0:00:03 > 0:00:07This stunning landscape so mesmerised one of our most influential poets,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11that he would happily spend from dawn to dusk exploring the local
0:00:11 > 0:00:15moorlands, sometimes covering 30 miles a day.
0:00:15 > 0:00:18But who was this wandering wordsmith and where am I?
0:00:18 > 0:00:20We'll find out in just a moment.
0:00:37 > 0:00:40Today, I'm joining a couple of newlyweds on their journey to find
0:00:40 > 0:00:42a forever home for the whole family.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44I can see the potential there.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46Yeah, I can see that suiting your parents.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49- Self-contained.- We don't have to see them when we don't want to!
0:00:50 > 0:00:53After putting our property finding skills to the test,
0:00:53 > 0:00:56it looks like they're ready to put down roots.
0:00:56 > 0:00:57Where would the Christmas tree go?
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- That side or that side? - SHE LAUGHS
0:01:00 > 0:01:02That means you've moved in when you make that decision.
0:01:02 > 0:01:03That's great.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Today we're on Exmoor and I am on the Coleridge Way,
0:01:08 > 0:01:10which is a 50-mile walking trail
0:01:10 > 0:01:14that traces the steps of the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge,
0:01:14 > 0:01:17who used to live in Nether Stowey, not far from here, for about three
0:01:17 > 0:01:20years, right at the end of the 18th century.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25He would spend days exploring this wild and beautiful countryside and
0:01:25 > 0:01:28it was during that time that he wrote his two masterpieces,
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Kubla Khan and The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Even after 200-plus years, it's still pretty inspiring.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Exmoor National Park sits on the north coast of Devon and Somerset,
0:01:40 > 0:01:43stretching across the two counties.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46It covers almost 270 square miles
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and is made up of huge expanses of open moorland,
0:01:48 > 0:01:52deep wooded valleys and dramatic coastline,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55including the highest sea cliffs in England.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58This beautiful landscape has also inspired the work of poet
0:01:58 > 0:02:01William Wordsworth and RD Blackmore,
0:02:01 > 0:02:04whose novel Lorna Doone was based on local legends.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08The picturesque hamlet of Malmsmead marks the entrance to the Doone Valley
0:02:08 > 0:02:13and the view of its grade two-listed packhorse bridge is one of
0:02:13 > 0:02:14the most photographed in Exmoor.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20This national park is home to diverse wildlife but is also a
0:02:20 > 0:02:24living and working landscape scattered with towns and villages.
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Two of the most popular are the Devon coastal village of Lynmouth
0:02:27 > 0:02:31and the town of Lynton, perched 500 feet up on a cliff.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36The twin resorts, nicknamed Little Switzerland, are connected by a
0:02:36 > 0:02:40water-powered cliff railway enabling visitors to enjoy a boat ride in
0:02:40 > 0:02:43the harbour below before gliding up the cliff side
0:02:43 > 0:02:46to take in the spectacular views of Exmoor and its coastline.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52The lion's share of Exmoor national park sits within the county of
0:02:52 > 0:02:57Somerset. And here you would spend on average around £319,000 for
0:02:57 > 0:03:00a detached house, which is pretty much on a par with the national figure.
0:03:00 > 0:03:05However, things change pretty radically if you want to buy inside
0:03:05 > 0:03:07the national park itself.
0:03:07 > 0:03:13Here, estate agents estimate a 10% to 20% surcharge to get a nice rural
0:03:13 > 0:03:14property inside the park,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19but if you want a rural property inside the park near the coast,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22then that figure shoots up to 50%.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26So let's meet today's buyers and find out where they want to live in
0:03:26 > 0:03:30this beautiful, but surprisingly expensive corner of England.
0:03:31 > 0:03:36Newlyweds Matt and Daisy met six years ago at their local cricket club.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39They bought their first home together two years ago,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42a terraced cottage in North Marston, Buckinghamshire.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46It is a perfect first house, but we do have a lot of stuff.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47We both have quite a few hobbies,
0:03:47 > 0:03:50and they generally come with bits and bobs, and the dog.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53So she comes with quite a lot of stuff.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Whilst we do love being in the village and having people close by,
0:03:58 > 0:04:00having neighbours, having a pub just four doors down,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02we like being away from it all.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05We like the fact that we can escape.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Until recently, Matt's job as a quantity surveyor
0:04:08 > 0:04:10has tied him to a London commute,
0:04:10 > 0:04:14but a new role has offered him the flexibility to work from home.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17And with Daisy about to complete her masters degree in zoology and
0:04:17 > 0:04:20wildlife conservation, it's the perfect time to make the change.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25We are particularly drawn to Exmoor for a couple of reasons.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27Daisy's family are all from there
0:04:27 > 0:04:30and still live in that area and we go down there quite often.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32We absolutely love the area.
0:04:32 > 0:04:33It's the stunning scenery,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36the activities you can do down there and we go for long walks with the dog
0:04:36 > 0:04:39and we don't have to worry about putting her on the lead because we
0:04:39 > 0:04:41can just let her run free in the fields.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44With a countryside move on the cards,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47it has prompted them to think about the future.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51I'd really like to get maybe a job with the national park or maybe one
0:04:51 > 0:04:54of the wildlife trusts down in Devon or Somerset.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56We want a different lifestyle.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01We want to have some land where we can keep some, hopefully horses, and sheep.
0:05:01 > 0:05:03I really want to get back into riding again.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We'd also like to get a chicken straightaway.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07Got to have your eggs.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Along with dog Bramble, a horse and the chickens,
0:05:12 > 0:05:14there are two other family members
0:05:14 > 0:05:16that need to be factored into the move.
0:05:16 > 0:05:17We are in a fortunate position,
0:05:17 > 0:05:20where my parents are looking to downsize
0:05:20 > 0:05:22and they are looking to travel the world a bit more,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25to see both my brothers, who live in different countries,
0:05:25 > 0:05:30so we made a decision as a family that they would come in with us on
0:05:30 > 0:05:34this move, with the intention of having a separate annexe or cottage,
0:05:34 > 0:05:35if possible, on the property.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39Matt's dad has experience in the construction industry
0:05:39 > 0:05:42and Daisy and Matt are happy to get stuck in, too,
0:05:42 > 0:05:46which could come in very useful on the search for their forever home.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48When we moved into this house,
0:05:48 > 0:05:53the garden was pretty much just a flat piece of rubble area,
0:05:53 > 0:05:56so with the help of my parents, we've redesigned the garden,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00we've brought about seven tonnes of soil in, to level it off.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03Daisy often finds me out there of an evening, after work,
0:06:03 > 0:06:06watering the plants and vegetables.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I think sometimes she thinks I'm more taken by the garden than
0:06:10 > 0:06:11spending time with her inside.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Matt and Daisy are happy to look at properties anywhere in and around
0:06:18 > 0:06:21Exmoor with good access to bridleways.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I'm meeting up with them in the middle of the national park to find
0:06:24 > 0:06:26out the finer details of the move.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30Welcome to Exmoor, guys, although this is a bit of home from home for you,
0:06:30 > 0:06:31isn't it? You were born here?
0:06:31 > 0:06:34Yes, I was born in Barnstaple, just up the road, and have got family,
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- over the moor. - It's quite an unusual move,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38because your mum and dad are coming, Matt,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40we need to find somewhere for them to live,
0:06:40 > 0:06:43but in terms of the house for you, what are you looking for?
0:06:43 > 0:06:44What's the dream parameters?
0:06:45 > 0:06:48For us, we would really like a detached property.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50We, at the moment, are in a terrace,
0:06:50 > 0:06:52so we would really like some more space of our own.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Maybe with some land for a horse or two.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57How many acres are you looking for?
0:06:57 > 0:07:00Ideally, somewhere in the region of one to one and a half,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03- that would be the minimum. - What about the location?
0:07:03 > 0:07:05Are you looking to be at the edge of a village, or out in the sticks?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07We are quite easy, to be honest,
0:07:07 > 0:07:10we love the rural setting and we love being in Exmoor,
0:07:10 > 0:07:14so that would be perfect, but at the same time, if it was in a village,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16we're not worried. We're used to village atmosphere.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19In terms of the style, are you looking for modern or old?
0:07:19 > 0:07:20Not a new-build.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Although some are done very sympathetically.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25We understand that. Something with a bit of character.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28Obviously you can get more for your money than in Buckinghamshire,
0:07:28 > 0:07:31which I think is one of the most expensive counties in the country.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33- Yeah.- So, your budget, tell me about your budget,
0:07:33 > 0:07:35because we are combining a bit of money from your mum and dad.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Correct.- They are going to be there six months out of the year, is that right?- Ideally!
0:07:39 > 0:07:42Yes, and they're going to be taking some of the equity out of their house,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44contributing it alongside ours,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47to hopefully get a nice little property that they can come back to.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- So you're putting the lion's share in?- Yes.- So what's our budget?
0:07:50 > 0:07:51What are we actually looking at?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54625 is sort of our maximum.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Well, it's a challenge, you've given us a challenge, I have to admit.
0:07:57 > 0:08:02But it's a beautiful area and there are some lovely properties and all of them have these amazing views.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06So, let's get in the car and show you the first one.
0:08:06 > 0:08:07Follow me.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Combined with the capital from Matt's parents,
0:08:10 > 0:08:14Daisy and Matt have an overall budget of £625,000
0:08:14 > 0:08:17to buy a detached character property.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20It should have at least three bedrooms as well as
0:08:20 > 0:08:21a self-contained annexe,
0:08:21 > 0:08:25ideally in a separate dwelling, for Matt's parents to live in while they
0:08:25 > 0:08:26are in the UK.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29They also need a minimum of an acre of land for Daisy's
0:08:29 > 0:08:31horse and animals.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35I've got a great selection of rural properties to show them,
0:08:35 > 0:08:38with plenty of space for the family, as well as the animals.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40But before revealing the price of each,
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I'll be asking them to take a guess.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Our final property will be our mystery house, thrown into the mix,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48to test where their priorities lie.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55So, is this, literally...
0:08:55 > 0:08:57Did you come on childhood holidays here,
0:08:57 > 0:08:59are you really familiar with the whole area?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02My summers were normally a couple of weeks at home and then I would spend
0:09:02 > 0:09:05a week with my nan in Wales, a week with my auntie in Woolacombe
0:09:05 > 0:09:07and then a week here.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09So is it atmospheric to come back?
0:09:09 > 0:09:10Does it feel...
0:09:10 > 0:09:13Always, every time we came back, it felt like coming home.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Our search begins in the North Devon hamlet of Charles
0:09:21 > 0:09:24on the south-western edge of Exmoor.
0:09:24 > 0:09:25Part of the parish of Brayford,
0:09:25 > 0:09:29the main village is just two miles away and has a great community feel
0:09:29 > 0:09:32with regular farmers' markets and a number of events
0:09:32 > 0:09:34hosted at the village hall.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36The village got its name when the River Bray,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39which runs through its centre, was forded.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42This has since been replaced by a bridge which is now an access point
0:09:42 > 0:09:46for the thousands of visitors to the national park.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Back in Charles, in a serene setting,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51I'm hoping our first property will appeal to Matt and Daisy.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Come in, come in. This is your garden and, potentially, your house.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- House number one.- Wow!
0:10:00 > 0:10:01- Lovely.- Yeah.
0:10:01 > 0:10:02- I really like it.- Really nice.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07I love the cream sort of white exterior to it.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08It's very quaint and very cute.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Definitely the style we're looking for.
0:10:10 > 0:10:11- Is it?- Yes. Yeah.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- Very much.- That's good. - It's a beautiful setting.
0:10:14 > 0:10:15Let's go and see inside.
0:10:16 > 0:10:20The original part of this property dates back to the mid-17th century
0:10:20 > 0:10:22with the main living areas to the front.
0:10:24 > 0:10:27An extension to the rear has added a library area
0:10:27 > 0:10:28to the main living room,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30an office, and a utility room,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33with a back entrance leading to the kitchen.
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Come on in. Kitchen, the heart of the home.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- It's lovely.- Really nice.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40- Lovely room.- I really like it.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43- I love the range.- It's not a huge kitchen but because it's knocked
0:10:43 > 0:10:45through into the kind of dining room/breakfast room,
0:10:45 > 0:10:47it feels much bigger than it perhaps is.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49I think it's functionable.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53You've got plenty of work space to do all your bits and bobs.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55We'll go into the sitting room next.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Lovely room here. Very cosy.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Mind your head. Matt, how tall are you?
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- Six foot four.- Six foot four, OK.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06You can stand up inside.
0:11:06 > 0:11:07This is the living space.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09You've got that extension at the back,
0:11:09 > 0:11:11which was put on by the previous owner.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be, actually.- Much, yes.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- And then around the corner there's actually a little office as well.- Perfect.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19- Just what you need.- Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21I love the fireplace as well.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It's beautiful. So, where would the Christmas tree go?
0:11:23 > 0:11:25That side or that side?
0:11:25 > 0:11:27- SHE LAUGHS - That's one for you to decide now.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29That means you've moved in when you make that decision.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33That's great. So, no negatives so far?
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- Not so far.- It's cosy.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36Let's look upstairs.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41Matt and Daisy seem to be warming to this place.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Upstairs, the extension has provided bathrooms for each of the three
0:11:45 > 0:11:48double bedrooms. Two en-suite and one as a family bathroom.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51They use this as the master bedroom.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54This is the one you'd use because it's got an en-suite and a walk-in
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- wardrobe.- It's big enough,
0:11:56 > 0:12:00especially head height-wise for Matt, but still doesn't feel like
0:12:00 > 0:12:01really big and it feels cosy.
0:12:01 > 0:12:06I love these character beams that add a bit more flavour to the property.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10Yeah. Ticks a lot of boxes from our side, definitely.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Yeah.- Obviously, there's another two people involved in it.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15Let's go and tackle that head-on.
0:12:15 > 0:12:16Perfect.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Outside, Matt and Daisy would inherit some lovely plants in the beautiful garden,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25which has been well looked after by the current owner,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27who runs a plant nursery.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31There's also a small annexe on the site, which has a living room,
0:12:31 > 0:12:34kitchenette and bedroom in the converted loft.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37But, my suggestion for housing Matt's parents would be the
0:12:37 > 0:12:41partially converted outbuildings on the other side of the garden.
0:12:41 > 0:12:43So, just bear this bit in mind.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48It has a larger footprint than the existing annexe and is in a more
0:12:48 > 0:12:52secluded spot with its own garden area beside a pretty pond.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55Come up here, then you can survey your whole domain.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58So, it's a little bit complicated.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01But this is the property you probably want to convert
0:13:01 > 0:13:03for your parents.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- OK.- It goes out quite a bit away on the side.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10On the other side, there's a studio and it's got electricity in it.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14So, you'd obviously have to get planning permission to convert it.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17But this was actually a row of workers' cottages.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20Part of the oldest bits of the property.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- So, I can't imagine it would be that difficult to get planning permission to convert.- Yes.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Looks a good-sized space, doesn't it?- Very good, yes. You can see the potential in it.
0:13:28 > 0:13:30I can see that suiting your parents really well, actually.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32You can see that this is all their garden.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34It has a separate gate there.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37This would be a perfectly self-contained area.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Yeah. We don't have to see them and we don't want!
0:13:41 > 0:13:44So, what do you think about the land aspect?
0:13:44 > 0:13:47Obviously, I don't think there's room for the horse on here.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Ah! But...
0:13:51 > 0:13:53On the other side of the road,
0:13:53 > 0:13:57there is a three-and-a-half acre paddock...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- Oh, wow!- ..that belongs to the property, too.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Perfect.- Yeah. That wasn't expected. - I'll get my horse on there.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Didn't expect that at all. - No, I didn't.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12It's a lovely size as it is but that's definitely a massive bonus.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Bonus - yeah.- How much do think this whole little bundle of loveliness
0:14:15 > 0:14:20- costs?- I'm going to say 600.
0:14:20 > 0:14:24I'd go, to be cheeky, I think, 590.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Well, I'm afraid you're both wrong.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Hm.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33This property is on the market for
0:14:33 > 0:14:35£525,000. SHE LAUGHS
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- Really?- Wow!- I wasn't expecting that, to be fair.
0:14:38 > 0:14:39No, really wasn't.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Go and poke inside these outbuildings to see whether
0:14:41 > 0:14:45that's going to work and have a look at the pastures new.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Perfect. Thank you so much.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47- Thank you.- Go explore.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Aw! I feel like we've given them a wedding gift.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56It's so beautiful and it could work.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59An amazing £100,000 under budget,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01this three-bedroom detached cottage
0:15:01 > 0:15:03would make a wonderful home for them,
0:15:03 > 0:15:06and there's a substantial separate building
0:15:06 > 0:15:07for Matt's parents, too,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10which could be developed, subject to planning consents.
0:15:10 > 0:15:14The property comes with just over three acres of paddock,
0:15:14 > 0:15:15and is right on the edge of Exmoor.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22- Lovely space.- You could fit a bedroom in here.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25Yes, you could definitely see the potential in it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29With our budget, we thought we would have to settle for an annexe adjoined,
0:15:29 > 0:15:32so having that separate property, a little bit further away,
0:15:32 > 0:15:34would be a benefit for both of us.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35The main house is beautiful.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Really nice flow through the spaces.
0:15:38 > 0:15:39The land is perfect.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44There's plenty of room there for both Matt and I to have a horse.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46Definitely get some stables down there easily.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49We saw round this house, we saw round the other plots.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- Yeah, I think we've seen everything. - Yes, I think we've seen all we can.
0:15:52 > 0:15:53- Is it a contender?- Yeah.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- Yeah, definitely.- I think so.- Shall we not bother with the other ones?
0:15:56 > 0:15:58I think it would be fun to see the others.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59Let's go.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07With over 400 miles of bridleways within its borders,
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Exmoor is a haven for horse riders.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14Its winding, woodland trails and tumbling river valleys provide some
0:16:14 > 0:16:15of the best riding in the UK.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of the famous wild red deer,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24or the native Exmoor ponies roaming freely on the moor.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29We've arranged for keen horse rider Daisy, and Matt,
0:16:29 > 0:16:33to visit a trekking centre near Lynton, to meet Charlie Wilson who,
0:16:33 > 0:16:37six months ago, picked up the reins of the long-established business,
0:16:37 > 0:16:39with the help of her partner, Chris Waring.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41- Hi, Chris.- Hi.
0:16:41 > 0:16:42Welcome to Brendon Manor.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45So, is owning a riding school something that you and Charlie have
0:16:45 > 0:16:47- always wanted to do?- Probably more so Charlie.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51Charlie's been into horses since, what - the age of six, seven years old.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55She's had her horse for 16 years and she's taught me a lot.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56I'm learning quite a lot.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59And, you know, so far, I'm really, really enjoying the experience.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02One of the main aims of this move is to get some land and own some horses
0:17:02 > 0:17:04of our own. How difficult is it to look after your own horses?
0:17:04 > 0:17:07If I'm honest with you, it's going to take up a lot of your time.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10I mean, it's just almost like having children.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12They're a 24/7 thing.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15But the enjoyment you get out of them, they're absolutely fantastic.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Once you've sort of got that link, and that relationship,
0:17:17 > 0:17:21that friendship with them, they're going to be your companion for their lifetime.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Building on the foundations of the existing business,
0:17:24 > 0:17:28Chris and Charlie offer a range of tours and treks for people of all ages
0:17:28 > 0:17:31and abilities throughout the year.
0:17:31 > 0:17:33In the peak season, from Easter till late October,
0:17:33 > 0:17:37they have around 15 horses and ponies available to ride.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Today, they've set aside two of the more experienced ones for Matt and Daisy.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43So, who do we have here, then, Chris?
0:17:43 > 0:17:45We've got Sam. He's our old boy.
0:17:45 > 0:17:4624 years old now.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49He's been at the centre for quite a few years.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51He's just that safe pair of hands we need here,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55just to look after sort of the husband, the boyfriend, the friend,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57who's sort of been brought along to ride.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00So, how do you choose the particular horse for the rider?
0:18:00 > 0:18:03For instance, you, Matt, you're a taller gentleman.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08So, Sam would be absolutely ideal for you because you've not got a lot
0:18:08 > 0:18:12of experience and some have sort of a more zany side to them, I suppose.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15We'd put the more experienced rider on those sorts of horses.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18It sounds like Matt's going to be on Sam, so who's my horse going to be?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20I'll tell you what, we'll introduce you to Charlie.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22She's going to be taking you out on a trek today,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24and she'll introduce you to your horse, Fudge.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26Perfect.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30It was Charlie's dream of turning a lifelong hobby into a career that
0:18:30 > 0:18:32brought her and Chris to Exmoor,
0:18:32 > 0:18:36after falling in love with the landscape on a fun ride just 18 months ago.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40She's now in her element, spending six hours a day out on the moor.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44So, Charlie, I know this is sort of my dream to be riding over Exmoor all the time.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48What's it like for you having a trekking centre here?
0:18:48 > 0:18:50It's absolutely amazing.
0:18:50 > 0:18:51The views are amazing.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55Having all of this space - it's really the only way to ride.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59So, how much are you allowed to ride ever Exmoor?
0:18:59 > 0:19:00Is it completely open?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02Yeah. Most places are open.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05There are official bridleways in certain points.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Most of it is open. You get to see the wild ponies.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10It's amazing.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11It's pretty stunning scenery, isn't it?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13This is just the start of it, really.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20I'm assuming, across in the distance, is Wales.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23Yeah. That's right. Dead ahead is Wales.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26If you go to the right, that goes towards Minehead and Porlock.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28To the left, that's Lynton and Lynmouth.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31It's just a beautiful spot.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Thank you so much having us today, Charlie.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34It's been spectacular.
0:19:34 > 0:19:39You're very welcome and hopefully the house search will go well and we'll see you here soon.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43With Daisy chomping at the bit to make the move down to Exmoor,
0:19:43 > 0:19:47it's back to the search to find her and Matt their home here.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54In a bid to get them as much space as possible,
0:19:54 > 0:19:59we're breaking away from the national park border and heading to the small village of Meshaw.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02It's just a ten-minute drive to the larger village of Witheridge that
0:20:02 > 0:20:06centres on the parish church and has a couple of pubs, shops,
0:20:06 > 0:20:08a post office and a tea room.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12It's equidistant from Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks and is
0:20:12 > 0:20:15conveniently positioned along the Two Moors Way,
0:20:15 > 0:20:20the 103-mile walking route that runs between them and the oldest regional
0:20:20 > 0:20:22footpath in Devon.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25The next house I want to show them is just over a mile from Meshaw.
0:20:27 > 0:20:28House number two.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30- This is the annexe.- OK.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Which is co-joined with your neighbour, which is over the other side.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35And then this is your house.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38I like it. Looks a lot more traditional farmhouse.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- Yes.- It's a more modern property and it's more of a shared space.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Yeah. We've got the entrance - it's a nice drive.
0:20:46 > 0:20:47And nice drive down to it.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50- Shall we have a look inside? - Sounds good.- Excellent.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54This 18th-century farmhouse is larger than our first property
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and would provide Matt and Daisy with growing room.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01The current owners have lived here for 20 years and inside it's very
0:21:01 > 0:21:03much a modern family home already.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Come in.
0:21:04 > 0:21:05Mind your head here.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08Into the kitchen.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- It's large.- Yes.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- Lovely size, isn't it? - It's a really nice space.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Really big. I really like how it flows into the dining room.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- Yeah.- There is a utility room on the other side of the house,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22which looks sort of like a through boot room, so the dogs...
0:21:22 > 0:21:23You have dogs. Dog.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Branwell can just go straight through without getting the house dirty.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33What do you think of the vibe, though? How does it compare with the last one?
0:21:33 > 0:21:35They're both really nice in different aspects.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38The style of it is a lot more modern but still country.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41Let's go on to the sitting room.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42- Mind the step.- Thank you.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46Come on through. They've obviously cut through to join all the space into one big one
0:21:46 > 0:21:49but it mirrors the fantastic inglenook there,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52with a little creamery on the side where they used to curdle the cream,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54and then over there the bread oven.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Oh, wow! This room's definitely got a bit more character than the kitchen itself.
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Yes, definitely.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00It's a really nice space. Really big.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Through there you've got a small study, sort of snug.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06Through these double doors you've got a semi-hexagonal conservatory,
0:22:06 > 0:22:08with doors out into the garden.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10- Lots of light coming in. - Let's go upstairs,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12because obviously the bedrooms are important.
0:22:13 > 0:22:17Upstairs, there are four double bedrooms of fairly equal sizes,
0:22:17 > 0:22:23with built-in storage, one with an en suite, and a family bathroom.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25A nice big landing.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Lots of space.- And then this is the master bedroom.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Probably about the same size.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32Obviously more modern decor, with a little en suite through there.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34The doors are a little bit low.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37I'm sure we can change them, put them a little bit higher, but, yeah,
0:22:37 > 0:22:41I can definitely see this has a really good space upstairs.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44I think you can probably get a bit more out of the house in terms of
0:22:44 > 0:22:46- longevity.- Yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49Wonderful. Well, the inside seems to be scoring highly.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52Let's what happens when we go outside and look at all the options there.
0:22:52 > 0:22:53Perfect.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58Some positive feedback from Matt and Daisy but I sense it all hangs on
0:22:58 > 0:23:02what's still to come - the living space for Matt's parents.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Across the courtyard, there's a large barn,
0:23:04 > 0:23:08one end of which is currently used as a gym, with a wet room.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12The other end houses a workshop with a loft area.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15If Matt and Daisy wanting to convert it to living quarters,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18they would need to get residential planning permission.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22But I want to show them the four-and-three-quarter acres of land,
0:23:22 > 0:23:25which includes two paddocks and a large garden.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29Now, one thing this property does have - a cracking field.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30It's a really nice size.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Really big. A really nice field.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Easily separate this off into paddocks for the horses.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Yeah, definitely. There's a nice lot of land here to work with.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41Feels this property is a bit more coherent in the sense you've got the
0:23:41 > 0:23:45land attached and your parents would be sort of opposite but a little bit
0:23:45 > 0:23:49separate. Do you think you could make it work for your parents?
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Yeah, I think we could easily. There's the scope to turn it into
0:23:53 > 0:23:55potentially a nice little two-bedroom annexe there.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57Of course, you need money to do that.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00What do you think this big portion of land, and property,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02is on the market for?
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'm probably going to say 575.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Daisy?
0:24:07 > 0:24:09I'm going to go a bit lower. I was going to say 545.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12545.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14OK, your skills are warming up.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17It's on the market for £550,000.
0:24:18 > 0:24:19- Yeah, a good price.- Yeah.
0:24:19 > 0:24:25Yes. Definitely leaves money in the budget to develop the outbuilding.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28Good. So, there's a lot to look at in this property and I know we've
0:24:28 > 0:24:30been whizzing round. So,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32take a stroll round and I'll collect you when you're done.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- Perfect.- Brilliant. Thank you. - See you in a bit.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40This substantial character farmhouse has four bedrooms in the main
0:24:40 > 0:24:44property and the potential to create a separate two-bedroom annexe in the
0:24:44 > 0:24:48existing outbuildings, subject to the necessary consents.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52A plot approaching five acres gives Daisy plenty of space for keeping
0:24:52 > 0:24:56animals, and all this less than half an hour's drive from Exmoor.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02A really nice, large space here.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Yeah. It would make a lovely kitchen-diner.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08Then a break-through to the existing barn there and turn it potentially
0:25:08 > 0:25:10- into bedrooms.- A bit of a project.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Yes, definitely.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14In terms of the house size,
0:25:14 > 0:25:16I definitely feel it's something we can grow into.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18There's a lot of potential, a lot of scope here.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20The land is just superb.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24The location of this property isn't maybe as desirable as the first
0:25:24 > 0:25:28property. However, you wouldn't get as nice, flat land as this in Exmoor,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30so there's a silver lining.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34You surveying your kingdom?
0:25:34 > 0:25:35- Yes.- Good.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37Well, I'm going to have to draw a close to this one.
0:25:37 > 0:25:41I know it's sort of tickled your fancy but time to draw a line
0:25:41 > 0:25:43under today and get ready for tomorrow.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46Yeah, I think we need a drink and some time to mull over today.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49That's always a good idea, isn't it, after house-hunting.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06I'm in the West Country with buyers Matt and Daisy from Buckinghamshire,
0:26:06 > 0:26:10who have set their sights on an outdoor life in Exmoor.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13For £625,000,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16they're looking for a character property was separate space for
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Matt's parents, who will be staying with them for half the year.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24They've already seen two great properties but still to come,
0:26:24 > 0:26:29our mystery house offers a different perspective on multi-generational living.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33They had to put this fence here because the horses would come up and put their heads through the window.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35I'd let them do it. I'd take the fence down.
0:26:36 > 0:26:40And I find out about a local, culinary delicacy, that's making a comeback.
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Are you shucking, right?
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- This is shucking. - This is quite an art.
0:26:45 > 0:26:46Look at that, it's huge!
0:26:49 > 0:26:51Beautiful day here in Exmoor -
0:26:51 > 0:26:54the second day of our house-hunting with lovely Matt and Daisy.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Yesterday we did extremely well.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Two bull's-eyes, really.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01So we could just kick back and relax but we don't do that on this show.
0:27:01 > 0:27:06We've got a mystery house that is right slap bang in the middle of Exmoor National Park,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09which is exactly what they wanted but, and here's the but,
0:27:09 > 0:27:13they do have to share a roof with Matt's mum and dad.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Our mystery house takes us to Brendon,
0:27:17 > 0:27:19a hamlet in the heart of the national park.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Surrounded by Exmoor's beautiful open moorland,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26it's just four miles from the dramatic North Devon coastline,
0:27:26 > 0:27:27and the popular town of Lynton.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Being one of only three houses in the hamlet,
0:27:31 > 0:27:34our mystery property enjoys a peaceful,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38rural setting with fantastic walking and riding directly on its doorstep.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45Now, we have brought you right into the middle of Exmoor National Park.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- How exciting!- Yes.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49This is obviously a farmstead,
0:27:49 > 0:27:53and this is the property that we have to offer you.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- It's really nice.- Absolutely beautiful.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Yeah. Somebody's looked after it really well.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00It's a remarkable property, a remarkable spot.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02Of course, you know Exmoor,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05but this is dark sky heavens, no street lights,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07so at night you can see all the stars.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10This property is interesting because it goes back to about 1850 as
0:28:10 > 0:28:13the workers' cottage part of the farmstead.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17The challenge is that you and your parents will be living under the same roof.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19- Yep.- OK.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23That's something we had already considered, so it's not a massive shock,
0:28:23 > 0:28:24and it's definitely not a no.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26And it does come with some land as well, so...
0:28:26 > 0:28:28This is the little front garden.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30It would probably be your garden.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33But there's potential to make another garden for Matt's parents,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35and lots of land for the horses.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Perfect. Excited to go and see more.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39Let's look inside.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44The current owners have updated the property in the last five years.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Although it's ready to move into,
0:28:46 > 0:28:51it's currently used as a holiday let and perhaps lacks that homely feel,
0:28:51 > 0:28:54meaning Matt and Daisy will need to use their imaginations.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56Come on inside.
0:28:56 > 0:29:01You can see what a high spec they've done this cottage up to.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02It's a fantastic quality.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05They've uncovered this whole fireplace,
0:29:05 > 0:29:07put in in the big double log burner.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10And next door, in the dining room, there's another log burner,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11so you'd be toasty warm.
0:29:11 > 0:29:12Wow! We'd be hot.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16A lot of light coming in, which is really nice as well, from the windows.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18South-facing, all the windows.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20The garden's south-facing.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22Let's have a peek at the kitchen for you guys.
0:29:23 > 0:29:27The kitchen's a bit smaller than the other ones we've shown you,
0:29:27 > 0:29:30but a fantastic view out over the horses' paddock,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32so you can watch your horses as you're washing up.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35It's nice. They had to put this fence here because the horses would
0:29:35 > 0:29:38come up and put their heads through the window.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39I'd let them do that. I'd take the fence down.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41No, it's nice.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43I think it's a functional size, isn't it?
0:29:43 > 0:29:44Definitely, yeah.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47It's something we should surely want to update but we could
0:29:47 > 0:29:49definitely live in it for the time being.
0:29:49 > 0:29:53You have got four bedrooms, all really nice, very freshly decorated.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56I'm not going to show you them, because I think more important is to show
0:29:56 > 0:29:57where Matt's mum and dad might go.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00So we're going to go up to look at their bedroom.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03They were clearly excited by the location,
0:30:03 > 0:30:07but I'm not sure whether they are sold on our Mystery House just yet.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10Although they would be under the same roof as Matt's parents,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12there is the potential to separate the property,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15giving everyone their own space.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16At one end of the cottage,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19a recent two-storey side extension
0:30:19 > 0:30:22houses a large utility room and shower room on the ground floor.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24And a bedroom upstairs.
0:30:24 > 0:30:26With its own entrance and staircase,
0:30:26 > 0:30:30this could easily be used as a self-contained annexe.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34So we have come through an adjoining door from the other house.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Yes.- But of course, there is a separate entrance.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38So you could close that up.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- OK.- And this is the bedroom
0:30:42 > 0:30:43of the annexe, as it were.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47And you could put a... There is a little shower and a toilet here
0:30:47 > 0:30:50upstairs. But you could also put a little en-suite here,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53so this could be a whole, self-contained upstairs.
0:30:53 > 0:30:56Yes, yes. I mean it would limit them to one bedroom.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58Yeah, there is only space for one bedroom.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Because you are in the Exmoor National Park,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02you can't really go up.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- Yes.- I can see you are processing this all.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Let's look downstairs, because that will make the puzzle make more sense.
0:31:08 > 0:31:10And you can also look where we can push out into the garden.
0:31:10 > 0:31:11Perfect.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Although this space would need some work to make it a viable option for
0:31:14 > 0:31:18Matt's parents, the main house is ready to move into,
0:31:18 > 0:31:20with four good-sized double bedrooms
0:31:20 > 0:31:22for Daisy and Matt, and their guests,
0:31:22 > 0:31:25and a large, modern family bathroom.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28They could focus all their efforts on converting the annexe.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Come on in here. As you can see, this at the moment, was a garage.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36They have turned it into a sort of sunroom with these doors.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38But what we were thinking is that, you know,
0:31:38 > 0:31:40you've got all the water here,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43but you could turn this may be into a kind of kitchen, sitting room, diner.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46Then put a conservatory out through there.
0:31:46 > 0:31:48They did mention that, if there is scope for a conservatory,
0:31:48 > 0:31:50they would really like it.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52That's something they had in their last house.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Again, it would have to be with planning, but you know,
0:31:54 > 0:31:58a conservatory is not such a big deal. It wouldn't be impinging on anyone's view.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01I think it is a good space. I think, adding the en-suite upstairs would make a big difference,
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- wouldn't it?- That would make a lot of difference to it.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Let's look outside, when you talk about, sort of, that aspect as well.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13Outside, there is a lovely lawn garden surrounded by a stone wall
0:32:13 > 0:32:16with direct access to five acres of pasture.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Let me explain a bit about the land.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Basically, this whole field is yours.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26And it actually goes up into a fair chunk of that woodland as well.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- Perfect.- What we were thinking is that if you
0:32:29 > 0:32:31put a French door in there,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34brought the conservatory out right to the edge,
0:32:34 > 0:32:38you would have quite a big area of living room for your parents,
0:32:38 > 0:32:39subject to planning, of course.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42And then you could step down and make this their garden.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45Yes. Very nice, good space.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48What do you think this big parcel of land and property is on the market for?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Considering that the annexe is attached,
0:32:51 > 0:32:54but then there is quite a bit of land and we are on the Exmoor National Park,
0:32:54 > 0:32:56so that does push the price up a bit.
0:32:57 > 0:32:58I'm going to go...
0:32:58 > 0:33:01525?
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Same as the first property.
0:33:03 > 0:33:04I'd probably say about 560.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06560.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08So, in this case, you are both wrong.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- Surprise.- Yeah.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14But unfortunately, this is in the other direction,
0:33:14 > 0:33:16this is actually on the market at 625.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17- Oh, right.- Wow.- Completely wrong.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22- Yeah.- Because the Exmoor National Park commands quite a premium.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24- Yeah.- Yeah, it does push it up.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27I guess I was being a bit hopeful.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I know there is a lot to think about, so why don't you nosy around inside
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- and I will see you out in the garden?- Perfect.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37This Mystery House has four bedrooms in the main house and the potential
0:33:37 > 0:33:40to create a self-contained annexe in the extension
0:33:40 > 0:33:42with its own entrance and garden.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45Subject to planning permission.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48It might be right at the top of Matt and Daisy's budget,
0:33:48 > 0:33:51but it is right in the middle of Exmoor National Park.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54And with five acres, it is the largest plot they've seen.
0:33:57 > 0:33:58Really good size space, isn't it?
0:33:58 > 0:34:00- Yeah.- Get rid of the sink.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01Yeah.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04- Lovely views, as well.- Yeah.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08Beautiful views. The location is absolutely perfect.
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Riding out on the moor would be not a problem.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14And the land that comes with it as well, absolutely...
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- Really good.- Being in the national park is definitely a benefit for Daisy and myself.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25However, the fact that the annexe might not be ideal for the parents is really going
0:34:25 > 0:34:27to be a deciding factor in our move.
0:34:30 > 0:34:31All done with the Mystery House?
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- Yes, indeed.- Yes, we are. That's the lot.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36I've showed you all the houses we have our sleeves.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So let's find somewhere to sit, relax, and think through them all.
0:34:39 > 0:34:40Perfect.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Back in the 19th century,
0:34:47 > 0:34:51the Exmoor coastal village of Porlock was famed for its oysters.
0:34:51 > 0:34:56The opening of the railway from Minehead to London in the 1870s meant that
0:34:56 > 0:34:59oysters brought out of the sea during the day were on London
0:34:59 > 0:35:01restaurant tables that evening.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03Yet overfishing by trawlers led to
0:35:03 > 0:35:06the demise of these once teeming oyster beds.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08By the turn of the 20th century,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11the industry had all but died away.
0:35:11 > 0:35:12Almost 120 years on,
0:35:12 > 0:35:16a local community initiative has reintroduced oysters back into the
0:35:16 > 0:35:18waters of Porlock Bay.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22I've come to meet Roger Hall to find out more about the project.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24What a lovely spot.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27I've never been to Porlock before, I'm delighted to be here.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30And I'm particularly delighted to be here because you are instrumental in,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33kind of, resuscitating oyster trades here?
0:35:33 > 0:35:36I did not even know oysters grew in the Bristol Channel.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Yes, apparently, back in the 1800s it was quite a big business here.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42All was going well until the 1890s,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46when apparently all these boats from Colchester and Whitstable turned up,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50where we now know that their oyster beds were nearly fished out,
0:35:50 > 0:35:53and they simply dredged all the oyster beds in the Bristol Channel
0:35:53 > 0:35:55out, destroyed all the seed oysters in the process,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57and that was the end of oyster fishing.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59Until we came along a few years ago.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03In 2012, the parish council set up a scheme to encourage new projects and
0:36:03 > 0:36:06businesses of benefit to the local community.
0:36:06 > 0:36:08In line with its heritage.
0:36:08 > 0:36:14After a successful trial, oyster farming was brought back to Porlock Bay.
0:36:14 > 0:36:18Today, Roger and his co-director, David Salter, are waiting for the tide to go out
0:36:18 > 0:36:21to measure their latest batch of oysters.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23It looks like I'm just in time to join them.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25David. Hi, David.
0:36:25 > 0:36:26- This is Alistair.- Hi, Alistair.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Nice to meet you. One of my colleagues.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32So what's the actual logistics of getting them out of the water?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35They are presumably... Do they grow like mussels?
0:36:35 > 0:36:36Do they attach to things?
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Different to a mussel, where the mussel grows a beard,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42the oyster is just in a big shell.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47So we put the oysters into big, heavy plastic sacks.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51And then strap them down onto metal trestles, so they are in the water,
0:36:51 > 0:36:55and they are being fed once they are under the water,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58all the waves and the nutrients are going over them.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01But then they expose them at certain times of the day,
0:37:01 > 0:37:04that's when we can work on them or harvest them.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06But that exposure actually toughens them up a bit.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It makes their meat a little bit thicker and stronger,
0:37:09 > 0:37:10so you get more muscle in it.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13It's much chewier oyster, more flavour.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Nice.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Although the oysters are just 300 metres away,
0:37:17 > 0:37:21the Severn estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world,
0:37:21 > 0:37:23at just over 12 metres,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27which helps to keep the water clean but makes access limited.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32Roger and David have just a few hours over two to four days twice a month
0:37:32 > 0:37:34to check and harvest the oysters.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36The tide is going out pretty fast, as you predicted.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Yes, it is. We should get down there.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41Let's have a rummage, then you can see what we're talking about.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43- And go and do some oysters. - Oh, have you got your thing?
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- I've got my shucking knife! - Your shucking knife! That's it.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48I'm told that Porlock Bay oysters
0:37:48 > 0:37:53have the best classification for purity in England and Wales.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57This is the only Pacific oyster site with a class A rating,
0:37:57 > 0:38:00meaning although Roger and David choose to put the oysters through
0:38:00 > 0:38:02a thorough purification process,
0:38:02 > 0:38:06they can legally be sold or eaten fresh from the sea.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10They look like sort of... ghostly sun loungers.
0:38:10 > 0:38:12I know!
0:38:12 > 0:38:14- That's right, yeah. - Covered in seaweed.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16The sun loungers of past holidays.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18A Titanic sun lounger.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Yes.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23So what we do, every month, we get down here...
0:38:26 > 0:38:30..take the bags off the trestles, shake the bags, turn them over,
0:38:30 > 0:38:34give them another shake. That takes a little bit of extra growth off
0:38:34 > 0:38:38the shell, and you putting more growth into the meat and the inside.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42- OK.- Also, you clean the seaweed and any silt out,
0:38:42 > 0:38:47and that allows the oyster to get more water in so it can feed.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50Each of these bags holds 250 oysters.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55In total, there are around 80,000 currently growing here in the bay.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58Each batch takes three years to grow.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Give them a shake.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Tip it up, and the technical name for that is defrilling.
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- Defrilling?- Yeah. - So how old are these ones?
0:39:08 > 0:39:11These oysters are about 18 months old.
0:39:11 > 0:39:1318 months, that's not so old, right?
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- No, no.- So it's shucking, right?
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Shucking.- This is quite an art.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22With their first batch selling twice as fast as expected,
0:39:22 > 0:39:26Roger and David are well on their way to resurrecting this local industry.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27In five years' time,
0:39:27 > 0:39:30they plan to be growing and harvesting
0:39:30 > 0:39:32in excess of 300,000 oysters a year.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35Oh, look at that, it's huge!
0:39:35 > 0:39:40- Nice oyster.- We have been told that these are the tastiest oysters...
0:39:40 > 0:39:42that you can get.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46When you say we have been told, have you ever tasted one?
0:39:46 > 0:39:47I've tasted a cooked one.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49You've never tasted a raw one?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51- I haven't yet. No.- Are you going to taste one too, Roger?
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Yeah.- Go on.- OK, OK.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57They're beautiful-looking oysters.
0:39:57 > 0:39:58That's a good one, too.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01- Here you are, Roger. - Thank you very much.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02One, two, three.
0:40:02 > 0:40:03Here we go.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09That is corking good.
0:40:09 > 0:40:11What do you think?
0:40:11 > 0:40:12I'm really impressed.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Because I've never had it without vinegar or something on it.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17No, it's really nice, just to have them like that.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19Here's to Porlock, the home of the oyster.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- To Porlock!- Well, thank you very much.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27With our tour of Exmoor drawing to a close,
0:40:27 > 0:40:29it's time to catch up with Matt and Daisy
0:40:29 > 0:40:32and find out if any of our three properties were to their taste.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Look. We started by the river and we are finishing by the river.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38It's perfect. So it's been a great week.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40We showed you three nice houses.
0:40:40 > 0:40:41Have any of them jumped out at you?
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- Yeah.- Yeah, I think we can say, we have had a wonderful week,
0:40:46 > 0:40:48and seeing those three spectacular properties.
0:40:48 > 0:40:52But we do feel that property number one...
0:40:52 > 0:40:54Probably our leading lady at the moment.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57Oh. Why is she the leading lady?
0:40:57 > 0:40:59I think it offers us everything we want, really.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01It's got the separate space for Matt's mum and dad,
0:41:01 > 0:41:04but at the same time, they are still close enough that
0:41:04 > 0:41:06we can all be together.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Obviously it has the land we have always wanted as well.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10Paul and Linda, your mum and dad,
0:41:10 > 0:41:13became the real deciding factor in the hunt
0:41:13 > 0:41:15as we went through the week.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17Is that a fair comment?
0:41:17 > 0:41:19I think in a way that is correct, yes.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22They are, of course, an important factor in the move.
0:41:22 > 0:41:26And, it's a place that needs to suit both of us.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29Not just Daisy and myself, but them also.
0:41:29 > 0:41:30And in terms of what happens next,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32I know your mum and dad have sold their house.
0:41:32 > 0:41:34- Yes, yes.- So they are ready to go.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36What are the next few steps for you two?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Go back for a second viewing, I think, probably, on the first property.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42Yeah, definitely have a second look at that property, with the parents.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45- They're going to come this weekend. - Oh, great.- They will come and look around with us.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48Have a look of the area, because they don't know it too well,
0:41:48 > 0:41:51so it will be nice to get them to fall in love with it as we have.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52I hope house number one works out.
0:41:52 > 0:41:54- Keep us in the loop.- Definitely.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56Yes.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03I've come down to the Lorna Doone packhorse bridge,
0:42:03 > 0:42:08perhaps the most quintessential slice of Exmoor that we could fit inside your TV screen
0:42:08 > 0:42:12to finish off this lovely week down in North Devon and Somerset.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15And, I think a great success.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18I think Matt and Daisy were pleased with the houses we have shown them
0:42:18 > 0:42:22and even though Matt's parents want here, and that added a sort of
0:42:22 > 0:42:25level of uncertainty, I think they will buy that first house.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27I hope they are, because it would be perfect for them.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30And I hope you enjoyed watching us and you will come back for more next
0:42:30 > 0:42:32time, on Escape To The Country.
0:42:35 > 0:42:39Matt and Daisy went back for a second viewing of property one with
0:42:39 > 0:42:43Matt's parents, who saw the potential in the annexe but unfortunately felt it was
0:42:43 > 0:42:45one project too far.
0:42:45 > 0:42:48They are now taking a break from house-hunting to go on honeymoon,
0:42:48 > 0:42:51but will be back exploring Exmoor on their return.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55If you would like to escape to the country in England, Scotland,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57Wales or Northern Ireland, and would like our help,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00why not apply online at...