0:00:02 > 0:00:03Kernow a'gas dynnergh.
0:00:03 > 0:00:06Find out what that means and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Today's tale is of a dream house in a land far away.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31It's like a real oasis in the middle of all these trees. It's like you're in the middle of a forest.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34It's Hansel and Gretel-ish, almost.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38So if you're sitting comfortably, let our house search begin.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40So get your Little Red Riding Hood capes on, we're off
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- to see the Three Bears. - Brilliant.- Wow. Fantastic.
0:00:44 > 0:00:45Right this way.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52I'm on the banks of the beautiful River Tamar
0:00:52 > 0:00:56the natural border between Cornwall and Devon.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00And kernow a'gas dynnergh means welcome to Cornwall,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02which is where I am today.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06Now the Cornish language is derived from the ancient Celtic dialogue
0:01:06 > 0:01:08that was spoken by settlers to the British Isles,
0:01:08 > 0:01:10long before the Romans invaded.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14It was first recognised as a distinct language in 600AD,
0:01:14 > 0:01:19but had mostly died out in spoken form by the 19th century.
0:01:19 > 0:01:23But in recent times, it's enjoyed a welcome resurgence and in 2009,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Cornwall Council recognised it
0:01:25 > 0:01:30as a unique cultural asset to be safeguarded and promoted with pride.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The County of Cornwall forms a peninsula to the south-west
0:01:36 > 0:01:39of England with coastlines to the north and south.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44The county's name is derived from its shape, with corn meaning kern, or horn.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Recognised as one of the Celtic nations,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50the cross of St Piran's, white on a black background,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53is the flag of the region and dates back to at least the first part
0:01:53 > 0:01:55of the 19th century.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Bodmin Moor is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03with towering granite tors, bogs and marshes.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06The landscape can inspire awe as well as trepidation
0:02:06 > 0:02:09and is the source for many myths and folk tales.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11At the Bodmin & Wenford Railway,
0:02:11 > 0:02:14it's possible to see and ride steam-hauled trains
0:02:14 > 0:02:17operating along the 13 mile track.
0:02:17 > 0:02:21A ride here combines the charm of a bygone era of travel
0:02:21 > 0:02:23with picturesque scenery.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25But as well as the sublime moorland,
0:02:25 > 0:02:27there's the stunning coastline.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30The north coast is particularly popular with surfers.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34At Newquay, Fistral Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Europe,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and hosts a large board-sports festival every year.
0:02:38 > 0:02:4220 or so miles north, Polzeath is another wave rider's haven.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45The beach can disappear at high tide,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47leaving behind the pretty headland and village,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51once a favourite haunt of the late Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman
0:02:51 > 0:02:54who celebrated it in some of his verse.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57So if you'd like to ride the wave of the unique county of Cornwall,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59why not plan a country escape soon?
0:03:03 > 0:03:05With hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08it's got to be the sea that's the big draw in Cornwall.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10But when it comes to properties by the water,
0:03:10 > 0:03:16expect to pay a premium of up to 50% for those breathtaking sea views.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19But, having said that, the average cost of a detached property across
0:03:19 > 0:03:23the region comes in at £22,000 below the national figure,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27with the best bargains to be had inland and away from
0:03:27 > 0:03:28the desirable north coast.
0:03:28 > 0:03:32So why do today's couple fancy a slice of Cornish life?
0:03:32 > 0:03:34Let's meet them and find out.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39Today's buyers are Tony, a dentist, and Debbie,
0:03:39 > 0:03:41a dental nurse and practice manager.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44This husband-and-wife team have recently sold up their
0:03:44 > 0:03:47dental practice and home in the Warwickshire town of Leamington Spa
0:03:47 > 0:03:49and are looking towards retirement.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Currently we're living over the shop, as it were.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55We live in a beautiful,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Grade II listed building with the dental practice on the ground floor,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02which has worked really well for us over the last 10-12 years,
0:04:02 > 0:04:04but there are downsides to it.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05It's a busy town.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09There's lots of industries moving around Leamington now,
0:04:09 > 0:04:13but we are now looking forward to our retirement
0:04:13 > 0:04:14in a couple of years' time,
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and generally a quiet and more peaceful life.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21And to find that less hectic lifestyle, they've set their sights
0:04:21 > 0:04:23south-west, towards the sea.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28We decided to move to Cornwall because we love the countryside.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Rolling hills, we've got the coast.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Everything is sort of small and quaint.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Once you get over the border into Cornwall, there's a feeling of...
0:04:37 > 0:04:39- ..we're here.- The countryside,
0:04:39 > 0:04:43the topography of it changes almost as soon as you cross the border.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46Lots of interesting scenery.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51It just seems to fulfil all these wants and desires one could have
0:04:51 > 0:04:53for retirement.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Although currently renting and working as employees in the dental
0:04:56 > 0:05:00business they once owned, they're looking forward to the next chapter
0:05:00 > 0:05:03and a chance to enjoy a completely different way of life.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We enjoy cycling. You can't cycle in Leamington.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It's very busy, lots of traffic.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11It's not something you really like doing.
0:05:11 > 0:05:12I have a great love of horses.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16I really love horse riding so it's definitely something I'd like to do
0:05:16 > 0:05:18more of when we move. There's nothing nicer than having
0:05:18 > 0:05:20a good gallop down the beach.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23My main interest in terms of hobbies is golf.
0:05:23 > 0:05:25I like to be able to play two or three times a week.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27There are some beautiful golf courses down in Cornwall,
0:05:27 > 0:05:29so really looking forward to that,
0:05:29 > 0:05:33and maybe getting Debbie interested in playing as well.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36As well as pursuing existing hobbies in the Cornish countryside,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38they are hoping for a country home that will give them the chance
0:05:38 > 0:05:40to get green fingered.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43We're definitely looking forward to having some more land.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Because we live in the middle of the town, we have a small outside space.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50It's more like a yard, but what we really want is land.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52I've never really been into gardening,
0:05:52 > 0:05:56but I'm quite looking forward to learning the ropes, as it were.
0:05:56 > 0:06:00I'd actually like to think I could grow my own veg and fruit as well.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05But most of all, it's about the peace and quiet of rural living.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10For me, moving to the countryside means we don't have car horns.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14We don't have party goers at 1am coming out of the pub.
0:06:14 > 0:06:15Fresh air.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Freedom, space, quiet.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20Yeah, just freedom, basically.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28Tony and Debbie would like to concentrate their search
0:06:28 > 0:06:32in the north of the county. But before we start looking at houses,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35I'm meeting them in their chosen location to find out what they want
0:06:35 > 0:06:37from the move.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39- Good morning, you two.- Morning.- Hi.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Welcome to Cornwall.- Thank you.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Now Cornwall is a huge and very beautiful county.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46What is it about this particular part that makes you want to move
0:06:46 > 0:06:51- here so much?- You've got access to the very south, and Land's End.
0:06:51 > 0:06:52You can go to the north coast.
0:06:52 > 0:06:56Everywhere is pretty much accessible from this part of Cornwall, really.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Now I understand that you are sold and ready to go.
0:06:59 > 0:07:00- Is that right?- Absolutely.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We are cash buyers, so that makes it nice and easy.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07We're still committed to working in Leamington for the next two years
0:07:07 > 0:07:09but we just want to put our money into the property now.
0:07:09 > 0:07:13So let's talk about the house that you're hoping to find here.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16What do you have in mind when you think about this lovely home
0:07:16 > 0:07:19- you're going to share together? - Very much a character property.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22A country property, somewhere with some land.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- Space to breathe.- We don't want a nice, neat lawn.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29We want land, like an orchard, or a spinney, or woodland.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Just to have that feeling of space around us.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34The kitchen's probably one of the most important parts of it.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37You know, big farmhouse kitchen, so if you're coming off your land,
0:07:37 > 0:07:41or you're coming in, you can throw your wellies in the corner and not
0:07:41 > 0:07:43worry about walking into your kitchen.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45Nice inglenook fireplaces.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48In terms of location, nice village pub to walk to
0:07:48 > 0:07:50on a summer's evening, that would be great.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54We do want edge-of-village so that we're not completely isolated.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57To have a stables nearby, I don't mind having to drive to it,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59that would be ideal.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Well, remind me of the budget we're working with for the search?
0:08:01 > 0:08:04We did up it slightly to get the house of our dreams.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08So our budget is £525,000.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Well, you'll be pleased to hear that we've got some very nice properties
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- to show you.- Excellent. - Are you ready?
0:08:13 > 0:08:14Yes, definitely.
0:08:14 > 0:08:15- More than ready.- Let's go and look.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16Thanks.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21So with a budget of up to £525,000,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Debbie and Tony would like a character property with some land.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29They'd like features including an inglenook fireplace and beams and a
0:08:29 > 0:08:31large country kitchen at the heart of the home.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Ideally, they are after an edge-of-village location.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39We've got three wonderful and very different homes to show them,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43and at each I'll be getting them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46The last property will be our Mystery House,
0:08:46 > 0:08:49which could offer our couple a fairy tale future.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57Our search is starting in the outskirts of Lostwithiel.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02This small market town at the head of the Fowey Estuary dates back to
0:09:02 > 0:09:06the 12th century and was once a stannary centre where proceeds from
0:09:06 > 0:09:10the tin mining industry were collected on behalf of the Crown.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12Now known as the antiques capital of the county,
0:09:12 > 0:09:15its vibrant community hosts many regional events,
0:09:15 > 0:09:18from vintage fairs to a cider week.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21The town bridge features five pointed arches with parts
0:09:21 > 0:09:25thought to be 13th century, whilst in the countryside outskirts,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29Restormel is one of Cornwall's four Norman castles and has
0:09:29 > 0:09:31a notably circular design.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34And in its own delightfully rural edge of town setting,
0:09:34 > 0:09:36we find house number one.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39It's really pretty.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- That's a great start.- It is, isn't it? It looks great.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44First impressions are really nice.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46- Yeah.- Love the look of the land, really, really rustic.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Really nice, yeah.- Yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Plenty of space to park your cars.- Loads of trees, fantastic. - Are you keen to explore inside?
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Looking forward to seeing inside, yeah.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Certainly am.- Well, there's a lot to show you, so let's go and explore.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58Brilliant.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01This brick and cob cottage with slate roof is believed to have been
0:10:01 > 0:10:04a tannery and dates back three centuries.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07And inside, the period charm has been retained.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13So we are through that pretty little entrance hall into...
0:10:14 > 0:10:17..a very, very cosy living room.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Yeah, it is. Beautiful fireplace.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- Look at that stonework. - Yeah.- That's fantastic.
0:10:23 > 0:10:24And the walls are really thick.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26It's really quiet.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28I think in here, you really get the character and the feel.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Yeah.- It's lovely. Really nice, yeah.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Could you imagine yourself in here, Tony, on a cold winter's evening?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Yes, absolutely, with the log burner going.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Now I know that, for you in particular, it's the kitchen,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42- it's all about the kitchen, the heart of the home.- Yeah.- So I think you're going to like this one.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44So let me squeeze through and just follow on.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46I'm going to take you through.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51To the other side of the entrance hall, we pass through a dedicated dining room.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53Again, packing in those period features,
0:10:53 > 0:10:57and taking us through into a century-old extension
0:10:57 > 0:11:01running the length of the property, home to a classic country kitchen.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Well, I think it's quite a nice kitchen, personally.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08- Very nice, yeah.- Yeah.- Really nice. - You're smiling.- Yeah!
0:11:10 > 0:11:11I love the range.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13It's an oil-fired range, which, of course,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17is really practical but that's operating the central heating as well.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18It's really nice.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- Really nice.- So just off the doorway there,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22you've got a little utility and a downstairs toilet.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25OK. It feels quite nice and simple, it's not busy.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Very warm, homely feel to it, I'd say.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- So is this a good start? - It's a good start.- It certainly is.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Because we've got four bedrooms upstairs to go and have a look at.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- OK.- So follow me, let's go and take a look.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Well, a warm response to this 300-year-old cottage on the ground floor.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45And upstairs are four bedrooms,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48which should be more than enough to suit Tony and Debbie.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50Above the kitchen is the family bathroom,
0:11:50 > 0:11:54flanked to either side by two smaller guest bedrooms -
0:11:54 > 0:11:57a double with countryside views as well as a skylight window.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03And the smallest bedroom, again with side and roof aspects.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07Then to the front of the house is the largest of the guest doubles.
0:12:08 > 0:12:11And we're making our way to bedroom number four.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14So here's the master bedroom.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Nice.- Love the beams, again.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19Really nice, very nicely done.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21Again, you can see the older character in here.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- Yeah.- You've got the maker's marks up in the beams.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27Everything about the house so far is really quite nice and country
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- but simple.- Yeah. - They've done it really nicely.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32It's got lots and lots of good points, this place.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Everything is a little bit smaller than we expected.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37But by the time you've seen the whole property and you put it all
0:12:37 > 0:12:40together, it doesn't need to be any bigger than this and it is
0:12:40 > 0:12:43a good contender. What we've seen so far is really nice.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44- Yeah.- OK, well,
0:12:44 > 0:12:49I think the garden and the outside space is what could possibly swing
0:12:49 > 0:12:52this from being a good contender to THE contender.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Yeah. OK.- So come on, let's go and explore it,
0:12:54 > 0:12:55cos there's a lot to explore.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Well, they said they wanted land and this country cottage comes
0:13:00 > 0:13:02with plenty. In fact,
0:13:02 > 0:13:06there are four acres of gardens and woodland as well as a summer house
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and patio seating off the kitchen.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Certainly a far cry from their tiny town centre yard.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16It's just so pretty and peaceful in this garden, isn't it?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Beautiful. Absolutely lovely.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20It's really lovely. It's exactly what we asked for -
0:13:20 > 0:13:22we didn't want a nice, neat lawn.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23This is perfect.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- Really nice.- It's like a real oasis in the middle of all these trees.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It's like you're in the middle of a forest - it's sort of Hansel and Gretel-ish, almost.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34Fantastic riding locally, good stables that you can go to, to ride.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36The nearest is ten minutes away.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Yeah.- That's really handy. - That's really nice.- Ten minutes
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- to the golf club.- Sounds good. - So that's your Monday sorted out,
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- golf and riding.- Yeah, no, perfect.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46What do you think this property is on the market for?
0:13:47 > 0:13:51My best guess is 460,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53OK, Debbie, over to you.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54I'm going to go a bit higher.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58I think I'm going to go 490.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- I'm afraid you're both wrong. - OK, no surprise there.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03So we're going to meet in the middle of both of you -
0:14:03 > 0:14:05it's on the market for £475,000.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- Oh, OK.- It's been on the market for about a month.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12I'm pleasantly surprised because I thought the land and the location
0:14:12 > 0:14:14would bring it a little bit higher than that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:15More and more, I like it.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17- Yeah.- Particularly now we've seen the land.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20The more you walk around, the more you then come out, the more I see,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- the more I like it.- OK, why don't you go and have another look around?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26You said you wanted to be able to come in, off your land,
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- through the back door...- Throw the wellies in the kitchen...
0:14:28 > 0:14:30You can't throw your wellies in the kitchen,
0:14:30 > 0:14:32but off you go, off the land and through the back door.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Thank you very much.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Leaving £50,000 to play with in the budget,
0:14:38 > 0:14:42this 300-year-old brick and cob cottage comes with two
0:14:42 > 0:14:47charming reception rooms, a kitchen with a range and four bedrooms.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49With its own rambling four-acre plot,
0:14:49 > 0:14:53it's well located on the outskirts of a small market town.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Look at this ground, look at this land, four acres -
0:14:59 > 0:15:00I can't believe the size of it.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04I mean, you know, all this will belong to this one house,
0:15:04 > 0:15:05- it's incredible.- Yeah.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I'm really pleasantly surprised.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11The more I walked around, the more I liked it.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12It's very pretty.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14The location is perfect.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17It's perhaps a little compact.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19The kitchen is fantastic, it goes out into the garden,
0:15:19 > 0:15:21which I really like.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24The land with it is just amazing.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26That is a big, big bonus.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30The house itself is lovely, very old, full of character.
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Full of exposed beams.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35The fact that there's only one bathroom is a slight drawback.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39We were ideally looking for an en suite with the master bedroom.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I could see myself living here with a few changes.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46But I'm looking forward to seeing the next property, just in case.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49The fact that it's under budget obviously means that it's quite an
0:15:49 > 0:15:53attractive proposition, but price isn't the be all and end all.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57It's really where we want to be for our retirement.
0:15:58 > 0:16:01This is a lovely spot, listening to that brook, it's beautiful.
0:16:01 > 0:16:02It is, isn't it? It's gorgeous.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05- Have you seen enough?- Yes.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06The more I see, the more I like.
0:16:06 > 0:16:07That's good, that's perfect.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10But hold those thoughts, because we've got two more
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- great houses to see. Come on.- Great.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24Britain's history of domesticating horses goes back over 4,000 years.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27By the time the Romans invaded in 55BC,
0:16:27 > 0:16:31they were met by proficient horsemen, ready to do battle.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34But modern riding styles were really developed in the 18th century,
0:16:34 > 0:16:38when the growing popularity of fox hunting combined with the enclosure
0:16:38 > 0:16:42of land required horse and rider to jump fences and hedges.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Over a million Brits now ride and Cornwall,
0:16:46 > 0:16:48with its variety of trails through wood,
0:16:48 > 0:16:52moor and coast, is one of the best places to enjoy the pastime.
0:16:53 > 0:16:57Debbie and Tony plan to make the most of the horse riding opportunities in the region,
0:16:57 > 0:17:00so we're sending them to find out about an equestrian craft
0:17:00 > 0:17:04from Cornwall's first master saddler, Jane Talbot-Smith.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07Can you tell me a little bit about what you actually do here?
0:17:07 > 0:17:08Anything to do with horses.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11So I do side-saddle girths and reins.
0:17:11 > 0:17:15And then because it's a country area, branched out,
0:17:15 > 0:17:16and I do human belts.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20Horse people have dogs, so we do dog collars and dog leads.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23And then shooting people come in and, "Can you mend my cartridge bags?"
0:17:23 > 0:17:26You name it, it comes in, I take a pattern, make it again.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28How did you actually get into saddlery and working with leather?
0:17:28 > 0:17:31I actually went and worked for horse-drawn vehicles
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and built horse-drawn vehicles for two and a half years.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Started doing the leather on them.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Then went to saddlery college,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40which was a one-year course at that time in London.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42It has a certain skill.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45A strap is a strap. Whether it goes round a human, on a horse, on a dog,
0:17:45 > 0:17:47a strap is a strap.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Techniques just vary slightly.
0:17:50 > 0:17:54We buy the leather and then you cut it into strips, edge it, stain it,
0:17:54 > 0:17:56crease it, punch a hole for the buckle,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58put the buckle in, stitch it up.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00- Well, I can't wait to see your workshop.- Good, well,
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- let's go in, fantastic.- Thanks.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08In her compact workshop, Jane crafts hundreds of items a year,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11from specialist harnesses involving over 100 hours of work,
0:18:11 > 0:18:12to smaller items.
0:18:14 > 0:18:15This is a saddlebag.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19On the back of the saddle on there, to take your sandwiches
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- or binoculars.- Mobile phone. - Whatever you want.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25These are really useful, I think, with riding as well,
0:18:25 > 0:18:28cos you're not really supposed to put phones and things
0:18:28 > 0:18:30- in your pocket.- Absolutely. Well, I also do a front one
0:18:30 > 0:18:31- which was designed for phones.- Nice.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34But it's not all about saddlebags for smartphones.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38Some of Jane's pieces hark back to a bygone era.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Bellows like this, which I do the carving on.
0:18:42 > 0:18:43Wow. Goodness.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45That is beautiful, so intricate.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Unfortunately, the market for bellows has dropped a bit
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- cos everybody has wood burners and they don't need bellows.- Yeah.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Demand for bellows may be waning,
0:18:53 > 0:18:56but Jane's beautiful hand-stitched strap work sells as far afield
0:18:56 > 0:19:00as the United States, Germany and Zimbabwe.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03If you want to check whether it's hand-stitched or not,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06always look at the back, because the back is never as smooth...
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- It's uneven.- ..as the front.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11You get some who are really good stitchers, better than me,
0:19:11 > 0:19:13and every so often they'll throw a stitch out, like that,
0:19:13 > 0:19:14to prove that it's hand-stitched.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- Really?- Because a machine can't do that.- Can't throw a stitch.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19So what can we do today?
0:19:19 > 0:19:23Well, I thought you might like to try a bit of plaiting.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25Oh, OK, right, let's have a go.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Jane is plaiting in the round,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32using four strips of leather that are kept under tension to create
0:19:32 > 0:19:34a really tight finish.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38The theory of plaiting is always you work from the outside over one to the inside.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41- I see.- Hold that knot there...
0:19:42 > 0:19:45..and with that hand, pick that one up, pick this one up
0:19:45 > 0:19:47and put it over the middle one.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51Take that one. Yes, you want to keep the top of the leather always
0:19:51 > 0:19:53- on the top.- On that right.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Now you're getting there. - It really is...
0:19:55 > 0:19:57It's not as easy as it looks.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59I would imagine if you don't concentrate,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01you would totally lose your place.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Oh, you have!- Yes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04THEY LAUGH
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Well, Tony will have to brush up his tack-making skills later,
0:20:09 > 0:20:12because one of Jane's horses is ready to take them for a ride
0:20:12 > 0:20:14in a handmade carriage.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Good girl, and walk on.
0:20:19 > 0:20:20Good girl.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29- Good girl, walk on.- But it's time to get back in the saddle for their
0:20:29 > 0:20:32house-hunt here in the beautiful Cornish countryside.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40We're heading to the village of St Cleer.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43Situated on the south-eastern flank of Bodmin Moor,
0:20:43 > 0:20:48this former mining village has an impressive Norman church at its heart.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50There are also two pubs serving food,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54a grocery store for provisions, along with a hairdresser.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58And located just under a mile west from the village centre,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01set back from a country lane, is the house we've come to see.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Oh, wow!
0:21:05 > 0:21:07This is stunning.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09This is absolutely stunning.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- It certainly is.- So it's what you imagined from your
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Escape to the Country, is it? - Yes! Yes!- It is.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16First impressions are absolutely spot on.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17- Incredible.- Really nice.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20- This seems to really fit the bill for what you're looking for. - Oh, I think so, yes.- Yeah.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- It is stunning.- Am I tempting you?
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- Yes!- Very much.- Do you want to come and have a look inside?- Yes, we do.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28- Come on then.- Thanks.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34This impressive barn conversion was completed in the year 2000.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36With a sprawling ground floor layout,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38the entrance hall leads to a
0:21:38 > 0:21:39huge multifunctional kitchen
0:21:39 > 0:21:40and living space
0:21:40 > 0:21:43at the centre of the home, showcasing the building's
0:21:43 > 0:21:47agricultural heritage with contemporary finishes.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49No way!
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- What is this?- Oh, my God. - This is to die for!
0:21:53 > 0:21:55Oh, this is just amazing.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Look at these.- It's this massive open-plan living, kitchen, dining,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02chilling out space and then there's a garden room through
0:22:02 > 0:22:05the double doors, which is currently used as a dining room.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- There's quite a lot to talk about in here.- I'll bet.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Are these basalts?
0:22:10 > 0:22:13They're granite pillars and they go way down into the ground.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Yeah?- So they would have held the roof up.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- Yeah.- This was actually parking for the farm vehicles.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21I've never seen anything like that in a house before.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Is it big enough for you, cos I'm very worried?
0:22:26 > 0:22:30Oh, yeah, it's definitely big enough. It couldn't be more perfect.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- So are you keen to see any more of the house?- We'd like to see the rest of it now.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- No, we're keen to buy it!- Steady on.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- So if you let me squeeze through the middle of you, follow me. - Lovely.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Tony's already reaching for his cheque-book, but back across
0:22:43 > 0:22:46the entrance hall to the rear of the property
0:22:46 > 0:22:49is a further reception room with yet more farming heritage.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54So come through into my parlour.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56And this actually used to be the old milking parlour.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Oh, really?- So you see what I did there?- Yes, very good.
0:22:59 > 0:23:01I mean, it's a really cosy space.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04In winter, this is probably where you'd want to hunker up.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07The only thing I would be missing is my inglenook.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10But whether there is something you could do with the fireplace...
0:23:10 > 0:23:14- Probably create one.- Yeah. But it is a lovely room, still.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- Yeah, really nice. - Lovely beams. So much character.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19OK, good, well, you're still smiling.
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- Yeah, I know. Really nice. - Try taking this smile off my face.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Shall we head upstairs and see if we can, you know, keep this vibe going?
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- Definitely.- Let's go and take a look at the bedrooms.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32There's a lot to grin about on the ground floor,
0:23:32 > 0:23:35which also includes further accommodation off the entrance hall
0:23:35 > 0:23:39with a study, utility room
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and downstairs shower room.
0:23:41 > 0:23:45At the other end of the house is the first of this home's five bedrooms,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47a double with an en suite bathroom.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50The upper floor is arranged
0:23:50 > 0:23:51across two distinct sections,
0:23:51 > 0:23:53reached by separate staircases.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57One set of stairs leads to a huge double bedroom
0:23:57 > 0:23:59with a feature wood burner.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Then, from the other staircase in the entrance hall,
0:24:01 > 0:24:06we find a cloakroom with wash basin and three further bedrooms -
0:24:06 > 0:24:10a single to the rear and an L-shaped room with a built-in bed.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14Lastly, bedroom number five is a generously proportioned master,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17with both en suite bathroom and dressing room.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Really gorgeous.
0:24:19 > 0:24:21And fabulous views over the countryside.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23And there is so much room.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26And I've never had a dressing room before, so that's quite nice.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Well, I know the garden and the outside space is just as important
0:24:29 > 0:24:32to you as the house. So let's go and explore and then I need you to start
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- thinking about the price.- OK.- Have you got ideas yet?- No.- Not really.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41It's great that Debbie and Tony are already thinking of ways
0:24:41 > 0:24:45to tweak this barn conversion's interior to make it work for them.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49Outside, there's a double stone garage and workshop space,
0:24:49 > 0:24:53plus a section of stream running through over an acre of grounds.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56It's not too manicured.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58No. But very manageable, actually.
0:24:58 > 0:25:00It is. Right, you've seen it all, now.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02So Debbie, it's you to go first.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Oh, no.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I'm going to say 515.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08OK, she said, hopefully under budget.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12I would think it's pushing to the top end, 525.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16I'm afraid you're both wrong. You're both under.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18It's on the market for £550,000.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20So it is over your budget.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Yeah.- However, we've had a conversation with the owner,
0:25:23 > 0:25:26and they have said that they would seriously consider an offer
0:25:26 > 0:25:28from people who are in a strong position,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30which of course the two of you are.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32Yeah. It's good that they're willing to negotiate.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Go and think some more about this.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36OK, we'll go take another look.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39- Go take another look and I'll catch up with you.- Thanks.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44This beautiful barn conversion may stretch the budget but it offers an
0:25:44 > 0:25:47incredible amount of space inside and out,
0:25:47 > 0:25:51including an extensive open-plan kitchen and living space,
0:25:51 > 0:25:54five bedrooms and a total of three bathrooms.
0:25:54 > 0:25:58There's over an acre of grounds, all in an edge-of-village location.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04I have to say I love this garden room.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06- So do I.- I think we'd live in here, wouldn't we?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- Yeah.- You'd have your breakfast in here, your dinner in here,
0:26:09 > 0:26:11you could just chill, you could have a dining table,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13you could have comfy wicker furniture.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Yeah.- Absolutely fantastic.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19Beautiful surroundings, great garden.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21I love the garden room.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24The kitchen is absolutely phenomenal.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27And it couldn't be better downstairs.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29So lots of positive features.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30I think the house is fabulous.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33There's so much character to this property as well -
0:26:33 > 0:26:34all the exposed beams,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36granite pillars in the kitchen -
0:26:36 > 0:26:38that's something you don't see every day.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41Definitely could see myself living here.
0:26:44 > 0:26:45I don't know about you two,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47but I found my favourite spot in the house.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- It's perfect. - You're looking very chilled.
0:26:50 > 0:26:53Very at home here. Well, I think that's two really good viewings.
0:26:53 > 0:26:54Yeah, really good.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57- Absolutely.- Can't thank you enough for finding two properties so far
0:26:57 > 0:26:58that have been excellent.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- I think it's time to go and mull them over. OK?- Absolutely.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14We are in the county of Cornwall,
0:27:14 > 0:27:19helping soon-to-retire dentistry duo Tony and Debbie swap town-centre
0:27:19 > 0:27:21living in Leamington for a house in the country.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24We've already shown them two great properties
0:27:24 > 0:27:27for their budget of £525,000.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29But for the Mystery House,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33I'm about to whisk them away to somewhere very different.
0:27:33 > 0:27:37You've been completely transported from a Cornish woodland
0:27:37 > 0:27:38to the Mediterranean.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41And at the Royal Cornwall Show,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45I'm meeting some of the county's loveliest livestock.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47These are the Valais Blacknose sheep, and they are deemed
0:27:47 > 0:27:49the world's cutest sheep.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52They are such little sweethearts, they really are.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57We had a great day with Tony and Debbie yesterday and I think our two
0:27:57 > 0:28:00properties certainly gave them plenty to consider.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Now, I'm not sure that we've quite sealed the deal yet,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06but I do think that Tony in particular was quite taken
0:28:06 > 0:28:10with that barn conversion that had plenty of wow factor.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14And of course there is still the Mystery House to view and this one
0:28:14 > 0:28:18is going to test just how game our couple are to really
0:28:18 > 0:28:19escape to the country.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25So you two, we are off to see the Mystery House.
0:28:25 > 0:28:26- We are.- Excited?
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- Very.- Oh, yes.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31What are you expecting to see? Have you got any ideas?
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Something unique, something a bit quirky, something different.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38It probably won't tick all the boxes.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40Bit outside the box, as they say.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Oh, yeah, we will definitely be outside the box.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Our Mystery House is located in Cardinham Woods,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51a three-mile drive from the town of Bodmin.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54Once the county capital in the 15th century,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58the town was the starting point for a 15,000-strong Cornish rebellion
0:28:58 > 0:29:03march on London, protesting increased taxes on tin mining.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Although the uprising was quashed,
0:29:05 > 0:29:09Bodmin continued as an important mining centre into the 19th century.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13Then, in the 1950s, it provided a training facility for linguists
0:29:13 > 0:29:16working on Cold War intelligence.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20But just a short drive away in the tranquillity of Cardinham Woods,
0:29:20 > 0:29:24today's mystery location is a real one-off.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28So I wanted to bring you here to such a beautiful woods.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30It's 650 acres, and there's just miles and miles
0:29:30 > 0:29:33of walking trails and bike trails.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35You've got streams and little brooks running through it,
0:29:35 > 0:29:38and there's a fantastic woodland cafe as well.
0:29:38 > 0:29:40It would be nice to have this on the doorstep, wouldn't it?
0:29:40 > 0:29:43Totally. I mean, you could be in Canada, somewhere like that.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45- It's really lovely. - Take the bikes out.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48Yeah, well, I'm really pleased you've said that
0:29:48 > 0:29:50because our Mystery House...
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- Yes?- ..is right in the middle of the woods.
0:29:53 > 0:29:57Of the woods? Oh, Little Red Riding Hood country!
0:29:57 > 0:30:00Get your Little Red Riding Hood capes on because we are off to see
0:30:00 > 0:30:03- the Three Bears.- Brilliant.- Oh, wow. Fantastic.- Come on, Goldilocks.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05Right this way, Goldilocks.
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Well, I might have got my fairy tales mixed up,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13but down a single-track forestry road,
0:30:13 > 0:30:16there's no confusing the picture-book credentials
0:30:16 > 0:30:17of our Mystery House.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20So this is what I've brought you to see.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Goodness me.
0:30:22 > 0:30:23Look at the roses growing up the wall.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- Absolutely stunning.- This is almost a unique spot, isn't it?
0:30:26 > 0:30:28In the middle of Cardinham Woods.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Wow. It's really gorgeous.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32One thing I do want to point out...
0:30:33 > 0:30:38..is just over there, you will find your heated outdoor hot tub.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40No way! No way!
0:30:40 > 0:30:42So are you keen to have a look?
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- Absolutely. - OK, let's go and explore.
0:30:45 > 0:30:51Let's hope this 1920s woodland home continues to deliver on the inside.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52Leading from the entrance hall,
0:30:52 > 0:30:56we pass through a dedicated separate dining area,
0:30:56 > 0:30:58which features a log-burning stove,
0:30:58 > 0:31:02and continue into a recent rear extension where we find
0:31:02 > 0:31:04the L-shaped kitchen.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07So you come through the dining space,
0:31:07 > 0:31:09into the kitchen which is at the back of the house.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12Oh, yeah. It's lovely. I love this room, the fact that it's open
0:31:12 > 0:31:15into the dining area is fantastic.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Yeah. It is gorgeous. It is small.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21So the layout is, you've got a good-sized family bathroom there,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and then here is a store room and study.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27If it was me, I'd be really tempted to take all this out and completely
0:31:27 > 0:31:31open this up which I think would give you the feeling of
0:31:31 > 0:31:33a much larger kitchen space.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36Now that sounds like a good idea and it would definitely open it out.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- OK. Good. Let's go through and explore the living space.- OK.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44Retracing our steps to the other side of the entrance hall,
0:31:44 > 0:31:48we reach the final room on this floor.
0:31:48 > 0:31:50It is the main living space.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52It's a little compact.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55It's a small, cosy house in the woods.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58So it's a lovely cosy room, you've got an open fireplace.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00I think you could put in planning permission to remove that wall
0:32:00 > 0:32:04completely and go out certainly as much again and then you could put
0:32:04 > 0:32:07lovely bi-folding doors or doors out onto the garden.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09I don't know if that would faze you, but there's definitely
0:32:09 > 0:32:12an option here, if you got planning, to do that.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- Yeah.- Yeah.- I think you'd have to in a room this size.
0:32:15 > 0:32:16We wouldn't even get our couches in.
0:32:16 > 0:32:19You'd have to do something, I think, to make it a bit bigger.
0:32:19 > 0:32:21It's all doable.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24So Tony's open to adapting this unique woodland home,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27but I'm sensing that Debbie has yet to be convinced.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32Upstairs, we find a second family bathroom and a total of four bedrooms.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Two smaller bedrooms are above the rear extension,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37one of which is currently used as a nursery,
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and the second is being used as a workroom and office.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44There are also two good-sized guest rooms both featuring built-in
0:32:44 > 0:32:49floor-to-ceiling storage and each with enough space for double beds.
0:32:49 > 0:32:53But I'm really keen to show off the outside space.
0:32:53 > 0:32:54At around a third of an acre,
0:32:54 > 0:32:57it's been extensively landscaped by the current owners
0:32:57 > 0:33:01who have also added an idyllically located summerhouse -
0:33:01 > 0:33:04the perfect spot for self-contained guest accommodation.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08So up here at one of the highest points in the garden,
0:33:08 > 0:33:10you get a really good sense of the layout.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15It's all been done in these terraces and you've got raised vegetable beds
0:33:15 > 0:33:21and a greenhouse and then you've got this kind of tree-top decked area.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23You are up at the tree tops.
0:33:23 > 0:33:24It is very nice.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27They've made great use of space with the land they've got.
0:33:27 > 0:33:28Absolutely fantastic.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30But it's very tiered.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31It's... Yeah.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34Yeah, a lot of up and down. I think another ten years,
0:33:34 > 0:33:37we're probably going to regret having something like that.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39So I've still got one trump card that I haven't played yet
0:33:39 > 0:33:43and it could be the perfect antidote to all the walking there is up and down these terraces.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45- OK. Ready to have a look? - Yeah, have a look.
0:33:51 > 0:33:52So you come down here,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56you've been completely transported from a Cornish woodland
0:33:56 > 0:33:59to the Mediterranean.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01With your hot tub, your outdoor shower,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- you've got an outdoor oven, sunbeds.- Yeah.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08- You're really not convinced, are you?- No. No.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Again, I think it's done really nice.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13I can see little tea lights and cushions, but...
0:34:13 > 0:34:15- Just the wrong setting.- Yeah.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19I don't want Spanish hacienda in the forest, so it just, for me,
0:34:19 > 0:34:21- doesn't work.- OK.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24So it's time for me to ask you to guess the price.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Go on, Tony. Over to you first.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28OK. It's a very unique situation, without a doubt.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31I'm guessing 475.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Again, I agree with Tony. It's very, very pretty.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38I do think it's very rural.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40It's quite compact.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43I'm going to go slightly lower and say 465.
0:34:43 > 0:34:45I'm afraid, Tony, the drinks are on you
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- because Debbie is absolutely bang on.- Boom!
0:34:47 > 0:34:49Shake my hand!
0:34:49 > 0:34:51Excellent. And I thought I was rubbish at this.
0:34:51 > 0:34:54Go and have a look around, come and find me when you are ready.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56- OK.- Off you go.- Lovely.- Thanks.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01At £60,000 below their top budget,
0:35:01 > 0:35:05this 1920s woodland home comes with a semi-open-plan dining room
0:35:05 > 0:35:09and kitchen, two bathrooms and four bedrooms.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12There are extensively landscaped gardens,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14all in a unique forestry setting.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19It is a beautiful little country cottage.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21For me, it's too unique.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25The garden's very tiered and the space outside really doesn't
0:35:25 > 0:35:28fit the bill for me. I just wanted that outside space.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31So not for me, I'm afraid.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34The setting is just phenomenal.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36I know it's not quite the right house for us.
0:35:36 > 0:35:37This is more a young person's house.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40A lot of running up and down quite steep steps.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44Slightly flatter land and slightly bigger house,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47I'd be very tempted to live in the middle of the woods.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49It's just a lot of work and too much for us, I think.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55Well, you can't deny it's a lovely spot.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Oh, absolutely.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59Shall we go and search for the Three Bears then?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Do I bring Goldilocks with me?
0:36:01 > 0:36:03Yeah, I think we need to go and find somewhere and have a chat.
0:36:03 > 0:36:04- OK.- OK.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16If you are looking for a flavour of what the Cornish countryside has
0:36:16 > 0:36:19to offer, there's perhaps no better place to head
0:36:19 > 0:36:21than the annual Royal Cornish Show.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25Located in the Wadebridge Showground and featuring local food and drink,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27a flower show,
0:36:27 > 0:36:32tractor displays and competitions for the best livestock and produce,
0:36:32 > 0:36:35over 100,000 people attend the three-day event,
0:36:35 > 0:36:37making it the biggest in the county.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42It's a truly rural spectacle dating back over three centuries
0:36:42 > 0:36:46and to tell me more about it, secretary of the show, Chris Riddle.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49So Chris, the Royal Cornwall Show, it's got quite a history, hasn't it?
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- You've been going for a fair few years.- Yes, we were originally founded in 1793.
0:36:53 > 0:36:54At the end of the 18th century,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57there was a real move away from living in the country.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59The farmer in the country had to produce more food.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Food meant agriculture had to be improved,
0:37:02 > 0:37:05and agricultural societies such as our own were created
0:37:05 > 0:37:06to feed that need.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09The first year was purely a couple of ploughing matches.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Livestock were added in the second year and look to what we've got now.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14What do you think its enduring popularity is?
0:37:14 > 0:37:18I think it's because people's daily lives are perhaps ever more slightly
0:37:18 > 0:37:21removed from the reality of the rural world.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25To come here and see it and have a real fun day out is what they love.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Among the highlights here are the livestock events where farmers
0:37:28 > 0:37:31compete in a variety of categories for coveted prizes.
0:37:31 > 0:37:38This year the sheep section has a record number of 1,292 entries.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42And I'm meeting Emma Collison whose rare breed sheep have been awarded
0:37:42 > 0:37:45third places by this year's judges, but for me,
0:37:45 > 0:37:48they certainly get winning marks for adorability.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Well, Emma, in a tent that is absolutely packed with different
0:37:52 > 0:37:54breeds of sheep, I've definitely found the cutest.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56They are gorgeous. What are they?
0:37:56 > 0:37:58These are the Valais Blacknose sheep
0:37:58 > 0:38:00and they are deemed the world's cutest sheep.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04They are such little sweethearts, they really are.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Emma was the first to import this breed from their native Switzerland,
0:38:07 > 0:38:11bringing 25 ewes and two rams to her Cornish farm two years ago.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15And how have they been received over here?
0:38:15 > 0:38:18They've taken the UK by storm and also the internet.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20All kinds of countries...
0:38:20 > 0:38:23I get e-mails from America on a daily basis asking for these sheep.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26The thing for me that really stands out is their fleece. It's beautiful,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28isn't it? Is that something the judges would have been looking for?
0:38:28 > 0:38:32Yeah, so the judges are looking for black knees at the front,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35black nose, black all the way around the eye with no break,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39black ears all the way to the top, and on the females, a black bottom.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42As you can see, there's a little black bum there.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44Is it your hope that their popularity will grow?
0:38:44 > 0:38:48Yeah, definitely. I mean, we've been from just me to 50 breeders
0:38:48 > 0:38:52in two years which is a massive amount of people taking them on.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56They are just an amazing breed and everyone loves them and they make
0:38:56 > 0:38:59good pet sheep. It's a good breed for everybody.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03As well as the county's cutest sheep, the variety of tasty fare
0:39:03 > 0:39:06on offer in the food pavilion is sure to tempt.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Gourmet delights from cider to sausages assail the senses,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13and it's here I'm meeting Cornish cheese maker Catherine Mead
0:39:13 > 0:39:17who makes a local variety I'm particularly fond of.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Yarg is one of my favourite cheeses.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- Thank you.- But I don't know much about it,
0:39:21 > 0:39:23so what kind of cheese is it?
0:39:23 > 0:39:29It's a naturally-matured, naturally mould-ripened cheese.
0:39:29 > 0:39:34We mature it over five to six weeks and so we would call it quite young.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38It is young, fresh, quite lactic, semi-hard cheese.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Around two tonnes of nettles and wild garlic leaves are hand-picked
0:39:41 > 0:39:44each year and used separately to wrap and create
0:39:44 > 0:39:46two distinct products,
0:39:46 > 0:39:49both unique to Catherine's award-winning Cornish dairy,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52something which has left me with a question.
0:39:52 > 0:39:53I always eat the nettles.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Is that what you are supposed to do?
0:39:55 > 0:40:00Absolutely. Oh, gosh, we spend that much time and that much effort
0:40:00 > 0:40:02putting nettles on cheese, we want people to eat them.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05The nettle leaf is permeable so you've got
0:40:05 > 0:40:08this natural movement of oxygen and also of moisture.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10I mean, my mouth is watering, actually.
0:40:10 > 0:40:12- Can I try it?- Have a taste.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21What I love, you are almost getting three cheeses in one with it.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23And that is the way it is maturing,
0:40:23 > 0:40:28So that it is creamy under that rind and slightly crumbly in the core.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32And here is the wild garlic Yarg.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35This one, this is interesting because the leaf is not sticking
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- to the cheese. - That's absolutely beautiful.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41I can't believe that they are the same cheese.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45- Exactly the same cheese. - That's really hard to imagine. - That is the leaf.
0:40:45 > 0:40:48After such an appetising introduction to country life
0:40:48 > 0:40:52in Cornwall, it is time to find out if we've come up with something
0:40:52 > 0:40:54for Tony and Debbie to get their teeth into
0:40:54 > 0:40:56in our Cornish house-hunt.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01Well, I'm pretty sure I know what Tony and Debbie are thinking
0:41:01 > 0:41:04at this point, but let me have a talk to them and find out.
0:41:10 > 0:41:14Well, if you had any doubts about why you are moving to Cornwall,
0:41:14 > 0:41:16that view's going to put them to rest, isn't it?
0:41:16 > 0:41:17It certainly is.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20So let's talk about the last couple of days and our house-hunt.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23What are your thoughts now? What are you feeling about the properties
0:41:23 > 0:41:26we've seen? Is there a "what next" with any of them?
0:41:26 > 0:41:31- Erm...- I don't think any of the three actually match totally
0:41:31 > 0:41:33what we need and what we want.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36But interesting that there are certain things you liked about
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- various ones.- Yeah, I think house number one had perfect land.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I loved the meadow, really, really pretty.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45Location was fantastic, right next to Lostwithiel
0:41:45 > 0:41:47which is a beautiful, beautiful place.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50The one you are actually most drawn to in terms of location
0:41:50 > 0:41:53is not on the edge of a village as you were convinced you wanted,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56it is actually on the edge of a fairly small town.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59Yes. Yeah, I think that did change our minds completely.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Yes. To be involved in a small village community was possibly
0:42:03 > 0:42:05slightly idealistic from our point of view.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08I think we would still rather be near more facilities,
0:42:08 > 0:42:12more amenities. Moving our search area around Lostwithiel,
0:42:12 > 0:42:14I think would be fantastic.
0:42:14 > 0:42:19Yeah, completely worth coming, worth the visit.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Well, I'm sorry that we didn't manage to find your dream home,
0:42:21 > 0:42:24but, look, it's all out there, it's waiting for you.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25- I'm sure of that.- Thank you so much.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28- Thanks a lot.- It's been absolutely fantastic.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37Well, it's the end of our search here in Cornwall and I think
0:42:37 > 0:42:40it's wonderful that we've introduced Tony and Debbie
0:42:40 > 0:42:43to a part of the county that they've fallen in love with.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45We wish them all the best with their search
0:42:45 > 0:42:48and their new life together here.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Join me next time on Escape to the Country.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55If you'd like to escape to the country in England,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58Northern Ireland, Wales or Scotland and need our help,
0:42:58 > 0:42:59you can apply online at...