0:00:02 > 0:00:05This 1830s building might make you think I'm close to some industrial
0:00:05 > 0:00:07heartland but actually,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11it was pivotal in protecting a vast area of countryside.
0:00:11 > 0:00:14Find out what it did and where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35On today's show, a retired teacher with help from her sister hopes to find
0:00:35 > 0:00:37a country home closer to family.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Property hunting is a steep learning curve.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43I sense a little bit of hesitation.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44This is one room, isn't it?
0:00:44 > 0:00:45- Yeah.- OK.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Just you taking your time? - Yes.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50But one house is clearly top of the class.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Wow. Oh, my goodness.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Oh, my gosh.
0:00:54 > 0:00:55Wow.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01Today, I'm in Somerset and these are the Levels and Moors.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05It is one of the lowest and flattest areas in the county,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07just a few metres above sea level.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Until the 1950s,
0:01:09 > 0:01:13the Westonzoyland Pumping Station here was a vital engine room,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17draining away excess water so the land could be used for farming.
0:01:17 > 0:01:21Despite the struggle to keep the area above water over the centuries,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24the wetlands here are of international importance,
0:01:24 > 0:01:26because of the wildlife that flocks here.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30In the heart of the West Country,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33Somerset is England's seventh-largest county.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37Its land border includes Devon and the shoreline stretches along the
0:01:37 > 0:01:38Bristol Channel.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41It is a county full of contrasting landscapes,
0:01:41 > 0:01:45from its dramatic rocky coastline to the low-lying flat terrain of the
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Somerset Levels.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Coastal resorts include Burnham-on-Sea,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52famous for its lighthouse on legs.
0:01:52 > 0:01:57Built in 1832, it still warns local shipping of the shifting sands,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00flashing its light every seven and a half seconds.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Inland, the Mendip Hills are popular with hikers and backpackers.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The area is also home to Cheddar Gorge,
0:02:07 > 0:02:10the birthplace of Britain's most popular cheese.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Pretty Somerset villages include Dunster.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16One of the best preserved medieval settlements in England,
0:02:16 > 0:02:19it grew up around a Norman castle,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22later rebuilt as a country home for the Luttrell family.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26With the added draw of the Exmoor National Park featuring rolling
0:02:26 > 0:02:28landscapes and a native breed of pony,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32this is a great county for aspiring country dwellers.
0:02:35 > 0:02:41In Somerset, the average price of a detached property is around £313,000,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43which just nudges above the national figure.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47The good news is that central and southern parts offer better value for
0:02:47 > 0:02:52money if you don't need those transport links up to Bath and Bristol, which
0:02:52 > 0:02:55is why North Somerset has a premium price tag.
0:02:55 > 0:02:59That bodes well for today's buyer as easy access to the countryside is
0:02:59 > 0:03:01high on her agenda.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05Today's property shopper is retired maths teacher Debbie who has brought
0:03:05 > 0:03:09along her older sister Sandra to help in her house hunt.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13For the last 15 years, Debbie has lived in a four-bedroom detached property
0:03:13 > 0:03:16in the heart of the West Midlands metropolis.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19I live in a suburb of Birmingham called Marston Green which is
0:03:19 > 0:03:23probably about eight miles from the centre of Birmingham.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25You wouldn't know you were in Birmingham,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29it's quite a leafy suburb, although it's becoming more and more built up
0:03:29 > 0:03:30as the years go on.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33Cars, busy, busy, busy,
0:03:33 > 0:03:39the airport is close by and I just look forward to a little more peace and quiet.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42But there are other reasons for moving now.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44Sadly, Debbie was widowed last year.
0:03:44 > 0:03:49One of her two daughters is moving to Somerset with her husband and son for work.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Debbie feels now is the right time to leave the home she shared
0:03:52 > 0:03:57with her late husband and spend more time with her young grandson.
0:03:57 > 0:03:58I want to move there,
0:03:58 > 0:04:03predominantly because my daughter and family are moving down there.
0:04:04 > 0:04:09I'm from the South West, and I would love to go closer to my roots again.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12I've always hankered after it but it hasn't been possible throughout my
0:04:12 > 0:04:14married life and now it is.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18The opportunity has arisen and I'm really quite excited about my return
0:04:18 > 0:04:20to that part of the country.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23It's a major move but fortunately Sandra,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25who also lives in the West Country,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27will help Debbie choose the right house.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31I've enlisted the help of my older sister Sandra,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35who was the voice of reason, whereas I'm the impetuous one and would buy
0:04:35 > 0:04:37the first thing that I really like.
0:04:37 > 0:04:42I think she's come to a stage in her life where it's time for the next
0:04:42 > 0:04:45move on and this is an ideal opportunity to do it.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48I'll be the brain and Debbie can be the heart.
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Although she has retired, Debbie certainly won't be slowing down.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56The things that I do here, I'll be able to do down there as well.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01I do a lot of sport, a lot of running, a lot of fitness, I play netball,
0:05:01 > 0:05:05I play tennis, so hopefully, I'll be able to continue all that when I go
0:05:05 > 0:05:06down and possibly a lot more.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11I anticipate doing some walking as well, which might make things better.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14After nearly 40 years of living in Birmingham,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18Debbie is under no illusions about the move but the positives definitely
0:05:18 > 0:05:20outweigh the negatives.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22I'll miss my friends dreadfully,
0:05:22 > 0:05:26I'll miss my youngest daughter who will still be living here,
0:05:26 > 0:05:31but it is only two and a half hours away and we have reconciled that and
0:05:31 > 0:05:33we're going to see each other a lot.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38But I'm looking towards a slower lifestyle,
0:05:38 > 0:05:43a more relaxed lifestyle and the rural aspect of the lifestyle.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52Ideally, Debbie would like to find a property within a 30-minute drive of
0:05:52 > 0:05:56the village of North Petherton, where her daughter is moving to.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I'm meeting up with her and Sandra to pin down her wish list.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Debbie and Sandra, welcome to Somerset.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05What brings you to this area?
0:06:05 > 0:06:10Well, my daughter and son-in-law are relocating with their job and
0:06:10 > 0:06:17as I am on my own now in a very large house, I'm going to move with them.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19So this move is all about family?
0:06:19 > 0:06:21It's definitely about family, yes.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23And the added bonus is you will be closer to your sister.
0:06:23 > 0:06:27Sandra lives in Cornwall so we now cut the distance by half.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30How well do you know this area?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Do you know, I don't know Somerset very well.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Having been brought up in Cornwall we didn't tend to stop in Somerset,
0:06:36 > 0:06:37we drove straight through!
0:06:37 > 0:06:41So I'm really excited to see what Somerset has got to offer me.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44And Sandra, you will be here helping out your sister.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47I will. Keeping her feet firmly on the ground.
0:06:47 > 0:06:50- So is that your job?- It appears to be, yes.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- You're the sensible one.- We hope so.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54There's going to be very little room for manoeuvre.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56She has got her mind set on what she wants.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59Debbie, tell us about the must-haves.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01I want a good size garden.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05I would like a large kitchen-cum-diner.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09I want something period, I do not want anything new or modern,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11I'm not into that sort of thing.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15Access to amenities and very important -
0:07:15 > 0:07:19access to social and sports clubs, particularly.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22Anything else about the house? How many bedrooms?
0:07:22 > 0:07:27Right. I would like a minimum of two, because although it is just me,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31I've got two daughters, a grandson, friends, family,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35who will be visiting, so I want it to be a bit of a family house as well.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37What will you not compromise on?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41I won't compromise on a decent garden,
0:07:41 > 0:07:44I won't compromise on the large kitchen.
0:07:44 > 0:07:45Remind us of your budget?
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Absolute maximum is 385.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I understand that that's not going to be a compromise.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52That's not a compromise, no.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54You're in a good position to move?
0:07:54 > 0:07:56My present property is sold.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- Perfect.- Yep.- So you're ready to go.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00I'm ready to roll, yes.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- Shall we hit the road, ladies? - Let's go.- Follow me.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09For a maximum budget of £385,000,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Debbie is very clear about
0:08:11 > 0:08:14what she wants and what she doesn't.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16The house must be old, with character,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18it must have a kitchen diner and
0:08:18 > 0:08:20a minimum of two bedrooms for when
0:08:20 > 0:08:23Debbie's youngest daughter comes to visit.
0:08:23 > 0:08:25The garden should be a good size
0:08:25 > 0:08:27and she wants a location close to amenities,
0:08:27 > 0:08:30so, ideally, on the edge of a village.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33We've done our homework and lined up a fine selection of Somerset
0:08:33 > 0:08:38properties for teacher Debbie to mark up, rather than down, hopefully,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42but I will not be revealing the price until the end of each tour.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45Our mystery house is a classic nostalgia trip,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47but is Debbie ready to go the distance?
0:08:49 > 0:08:50You sound very sporty.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- Do you run every day?- Not every day.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57I make sure I do at least an hour of something five times a week.
0:08:57 > 0:09:01- Wow.- I go to boot camp three or four times.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04And if I can't get to one of those, I will run.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08How well do you know the area?
0:09:08 > 0:09:10I don't know it that well at all.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14Obviously, I've been on the internet and looked around,
0:09:14 > 0:09:18I drove down the once and had a good old drive around the back roads
0:09:18 > 0:09:20just to have a look and see.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23I think a lot of the area you're looking in is quite flat,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- which is great for running, isn't it?- Oh, yes.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28For our first property,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32we're heading to the small village of Staple Fitzpaine, 12 miles from
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Debbie's daughter in North Petherton.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39Situated in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
0:09:39 > 0:09:42this rural village has a population of under 200
0:09:42 > 0:09:44and is centred on a quiet crossroads
0:09:44 > 0:09:47where you will find the local pub,
0:09:47 > 0:09:51a fine parish church and some curious sandstone boulders which, according
0:09:51 > 0:09:56to legend, were thrown down by the devil and bleed if you prick them.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00The first property has a more reputable back story and is located
0:10:00 > 0:10:02at the heart of this peaceful village.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06Here we have the front of house number one.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- OK.- So this used to be a schoolhouse in the 19th century.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14This was the mistress's house, so plenty of character,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17plenty of history and it's attached to what used to be the school back there.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20They are both now a residential property.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It's an attached property.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25We can see the gardens already.
0:10:25 > 0:10:26We will talk more about it later.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29It's in a really lovely setting.
0:10:29 > 0:10:30It is. Lovely.
0:10:30 > 0:10:32What about the look of the house?
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Well, it's an old schoolmistress's house and I'm an old schoolmistress!
0:10:38 > 0:10:41I'm very excited about going into the house and having a look in there.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I'll take you through what is the original front entrance.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45OK.
0:10:47 > 0:10:51The former schoolhouse built from locally quarried blue limestone gets
0:10:51 > 0:10:55a gold star from retired teacher Debbie for its visual appeal
0:10:55 > 0:10:58and I'm hoping she'll also feel right at home inside,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00as it's full of character.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06So the main entrance takes us straight into this lounge.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09- Yes.- Then you've got the open fire.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Beautiful open fireplace.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- Oh, yes.- Lovely window seat.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Oh, lovely.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16We like a window seat.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18What do you think about the style and the look of the lounge?
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Style is OK.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21I like the open fire.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's nice and light.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Yes.- I sense a little bit of hesitation.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Well, this is one room, isn't it?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31OK. You're just taking your time.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Yes. Definitely. I don't dislike it.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34Not a bad start.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Let's head on into the kitchen.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42The lounge leads on to a dining room with more old school features
0:11:42 > 0:11:47including exposed stonework and an open fireplace with wood burner.
0:11:47 > 0:11:52The kitchen is located in a single-storey extension at the front of the property.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53Very modern.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- It is, isn't it?- Doesn't quite go with the rest of the house,
0:11:56 > 0:12:01but this is the extension, so you will see the former external wall here
0:12:01 > 0:12:05so you can tell this is the extension and what you have is this kitchen,
0:12:05 > 0:12:10quite a sizeable utility room and a downstairs shower room as well.
0:12:10 > 0:12:11Is it big enough for you?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16I think so. I think so.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17OK.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Debbie is being cagey about the kitchen and I sense the modern finish
0:12:21 > 0:12:25isn't her style but of course, she could easily change that.
0:12:25 > 0:12:29Time to retrace our steps back through the dining room and living room
0:12:29 > 0:12:31and head upstairs.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Of the three bedrooms in the property,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36one is a single currently used as the study.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39There is a guest double for when Debbie's daughter comes to stay.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42They're both serviced by a light, bright family bathroom.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44That just leaves the main bedroom.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48This is what the current owners use as a master.
0:12:48 > 0:12:51- OK.- You're saying the word "OK" a lot.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55OK. This is absolutely fine.
0:12:55 > 0:12:56This would be fine as a bedroom.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58But you don't love the house, do you?
0:12:58 > 0:13:03Do you know, there are features I'm beginning to see that I'm not liking.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05And the kitchen is a major one.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08It's far, far too modern for me.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Although Debbie still has those reservations about the style of the
0:13:11 > 0:13:16kitchen, I have one last ace up my sleeve and that's the outside.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21Debbie wanted a large garden and the total plot is two thirds of an acre.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23As well as the space at the front of the property,
0:13:23 > 0:13:27she also gets this patch at the rear with a sizeable lawn,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31vegetable plots, greenhouse and various well maintained flower beds.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37So here is the final part of the garden jigsaw.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40It really does go all the way around the house.
0:13:40 > 0:13:41Yes. I love it.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43I love the garden.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45That's definitely my best feature.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47I'm worried about that window next door.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Aha, so one of their windows overlooks...
0:13:50 > 0:13:52Directly into my privacy.
0:13:52 > 0:13:53And it is a downstairs one.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55That is a deal-breaker.
0:13:55 > 0:13:56- Really?- Yes.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59You'd be aware of someone looking constantly.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00Yes. And it's a shame.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03That's something that couldn't be changed,
0:14:03 > 0:14:05whereas other things could be.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08So the gardens might not be enough to sway you.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11No, they're beautiful, absolutely stunning.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14I love them, but I don't love that.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17We still have to discuss price.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19- OK?- Who'd like to go first?
0:14:19 > 0:14:24I think it's in the region of 380.
0:14:24 > 0:14:25I was slightly lower.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27About 365.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31OK. It's actually
0:14:31 > 0:14:33currently at the very top of your budget,
0:14:33 > 0:14:38so the current owners want offers in excess of 385,000.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40OK.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43And in fact, it has been reduced in the last couple of months,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46it was on for nearer 400,000.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Right.- And it has been reduced...
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- OK.- ..to within your budget.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54- OK.- But it's always worth having another look at a house once you know the price.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Why don't you do that? And I'll meet you out front in a bit.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58- OK.- Thank you.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Priced at offers over £385,000,
0:15:04 > 0:15:09our first property is a former schoolhouse dating to the 19th century
0:15:09 > 0:15:13with character features and a side extension with modern kitchen.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17There's one more bedroom than Debbie asked for and the house is set
0:15:17 > 0:15:19in two thirds of an acre,
0:15:19 > 0:15:22but it seems the pretty garden and village location is not enough
0:15:22 > 0:15:24to sway Debbie.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29It's a lovely property, the gardens are stunning, they're beautiful,
0:15:29 > 0:15:30I would love those.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35But there are too many features that I would want to change,
0:15:35 > 0:15:37but being at the top end of my budget,
0:15:37 > 0:15:40I wouldn't have the finance to do that.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It's a beautiful setting, the location is stunning,
0:15:44 > 0:15:46but for me personally,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49to live here, I couldn't do that, but to visit, most definitely.
0:15:53 > 0:15:55Do you still feel it's not the property for you?
0:15:55 > 0:15:57It's not the property for me.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- The good news is we still have another two to see. Onwards and upwards.- Lovely.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Fitness enthusiast Debbie can't wait to explore the countryside.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Although she is set on making Somerset her home,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17she's only visited the area on one previous occasion.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21So we sent her and Sandra for a local history lesson with a bit of walking
0:16:21 > 0:16:24thrown in for good measure.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27They are starting off in North Petherton and where better to begin
0:16:27 > 0:16:31their enlightening tour than at the parish church?
0:16:31 > 0:16:34Local historian Chris Sidaway is the man in the know.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39We've noticed this church, Chris, it's absolutely beautiful.
0:16:39 > 0:16:46The name of the town, North Petherton, the "ton" is Anglo-Saxon,
0:16:46 > 0:16:51but the "pether" is Celtic and it means the ton -
0:16:51 > 0:16:55the Saxon settlement - on the north of the River Parrett.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00It was also a major royal hunting forest.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03And so when the settlement was established,
0:17:03 > 0:17:08the church itself was what is called a minster church,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10- or a mother church.- Oh!
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Like its larger cousin in York,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17the minster at North Petherton was a missionary church in Anglo-Saxon
0:17:17 > 0:17:19times and an important centre for worship.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23The church was later rebuilt in the 15th century.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26It must have been quite a wealthy town, a wealthy area,
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- to build a church like this. - It certainly was.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32As well as having the royal hunting forest,
0:17:32 > 0:17:37Somerset was one of the counties that was very rich for its wool.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42Different towns had their own wool named after them,
0:17:42 > 0:17:45so there were Bridgewaters, Tauntons, Chards
0:17:45 > 0:17:47and most famous of all,
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Watchets, which were a pale blue and they were mentioned by Geoffrey Chaucer
0:17:52 > 0:17:54in Canterbury Tales.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00Chris is Somerset born and bred and his passion for the local area has led him
0:18:00 > 0:18:03to establish heritage walking trails through the countryside.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07The tour is going well so far and as they head into the Quantick hills,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09Chris is literally on the warpath.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14We are standing on the Alfred Road.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17We like to think it was King Alfred and perhaps,
0:18:17 > 0:18:23part of his system of herepaths or warpaths to link his various burhs,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27but there was also a Norman lord called Alfred,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30so it could have been from either,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33but we like to think it's King Alfred.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Whichever Alfred first marched along here,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39the track was still in use in the 19th century as a coaching road.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44Three and a half miles further on brings them to Fyne Court, the site of a former home
0:18:44 > 0:18:48belonging to the 19th-century scientist Andrew Crosse who was
0:18:48 > 0:18:50fascinated with electricity.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55It burned down in 1894, nothing to do with his experiments, thankfully,
0:18:55 > 0:18:59but today the ruins provide a backdrop to a fabulous nature reserve.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Debbie and Sandra are finishing their tour by meeting Mel Warman from the
0:19:02 > 0:19:05National Trust to find out more about the scientist
0:19:05 > 0:19:08known as the Thunder and Lightning man.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11Did he do any famous experiments at all?
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The one he was most known for was the most notorious.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16It's the one he carried out with volcanic rock.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20He was passing an electric current through a rock in liquid
0:19:20 > 0:19:24and when he did it he was looking through the microscope and these weird bugs appeared.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27He mentioned this to one of his friends in a naive fashion,
0:19:27 > 0:19:30who worked in the press, got published in the paper.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33Absolute outrage that Andrew Crosse was claiming to have created life.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36Accused of playing God,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40it turned out that Crosse's instruments were probably contaminated.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44But his former laboratory at Fyne Court serves as a fitting memorial
0:19:44 > 0:19:48to an early pioneer of power who tends to be overlooked.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55For our second offering,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58we are heading to the hamlet of North Newton,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01just three and a half miles from Debbie's daughter in North Petherton.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Situated in the low-lying Somerset Levels,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07the closest large village is North Curry,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10a prosperous settlement in the Middle Ages.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14A flourishing cattle market was established in the 13th century.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18But the area was also a favourite hunting ground for infamous ruler King John.
0:20:18 > 0:20:21Many of the buildings date to the 18th century,
0:20:21 > 0:20:25when the success of the wool trade boosted the local economy,
0:20:25 > 0:20:30and the post office was one of the first in England, opening in 1860.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34House two is a ten-minute drive away, surrounded by farmland.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35It's a quiet setting,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39but the property is already prompting the right noises.
0:20:39 > 0:20:40- Ooh!- Ooh!
0:20:42 > 0:20:44I can hear lots of oohs and aahs.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47House number two, ladies.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Wow. Oh, my goodness.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- I'm liking!- Yes!
0:20:52 > 0:20:56It's a Somerset long house, so traditional farmhouse, that dates back,
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- they think, to the 14th century. - This is the original farmhouse?
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- Oh, my gosh.- Wow.- That's lovely. - It's taken
0:21:02 > 0:21:04- my breath away a little bit.- Yes. It's lovely.
0:21:04 > 0:21:06And a beautiful front garden, I'm sure you'll agree.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Yes, yes.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10This is more positive already than house number one.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Oh, yes, yes.- Definitely. Gosh.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- And you agree?- Oh, I, 100%.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Absolutely.- That's what I like to hear.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- Shall we get inside?- Oh, yes, please.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24A great reaction from both Debbie and Sandra
0:21:24 > 0:21:26to this traditional Somerset long house,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29which has recently been refurbished.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31The property is vacant, and with no chain,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Debbie could move in straightaway.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40This is one of two lounges, or sitting rooms,
0:21:40 > 0:21:42whatever you'd prefer to call them.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43- Right.- Oh, my goodness.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- Yes, yes.- She's off on a wander.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- She is.- Sorry.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48Making herself at home.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Definitely.- Do you think that Debbie would suit a place like this?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I think she would.
0:21:54 > 0:21:56It gives you a feel for the property, certainly.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59It does give me a feel, and I'm liking that feel, yes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Great. Let's go to the kitchen,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03because I know how important that is to you.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05'As well as this sitting room,'
0:22:05 > 0:22:09there's a further reception room opposite with another fantastic feature fireplace.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13Knowing that Debbie has fixed views on the style of her kitchen,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17I hope this one might get top marks from her.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21So you have a brand-new kitchen here.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22Gosh. Yes.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25It's big enough.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Now the kitchen in house number one was too modern for you.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- It was indeed.- Is this a little better?
0:22:30 > 0:22:32It's much better.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34I love the range.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36We've got the beams.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39And it just feels more homely.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Yes. It isn't so clinical, is it?
0:22:41 > 0:22:43No, no. It's cosy.
0:22:44 > 0:22:48That's the extent of the ground floor accommodation on offer,
0:22:48 > 0:22:51however, attached to the side of the house is a barn,
0:22:51 > 0:22:55providing an excellent garage space with a mezzanine level.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59The upstairs of the house has been divided into two separate sections,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02each with its own staircase.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05One set of stairs leads to a double bedroom, with its own bathroom.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09A guest suite for Debbie's daughter, perhaps.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11The stairs we're climbing lead to a double bedroom,
0:23:11 > 0:23:15which could be Debbie's master, as well as two further rooms.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20Originally, there were three bedrooms on this side of the staircase,
0:23:20 > 0:23:23so this could be another bedroom,
0:23:23 > 0:23:25but the current owner has used it as a dressing room.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27It's really quite nice,
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- so that means you can keep that quite cupboard-free, can't you?- Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- And if you follow me...- That's a good idea.
0:23:34 > 0:23:35..the third bedroom...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38- Bedroom?- ..was turned into a stunning bathroom.
0:23:38 > 0:23:39Oh, my gosh!
0:23:39 > 0:23:45- Wow.- So up those stairs is your own suite, master suite.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49You don't have to share it with anyone, including your dear sister.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- Good. Yes.- Well, you've seen a lot of the house now,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55- what are you thinking? - I'm still liking it.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57I'm still liking it.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- Are you loving it, though?- I am, actually!
0:24:00 > 0:24:05Outside, the house sits in a secluded spot, surrounded by farmland.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07To the side of the barn is a courtyard area,
0:24:07 > 0:24:08with numerous outbuildings,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11including two carports.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13The manageable garden has been designed for entertaining,
0:24:13 > 0:24:17with a lovely area for enjoying the evening sun.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20So here we are, back out in the garden,
0:24:20 > 0:24:22where you have a lovely summerhouse.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- Yes.- Glass of wine area, I call it. - Definitely.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- But we need to talk about money, ladies.- Ooh! Gosh.- Wow.- Yes.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32You're nervous this time, aren't you?
0:24:32 > 0:24:34Very nervous, and the problem is,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37you've dangled this property in front of me,
0:24:37 > 0:24:40and I'm thinking it's going to be very, very expensive.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I think 390, 395.
0:24:43 > 0:24:44I'll go 395.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45OK. Sandra?
0:24:45 > 0:24:49I'll go higher. I think 400.
0:24:49 > 0:24:50It's got to be.
0:24:50 > 0:24:57Well, it was on the market for 425 a couple of months ago.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00It's been reduced to 395.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04We have spoken to the owners about your budget,
0:25:04 > 0:25:06and they have said they are open to offers.
0:25:06 > 0:25:09- OK.- So if you're willing for some discussions?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11I think a chat might be in order.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13I think, you know, it could be yours.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- OK.- Do you want it to be yours?
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Yes.- You'd love it to be, wouldn't you?
0:25:20 > 0:25:22And are you happy with that, Miss Sensible?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24Oh, yes, yes!
0:25:24 > 0:25:25Now that you know that,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28have another look around what could be your house.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Thank you.- And I'll meet you in bit. - OK. Thank you.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40I do think it's ideal for her, so I hope that it all works out,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43because it's a lovely, lovely property.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Over budget, but certainly open to offers,
0:25:48 > 0:25:52the second property is a traditional Somerset long house,
0:25:52 > 0:25:56which has been lovingly renovated to highlight its original features.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00It has three bedrooms, including a self-contained guest suite,
0:26:00 > 0:26:03an attached barn, and is surrounded by rolling farmland.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- A second bedroom.- Yep. I'm really liking this, because when you come to stay,
0:26:11 > 0:26:15you've got your own self-contained area.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Self-contained stairs.
0:26:17 > 0:26:18Self-contained bathroom.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20- Bedroom.- Oh, how lovely.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Lovely, yes.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23Yes.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The character of the property
0:26:25 > 0:26:28lends itself to everything Debbie was hoping for.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32The layout of the whole thing is just amazing.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38- Oh, my gosh!- Oh, my goodness!
0:26:38 > 0:26:39I thought I'd seen it all.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41I didn't need any more convincing.
0:26:41 > 0:26:46I like this place. I can't believe this all belongs to this one little house.
0:26:46 > 0:26:52Initial reaction was sheer joy - loved it, loved the aspect,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55loved the location, loved the garden.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58Once I went inside, still loved it.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Very impressed with the property.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02I really have fallen in love with it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06How exciting that you've found somewhere you love.
0:27:06 > 0:27:08It's very exciting.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10- And overwhelming?- Overwhelming is the word.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12And then we've still got the mystery house to go tomorrow.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I look forward to it.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- Let's get a drink before that, though.- OK.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29We are in sunny Somerset,
0:27:29 > 0:27:33helping retired teacher Debbie from the West Midlands find a country
0:27:33 > 0:27:34home closer to family.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38She's brought trusted sister Sandra along for support.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Up next, will our mystery house get an A star?
0:27:42 > 0:27:43- Oh, right!- It's cute, isn't it?
0:27:43 > 0:27:45How interesting is that?
0:27:45 > 0:27:46Yeah. It's a surprise.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- It is a surprise.- A big surprise. - Yes.
0:27:48 > 0:27:54And I pick up the scent on what could be Somerset's most fragrant farm.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57Did you know anything about lavender farming before you started?
0:27:57 > 0:27:58No, we didn't.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Yesterday was a day of extremes,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06with both Debbie and Sandra not warming to the old schoolhouse at all,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09but Debbie feeling very much at home in the Somerset farmhouse.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13We've got a job on our hands beating it,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16but I'm hoping the mystery house will take Debbie on a classic trip
0:28:16 > 0:28:18down memory lane.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22What are you both wanting from today's mystery house?
0:28:22 > 0:28:25We've had a little bet between ourselves as to what sort of is going to be
0:28:25 > 0:28:28the type of property that's going to be shown to us.
0:28:28 > 0:28:29I think it's going to be a barn conversion.
0:28:29 > 0:28:30OK. And Sandra?
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Yeah, I think the same.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Well, I don't... I've got to go against Debbie, haven't I?
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- Yes.- I've got to think of something completely different, off the wall.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43- This isn't a very good bet, if you both think it's a barn conversion. - It's not, is it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45Because I might be the only winner.
0:28:45 > 0:28:49- Yes, you could be, in this. - All right, I think it's probably going to be a little cottage.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- You think a little cottage?- Yes, a little cottage, tucked away,
0:28:52 > 0:28:53even a thatched cottage.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58The mystery property is close to the village of Roadwater on the edge of
0:28:58 > 0:29:00the Exmoor National Park,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03a 45-minute drive from Debbie's daughter.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08The closest town is the pretty settlement of Watchet on the North Somerset coast,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10with its historic harbour,
0:29:10 > 0:29:15romanticised by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Debbie spent her childhood on the coast,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21and I'm hoping Watchet's charm will persuade her that the journey to her
0:29:21 > 0:29:23daughter is worth it.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25You asked us to be within 30 minutes...
0:29:25 > 0:29:27- I did.- ..of your daughter...
0:29:27 > 0:29:28- Yes.- ..in North Petherton.
0:29:28 > 0:29:32- That's right.- What I'm asking you to do is consider
0:29:32 > 0:29:35an additional ten to 15 minutes.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- OK.- So you'd have a lovely harbour marina to visit.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41- Yep, yep.- And a beach to visit.
0:29:41 > 0:29:42- Very nice.- With your grandson.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44I know you grew up by the coast.
0:29:44 > 0:29:48- Indeed. We did.- So how would it feel to be near the coast again?
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Something I hadn't really considered, but I'm open-minded.
0:29:52 > 0:29:53I love the coast.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- Of course.- And I just didn't think it was a possibility.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01The mystery house is a 15-minute drive inland from Watchet,
0:30:01 > 0:30:05just outside the village of Roadwater in the Brendon Hills.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Amenities include a shop, a post office and a pub.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10Debbie seems sold on the location,
0:30:10 > 0:30:13but will the house be enough to sway her seaward?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Have a look at your mystery house.
0:30:17 > 0:30:19Oh, wow!
0:30:19 > 0:30:20That'd different again.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- Gosh.- Thatched cottage.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25Yes. Guess who's won their bet?
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Yes, because Sandra said it would be a cottage,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31not a barn, as you thought it might be.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32A pretty, chocolate box cottage.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35- It is.- It looks quite small from here.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37I'd be interested to see inside.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38It might be a TARDIS.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41Let's go inside.
0:30:41 > 0:30:45The 300-year-old mystery stone cottage is the smallest property
0:30:45 > 0:30:47I've shown Debbie and Sandra,
0:30:47 > 0:30:50but hopefully the inside won't disappoint.
0:30:52 > 0:30:53Oh, right, OK.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55That's a surprise.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57Big kitchen in a cottage.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00And a lovely range.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01A range.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03Is it big enough for you, though?
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Yes, lots of room in here, isn't there?
0:31:05 > 0:31:07More than I expected.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08And it feels very country kitchen.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10It feels country kitchen, yes.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11I don't think you'd want to change it.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14No, no. And has it been renovated recently?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16It has, five years ago.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- OK.- Which is why I think everything's in such good condition.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- It is in good condition.- It is, it's lovely. Very nice. I like it.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25I like all of it, I like the floor, I like the surfaces,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I like the way it's been done, yes.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30Next to the kitchen is the sitting room,
0:31:30 > 0:31:33with steps leading down to a cosy snug.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36The centrepiece is a wonderful dual-facing log burner.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- Oh, right!- It's cute, isn't it?
0:31:40 > 0:31:41How interesting is that?
0:31:41 > 0:31:42So it's like a little snug down there.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44- Exactly.- Yes.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46What an interesting layout.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48Very. It's making the most of the space, isn't it?
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- Yes.- Absolutely.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52And always nice to have a log burner.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- Oh, yes.- Love them. We've both got one.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- Especially in a house like this. - Oh, definitely.- Yes.
0:31:58 > 0:31:59Didn't expect this.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- It's a surprise.- It is a surprise.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03- A big surprise.- Yes.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Because although it is small...
0:32:05 > 0:32:07- Yes.- ..it's not too pokey, is it?
0:32:07 > 0:32:08It's quite homely.
0:32:08 > 0:32:12Exactly, and that just opens it out,
0:32:12 > 0:32:15to make it feel much bigger, doesn't it?
0:32:15 > 0:32:17- Yeah.- Let's head on upstairs.
0:32:17 > 0:32:18OK.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24The only bathroom in the property is also found on the ground floor.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Upstairs, there are two bedrooms.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29One is a twin, which is where Debbie's family guests could stay,
0:32:29 > 0:32:31but we're heading to the master.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36Ooh, that's unexpected!
0:32:36 > 0:32:37Oh, right.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40Everything about this cottage is unexpected.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- It is.- Is everything bigger than you thought it would be?
0:32:43 > 0:32:44Yes, this is, definitely.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Oh, in terms of from the outside?
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Yes. There's a lot of furniture in here.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50I don't think you'd necessarily need this much.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53- No.- But I don't know your wardrobe size.- I've got lots.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56So perhaps the second bedroom is your walk-in wardrobe.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- OK.- Or Harry's room.
0:33:00 > 0:33:01Have we not got another bedroom?
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Nope, only two bedrooms.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06- Right.- OK. And the other bedroom's very similar to this one?
0:33:06 > 0:33:07Yes, similar size, yeah.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Right.- OK.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10I'm feeling it's very small.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- For me.- In terms of the size of the rooms, or just...
0:33:15 > 0:33:16- Space.- Overall space.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17Overall space.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Debbie asked for a minimum of two bedrooms,
0:33:21 > 0:33:27but perhaps our previous properties with three bedrooms have raised her expectations.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Outside, a much-loved garden wraps itself around the cottage,
0:33:30 > 0:33:35and includes a vegetable plot with raised beds and space for entertaining.
0:33:38 > 0:33:41The type of garden you'd like?
0:33:41 > 0:33:43Yes. Yes, it's certainly the size I would like,
0:33:43 > 0:33:46and there's lots of scope to do all sorts with it, yes.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Yes, it's so peaceful.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51And it's been beautifully done, hasn't it?
0:33:51 > 0:33:52It's very well done.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Stunning. Absolutely.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56There's a lot in that area.
0:33:56 > 0:33:57Just, I'm amazed, it's so big.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- Yeah.- How much would this property set you back, though?
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Wow. Gosh.
0:34:03 > 0:34:05I'll go for 350.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07I think around 330.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13It's actually on the market for £375,000.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15- Oh.- OK.- Right.- And that's been reduced, actually.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18- Oh, gosh.- So you have to remember, we're North Somerset,
0:34:18 > 0:34:19where prices are a little bit higher.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21We're inside the national park.
0:34:21 > 0:34:23Yes. I forgot that.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25And it's a good area of land, isn't it?
0:34:25 > 0:34:27Yes, exactly. Do you want to have another look around?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- I think that's a good idea. - Explore more of the garden, as well.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Yes, yes, we'd love to.
0:34:32 > 0:34:34- And I'll meet you at the front. - Yep, OK.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38Under budget by £10,000,
0:34:38 > 0:34:40our characterful mystery thatched cottage
0:34:40 > 0:34:43comes with a large kitchen and two bedrooms.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46The garden is sizeable and well maintained,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49but the location, a few miles from the North Somerset coast,
0:34:49 > 0:34:51and inside the Exmoor National Park,
0:34:51 > 0:34:55takes Debbie outside her family comfort zone.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Could you see yourself in this room?
0:34:57 > 0:34:59Well, yes, actually.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01I wouldn't feel claustrophobic in here at all.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04Even though it's a small window, it's very light and airy in here.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Look at the views. Stunning.
0:35:06 > 0:35:07Yep.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09It made me realise that, actually,
0:35:09 > 0:35:13there's a lot more up towards this coast than perhaps I'd been looking at,
0:35:13 > 0:35:16so I wouldn't have precluded this property on the basis
0:35:16 > 0:35:18that it's a little bit further away.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23It's a beautiful property, it's been lovingly restored,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26it's in beautiful condition.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29Unfortunately, I think it might be too small for Debbie.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Time's up, ladies. You've seen your three houses.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- We have.- And it's lunch.
0:35:38 > 0:35:39Oh, lovely!
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52Like many rural areas in Britain,
0:35:52 > 0:35:56the Somerset farming economy faces challenges.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57With milk prices falling,
0:35:57 > 0:36:03many local dairy farmers have started to diversify in order to survive.
0:36:03 > 0:36:06One such farm is Horse Pond, in the village of Falkland.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Where cows once roamed the fields,
0:36:08 > 0:36:12today the fragrant scent of lavender fills the air.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Farmer Francis Green, along with his wife Judith,
0:36:14 > 0:36:18have been growing lavender for the last ten years.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19It's harvesting season,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23so I've chosen the perfect time to find out more about the qualities
0:36:23 > 0:36:24of this purple bloom.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28This is absolutely stunning here.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- Thank you.- What made you choose lavender?
0:36:31 > 0:36:36Lots of other people diversify, into making ice cream, holiday lets.
0:36:36 > 0:36:37We wanted to do something different.
0:36:37 > 0:36:42Both Judith and I are interested in gardening, and the love of plants,
0:36:42 > 0:36:45and we came across lavender, and here we are.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47I've just been watching you harvest.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Talk us through that process.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52It's unique, it's a purpose-built lavender harvester.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- OK.- And as it drives up through the row,
0:36:54 > 0:36:57it lifts and squeezes the plants together,
0:36:57 > 0:37:00a reciprocating knife cuts it off,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03So that when the harvester has passed over,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06you can see it's been formed perfectly in a dome,
0:37:06 > 0:37:07ready for next year's growth.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11But did you know anything about lavender farming before you started?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13No, we didn't, no, we didn't.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16We had gone to Provence on holiday,
0:37:16 > 0:37:18and saw how it was grown in Provence,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20and harvested and distilled,
0:37:20 > 0:37:24and that was something that we thought we could try and do over here.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27Business is flourishing,
0:37:27 > 0:37:31and today 50,000 plants are grown over ten acres of farmland.
0:37:31 > 0:37:34There are over 100 different varieties,
0:37:34 > 0:37:38and many of these can be found in the farm's pretty lavender garden,
0:37:38 > 0:37:40the passion of Francis's wife Judith.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- Hi, Judith.- Hi.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46So this is your beautiful lavender garden?
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Yes, it is, and we've got lots of different varieties of lavender here.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54But your main area is English lavender, is it?
0:37:54 > 0:37:55That's right, yeah.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58Yeah, we focus on English lavender.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00Which is this one over here, Folgate.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01The English lavender, of course,
0:38:01 > 0:38:07has been famous in cottage gardens for centuries, and it's a beautiful,
0:38:07 > 0:38:12hardy lavender, which is great for our English climate.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14And what about this variety?
0:38:14 > 0:38:18These are the stoechas, often called the French lavender,
0:38:18 > 0:38:20and they have these sterile bracts at the top,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23but the flowers are actually these little dots down here.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25Oh, yes.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29And these aren't that hardy, so if you have a hard frost,
0:38:29 > 0:38:31and they are in your garden, you can lose them.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Where does lavender come from?
0:38:33 > 0:38:36Well, it comes from the Mediterranean, originally.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41It likes really sunny, dry, free-draining soil.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44So not very English at all?
0:38:44 > 0:38:48No, but lavender has won our hearts and has become part of the English
0:38:48 > 0:38:50cottage garden now, hasn't it?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53It does, it does feel completely synonymous with that.
0:38:54 > 0:39:00Once harvested, about 80% of the lavender grown at the farm is distilled on site
0:39:00 > 0:39:04to produce oil, which is used in aromatherapy to treat pain,
0:39:04 > 0:39:08relieve tension and improve blood circulation.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12But dried lavender can also be made into crafty and creative products.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Judith has some to show me.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Well, you can make so many different things with it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21Apart from that, you can, you know,
0:39:21 > 0:39:26make some really pretty things at home yourself, with the dried lavender,
0:39:26 > 0:39:28or the fresh lavender flowers.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31So yeah, the humble lavender pom-pom.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34Yes, just to keep a room smelling lovely.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37Oh, these would look lovely hung on the door.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40The latest product, popular in Provence, is the lavender wand.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Handy for a sock drawer,
0:39:42 > 0:39:45it's something you can make at home after a little practice.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49The stems are bent backwards to form a cage around the buds,
0:39:49 > 0:39:52which is then held neatly together by woven ribbon.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Oh, there's something very satisfying about this.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56It is, yes,
0:39:56 > 0:39:59and you can sit and while away a few hours in the afternoon with your
0:39:59 > 0:40:00friends, and have a chat.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02Maybe I'll sit here and have a cup of lavender tea.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05Yes, please do, you would be very welcome.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07You can try some lavender shortbread, too, if you like.
0:40:07 > 0:40:08Only if you insist!
0:40:08 > 0:40:10But before I get too comfortable,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14there's the small matter of finding out what Debbie's next step is.
0:40:15 > 0:40:17Afternoon.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21It's been a busy couple of days.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24Debbie, what would you like to do now?
0:40:24 > 0:40:29What I would like to do is to perhaps follow up one of these houses.
0:40:29 > 0:40:30I'm guessing house number two?
0:40:30 > 0:40:33You're guessing correctly. You're guessing correctly.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34So a second viewing?
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- Yes, definitely.- Just the two of you?
0:40:37 > 0:40:39- No, Sandra...- I'm going home.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43- Ah.- Yeah, and my daughter is coming down this evening,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47and she will accompany me on the second viewing, so she'll have an input.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49And if your daughter likes it just as much?
0:40:49 > 0:40:51If she likes it just as much,
0:40:51 > 0:40:56then we'll follow up with some more searches,
0:40:56 > 0:41:01and then maybe approach the owners with a view to making an offer.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05Tell us why you like house number two, the Somerset farmhouse, so much?
0:41:05 > 0:41:10I love the environment, the proximity to a farm,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12the hamlet aspect.
0:41:12 > 0:41:17But the house itself was open, spacious, character-filled,
0:41:17 > 0:41:20a little bit quirky, in some ways,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23but at every turn there was a surprise,
0:41:23 > 0:41:27and it was a pleasant surprise, and it just felt comfortable.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32And you felt quite instantly that it was a place you should consider?
0:41:32 > 0:41:36Absolutely, it was definitely Debbie's type of place.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Even from the outside, before we went inside.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42And inside, and then outside again, it just confirmed everything.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44And more so, didn't it?
0:41:44 > 0:41:46- Yes.- Well, we wish you well.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Thank you.- Good luck with house number two.
0:41:49 > 0:41:50Thank you very much.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54And I hope that you feel happy enough to make it all happen,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57you never know, in a couple of weeks.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58I look forward to visiting!
0:41:58 > 0:42:02- Yes!- And thank you for bringing Sandra along, she's been a lot of fun!
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Thank you for all your help.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05It's been a great couple of days.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06My pleasure.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15This is a huge move for Debbie, and it's happening because of family,
0:42:15 > 0:42:19so it's completely understandable that she wants to involve them
0:42:19 > 0:42:22in her second viewing of house number two.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25This is the beginning of a new chapter in Debbie's life,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28and I can see how excited she is about it.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29We wish her the very best,
0:42:29 > 0:42:32and I look forward to hearing news of her moving here to Somerset very soon.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35See you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Debbie went back to the long house with her daughter,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43but in the end she decided it wasn't for her.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47She's since bought a property in North Petherton, where her family live.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55Northern Ireland or England, and need our help, you can apply online.