0:00:02 > 0:00:03Local legend has it that nearly 900 years ago
0:00:03 > 0:00:06the heir to the English throne was buried on this very beach.
0:00:06 > 0:00:10I'll be back in just a moment to tell you where I am,
0:00:10 > 0:00:12who he was and how he came to be here.
0:00:29 > 0:00:33Today, it's a case of his versus hers.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36In one corner, a giant man cave...
0:00:36 > 0:00:37Wow, is this all mine?
0:00:37 > 0:00:39This is just for you.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42And in the other, a she-grotto.
0:00:42 > 0:00:45I am going to turn this into a girl cave.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Mine is bigger than yours.- Oh!
0:00:47 > 0:00:51But can we deliver their shared dream home?
0:00:51 > 0:00:53- You're quite emotional.- I am.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55I am. That's amazing.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Today, I'm in Cornwall, in Falmouth.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03And this is Gyllyngvase Beach, where William Adelin,
0:01:03 > 0:01:06son of Henry I and grandson of William the Conqueror,
0:01:06 > 0:01:11is said to be buried. Now, the story goes that on 25th November 1120,
0:01:11 > 0:01:16William and his companions set sail from France on board the White Ship.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Disaster struck and the ship hit rocks
0:01:18 > 0:01:21with only two of the passengers surviving.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Sadly, the future king wasn't one of them.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27So this is believed to be his final resting place,
0:01:27 > 0:01:31so much so that this beach takes its name from the legend -
0:01:31 > 0:01:36Gyllyng - meaning William and vase - meaning grave.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39I'll be back on this beach a little later in the show.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Not to hunt for his final resting place,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45but to look for a very different kind of treasure.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49The county of Cornwall is an English peninsula with the Celtic Sea off
0:01:49 > 0:01:53its northern coast and the English Channel to the south.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57The River Fal journeys for 11 miles through the county,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01rising at Goss Moor near St Austell and flowing south to the sea.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05The mouth of its estuary was once fiercely guarded against invasion
0:02:05 > 0:02:08from France and the Holy the Roman Empire
0:02:08 > 0:02:10by a pair of castles built under Henry VIII.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15St Mawes on the Roseland Peninsula and a mile across the water,
0:02:15 > 0:02:16Pendennis, near Falmouth.
0:02:17 > 0:02:22This and other sites can be taken in along Cornwall's spectacular and
0:02:22 > 0:02:26varied 300-mile section of South West Coast Path,
0:02:26 > 0:02:30encompassing hundreds of beaches and rocky headlands.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34The county's soil and terrain is often unsuitable for growing crops,
0:02:34 > 0:02:37making cattle and sheep farming a necessity.
0:02:37 > 0:02:40From the 17th century, newly-developed breeds of sheep
0:02:40 > 0:02:43helped support a successful wool trade,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47and flocks in the fields remain a common sight to this day.
0:02:47 > 0:02:49Disused copper and tin mines
0:02:49 > 0:02:53have become an iconic part of the Cornish landscape.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Ore-bearing rocks provided an increasingly lucrative trade
0:02:57 > 0:03:00from the Middle Ages until foreign competition set the industry
0:03:00 > 0:03:03into decline in the 19th century.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06So, whether it's breathtaking coastal paths,
0:03:06 > 0:03:10industrial heritage or rural landscapes you're looking for,
0:03:10 > 0:03:15Cornwall is an incredible county to spend a few days or many years in.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20Of course, every English county is special in its own way but Cornwall,
0:03:20 > 0:03:22which was once a separate country,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26is unique because it never officially become part of England,
0:03:26 > 0:03:30as there's never been a specific Act of Parliament to state that it has.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33The average cost of a detached property here in Cornwall
0:03:33 > 0:03:35is £277,000,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39that's around £23,000 less than the rest of England and Wales.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43So, let's meet today's couple and find out why they want to move to
0:03:43 > 0:03:46this terrific county. Or is it a country?
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Today's house-hunting duo are actually divorcees,
0:03:51 > 0:03:55but after splitting up with each other nearly a decade ago,
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Nick and Julie from near Basingstoke, Hampshire,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01rekindled their relationship for a second time,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04following the death of a family pet.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07The family dog died and Nick came to hold my hand,
0:04:07 > 0:04:11and luckily, he's been there ever since.
0:04:11 > 0:04:12It makes everything complete.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15As much as anything can be perfect, it's perfect.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20The pair are now planning on giving marriage another go,
0:04:20 > 0:04:24but for Nick starting again means moving away from the tough memories
0:04:24 > 0:04:26of their former home.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29As far as going back to the family home is concerned, after ten years,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32it is mixed emotions, I think. It is somewhat strange, I must say,
0:04:32 > 0:04:37to come back to the, I suppose, the matrimonial home again.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39That's a slightly strange situation.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44I'm coping with it, it's one of the reasons why I'd like to go move
0:04:44 > 0:04:48somewhere different. I'd actually probably like to move to a different
0:04:48 > 0:04:51house, even if it was relatively local.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54But they're not staying local.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Instead, they want a fresh start in the countryside,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59several counties away.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02We'd like to move to mid-Cornwall.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06It's got natural beauty, its coastline is absolutely sensational.
0:05:06 > 0:05:11To think that this could be every day of our lives is unbelievable.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13It doesn't get any better than that, does it?
0:05:13 > 0:05:17Losing a family pet may have brought Nick and Julie back together,
0:05:17 > 0:05:22but their other canine companions are a big consideration in the move.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24We've got two dogs to take with us down to Cornwall -
0:05:24 > 0:05:28a nine-year-old Labrador and a nine-month-old English Pointer.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32That's very much the sort of walking aspect of things and keeping us fit,
0:05:32 > 0:05:34come rain or come shine.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I can't wait for the day when I actually get down there
0:05:36 > 0:05:38to a lovely beach
0:05:38 > 0:05:40where we just let the two dogs out and away they go.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42That will be absolutely fantastic.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47Moving to Cornwall and being with Nick will be the ultimate goal
0:05:47 > 0:05:51and something that's going to make us so happy
0:05:51 > 0:05:53and hopefully put all the sadness behind us.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Our children, they're 20 and 22 so, to use a cliche,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00we're going to be reaching empty-nest syndrome before too long
0:06:00 > 0:06:03anyhow, and coupled together with what's happened to us on a personal
0:06:03 > 0:06:05side, what a fantastic time to do it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08We are fit and healthy. We either get on with it or wait for the next
0:06:08 > 0:06:10crisis to arrive. I don't want to do that.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Nick and Julie want to concentrate the property search in the coastal
0:06:18 > 0:06:21area between St Austell and Truro.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23But before I start showing them houses,
0:06:23 > 0:06:26we're meeting in the county to discuss the move.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29Well, Nick and Julie, welcome to Cornwall.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32This is really exciting because this is a fresh start for both of you,
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- isn't it?- This is something we've always dreamed about and now it's
0:06:35 > 0:06:38actually happening, against all the odds, really.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39It's amazing.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42What about the house that you would like to live in down here?
0:06:42 > 0:06:44- Tell me about that.- A large kitchen.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49We have two large dogs so they need somewhere to dry off and live.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52Three bedrooms minimum.
0:06:52 > 0:06:53Four if possible,
0:06:53 > 0:06:57so all our friends and family can come and stay with us.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59And a big garden for the dogs as well.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02I understand, Nick, that you've got something quite specific on your
0:07:02 > 0:07:05wish list. It wouldn't be a man cave by any chance, would it?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Yeah, it could be, you know, Jenny. - A man cave is essential.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11I think the man cave often benefits both parties in the relationship.
0:07:11 > 0:07:12- Doesn't it?- Absolutely.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- Absolutely.- And what about local village life?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18Do you want anything specific about the local village?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Need a pub for the community, I think that's important.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24That's where you get to meet people, isn't it,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26and start to get involved in the community.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27So the pub is good.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29And what about doing any work to the property?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Are you prepared to get your hands dirty, knock a few walls down?
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Nick's not very good at DIY.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I can't see that happening.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Generally, we'd like to have something we could move into now.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- We don't want a complete renovation. - Now, let's talk about the budget.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Just remind me of what we're working with for this search.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47We're working with a maximum of 750.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- And what timescale are we looking at?- By the end of the week.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52OK.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55I know you've had lots of short breaks here in Cornwall,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57but it's time to take those holiday hats off,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59get your house-hunting hats on
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- because we've got properties to show you. Ready?- Fantastic.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03Yep. Let's go.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08For a maximum budget of £750,000
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Julie and Nick would like a large kitchen,
0:08:10 > 0:08:12a dog-friendly boot room,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14an enclosed garden
0:08:14 > 0:08:16as well as some private space for Nick.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18They're not after a project
0:08:18 > 0:08:21and would like to have a village pub nearby.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We've got a wonderful variety of houses to tempt them with.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26And at each,
0:08:26 > 0:08:29I'll be asking them to guess the asking price before I reveal it.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33The final property is our Mystery House and it's one that could really
0:08:33 > 0:08:36turn a search on its head.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Our house-hunting is heading to Lower Porthpean,
0:08:44 > 0:08:46a Cornish coastal hamlet.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47A little over a mile away,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50the larger village of Charleston provides plenty
0:08:50 > 0:08:54of traditional Cornish fare, from cream teas to pasties.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57The rocky coastline has proved treacherous to seafarers
0:08:57 > 0:09:01over the years but it's also the prime draw of the region
0:09:01 > 0:09:05and a spectacular backdrop for the house we've come to see.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07So, I've brought you straight to the
0:09:07 > 0:09:12back of this lovely 1930s detached house. But this is the main event.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Some view, isn't it?- Some event.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17It's stunning. It is stunning.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21That little gate there takes you straight onto the coastal path.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- Does it, really?- Wow.- It does. So you can walk for as long as you want
0:09:24 > 0:09:27to walk on there and you've got the spectacular views down over
0:09:27 > 0:09:29St Austell Bay, the Gribben peninsula.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- Yeah.- It's a beautiful setting.
0:09:31 > 0:09:32It's gorgeous.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35- I agree. - I think it's a pretty house.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Do you?- Yeah.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Can I drag you away from the garden and the view?
0:09:40 > 0:09:41- Already?- Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Wait till we see it from the inside.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44Come on. Follow on.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46This is impressive.
0:09:46 > 0:09:51This 1930s property has been extended and altered over the years
0:09:51 > 0:09:54with a rendered brick exterior and Cornish slate roof.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57A hallway accessed via the rear terrace
0:09:57 > 0:10:01takes us through to a semi open-plan wing housing the kitchen,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03dining room and sun lounge.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05This is a good place to start.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08Let's check out the views from in here as well.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Lovely.- That's a lovely room, isn't it?
0:10:10 > 0:10:11Takes full advantage...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- It does, doesn't it? - ..of the location.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Yeah.- It's got that open-plan, airy feel.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19And, as you say, really takes advantage
0:10:19 > 0:10:21of this fantastic position.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23- Yeah.- And then if we do a quick swivel around...
0:10:23 > 0:10:26here we have the kitchen.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30My mind's already racing as to what I can do and how I can play around
0:10:30 > 0:10:31with this to make it right for us.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34While this is a great space to live in, there is another one.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37So let me just wander through here and I'll show you the main
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- living space.- That's great. Oh.- OK. Fantastic.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42A great start.
0:10:42 > 0:10:46And across the hallway is even more reception space.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49So here we are, in the cosy sitting room.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51- This is lovely, isn't it? - Yes, very nice.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55Decent-sized room. Sizeable room, decent high ceiling.
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Coal fire burning away in winter.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00What we're lacking, Nick, so far is your man cave.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02You're going to find me one, I've just got a feeling.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04I've got an idea for one.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08So just off the entrance hall is a little downstairs
0:11:08 > 0:11:10toilet and utility room.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Behind this wall is an integrated garage.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16I don't know how important the garage is to you.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19If it's not that important it would be a relatively simple job,
0:11:19 > 0:11:23with the right planning permission, to convert that into your man cave.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27OK. Well, if you can convince me of that, that will be good news.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30There's something special about this house and I think it has a very,
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- very nice feel to it. - It does. It does.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35Well, credit to you, you've achieved.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36- You have.- Great.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40Shall we go upstairs and see if we can carry on with this momentum?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Let's go and investigate.
0:11:42 > 0:11:47The incredible views and generous proportions of this 1930s home
0:11:47 > 0:11:51have certainly opened Nick and Julie's eyes to its potential.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55Stairs in the central hallway take us to the three bedrooms upstairs.
0:11:55 > 0:11:59There is a good-sized guest room and another slightly smaller bedroom,
0:11:59 > 0:12:03both with double aspect windows to take advantage of the views.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07These rooms are served by a family bathroom but I think it's the large
0:12:07 > 0:12:11master en-suite that will really capture their imagination.
0:12:11 > 0:12:13And here we are in the master bedroom.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- This is more like it.- Nice size. A lovely-sized room, isn't it?
0:12:17 > 0:12:20Plenty of light, windows on two sides.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22- That's good.- Another lovely view.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24- A quick peep in there. - Thank you very much.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Ah, it's an en suite. - En suite.- Oh, yes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Oh, it's much bigger than I expected.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30This is doing the job as a bedroom, for sure.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33- Very much so.- So how are you feeling at this point, then?
0:12:33 > 0:12:38I'm feeling as though the downstairs bit is still buzzing, in terms of...
0:12:38 > 0:12:41I've got this floor space going around in my head and working out
0:12:41 > 0:12:42what's going to happen.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46Well, you'll have plenty of time to take it all in but let's just go
0:12:46 > 0:12:47back outside to the garden
0:12:47 > 0:12:51because it is definitely the big wow-point in this house.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53And you're going to have to start thinking about what you think
0:12:53 > 0:12:56- it's on the market for.- It's a tricky one this, isn't it?
0:12:56 > 0:12:57Yes, it is.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01So we've got approval for this home's generous interiors,
0:13:01 > 0:13:04and the exterior certainly doesn't disappoint.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05To the front of the property,
0:13:05 > 0:13:09a drive providing parking for several cars leads to the
0:13:09 > 0:13:11integral garage and is fringed with shrubbery.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15There's a further area of garden to the side and then, of course,
0:13:15 > 0:13:19the rear garden with those stunning sea views.
0:13:22 > 0:13:23What about the size?
0:13:23 > 0:13:26I know you wanted a big garden, but is it big enough?
0:13:26 > 0:13:27Yes. Yes, it is.
0:13:27 > 0:13:32I think taking some of the shrubs back, do a little bit of tidying up,
0:13:32 > 0:13:34it would make it seem bigger.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36Now comes the tricky part.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38We need to know what this house is on the market for.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40I could be miles out here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42650.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46I'm going to say 675.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47You're both wrong, I'm afraid.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- Oh.- Yes, you are. It was on the market for £750,000,
0:13:51 > 0:13:55it's been reduced and is now on the market for £710,000.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- OK.- I would say you would have enough left in the budget there
0:13:59 > 0:14:02to do the things that you would potentially like to do.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05Yeah. As I say, lots of vision on my part to be done.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- Yes.- Off you go. Take a look.- Can we not go that way?
0:14:08 > 0:14:10No, I'm going to stay here and enjoy the view,
0:14:10 > 0:14:12You go and look at the views from the house.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- OK.- No problem. Thank you. - Call me when you're ready.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20At £40,000 below their top budget,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22this 1930s house with coastal views
0:14:22 > 0:14:26provides semi open-plan living as well as an additional
0:14:26 > 0:14:29large reception room and integral garage.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31There are three double bedrooms
0:14:31 > 0:14:35including an en suite and a spectacular seafront location.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39This house has thrown the two of us because it's something that we would
0:14:39 > 0:14:41never have normally considered,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45we would have driven past not knowing what it was hiding
0:14:45 > 0:14:49out the back here with the view and the location,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51the size of the rooms.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54Really, really good. It's all there.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58I'd pretty much given up on the idea of front-line seafront and my head
0:14:58 > 0:15:01is spinning at the moment. But, yes, I think we could do this.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03Yes, we'd definitely have to do some work,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05that would be important that we do that but, yes,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07it's a distinct possibility.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11You've come to tear me away from the lovely view, haven't you?
0:15:11 > 0:15:13We have. We have, sadly.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- It's sensational.- I hope this house has taught you that you should never
0:15:16 > 0:15:17judge a book by the cover,
0:15:17 > 0:15:20cos you wouldn't have looked at it and you'd have missed out on this.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- That's true.- Come on. Time to leave it.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35The Cornish peninsula is resplendent with historic architecture,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39microclimates supporting unique gardens and farming traditions.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43With Nick and Julie keen to enjoy everything the county has to offer,
0:15:43 > 0:15:47we've lined up a visit to somewhere that combines all of these features.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Caerhays Estate on the coast near St Austell
0:15:50 > 0:15:52includes a 200-year-old castle,
0:15:52 > 0:15:56magnificent gardens and a working farm.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Estate manager Jamie Parsons is here to fill Nick and Julie in
0:16:00 > 0:16:03on the origins of this grand location.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04Fantastic place, Jamie.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06There's got to be so much history. Tell us about it.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09Yeah, the house here was built around 1810.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13It was built by the Trevanion family and the architect was Sir John Nash,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15who was also the architect of Buckingham Palace.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It was the Trevanion family who had the house built
0:16:18 > 0:16:22but they went bankrupt in the 1840s and they fled to France.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24And the Williams came here and
0:16:24 > 0:16:27purchased the property, but unfortunately all the
0:16:27 > 0:16:31lead off the roof was taken to pay some of the Trevanions' debts.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34So there was a lot of work for the Williams family to do before they
0:16:34 > 0:16:38actually moved in. And they do say there was actually ducks swimming in
0:16:38 > 0:16:40the dining room when they got here.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43It may have taken the Williams family four years
0:16:43 > 0:16:45to fully restore the castle,
0:16:45 > 0:16:47but almost two centuries later,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50it's still their descendants' family home.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54Much of it remains just as it was in the 19th century
0:16:54 > 0:16:57and can be seen by the public on weekday tours.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01But it's the impressive gardens that attract the majority of visitors
0:17:01 > 0:17:03and it's easy to see why.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06Featuring camellias, rhododendron and one of only four
0:17:06 > 0:17:09national magnolia collections in the country,
0:17:09 > 0:17:12with around 800 different specimens.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Amazing.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Good gosh.- Fantastic.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19Isn't it? Isn't it amazing?
0:17:19 > 0:17:20So how is it, Jamie,
0:17:20 > 0:17:23that we've got all these magnolias at Caerhays in particular?
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Well, it all really started around the 20th century with Ernest Wilson
0:17:27 > 0:17:29and George Farris, the great plant collectors.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31They went off to China plant collecting.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35Our first lot of rhododendrons came here in around 1905
0:17:35 > 0:17:36from Ernest Wilson.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38So it really all stemmed from there.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42The Williams family directly sponsored
0:17:42 > 0:17:44many of the plant-hunting trips to China
0:17:44 > 0:17:48to the tune of £300,000 in today's money.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50The rich, acidic soil at Caerhays,
0:17:50 > 0:17:54along with its sheltered and wooded location bathed in sea mist makes
0:17:54 > 0:17:57the conditions here very similar to the Chinese mountain habitat
0:17:57 > 0:17:59the plants were sourced from.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02And how old is this one?
0:18:02 > 0:18:05This one was planted around 1957.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Our oldest magnolia was
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Magnolia stellata and that was planted in 1897.
0:18:11 > 0:18:12Wow.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16Early spring may be prime magnolia season but it's also lambing time
0:18:16 > 0:18:20at the estate farm. This year, as usual, the flock of Dorset sheep
0:18:20 > 0:18:25is keeping farm manager Hamish Ross very busy.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28So, Hamish, how many are born here every year?
0:18:28 > 0:18:32About 700 lambs a year and about 500 ewes.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34500 ewes?
0:18:34 > 0:18:35- Yeah.- Gosh.
0:18:35 > 0:18:36700 lambs.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38And how old are they now?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41These are about ten days old, this one is a little bit older.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45And why is it important for you to farm sheep here at Caerhays?
0:18:45 > 0:18:49The sheep suit the grounds.
0:18:49 > 0:18:54It's quite harsh and we have a lot of cliff-top ground,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- which you can't do anything else with.- Right.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01So it is just the best way to manage the land.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Hardy animal to cope with the climate.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06How long does a bottle-feeding process go on for then, Hamish?
0:19:06 > 0:19:08These will be weaned until about a month old.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12- Yeah.- So they've got another couple of weeks.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14When a ewe gives birth to more than one lamb,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17she can struggle to feed all her offspring.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Since a number of triplets were born this year, bottle feeding them
0:19:20 > 0:19:25reconstituted dried sheep's milk ensures all the lambs get enough.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27And how often do you have to feed them?
0:19:27 > 0:19:31We bottle-feed about four times a day.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34Four times a day? You obviously need a few hands to help you.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- I can't imagine.- Well, as they get older you feed them less
0:19:38 > 0:19:41and get them onto hay and concentrates.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- Solids.- Yes.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Well, thank you, Hamish.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48I really enjoyed it and I think this lamb did too.
0:19:48 > 0:19:52- It's been a pleasure. - It's been a perfect experience.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55Well, it's time to leave the lambs and this wonderful estate,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58as our search for Nick and Julie's own home and garden in Cornwall
0:19:58 > 0:20:00continues tomorrow.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09We're in the coastal county of Cornwall
0:20:09 > 0:20:12helping Nick and Julie from near Basingstoke, Hampshire,
0:20:12 > 0:20:18make a fresh start by the sea with their budget of £750,000.
0:20:18 > 0:20:22So far, we've shown them some great property but there's more to see.
0:20:22 > 0:20:25And I have very high hopes for our Mystery House.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31So this is the topsy-turvy living space.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33You really do get a panorama from here, don't you?
0:20:33 > 0:20:35In line with the trees.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37Yeah, it's a Mystery House, isn't it?
0:20:37 > 0:20:40Plus, I rekindle a childhood passion
0:20:40 > 0:20:43as I search for treasure in the sand.
0:20:43 > 0:20:44It's great to do, isn't it?
0:20:44 > 0:20:46- It is good fun.- It's relaxing.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48It's quite compulsive and kind of an addictive hobby, really.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54It's the second day of our search here in Cornwall and we certainly
0:20:54 > 0:20:57gave Nick and Julie plenty to think about yesterday,
0:20:57 > 0:21:00but today is a whole new house-hunting day.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03And while the weather may not be particularly kind to us,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06we do have two fantastic properties lined up,
0:21:06 > 0:21:08including the Mystery House,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12which could quite literally turn Nick and Julie's world upside down.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17But before that, we are off to the hamlet of Ruan High Lanes,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19where our next house is located.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Nestled in the picturesque Roseland Peninsula,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26the coastal village of Portscatho is around five minutes' drive away.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Here it's possible to enjoy a drink with a sea view
0:21:29 > 0:21:31from either the cafe or public house,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33and pick up provisions from the butcher's
0:21:33 > 0:21:36or the bakery and delicatessen.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37Back in Ruan High Lanes,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42our next property is one of a cluster of converted farm buildings.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46So, Julie, a little birdie told me you quite like barn conversions.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48I love barn conversions.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Stunning, isn't it?
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- What a building.- It's beautiful.
0:21:53 > 0:21:58It's five old farm buildings that were all converted in 1998.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00This one right in front of us, the largest,
0:22:00 > 0:22:02is the one I'm bringing you to see today.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Beautiful. It is an amazing building.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08I'm getting over it just at the moment. It's just amazing.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09Would you like to go inside?
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- I'd love to go inside.- Sooner rather than later, please.- Come on.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16Originally built as a stone barn in 1868,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19a private front door leads into the home,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22which is currently run as a holiday let.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25So, straight in through this fantastic entrance hall
0:22:25 > 0:22:27into just a rather small living space.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Wow.- That's a living room, isn't it?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33It's lovely. It's huge.
0:22:33 > 0:22:34It's full of character.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37You've got the size, haven't you?
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- It's imposing, isn't it?- You've got lots of character in here,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44which I know you were both keen on, but you have, quite unusually,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46a lot of space as well.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47It's fabulous.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50You might just need to follow me this way because...
0:22:50 > 0:22:52- the man cave. - You mean this isn't it?
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Just... I'll explain. Lead on. Come on.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Lying to one side of this main reception room
0:22:59 > 0:23:02is indeed a potential den for Nick.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05It's a cave, it's a chasm, it's a cavern.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07It's enormous, that's for sure.
0:23:07 > 0:23:08Wowee, is this all mine?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10This is just for you.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- A lovely room.- Sign on the door, by invitation...
0:23:12 > 0:23:14Only!
0:23:15 > 0:23:16Wowee.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19What another stunning reception room!
0:23:19 > 0:23:22- We're doing very well, here.- So far.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25- Just say so good.- It's a lot of space.- So far, so amazing.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- We've got the man cave. Tick for that.- Yes, big tick.
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- Kitchen?- Yes.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32Thank you.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36On the opposite side of the main reception
0:23:36 > 0:23:37is a similarly vast kitchen-diner.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42Now, Julie, I know you wanted the kitchen
0:23:42 > 0:23:44to be the heart of the home...
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Oh, my goodness!
0:23:47 > 0:23:49More character...
0:23:49 > 0:23:52More features, more ceiling.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- More space.- More space!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56That's beautiful, isn't it?
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- You look quite emotional.- I am.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00I am. That's amazing.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02This is a fabulous kitchen.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05At the back here we've got an absolutely enormous
0:24:05 > 0:24:09boot room/utility, with a separate toilet as well.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11And it's got a separate door.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14So you can come in, get the muddy towels out the way,
0:24:14 > 0:24:16clean the dogs off, let them dry.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19And there's a big enough space there that you could keep them in there
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- while they were drying off. - Oh, that's really, really good.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24- That's important.- Well, let's talk about bedrooms.
0:24:24 > 0:24:26- Go on, you can lead on.- Thank you.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28This is going really well.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33Continuing the theme of generous spaces,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37this barn conversion comes with a total of four bedrooms.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41The first is located on the ground floor and is a large double.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44Next to which is a downstairs shower room.
0:24:44 > 0:24:49Upstairs, another large guest room sits beside the family bathroom
0:24:49 > 0:24:52with shower. And there's a further guest double.
0:24:52 > 0:24:57Then, above the main reception room, is the impressive master suite.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00I did warn you that the bedrooms were fairly big.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- Oh, my goodness! - I wasn't exaggerating.
0:25:02 > 0:25:03- Huge.- Lovely.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- But lovely.- Airy.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Ceilings, more beams.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11- Fantastic. Brilliant.- Actually, just to top it off as well,
0:25:11 > 0:25:13we've got an en suite behind us in here.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Just finish us off nicely.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Why don't we wander outside,
0:25:18 > 0:25:21and then if you could start to think about the price, please.
0:25:21 > 0:25:22We're doing that again?
0:25:22 > 0:25:24We're there, we're at that point.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Outside, there's a communal courtyard,
0:25:29 > 0:25:31as well as a private south-facing garden
0:25:31 > 0:25:33with traditional Cornish stone hedging.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37And patio seating located off the main reception.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40The property also comes with its own garage
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and a car port with log store.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45Is this big enough for you?
0:25:45 > 0:25:46- Yes.- In garden terms, yes.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49I mean, inevitably, I'd say if there was a bit more garden,
0:25:49 > 0:25:50that would be nice.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53But we understand it's all about compromise.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56The house more than makes up for the garden.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59The house is amazing. Amazing feature in itself, isn't it?
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I'm getting a good feeling about you two in this one.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03- It's nice.- I love this house.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06But I do need to know what do you think it's on the market for.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11I think this house is on the market for £735,000.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14I'm just thinking it must be close to our budget.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- I'm going to hit 650.- 650?
0:26:17 > 0:26:19OK, so, your budget was 750,000.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Well, I'm very happy to say that, Nick,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24you're not paying for the drinks in the pub later,
0:26:24 > 0:26:26because you're actually bang on.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29It's on the market for £650,000.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30Wow!
0:26:32 > 0:26:34That's...that's very good news.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I'm still smiling. You're smiling a hell of a lot.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40Well, I'm sure this is a house you want to go back and take some time
0:26:40 > 0:26:43- to look around again, isn't it? - It certainly is.- Absolutely.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Off you go, take your time. Come and find me when you're ready.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49- Thank you very much. - Thank you.- Lead on.
0:26:49 > 0:26:50Well, as house tours go,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53it just doesn't get better than that, does it?
0:26:53 > 0:26:56At £100,000 below budget,
0:26:56 > 0:27:00this period barn conversion seems to have won them over.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02It has generous reception spaces,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05including the country kitchen and diner,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07a separate den, four bedrooms
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and a total of three bathrooms.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I have an idea for this room.
0:27:13 > 0:27:15I'm going to turn this into a girl cave.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18- Do they have that sort of thing? - Maybe it's the first.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20This could be the very first girl cave.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23OK, I suppose I can't argue with that. Mine's bigger than yours.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24THEY LAUGH
0:27:24 > 0:27:27We might have to swap, then.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31For me, it's the best house that I've seen
0:27:31 > 0:27:34in six months of searching.
0:27:34 > 0:27:40I got emotional coming in here because it is such a stunning room.
0:27:40 > 0:27:41It's breathtaking.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Overall, I'm really encouraged.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45I think it's a lovely place.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47It's in a fantastic location.
0:27:47 > 0:27:49It ticks...
0:27:49 > 0:27:51virtually all boxes.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55I think this barn could definitely be my Cornish home.
0:27:55 > 0:27:56Our Cornish home.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04I'm sorry to drag you away but we do still have the Mystery House to go,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- you know.- Well, one more.
0:28:07 > 0:28:08- Come on.- OK.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Cornwall boasts a truly magical coastline,
0:28:17 > 0:28:20with over 400 beaches accessible by foot,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23the county is a beachcomber's paradise,
0:28:23 > 0:28:26and many rocky headlands make it a good spot for one treasure in
0:28:26 > 0:28:29particular. Sea glass.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Smoothed and frosted by sand and sea,
0:28:32 > 0:28:34broken glass that was once rubbish
0:28:34 > 0:28:37is now a resource for artists such as Johnny Fuller.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41I've come to meet him at his home and studio in Falmouth.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44So, talk to me about sea glass, then.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45Where is it found?
0:28:45 > 0:28:48Well, it all...
0:28:48 > 0:28:51comes from the bottling industry, mainly. Ended up in the sea.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Sometimes it could be cargo spills.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Generally, it's our littering which ends up in the ocean.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00And it gets tumbled in the sand and it comes out with these lovely,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03smooth shapes. And there's something very tactile about them all.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05They're completely smooth.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08Cos I can remember vividly as a child collecting this on the beach
0:29:08 > 0:29:11and thinking it was treasure, my mum told me it was treasure.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14How did your love affair with it first start?
0:29:14 > 0:29:16From an early age, I always collected it.
0:29:16 > 0:29:18We used to have it around the house in jars and pots.
0:29:18 > 0:29:20Over the years, I collected so much,
0:29:20 > 0:29:23I wanted to put it to a creative use.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25This is why I started making pictures.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30Johnny completed his Masters at the Royal College of Art in London
0:29:30 > 0:29:33but returned to Cornwall to raise his family.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36He tries to capture a love of the seascapes in pieces that are both
0:29:36 > 0:29:39simple and striking.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42A lot of what I make is based on the glass that I've found and where I
0:29:42 > 0:29:46found it. So a lot of my inspiration is the tides.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49So the circles obviously relate to the circular tide.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52This particular colour is probably my favourite.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54And is probably hardest to find.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57You know, you get lots of white and brown kind of bottle green
0:29:57 > 0:29:59but not these kind of very subtle colours.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02And are there better beaches than others to find it on?
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Are some a treasure trove? Are there some good spots?
0:30:05 > 0:30:07I've got some good spots but I'm not telling you where they are.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09- Well, you will take me to one. - I will do.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- Let me find the treasure of my childhood again.- Yeah, absolutely.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16Johnny may be keen to keep his hot spots under his hat
0:30:16 > 0:30:18but if you've been paying attention,
0:30:18 > 0:30:20you'll have a good idea of just where
0:30:20 > 0:30:22this treasured hunting ground is.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26And, of course, it always helps to bring a four-legged friend.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28So, every day is a bring-your-dog-to-work day
0:30:28 > 0:30:30- when you're doing this, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Worldwide, the most common colour for sea glass is bottle green,
0:30:35 > 0:30:38closely followed by frosted white.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43Rarer finds include cobalt blue - only one in 500 pieces -
0:30:43 > 0:30:47whilst pink accounts for just one in every 1,000 discoveries.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Straight away, I've spotted a bit.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52A tiny bit. It's that amazing green colour.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56It's really smooth. I often wonder where it's come from and how old is.
0:30:56 > 0:30:57And how it got there.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00How long do you reckon that's been in the sea, being bashed about,
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- to get to that point?- It could be years, I should think.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05Sometimes, they have little letters and words on them,
0:31:05 > 0:31:09and you can work out what bottling company it might have come from.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- I guess when you look... - Look, there's a piece.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13Oh, that's a lovely shape.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17Oh, see, I can see a little theme happening there.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18And is that how it happens?
0:31:18 > 0:31:21Do you have the design first or do you find the glass,
0:31:21 > 0:31:24find the colours, and then start to work it?
0:31:24 > 0:31:27It's a bit of both, really. But I'm always looking for glass.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29It doesn't always get used, but I can save it for another piece.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Do you take pleasure from the fact that you're recycling something?
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Yeah, I do. I think it's nice to find it and remove it from the
0:31:37 > 0:31:41beach, but then I'm reusing it in a kind of creative way, so...
0:31:41 > 0:31:43One of the oldest man-made materials,
0:31:43 > 0:31:46the main ingredient in glass is silica, which comes from sand.
0:31:46 > 0:31:50So, perhaps it's fitting that some of it finds its way back to our
0:31:50 > 0:31:54beaches. A good time to go sea glass hunting is the first low tide after
0:31:54 > 0:31:58a storm. And don't forget to look underneath the pebbles
0:31:58 > 0:32:00because that's where it's often lurking.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02I'm struggling, Johnny.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04I'm not finding much, either.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Yeah, you just don't know day to day what you're going to find, really.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10It's...all about luck, I think.
0:32:10 > 0:32:11I've got a few small pieces.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- It's great to do, isn't it?- It's great fun.- It's really relaxing.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17It's quite compulsive. An addictive hobby, really.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20I mean, I get e-mails from people from Hawaii, Australia...
0:32:20 > 0:32:22What other things could you do with them?
0:32:22 > 0:32:24Quite a lot of people make jewellery out of them, rings,
0:32:24 > 0:32:25embed them into rings.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Or you could just put them in a jar and put them on the window.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30Do you know what I'm going to do with them?
0:32:30 > 0:32:33I have a little boy who's going to love some pirate treasure.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35So this is Mummy's pirate treasure.
0:32:35 > 0:32:37Absolutely. You know that's a stone there, don't you?
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's not, it's pirate treasure, Johnny! Come on, don't ruin it.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46There are some members of your family we
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- haven't talked about properly. The dogs!- The dogs.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51Yes, our fur babies.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53You call them fur babies, love it.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55So, finding the right place for them is important?
0:32:55 > 0:32:57It is, very much so.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59That's the beauty of having dogs, really.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02You can take full advantage of the countryside.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05When it comes to walks and exercise, dogs give you a good excuse,
0:33:05 > 0:33:06that's for sure.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10For our mystery offering,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13we're heading to the hamlet of Pont-By-Fowey.
0:33:13 > 0:33:18Just under two miles away is the ancient fishing village of Polruan.
0:33:18 > 0:33:20Known for its boat-building heritage,
0:33:20 > 0:33:23it's located on the banks of the Fowey Estuary.
0:33:23 > 0:33:25A regular ferry takes five to ten minutes
0:33:25 > 0:33:29and is still the fastest way to and from the other side of the water.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34There are facilities here, including a grocery shop and cafes.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35But we're two miles north-east
0:33:35 > 0:33:39along a wooded creek that feeds into the Fowey Estuary.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42This is the Mystery House.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Wowee!
0:33:43 > 0:33:45You've got National Trust woodland at the back,
0:33:45 > 0:33:47and amazing views over the creek,
0:33:47 > 0:33:50which is low at the moment but when that's in full flow,
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- it looks beautiful.- Sensational place, isn't it?- What a spot.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55It's amazing.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57I know that your dogs are very important to you.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- They are.- And the dogs are catered for here.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04They have their very own dog room, complete with a dog-grooming spa.
0:34:04 > 0:34:05Wow!
0:34:05 > 0:34:09So you can bring them back off their muddy walks, stick them in there.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12Wow, if the dogs were choosing, it's probably this one.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14So, I bet you're intrigued, if nothing else, aren't you?
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Very much. I'd love to see it.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18- Shall we go and explore? - Yes, please.- Thank you.
0:34:21 > 0:34:25The twist is that whilst our Mystery House caters to their canines with
0:34:25 > 0:34:27its dog spa and woodland setting,
0:34:27 > 0:34:30it doesn't come with the garden they've asked for.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33Originally built in the 1970s from converted pig sheds
0:34:33 > 0:34:35but later extended,
0:34:35 > 0:34:39the property has been extensively renovated by the present owners.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Currently run as a holiday let and arranged over three levels,
0:34:43 > 0:34:45we're starting on the top floor,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47where the kitchen and living space
0:34:47 > 0:34:50take full advantage of the home's creekside setting.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57So, this is the topsy-turvy living space.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00Top of the house - nice, big open-plan space.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03You really do get a panorama from here, don't you?
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- In line with the trees.- Yeah, it's a Mystery House, isn't it?
0:35:06 > 0:35:09I mean, it's nicely done as well, isn't it? Lots of nice timbers.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- Poshest log cabin in the world here. - It is like that, it is!
0:35:12 > 0:35:15It seems like a place that shouldn't have a man cave.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18Maybe it is a man cave. Maybe it's a man treehouse.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20Let's take a walk through.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Let's just wander around cos there are some fantastic views,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26and it's all about being outside on the deck,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29enjoying being amongst the trees. So, let's just wander through here.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Just off the large, open-plan kitchen and dining area
0:35:33 > 0:35:36is a treetop-level conservatory.
0:35:36 > 0:35:40Now, I don't know if either of you are bird-watchers but if you are,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42this is definitely the house to buy, isn't it?
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- You'd be in paradise, wouldn't you? - Gosh, I should think so.
0:35:45 > 0:35:51Because, for a holiday, I'd find this incredibly different.
0:35:51 > 0:35:55I'm not quite sure, with the dogs...
0:35:55 > 0:35:59that they would enjoy just running around the decking.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01It's wow in its own way, isn't it?
0:36:01 > 0:36:03We're going to wander through and look at the two bedrooms up here.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07They are a good size. And I think we could just have a chat about how you
0:36:07 > 0:36:10could reconfigure the space here just to make it work a bit more for
0:36:10 > 0:36:14what the two of you need from your home. So, let's go and have a look.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15- OK.- Thank you.
0:36:16 > 0:36:21So, some questions over how they may live day to day in this home,
0:36:21 > 0:36:23but with a total of five bedrooms
0:36:23 > 0:36:25arranged over two of the three floors,
0:36:25 > 0:36:29there's certainly a lot of versatile space on offer.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31On the floor below are three guest bedrooms.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34There is a large double with dual aspect.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37A second bedroom with a door out to a decked veranda,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40and then the smallest bedroom on this floor is currently fitted
0:36:40 > 0:36:41with bunk beds.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44These are all served by a beautifully appointed bathroom,
0:36:44 > 0:36:47featuring a roll-top bath, and a separate shower.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Back on the top floor,
0:36:50 > 0:36:52two further bathrooms provide keen twitchers
0:36:52 > 0:36:55with bathtub bird-watching,
0:36:55 > 0:36:57and serve additional bedrooms.
0:36:57 > 0:37:02A double again has treetop views, and direct access to the deck.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05And then there's the fifth and final bedroom.
0:37:05 > 0:37:07So, it's a good size, isn't it?
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- Yes, very generous. - Yes, it is a good size.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13It's almost a shame, though, to have all this space used as bedrooms.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17And I think what you could do, potentially, is take that wall down,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20join the two bedrooms together to have a nice, big living space.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24This could become a cosy, separate lounge.
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- Good.- Let's take a look outside because it is all about the decking,
0:37:28 > 0:37:29and being part of the trees.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32And start thinking about the price for me as well.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- It's a tough one.- Lead on, Nick. - I've no idea.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41If Nick and Julie were to go with my plan of converting the bedrooms up
0:37:41 > 0:37:45here, they could also use the current study on this top floor as
0:37:45 > 0:37:49a spare guest room, as it comes with an en suite shower.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Outside, for even more panoramic views,
0:37:51 > 0:37:54there are decked areas on a variety of levels,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56as well as a car port and parking.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00But it's the woodland surroundings that are the real highlight here.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04- It's a view and a half, isn't it? - It certainly is.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Even on a cold, grey day like this, it's spectacular.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- It is.- Of course, there isn't a traditional garden,
0:38:09 > 0:38:12but you do have a lot of these lovely decked seating areas.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14Now, I'm going to put you on the spot.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18I'm going to ask you what you think this property is on the market for.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21I'm going to have a bit of a stab in the dark, to be frank, Julie,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24because I've never been anywhere like this before. So...
0:38:24 > 0:38:25- 700?- OK.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31For the uniqueness, 75, I think.
0:38:31 > 0:38:32OK. That's interesting.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36You're both quite close to budget. You're both wrong.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38It is under budget.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41By an awful lot more than the two of you have just said.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45It's on the market for £545,000.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47- OK!- Really?
0:38:47 > 0:38:49I think it's rather a bargain.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52I think we should buy it and have a holiday let or something.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Why don't you go off and have a wander? Why don't you go and explore
0:38:55 > 0:38:58the dog cave, your doggie-grooming parlour
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- that's downstairs.- We'd better go and do that, hadn't we?- I think so.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Come and find me.- Thank you, Ginny. Thank you.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08With a guide price a staggering £200,000 below budget,
0:39:08 > 0:39:13this three-storey creekside house has open-plan top floor living,
0:39:13 > 0:39:15five bedrooms, and a dog-grooming area
0:39:15 > 0:39:17in the lower ground floor utility.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20- Wow!- Oh, my goodness!
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Doggie heaven.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23Extraordinary.
0:39:23 > 0:39:24All set up and ready.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29I think this house is an absolute gem and whoever owns it is doubtless
0:39:29 > 0:39:31extremely proud of it.
0:39:31 > 0:39:37The Mystery House is so spectacular, so unique, such a fabulous setting,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39I've never seen anything like it.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42Even on a cold, wet day like this,
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Cornwall is still such a magical place to be,
0:39:44 > 0:39:48particularly when you're up here in the treetops. It's beautiful.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- You're done.- We are. We are, Ginny.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55And that's us done. House tours over.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- So, it's time for us to go and have a chat, I'm afraid. Come on.- Gosh.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Well, we've certainly shown our escapees some unique and quite
0:40:09 > 0:40:12contrasting properties on our search here in Cornwall.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14But will one of them have hit the mark?
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Let's go and find out. Apparently, there's a warm fire in there.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18I need it.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25Well, you two have found the closest spot in town to chat, haven't you?
0:40:25 > 0:40:27- Certainly have. - So, we've seen all the properties.
0:40:27 > 0:40:29Has anything stood out for you?
0:40:29 > 0:40:32Yes. For me, the barn conversion did stand out.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35The proportion of the place, the position of the place.
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- Just what we want. - It was a stunning house.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43It really was. It was everything that I could want in a house.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46What about the others? Was there a second runner?
0:40:46 > 0:40:49I think there's massive potential in the coastal property with the view.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Surprised as I was,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55and probably somewhere I'd never even dreamt of going to look at,
0:40:55 > 0:40:58I'd have to say it's still in my mind as a contender,
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- albeit perhaps second.- Yes, yeah.
0:41:01 > 0:41:05It's a perfect example of do not judge a book by its cover.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- Because there was that view at the back.- Such a surprise.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Well, that's brilliant news. I'm absolutely thrilled there
0:41:11 > 0:41:15are two properties that have sparked an interest in you.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17I've got to ask, what next?
0:41:17 > 0:41:19What I'd like to do in particular, I think, is,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23bearing in mind that the barn conversion did involve an amount of
0:41:23 > 0:41:25share element, shall we say, I'd actually like to meet
0:41:25 > 0:41:27our neighbours, to be frank.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30I actually think if you're going to share something or other,
0:41:30 > 0:41:32it's very important you make the effort to do that.
0:41:32 > 0:41:33I think it's really important.
0:41:33 > 0:41:36So you're going to go back and knock on the doors and say hello?
0:41:36 > 0:41:39Quite possibly. I'm not frightened to do that.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40It certainly is going to be one
0:41:40 > 0:41:43that we're going back for a second viewing.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45Is it too soon to talk about offers?
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Um...
0:41:46 > 0:41:49No. For me, it's not.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53No, I did think it's too soon. But I suppose I'm somebody that
0:41:53 > 0:41:56wants to go away and put my head down and get up again another day,
0:41:56 > 0:41:59and then think exactly what that would be.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02I think I should leave you in this corner with the fire,
0:42:02 > 0:42:03mulling it all over.
0:42:03 > 0:42:07And we really hope that we've helped you find the home you're going to
0:42:07 > 0:42:11start your new life together once again here in Cornwall.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15On behalf of us both, just thank you for helping us try to achieve this.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17You're a lovely couple and we wish you lots of luck.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18Thank you. Thank you, Ginny.
0:42:23 > 0:42:24Well, the weather might be wild,
0:42:24 > 0:42:28but we've had a great week house-hunting here in Cornwall.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30And once they've had a chance to meet the neighbours,
0:42:30 > 0:42:33I really hope that that barn conversion becomes Nick and Julie's
0:42:33 > 0:42:38new home here in the county that they clearly love so much.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Join me next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46Julie and Nick returned to the barn conversion and met with the
0:42:46 > 0:42:47neighbours. However,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50they decided to put an offer on another property in Cornwall,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52and it's been accepted.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55We wish them all the best with their move.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:42:58 > 0:43:03Scotland, Wales or England, and need our help, please apply online at...