
0:29:05 > 0:29:07No. This has given us a lot to think about.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Yeah. How are you both feeling?
0:29:10 > 0:29:11Oh, confused.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13OK. And we've still...
0:29:13 > 0:29:15Excited. And we've still got the Mystery House to come,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18so the confusion could increase. Who knows? It will.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27Somerset is a county steeped in rural history,
0:29:27 > 0:29:28but, as with the rest of England,
0:29:28 > 0:29:32the ownership and management of its landscape has a turbulent history.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34During the Middle Ages,
0:29:34 > 0:29:38almost half of all English land was owned by the King and nobility,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42or bishops and abbots who shared noble status.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46In the 14th century, the abbey at Glastonbury was one such estate,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49and the second wealthiest in the country.
0:29:49 > 0:29:51That was all to change a couple of centuries later,
0:29:51 > 0:29:54when King Henry VIII seized lands for the Crown,
0:29:54 > 0:29:58or sold them off to fund his military campaigns.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Fast-forward to the 1970s, the estate had become a dairy farm,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05and it's striking 14th-century former abbey barn,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08donated to Somerset County Council,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11who developed it into a museum celebrating rural life.
0:30:11 > 0:30:16It's currently undergoing major renovation and Tom Mayberry,
0:30:16 > 0:30:20from the South West Heritage Trust, is in charge of the project.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22I've come to meet him in the farm's courtyard.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27So, just tell me about the plans for what's happening around us and what
0:30:27 > 0:30:29it's all going to look like in a couple of years' time.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33On one side of us is the abbey barn from the middle of the 14th century.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37Then there are the cow sheds around us, here, from the 19th century.
0:30:37 > 0:30:43All those spaces are being reinvented so that we can tell Somerset's farming story.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47Chiefly from Victorian times up to, more or less, the modern day.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49So, working with a building like the abbey barn
0:30:49 > 0:30:52must present some huge challenges for you.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54We're very lucky in the South West Heritage Trust
0:30:54 > 0:30:57to have our own conservation team, so we do have the skills.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01But you're quite right, there are all kinds of protections on a building like that,
0:31:01 > 0:31:03and so we have to make sure that we do the right thing.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And, of course, there are our permanent guests here,
0:31:06 > 0:31:08like the bats in the roof space of the abbey barn.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11We've got to make sure that we treat them properly
0:31:11 > 0:31:13and according to the law as well.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15We've got our conservation team working on a solution
0:31:15 > 0:31:18for how we make a more durable floor in there,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21but pay tribute to the ancient qualities of the building,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23so perhaps you'd like to go and take a look.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25Sounds fantastic. I look forward to it.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27Thanks so much for talking to me. Right. Bye.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Back in the 14th century, this Grade I listed barn
0:31:32 > 0:31:36was used to store the abbey's estate harvest and fresh grain.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It was also an opportunity for the abbot to show off his wealth
0:31:39 > 0:31:42by ordering the finest craftsmanship of the time.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45So, how does Nic Wall, the Senior Conservation Officer,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49plan to make an authentic floor that will withstand thousands of
0:31:49 > 0:31:51modern-day visiting feet
0:31:51 > 0:31:55but also stays true to the centuries-old building methods?
0:31:55 > 0:31:59How do you know what would have been used and what materials would have
0:31:59 > 0:32:02been used on it? We are largely using archaeological investigations,
0:32:02 > 0:32:05studying the building itself,
0:32:05 > 0:32:08and also looking at other buildings around a similar period.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12And we want to put back a threshing floor and earth floors
0:32:12 > 0:32:14in the nave part.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17Having studied floors elsewhere, we know that's the kind of floor
0:32:17 > 0:32:20that a barn of this status and use would have had.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23So, here, we are doing a lime-ash floor.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25The main filler material is natural clay,
0:32:25 > 0:32:27to which lime and ash are added.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30And to keep it authentic, a good helping of manure.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34The mucus in the manure is really what helps get it all
0:32:34 > 0:32:37gluing together. How charming! Yes.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39The mucus and the lime.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41We've got some little extras, as well.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46This is some milk gone off, nice and sour, and we have some eggs.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Let me look.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51So, they're going to... again, be another bonder... OK.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53And make the mix more workable.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Here goes. Just chuck them in?
0:32:55 > 0:32:58Just chuck them in. Nice. Oh, they're not smashing.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00That's better. Nice.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02That looks really sour, doesn't it?
0:33:02 > 0:33:04Sour and thick and nasty.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07After a good stir in the traditional mixing mill,
0:33:07 > 0:33:10our organic foundation layer is ready for use.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14Yes, we'll pour this in now and then we just need to squish it in place,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16and this will be the first layer that goes in. OK.
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Shall we chuck it in?
0:33:18 > 0:33:20There we go. Oh. OK.
0:33:20 > 0:33:25After pouring, the next stage is to spread and tamper it into place.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27We want a nice, dry mix,
0:33:27 > 0:33:30but it does mean you've got to keep going until it clumps together nicely.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33You've given a big chunk of your life to this project.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35What it's going to be like when you see it filled with people?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Oh, it'll be lovely. The people will really enjoy it for a long
0:33:38 > 0:33:41time and come away with loving memories of the building.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43It's going to be really special and this is a building that...
0:33:43 > 0:33:45It definitely needs to be celebrated, doesn't it?
0:33:45 > 0:33:47Oh, it definitely does.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50From wealthy beginnings through turbulent times,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53it's heartening to know that this Medieval gem
0:33:53 > 0:33:55will soon be enjoying a new lease of life
0:33:55 > 0:33:58for all to appreciate, here in the Somerset countryside.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07How do you feel about making the move here from London now,
0:34:07 > 0:34:10now we've spent some time here and started to look at some properties?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14I think it's convinced us even more that we are doing the right thing.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16The whole place is just lovely.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19You know, it's...
0:34:19 > 0:34:21You don't really go through anywhere that doesn't have
0:34:21 > 0:34:24stunning scenery and the villages are lovely.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25I just can't wait, really.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27We've just got to find you a house.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31Exactly. Let's hope the mystery house is the one, hey?
0:34:31 > 0:34:33I hope so.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Our mystery house strays out of our search area,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40taking us into the depths of Dorset,
0:34:40 > 0:34:45within two miles of the Jurassic Coast, to the village of Portesham.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48Located in an area rich in prehistoric remains,
0:34:48 > 0:34:52this lovely village features a pub with dining and accommodation,
0:34:52 > 0:34:54a village hall,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57a doctors' surgery,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59and a Medieval church.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03The small stream runs by pretty, mainly limestone, cottages.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05One of which, during the 18th century,
0:35:05 > 0:35:08was home to Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11a commander under Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14Like many other local residents,
0:35:14 > 0:35:17he affectionately referred to the village as Possum.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Wrapped within this historic village,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23the unexpected character of our mystery proposition
0:35:23 > 0:35:25is cloaked from view.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28What do you think you're going to find beyond that gate?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30A town. I don't know. A town?
0:35:30 > 0:35:34We can do better than a town. A nice, old, stone-built house, I don't know.
0:35:34 > 0:35:35OK. Are you intrigued?
0:35:35 > 0:35:39Yeah. Yeah. Let's go and get that gate open and see what we can see.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44So, let's push open this big gate and in we come.
0:35:46 > 0:35:49That's different. Cor. It's different, isn't it?
0:35:49 > 0:35:52Yeah. You've got this, kind of, secret courtyard garden,
0:35:52 > 0:35:54and then this very modern property,
0:35:54 > 0:35:57built in a horseshoe shape all around it.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58Oh, right.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01What do you think? Yeah, it's really different, isn't it?
0:36:01 > 0:36:02Yeah, yeah.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Different in a good way? Oh, yeah. Definitely.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07So, you are... You're keen for me to open the door
0:36:07 > 0:36:09and let you look inside? Let's go and have a look.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12Built in 2004,
0:36:12 > 0:36:17this unique and contemporary Mystery House provides single-storey
0:36:17 > 0:36:20accommodation, arranged in a horseshoe,
0:36:20 > 0:36:22and delivers the type of open-plan living space
0:36:22 > 0:36:25Mark and Sue are used to in their London home.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27It made me think of the property you're both in now,
0:36:27 > 0:36:29because it's a blend of old and new.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31It's got high ceilings.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34You're expecting old, but it's this really interesting,
0:36:34 > 0:36:36modern, modern property.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37Yeah, you're right. It is...
0:36:37 > 0:36:40In that respect, it is really similar. Yeah.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43What about the kitchen and this open-plan feel, generally?
0:36:43 > 0:36:45That's great for us. Yeah. That's what we're used to.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47Yeah, but on a much bigger scale here.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49This is a much bigger scale. It's a much bigger kitchen. Yeah.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52You can see there is loads of... Loads of space.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54And you get an even better sense of all the space and the
0:36:54 > 0:36:58light when you come through into this side of the living area.
0:36:58 > 0:36:59It's really nice.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03Because you'd sit there and you've got light coming in on both sides
0:37:03 > 0:37:04and there are so many windows.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06We like the, sort of, windows that we've got at home
0:37:06 > 0:37:10and the high ceilings and you've got that here, as well. So...
0:37:10 > 0:37:12We don't have such a nice view at the moment.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14We overlook a railway line. Yeah, yeah.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17No, this'd work. You look quite taken aback.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Erm, yeah, I was just stunned, really.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22It just wasn't what I was expecting at all.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24I don't know what I was expecting, but not this.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28The sleeping accommodation is located to either side
0:37:28 > 0:37:30of the central living space.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34To one end is a large double bedroom, presently set up as a twin,
0:37:34 > 0:37:37with built-in wardrobes and a single bedroom,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39currently used for storage.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43These are separated by a family bathroom with walk-in shower.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46Then, at the other end of the horseshoe,
0:37:46 > 0:37:49the last of the bedrooms is the master suite.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53So, you have your own en-suite bathroom, through into the bedroom,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56with fitted wardrobes. Yeah, yeah, it's big enough.
0:37:56 > 0:37:58Yeah, it's a nice size. Yeah. Nice and sunny.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00And how are you feeling, Sue, with the house, at the minute?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I like it a lot. It's just so different.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Yeah. It's taking a little bit of getting used to,
0:38:06 > 0:38:09the fact that it's something completely unexpected.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12I know the garden matters to both of you. Yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14So, let's go and explore the garden and just take a look at the
0:38:14 > 0:38:18views outside. OK. Thank you.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23The surprising layout of our mystery offering may be
0:38:23 > 0:38:26causing our buyers some confusion
0:38:26 > 0:38:29but, with exterior plot size so important to the two of them,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31I think they'll find the quarter of an acre garden
0:38:31 > 0:38:34a more straightforward delight.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39The hedged and landscaped area includes established fruit trees,
0:38:39 > 0:38:42plus there is secure off-road parking for several cars,
0:38:42 > 0:38:44along with a large workshop.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48So, how does this... How is this for size for you?
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Could you fit your vegetable plot in here? Oh, I think so. Yeah.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54I think the garden is a really nice size.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Nice views. Yeah. Good-sized garden.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Nice views, good garden, plenty of space...
0:38:58 > 0:39:00What do you think this property's on the market for?
0:39:00 > 0:39:02Go on, you go first.
0:39:02 > 0:39:03I've got absolutely no idea.
0:39:03 > 0:39:05Erm... 450.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08I'm going over budget. 475.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10OK, Mark, I'm afraid that you're wrong.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Sue, you are absolutely right.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18It's on the... It's on the money.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19?450,000.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21We've definitely got to think about that, haven't we?
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Yeah. Go and have a little look around,
0:39:23 > 0:39:25and come and find me when you're ready. OK.
0:39:30 > 0:39:35Right on budget, the contemporary horseshoe-shaped Mystery House could
0:39:35 > 0:39:40just be the surprise lucky find of Mark and Sue's house hunt.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43The open-plan cooking and living space is an upscale version
0:39:43 > 0:39:46of what they know and love.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48And there are three bedrooms to choose from,
0:39:48 > 0:39:51including a master en suite.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54The enclosed garden offers all the outside space they're after,
0:39:54 > 0:39:58and it's located in a secluded setting, within a popular village.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02Right from the moment we walked through the front gate and saw it
0:40:02 > 0:40:05was a relatively new property,
0:40:05 > 0:40:08seeing the size of the kitchen and living room,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11it reminded us of what we've got at the moment.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14It takes the bits of the flat that I really like,
0:40:14 > 0:40:16the open feeling, the...
0:40:17 > 0:40:20The light and that, sort of, aspect about it,
0:40:20 > 0:40:24which is something that we haven't had in some of the other houses we've looked at.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28The garden's... Yeah, I mean, it's the ideal size.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32And we've got plenty of things we can do to it to make it our own.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35I think it's definitely something we'd consider.
0:40:37 > 0:40:39Have you seen enough? Yes, thanks. Yeah.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Well, the Mystery House wraps things up,
0:40:41 > 0:40:45so why don't we find somewhere to sit down and have a chat about the
0:40:45 > 0:40:48houses we've seen? That sounds lovely. Good idea. OK.
0:40:54 > 0:40:55It's been a great couple of days.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58So let's just recap on the properties that we've seen.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Let's turn to that 17th-century cottage with the thatch
0:41:02 > 0:41:04in the village.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06That house was absolutely gorgeous.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08I think the garden was nice.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10The village was lovely.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13The only issue was it only had the two bedrooms.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15We don't have to fly anyone down. No!
0:41:16 > 0:41:18And the Mystery House?
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I had no idea what you were going to make of it before we went in.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24You seemed to be positive when we looked round it.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Without a doubt, the garden was the best garden we've seen. Yeah.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33And the house itself, it was really nice but I think...
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I'm just not sure if, in our minds,
0:41:36 > 0:41:39we'd already committed to having an older style house.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43The bits we liked about it reminded us of where we are now.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46But we've outgrown that.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49What was interesting when I first met the two of you was that you were
0:41:49 > 0:41:52very open to the style of property.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54So, has the search solidified things for you?
0:41:54 > 0:41:58Has it given you a clearer idea of what it is that you want to find?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00I think perhaps it has.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05Erm, out of the houses we saw, apart from the last one,
0:42:05 > 0:42:10they did all have that little extra character... Not character,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13necessarily but just more of a traditional house, I suppose.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15I have a feeling, Sue, that with you,
0:42:15 > 0:42:18if we could have put a third bedroom
0:42:18 > 0:42:20on that 17th century thatched cottage,
0:42:20 > 0:42:22we'd be having a very different conversation now.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25I think we would. I think we'd be there. Yeah.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It was absolutely perfect apart from that. I completely agree.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31I think that perhaps in your heart you do know what it is that you
0:42:31 > 0:42:34hope to find, what that little dream is.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36And we're sure that you're going to end up here in a fabulous house.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38And we hope you'll be really happy when you do.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Oh, thank you very much. Thanks very much.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Well, it's the end of our house hunt here in Somerset.
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Sadly, we didn't manage to find Sue and Mark the house of their dreams.
0:42:49 > 0:42:51But I think our search helped them to focus on what it is
0:42:51 > 0:42:54they're looking for in a property.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57And it also confirmed to them that this is definitely the part of the
0:42:57 > 0:42:59country they want to call home.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Scotland, Wales or England,
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