0:00:02 > 0:00:04With almost 60 Sites of Special Scientific Interest
0:00:04 > 0:00:07across almost 1,500 square miles,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11this beautiful region has gained international recognition for its unique
0:00:11 > 0:00:14mix of flora, fauna and people.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17Find out where I am and why it's so special in just a moment.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39Today, a pair of go-getters are looking to upcycle their lifestyles with
0:00:39 > 0:00:43their move to the country, and along the way come some pleasant surprises.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- That's amazing.- That's very good. - That's amazing!
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- That's a game changer.- And the positive reactions just keep coming.
0:00:50 > 0:00:51Wow!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Actually, I think you got him at the driveway coming in.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- It's a double wow. You're not going to beat this one.- Oh, really?- No.
0:01:00 > 0:01:05Today we're in Devon, and this is the North Devon Biosphere Reserve,
0:01:05 > 0:01:10the first of only a handful of protected biosphere sites here in the UK.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Established by Unesco in 1971,
0:01:13 > 0:01:18there are now more than 600 reserves around the world, and their principal
0:01:18 > 0:01:22aim is to harmoniously connect people with nature. And later on in the
0:01:22 > 0:01:26show, I'll be finding out more about the sustainable conservation of this
0:01:26 > 0:01:31ecosystem by meeting some of the people who are fortunate enough to live
0:01:31 > 0:01:35and work here in this beautiful protected landscape.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Devon can be found in the far south-west of England.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43The county has two national parks within its borders.
0:01:43 > 0:01:49Dartmoor in the southern part of the region covers some 365 square miles
0:01:49 > 0:01:53of wild, windswept moorland and rolling hills,
0:01:53 > 0:01:57while Exmoor is found on the north coast and flows over the border into
0:01:57 > 0:01:59neighbouring Somerset.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Inland, the historic market town of Great Torrington offers a commanding
0:02:03 > 0:02:08view of the River Torridge, and the town is home to an array of shops and businesses.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Of particular fame is Dartington Crystal, which first opened
0:02:12 > 0:02:19its factory doors in 1967 and is the only major crystal factory in the UK.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22Head south from here and you'll enter an area known as
0:02:22 > 0:02:28Devon's Ruby Country, which prides itself on its unspoilt, tranquil landscape and takes
0:02:28 > 0:02:31its name from the red ruby Devon cattle that originate here.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36And their distinctive colouring is just one of the sights not to be missed on a visit
0:02:36 > 0:02:38to this striking region.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Devon is the third-largest county in England, so it's no wonder there's
0:02:43 > 0:02:47plenty to do and see for locals and visitors alike.
0:02:47 > 0:02:51And when it comes to property prices in this part of the West Country,
0:02:51 > 0:02:55you may be pleasantly surprised, as the average detached home comes in
0:02:55 > 0:03:00at only £14,000 above the national figure of £300,000.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05It's the combination of great homes and gorgeous countryside
0:03:05 > 0:03:10and a tourism industry worth over £2 billion to the local economy that's luring today's
0:03:10 > 0:03:12buyers here to Devon.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17Sally and Colin from East Horsley in Surrey currently run their own
0:03:17 > 0:03:20lettings and property management business,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22but they want to swap it all for a country life
0:03:22 > 0:03:23with their young son, Daniel.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26We're really excited about going down to Devon
0:03:26 > 0:03:29and having just a whole new area to look at.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32We've been in Surrey for the best part of 25 years
0:03:32 > 0:03:34so we've done all the walks, we know all the hills,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37we know all the parks, and, as beautiful as they are,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40- we want a new adventure. - We just feel at home down in Devon.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45I spent a lot of my childhood in Devon, so it's just like going back home.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Although they've been very happy where they live,
0:03:49 > 0:03:54increased traffic and development means now is the perfect time to leave.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57In making the move, we've given Daniel a lot of thought, because we're
0:03:57 > 0:03:59really aware that when you're 11,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02you've got your friends and it is quite a wrench.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04He's a confident, happy boy,
0:04:04 > 0:04:08really well rounded, and I know he'll be absolutely fine.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12They first met at college when Sally was 19 and found herself in a rather
0:04:12 > 0:04:14difficult position.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16I actually got stuck in the toilet and he came and rescued me.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21And as soon as I graduated, we were together.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23Colin's my first boyfriend, and we fell in love,
0:04:23 > 0:04:26and I think we were best friends first, weren't we?
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Yeah.- And now soul mates.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31And you used to cook me bacon sandwiches.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Yeah, that's very true.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36It probably had more to do with the bacon sandwiches!
0:04:38 > 0:04:41But it's not just a new home our couple are after.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44They're keen to move into the hospitality industry.
0:04:45 > 0:04:52We really want to sort of create a business that we can follow on from what we're doing now.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55My career has always been in the lettings side.
0:04:55 > 0:04:59Colin's always been in maintenance as well as landscaping and gardening,
0:04:59 > 0:05:01so together,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04we can combine our skills and make a real success of something.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08It's really important that we get something that we can build on.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11It doesn't have to be all bells and whistles from day one.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14We can put work into developing it, and that would be exciting.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16The best stories are told round a campfire,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and that's what we want to create for people.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22One of the biggest plus points is the chance to be able
0:05:22 > 0:05:25to put their very different hobbies to good use.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Colin's practical skills will be a big help in their new life, but he's
0:05:29 > 0:05:33also hoping for space to really indulge his creative side.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35I'm a great recyclist.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40I see things around that I think someone's discarded, and I can always put
0:05:40 > 0:05:41something to some use.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44Sally will say, "More rubbish you've brought home!"
0:05:44 > 0:05:49But in six months' time, that will be in the house
0:05:49 > 0:05:51as something very beautiful.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53And Sally's got her own plans.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57I adore baking. It's my absolute escapism.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00It's my time alone in the kitchen, and there's that absolute sense of
0:06:00 > 0:06:03satisfaction when you see the family really tucking in and enjoying the
0:06:03 > 0:06:04food that you've made.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07That's what I want to extend out to our guests, as well.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11With their minds made up, all that's left is to make it happen.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- We're not talkers.- We are doers.
0:06:14 > 0:06:19We want to achieve our goals in life and hopefully we'll achieve it.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22We're so much stronger together. When we work together,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25we really do achieve good results.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Can't wait.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Sally and Colin would like to settle in North Devon,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36somewhere between Okehampton and South Molton, so that's where we're
0:06:36 > 0:06:38concentrating our search.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40But before we get started,
0:06:40 > 0:06:44I'm meeting them in the county to get the lowdown on their property wish list.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- Welcome to Devon, Colin and Sally. - Thank you!- Thank you very much.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52When did you decide this county had to be home?
0:06:52 > 0:06:57I think it was about two, three years ago when we came down for a short break and suddenly
0:06:57 > 0:07:01our shoulders went, "Ahhhh!", and we felt like we'd come home.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Of course, this move isn't just about finding a new home in Devon...
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- No.- ..but it's a new career in Devon.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12It is. It's like packing up our home, our business, our life.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It's like starting again, totally from scratch.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19And what is the career ambition?
0:07:19 > 0:07:21We'd like to do holiday lets.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25How that takes its form, though, is quite wide and varied.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29We would look at taking something with land to build up a yurt business, or
0:07:29 > 0:07:33we could look at something already formed as holiday cottages or lodges.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35And that's what you want alongside the property?
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Ideally, yes.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40It's not the end of the world if it wasn't,
0:07:40 > 0:07:43as long as we had the acreage to be able to do something.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46What about the home itself, where you'll both be living?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48We need a big kitchen for entertaining,
0:07:48 > 0:07:52a really cosy lounge, a fireplace.
0:07:52 > 0:07:57I'm looking for exposed beams to give the age of the property and
0:07:57 > 0:08:00definitely vaulted ceilings, if possible.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- The older, the better. - Something with a bit of history?
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Something definitely with a bit of history.
0:08:05 > 0:08:10A minimum three bedrooms and ideally some outside space, barn,
0:08:10 > 0:08:11workshop for Colin.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14When it comes to the type of business you want to run,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17have you any experience of that at all?
0:08:17 > 0:08:22Not in holiday cottages per se, but I've been in lettings for 25 years.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24And what's the budget we have to play with?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28The bottom is 650, but we've got funding in place to go all the way
0:08:28 > 0:08:32to almost a million, so... More comfortable around 950, though.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- Well, it's a healthy-sized budget. - Yes.- We've got three properties
0:08:35 > 0:08:37to show you, including, of course, our Mystery,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but you're going to have to wait until tomorrow for that.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- Let's go and see our first home. - Fabulous.- Fabulous, thank you.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50For their top budget of £950,000, Sally and Colin would like an old
0:08:50 > 0:08:53character property with a big kitchen
0:08:53 > 0:08:57perfect for entertaining and a cosy living space.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59They want at least three bedrooms,
0:08:59 > 0:09:04a workshop and potential for a holiday let and a yurt business.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10We've gathered an impressive trio of properties for them to view, and after they've toured each one,
0:09:10 > 0:09:13the all-important price will be revealed.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15When it comes to the Mystery House, well,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17that's nobody else's business but their own.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28We're starting our journey round North Devon in the village of Meshaw.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33Just three miles away is the village of Witheridge, which sits between Exmoor and Dartmoor.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37The picturesque village offers both shops and eateries,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40a community centre and the Grade I listed church
0:09:40 > 0:09:44of St John the Baptist, which dates back to around 1500.
0:09:44 > 0:09:49An eight-minute drive takes us to Meshaw, where our house-hunt begins
0:09:49 > 0:09:53with a beautiful whitewashed period property approached by a gravel drive.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Here you go. House number one.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57Wow!
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- It's gorgeous.- Very nice on first appearance.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03It dates back to the 16th century and it's actually Grade II listed.
0:10:03 > 0:10:09- OK.- And rumour has it it was the Earl of Portsmouth's hunting lodge.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12It's made of cob and stone and you've got that lovely slate roof.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- I love the slate roof.- I hope it's got the history you were after.
0:10:15 > 0:10:16It's looking that way.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20It's looking old and it's looking as if we've got high, vaulted ceilings.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23I'm very excited to go in and have a look.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25And I'm also wanting to know what this is behind me!
0:10:25 > 0:10:28- You keep looking.- I do. - It comes with a holiday let.
0:10:28 > 0:10:32- Oh, fantastic. - So, this was converted a few years ago from a barn.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- And beyond it, outbuildings? - You've got outbuildings, exactly.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38You've got another outbuilding here that you could convert.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41It's got planning permission if you want to convert it into a second
0:10:41 > 0:10:44holiday let, and there are more buildings, so I will show you them later.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45But if you're happy with the setting,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47let's go inside and see if you like the house.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Can't wait. Brilliant, fantastic.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54'Sally and Colin have already had a sneak preview of some of the treats
0:10:54 > 0:10:57'on offer here. But there's plenty more to see.'
0:10:58 > 0:11:01The cobbled stone is such a feature here.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07And then you've got quarry stone here in this beautiful kitchen.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- Perfect.- Oh, that's what you wanted. - Look at that range.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12That is absolutely stunning.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- It's got a farmhouse feeling to it. - It has. And I love the beams.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18The beams, the ceiling, it's just perfect.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22That's just inviting me to want to go over there and look more.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25What you can see through there is a utility room.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29So, it's a really nice-sized utility room so you don't have to have all the mess in here.
0:11:29 > 0:11:30That works perfect for us.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34There's a boot room as we entered, as well, with a separate WC, so you've got
0:11:34 > 0:11:38- all those facilities. We'll explore more of the downstairs.- Yep.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45'On the ground floor, the main rooms all have aspects to the rear.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49'Next to the kitchen, and accessed from the hallway, is a beautiful dining room.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51'It has original oak flooring,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54'an open stone fireplace and a window seat.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57'Leading on from the dining room is the sitting room, which can also be
0:11:57 > 0:11:59'entered from the hallway.'
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- Wow, what a lovely room!- It's a nice-size living room, isn't it?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05I love the fact it's wood flooring, as well.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08The flow between these two rooms is fantastic.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09And is that a working fire?
0:12:09 > 0:12:13Yes, exactly, so you've got two fireplaces downstairs here.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15I'm not so sure we'd use that as a formal dining room,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17because we don't.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22I can actually see our furniture in there as the snug around that inglenook fireplace
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and having this more as our formal lounge.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Now, upstairs you've got four bedrooms.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- OK.- I will let you explore later, but as the business side is so
0:12:32 > 0:12:34important, shall we have a look at the holiday let?
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- That'd be great.- Let's go.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42'On the first floor, all four bedrooms have feature windows overlooking the garden.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44'The master has an en-suite.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47'There's a smaller room next door, then there are two doubles,
0:12:47 > 0:12:49'currently set out as guest rooms,
0:12:49 > 0:12:53'one with a cast-iron Victorian fireplace,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55'and they're all served by a smart family bathroom.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00'Outside, we're headed to the neighbouring two-bedroom holiday let, which
0:13:00 > 0:13:06'was converted in 2006 and has more of a contemporary feel.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10'It brings in around £13,000 a year for the current owners but has the
0:13:10 > 0:13:12'potential to earn much more.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14'French doors lead us straight into the sitting room.'
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I can't get over how spacious and bright it is.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20It's well equipped, isn't it, as well?
0:13:20 > 0:13:22This is one of two living rooms.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24There's actually a matching living room upstairs.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30Oh, really? They've kept all the charm, as well, of the converted barn with the beams. It's lovely.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33So, this is where your guests would live.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37Shall we go and see what outside space they would enjoy and also find out
0:13:37 > 0:13:41- how much you think all of this is worth?- Wow!
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'Outdoors, there's a collection of outbuildings and a large private garden
0:13:47 > 0:13:51'bordered by mature trees along with plenty of land,
0:13:51 > 0:13:56'perfect if Sally decides to start up a yurt business alongside the holiday let.'
0:13:56 > 0:13:59This is the garden to the house.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02Let's talk about all the land and everything that comes with the house.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05You've got four-and-a-half acres in total.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09What you can see over there is one of two paddocks.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12The local farmer's keeping his sheep on that at the moment.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14And in that paddock over there,
0:14:14 > 0:14:18there's a huge fishing pond with carp and tench in it,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- so maybe something for your guests to do.- Mm-hm.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23In that corner, you have a little swimming pool.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25- Wow.- And there's a workshop. We can't forget your workshop.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Can't forget my workshop, no.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31There's a huge double-storey workshop.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- I'm very impressed. - So, who would like to go first?
0:14:33 > 0:14:38Who would like to guess how much this property is on the market for?
0:14:38 > 0:14:41I would say it's got to be near the top of our budget,
0:14:41 > 0:14:42so I'm going to say 900.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43OK. Colin?
0:14:43 > 0:14:47I'll say a bit less than that. About 875.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Well, you're both going to be very pleased with what I'm about to say.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52It's actually currently on the market
0:14:52 > 0:14:55for £775,000.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- No way. That's amazing! - That's very good.- That's amazing.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00Wow! It's a game changer.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Now that you know the price, because that always affects the way you
0:15:03 > 0:15:05think, go and have another nosy round and I'll meet you in a bit.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - As soon as I saw this place,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14I had a feeling they would feel at home, and I think it's almost perfect for them.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15What a brilliant start!
0:15:18 > 0:15:21This fabulous Grade II listed 16th-century property
0:15:21 > 0:15:26has delivered on all fronts and comes in at £175,000
0:15:26 > 0:15:29under Sally and Colin's top budget.
0:15:29 > 0:15:31It's got bags of character,
0:15:31 > 0:15:35four bedrooms in the main house and two in the holiday cottage,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39so there's a business ready to go and room for Sally's yurts, too.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44- Oh, wow. Oh, this is nice. - Look how high it is.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47This is brilliant. I do really like this.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I love the property. I think it's got character.
0:15:50 > 0:15:57It's got age, it's got a feeling of wanting to live there as a family.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59I really love the potential this property's offering.
0:15:59 > 0:16:00It's got quite a balance.
0:16:00 > 0:16:04I love the fact that the family home's ready to move into.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08The business potential is awesome. I love the paddocks.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10For the guests, I absolutely love the cottage.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14That works on every level, and we can carry out our dream of doing the
0:16:14 > 0:16:17yurts round the beautiful lake, so, to me,
0:16:17 > 0:16:19it's a real sensible proposition.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24Yeah, I can see myself and Sally living here and setting up our yurts
0:16:24 > 0:16:27and our lettings, and we'd be a very happy family.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Colin, Sally is already yurt shopping in her head, isn't she?
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- She definitely is! - I've redecorated!
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- Go steady, we've still got another house to see today.- OK, fantastic.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49For centuries, the stunning Devon countryside has inspired artists and
0:16:49 > 0:16:53craftspeople alike, and that's exactly what has enticed local artist Hilary Johnson
0:16:53 > 0:16:58to settle here over 30 years ago to embark on her bespoke
0:16:58 > 0:17:01leather business in the quaint village of Chulmleigh.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04As Sally and Colin are planning to start their own business venture
0:17:04 > 0:17:08when they move to Devon, we've arranged for them to meet Hilary.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Why is Devon so inspirational to you?
0:17:11 > 0:17:16I think it's the land, the greenery, the lushness, the beauty.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18It's a place where you can feel the land.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20I think it's a place where you can feel good.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- In tune with nature, aren't you? - Yes, absolutely.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26So, in this part of North Devon, is there a demand for local crafts?
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Yes. If you have the marketing skills and the business skills...
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- ..and obviously a good product at the right price...- Yes!
0:17:34 > 0:17:37..yes, North Devon is a good place.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Hilary learnt the art of leather-work in America
0:17:39 > 0:17:42and then perfected her skills in Devon.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47She's had her design studio and shop here since 2011 and crafts handbags,
0:17:47 > 0:17:50purses and other leather accessories.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53All the leathers are so different. This is so soft and these ones are
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- much more robust, aren't they? - Yes, they are.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00Yes, I use a variety of leathers for different bags that have different needs.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03These satchel ones are very hard-wearing
0:18:03 > 0:18:04and they won't scratch.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08There's others that are very hard-wearing and WILL scratch, because people
0:18:08 > 0:18:10- like a good beat-up bag.- Yes!
0:18:10 > 0:18:15Hilary's shop is full of beautiful, colourful creations, and today
0:18:15 > 0:18:18she's going to show Sally and Colin how to make a purse.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Colin is going to make a coin purse
0:18:21 > 0:18:24out of this heavy-duty satchel leather.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28Sally is going to make a passport purse,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- and it's going to have a purple lining.- Perfect.
0:18:31 > 0:18:36The first thing we have to do is draw around the template.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38Hilary is used to teaching novices.
0:18:38 > 0:18:41She regularly holds leather workshops in her studio.
0:18:41 > 0:18:46They're very simple, but this is exactly the same principle as I make
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- the most complicated bags.- Yes.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51When Sally and Colin have traced round their templates,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54they're ready to cut the leather...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57before using latex glue to stick the pieces together.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59Perfect. Perfectly done.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01Next, the excess leather's trimmed...
0:19:01 > 0:19:03You're trying to go through both layers now.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07..before the edges are secured on the sewing machine.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- He's so neat.- Yeah, very good.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Lovely. That is excellent.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Now you're going all the way around the curve.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- Fantastic. Wahey!- That's very good. - I'm actually pleased with that.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- Yeah, very good.- All my work.- Yeah.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Lastly, it's a press-stud fastening for Colin's purse...
0:19:27 > 0:19:29..and one for Sally's.
0:19:29 > 0:19:34- Perfect. - Lovely! That's beautiful.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Thank you very much.- You know, today's been absolutely brilliant.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40Thank you so much for having us and showing us what you do.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42It's incredible. We've really enjoyed it. Thank you.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46Well, I've enjoyed it, as well. It's been really nice meeting you both.
0:19:46 > 0:19:47Full of inspiration,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51it's time for our craft-loving pair to return to their house-hunt.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57Our next property stop takes us to Chittlehamholt.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02Once just a clearing in the woods, the village grew into what it is today,
0:20:02 > 0:20:06a community surrounded by gentle hills where narrow lanes are lined
0:20:06 > 0:20:10with thatched cottages, a village hall, a shop and a playing field.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14The local pub started life as a 16th-century coaching inn
0:20:14 > 0:20:17on the main Barnstaple to Exeter road...
0:20:18 > 0:20:24..and the Church of St John the Baptist, built in 1838, has a Grade II listing.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27Just a mile from the heart of the village is our next offering,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31this old farmhouse with parts that date back to the the 16th century.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And here we have house number two.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41Wow! Actually, I think you got him at the driveway coming in.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It's a double wow. I think you've reached my far expectations with this one.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- You're not going to beat this one. - Oh, really?
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- No.- Have you forgotten about house number one already?
0:20:50 > 0:20:52No. No!
0:20:52 > 0:20:54But this looks amazing.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- I'm going to let you have something. - OK.- There is a holiday let -
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- that cottage that we passed. But that's all I'm going to say.- OK.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- Let's check out the house first. - Fantastic.- Yep.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10'This impressive period house has already blown Sally and Colin away,
0:21:10 > 0:21:13'and they've not even crossed the threshold, but as we do,
0:21:13 > 0:21:17'the front door leads straight into a large boot room with enough space
0:21:17 > 0:21:19'to store all the white goods, and from here,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22'we reach the kitchen, with a slate flagged floor.'
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Oh, look, an exposed wall.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- Look at the range.- Wow!
0:21:27 > 0:21:29And my lovely exposed beams.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30THEY LAUGH
0:21:30 > 0:21:32This is actually the extension to the house.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34This isn't the original 16th-century part of the house.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- But doesn't it feel like it is? - It does, yes.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38So well done, isn't it?
0:21:38 > 0:21:40I really love this. It's got a gorgeous feel.
0:21:40 > 0:21:41So far, so good!
0:21:41 > 0:21:45And you wanted a fireplace. Follow me.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51'Next to the kitchen is the dining room, with a big open fireplace,
0:21:51 > 0:21:52'and next to that is a sitting room,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55'which is the last stop on our tour of the ground floor.'
0:21:57 > 0:22:01So, the dining room that we just walked through and this area,
0:22:01 > 0:22:06they make up the original 16th-century part of the building.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- It's very cosy but very homely. - This is incredibly homely.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12The feeling of coming home is definitely here.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15You do have four bedrooms upstairs again.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16- OK.- Just like the last house,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I'm going to let you look at that later, because, actually,
0:22:19 > 0:22:23shall we go and see the holiday let, because that's such an important part of this?
0:22:23 > 0:22:26It's really important, because when I'm looking at extended
0:22:26 > 0:22:29space... I know a holiday let isn't all the time, and that can also be
0:22:29 > 0:22:31utilised for the house when entertaining.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- Exactly. Let's go and see that. - Thank you.
0:22:35 > 0:22:40'Well, this farmhouse has already delivered before Sally and Colin have even
0:22:40 > 0:22:41'checked out upstairs.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45'On the first floor, there's a dual-aspect bath and shower room,
0:22:45 > 0:22:50'and across the landing are the bedrooms, all with glorious views across the grounds.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54'There's a large double, a smaller double, one in use as a study,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58'and then there's the master, a generous size, with its own bathroom.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04'Outside and across the yard is the detached stone-built holiday cottage.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07'On its ground floor is a living space with exposed beams and a
0:23:07 > 0:23:11'wood-burning stove, a kitchen and a shower room.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14'But we're headed straight to the first-floor sleeping quarters, with
0:23:14 > 0:23:16'vaulted ceilings just for Colin.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- It's a huge space, isn't it? - I like the beams.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- Well, you wanted a pitched roof somewhere, didn't you?- Yes, I did.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27- It feels brand-new.- They built it about 12 years ago, so...
0:23:27 > 0:23:30And the building that is next to the house,
0:23:30 > 0:23:34that actually has planning permission for two more holiday lets, if you
0:23:34 > 0:23:37want to convert and want more than just one.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41Absolutely, yeah. So there's quite a lot of possibilities at the moment,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43which we need to see how that would work. Of course,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45it will all come down to price, as well.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Of course. Well, let's go and have a look at the views close-up,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51see what land you will have and how much it will cost you.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53All-important!
0:23:55 > 0:23:58'This property may have plenty of scope for business,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00'but it's not all work and no play.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03'There's an open-air swimming pool with a changing room,
0:24:03 > 0:24:05'sauna and conservatory.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09'The land is extensive and includes a deck, a carp pond,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11'a stream and woodland.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14'There's also a vegetable garden and an orchard,
0:24:14 > 0:24:18'not to mention roaming deer and lovely views.'
0:24:19 > 0:24:23So, in addition to all of the outbuildings I've shown you,
0:24:23 > 0:24:25- the big reveal...- How much land?
0:24:25 > 0:24:31..is - exactly! - is that this house sits in the middle of 32 acres.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34- You're joking!- OK! Oh, my gosh.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37- It's basically nine fields around us.- Wow.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40So, the question is if you want 32 acres.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42I wouldn't say no to it!
0:24:42 > 0:24:45I know you like the idea of 32 acres.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- You're overwhelmed, aren't you? - I'm overwhelmed by the house.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Actually, it's thrown me into confusion and a little bit of turmoil.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Let's see if the price clears things up, because that will answer a
0:24:54 > 0:24:55lot of questions, won't it?
0:24:55 > 0:24:58- Yes, it will.- And then you can have another look around, knowing the price.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00- Mm.- So, who wants to go first?
0:25:00 > 0:25:04- Who's brave enough?- I'd have a shooting guess and think it's
0:25:04 > 0:25:07possibly 925.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- OK. Sally?- I'm really struggling, and I don't actually have an idea,
0:25:10 > 0:25:14but I'm suspecting, like Colin, it's above 900.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16So is your guess 900?
0:25:16 > 0:25:18950, I think.
0:25:18 > 0:25:23950. You're going to wish you went with 900, because that would have been closer.
0:25:23 > 0:25:25It's on the market for £895,000.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28OK. It's thrown a lot of questions and a lot of opportunity.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- I hope good ones.- All good ones. - We've got some good vibes from this.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- It's not a bad problem to have, is it?- No.- Do you want to go off
0:25:34 > 0:25:38and have a look at the land, really, as well as the house, now that you know the
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- price, and have a think?- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47This 16th-century farmhouse has come in at £55,000 under budget.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50It has a great kitchen and a cosy sitting room
0:25:50 > 0:25:52along with four bedrooms.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56There's also an existing holiday let with planning permission for more,
0:25:56 > 0:26:01and, sitting in 32 acres of land, the possibilities here are endless.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Wow! What would you like to use this for?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Yurts?- I think it's more than just yurts, isn't it?
0:26:07 > 0:26:10Maybe even open this up to camping, as well.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14- And a nice view. - You have got your view.- Yeah.
0:26:14 > 0:26:18Property number two has far, far exceeded our expectations.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22We wanted a lot of acreage, but I think, looking at the land,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25we could probably do quite a lot with it.
0:26:25 > 0:26:28But it's very exciting to know we have that availability.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32It's very different, and I found it really challenging, in fairness.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34The house itself is really cosy.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37It's a real... I feel the house hugging me.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39It feels like home.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43The land is incredible and the outbuildings are a joy.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46Our dream is to own a property like this
0:26:46 > 0:26:48and to make it a family home.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I think Colin's fallen head over heels in love with it.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53His heart is ruling his head, and he
0:26:53 > 0:26:56needs to sit down with me and talk figures.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59It's a lot of land, isn't it?
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- Yep!- And a lot to get your head around.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03- A lot to take in.- I know, I know, you're doing sums in your head,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- aren't you?- You're right.- Listen, it's the end of the day.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08We can do some maths on a napkin over dinner...
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- Yes.- ..and then think about it all.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Perfect.- Let's head off. - That sounds great.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28'It's the second leg of our North Devon search for a country pad where
0:27:28 > 0:27:32'Sally and Colin from Surrey, along with their young son, Daniel,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34'can call home.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38'They have up to £950,000 to spend on a property with land
0:27:38 > 0:27:40'and holiday let potential.
0:27:40 > 0:27:46'And still to come - there's shock and awe when we unveil the hard-working Mystery House.'
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- You look very nervous. - Yes, very nervous.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54'And later, I'll be finding out how man and nature live in harmony
0:27:54 > 0:27:57'in one of the most endangered grasslands on earth.'
0:27:57 > 0:28:00So, this is the special grassland.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03This is it. There's 24 hectares of it here. But that's it.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Nowhere else in the world. - In the world?- In the world.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Colin and Sally were impressed with both of our properties yesterday,
0:28:12 > 0:28:17with the 32 acres that came with house two tempting Colin, in particular
0:28:17 > 0:28:21and the business potential of house one capturing Sally.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26And it's business that's at the very heart of our Mystery property today.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34'As we head towards the end of our journey with Sally and Colin,
0:28:34 > 0:28:38'we find ourselves in the historic market town of Bideford.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40'Only a stone's throw from the sea,
0:28:40 > 0:28:46'this busy town was the third-largest port in Britain during the 16th century.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49'Inns and taverns that at one time would have served sailors and
0:28:49 > 0:28:53'dock workers today are more accustomed to tourists and day-trippers drawn
0:28:53 > 0:28:57'by the attractive range of shops and businesses to explore.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59'But before we reveal our Mystery House,
0:28:59 > 0:29:01'it's time for a quick catch-up over a cuppa.'
0:29:03 > 0:29:05So, I wanted to bring you to Bideford
0:29:05 > 0:29:08because this would be your local town.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11It's actually the first time we've been into Bideford town, and as
0:29:11 > 0:29:15we drove in, it was all very picturesque, the estuary looked gorgeous.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Looks charming from what we've seen.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19Now, we are very close to our Mystery offering,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23so close we're actually sitting in it.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26- Wow!- OK... Right...!
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- You look very nervous. - Yes, very nervous.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32When I left university,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36I needed a job, and I ended up in Mrs Potter's tea room
0:29:36 > 0:29:39and lasted 35 minutes serving tea!
0:29:39 > 0:29:41How do you feel about the tea room?
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Quite surprised, actually.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46Being at home making tea for Sally...
0:29:47 > 0:29:49..all day and all night,
0:29:49 > 0:29:54I just didn't foresee myself in my retirement still making tea and coffee for her.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It sounds like you might have been rehearsing for this.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00I've got the skills, I could go straight in and do it.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Shall we head off to the accommodation?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05- Let's do that.- I think we just need to walk through it all.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Maybe it will grow on you. And then we can discuss your options,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- especially once you know the price. - OK.- Thank you.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16'This might not be quite what Sally and Colin had in mind,
0:30:16 > 0:30:22'but the Mystery House is all about challenging ideas, and as a firmly established business,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25'it's certainly worth exploring, with an annual turnover in excess of
0:30:25 > 0:30:28'£150,000.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31'There's space for around 60 covers inside
0:30:31 > 0:30:34'with a further 12 in the small courtyard out the back.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37'Behind the scenes, there a good-sized commercial kitchen
0:30:37 > 0:30:39'as well as a separate prep area.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'There are two floors of accommodation above the restaurant and tea room,
0:30:43 > 0:30:44'so we're heading to the rear and
0:30:44 > 0:30:48'the very top of this property to start exploring.'
0:30:48 > 0:30:53This is the main living area of the family home.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55- What are you thinking? - I'm looking at that amazing light.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58The space here's gorgeous. It's quite attractive.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00It's south-facing here, so you can imagine how airy
0:31:00 > 0:31:02this room is all the time.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- Yeah.- And that looks out onto the courtyard.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09They've kept this attic bit open - there's a bedroom up there,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11you could use that space for whatever you want -
0:31:11 > 0:31:15because they didn't want this closed-off attic that you just keep cardboard boxes in, really.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19So they've designed it, in a way. And there's a bathroom there.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24I think this is where now I've completely switched now from home to business
0:31:24 > 0:31:28opportunity, so I'm looking at it from a letting-agent perspective.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31So that's now where my focus is.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34But that is positive, because, actually, part of the move to Devon,
0:31:34 > 0:31:38as we've always said, is we know that we want to be in the rolling hills and
0:31:38 > 0:31:41the countryside, and that's unwavered...
0:31:41 > 0:31:45but we've still got to have an income, we've still got to have a business.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- Let's head down the stairs to the kitchen.- Thank you.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55So, you might be able to see that this kitchen is
0:31:55 > 0:31:57part of the oldest part of this accommodation.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Look at the floorboards.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02The owners think that these might have come from an old ship.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- The width of them certainly indicates that.- Yes, they're huge.
0:32:05 > 0:32:09You could make more of a virtue of that if you did up this place,
0:32:09 > 0:32:11because for the current family this is just their second kitchen.
0:32:11 > 0:32:13They've got a proper kitchen downstairs.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17Exactly, but as a separate, contained flat, it's more than adequate.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20'Heading back down to the first floor,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23'the accommodation is split into what could be
0:32:23 > 0:32:25'two separate self-contained apartments.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29'The front one has two large double bedrooms on offer and a
0:32:29 > 0:32:32'separate living area looking out onto the street,
0:32:32 > 0:32:34'then the rear half has the large,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38'bright living space and kitchen we've just toured with two bedrooms below.'
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- This is the master bedroom of the apartment.- Mm-hm.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Again, quite a nautical feel to it all.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46It feels like a ship as you walk round.
0:32:46 > 0:32:50- It does, doesn't it?- It's all sort of stripped wood and white.- Yeah.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53And there's a really nice dressing area in here with a really nice veranda
0:32:53 > 0:32:58that looks out onto the courtyard of the actual tea room...
0:32:58 > 0:33:01- Right.- ..and then a Jack and Jill bathroom, which is so useful,
0:33:01 > 0:33:04because it gives a real option to an apartment.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- Absolutely.- It's now time to talk about the bit you really want to talk about, which is price.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- The money. - Exactly, so let's go and do that.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13We'll go this way round.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18'We're going back up to the main living space to think about everything
0:33:18 > 0:33:23'this enticing property and potential business opportunity has to offer.
0:33:23 > 0:33:28'I'm wondering just how much Colin and Sally will think it's on the market for.'
0:33:29 > 0:33:32So, I think it comes down to the price now, really.
0:33:32 > 0:33:35And I'm going to make you go first, Sally, because you're 2-0 down.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I'm going to put my finger in the air and say...
0:33:38 > 0:33:40- 180.- OK.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44I'd say slightly higher, being it's a central location to Bideford
0:33:44 > 0:33:48and in the town centre, so I'd go with 350.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51It's a whitewash. Colin's closer again.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53- Oh, outrageous! - SALLY LAUGHS
0:33:53 > 0:33:55What might be outrageous is your guess.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Yes, I had a feeling...
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- Central location.- Yes.
0:34:00 > 0:34:04It's actually on the market for £395,000.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- I wasn't far off.- They would not take lower than that.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- OK. Fair enough.- But that leaves you more than half a million in your top
0:34:12 > 0:34:17budget to find a home and a nice garden somewhere in Devon with your views,
0:34:17 > 0:34:21and I think that's a really reasonable budget...
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- Definitely.- ..if you're not looking for another business
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- and all of that land.- Yes.- So...
0:34:28 > 0:34:30- Worth thinking about. - Food for thought.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Well, now you know the price, have another look around...
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- Thank you very much.- ..and I'll meet you out the front.- OK, thank you.
0:34:39 > 0:34:44On the market for £395,000, this business-led property is well
0:34:44 > 0:34:49under our couple's budget, leaving them with plenty of money left over
0:34:49 > 0:34:52to find a perfect country cottage nearby.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55It comes with five potential bedrooms, two receptions
0:34:55 > 0:34:58plus, of course, the large restaurant and tea room.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01When it comes to the Mystery House,
0:35:01 > 0:35:08it would work as a bed and breakfast but not for us as a home or an
0:35:08 > 0:35:12environment in which we could use it as a home.
0:35:12 > 0:35:14As a business for somebody going into this
0:35:14 > 0:35:18wanting to be hands-on as managers, this is a fantastic option for them.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20The accommodation's fantastic.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Downstairs, there's space for 60 covers.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27The profits that they're making and turnover, it's an excellent business.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29It's just not for me.
0:35:32 > 0:35:34You're looking at me in that way.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I know, I threw you a curveball this morning.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39- Yep.- I'm not sorry, though.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41- You enjoyed it.- I did, a little bit.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44It's been really good to see, it's been good to compare.
0:35:44 > 0:35:49Let's have a sit down and see whether this is really a proper option for you.
0:35:49 > 0:35:50For us. Yeah. Thank you.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58'Since 1976,
0:35:58 > 0:36:03'large parts of North Devon have been part of a biosphere reserve set
0:36:03 > 0:36:06'set up conjunction with the United Nations.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11'It's one of only 669 reserves spread across 120 countries
0:36:11 > 0:36:16'and was the first of the six such sites found within the UK.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21'The reserve covers a huge area of almost 1,500 square miles,
0:36:21 > 0:36:24'encompassing market towns and villages.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27'I'm meeting outreach coordinator Matt Edworthy
0:36:27 > 0:36:30'on Speccott Moor to see how this fusion of man and nature works.'
0:36:32 > 0:36:34So, we're in it at the moment.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37- We are, yes.- That's a huge area, but with such a big area,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39it must cover so much terrain.
0:36:39 > 0:36:43Yes, it's lots of different habitats, lots of different places.
0:36:43 > 0:36:46And how does the biosphere affect the people that live within it
0:36:46 > 0:36:49and their businesses? Are there certain rules?
0:36:49 > 0:36:52The joy of it is that over most of the area,
0:36:52 > 0:36:56there are no special things that are forced on people.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00What it's about is trying to preserve the environment
0:37:00 > 0:37:06but also to use that environment to support people's social wellbeing and the economy -
0:37:06 > 0:37:07through tourism, for example.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09That's what's makes a biosphere different -
0:37:09 > 0:37:13it's not just a place, it's a community of people all trying to live in more
0:37:13 > 0:37:15sustainable ways.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I know we're standing in the middle of the biosphere,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21but are there any special habitats you can show me?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23There is, Sonali. Just the other side of this gate,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26there's what we call culm grassland, which is very distinctive to the
0:37:26 > 0:37:29biosphere and found pretty much nowhere else on earth.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- Let's go and see the grassland. - OK.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36'Culm grassland is unique to the south-west and has suffered massive losses in
0:37:36 > 0:37:39'recent years, so this important resource
0:37:39 > 0:37:41'is in desperate need of conservation.
0:37:41 > 0:37:45'One vital role the grassland plays in the local ecosystem is
0:37:45 > 0:37:49'to help prevent flooding by soaking up water and then releasing it
0:37:49 > 0:37:52'gradually back into rivers and streams.'
0:37:52 > 0:37:54So, this is the special grassland.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57This is it. There's 24 hectares of it here...
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- OK.- ..which is quite a large amount considering we've lost
0:38:01 > 0:38:03more than 90% of the culm grasslands in the country
0:38:03 > 0:38:05over the last 100 years.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- How? Why?- When you look at it, from a farmer's point of view,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12productively farming this area, you'd want to drain it,
0:38:12 > 0:38:15you would want to put fertilisers on it, and that's what has happened,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18and so the amount of this more natural habitat
0:38:18 > 0:38:19that's left has decreased.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24But this is so important for wildlife that we've realised we really have to work
0:38:24 > 0:38:25with farmers to preserve it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29It may look just like grass, but there's all sorts of different plants in
0:38:29 > 0:38:31here that support different species.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34But it's not just a case of leaving it -
0:38:34 > 0:38:35we have to manage it, too.
0:38:35 > 0:38:38You mentioned that more than 90% of it has been
0:38:38 > 0:38:40lost, so where else can you find it?
0:38:40 > 0:38:43Most of the remaining stuff is still here in North Devon, with some in
0:38:43 > 0:38:46South Wales and a little bit in Cornwall, but that's it.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Nowhere else in the world. - In the world?- In the world.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54So losing more than 90% in the UK is losing more than 90% in the world.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59'Matt's shown me the unique land within the biosphere, but I'm interested in
0:38:59 > 0:39:03'hearing from some of the people that live within its embrace,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06'so he's pointed me in the direction of Simeon Day,
0:39:06 > 0:39:13'who runs a sustainable cafe nearby and is welcoming my help preparing for organic pizza night.'
0:39:13 > 0:39:18What motivates you to help that connection between people and nature
0:39:18 > 0:39:22and being sustainable and running an organic cafe?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25I think a lot of society has lost the connection between nature and wildlife,
0:39:25 > 0:39:28and so by running our business the way that we are,
0:39:28 > 0:39:31it's able to help people reconnect that,
0:39:31 > 0:39:34but also how you can have sustainability in your life really easily,
0:39:34 > 0:39:41whether it's where you get your electricity supplied from or how you heat your water
0:39:41 > 0:39:45or using organic dough rather than just normal dough.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47I don't look as professional as you doing this.
0:39:47 > 0:39:50Do you find that there is a lot of like-minded people within?
0:39:50 > 0:39:53There is. Our suppliers, for example. Our local butcher
0:39:53 > 0:39:57only sources meat from Devon and Cornwall farms,
0:39:57 > 0:40:01and our ice cream is supplied by another farmer who...
0:40:01 > 0:40:04His cows produce the milk, he produces the ice cream from that
0:40:04 > 0:40:06and five miles away he drops it down to us.
0:40:06 > 0:40:11So there's a whole kind of network of like-minded people and traders
0:40:11 > 0:40:17all working and living in the biosphere reserve with the same kind of attitude.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- How's that, then?- That is perfect. That's great. Thank you very much.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- All ready for you to make tonight. - Yeah, definitely.
0:40:23 > 0:40:26'I'm going to leave Simeon to finish his pizza making,
0:40:26 > 0:40:31'but it's encouraging to know that sustainability can work on a business level
0:40:31 > 0:40:34'and that the biosphere really does seem to be having a positive
0:40:34 > 0:40:38'affect on both the land and those who live here.'
0:40:42 > 0:40:45I think we can safely say that Colin and Sally have found a property they
0:40:45 > 0:40:50like, but it's time to find out if they'll have the guts to go for it.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Now then, Colin and Sally...
0:40:58 > 0:41:02I think I know that house number one is your clear favourite.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04- Am I right?- Yes, absolutely.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07After seeing it, I think we both fell in love with it.
0:41:07 > 0:41:13Yeah, we've been on this incredible journey viewing the two properties
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- and the Mystery House. - You were really struggling.
0:41:16 > 0:41:17After house number two,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20that really caused a little bit of marital friction.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23I dangled lots of land in front of you.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27But when we actually sat down and did the sums
0:41:27 > 0:41:28of what the business was going to shape up like,
0:41:28 > 0:41:33it was just a bit too much land and the house was just a little bit too small,
0:41:33 > 0:41:41so we were waiting to see if you were going to show us a chocolate-box cottage
0:41:41 > 0:41:44with lots of space, and... you didn't, so...
0:41:44 > 0:41:48The Mystery was good, because actually it made us realise we couldn't live
0:41:48 > 0:41:51in a town and we couldn't run that type of business,
0:41:51 > 0:41:55so immediately, as we came away from that,
0:41:55 > 0:41:57we actually rang and put in an offer...
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- On the first.- ..on the first.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- So I'm hoping we can do a deal. - Congratulations.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06- Wow!- And then Colin's hard work begins, putting my dream
0:42:06 > 0:42:09of the holiday lets and yurts into practice.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12It's all in her head and you've got to execute it.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15- It certainly is. - Well, congratulations again.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17I'm so pleased for you, and I look forward to you calling and saying,
0:42:17 > 0:42:20"They've accepted our offer and we're moving in in a couple of weeks."
0:42:20 > 0:42:23It'll be really nice to hear some more good news.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- Yeah, hopefully so. Thank you. - Thank you for all your hard work.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29- Yeah, it's been a great journey, really good.- Our pleasure.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Well, an offer in before we've even said goodbye!
0:42:37 > 0:42:41I couldn't be happier for Colin and Sally, and we certainly got a glimpse
0:42:41 > 0:42:44of just how at home they feel here in Devon,
0:42:44 > 0:42:48so fingers crossed it all goes through, and we wish them well in their new
0:42:48 > 0:42:50house and business.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52See you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57I'm pleased to report that Sally and Colin's offer on the first property
0:42:57 > 0:43:01was accepted. We wish them all the best for the future.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:43:04 > 0:43:09Scotland, Wales or England and need our help, you can apply online: