Somerset Escape to the Country


Somerset

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This 1830s building might make you think I'm close to some industrial

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heartland but actually,

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it was pivotal in protecting a vast area of countryside.

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Find out what it did and where I am in just a few moments.

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On today's show, a retired teacher with help from her sister hopes to find

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a country home closer to family.

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Property hunting is a steep learning curve.

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I sense a little bit of hesitation.

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This is one room, isn't it?

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-Yeah.

-OK.

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-Just you taking your time?

-Yes.

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But one house is clearly top of the class.

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Wow. Oh, my goodness.

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Oh, my gosh.

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Wow.

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Today, I'm in Somerset and these are the Levels and Moors.

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It is one of the lowest and flattest areas in the county,

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just a few metres above sea level.

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Until the 1950s,

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the Westonzoyland Pumping Station here was a vital engine room,

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draining away excess water so the land could be used for farming.

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Despite the struggle to keep the area above water over the centuries,

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the wetlands here are of international importance,

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because of the wildlife that flocks here.

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In the heart of the West Country,

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Somerset is England's seventh-largest county.

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Its land border includes Devon and the shoreline stretches along the

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Bristol Channel.

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It is a county full of contrasting landscapes,

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from its dramatic rocky coastline to the low-lying flat terrain of the

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Somerset Levels.

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Coastal resorts include Burnham-on-Sea,

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famous for its lighthouse on legs.

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Built in 1832, it still warns local shipping of the shifting sands,

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flashing its light every seven and a half seconds.

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Inland, the Mendip Hills are popular with hikers and backpackers.

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The area is also home to Cheddar Gorge,

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the birthplace of Britain's most popular cheese.

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Pretty Somerset villages include Dunster.

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One of the best preserved medieval settlements in England,

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it grew up around a Norman castle,

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later rebuilt as a country home for the Luttrell family.

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With the added draw of the Exmoor National Park featuring rolling

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landscapes and a native breed of pony,

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this is a great county for aspiring country dwellers.

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In Somerset, the average price of a detached property is around £313,000,

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which just nudges above the national figure.

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The good news is that central and southern parts offer better value for

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money if you don't need those transport links up to Bath and Bristol, which

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is why North Somerset has a premium price tag.

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That bodes well for today's buyer as easy access to the countryside is

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high on her agenda.

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Today's property shopper is retired maths teacher Debbie who has brought

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along her older sister Sandra to help in her house hunt.

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For the last 15 years, Debbie has lived in a four-bedroom detached property

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in the heart of the West Midlands metropolis.

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I live in a suburb of Birmingham called Marston Green which is

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probably about eight miles from the centre of Birmingham.

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You wouldn't know you were in Birmingham,

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it's quite a leafy suburb, although it's becoming more and more built up

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as the years go on.

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Cars, busy, busy, busy,

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the airport is close by and I just look forward to a little more peace and quiet.

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But there are other reasons for moving now.

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Sadly, Debbie was widowed last year.

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One of her two daughters is moving to Somerset with her husband and son for work.

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Debbie feels now is the right time to leave the home she shared

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with her late husband and spend more time with her young grandson.

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I want to move there,

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predominantly because my daughter and family are moving down there.

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I'm from the South West, and I would love to go closer to my roots again.

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I've always hankered after it but it hasn't been possible throughout my

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married life and now it is.

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The opportunity has arisen and I'm really quite excited about my return

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to that part of the country.

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It's a major move but fortunately Sandra,

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who also lives in the West Country,

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will help Debbie choose the right house.

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I've enlisted the help of my older sister Sandra,

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who was the voice of reason, whereas I'm the impetuous one and would buy

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the first thing that I really like.

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I think she's come to a stage in her life where it's time for the next

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move on and this is an ideal opportunity to do it.

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I'll be the brain and Debbie can be the heart.

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Although she has retired, Debbie certainly won't be slowing down.

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The things that I do here, I'll be able to do down there as well.

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I do a lot of sport, a lot of running, a lot of fitness, I play netball,

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I play tennis, so hopefully, I'll be able to continue all that when I go

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down and possibly a lot more.

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I anticipate doing some walking as well, which might make things better.

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After nearly 40 years of living in Birmingham,

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Debbie is under no illusions about the move but the positives definitely

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outweigh the negatives.

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I'll miss my friends dreadfully,

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I'll miss my youngest daughter who will still be living here,

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but it is only two and a half hours away and we have reconciled that and

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we're going to see each other a lot.

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But I'm looking towards a slower lifestyle,

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a more relaxed lifestyle and the rural aspect of the lifestyle.

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Ideally, Debbie would like to find a property within a 30-minute drive of

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the village of North Petherton, where her daughter is moving to.

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I'm meeting up with her and Sandra to pin down her wish list.

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Debbie and Sandra, welcome to Somerset.

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What brings you to this area?

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Well, my daughter and son-in-law are relocating with their job and

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as I am on my own now in a very large house, I'm going to move with them.

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So this move is all about family?

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It's definitely about family, yes.

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And the added bonus is you will be closer to your sister.

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Sandra lives in Cornwall so we now cut the distance by half.

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How well do you know this area?

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Do you know, I don't know Somerset very well.

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Having been brought up in Cornwall we didn't tend to stop in Somerset,

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we drove straight through!

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So I'm really excited to see what Somerset has got to offer me.

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And Sandra, you will be here helping out your sister.

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I will. Keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

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-So is that your job?

-It appears to be, yes.

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-You're the sensible one.

-We hope so.

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There's going to be very little room for manoeuvre.

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She has got her mind set on what she wants.

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Debbie, tell us about the must-haves.

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I want a good size garden.

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I would like a large kitchen-cum-diner.

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I want something period, I do not want anything new or modern,

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I'm not into that sort of thing.

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Access to amenities and very important -

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access to social and sports clubs, particularly.

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Anything else about the house? How many bedrooms?

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Right. I would like a minimum of two, because although it is just me,

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I've got two daughters, a grandson, friends, family,

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who will be visiting, so I want it to be a bit of a family house as well.

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What will you not compromise on?

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I won't compromise on a decent garden,

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I won't compromise on the large kitchen.

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Remind us of your budget?

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Absolute maximum is 385.

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I understand that that's not going to be a compromise.

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That's not a compromise, no.

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You're in a good position to move?

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My present property is sold.

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-Perfect.

-Yep.

-So you're ready to go.

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I'm ready to roll, yes.

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-Shall we hit the road, ladies?

-Let's go.

-Follow me.

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For a maximum budget of £385,000,

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Debbie is very clear about

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what she wants and what she doesn't.

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The house must be old, with character,

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it must have a kitchen diner and

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a minimum of two bedrooms for when

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Debbie's youngest daughter comes to visit.

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The garden should be a good size

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and she wants a location close to amenities,

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so, ideally, on the edge of a village.

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We've done our homework and lined up a fine selection of Somerset

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properties for teacher Debbie to mark up, rather than down, hopefully,

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but I will not be revealing the price until the end of each tour.

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Our mystery house is a classic nostalgia trip,

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but is Debbie ready to go the distance?

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You sound very sporty.

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-Do you run every day?

-Not every day.

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I make sure I do at least an hour of something five times a week.

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-Wow.

-I go to boot camp three or four times.

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And if I can't get to one of those, I will run.

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How well do you know the area?

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I don't know it that well at all.

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Obviously, I've been on the internet and looked around,

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I drove down the once and had a good old drive around the back roads

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just to have a look and see.

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I think a lot of the area you're looking in is quite flat,

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-which is great for running, isn't it?

-Oh, yes.

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For our first property,

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we're heading to the small village of Staple Fitzpaine, 12 miles from

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Debbie's daughter in North Petherton.

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Situated in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

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this rural village has a population of under 200

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and is centred on a quiet crossroads

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where you will find the local pub,

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a fine parish church and some curious sandstone boulders which, according

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to legend, were thrown down by the devil and bleed if you prick them.

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The first property has a more reputable back story and is located

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at the heart of this peaceful village.

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Here we have the front of house number one.

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-OK.

-So this used to be a schoolhouse in the 19th century.

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This was the mistress's house, so plenty of character,

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plenty of history and it's attached to what used to be the school back there.

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They are both now a residential property.

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It's an attached property.

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We can see the gardens already.

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We will talk more about it later.

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It's in a really lovely setting.

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It is. Lovely.

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What about the look of the house?

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Well, it's an old schoolmistress's house and I'm an old schoolmistress!

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I'm very excited about going into the house and having a look in there.

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I'll take you through what is the original front entrance.

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OK.

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The former schoolhouse built from locally quarried blue limestone gets

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a gold star from retired teacher Debbie for its visual appeal

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and I'm hoping she'll also feel right at home inside,

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as it's full of character.

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So the main entrance takes us straight into this lounge.

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-Yes.

-Then you've got the open fire.

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Beautiful open fireplace.

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-Oh, yes.

-Lovely window seat.

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Oh, lovely.

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We like a window seat.

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What do you think about the style and the look of the lounge?

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Style is OK.

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I like the open fire.

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It's nice and light.

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-Yes.

-I sense a little bit of hesitation.

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Well, this is one room, isn't it?

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OK. You're just taking your time.

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Yes. Definitely. I don't dislike it.

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Not a bad start.

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Let's head on into the kitchen.

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The lounge leads on to a dining room with more old school features

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including exposed stonework and an open fireplace with wood burner.

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The kitchen is located in a single-storey extension at the front of the property.

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Very modern.

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-It is, isn't it?

-Doesn't quite go with the rest of the house,

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but this is the extension, so you will see the former external wall here

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so you can tell this is the extension and what you have is this kitchen,

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quite a sizeable utility room and a downstairs shower room as well.

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Is it big enough for you?

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I think so. I think so.

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OK.

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Debbie is being cagey about the kitchen and I sense the modern finish

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isn't her style but of course, she could easily change that.

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Time to retrace our steps back through the dining room and living room

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and head upstairs.

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Of the three bedrooms in the property,

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one is a single currently used as the study.

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There is a guest double for when Debbie's daughter comes to stay.

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They're both serviced by a light, bright family bathroom.

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That just leaves the main bedroom.

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This is what the current owners use as a master.

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-OK.

-You're saying the word "OK" a lot.

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OK. This is absolutely fine.

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This would be fine as a bedroom.

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But you don't love the house, do you?

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Do you know, there are features I'm beginning to see that I'm not liking.

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And the kitchen is a major one.

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It's far, far too modern for me.

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Although Debbie still has those reservations about the style of the

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kitchen, I have one last ace up my sleeve and that's the outside.

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Debbie wanted a large garden and the total plot is two thirds of an acre.

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As well as the space at the front of the property,

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she also gets this patch at the rear with a sizeable lawn,

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vegetable plots, greenhouse and various well maintained flower beds.

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So here is the final part of the garden jigsaw.

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It really does go all the way around the house.

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Yes. I love it.

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I love the garden.

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That's definitely my best feature.

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I'm worried about that window next door.

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Aha, so one of their windows overlooks...

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Directly into my privacy.

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And it is a downstairs one.

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That is a deal-breaker.

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-Really?

-Yes.

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You'd be aware of someone looking constantly.

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Yes. And it's a shame.

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That's something that couldn't be changed,

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whereas other things could be.

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So the gardens might not be enough to sway you.

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No, they're beautiful, absolutely stunning.

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I love them, but I don't love that.

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We still have to discuss price.

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-OK?

-Who'd like to go first?

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I think it's in the region of 380.

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I was slightly lower.

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About 365.

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OK. It's actually

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currently at the very top of your budget,

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so the current owners want offers in excess of 385,000.

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OK.

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And in fact, it has been reduced in the last couple of months,

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it was on for nearer 400,000.

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-Right.

-And it has been reduced...

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-OK.

-..to within your budget.

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-OK.

-But it's always worth having another look at a house once you know the price.

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Why don't you do that? And I'll meet you out front in a bit.

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-OK.

-Thank you.

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Priced at offers over £385,000,

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our first property is a former schoolhouse dating to the 19th century

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with character features and a side extension with modern kitchen.

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There's one more bedroom than Debbie asked for and the house is set

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in two thirds of an acre,

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but it seems the pretty garden and village location is not enough

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to sway Debbie.

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It's a lovely property, the gardens are stunning, they're beautiful,

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I would love those.

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But there are too many features that I would want to change,

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but being at the top end of my budget,

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I wouldn't have the finance to do that.

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It's a beautiful setting, the location is stunning,

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but for me personally,

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to live here, I couldn't do that, but to visit, most definitely.

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Do you still feel it's not the property for you?

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It's not the property for me.

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-The good news is we still have another two to see. Onwards and upwards.

-Lovely.

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Fitness enthusiast Debbie can't wait to explore the countryside.

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Although she is set on making Somerset her home,

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she's only visited the area on one previous occasion.

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So we sent her and Sandra for a local history lesson with a bit of walking

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thrown in for good measure.

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They are starting off in North Petherton and where better to begin

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their enlightening tour than at the parish church?

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Local historian Chris Sidaway is the man in the know.

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We've noticed this church, Chris, it's absolutely beautiful.

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The name of the town, North Petherton, the "ton" is Anglo-Saxon,

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but the "pether" is Celtic and it means the ton -

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the Saxon settlement - on the north of the River Parrett.

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It was also a major royal hunting forest.

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And so when the settlement was established,

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the church itself was what is called a minster church,

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-or a mother church.

-Oh!

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Like its larger cousin in York,

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the minster at North Petherton was a missionary church in Anglo-Saxon

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times and an important centre for worship.

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The church was later rebuilt in the 15th century.

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It must have been quite a wealthy town, a wealthy area,

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-to build a church like this.

-It certainly was.

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As well as having the royal hunting forest,

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Somerset was one of the counties that was very rich for its wool.

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Different towns had their own wool named after them,

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so there were Bridgewaters, Tauntons, Chards

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and most famous of all,

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Watchets, which were a pale blue and they were mentioned by Geoffrey Chaucer

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in Canterbury Tales.

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Chris is Somerset born and bred and his passion for the local area has led him

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to establish heritage walking trails through the countryside.

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The tour is going well so far and as they head into the Quantick hills,

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Chris is literally on the warpath.

0:18:070:18:09

We are standing on the Alfred Road.

0:18:100:18:14

We like to think it was King Alfred and perhaps,

0:18:140:18:17

part of his system of herepaths or warpaths to link his various burhs,

0:18:170:18:23

but there was also a Norman lord called Alfred,

0:18:230:18:27

so it could have been from either,

0:18:270:18:30

but we like to think it's King Alfred.

0:18:300:18:33

Whichever Alfred first marched along here,

0:18:330:18:35

the track was still in use in the 19th century as a coaching road.

0:18:350:18:39

Three and a half miles further on brings them to Fyne Court, the site of a former home

0:18:390:18:44

belonging to the 19th-century scientist Andrew Crosse who was

0:18:440:18:48

fascinated with electricity.

0:18:480:18:50

It burned down in 1894, nothing to do with his experiments, thankfully,

0:18:500:18:55

but today the ruins provide a backdrop to a fabulous nature reserve.

0:18:550:18:59

Debbie and Sandra are finishing their tour by meeting Mel Warman from the

0:18:590:19:02

National Trust to find out more about the scientist

0:19:020:19:05

known as the Thunder and Lightning man.

0:19:050:19:08

Did he do any famous experiments at all?

0:19:090:19:11

The one he was most known for was the most notorious.

0:19:110:19:14

It's the one he carried out with volcanic rock.

0:19:140:19:16

He was passing an electric current through a rock in liquid

0:19:160:19:20

and when he did it he was looking through the microscope and these weird bugs appeared.

0:19:200:19:24

He mentioned this to one of his friends in a naive fashion,

0:19:240:19:27

who worked in the press, got published in the paper.

0:19:270:19:30

Absolute outrage that Andrew Crosse was claiming to have created life.

0:19:300:19:33

Accused of playing God,

0:19:340:19:36

it turned out that Crosse's instruments were probably contaminated.

0:19:360:19:40

But his former laboratory at Fyne Court serves as a fitting memorial

0:19:400:19:44

to an early pioneer of power who tends to be overlooked.

0:19:440:19:48

For our second offering,

0:19:540:19:55

we are heading to the hamlet of North Newton,

0:19:550:19:58

just three and a half miles from Debbie's daughter in North Petherton.

0:19:580:20:01

Situated in the low-lying Somerset Levels,

0:20:010:20:04

the closest large village is North Curry,

0:20:040:20:07

a prosperous settlement in the Middle Ages.

0:20:070:20:10

A flourishing cattle market was established in the 13th century.

0:20:100:20:14

But the area was also a favourite hunting ground for infamous ruler King John.

0:20:140:20:18

Many of the buildings date to the 18th century,

0:20:180:20:21

when the success of the wool trade boosted the local economy,

0:20:210:20:25

and the post office was one of the first in England, opening in 1860.

0:20:250:20:30

House two is a ten-minute drive away, surrounded by farmland.

0:20:300:20:34

It's a quiet setting,

0:20:340:20:35

but the property is already prompting the right noises.

0:20:350:20:39

-Ooh!

-Ooh!

0:20:390:20:40

I can hear lots of oohs and aahs.

0:20:420:20:44

House number two, ladies.

0:20:460:20:47

Wow. Oh, my goodness.

0:20:470:20:49

-I'm liking!

-Yes!

0:20:500:20:52

It's a Somerset long house, so traditional farmhouse, that dates back,

0:20:520:20:56

-they think, to the 14th century.

-This is the original farmhouse?

0:20:560:20:59

-Oh, my gosh.

-Wow.

-That's lovely.

-It's taken

0:20:590:21:02

-my breath away a little bit.

-Yes. It's lovely.

0:21:020:21:04

And a beautiful front garden, I'm sure you'll agree.

0:21:040:21:06

Yes, yes.

0:21:060:21:08

This is more positive already than house number one.

0:21:080:21:10

-Oh, yes, yes.

-Definitely. Gosh.

0:21:100:21:13

-And you agree?

-Oh, I, 100%.

0:21:130:21:16

-Absolutely.

-That's what I like to hear.

0:21:160:21:18

-Shall we get inside?

-Oh, yes, please.

0:21:180:21:20

A great reaction from both Debbie and Sandra

0:21:210:21:24

to this traditional Somerset long house,

0:21:240:21:26

which has recently been refurbished.

0:21:260:21:29

The property is vacant, and with no chain,

0:21:290:21:31

Debbie could move in straightaway.

0:21:310:21:33

This is one of two lounges, or sitting rooms,

0:21:360:21:40

whatever you'd prefer to call them.

0:21:400:21:42

-Right.

-Oh, my goodness.

0:21:420:21:43

-Yes, yes.

-She's off on a wander.

0:21:430:21:45

-She is.

-Sorry.

0:21:450:21:47

Making herself at home.

0:21:470:21:48

-Definitely.

-Do you think that Debbie would suit a place like this?

0:21:480:21:52

I think she would.

0:21:520:21:54

It gives you a feel for the property, certainly.

0:21:540:21:56

It does give me a feel, and I'm liking that feel, yes.

0:21:560:21:59

Great. Let's go to the kitchen,

0:21:590:22:01

because I know how important that is to you.

0:22:010:22:03

'As well as this sitting room,'

0:22:040:22:05

there's a further reception room opposite with another fantastic feature fireplace.

0:22:050:22:09

Knowing that Debbie has fixed views on the style of her kitchen,

0:22:090:22:13

I hope this one might get top marks from her.

0:22:130:22:17

So you have a brand-new kitchen here.

0:22:180:22:21

Gosh. Yes.

0:22:210:22:22

It's big enough.

0:22:220:22:25

Now the kitchen in house number one was too modern for you.

0:22:250:22:27

-It was indeed.

-Is this a little better?

0:22:270:22:30

It's much better.

0:22:300:22:32

I love the range.

0:22:320:22:34

We've got the beams.

0:22:340:22:36

And it just feels more homely.

0:22:360:22:39

Yes. It isn't so clinical, is it?

0:22:390:22:41

No, no. It's cosy.

0:22:410:22:43

That's the extent of the ground floor accommodation on offer,

0:22:440:22:48

however, attached to the side of the house is a barn,

0:22:480:22:51

providing an excellent garage space with a mezzanine level.

0:22:510:22:55

The upstairs of the house has been divided into two separate sections,

0:22:550:22:59

each with its own staircase.

0:22:590:23:02

One set of stairs leads to a double bedroom, with its own bathroom.

0:23:020:23:05

A guest suite for Debbie's daughter, perhaps.

0:23:050:23:09

The stairs we're climbing lead to a double bedroom,

0:23:090:23:11

which could be Debbie's master, as well as two further rooms.

0:23:110:23:15

Originally, there were three bedrooms on this side of the staircase,

0:23:160:23:20

so this could be another bedroom,

0:23:200:23:23

but the current owner has used it as a dressing room.

0:23:230:23:25

It's really quite nice,

0:23:250:23:27

-so that means you can keep that quite cupboard-free, can't you?

-Yes.

0:23:270:23:30

-And if you follow me...

-That's a good idea.

0:23:300:23:32

..the third bedroom...

0:23:340:23:35

-Bedroom?

-..was turned into a stunning bathroom.

0:23:350:23:38

Oh, my gosh!

0:23:380:23:39

-Wow.

-So up those stairs is your own suite, master suite.

0:23:390:23:45

You don't have to share it with anyone, including your dear sister.

0:23:450:23:49

-Good. Yes.

-Well, you've seen a lot of the house now,

0:23:500:23:53

-what are you thinking?

-I'm still liking it.

0:23:530:23:55

I'm still liking it.

0:23:550:23:57

-Are you loving it, though?

-I am, actually!

0:23:570:24:00

Outside, the house sits in a secluded spot, surrounded by farmland.

0:24:000:24:05

To the side of the barn is a courtyard area,

0:24:050:24:07

with numerous outbuildings,

0:24:070:24:08

including two carports.

0:24:080:24:11

The manageable garden has been designed for entertaining,

0:24:110:24:13

with a lovely area for enjoying the evening sun.

0:24:130:24:17

So here we are, back out in the garden,

0:24:180:24:20

where you have a lovely summerhouse.

0:24:200:24:22

-Yes.

-Glass of wine area, I call it.

-Definitely.

0:24:220:24:25

-But we need to talk about money, ladies.

-Ooh! Gosh.

-Wow.

-Yes.

0:24:250:24:30

You're nervous this time, aren't you?

0:24:300:24:32

Very nervous, and the problem is,

0:24:320:24:34

you've dangled this property in front of me,

0:24:340:24:37

and I'm thinking it's going to be very, very expensive.

0:24:370:24:40

I think 390, 395.

0:24:400:24:43

I'll go 395.

0:24:430:24:44

OK. Sandra?

0:24:440:24:45

I'll go higher. I think 400.

0:24:450:24:49

It's got to be.

0:24:490:24:50

Well, it was on the market for 425 a couple of months ago.

0:24:500:24:57

It's been reduced to 395.

0:24:570:25:00

We have spoken to the owners about your budget,

0:25:000:25:04

and they have said they are open to offers.

0:25:040:25:06

-OK.

-So if you're willing for some discussions?

0:25:060:25:09

I think a chat might be in order.

0:25:090:25:11

I think, you know, it could be yours.

0:25:110:25:13

-OK.

-Do you want it to be yours?

0:25:130:25:16

-Yes.

-You'd love it to be, wouldn't you?

0:25:180:25:20

And are you happy with that, Miss Sensible?

0:25:200:25:22

Oh, yes, yes!

0:25:220:25:24

Now that you know that,

0:25:240:25:25

have another look around what could be your house.

0:25:250:25:28

-Thank you.

-And I'll meet you in bit.

-OK. Thank you.

0:25:280:25:31

I do think it's ideal for her, so I hope that it all works out,

0:25:350:25:40

because it's a lovely, lovely property.

0:25:400:25:43

Over budget, but certainly open to offers,

0:25:450:25:48

the second property is a traditional Somerset long house,

0:25:480:25:52

which has been lovingly renovated to highlight its original features.

0:25:520:25:56

It has three bedrooms, including a self-contained guest suite,

0:25:560:26:00

an attached barn, and is surrounded by rolling farmland.

0:26:000:26:03

-A second bedroom.

-Yep. I'm really liking this, because when you come to stay,

0:26:070:26:11

you've got your own self-contained area.

0:26:110:26:15

Self-contained stairs.

0:26:150:26:17

Self-contained bathroom.

0:26:170:26:18

-Bedroom.

-Oh, how lovely.

0:26:180:26:20

Lovely, yes.

0:26:200:26:22

Yes.

0:26:220:26:23

The character of the property

0:26:230:26:25

lends itself to everything Debbie was hoping for.

0:26:250:26:28

The layout of the whole thing is just amazing.

0:26:280:26:32

-Oh, my gosh!

-Oh, my goodness!

0:26:340:26:38

I thought I'd seen it all.

0:26:380:26:39

I didn't need any more convincing.

0:26:390:26:41

I like this place. I can't believe this all belongs to this one little house.

0:26:410:26:46

Initial reaction was sheer joy - loved it, loved the aspect,

0:26:460:26:52

loved the location, loved the garden.

0:26:520:26:55

Once I went inside, still loved it.

0:26:550:26:58

Very impressed with the property.

0:26:580:27:00

I really have fallen in love with it.

0:27:000:27:02

How exciting that you've found somewhere you love.

0:27:030:27:06

It's very exciting.

0:27:060:27:08

-And overwhelming?

-Overwhelming is the word.

0:27:080:27:10

And then we've still got the mystery house to go tomorrow.

0:27:100:27:12

I look forward to it.

0:27:120:27:14

-Let's get a drink before that, though.

-OK.

0:27:140:27:16

We are in sunny Somerset,

0:27:270:27:29

helping retired teacher Debbie from the West Midlands find a country

0:27:290:27:33

home closer to family.

0:27:330:27:34

She's brought trusted sister Sandra along for support.

0:27:340:27:38

Up next, will our mystery house get an A star?

0:27:380:27:42

-Oh, right!

-It's cute, isn't it?

0:27:420:27:43

How interesting is that?

0:27:430:27:45

Yeah. It's a surprise.

0:27:450:27:46

-It is a surprise.

-A big surprise.

-Yes.

0:27:460:27:48

And I pick up the scent on what could be Somerset's most fragrant farm.

0:27:480:27:54

Did you know anything about lavender farming before you started?

0:27:540:27:57

No, we didn't.

0:27:570:27:58

Yesterday was a day of extremes,

0:28:000:28:02

with both Debbie and Sandra not warming to the old schoolhouse at all,

0:28:020:28:06

but Debbie feeling very much at home in the Somerset farmhouse.

0:28:060:28:09

We've got a job on our hands beating it,

0:28:110:28:13

but I'm hoping the mystery house will take Debbie on a classic trip

0:28:130:28:16

down memory lane.

0:28:160:28:18

What are you both wanting from today's mystery house?

0:28:180:28:22

We've had a little bet between ourselves as to what sort of is going to be

0:28:220:28:25

the type of property that's going to be shown to us.

0:28:250:28:28

I think it's going to be a barn conversion.

0:28:280:28:29

OK. And Sandra?

0:28:290:28:30

Yeah, I think the same.

0:28:300:28:33

Well, I don't... I've got to go against Debbie, haven't I?

0:28:330:28:36

-Yes.

-I've got to think of something completely different, off the wall.

0:28:360:28:40

-This isn't a very good bet, if you both think it's a barn conversion.

-It's not, is it?

0:28:400:28:43

Because I might be the only winner.

0:28:430:28:45

-Yes, you could be, in this.

-All right, I think it's probably going to be a little cottage.

0:28:450:28:49

-You think a little cottage?

-Yes, a little cottage, tucked away,

0:28:490:28:52

even a thatched cottage.

0:28:520:28:53

The mystery property is close to the village of Roadwater on the edge of

0:28:550:28:58

the Exmoor National Park,

0:28:580:29:00

a 45-minute drive from Debbie's daughter.

0:29:000:29:03

The closest town is the pretty settlement of Watchet on the North Somerset coast,

0:29:030:29:08

with its historic harbour,

0:29:080:29:10

romanticised by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

0:29:100:29:15

Debbie spent her childhood on the coast,

0:29:150:29:17

and I'm hoping Watchet's charm will persuade her that the journey to her

0:29:170:29:21

daughter is worth it.

0:29:210:29:23

You asked us to be within 30 minutes...

0:29:230:29:25

-I did.

-..of your daughter...

0:29:250:29:27

-Yes.

-..in North Petherton.

0:29:270:29:28

-That's right.

-What I'm asking you to do is consider

0:29:280:29:32

an additional ten to 15 minutes.

0:29:320:29:35

-OK.

-So you'd have a lovely harbour marina to visit.

0:29:350:29:38

-Yep, yep.

-And a beach to visit.

0:29:380:29:41

-Very nice.

-With your grandson.

0:29:410:29:42

I know you grew up by the coast.

0:29:420:29:44

-Indeed. We did.

-So how would it feel to be near the coast again?

0:29:440:29:48

Something I hadn't really considered, but I'm open-minded.

0:29:480:29:52

I love the coast.

0:29:520:29:53

-Of course.

-And I just didn't think it was a possibility.

0:29:530:29:56

The mystery house is a 15-minute drive inland from Watchet,

0:29:580:30:01

just outside the village of Roadwater in the Brendon Hills.

0:30:010:30:05

Amenities include a shop, a post office and a pub.

0:30:050:30:09

Debbie seems sold on the location,

0:30:090:30:10

but will the house be enough to sway her seaward?

0:30:100:30:13

Have a look at your mystery house.

0:30:150:30:17

Oh, wow!

0:30:170:30:19

That'd different again.

0:30:190:30:20

-Gosh.

-Thatched cottage.

0:30:200:30:23

Yes. Guess who's won their bet?

0:30:230:30:25

Yes, because Sandra said it would be a cottage,

0:30:250:30:28

not a barn, as you thought it might be.

0:30:280:30:31

A pretty, chocolate box cottage.

0:30:310:30:32

-It is.

-It looks quite small from here.

0:30:320:30:35

I'd be interested to see inside.

0:30:350:30:37

It might be a TARDIS.

0:30:370:30:38

Let's go inside.

0:30:400:30:41

The 300-year-old mystery stone cottage is the smallest property

0:30:410:30:45

I've shown Debbie and Sandra,

0:30:450:30:47

but hopefully the inside won't disappoint.

0:30:470:30:50

Oh, right, OK.

0:30:520:30:53

That's a surprise.

0:30:530:30:55

Big kitchen in a cottage.

0:30:550:30:57

And a lovely range.

0:30:570:31:00

A range.

0:31:000:31:01

Is it big enough for you, though?

0:31:010:31:03

Yes, lots of room in here, isn't there?

0:31:030:31:05

More than I expected.

0:31:050:31:07

And it feels very country kitchen.

0:31:070:31:08

It feels country kitchen, yes.

0:31:080:31:10

I don't think you'd want to change it.

0:31:100:31:11

No, no. And has it been renovated recently?

0:31:110:31:14

It has, five years ago.

0:31:140:31:16

-OK.

-Which is why I think everything's in such good condition.

0:31:160:31:19

-It is in good condition.

-It is, it's lovely. Very nice. I like it.

0:31:190:31:22

I like all of it, I like the floor, I like the surfaces,

0:31:220:31:25

I like the way it's been done, yes.

0:31:250:31:27

Next to the kitchen is the sitting room,

0:31:280:31:30

with steps leading down to a cosy snug.

0:31:300:31:33

The centrepiece is a wonderful dual-facing log burner.

0:31:330:31:36

-Oh, right!

-It's cute, isn't it?

0:31:380:31:40

How interesting is that?

0:31:400:31:41

So it's like a little snug down there.

0:31:410:31:42

-Exactly.

-Yes.

0:31:420:31:44

What an interesting layout.

0:31:440:31:46

Very. It's making the most of the space, isn't it?

0:31:460:31:48

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

0:31:480:31:50

And always nice to have a log burner.

0:31:500:31:52

-Oh, yes.

-Love them. We've both got one.

0:31:520:31:54

-Especially in a house like this.

-Oh, definitely.

-Yes.

0:31:540:31:57

Didn't expect this.

0:31:580:31:59

-It's a surprise.

-It is a surprise.

0:31:590:32:01

-A big surprise.

-Yes.

0:32:010:32:03

Because although it is small...

0:32:030:32:05

-Yes.

-..it's not too pokey, is it?

0:32:050:32:07

It's quite homely.

0:32:070:32:08

Exactly, and that just opens it out,

0:32:080:32:12

to make it feel much bigger, doesn't it?

0:32:120:32:15

-Yeah.

-Let's head on upstairs.

0:32:150:32:17

OK.

0:32:170:32:18

The only bathroom in the property is also found on the ground floor.

0:32:200:32:24

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms.

0:32:240:32:26

One is a twin, which is where Debbie's family guests could stay,

0:32:260:32:29

but we're heading to the master.

0:32:290:32:31

Ooh, that's unexpected!

0:32:340:32:36

Oh, right.

0:32:360:32:37

Everything about this cottage is unexpected.

0:32:370:32:40

-It is.

-Is everything bigger than you thought it would be?

0:32:400:32:43

Yes, this is, definitely.

0:32:430:32:44

Oh, in terms of from the outside?

0:32:440:32:46

Yes. There's a lot of furniture in here.

0:32:460:32:48

I don't think you'd necessarily need this much.

0:32:480:32:50

-No.

-But I don't know your wardrobe size.

-I've got lots.

0:32:500:32:53

So perhaps the second bedroom is your walk-in wardrobe.

0:32:530:32:56

-OK.

-Or Harry's room.

0:32:560:32:58

Have we not got another bedroom?

0:33:000:33:01

Nope, only two bedrooms.

0:33:010:33:02

-Right.

-OK. And the other bedroom's very similar to this one?

0:33:040:33:06

Yes, similar size, yeah.

0:33:060:33:07

-Right.

-OK.

0:33:070:33:09

I'm feeling it's very small.

0:33:090:33:10

-For me.

-In terms of the size of the rooms, or just...

0:33:120:33:15

-Space.

-Overall space.

0:33:150:33:16

Overall space.

0:33:160:33:17

Debbie asked for a minimum of two bedrooms,

0:33:190:33:21

but perhaps our previous properties with three bedrooms have raised her expectations.

0:33:210:33:27

Outside, a much-loved garden wraps itself around the cottage,

0:33:270:33:30

and includes a vegetable plot with raised beds and space for entertaining.

0:33:300:33:35

The type of garden you'd like?

0:33:380:33:41

Yes. Yes, it's certainly the size I would like,

0:33:410:33:43

and there's lots of scope to do all sorts with it, yes.

0:33:430:33:46

Yes, it's so peaceful.

0:33:460:33:49

And it's been beautifully done, hasn't it?

0:33:490:33:51

It's very well done.

0:33:510:33:52

Stunning. Absolutely.

0:33:520:33:53

There's a lot in that area.

0:33:530:33:56

Just, I'm amazed, it's so big.

0:33:560:33:57

-Yeah.

-How much would this property set you back, though?

0:33:570:34:00

Wow. Gosh.

0:34:000:34:02

I'll go for 350.

0:34:030:34:05

I think around 330.

0:34:050:34:07

It's actually on the market for £375,000.

0:34:080:34:13

-Oh.

-OK.

-Right.

-And that's been reduced, actually.

0:34:130:34:15

-Oh, gosh.

-So you have to remember, we're North Somerset,

0:34:150:34:18

where prices are a little bit higher.

0:34:180:34:19

We're inside the national park.

0:34:190:34:21

Yes. I forgot that.

0:34:210:34:23

And it's a good area of land, isn't it?

0:34:230:34:25

Yes, exactly. Do you want to have another look around?

0:34:250:34:27

-I think that's a good idea.

-Explore more of the garden, as well.

0:34:270:34:30

Yes, yes, we'd love to.

0:34:300:34:32

-And I'll meet you at the front.

-Yep, OK.

0:34:320:34:34

Under budget by £10,000,

0:34:360:34:38

our characterful mystery thatched cottage

0:34:380:34:40

comes with a large kitchen and two bedrooms.

0:34:400:34:43

The garden is sizeable and well maintained,

0:34:430:34:46

but the location, a few miles from the North Somerset coast,

0:34:460:34:49

and inside the Exmoor National Park,

0:34:490:34:51

takes Debbie outside her family comfort zone.

0:34:510:34:55

Could you see yourself in this room?

0:34:550:34:57

Well, yes, actually.

0:34:570:34:59

I wouldn't feel claustrophobic in here at all.

0:34:590:35:01

Even though it's a small window, it's very light and airy in here.

0:35:010:35:04

Look at the views. Stunning.

0:35:040:35:06

Yep.

0:35:060:35:07

It made me realise that, actually,

0:35:070:35:09

there's a lot more up towards this coast than perhaps I'd been looking at,

0:35:090:35:13

so I wouldn't have precluded this property on the basis

0:35:130:35:16

that it's a little bit further away.

0:35:160:35:18

It's a beautiful property, it's been lovingly restored,

0:35:190:35:23

it's in beautiful condition.

0:35:230:35:26

Unfortunately, I think it might be too small for Debbie.

0:35:260:35:29

Time's up, ladies. You've seen your three houses.

0:35:320:35:35

-We have.

-And it's lunch.

0:35:350:35:38

Oh, lovely!

0:35:380:35:39

-Let's go.

-Thank you.

0:35:410:35:43

Like many rural areas in Britain,

0:35:500:35:52

the Somerset farming economy faces challenges.

0:35:520:35:56

With milk prices falling,

0:35:560:35:57

many local dairy farmers have started to diversify in order to survive.

0:35:570:36:03

One such farm is Horse Pond, in the village of Falkland.

0:36:030:36:06

Where cows once roamed the fields,

0:36:060:36:08

today the fragrant scent of lavender fills the air.

0:36:080:36:12

Farmer Francis Green, along with his wife Judith,

0:36:120:36:14

have been growing lavender for the last ten years.

0:36:140:36:18

It's harvesting season,

0:36:180:36:19

so I've chosen the perfect time to find out more about the qualities

0:36:190:36:23

of this purple bloom.

0:36:230:36:24

This is absolutely stunning here.

0:36:260:36:28

-Thank you.

-What made you choose lavender?

0:36:280:36:31

Lots of other people diversify, into making ice cream, holiday lets.

0:36:310:36:36

We wanted to do something different.

0:36:360:36:37

Both Judith and I are interested in gardening, and the love of plants,

0:36:370:36:42

and we came across lavender, and here we are.

0:36:420:36:45

I've just been watching you harvest.

0:36:450:36:47

Talk us through that process.

0:36:470:36:49

It's unique, it's a purpose-built lavender harvester.

0:36:490:36:52

-OK.

-And as it drives up through the row,

0:36:520:36:54

it lifts and squeezes the plants together,

0:36:540:36:57

a reciprocating knife cuts it off,

0:36:570:37:00

So that when the harvester has passed over,

0:37:000:37:03

you can see it's been formed perfectly in a dome,

0:37:030:37:06

ready for next year's growth.

0:37:060:37:07

But did you know anything about lavender farming before you started?

0:37:070:37:11

No, we didn't, no, we didn't.

0:37:110:37:13

We had gone to Provence on holiday,

0:37:130:37:16

and saw how it was grown in Provence,

0:37:160:37:18

and harvested and distilled,

0:37:180:37:20

and that was something that we thought we could try and do over here.

0:37:200:37:24

Business is flourishing,

0:37:250:37:27

and today 50,000 plants are grown over ten acres of farmland.

0:37:270:37:31

There are over 100 different varieties,

0:37:310:37:34

and many of these can be found in the farm's pretty lavender garden,

0:37:340:37:38

the passion of Francis's wife Judith.

0:37:380:37:40

-Hi, Judith.

-Hi.

0:37:420:37:44

So this is your beautiful lavender garden?

0:37:440:37:46

Yes, it is, and we've got lots of different varieties of lavender here.

0:37:460:37:50

But your main area is English lavender, is it?

0:37:500:37:54

That's right, yeah.

0:37:540:37:55

Yeah, we focus on English lavender.

0:37:550:37:58

Which is this one over here, Folgate.

0:37:580:38:00

The English lavender, of course,

0:38:000:38:01

has been famous in cottage gardens for centuries, and it's a beautiful,

0:38:010:38:07

hardy lavender, which is great for our English climate.

0:38:070:38:12

And what about this variety?

0:38:120:38:14

These are the stoechas, often called the French lavender,

0:38:140:38:18

and they have these sterile bracts at the top,

0:38:180:38:20

but the flowers are actually these little dots down here.

0:38:200:38:23

Oh, yes.

0:38:230:38:25

And these aren't that hardy, so if you have a hard frost,

0:38:250:38:29

and they are in your garden, you can lose them.

0:38:290:38:31

Where does lavender come from?

0:38:310:38:33

Well, it comes from the Mediterranean, originally.

0:38:330:38:36

It likes really sunny, dry, free-draining soil.

0:38:360:38:41

So not very English at all?

0:38:420:38:44

No, but lavender has won our hearts and has become part of the English

0:38:440:38:48

cottage garden now, hasn't it?

0:38:480:38:50

It does, it does feel completely synonymous with that.

0:38:500:38:53

Once harvested, about 80% of the lavender grown at the farm is distilled on site

0:38:540:39:00

to produce oil, which is used in aromatherapy to treat pain,

0:39:000:39:04

relieve tension and improve blood circulation.

0:39:040:39:08

But dried lavender can also be made into crafty and creative products.

0:39:080:39:12

Judith has some to show me.

0:39:120:39:14

Well, you can make so many different things with it.

0:39:160:39:19

Apart from that, you can, you know,

0:39:190:39:21

make some really pretty things at home yourself, with the dried lavender,

0:39:210:39:26

or the fresh lavender flowers.

0:39:260:39:28

So yeah, the humble lavender pom-pom.

0:39:290:39:31

Yes, just to keep a room smelling lovely.

0:39:310:39:34

Oh, these would look lovely hung on the door.

0:39:340:39:37

The latest product, popular in Provence, is the lavender wand.

0:39:370:39:40

Handy for a sock drawer,

0:39:400:39:42

it's something you can make at home after a little practice.

0:39:420:39:45

The stems are bent backwards to form a cage around the buds,

0:39:450:39:49

which is then held neatly together by woven ribbon.

0:39:490:39:52

Oh, there's something very satisfying about this.

0:39:520:39:54

It is, yes,

0:39:540:39:56

and you can sit and while away a few hours in the afternoon with your

0:39:560:39:59

friends, and have a chat.

0:39:590:40:00

Maybe I'll sit here and have a cup of lavender tea.

0:40:000:40:02

Yes, please do, you would be very welcome.

0:40:020:40:05

You can try some lavender shortbread, too, if you like.

0:40:050:40:07

Only if you insist!

0:40:070:40:08

But before I get too comfortable,

0:40:080:40:10

there's the small matter of finding out what Debbie's next step is.

0:40:100:40:14

Afternoon.

0:40:150:40:17

It's been a busy couple of days.

0:40:190:40:21

Debbie, what would you like to do now?

0:40:210:40:24

What I would like to do is to perhaps follow up one of these houses.

0:40:240:40:29

I'm guessing house number two?

0:40:290:40:30

You're guessing correctly. You're guessing correctly.

0:40:300:40:33

So a second viewing?

0:40:330:40:34

-Yes, definitely.

-Just the two of you?

0:40:340:40:37

-No, Sandra...

-I'm going home.

0:40:370:40:39

-Ah.

-Yeah, and my daughter is coming down this evening,

0:40:390:40:43

and she will accompany me on the second viewing, so she'll have an input.

0:40:430:40:47

And if your daughter likes it just as much?

0:40:470:40:49

If she likes it just as much,

0:40:490:40:51

then we'll follow up with some more searches,

0:40:510:40:56

and then maybe approach the owners with a view to making an offer.

0:40:560:41:01

Tell us why you like house number two, the Somerset farmhouse, so much?

0:41:010:41:05

I love the environment, the proximity to a farm,

0:41:050:41:10

the hamlet aspect.

0:41:100:41:12

But the house itself was open, spacious, character-filled,

0:41:120:41:17

a little bit quirky, in some ways,

0:41:170:41:20

but at every turn there was a surprise,

0:41:200:41:23

and it was a pleasant surprise, and it just felt comfortable.

0:41:230:41:27

And you felt quite instantly that it was a place you should consider?

0:41:270:41:32

Absolutely, it was definitely Debbie's type of place.

0:41:320:41:36

Even from the outside, before we went inside.

0:41:360:41:38

And inside, and then outside again, it just confirmed everything.

0:41:380:41:42

And more so, didn't it?

0:41:420:41:44

-Yes.

-Well, we wish you well.

0:41:440:41:46

-Thank you.

-Good luck with house number two.

0:41:460:41:49

Thank you very much.

0:41:490:41:50

And I hope that you feel happy enough to make it all happen,

0:41:500:41:54

you never know, in a couple of weeks.

0:41:540:41:57

I look forward to visiting!

0:41:570:41:58

-Yes!

-And thank you for bringing Sandra along, she's been a lot of fun!

0:41:580:42:02

Thank you for all your help.

0:42:020:42:03

It's been a great couple of days.

0:42:030:42:05

My pleasure.

0:42:050:42:06

This is a huge move for Debbie, and it's happening because of family,

0:42:120:42:15

so it's completely understandable that she wants to involve them

0:42:150:42:19

in her second viewing of house number two.

0:42:190:42:22

This is the beginning of a new chapter in Debbie's life,

0:42:220:42:25

and I can see how excited she is about it.

0:42:250:42:28

We wish her the very best,

0:42:280:42:29

and I look forward to hearing news of her moving here to Somerset very soon.

0:42:290:42:32

See you next time on Escape To The Country.

0:42:320:42:35

Debbie went back to the long house with her daughter,

0:42:370:42:40

but in the end she decided it wasn't for her.

0:42:400:42:43

She's since bought a property in North Petherton, where her family live.

0:42:430:42:47

If you'd like to escape to the country in Wales, Scotland,

0:42:470:42:51

Northern Ireland or England, and need our help, you can apply online.

0:42:510:42:55

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