0:00:02 > 0:00:04The riverbed that runs through this great Victorian aqueduct
0:00:04 > 0:00:06was the birthplace of one of England's most famous
0:00:06 > 0:00:08fictional animal heroes.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Find out who he was, and what county I'm in,
0:00:11 > 0:00:13in just a few moments.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33On today's show, we're challenged to find
0:00:33 > 0:00:36the perfect rural hideaway with lots of land.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39And it seems the more remote, the better.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I'd just love to be stuck in the middle of nowhere. I love it.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- It's really pretty. - It's really pretty.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46'And there's much more to love when we uncover
0:00:46 > 0:00:49'a potential home that may deliver the dream.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:52With this property, you also get over two acres of land.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53JULIE GASPS
0:00:53 > 0:00:54- Yay!- Oh!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Oh, my goodness!
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Don't, you're going to start me off!
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Today I'm in Devon,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06and behind me is the Beam Aqueduct, or Canal Bridge,
0:01:06 > 0:01:10as the author Henry Williamson called it in his classic novel
0:01:10 > 0:01:13Tarka the Otter, published back in 1927.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16Williamson's accurate description of the River Torridge
0:01:16 > 0:01:22and the surrounding countryside now form the 180-mile Tarka Trail,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24so along with the chance of spotting an otter,
0:01:24 > 0:01:28you also get to explore a landscape that has hardly changed
0:01:28 > 0:01:31since the book was written all those years ago.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Lying in the South West Peninsula,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Devon shares land borders to the west and east,
0:01:37 > 0:01:39with the Bristol Channel to the north
0:01:39 > 0:01:41and the English Channel to the south.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45The South West Coastal Path spans each shoreline,
0:01:45 > 0:01:4965% of which is designated Heritage Coast,
0:01:49 > 0:01:50noted for its natural beauty,
0:01:50 > 0:01:54wildlife and historical significance.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58Along the north coast, Clovelly sprang up as a fishing harbour.
0:01:58 > 0:02:00Much of it is inaccessible to cars,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04making the muddle of cobbled streets a delight to explore on foot.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06The steep gradient here
0:02:06 > 0:02:08meant goods were traditionally delivered by donkeys.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Although the donkey work is now done by sledge,
0:02:11 > 0:02:16the much-loved animals are still a popular sight in the village.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Devon also boasts many architectural gems.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22The 12th century Hartland Abbey was the last monastery seized
0:02:22 > 0:02:25under the dissolution of the monasteries.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28So, whether it's historic buildings, remote moorland
0:02:28 > 0:02:30or quaint seaside vistas,
0:02:30 > 0:02:31Devon is a wonderful place
0:02:31 > 0:02:34for a temporary - or more permanent - rural escape.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43The average cost of a detached home here in Devon is around £310,000.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47That's £23,000 above the national average.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50But don't forget that that figure includes the property hot spots
0:02:50 > 0:02:53of Salcombe to the south and Croyde to the north,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57where homes can often sell for double the national average.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00Move further inland and you get more for your money,
0:03:00 > 0:03:04particularly around the market towns of South Moulton and Tavistock.
0:03:04 > 0:03:05So, with that in mind,
0:03:05 > 0:03:09let's meet today's buyer and find out where they'd like to settle.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13Pharmacist Julie from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex
0:03:13 > 0:03:16is about to embark on a complete change of lifestyle
0:03:16 > 0:03:19and has set her sights on relocating to the West Country.
0:03:19 > 0:03:25I've wanted to move westwards for quite some time now.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30I just think it's a dream of mine, and I can achieve it.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34As children, we used to go caravanning and tenting down
0:03:34 > 0:03:38in Devon, so I just feel I've grown up with that countryside
0:03:38 > 0:03:42and I've got a genuine love of it.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45And helping her to realise this dream
0:03:45 > 0:03:49is good friend and work colleague, fellow pharmacist Morella.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52I think, basically, I'm just there to support her,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55and if I see something that I think would be right,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58I would actually say what is right and what I think is right.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03I tend to go by my heart rather than my brain,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07and I'm hoping Morella will be the brain in this, this, um...
0:04:07 > 0:04:08Absolutely.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12Moving will of course mean leaving behind the three-bed end-of-terrace
0:04:12 > 0:04:15that's been Julie's home for the last 15 years
0:04:15 > 0:04:17and though she's enjoyed living there,
0:04:17 > 0:04:20she's now after a more peaceful pace of life.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Shoreham, I feel, is definitely becoming more busy.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26Lots more traffic coming through.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30I hanker after the country life.
0:04:30 > 0:04:36I've just come back from a week's holiday in Devon, and, erm...
0:04:36 > 0:04:41I just felt I'd come home, as it were.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44It's a slice of heaven in my eyes.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49By turning her holiday destination into a permanent address,
0:04:49 > 0:04:51Julie hopes to expand on her hobbies,
0:04:51 > 0:04:53spend more time with her dogs
0:04:53 > 0:04:56and maybe even add some livestock to the list.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59She's so in love with animals.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01Everything in her life is around animals,
0:05:01 > 0:05:04so, yeah, it's very, very important to her.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08I'd like to be able to get more animals, some chickens,
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- maybe adopt...- A horse! - Adopt a donkey or two.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Goats.- Goats. - Everything.
0:05:14 > 0:05:15THEY LAUGH
0:05:15 > 0:05:19I've never seen Devon, but I'm excited to go,
0:05:19 > 0:05:23and I could get the Devon bug and want to move down there myself.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29Julie wants us to focus our house search in the north of the county,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32where she hopes to get the best value for her property pound.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36And before we start the search, I'm meeting up with the two friends
0:05:36 > 0:05:40in the county to find out even more about the specifics of this move.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42Welcome to Devon.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44So, what is it about Devon in particular
0:05:44 > 0:05:46that makes you dream of living here?
0:05:46 > 0:05:49It's just so beautiful and, most of all, it's quiet.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Well, let's talk about the right place,
0:05:52 > 0:05:54about what you imagine from it, and also what you need from it.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58Well, I don't mind if it's fairly isolated,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00I don't mind if it's near a village.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I feel that I'm quite good at making friends.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09I'd like preferably a detached house with some land,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12and that's top of my list, the land aspect,
0:06:12 > 0:06:17because I'm just mad on animals and I'd love to have a horse
0:06:17 > 0:06:19or some chickens, etc.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23I want to live a bit of the good life, really, I think,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25maybe grow my own veggies as well.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27So, we've got to have room for all the animals.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29What about for the friends when they come to stay?
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Minimum two bedrooms, maybe three would be good.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Like most people, I want a big kitchen,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38the heart of the house.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- This is a really big life change for you, isn't it?- Mm-hmm.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42What do you think, Morella,
0:06:42 > 0:06:44that Julie's not going to compromise on in this search?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46I think that the land's important
0:06:46 > 0:06:50because of the animals that she wants to have.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- I think that's probably the only thing.- Mmm.- Yeah.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56If the property didn't come with much land,
0:06:56 > 0:07:01as long as there was some land nearby that I could maybe rent,
0:07:01 > 0:07:03that would be a good compromise.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05So, Julie, remind me of the budget
0:07:05 > 0:07:07that we're working with on the search.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Um...I've got £350,000.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14Any wiggle room on that for the right property?
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Maybe for the dream property, yes.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- Yeah, maybe a little bit more.- OK.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23Well, it's a great budget for this part of the country.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26We've got some fantastic properties to show you, so are you both ready?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Yeah.- Yeah.- Let's go house-hunting.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Julie has confirmed that she's happy to stretch her budget
0:07:35 > 0:07:39to a maximum of £375,000.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41And for that figure, she's looking for a detached house
0:07:41 > 0:07:44with two to three bedrooms and a large kitchen.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47Not forgetting land to keep some animals.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49She's after a tranquil rural setting,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52with easy access to both coast and countryside.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56We've got some wonderful houses lined up,
0:07:56 > 0:07:58all in beautifully appealing settings,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02but the price tags won't be revealed until the end of each tour.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05Our final property is the Mystery House,
0:08:05 > 0:08:09which will challenge on look, lifestyle and location.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12CAR ENGINE HUMS
0:08:12 > 0:08:16Our property search is heading to the hamlet of West Anstey.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20A picturesque hamlet right on the edge of the Exmoor National Park,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22this is a rural location with all the walks,
0:08:22 > 0:08:26woodlands and wildlife you could hope for.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28And when it comes to local amenities,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31the small town of Dulverton is a five-mile drive away,
0:08:31 > 0:08:33just over the border and into Somerset.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37But it's a short drive into the surrounding countryside
0:08:37 > 0:08:39where we find the house I want Julie to see.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43JULIE GASPS So, this is what I brought you to see.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Oh! GINNY LAUGHS
0:08:44 > 0:08:46- Oh, my word.- Come on closer.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48Take a proper look!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50THEY LAUGH
0:08:50 > 0:08:52- I like this, Julie.- Oh! Wow.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54This looks really lovely.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- That's a brilliant, positive reaction.- Oh, yeah.
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- And the view, look at that! - Yeah.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- It's a fantastic view, isn't it? - Oh, it's amazing.
0:09:03 > 0:09:06- It's fantastic.- It's so quiet. - You look quite emotional.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07- I know, it's lovely! - THEY LAUGH
0:09:09 > 0:09:11The house looks really nice.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13The garden's pretty as well, isn't it?
0:09:13 > 0:09:17I couldn't have asked for a better reaction to the outside,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20so why don't we go in and explore and see if we can keep that
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- very big smile on your face? - Yes, please.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Well, that's exactly the response I was hoping for.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29The breathtaking location is a clear winner,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32but I wonder what they'll make of the house.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35It dates back to 1870 and is actually a former schoolhouse,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39until it was lovingly converted under its old slate roof.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- So, we come straight into the entrance hall.- Oh!
0:09:43 > 0:09:47Now, this would have been the old kitchen in the old house.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51From this large hallway, which is doubling up as a snug,
0:09:51 > 0:09:54the ground floor of the property is split into two halves.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57In the right-hand side, which is the original part of the building,
0:09:57 > 0:10:01there's also a sitting room and stairs up to the first floor,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03but first for us is the newer extended wing
0:10:03 > 0:10:05over on the left-hand side.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07The extension through here was done 15 years ago,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09so actually, there's a fantastic-sized kitchen-diner
0:10:09 > 0:10:12that I'm sure you'll be looking forward to seeing.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Hey, I like this!
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Look at the smile! - I like this, Julie.
0:10:17 > 0:10:18What do you like about it?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- It's really nice and warm. - I love it.
0:10:21 > 0:10:22- She likes it. - JULIE LAUGHS
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- She likes it! - THEY LAUGH
0:10:25 > 0:10:26What do you like about it, Julie?
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Well, it's not just a square box. I just love the units.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34It's a bit quirky, cos you've got to step down. It's just lovely.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- You've got a little courtyard there. - I love it.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40There's another entrance through the side to the back of the house.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44In there is a boot room, a downstairs bathroom,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47so if you were out with the dogs, you can come in and get rid
0:10:47 > 0:10:50of your dirty, muddy boots and clean the dogs off in there.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52I'm a bit overwhelmed, I have to say.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53JULIE LAUGHS
0:10:53 > 0:10:55I've just got a really good feel.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It's nice to see such big smiles on your faces.- Yeah.- Really like it.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Well, we've still got more to explore.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01Let's wander through into the sitting room.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11- This is nice.- It's nice, isn't it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We've a second log-burning stove and some nice views.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- Oh, it's lovely. - It's really bright and cheerful.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20It's small, but it's perfect for what I want.
0:11:20 > 0:11:23- It's cosy, isn't it?- Oh, lovely.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- Are you still getting that nice feeling?- Yes.- Mmm.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28- Just as excited! - SHE LAUGHS
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Are you?- I love it.
0:11:30 > 0:11:31JULIE LAUGHS
0:11:31 > 0:11:32Good.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35'I think it's safe to say that this property is really tugging
0:11:35 > 0:11:37'on Julie's heartstrings,
0:11:37 > 0:11:40'as the ground floor rooms have obviously resonated with her.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43'I just hope the feeling continues upstairs.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47'Here there's a bright family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50'All are comfy doubles and two feature double-aspect windows,
0:11:50 > 0:11:52'allowing the light to flood in.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56'And those beautiful views across lush farmland draw you in
0:11:56 > 0:11:58'as soon as you step inside the rooms.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03'That leaves just one more bedroom to see, and that's the master.'
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- You can see the character of the property here.- Yeah.- It's nice.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09It's nice, isn't it?
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- The views are superb, aren't they, really?- Yeah, I really like it.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16What are you looking worried about? You look really worried!
0:12:16 > 0:12:17THEY LAUGH
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- What's going through your mind? - I'm...waiting for something to be wrong!
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Are you waiting for the "but"? - Yes.- OK!
0:12:23 > 0:12:25It's just been so lovely so far.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Although Julie's a little anxious,
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I'm confident the outside space will also deliver,
0:12:31 > 0:12:33so we're heading downstairs to throw open the door
0:12:33 > 0:12:35and explore the garden.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38It's mostly laid to lawn, framed by beech hedging,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42but what hits you straight away has to be that incredible vista
0:12:42 > 0:12:44across deeply rural Devonshire fields.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49But if we take our attention back to what's on offer with this property,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I've got something else to reveal.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54The sunsets are just over there in the west,
0:12:54 > 0:12:57- and they're apparently absolutely beautiful.- Perfect.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59I'll have a west-facing back garden.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Yeah.- So, you've probably noticed the barn,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03the old barn there in the corner with the stables.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05You're probably going to need that, I'd have thought,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08cos with this property you also get over two acres of land.
0:13:08 > 0:13:09JULIE GASPS
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Oh!- Oh...!
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Oh, my goodness!
0:13:13 > 0:13:16Don't, you're going to start me off!
0:13:16 > 0:13:18Oh, my goodness.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19My heart's going like mad.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23I'm just so excited about it!
0:13:23 > 0:13:26- I'm just praying the price is OK. - OK.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29- So, would you like to go and explore the rest of the land?- Yes, please! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:31 > 0:13:35Beyond the stable block are three paddocks currently used for horses.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38But with two acres of land,
0:13:38 > 0:13:40there should be enough room for even more animals.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- I could have sheep as well! - THEY LAUGH
0:13:46 > 0:13:49That's more than enough. That's fantastic.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50Morella, you know Julie well.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Is this the kind of place you could see her being?
0:13:53 > 0:13:58I think this is a place that she would find herself at home.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59And now comes the difficult bit,
0:13:59 > 0:14:01cos I have to ask you to guess the price.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04I'm going to say 375.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08I'm thinking 385, 90 maybe.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10Let me put you both out of your misery.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Julie...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- You are absolutely spot-on.- Oh!
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- Wow! I'm so happy! - THEY LAUGH
0:14:17 > 0:14:18I am so happy.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21It's on the market for £375,000,
0:14:21 > 0:14:24and there could potentially be a small amount of negotiation
0:14:24 > 0:14:25on that price as well.
0:14:25 > 0:14:26Oh!
0:14:26 > 0:14:29JULIE LAUGHS
0:14:29 > 0:14:31That's brilliant!
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Now, I know the land has always been
0:14:32 > 0:14:34something that really matters to you,
0:14:34 > 0:14:35so I would normally say go back in
0:14:35 > 0:14:37and have another look around the house,
0:14:37 > 0:14:39but why don't you just go and explore the land?
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- Will do.- OK, off you go. Go on!
0:14:46 > 0:14:50On budget with a price tag of £375,000,
0:14:50 > 0:14:55this proposition is indeed a perfect match to Julie's wish list.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57A detached Victorian property,
0:14:57 > 0:15:01it has three bedrooms and the large kitchen-diner she wants
0:15:01 > 0:15:04along with a sitting room featuring views out to the garden.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07A whopping two acres of land should be more than ample
0:15:07 > 0:15:09for chickens and rescue ponies.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13And the stunning, peaceful location seems to be spot-on.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17I loved this house right from the word go.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I like the outside, the views are just stunning.
0:15:21 > 0:15:26Inside, the kitchen, it's got lots of features,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30the lovely bare wood, the wood-burning stoves.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33I could see Julie's face that she loved it.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35It was written all over her face, so...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38And then when we went inside, she fell in love even more with it,
0:15:38 > 0:15:41and then when she saw the land, that finished it.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44The two acres of land is just amazing.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It's just incredible. I'm so happy.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Have you had a good explore? - Oh, we have, we have.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- And that smile's still on your face. - Yes! I want to stay!
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Well, you can't, because the search isn't over and there's more to see,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01- so I need to drag you away, I'm afraid.- OK.- Come on.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10With their origins in medieval war horses
0:16:10 > 0:16:13bred from stock brought over after the Norman conquest,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Britain's working horses, whether drawing carts
0:16:16 > 0:16:20or tending the fields, were once a common sight across the country.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25However, during the first half of the 20th century,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28oil-fuelled vehicles like tractors came to be seen as cheaper,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30faster and less demanding.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34And so the nation's equine labour was slowly replaced.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38But rising concern for the environment,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41along with nostalgia for our agricultural heritage,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45means some farmers are bringing horses back to the land.
0:16:45 > 0:16:47We're sending animal lover Julie along with Morella
0:16:47 > 0:16:50to meet traditional farmer Ben May.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53He's offered to show them how he uses shires to work
0:16:53 > 0:16:55his 60 acres of Devon countryside.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Hello.- Hello. - Welcome to Lower Upcott Farm.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Thank you, Ben. Thank you for having us.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So, what methods do you use here?
0:17:05 > 0:17:09Well, we actually use our horses a lot to do our farm work,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12so we do our haymaking with the horses and we do all our,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15sort of, muck-spreading in the winter and then the rolling
0:17:15 > 0:17:16and the harrowing in the spring.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19And then we do a whole lot of horse logging work,
0:17:19 > 0:17:22both on the farm and commercially.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25I suppose it's a little bit like a 1940s farm, but we kind of
0:17:25 > 0:17:29like to think we're the best of the past and the best of the future.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32I think Tom's getting a little bit keen to get on with some work,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35so shall we move on and do some horse logging?
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- Yeah.- Yeah, let's go, let's go. - OK. Come on, boy.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Shire horses are more manoeuvrable than tractors,
0:17:42 > 0:17:44can deal with boggier and steeper terrain
0:17:44 > 0:17:47and don't leave ruts in the land.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Ben and his horses often work for organisations like
0:17:50 > 0:17:54The National Trust in environmentally sensitive locations.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57Tom's task today is shifting some felled timber.
0:17:58 > 0:18:02The woodland at the farm is mixed and includes some large oak,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05along with smaller trees like ash, willow and hazel.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10Over. Good boy, walk on.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13As Ben is keen for his farm to be as self-sufficient as possible,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15much of the wood is used to heat the farmhouse
0:18:15 > 0:18:17or turned into charcoal.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19HE CALLS TO THE HORSE
0:18:19 > 0:18:22But Ben also uses offcuts in the farm workshop,
0:18:22 > 0:18:24where he has another traditional technique
0:18:24 > 0:18:27that Julie and Morella can turn their hands to.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So, I've got a piece of hazel here that's come up from the woods.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And we're going to make a parasol mushroom.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37So, if you'd like to sit down and have a go,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39and I'll just show you what you need to do.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42If you put your two feet on each side of this,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44then that's a vice for you, so it means you don't have to hold
0:18:44 > 0:18:46the piece of wood while you're doing the work.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51A draw knife is used to shave the end of the hazel pole,
0:18:51 > 0:18:53which will form the stalk of the mushroom.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56It's the same basic tool that was used in medieval times
0:18:56 > 0:18:58to make chair legs.
0:18:59 > 0:19:00Turn the piece of wood around.
0:19:00 > 0:19:04And then keep going effectively until you've got a bit of a point.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Oh, that's great, Julie. Good stuff. Why don't you have a go, Morella?
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- Your turn.- Love to. - BEN LAUGHS
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Using the wood from his mixed woodland,
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Ben makes a range of cottage crafts,
0:19:15 > 0:19:19from furniture to signs and decorative items.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24That's it. Good stuff. I think that's great. What I'll do now is...
0:19:24 > 0:19:26I'll just take this out and we'll put it together.
0:19:26 > 0:19:29We've got this here, and then that goes on here.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32- So, there we go.- Great.
0:19:32 > 0:19:33THEY LAUGH
0:19:33 > 0:19:36- Thank you very much.- Pleasure!
0:19:36 > 0:19:40One handcrafted garden mushroom completed, it's now time for us
0:19:40 > 0:19:43to reflect on the first day of house-hunting in Devon,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46until the search for Julie's dream home continues tomorrow.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55It's the start of our second day of property shopping
0:19:55 > 0:19:58for animal-loving Julie from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex,
0:19:58 > 0:20:02who's chosen to get away from it all in the county of Devon.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05With a budget of £375,000,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08she's brought her friend Morella along to help her find
0:20:08 > 0:20:11a dream country home with some land.
0:20:12 > 0:20:16So far, we've visited an ideal house that could prove hard to beat.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19I'm just so excited about it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21But still to come,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24our Mystery House puts her right in the thick of things
0:20:24 > 0:20:26with an alternative outlook and style.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29- What do you think? - It's different.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31THEY LAUGH
0:20:31 > 0:20:33Different in a good way, different in a bad way?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35It looks very attractive, actually.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39And I'm joining the harvest when I visit a traditional Devon orchard
0:20:39 > 0:20:41and then enjoy the fruits of our labour.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45It's so sweet and zingy and fresh-tasting.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49It's the second day of our house-hunt here in Devon
0:20:49 > 0:20:51and what became clear yesterday
0:20:51 > 0:20:54was the land is as important to Julie as the house itself.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57Well, we'll be putting that to the test with our Mystery House,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00which will offer Julie a slice of village life
0:21:00 > 0:21:03in the heart of a thriving community.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05But first, we're off to see a property that would allow Julie
0:21:05 > 0:21:08to put her own stamp on her home here in Devon.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11How will she feel about a challenge like that?
0:21:13 > 0:21:16To start the day we're heading closer towards the north coast
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and our destination is just outside the village of Parkham.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21Being a small rural place,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24there aren't too many amenities in the village
0:21:24 > 0:21:28but there is a thatched 13th-century cob-walled pub
0:21:28 > 0:21:30and a 14th-century church.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32The village is less than a mile from the next house
0:21:32 > 0:21:36and so within walking distance for Julie and her dogs.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38Passing through agricultural farmland,
0:21:38 > 0:21:41off the beaten track and up an unadopted road,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43we come to the property we're here to see.
0:21:45 > 0:21:46Here we go.
0:21:46 > 0:21:50It's a very, very pretty 19th-century cottage.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51What do you think?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Yeah, I love it.- It's really pretty. - It's really pretty.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56The fact that it's detached, is that a positive?
0:21:56 > 0:21:59That's a positive, definitely. I'm more than happy so far.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Why don't we go and take a look inside the house?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- I think we're off to a really good start with this one.- Yeah.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09Originally starting life as two separate cottages
0:22:09 > 0:22:12in the early 1800s, but later knocked into one,
0:22:12 > 0:22:15this pretty property is nestled on the hillside,
0:22:15 > 0:22:17looking out over uninterrupted views,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19surrounded by a generous garden
0:22:19 > 0:22:23with steps that take us down to the patio and front porch.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27So we come straight into the kitchen.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29What I really love about this house
0:22:29 > 0:22:33is that it's so snug and so cosy with lots of character.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35You've got a friend there in the corner.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37I know - you and your animals!
0:22:37 > 0:22:38- Is he staying? - THEY GIGGLE
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Sadly, he's not.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42I like the units. I like it.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44What do you think, Morella?
0:22:44 > 0:22:46You're quiet, you're quiet.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51- I mean, it's a nice little kitchen. - It's got everything. It feels nice.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54So I'm quite happy with it, actually.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58- It's cosy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Let's go off and explore the rest of the downstairs.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05A long, wide property, this home is just one room deep.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09On the ground floor, the kitchen leads to two reception rooms.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Right next door to the kitchen is the first of these,
0:23:12 > 0:23:16currently used as a cosy snug with a stove.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18Then neighbouring this is the main living room,
0:23:18 > 0:23:20which has a big feature fireplace.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23Wow!
0:23:23 > 0:23:24Oh, Morella, look at that.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- What a lovely fireplace. - A bread oven.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29- Yeah. - It's welcoming.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31That is, isn't it?
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- And it's cosy, as well. - It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36I can see myself here.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39The fact that Julie is picturing herself here is
0:23:39 > 0:23:41a really encouraging sign.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Upstairs, there are three equally charming bedrooms
0:23:44 > 0:23:46and the family bathroom.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49One of the bedrooms is a good-sized double,
0:23:49 > 0:23:51another is slightly smaller with bunk beds.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54And, finally, the one where Julie might sleep.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56So this is the master bedroom.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59It's nice and bright and airy. What do you think?
0:23:59 > 0:24:01First impressions, yeah, good.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04I like it. I do like the fitted wardrobes.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08I can see I could maybe change a few things in here,
0:24:08 > 0:24:09reveal the floor again.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12Yeah, I think make my mark on this, as well.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14- It's a really nice-sized room. - Mm-hm.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Now one thing that I've realised about you is that,
0:24:17 > 0:24:19as much as the house has to be great,
0:24:19 > 0:24:22it's the outside that matters, just as much.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Let's not keep you in suspense any longer,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26let's go and explore outside.
0:24:26 > 0:24:31Back through the house and outside, steps lead up to an extensive garden
0:24:31 > 0:24:33and the first of a number of lawn terraces.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37As you can see, it's long and it's narrow,
0:24:37 > 0:24:39- but it is actually quite a good size.- Mm-hm.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42OK, so you've got the area down at the bottom that you could
0:24:42 > 0:24:44easily keep chickens in.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Then you've got the stepped areas here with some amazing views
0:24:48 > 0:24:51from the area up at the top where there's a pretty garden swing.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53It is long and thin.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56I'm not sure whether it's big enough.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I'm not going to be able to spring a surprise on you like yesterday.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01However, the farmer who lives just down the lane
0:25:01 > 0:25:02manages and farms all the land around here
0:25:02 > 0:25:05and there could be a conversation to be had with him
0:25:05 > 0:25:07about potentially leasing some land.
0:25:07 > 0:25:11I always felt that as long as there was that possibility,
0:25:11 > 0:25:14I wouldn't rule it out, definitely.
0:25:14 > 0:25:18There may not be acres, but I'm glad Julie is keeping an open mind
0:25:18 > 0:25:20regarding the potential here.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23'And up a few more small steps is a vantage point
0:25:23 > 0:25:25'that might persuade her further.'
0:25:25 > 0:25:28- The climb is worth it, isn't it? - Mmm.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30It's really pretty.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33That's beautiful. That's idyllic countryside, isn't it?
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- It's just.... Yeah. - It is lovely.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38So what do you think this one is on the market for?
0:25:38 > 0:25:40I think, although it hasn't got the land,
0:25:40 > 0:25:43I think because of the location,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46I think I'm going to be optimistic and say 360.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48- I would have said that, as well. - OK.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Well, you can both... - You can say that.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54I think around that price, I think she's right.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57I'm sorry to say that you are both wrong, unfortunately.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- It actually on the market for less than that.- Wow.
0:25:59 > 0:26:03It's on for £315,000.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- That's quite a drop, isn't it, to what we thought?- Wow!
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- Wow, now that puts... - Things into perspective.- Yeah.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15Wow, that's amazing. 315.
0:26:15 > 0:26:17Yeah, that is such good news.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19That gives me a nice little bit of money
0:26:19 > 0:26:21to do what I really want to do.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24A lot to see, a lot to think about at this point.
0:26:24 > 0:26:25Why don't you wander back inside?
0:26:25 > 0:26:28- Start thinking about where you could put your own stamp on it.- OK.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32- Off you go. Come and find me when you're ready.- OK, thanks.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38A huge £60,000 below budget,
0:26:38 > 0:26:43this detached 19th-century property could be another contender.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46It has a cottage kitchen, two reception rooms,
0:26:46 > 0:26:50three bedrooms and a garden that wraps around the property.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52And the location is in a blissful spot,
0:26:52 > 0:26:55offering a great deal of privacy and calm.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59I was amazed with the price. That was such good news to the ear.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02It's really thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04Um, I really like it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06After yesterday, I didn't think anything would beat that,
0:27:06 > 0:27:09but I can see such a lot of potential here,
0:27:09 > 0:27:11lots of different things that I could do.
0:27:11 > 0:27:16How about if we could maybe knock through here
0:27:16 > 0:27:18to open up this space into a kitchen-diner?
0:27:18 > 0:27:23I think Julie has got more potential of making it her own here.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25It's a little bit remote and that's what she likes.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29So, er...I think, ideally, this could be the place for her.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I'm just admiring this beautiful courtyard garden,
0:27:34 > 0:27:36there's so much going on with this house.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39There is so much you could do with it, yeah.
0:27:39 > 0:27:40How are you feeling?
0:27:40 > 0:27:43A bit overwhelmed again.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44Guess what?
0:27:44 > 0:27:47You've got the Mystery House to see next. Come on.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00Just 50 years ago, the county of Devon had one of the highest
0:28:00 > 0:28:03concentrations of traditional orchards in the country and
0:28:03 > 0:28:06the area was once known as the cider capital of England.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09But now that a significant proportion of our apples are
0:28:09 > 0:28:11imported, or commercially farmed,
0:28:11 > 0:28:14many heritage varieties are under threat,
0:28:14 > 0:28:18along with the wildlife which depends on these orchard ecosystems.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21So to find out about the importance of preserving
0:28:21 > 0:28:24our traditional orchards, I've come to meet Ed Nicholson,
0:28:24 > 0:28:27head ranger of the Killerton Estate, near Broadclyst,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30where the apple harvest is in full swing.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Just walking through here on this beautiful sunny day,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35surrounded by apple trees,
0:28:35 > 0:28:38you would be forgiven for thinking that small orchards like this
0:28:38 > 0:28:41are alive and well and thriving here in Devon,
0:28:41 > 0:28:43but sadly that's not the case, is it?
0:28:43 > 0:28:44No, not really.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Across the region we've lost about 90% of the orchards
0:28:47 > 0:28:48here in the south-west.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50How is that happening?
0:28:50 > 0:28:52Obviously, the demand for apples is still there -
0:28:52 > 0:28:54people want to eat them, they want to drink apple juice,
0:28:54 > 0:28:56they want to drink cider.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58They do, the demand's higher than ever, really.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00To harvest apples from these sorts of trees, basically,
0:29:00 > 0:29:02is very labour-intensive.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05So what we're doing, we're just sticking to a few mainstream
0:29:05 > 0:29:08varieties that are easy and less complex to grow
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and all these traditional trees are just disappearing.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13To a greater or lesser degree, yeah.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16Why is it important that orchards like this,
0:29:16 > 0:29:17these smaller orchards, thrive?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20These are a really special habitat.
0:29:20 > 0:29:22You can just feel it on a day like this,
0:29:22 > 0:29:23it's a magical place to be.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28So calm, so peaceful, and yet they're just so right for wildlife.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31Basically, we use 100% of the fruit that's in these orchards.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Only 50% of it goes for humans,
0:29:33 > 0:29:3750% of it, we leave behind for the overwintering birds,
0:29:37 > 0:29:39the insects and all of the cycles that go on with that.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41These particular trees, they're very old,
0:29:41 > 0:29:43they're quite gnarly and basically they've got
0:29:43 > 0:29:46a lot lichen in there, they've got a lot of interest from
0:29:46 > 0:29:49the mosses on there and they're just a great habitat.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52How do we ensure then that things don't get worse
0:29:52 > 0:29:54and that small orchards like this are there
0:29:54 > 0:29:56for future generations to enjoy?
0:29:56 > 0:29:58Go and taste and experience your local varieties.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00Then, if you've got a bit of ground,
0:30:00 > 0:30:02they do say five trees makes an orchard.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05So, you know, get five trees, plant your own traditional orchard.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I've got one, they're on the way!
0:30:08 > 0:30:11There are over 6,000 different apple varieties in Britain
0:30:11 > 0:30:15and the estate here is home to around 100 of them,
0:30:15 > 0:30:17with at least 70 in this orchard alone.
0:30:17 > 0:30:2112 tonnes of the fruit are used to make cider for the estate,
0:30:21 > 0:30:25mostly collected by community groups and volunteers.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28'I'm told that it's only after I've joined the harvest,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31'with Ed and Molly, that I'm allowed to taste some.'
0:30:31 > 0:30:33You have one of those, I'll have one of these.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- By the time we fill these up, we should have enough.- OK.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- Molly's pinched an apple. - She helps to pick them.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Basically, we want everything that's nice and firm,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43that's reasonable to eat.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46- OK.- We don't want anything that's mouldy.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49Unlike eating apples, cider apples are picked from the ground,
0:30:49 > 0:30:51for it's at the point they're ready to drop
0:30:51 > 0:30:54that they have the highest sugars and starches needed
0:30:54 > 0:30:56to make sweet cider.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59I guess if most of us were asked to name
0:30:59 > 0:31:00a few varieties of apple,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02we could probably come up with four or five.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05You've got an awful lot more than that growing here, haven't you?
0:31:05 > 0:31:07There are, yeah. Each area would have its own
0:31:07 > 0:31:10and they'd often be named after where they were born.
0:31:10 > 0:31:13Basically, two varieties that came from the estate here,
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Killerton Sweet and Killerton Sharp.
0:31:15 > 0:31:17What's the ratio, then?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19Is that going to get me a decent amount of cider?
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Almost a pint.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23- That's OK, that'll do. - That'll do for a start.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25I don't need more than a pint!
0:31:25 > 0:31:29'I add my somewhat slim pickings to the apples collected earlier.'
0:31:29 > 0:31:31How many's in the bag?
0:31:31 > 0:31:34There's probably about 300kg in there.
0:31:34 > 0:31:37'That's a hefty weight of apples to shift
0:31:37 > 0:31:39'so Ed fires up the tractor.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43'I help him fix the bag in place before we transport the fruit
0:31:43 > 0:31:46'down to the estate's 200-year-old cider press.'
0:31:48 > 0:31:50Oh, my goodness me.
0:31:50 > 0:31:53That is a press, isn't it? Wow!
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Yeah, quite a beast, isn't it?
0:31:55 > 0:31:57But, yeah, this is where we turn all the apples into the juice
0:31:57 > 0:32:00which we then ferment into the cider.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- I'm guessing it's not going to do that on its own?- It's not.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06As ever, we rely heavily on our volunteers.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08So...are you ready, guys?
0:32:09 > 0:32:11No pesticides or chemicals are used,
0:32:11 > 0:32:16just pure unadulterated fruit - and a whole lot of elbow grease.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21The juice is fermented for about six months before the cider is ready
0:32:21 > 0:32:23but my mouth is watering now.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27'So I'm going to sample some of the raw juice direct from the press.'
0:32:29 > 0:32:30That's delicious.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34It's so sweet and zingy and fresh-tasting.
0:32:34 > 0:32:37I've never tasted apple juice as good as that before.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- This is very raw, raw apple juice. - Cheers.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43The 50 acres of orchards on this estate may now be
0:32:43 > 0:32:47a drop in the ocean compared to the numbers that once existed in Devon.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51But it's encouraging to witness and taste how every drop
0:32:51 > 0:32:53of the produce grown here
0:32:53 > 0:32:56is supporting the local wildlife and fruit-growing heritage
0:32:56 > 0:33:01that was once so prevalent across the county's fertile landscape.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10For our Mystery House,
0:33:10 > 0:33:14we're making our way to the village of Bratton Fleming.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18A large village, close to both the coast and the countryside,
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Bratton Fleming is set on a hillside,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23right on the fringes of the Exmoor National Park,
0:33:23 > 0:33:27so plenty of walking opportunities on the doorstep.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31Residents are served by a church dating back to the mid-19th century,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33a village shop and pub.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37There are lots of ways to get to know the local community.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Since Julie will be moving out to Devon on her own,
0:33:39 > 0:33:42it's this potential social connection that's prompted
0:33:42 > 0:33:44our choice for the mystery property.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46It lies right on the main street,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49smack bang in the centre of the village.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52So the Mystery House...
0:33:54 > 0:33:56..is right here in front of us.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- It's an old schoolhouse. - It's a chapel.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01Yeah, it was attached to the chapel,
0:34:01 > 0:34:03which is a separate building on the right.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06The schoolhouse on the left dates back earlier to 1881.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07What do you think?
0:34:07 > 0:34:09It's different.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Different in a good way, different in a bad way?
0:34:12 > 0:34:14No, it looks very attractive, actually.
0:34:14 > 0:34:15What do you think, Morella?
0:34:15 > 0:34:17I think it looks lovely.
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I think you're going to be in for a pleasant surprise
0:34:19 > 0:34:20when we open the door.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- Really?- Come on.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26'Despite being in the heart of the village,
0:34:26 > 0:34:30'they both seem impressed by the outside of our Mystery House.'
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Converted in 2007, the interior is a prime example
0:34:33 > 0:34:37of historic character and contemporary design combined.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Renovated to a high standard,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42it also features a unique inverted layout.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44It's an upside-down house.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- Oh, is it?- Which means the main living space is upstairs.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49- Shall we head straight up?- Yeah.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53The main living area may be upstairs
0:34:53 > 0:34:55but the majority of the accommodation
0:34:55 > 0:34:59lies on the ground floor and includes four bedrooms,
0:34:59 > 0:35:02two bathrooms, and a kitchen-diner.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03To really set the scene
0:35:03 > 0:35:08'of what this unique property has on show, we're starting up at the top.'
0:35:08 > 0:35:12So, up here, is the main...living area.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15They took full advantage of the space.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18It is so bright, light, airy. Vaulted ceilings.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Original beams.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22It is a wow!
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- It is definitely a wow!- I love it!
0:35:24 > 0:35:25The windows are lovely.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- It's amazing. - Gorgeous, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30I mean, it is beautiful.
0:35:32 > 0:35:36The Mystery House has clearly thrown Julie a curveball.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39The four bedrooms downstairs lead off a central hallway -
0:35:39 > 0:35:42three of which are light and bright and vary in size.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46There is also a modern tiled bathroom
0:35:46 > 0:35:50and down a small step, we come to the master bedroom.
0:35:50 > 0:35:53It has an en suite bathroom just attached there.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55And the nice high ceiling,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57it gives it that really bright, airy feeling in here.
0:35:57 > 0:35:58It is certainly bright.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00It's a lovely-sized room, isn't it?
0:36:00 > 0:36:03Could you imagine yourself in here, Julie?
0:36:03 > 0:36:05I could imagine sleeping here.
0:36:05 > 0:36:09- But not living?- No. Maybe not.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12What is it about it which is not appealing to you?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14- Erm... - SHE SIGHS
0:36:14 > 0:36:15It's not cosy.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20Um...I think I like the cosy feeling.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24It is very white and that can be a bit cold, I think.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27No, it is not to my taste.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31The stark, clean lines may not be suited to Julie,
0:36:31 > 0:36:34but I have a sneaking suspicion that Morella might be sold.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37Back at the step and right at the end of the corridor,
0:36:37 > 0:36:41'we come to the final room on our tour.'
0:36:41 > 0:36:45The second wow factor part of this house, I think, is here -
0:36:45 > 0:36:48the kitchen-dining space, with its vaulted ceiling.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- Yep.- And more beams. - Hey! That is a wow!
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- Oh, this is nice, isn't it? - It's been nicely done.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00- It has.- Very well done. - Obviously, very contemporary,
0:37:00 > 0:37:03but I think they have managed to get that blend of the old features.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08- That's lovely.- It is lovely. I can't deny it's lovely.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10So, what do you think, as Mystery Houses go, Julie?
0:37:10 > 0:37:15It's pretty much on the spot, I think, as a Mystery House!
0:37:15 > 0:37:17I mean, it is such a beautiful finish.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20It has got this contemporary feel,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23which I know isn't your cup of tea, necessarily,
0:37:23 > 0:37:26but I do think it is combined with the original features
0:37:26 > 0:37:27really beautifully.
0:37:27 > 0:37:28It is very well done.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31There's still more to see. So, let's head outside and see
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- if the garden can sway you more in the direction of this house.- OK!
0:37:35 > 0:37:39Well, one half of the pair is impressed,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42but sadly, not the one who is actually buying.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46'Stepping out into the sunshine, the rather compact back garden
0:37:46 > 0:37:48'is the last place to see.'
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Ta-da! Here it is!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52ALL LAUGH
0:37:52 > 0:37:55That is the other mystery!
0:37:55 > 0:37:58- You could definitely keep a chicken or two in here.- Yes!
0:37:58 > 0:37:59You could.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Morella, I can just tell, from your face,
0:38:01 > 0:38:04that this house really appeals to you.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06- It might not be... - To Julie's taste, yeah.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08No, I think it's lovely.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11You can sit outside and have a coffee.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14A little barbie. It's a small garden,
0:38:14 > 0:38:16but it's really pleasant, isn't it?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18OK, I am going to put you on the spot.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20Your budget is £350,000,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23going up to £375,000, if you needed to.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26What do you think this one is on the market for?
0:38:26 > 0:38:28You go first.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32- Erm...360?- Julie?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35I am going to go 340.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37OK, you are both wrong, I'm afraid.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40But Julie, you are most wrong, out of the two of you.
0:38:40 > 0:38:42It is actually on the market for £375,000,
0:38:42 > 0:38:45so not too far off, Morella.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49And it is a beautifully finished house in a fantastic location.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- So...- Yep, it's... I won't deny, it's a lovely, lovely house.- Yes.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57OK, I think, for Morella's sake, you just have to go back inside
0:38:57 > 0:38:59and have another look around!
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- And just take your time. - Another look in the kitchen!
0:39:02 > 0:39:03ALL LAUGH
0:39:07 > 0:39:13At £375,000, the Mystery House is an incredible contemporary conversion
0:39:13 > 0:39:17of an original Victorian schoolhouse.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20Featuring a topsy-turvy layout, it has four bedrooms,
0:39:20 > 0:39:23a spacious living room, as well as a large kitchen-diner.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27And the property lies right in the middle of a desirable village.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31As a Mystery House, it lived up to its name.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35It certainly gave me a surprise!
0:39:35 > 0:39:37SHE LAUGHS
0:39:37 > 0:39:40The conversion from an old school is just amazing.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43The design is incredible, especially upstairs.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48The windows, all the features, it is just...
0:39:48 > 0:39:49It is stunning.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52I love this house. It's gorgeous.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56This isn't the type of house that Julie would live in.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59It's too modern for her.
0:39:59 > 0:40:02It is not warm enough, as in, it is too white,
0:40:02 > 0:40:03but I love it.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05I think it's gorgeous.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Well, that is all the houses seen,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13so I guess it's time for you two to have a chat
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- and for you, in particular, Julie, to do some thinking.- Yep. Yep!
0:40:19 > 0:40:21It has been a lovely few days
0:40:21 > 0:40:23and it is fantastic that a couple of properties
0:40:23 > 0:40:25seem to have really struck a chord with Julie.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27I can't wait to hear what she is going to do next.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34- Hello!- Hello.- Hi!
0:40:34 > 0:40:36Well, the end of the search here in Devon.
0:40:36 > 0:40:42I think that two houses really seemed to stand out for you,
0:40:42 > 0:40:45but I have got no idea where your thoughts lie at this moment in time.
0:40:45 > 0:40:46So, put me out of my misery.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49I am not really sure where my thoughts lie, either!
0:40:49 > 0:40:52The house with the land is a definite.
0:40:52 > 0:40:56I fell in love with that. It was wonderful.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59And then, this morning, I was sent into confusion
0:40:59 > 0:41:00with the cottage.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02That was lovely, as well,
0:41:02 > 0:41:06and I am really torn between the two, at the moment.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I have really got to, I think, go back and see them
0:41:09 > 0:41:13and weigh up the pros and cons for both of them.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Well, that is a great, fantastic, promising start.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19So, just talk me through what the pros and cons are
0:41:19 > 0:41:20on the two of them, for you.
0:41:20 > 0:41:26The house with the land - the land is a huge, huge bonus.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29And the kitchen there was particularly lovely.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31The boot room, for the dogs, that was great.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I guess the main con there was the price.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37The cottage today hasn't got the land.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39However, hopefully,
0:41:39 > 0:41:42I will be able to get in touch with the farmer,
0:41:42 > 0:41:45to see whether there is some way I can rent some land from him.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48The actual cottage, I felt was lovely.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51It had a lot of potential.
0:41:51 > 0:41:52A few things needed doing,
0:41:52 > 0:41:57but as it is quite below budget, that gave me the funds to be able
0:41:57 > 0:41:59to make those changes, yeah.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01So, where do you go from here?
0:42:01 > 0:42:06- Tomorrow, we are going to go back... - Yeah.- ..and have a look at both,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09with the surrounding areas.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13And, hopefully, come to a decision,
0:42:13 > 0:42:16as to which I'd like to pursue.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18That is a brilliantly positive,
0:42:18 > 0:42:21you know, position to be in at the end of this search.
0:42:21 > 0:42:25It is absolutely fantastic to have not one, but two potentials.
0:42:25 > 0:42:28It has been wonderful being part of your search here.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32I just really hope that, when you go back and explore more,
0:42:32 > 0:42:36one of them stands out for you and becomes your home here in Devon.
0:42:36 > 0:42:37So do I.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40I'm so grateful. Thank you very much for all your help.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41It's been wonderful.
0:42:46 > 0:42:48It is the end of our search here in Devon
0:42:48 > 0:42:51and it is wonderful that Julie has found not just one,
0:42:51 > 0:42:53but two properties that she can imagine living in.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55We really hope that one of them
0:42:55 > 0:42:58will become her new home here in Devon
0:42:58 > 0:43:01and wish her lots of luck with her move to this beautiful county.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Join me next time, on Escape To The Country.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07If you would like to escape to the country
0:43:07 > 0:43:10in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:43:10 > 0:43:17and need our help, please apply online, at...