0:00:06 > 0:00:07This impressive White Scout car was
0:00:07 > 0:00:10built in 1943 during the Second World War
0:00:10 > 0:00:14and is just part of one of the largest privately owned collections
0:00:14 > 0:00:17of military equipment in the UK.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21In just a moment, I will tell you where we are and why it has such a
0:00:21 > 0:00:25special significance for where we are today.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Today, it's a love of the arts that is driving an imaginative twosome to
0:00:52 > 0:00:57head south and imaginations are allowed to run wild.
0:00:57 > 0:01:00Simple, elegant, but functional.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Yes. I thought he was talking about you for a minute there!
0:01:04 > 0:01:06No.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09And fortunately for our pair, when it comes to properties,
0:01:09 > 0:01:11size doesn't matter.
0:01:11 > 0:01:12Beams are rather nice.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Perhaps a little low, but we are only short.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21Today, I am in Devon, at the
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Cobbaton Combat Collection, which started off
0:01:24 > 0:01:30as one man's schoolboy hobby and has grown to encompass over 50 military
0:01:30 > 0:01:35vehicles and artillery pieces, as well as thousands of smaller items.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39This Scout car behind me wears the colours of the local Royal Devon
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Yeomanry Regiment based in nearby
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Barnstable and vehicles like this would
0:01:44 > 0:01:49have followed the 2nd Battalion to Normandy for the D-Day landings.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53Later on, I will be meeting the men behind this impressive collection
0:01:53 > 0:01:56and seeing more of these magnificent machines.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02The county of Devon sits in the South West of England,
0:02:02 > 0:02:03it shares three County borders,
0:02:03 > 0:02:05including Cornwall's, and meets the
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Bristol Channel to the north with the
0:02:07 > 0:02:08English Channel to the south.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13The southern coastline is dominated by both sandy beaches and fossil
0:02:13 > 0:02:17cliffs, whilst the northern edge is characterised by sheltered coves,
0:02:17 > 0:02:20fringed by rocky outcrops like those at Croyde and Woolacombe,
0:02:20 > 0:02:24as well as the dramatic dunes on display at Saunton Sands.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28Meeting the ocean in North Devon is Exmoor National Park,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31which spills into neighbouring Somerset.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Moving inland, the historic market town of Barnstaple is the social
0:02:36 > 0:02:39centre of North Devon and was an important trading centre
0:02:39 > 0:02:42for wool and pottery in the 16th and 17th centuries.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48In fact, Barnstable pottery has been found in archaeological excavations
0:02:48 > 0:02:51as far away as Maryland in the USA.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56So, with its natural beauty and quaint villages,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00where pastel-coloured cottages are topped with thatched roofs,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Devon is a county that showcases England at its very best.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11With miles of gorgeous coastline and wild moorlands that appeal to
0:03:11 > 0:03:13tourists and locals alike,
0:03:13 > 0:03:16you'd expect Devon to be an expensive place to live,
0:03:16 > 0:03:19yet the average price of a detached
0:03:19 > 0:03:24property here is only around ?13,000 above the national figure.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26Now, along with all this natural beauty,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30one of the biggest draws for many people is the famous
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Devon cream tea,
0:03:32 > 0:03:34which is estimated to contribute
0:03:34 > 0:03:37around ?85 million a year to the local economy.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41But after all the activities today's buyers
0:03:41 > 0:03:44are planning with this move, will they have time
0:03:44 > 0:03:46for this delicious delicacy? Let's find out.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50Former art teacher Maggie and her
0:03:50 > 0:03:53retired IT professional husband Martin
0:03:53 > 0:03:56met at school and have been together for 46 years.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Maggie is very creative.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05She is different to me in that she is a little less organised,
0:04:05 > 0:04:09perhaps a little bit more of an artistic temperament, let me say...
0:04:10 > 0:04:12..but we make a good couple.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18Martin has got quite strong opinions, he can be very forceful,
0:04:18 > 0:04:21but he also has a lot of charm.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24After a lifetime of work,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28they have decided to live the dream and leave the five-bedroom Stockport
0:04:28 > 0:04:30semi they have shared for over 30 years.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35As happy living in Stockport as we once were, we have both retired
0:04:35 > 0:04:38so we don't have any particular reason to be
0:04:38 > 0:04:39hanging around this area.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41We live on a major road, which is busy.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And although it is not particularly noisy,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47it does mean that we do not really have much of a community on
0:04:47 > 0:04:48this stretch of the road.
0:04:50 > 0:04:51And after visiting the region,
0:04:51 > 0:04:54they have decided it's Devon that they would like to call home.
0:04:54 > 0:05:01It has got the coastline, I love the coast, we want countryside.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04It is warmer down there and I am getting a bit old,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08and I don't really want to be enduring really cold winters.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12So, Devon seems to offer all the things we really like.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13And when they move south,
0:05:13 > 0:05:18they are keen to devote more time to their hobbies, both outdoors and in.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21When I retired, just under two years ago,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26I started to do some things that I had not done that I have always
0:05:26 > 0:05:30wanted to. I took up pottery and I take a pottery class once a week.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34I am a felt maker...
0:05:35 > 0:05:39..but I am also a fine artist and I want to paint more.
0:05:39 > 0:05:44So I would like to be able to go out with my paints and sit on a hillside
0:05:44 > 0:05:47in Devon, and paint the sea and paint the things I can see around me.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53So with their heads full of ideas, this creative couple can't wait
0:05:53 > 0:05:56to get stuck in to their new country life.
0:05:56 > 0:05:58I think, when we finally do it,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01then that will be the start of something new,
0:06:01 > 0:06:05but also the end of a chapter and we will be able to close that book and
0:06:05 > 0:06:07open the new book.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11Maggie and Martin have decided to
0:06:11 > 0:06:14plant their arty roots in the northern half of Devon,
0:06:14 > 0:06:17so that's where we are focusing our search.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19Ahead of our quest to find them their dream home,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23I am meeting them in the county to discuss the finer details of
0:06:23 > 0:06:25their requirements.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28Martin and Maggie, welcome to Devon, the two of you.
0:06:28 > 0:06:29BOTH: Thank you very much.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32There is a sense of urgency with this house-hunting
0:06:32 > 0:06:35because I believe you got some good news yesterday.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39We have exchanged contracts, the downside, slightly,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43is that we have a completion date, which is only two weeks away.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47So, we are homeless in two weeks' time.
0:06:47 > 0:06:48Right.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52I hope there is going to be something really good this week.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Nothing like being homeless in two weeks' time
0:06:54 > 0:06:56to really focus the mind with our houses.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Yes, that's right.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59What is it that you are after?
0:06:59 > 0:07:03We want somewhere that is on the outskirts of a village,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05because we'd like people to talk to,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08we also want somewhere where we can have a studio.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12So you're after a workshop, for both of you, is that right? That's right.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14So a workshop is up there as a priority,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16but tell me about the actual house you are after as well.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19We want a garden, somewhere I can grow vegetables.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24We want it to be light and airy, we have had a big Victorian house,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26we do not want to be too claustrophobic
0:07:26 > 0:07:27moving to a smaller house.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31We are fairly relaxed about styles.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35We would like a bit of quirkiness.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36How many bedrooms?
0:07:37 > 0:07:38Three would be good.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40What about views?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Views are important.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44It is such a beautiful county,
0:07:44 > 0:07:46it would be a shame not to be able to see it from the house.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50Hypothetically, if one or two of the properties don't have a workshop
0:07:50 > 0:07:53already done, are you happy to take on a little bit
0:07:53 > 0:07:55of a project and build one yourselves?
0:07:55 > 0:07:57Yes, we would certainly do that.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01We appreciate it is not always possible to find something suitable.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06So, what is our top budget? Remind us again what we're working with.
0:08:08 > 0:08:14Ideally it's going to be 350,000, but there is a bit of wriggle room.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17If we can find somewhere with a good studio,
0:08:17 > 0:08:19so we don't have to spend a huge amount of money on that,
0:08:19 > 0:08:22I think we could probably run up to
0:08:22 > 0:08:24around 380,000 for the right property.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28Well, we do have some splendid homes to show you.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31We know time is of the essence, so shall we get started?
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Let's go. Come on, then.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38For their top budget of ?380,000,
0:08:38 > 0:08:42Maggie and Martin want a character home with three bedrooms.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46The outside space is important and should offer options to grow fruit
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and vegetables, as well as a workshop in which
0:08:48 > 0:08:49to base their hobbies.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Location-wise, they would like a place
0:08:51 > 0:08:54where they can get stuck into the local community.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58The properties we have chosen will provide Maggie and Martin with a
0:08:58 > 0:09:03variety of styles, but it will only be after they have seen each one
0:09:03 > 0:09:04that its price will be revealed.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07The final visit to the mystery house will require them to open their
0:09:07 > 0:09:10creative minds, but, if they do,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12I think they will be very pleasantly surprised.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Our Devonshire property search is on its way to the village of
0:09:21 > 0:09:23Morchard Bishop in the heartland of mid-Devon.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26The village is overlooked by pastures green
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and dominated by the tower of the 16th-century church of
0:09:29 > 0:09:32St Mary's which, at 95 feet tall,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35stands almost 600 feet above sea level.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39There is a great sense of community here and a good selection of places
0:09:39 > 0:09:42to get to know the locals, including a popular dining pub.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45The car park here welcomes the Post Office van,
0:09:45 > 0:09:49which visits weekly after the village Post Office closed.
0:09:49 > 0:09:50Close to the centre of the village,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53we find this rather interesting property.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56Thought to date back to the 18th century,
0:09:56 > 0:09:57it sits neatly amongst its neighbours.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04Right, let's see what you make of this little offering.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Oh, wow! Oh, this is interesting, isn't it?
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Yes. Fascinating.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13Sum up this property for me, will you, before we step inside?
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Different. OK.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19I was going to use the word quaint, but I properly shouldn't.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22We like that, quaint and different.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Right, let's see what you make of the inside.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33This unconventional attached cottage is set out in an L-shape.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35It has been tastefully renovated and the front door,
0:10:35 > 0:10:37set beyond the courtyard,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40leads us into the house where we find a snug dining room.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45We're heading into the right-hand wing of the property.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48This is really what I wanted to start off with, the kitchen.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50It's lovely. I really like it.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52It's not huge but it's got everything.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54It's really nicely done.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56Beautifully finished, I have to say.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57To your taste? Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:10:58Very much so. Lovely.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Simple, elegant, but functional.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04I thought he was talking about you for a minute there!
0:11:04 > 0:11:05THEY LAUGH
0:11:07 > 0:11:09No. Right, I'm going to keep going.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13Heading out of the kitchen,
0:11:13 > 0:11:17we're crossing through the dining room to a large sitting room with
0:11:17 > 0:11:19windows to the back garden.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21This is nice.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25It is. This definitely counts as cosy, I would say.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Yeah. I can see you two sitting in this sitting room.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I think it's big enough to be properly usable
0:11:31 > 0:11:35but still small enough to be cosy, even with the beams,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37which bring the ceiling height down a little bit.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40It doesn't feel oppressive or claustrophobic.
0:11:40 > 0:11:42I do like it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It is lovely. It's a really nice house.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Well, I've shown you the downstairs.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50I'm going to take us upstairs and see what you make of the bedrooms. OK.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Above the dining and sitting rooms are three bedrooms,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57all served by a smart family bathroom.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00There's a double with a sloped ceiling and a skylight,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03another with a feature window to the front,
0:12:03 > 0:12:06and the master benefits from garden views.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09It's beautiful. It really is lovely.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13So far, so good, I think.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14Yeah. You happy?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17I would be definitely very happy living in this sort of space,
0:12:17 > 0:12:21so long as we have got some of the other things that we need.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22Yes. So far, so good.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25Let's see what we make of the
0:12:25 > 0:12:29outside space and opportunities there.
0:12:29 > 0:12:29Right, OK.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35Outside, an arc of steps leads up from the house
0:12:35 > 0:12:39to landscaped gardens, which include a large patio and a small pond,
0:12:39 > 0:12:41a summer house and shed,
0:12:41 > 0:12:44plus excellent views across neighbouring countryside.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49I think quite a large garden,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51considering from the front of the house it doesn't look like you have
0:12:51 > 0:12:53anything, does it? Exactly, that's right.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55It's quite deceiving.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57I can see your eyes searching.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59They will have to search, I'm afraid,
0:12:59 > 0:13:04because I don't have a workshop to show you but this land is flat.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07You could potentially build your own one here.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11Yes. I think that's a possibility, certainly.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14We've always felt that if there was the land available and it didn't
0:13:14 > 0:13:18compromise the garden, that would be the right thing to do.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24So, I'm now wondering if we can put a price on this former piggery with
0:13:24 > 0:13:26its wonderful view and garden.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30My feeling is we're probably about the top of the budget,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33plus obviously we need to build a studio,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36so I would guess probably about 350.
0:13:36 > 0:13:43OK. I'm going to be cheeky and hope it's a bit less, and say 340.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Are you really hoping? I'm hoping.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48I like it when you're cheeky because you could actually be a little bit
0:13:48 > 0:13:53cheekier. The asking price is offers in excess of ?250,000.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58How luxurious would you like your workshop to be
0:13:58 > 0:14:00with that spare money?
0:14:00 > 0:14:02Wow! That is stunning.
0:14:02 > 0:14:04That is amazing, yes.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Yes, I think that is quite a surprise.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Do you fancy now being cheeky and
0:14:09 > 0:14:11having another look around on your own?
0:14:11 > 0:14:12Oh, yes, definitely.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16I love that smile.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Be my guest. Go and take another look around the property and then
0:14:19 > 0:14:22come back out, and really study this area.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24I'm sure you will be drawing up plans in no time.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26I'm going to keep everything crossed.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Off you go. Thank you. Off you go.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37This 18th-century cottage has rung in at ?130,000 below budget.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39It's beautifully renovated.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It's full of character and has three bedrooms.
0:14:42 > 0:14:45There is a large garden with views, plus the option to build a great
0:14:45 > 0:14:48workshop, and it lies close to the village centre.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52This house is absolutely beautiful.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55It has been restored really sympathetically
0:14:55 > 0:14:57and with a sense of style.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59It is stunning. A really fabulous place.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03It's quite a stunning property, I have to say.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05A real surprise.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09You can't tell from the outside what you're going to find and it has just
0:15:09 > 0:15:11been so beautifully done.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15I think I was almost speechless, which for me is very, very unusual.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Have you seen enough?
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Yes. A lovely, lovely house.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26It really is beautiful. You said it was different and it was quaint.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28It seems to have delivered on all of those, doesn't it?
0:15:28 > 0:15:30Yes. It's quite a surprise.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Good. We like to do that to you. Let's hit the road.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43Devon's beautiful backdrop has provided inspiration to countless
0:15:43 > 0:15:47craftspeople and has also proved a draw for our creative couple.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50They are excited about indulging in their passion for the arts within
0:15:50 > 0:15:52its boundaries.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54They have come to meet Marek Drzazga,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57who was also drawn to the county over 20 years ago
0:15:57 > 0:16:00to base his bespoke architectural pottery business.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03They are meeting him at his studio on the outskirts of the village of
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Chittlehamholt, south of Barnstaple.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08What a beautiful place!
0:16:08 > 0:16:13Fantastic. What got you into pottery in the first place?
0:16:13 > 0:16:15Probably as a six-year-old kid in
0:16:15 > 0:16:19Cookham on Thames, seeing Dragon finials.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20Wow.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22I was always interested in
0:16:22 > 0:16:24architecture and then when I discovered it at
0:16:24 > 0:16:27art college in the early 20s, that was it.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Finials are designed to decorate the apex of a gabled roof.
0:16:33 > 0:16:34Creations such as Marek's finely
0:16:34 > 0:16:37crafted examples were popular in Gothic
0:16:37 > 0:16:40and Victorian times and date back much further.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44What do you particularly love about clay and pottery?
0:16:44 > 0:16:47Everything. I just immerse myself in it, I love it.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Absolutely love it. Although Marek's pottery is created in the Devonshire
0:16:50 > 0:16:55countryside, the consistency of the local clay isn't suitable
0:16:55 > 0:16:58for his work, so it is sourced from Stoke-on-Trent.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02There's lots of things that you do and it's more of an architectural
0:17:02 > 0:17:05ceramics, really, isn't it? Absolutely.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07It is basically
0:17:07 > 0:17:10clay work for buildings -
0:17:10 > 0:17:14ridge tiles, chimney pots, finials and bricks.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Marek has built up a global client list
0:17:18 > 0:17:20and makes each detailed piece to order.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24He is currently working on a collection of 16th-century-inspired
0:17:24 > 0:17:26chimney pots for a private client.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30When assembled, they stand at five feet tall.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34He uses a combination of traditional methods with his own techniques and
0:17:34 > 0:17:36is showing Maggie and Martin how to
0:17:36 > 0:17:39craft the top of the monumental pots.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43The method I've developed, basically I call it skimming,
0:17:43 > 0:17:47and this is turning a round object into an octagonal.
0:17:47 > 0:17:51It is basically pulling a template
0:17:51 > 0:17:54through the form.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57OK. And skimming away...
0:17:59 > 0:18:05..the clay. And progress all the way around, lightly at first.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Marek uses water to keep the clay lubricated.
0:18:12 > 0:18:17After a short period of time, I actually get a very sharp edge
0:18:17 > 0:18:18on the whole thing.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22So, if you want to give it a shot.
0:18:22 > 0:18:24Yes, please, because I'm all togged up.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Right, there you go. Over to you.
0:18:28 > 0:18:34So, if you keep it firmly down and pull it towards you.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37That's right. Just lightly with that and pull toward yourself.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41If you get it locked down at the bottom, pull towards yourself,
0:18:41 > 0:18:44nice and steady. Absolutely perfect.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Can I have a go, then? All right, then.
0:18:48 > 0:18:49Thank you. Change places.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Right, you stand on that side and laugh at him!
0:18:52 > 0:18:55OK, so holding on to here?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57That's it. Get locked in,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00pull through and then keep pressing it down.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03You start to get a feel for it after a while, don't you?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05After around 15 minutes of sculpting,
0:19:05 > 0:19:08the chimney top is a neat octagonal shape.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Marek takes the reins again for the final stage.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14Right, there we go. I think you've got the gist of it.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16Absolutely. There are two put
0:19:16 > 0:19:20together and that is what they should look like. Wow, fantastic.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23That is brilliant. Thank you so much for your time,
0:19:23 > 0:19:27that has been tremendous. My pleasure.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Full of inspiration, Maggie and Martin are even more
0:19:30 > 0:19:32determined to find a new place to call home,
0:19:32 > 0:19:34where they can revel in their passions.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44It's a new day in Devon and we are about to embark
0:19:44 > 0:19:45on the next leg of our journey,
0:19:45 > 0:19:49searching out a country paradise for Maggie and Martin from Stockport,
0:19:49 > 0:19:54where they can live the good life and let their creative juices flow.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58Armed with a top budget of ?380,000,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00we are tasked with finding a characterful home
0:20:00 > 0:20:01that has a garden fit for
0:20:01 > 0:20:05the green fingered as well as an artist's workshop.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08There is still our marvellous mystery house to come.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11I'm pretty much bowled over by this, I have to say.
0:20:11 > 0:20:15Are you? Yes. And I will be finding out how one pocket of Devon is
0:20:15 > 0:20:19safeguarding military memorabilia that tells the tales of the brave
0:20:19 > 0:20:23and victorious British Army during the Second World War.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It is an extraordinary experience, just to stand here.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35Well, yesterday went rather well with Martin and Maggie,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39although there is nothing like being homeless in two weeks' time to help
0:20:39 > 0:20:41focus the mind!
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Today, we are going to show our crafty couple two properties,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48one of which being the, "What could it possibly be?" mystery house.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Well, let me give you a clue.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54It's rather gorgeous, in a rural location,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56but will it give them everything they're after?
0:20:56 > 0:20:59Well, we'll have to wait and see because first I'm going to show them
0:20:59 > 0:21:02a property that could be the answer
0:21:02 > 0:21:04to their creative and artistic dreams.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10Our house hunt is taking as to the mid-Devon hamlet of Oldborough.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Less than a ten-minute drive away is the village of Copplestone.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Sitting in a valley and cutting through the village is
0:21:17 > 0:21:19the Tarka Line railway,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23which runs from Exeter to Barnstaple and is named after the 1927
0:21:23 > 0:21:25novel Tarka the Otter.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29In the scenic hamlet of Oldborough is this Grade II listed cottage.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35Right, may I present you your property?
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Wonderful. Thatch.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40Yes. But it's new thatch.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43It's only finished last year.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46So you've got... You keep an eye on it and make sure the ridge
0:21:46 > 0:21:49is always intact, you've got about 25 years there.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51It will probably see me out!
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Before I take you inside, what is going through your minds?
0:21:58 > 0:22:04It's beautiful. It's a very, very pretty looking place, I have to say.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08It is lovely. Right, shall we? Let's go. Super.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10This enchanting semidetached
0:22:10 > 0:22:13cottage is built from stone and is thought to
0:22:13 > 0:22:15have its origins in the 16th century.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24So, through the stable door, which leads us into our sitting-room.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Lovely. Beautiful oak floor.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28This is all new.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32The house has had a massive overhaul over the last few years.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34You can see a lot of work has been done on it.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35The beams are rather nice.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38Perhaps a little low, but we're only short.
0:22:39 > 0:22:41Super. Well, we'll keep going through.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Next-door is the kitchen...
0:22:48 > 0:22:52..which is kept toasty warm by the range.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Lovely. Oh, yes, oh, yes.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57This is a nice area, though.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00You have the kitchen and the dining area, so it is sociable.
0:23:00 > 0:23:06Actually quite bright as well with the French doors.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08It works well.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12Overall, this kitchen is giving us a very good impression.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I'm going to head upstairs now with the two of you.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17OK, lovely. See what you think there.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24The first floor has just as much charm as downstairs and offers a
0:23:24 > 0:23:26compact bathroom with three bedrooms.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30A narrow room at the back is in use as a study and then, at the front,
0:23:30 > 0:23:31there is a beamed double...
0:23:34 > 0:23:36..and next-door is the master.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40I think it would be fair to say this thatched house isn't huge but you
0:23:40 > 0:23:42still get your three bedrooms. Yeah.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44This is the master.
0:23:44 > 0:23:49It's beautiful. It really is well thought out and stylish.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51It's certainly interesting.
0:23:51 > 0:23:52We'll probably be in a better
0:23:52 > 0:23:55position to come to a view when we have seen a bit more.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56That's a good point.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Let's head outside and see what else there is on offer.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01I'll lead on, shall I? Yes, please, thank you.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03The outdoor space here provides
0:24:03 > 0:24:06everything Maggie and Martin have asked for.
0:24:06 > 0:24:08There are beautifully landscaped gardens featuring endless
0:24:08 > 0:24:12countryside views and it's ideally equipped for living the good life
0:24:12 > 0:24:15and indulging in creative hobbies.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17Wow!
0:24:17 > 0:24:18That's what I wanted to hear.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20A little bit of wow, yeah.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23That is definitely a view. That is wonderful.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28Now, the garden itself is about a third of an acre.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31The vegetable patch behind you and plenty of space.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34You've got a pond and you have even got your own well.
0:24:34 > 0:24:39I'm really getting to the main part, which is the workshop.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Yes. You might have noticed when we walked into the house and then came
0:24:42 > 0:24:44round, it was to the side.
0:24:44 > 0:24:45At the moment, it's a huge double
0:24:45 > 0:24:49garage but the owners don't use it to store their car.
0:24:49 > 0:24:51They use it for their hobbies.
0:24:51 > 0:24:55It has water and it has electricity, and it is pretty large.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57OK. So, let's see how much this
0:24:57 > 0:25:02thatched house is, with a beautiful garden, views to die for.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Let's see what the current asking price is, shall we?
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Who wants to go first?
0:25:05 > 0:25:07It's my turn.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09We've been so wildly out and I'm
0:25:09 > 0:25:14expecting to be still wildly out, but I'm going to say 300,000.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16OK. Martin?
0:25:16 > 0:25:20I suspect that we're probably around 345.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Oh, you're very close.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28The asking price is ?350,000.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32OK. And you are paying for being on the edge of a village...
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Yes. ..with those views.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37OK. I think you should have another look, on your own.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40Yes. I don't know how long I'm going to give you in that workshop.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42I might have to put a timer on because you might be in your element
0:25:42 > 0:25:44as you're looking around there!
0:25:44 > 0:25:46Yes. And, well, I'll meet you by the front door.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50Lovely. Thank you. Thank you very much. See you in a minute. Let's go.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56This Grade II listed thatched cottage is not only
0:25:56 > 0:25:58?30,000 under budget,
0:25:58 > 0:26:02but it also comes complete with wonderful original features along
0:26:02 > 0:26:03with its three bedrooms.
0:26:03 > 0:26:08It's got character and style, a fabulous garden with raised beds,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10country views, and that all-important workshop.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14It's a lovely house, it really is.
0:26:14 > 0:26:19It's got so much character and the thatch is just beautiful.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22I think the house is really nice.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24I think it's fairly compact.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28I think we would still struggle to get a lot of our stuff in here.
0:26:28 > 0:26:29I'm very taken with the garden.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33I think the garden is fabulous and the location is brilliant.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38The workshop, I think there's definitely the embryo of something.
0:26:38 > 0:26:39It's the right sort of size.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Needs a little bit of work, but we could really use that.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46So I'm very, very positive about this
0:26:46 > 0:26:50and I think there's probably enough left in the budget to give us a
0:26:50 > 0:26:52chance to do what we need to do.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58OK, you two? Yes. Indeed. Finished here?
0:26:58 > 0:27:00I think so. Thank you for getting the door, Martin.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02I think we're going to hit the road. OK. Let's go.
0:27:11 > 0:27:12Not far from Barnstable,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14the small village of Cobbaton is
0:27:14 > 0:27:17home to the Cobbaton Combat Collection,
0:27:17 > 0:27:18a display of military memorabilia
0:27:18 > 0:27:21from British and Commonwealth countries
0:27:21 > 0:27:23that dates to the period between
0:27:23 > 0:27:271939 and 1945, when World War II raged.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30I've come to meet Preston Isaac,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34who founded the museum on the family farm in 1981.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Preston. Good to meet you, sir. Welcome to Cobbaton.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40A beautiful, sunny morning.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42It's always like this in Devon, isn't it?
0:27:42 > 0:27:44Every day. Every day. Blue skies, sunshine.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46Yes, always. But as you come in here,
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I've already spied one of those tanks.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51So impressed with that. I mean, how did it actually start?
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Little boy collecting things.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56A little boy collecting things and it has got out of hand, hasn't it?
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Literally, yeah. What about the military angle?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00When did that come in? That started...
0:28:00 > 0:28:04Dad was in the Home Guard, and you used to hear bits and pieces.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07It's just a natural progression.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11Preston's father passed on militaria from his war days to help start his
0:28:11 > 0:28:13collection and, with the thousands
0:28:13 > 0:28:17of items ranging from a military button to a 50-tonne tank,
0:28:17 > 0:28:18every piece tells a tale.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23If you had a particular favourite - to put you on the spot -
0:28:23 > 0:28:25what would it be out of the whole collection?
0:28:25 > 0:28:29It's the Churchill tank, which is quite symbolic.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31And how long, with a vehicle like that,
0:28:31 > 0:28:35if it's constantly looked after and restored, how long will it last for?
0:28:35 > 0:28:39The main hull will last forever.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42You are talking about armour six inches thick.
0:28:42 > 0:28:46Preston's collection has stood the test of time and now it's his son,
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Tim, who is at the helm.
0:28:48 > 0:28:49I knew the collection was going to be vast,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51but I didn't quite appreciate
0:28:51 > 0:28:54it was going to be so many artillery pieces here. Well, yes.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57It's been 40, maybe 50 years, of collecting.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59We are surrounded by tanks here.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01When I spoke to Preston, your father,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04he mentioned his particular favourite was the Churchill tank.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06The Churchill, yes. I mean, I don't think...
0:29:06 > 0:29:08Am I allowed to touch it?
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Yeah. I don't think I've ever been close to a tank before.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13You know, you get the impression that they are going to be huge,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16but this is quite enormous.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19It's also pretty intimidating to be standing next to it.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21It is. Named after the then
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Prime Minister, Winston Churchill's family,
0:29:24 > 0:29:28Preston bought this tank in the 1970s for a few hundred pounds.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31It weighs in at 44 tonnes.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34There were several hundred of them all dumped in this scrapyard,
0:29:34 > 0:29:37just waiting for the price of steel to go up after the war.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Preston may only have paid the scrap price for the tank,
0:29:41 > 0:29:45but, just recently, Tim was offered over ?100,000 for it by a private
0:29:45 > 0:29:47collector. He said no.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52Do we have any idea when it was actually built?
0:29:52 > 0:29:55It was built in October 1944,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58so it was built for the final thrust of World War II,
0:29:58 > 0:30:00from D-Day further on.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02So it would have seen some serious action?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05I would think so. And how many crew
0:30:05 > 0:30:07would have operated a tank like this?
0:30:07 > 0:30:11There's a five-man crew - the driver, the hull gunner in the front,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15and then the commander, the loader gunner, and the radio operator.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19So would the crew have spent hours upon hours in this tank,
0:30:19 > 0:30:20working together as a close unit?
0:30:20 > 0:30:25They did. We've in fact met a radio operator who worked in a Churchill
0:30:25 > 0:30:27tank from D-Day onwards
0:30:27 > 0:30:31and he became very close to the other four men in the tank.
0:30:31 > 0:30:32They were a family.
0:30:32 > 0:30:36It's pretty awe-inspiring standing amongst these vehicles of war,
0:30:36 > 0:30:38but I'm lucky enough to be getting
0:30:38 > 0:30:40the opportunity to hop on board
0:30:40 > 0:30:45this self-propelled gun to get first-hand experience from up top.
0:30:45 > 0:30:46So this isn't a tank?
0:30:46 > 0:30:48It is an artillery gun,
0:30:48 > 0:30:51which has been mounted onto a tank chassis
0:30:51 > 0:30:53simply to propel itself around the battlefield.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56It is brutally basic, standing here.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58You get a feeling of being quite exposed.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00There's no ceiling to it. Why would that have been?
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Simply because we are slightly behind the front line,
0:31:02 > 0:31:06firing a barrage of fire over the infantry onto the target.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10My goodness. So we've got armoured sides and maybe a canvas roof if it
0:31:10 > 0:31:13were raining. Well, I'd love to see it move, that's for sure.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14Thank you, Tim. OK.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20You really do get a sense of what it must be like.
0:31:20 > 0:31:23We're standing here, and it's an impressive piece of kit,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26but to think this would have been operated
0:31:26 > 0:31:29with shells coming overhead, men dying on either side.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32It is an extraordinary experience just to stand here.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43Built in Canada from steel, with an aircraft engine,
0:31:43 > 0:31:452,000 of these vehicles were used by
0:31:45 > 0:31:48the British Army during World War II.
0:31:48 > 0:31:52And this mighty mover weighs in at around 30 tonnes,
0:31:52 > 0:31:54with top speeds of around 25mph.
0:31:56 > 0:31:59The vehicles in the collection are often taken to military shows
0:31:59 > 0:32:01and also feature in films.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04One even starred alongside Hollywood icon Brad Pitt,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07so I'm pleased to say I'm in good company!
0:32:08 > 0:32:12But, for now, it's time to get back to my house-hunting companions
0:32:12 > 0:32:14and continue with their property search.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24The North Devon hamlet of Churchill
0:32:24 > 0:32:26is the final property stop on our house hunt.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28It's our most remote location,
0:32:28 > 0:32:32but just a few minutes' drive away is the village of East Down,
0:32:32 > 0:32:35which provides a village hall to unite the local community
0:32:35 > 0:32:37and a great gastropub.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40Churchill sits in rural isolation,
0:32:40 > 0:32:43with far-reaching views across agricultural land,
0:32:43 > 0:32:46home to an abundance of wildlife.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48Our mystery house may be remote,
0:32:48 > 0:32:50but what it lacks in neighbours and community,
0:32:50 > 0:32:53it makes up for in many other ways.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58So, for our final time, in a way, here's your property -
0:32:58 > 0:33:01our mystery house.
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Yes. Yes.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05Indeed! Two yeses! It's about 200 years old.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07It looks a reasonable size, actually.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10Yes. I think...certainly an interesting location.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Well, I think you've hit the nail on the head there, haven't you?
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Because, for our mystery house,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16we've brought you much further afield.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19We've gone more north... Yes. ..but much more rural.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Surrounded 360 by views.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24There's a lot about this sort of location that appeals to me,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27and the house, yeah, looks solid.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30Great. Right, well, I think we should start, don't you?
0:33:30 > 0:33:31Yes, please.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36This delightful property was extended in 1998,
0:33:36 > 0:33:38which doubled its size to create the sunny,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41airy home we're about to discover.
0:33:41 > 0:33:42Please come in.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46Let's see what you make of our mystery house inside.
0:33:46 > 0:33:48First impressions...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50it's a lovely size.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53Yes. Beautiful-size room.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56The internal window's intriguing, obviously.
0:33:56 > 0:34:01This must have been two rooms and the outside wall.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Yes. You'd be right. That's the exterior wall.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06This probably was two rooms.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09They've kept that is a feature when they've extended the house.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13Lovely. So, really bright, roomy, spacious.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16Just off to our left, up those stairs, is a study,
0:34:16 > 0:34:19a really good-sized study, with a dual aspect,
0:34:19 > 0:34:22so you get plenty of light in there and views.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24This works. This does work for us.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Absolutely. I'm pretty much bowled over by this...
0:34:27 > 0:34:28I have to say. Are you?
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Yes. It's got that sort of openness that you don't always get in the
0:34:32 > 0:34:34cottages and...yes.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Love it. Yeah? Absolutely love it. Oh!
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Music to my ears. Let's keep going.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44At the back of the house, and divided by an open stairway,
0:34:44 > 0:34:45is the kitchen-diner.
0:34:48 > 0:34:49Oh, yes. I like the kitchen.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51It's good. This is a great space.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56Yes. The kitchen's lovely, but also having the diner there, where...
0:34:56 > 0:34:59OK, the staircase in-between but it's sociable.
0:34:59 > 0:35:04Yes. You know, if you've got friends round or even one of us cooking,
0:35:04 > 0:35:06and that is just a good sociable space.
0:35:06 > 0:35:11Yeah. Yes. It does work very, very well.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Yes. So, we're liking the kitchen, we're liking the dining area,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16we're liking everything we're seeing.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18In addition to this, if you just
0:35:18 > 0:35:20look past, you can see there's a doorway,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23that leads outside, but also you've got your utility room there.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25And I want you to remember that room
0:35:25 > 0:35:27because it could prove quite important later on.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31Right. OK. That's a big hint, wasn't it?
0:35:31 > 0:35:32I was going to say, that's subtle, yes.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Yes. But you've seen enough downstairs?
0:35:35 > 0:35:38Yes. Yes. Let's go and have a look up. Lovely.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42Above us, there's a surprise waiting for Maggie and Martin.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45Along with a tiled family bathroom are four bedrooms,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49meaning there are already options for a creative workplace.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51At the back of the house there is a dual aspect double
0:35:51 > 0:35:54and at the front are two equally bright bedrooms.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Then there is the master, which is concealing another surprise.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05Now, the downstairs is pretty spacious and you'll
0:36:05 > 0:36:09be pleased to know the upstairs is equally as suspicious.
0:36:09 > 0:36:10Wow. Yes.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13This is lovely. Yeah, this is your master.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16It has an en-suite.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18I know you didn't ask for an en-suite,
0:36:18 > 0:36:20but do you like the idea of having one?
0:36:20 > 0:36:22Yes, particularly when you've got guests.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24It does make life a little bit easier.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26I think it's always a bonus.
0:36:26 > 0:36:31It's not something we would necessarily expect, but, you know,
0:36:31 > 0:36:33any bonus is good.
0:36:33 > 0:36:39Good. So, overall, how would you rate this property inside?
0:36:39 > 0:36:43It's very, very good. Really, I think it's got
0:36:43 > 0:36:46pretty much what we've been asking for,
0:36:46 > 0:36:51so long as we can sort out workshop and, so, definitely fingers crossed,
0:36:51 > 0:36:52this would be a goer for us I think.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55Yeah. Now, we're going to head back downstairs,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57but you two are creative.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00I want your imagination to work for the next thing
0:37:00 > 0:37:02I'm going to show you. OK.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08The outside space sits to the front with a lawn and a terrace,
0:37:08 > 0:37:11perfect for enjoying the warmer months.
0:37:11 > 0:37:16The house also enjoys spectacular views across Exmoor National Park.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Now, let's talk a little bit more detail about the garden,
0:37:20 > 0:37:25the property and also the potential for a workshop.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27I think I've given it away there, haven't I?
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Yes. The potential for a workshop.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31The way it's set up at the moment,
0:37:31 > 0:37:33you do have like a small barn at the side.
0:37:33 > 0:37:38I'm guessing that might not be quite big enough for what you're after.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40However, you've got the shed the other side of it,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44but you have all that land that, in a way, is to the side of the house,
0:37:44 > 0:37:45so it's not going to spoil the view,
0:37:45 > 0:37:47it's not going to detract from the property.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52There could be the potential there of putting a really big workshop in
0:37:52 > 0:37:56and you could have it connected to the house, if you wanted to.
0:37:56 > 0:37:59Yes, I think there is certainly the opportunity to put something there.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02There's somewhere to put it. Yeah. I do think it's a lovely,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04lovely building that has the potential to work for us.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06I think it could be a lovely home.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10Well, let's see what price we're going to put on our lovely home.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12What are we thinking?
0:38:12 > 0:38:15Well, I've been way out every time that I've guessed so far,
0:38:15 > 0:38:17but I'm going to go to the top of our budget.
0:38:17 > 0:38:21I think it's probably going to be about 375. OK.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26Bearing in mind the fact that we do have to do some work for a workshop,
0:38:26 > 0:38:31and we do need some budget, I'm going to hope around about 360.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33You're both actually very close
0:38:33 > 0:38:39cos the asking price is ?369,000.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41OK. Yes. That's...
0:38:41 > 0:38:42Yes. Squeezing it.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Yes. But I guess we probably knew
0:38:45 > 0:38:48that we would be squeezing it at some point. Yes.
0:38:48 > 0:38:51Would you like to take another look around?
0:38:51 > 0:38:52Yes. Yes. Yes, please. Please do.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55The gardens, the potential for that all-important workshop.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57And come and find me when you're ready.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59OK. Lovely. Good. Thank you.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06This double-fronted cottage is
0:39:06 > 0:39:09?11,000 under budget and offers a bright
0:39:09 > 0:39:12and roomy living space, plus character features
0:39:12 > 0:39:13and four bedrooms.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15It has wonderful views from the
0:39:15 > 0:39:19garden and there is also the potential to create a workshop.
0:39:19 > 0:39:23The mystery house may be remote, but it's perfectly packaged.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25I think this house is absolutely lovely.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29It's been redeveloped in a sensitive way,
0:39:29 > 0:39:31with a great sense of style.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34It's light, it's airy and it's quirky.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36It's lovely.
0:39:36 > 0:39:38I think the house is great,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41I really do. I think it's a big house,
0:39:41 > 0:39:43there is room for what we need.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45I like it a lot.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49It is so beautiful out here today.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's lovely. Oh, and the sun's shining.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54Glorious. Fabulous.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57Yeah. Amazing views, but I'm going to have to pull you two away now,
0:39:57 > 0:39:59I'm afraid. Let's go somewhere where you two
0:39:59 > 0:40:00can have a chat on your own first.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02I'll join you and you can tell me what your
0:40:02 > 0:40:04next move's going to be. Right. OK.
0:40:09 > 0:40:13Well, we know Martin and Maggie need to find a new home,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16but will they be moving into any of our properties here in Devon?
0:40:16 > 0:40:17Let's find out.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Well, Martin and Maggie,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30I wonder how we've done here in Devon for you.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33Have we found you your next home?
0:40:33 > 0:40:35I think you might well have done.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Sharp intake of breath.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41OK. But which one in particular took your fancy?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44I think the one that is highest on our list
0:40:44 > 0:40:48is undoubtedly the mystery house. Yes! Think it's a beautiful house.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51Yeah. We need to work out how we
0:40:51 > 0:40:54would handle the workshop and we are also
0:40:54 > 0:40:56a little bit uncertain about the location,
0:40:56 > 0:41:00because it is a little bit more remote. It is. Yes.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03I'm going to need to go and walk round the area and see
0:41:03 > 0:41:05how I'd be able to connect with
0:41:05 > 0:41:07neighbours and what sort of community
0:41:07 > 0:41:08there is down the hill. Yeah.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12It is a beautiful place and a beautiful, beautiful house.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13Oh, I'm so delighted.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Did you get that feeling that you
0:41:15 > 0:41:19could be creative and have a lovely life at that property? Oh, yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21It is a lovely house, lovely atmosphere in the house.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Well, it's all sounding very promising,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26but what is the next important step for you two?
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Well, we have had a quick chat with the owners.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Already? Yes. Indeed.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36And we are going to go back and have another look.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40We're keen enough to get back and look at it in more detail.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Yeah. That's tomorrow. My goodness.
0:41:43 > 0:41:44Well, that is delightful news.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48I leave you literally for a couple of hours and this is what happens.
0:41:48 > 0:41:49Well, I hope all your questions get answered,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53that second viewing is as successful as the first.
0:41:53 > 0:41:54Thank you. And who knows?
0:41:54 > 0:41:56In a few weeks, a few months' time, well,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58we know you're going to be residents of Devon,
0:41:58 > 0:42:01but you might be living in that splendid mystery house.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Yes. You will let us know how you get on, won't you?
0:42:03 > 0:42:07Oh, we will. Of course. Delightful. Thank you both so very much.
0:42:07 > 0:42:08Thank you. Thank you very much, too.
0:42:13 > 0:42:18Well, I think mentally both Maggie and Martin have left Stockport way
0:42:18 > 0:42:23behind and physically are certainly a big step closer to a new life here
0:42:23 > 0:42:27in Devon. They've loved all the locations that we've shown them,
0:42:27 > 0:42:29but I am so happy that they've
0:42:29 > 0:42:33already been in touch with the owners of our mystery house
0:42:33 > 0:42:36and are having a second viewing very, very soon.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39I so hope it works out for them
0:42:39 > 0:42:42and I'll see you again on Escape To The Country.
0:42:44 > 0:42:48Maggie and Martin did revisit the mystery house and, although they
0:42:48 > 0:42:52still loved it, they've decided it was a little too remote for them.
0:42:52 > 0:42:56But I'm happy to report that they've since had an offer accepted on a
0:42:56 > 0:42:59detached cottage with a workshop in North Devon.
0:43:00 > 0:43:01If you would like to escape to the
0:43:01 > 0:43:04country in Northern Ireland, Scotland,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Wales or England and need our help, please apply online at...
0:43:42 > 0:43:45Sir Terry was the ultimate master at talking to his audience.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48Thank you for being my friend.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50He comes from a country where the national hobby is talking.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52This show is totally unrehearsed!
0:43:52 > 0:43:54Terry Wogan and BBC go together.
0:43:54 > 0:43:57You either have it or you don't, and he had it like nobody else.