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 > 0:00:54Yay!
0:00:54 > 0:00:56Oh! Oh, 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, noted for
0:01:49 > 0:01:53its natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance.
0:01:53 > 0:01:57The seaside village of Combe Martin, up on the north coast,
0:01:57 > 0:02:01is widely thought to have the longest village street in England,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05and holds the record for the longest street party in the country.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09And what a picturesque backdrop for the celebration, sandwiched between
0:02:09 > 0:02:13the Exmoor National Park and an award-winning beach.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Further west, along the coast,
0:02:15 > 0:02:18Clovelly sprang up as a fishing harbour.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20Much of it is inaccessible to cars,
0:02:20 > 0:02:25making the muddle of cobbled streets a delight to explore on foot.
0:02:25 > 0:02:26The steep gradient here
0:02:26 > 0:02:29meant goods were traditionally delivered by donkeys.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32Although the donkey work is now done by sledge,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36the much-loved animals are still a popular sight in the village.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Devon also boasts many architectural gems.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43The 12th-century Hartland Abbey was the last monastery seized
0:02:43 > 0:02:45under the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49It was subsequently given to the keeper of Henry VIII's wine cellar
0:02:49 > 0:02:52by the king himself, in the 16th century -
0:02:52 > 0:02:56a lavish gift bestowed upon the aptly-named William Abbott,
0:02:56 > 0:02:59whose descendants still live here today.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03So, whether it's historic buildings, remote moorland,
0:03:03 > 0:03:06or quaint seaside vistas, Devon is a wonderful place
0:03:06 > 0:03:09for a temporary - or more permanent - rural escape.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18The average cost of a detached home here in Devon is around £310,000.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21That's £23,000 above the national average.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24But don't forget that that figure includes the property hot spots
0:03:24 > 0:03:28of Salcombe to the south and Croyde to the north,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31where homes can often sell for double the national average.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Move further inland and you get more for your money,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38particularly around the market towns of South Moulton and Tavistock.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40So, with that in mind,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44let's meet today's buyer, and find out where they'd like to settle.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Pharmacist Julie from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex
0:03:47 > 0:03:50is about to embark on a complete change of lifestyle,
0:03:50 > 0:03:54and has set her sights on relocating to the West Country.
0:03:54 > 0:03:59I've wanted to move westwards for quite some time now.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04I just think it's a dream of mine, and I can achieve it.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07As children, we used to go caravanning and tenting
0:04:07 > 0:04:13down in Devon, so I just feel I've grown up with that countryside,
0:04:13 > 0:04:16and I've got a genuine love of it.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19And helping her to realise this dream
0:04:19 > 0:04:23is good friend and work colleague, fellow pharmacist Morella.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25I think it's wonderful to be able to do something
0:04:25 > 0:04:29that you've always wanted to do. That's really important in life.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32I think, basically, I'm just there to support her,
0:04:32 > 0:04:35and if I see something that I think would be right,
0:04:35 > 0:04:38I would actually say what is right and what I think is right.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43I tend to go by my heart rather than my brain,
0:04:43 > 0:04:47and I'm hoping Morella will be the brain in this, this, erm...
0:04:47 > 0:04:49Absolutely.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Moving will of course mean leaving behind the three-bed end-of-terrace
0:04:52 > 0:04:55that's been Julie's home for the last 15 years,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and though she's enjoyed living there,
0:04:57 > 0:05:00she's now after a more peaceful pace of life.
0:05:00 > 0:05:04Shoreham, I feel, is definitely becoming more busy.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Lots more traffic coming through.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10I hanker after the country life.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16I've just come back from a week's holiday in Devon, and, erm...
0:05:16 > 0:05:21I just felt I'd come home, as it were.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24It's a slice of heaven, in my eyes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29By turning her holiday destination into a permanent address,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Julie hopes to expand on her hobbies,
0:05:31 > 0:05:33spend more time with her dogs
0:05:33 > 0:05:36and maybe even add some livestock to the list.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39She's so in love with animals.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41Everything in her life is around animals,
0:05:41 > 0:05:44so, yeah, it's very, very important to her.
0:05:44 > 0:05:48I'd like to be able to get more animals, some chickens,
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- maybe adopt...- A horse! - Adopt a donkey or two.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Goats.- Goats. - Everything.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56THEY LAUGH
0:05:56 > 0:05:59With so much to look forward to, there's just one downside,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02and that's leaving local mates behind.
0:06:02 > 0:06:09Well, of course I'll miss them. But I'm quite sociable, and I think
0:06:09 > 0:06:13I can make new friends, as long as there's a nice pub nearby.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- And we can come out and visit. - Yeah.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Yeah, I'm obviously hoping friends will come and visit.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25I've never seen Devon, but I'm excited to go,
0:06:25 > 0:06:29and I could get the Devon bug, and want to move down there myself.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Julie wants us to focus our house search in the north of the county,
0:06:35 > 0:06:38where she hopes to get the best value for her property pound.
0:06:38 > 0:06:42And before we start the search, I'm meeting up with the two friends
0:06:42 > 0:06:46in the county to find out even more about the specifics of this move.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Welcome to Devon.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50So, Julie, why are you making this move here?
0:06:50 > 0:06:54It's been a dream of mine for several years now.
0:06:54 > 0:06:59And there's always some reason why I can't make that actual move,
0:06:59 > 0:07:04but as I'm getting a bit older, I've just got to fulfil my dream,
0:07:04 > 0:07:06and I'm the only one that can make that happen.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08So what is it about Devon in particular
0:07:08 > 0:07:11that makes you dream of living here?
0:07:11 > 0:07:16It's just so peaceful. I mean, the views, look behind us.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20It's such varied countryside, you've got the sea,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23you can get from the north coast to the south coast in an hour.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27It's just so beautiful and, most of all, it's quiet.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Morella, interesting, because you've never been to Devon before.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34No, I haven't. It's really lovely, on first view. It's really lovely.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36- I love it, yep. - So you must be quite excited
0:07:36 > 0:07:40that Julie's able to pursue this dream now.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44I'm really happy for her. That's what she wants to do, so hopefully,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- she'll find what she wants. - And what kind of person is she?
0:07:47 > 0:07:49She's quite instinctive. She'll walk into a place,
0:07:49 > 0:07:52and she'll know if it's the right place for her.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Well, let's talk about the right place,
0:07:54 > 0:07:56about what you imagine from it, and also what you need from it.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Well, I don't mind if it's fairly isolated,
0:08:00 > 0:08:02I don't mind if it's near a village.
0:08:02 > 0:08:07I feel that I'm quite good at making friends.
0:08:07 > 0:08:12I'd like preferably a detached house with some land,
0:08:12 > 0:08:14and that's top of my list, the land aspect,
0:08:14 > 0:08:19because I'm just mad on animals, and I'd love to have a horse
0:08:19 > 0:08:22or some chickens, etc.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25I want to live a bit of the good life, really, I think,
0:08:25 > 0:08:27maybe grow my own veggies as well.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29So, we've got to have room for all the animals.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31What about for the friends when they come to stay?
0:08:31 > 0:08:36Minimum two bedrooms, maybe three would be good.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Like most people, I want a big kitchen,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40the heart of the house.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43- This is a really big life change for you, isn't it?- Mm-hmm.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45What do you think, Morella,
0:08:45 > 0:08:47that Julie's not going to compromise on in this search?
0:08:47 > 0:08:49I think that the land's important,
0:08:49 > 0:08:52because of the animals that she wants to have.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- I think that's probably the only thing.- Mmm.- Yeah.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59If the property didn't come with much land,
0:08:59 > 0:09:03as long as there was some land nearby that I could maybe rent,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06that would be a good compromise.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07So, Julie, remind me of the budget
0:09:07 > 0:09:09that we're working with on the search.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Erm... I've got £350,000.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Any wiggle room on that for the right property?
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Maybe for the dream property, yes.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- Yeah, maybe a little bit more. - OK.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26Well, it's a great budget for this part of the country.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29We've got some fantastic properties to show you, so are you both ready?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- Yeah.- Yeah. - Let's go house-hunting.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38Julie has confirmed that she's happy to stretch her budget
0:09:38 > 0:09:41to a maximum of £375,000.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44And for that figure, she's looking for a detached house
0:09:44 > 0:09:46with two to three bedrooms and a large kitchen,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49not forgetting land to keep some animals.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52She's after a tranquil, rural setting,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55with easy access to both coast and countryside.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58We've got some wonderful houses lined up,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01all in beautifully appealing settings,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05but the price tags won't be revealed until the end of each tour.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07Our final property is the Mystery House,
0:10:07 > 0:10:11which will challenge on look, lifestyle, and location.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- You've already got your dogs. - Yep.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21And you have got plans to have a bit of a menagerie.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23Yes. Yes, definitely chickens.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29And any other waifs and strays that need rescuing, you know.
0:10:29 > 0:10:34The odd lamb, maybe, or... I can just see myself as being
0:10:34 > 0:10:38that eccentric old lady with lots of animals around her.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44We are starting our house tour in Central Devon,
0:10:44 > 0:10:48just over a mile from the small town of North Tawton.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52Surrounded by unspoilt Devon countryside, the centrepiece of
0:10:52 > 0:10:56North Tawton is a Grade II-listed clocktower, built in 1887
0:10:56 > 0:11:00to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03The town has a great range of shops, pubs, and restaurants,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08alongside a number of other establishments that may suit Julie,
0:11:08 > 0:11:09or even her dogs.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13And when it comes to walking them, there is no shortage of places
0:11:13 > 0:11:18to explore, with the Tarka Trail passing straight through the town.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Just a five-minute drive away,
0:11:20 > 0:11:22in a rural setting, we find our first house.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27So, this is the one I've brought you to see.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29It is a three-bedroom detached period property.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31It was all part of a former mill,
0:11:31 > 0:11:34so it has all been converted into various houses.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- The detached part here was the old granary.- I like.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- In terms of the style, what do you think?- No, I really like it.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43I love the stonework.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- Yes, really like it. - What about you, Morella?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Can you imagine Julie in something like this?
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Yeah, possibly.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51How do you feel about the location?
0:11:51 > 0:11:55The location is good in terms of surroundings.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58The only thing I'm a bit worried about
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- is the noise of the road behind. - There is a road there.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It is not like an A-road that you would find in a busy town, there
0:12:04 > 0:12:07will be certain times of the day when it is used more than others.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Sure.- But we can't get away from that fact that it's there.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- No, no.- Means you are well-connected, though.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Yes, yes, true.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Well, why don't we take a look inside and just see if,
0:12:16 > 0:12:18once you've had a look at the house, if the feel of the house
0:12:18 > 0:12:21perhaps overcomes your reservations about the road.
0:12:21 > 0:12:22Yes, great.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24OK?
0:12:24 > 0:12:27The historic pedigree of this detached property
0:12:27 > 0:12:29has been protected by a Grade-II listing.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But its conversion from an industrial granary into a home
0:12:32 > 0:12:36is a successful blend of character and contemporary,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39perfect for 21st-century living.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42So, straight in.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44It's all open-plan.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Let's take a look through here at the kitchen.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50You've got a nice, country style kitchen, with lovely views
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- out over the fields.- Yes.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55- What do you think of the style of the kitchen?- Yeah, I like it.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Does open-plan grab you? Is that something you'd considered?
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Yes, definitely.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01It is quite nice, because the kitchen is separated off.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It is also very practical, because you have got a downstairs bathroom,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- and a really good-sized utility room.- Mm-hm.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08What do you think, Morella?
0:13:08 > 0:13:11It's nice, but I think it's a little small. A bit tiny.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Just wander through and take a look at this, because of course,
0:13:14 > 0:13:18this is what the house is all about. It's all these original features.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23The old uprights, original beams, stone wall.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24Lovely fire.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- How does the fire grab you? - I love that fire, yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29That's brilliant.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- That's really cosy, isn't it? - And the seating area here.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36You've got the patio doors there out into the garden. Love it.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38This is a nice-sized room, though. It is a really good space.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40I like this room.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- Can you hear the road? - No, not at all.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It gets quiet and peaceful.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49OK, well, downstairs, as I say, it is just this really big, open-plan,
0:13:49 > 0:13:52lovely space to live in. There are three good-sized bedrooms
0:13:52 > 0:13:54upstairs, so shall we go and explore those?
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- Great, yes.- Yes.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Despite initial concerns, Julie seems to be warming
0:14:00 > 0:14:04to this unique property. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms
0:14:04 > 0:14:07to choose from, two of which have built-in storage,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10and make use of a half-tiled family bathroom.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12And that leaves just the master suite.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17So, upstairs you really get huge ceiling heights, fantastic,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20and you've got the old A frame up there.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Second sitting area in there, or dressing area, then you have got
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- your en-suite bathroom. - Yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- What do you think?- Yeah. It's got everything, hasn't it?
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- A bedroom with an en-suite is really good.- Yeah.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- I've never had one of those. - Yes, that would be nice.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37And you've got a lovely view out over the farm's fields.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39Yes, wake up to that every morning.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41Look, I know that the garden is almost as important to you
0:14:41 > 0:14:43as the house itself. You have got all these plans
0:14:43 > 0:14:46for the animals that are going to join you when you live here,
0:14:46 > 0:14:47so let's take a look at that,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50and then I need you both to start thinking about price as well.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51OK.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Mindful of Julia's desire to have more animals,
0:14:57 > 0:14:59I hope the large garden to the rear
0:14:59 > 0:15:01will give her ample space for her plans.
0:15:01 > 0:15:02Mostly laid to lawn,
0:15:02 > 0:15:06it lies right next to open fields, with far-reaching views.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08So, a good-sized garden.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10It is about a quarter of an acre.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13And you get a lovely view of the property from here,
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- see all its character. - It is lovely.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20In terms of the garden, it is a little bit on the small size,
0:15:20 > 0:15:22but it is a lovely garden.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Let me just talk to you about what the possibilities are
0:15:24 > 0:15:26with the land, because, of course,
0:15:26 > 0:15:28it looks out onto the farm's fields behind us.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30And we have been told that there could perhaps be some negotiation
0:15:30 > 0:15:32with the local farmer to get some extra land.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34- So, that's an option there. - Oh, OK, yeah.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Let's move on to guessing the price,
0:15:36 > 0:15:39because that might change things, it might clarify a few things for you.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41What do you think this is on the market for?
0:15:41 > 0:15:42- Who would like to go first? - Julie.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45Oh, that's nice of you, Morella(!) Go on, then, Julie.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I think it's under.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I am going to go for £340,000.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- OK. Morella? - I think about £330,000.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Morella is bang on.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- It is actually... - I find that unbelievable!
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It is actually offers in excess of £330,000.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- But that is certainly the guide price.- OK.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10- OK, so you were both pretty close with that.- Yes.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13You know the market round here for sure.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Why don't you go back in, take a look around, just admire
0:16:16 > 0:16:19those features, and just spend some more time in it?
0:16:19 > 0:16:21- OK. - Come and find me when you're ready.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29Very comfortably below budget for offers over £330,000,
0:16:29 > 0:16:32our first property is a detached Grade II-listed former granary,
0:16:32 > 0:16:36with some interesting character features.
0:16:36 > 0:16:40It comes with the requested three bedrooms, a spacious, open-plan
0:16:40 > 0:16:45living and dining area, and with a quarter of an acre plot, there is
0:16:45 > 0:16:48a decent amount of garden to keep a few small animals.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51From the outside, I did like the look of it,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54the stonework and the wood cladding.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Inside, it's got the period features, the beams,
0:16:59 > 0:17:04the wood-burning fire, and it's all in very good decorative order.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06The outside of the house is really important,
0:17:06 > 0:17:10because of the amount of animals that she would like to have.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13I don't think it is quite big enough, but it is a nice garden.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16The third room's a bonus. She did say that she would be
0:17:16 > 0:17:20quite happy with two bedrooms, but the third room is quite good.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22I want this to be my forever home.
0:17:22 > 0:17:28I need to feel that it's the right place, but not quite right.
0:17:31 > 0:17:32- Hello. - Hello.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Have you seen enough? - Yeah, I think so.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37- We've got more to explore. - Great.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47With their origins in medieval war horses
0:17:47 > 0:17:50bred from stock brought over after the Norman conquest,
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Britain's working horses, whether drawing carts
0:17:53 > 0:17:57or tilling the fields, were once a common sight across the country.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02However, during the first half of the 20th century,
0:18:02 > 0:18:06oil-fuelled vehicles like tractors came to be seen as cheaper,
0:18:06 > 0:18:08faster, and less demanding,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11and so the nation's equine labour was slowly replaced.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15But rising concern for the environment,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18along with nostalgia for our agricultural heritage,
0:18:18 > 0:18:22means some farmers are bringing horses back to the land.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25We're sending animal-lover Julie along with Morella
0:18:25 > 0:18:28to meet traditional farmer Ben May.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31He's offered to show them how he uses shires to work
0:18:31 > 0:18:33his 60 acres of Devon countryside.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Hello.- Hello. - Welcome to Lower Upcott Farm.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Thank you, Ben. Thank you for having us.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43So, what methods do you use here?
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Well, we actually use our horses a lot to do our farm work,
0:18:46 > 0:18:49so we do our haymaking with the horses and we do all our
0:18:49 > 0:18:52sort of muck-spreading in the winter and then the rolling
0:18:52 > 0:18:54and the harrowing in the spring.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57And then we do a whole lot of horse logging work,
0:18:57 > 0:18:59both on the farm and commercially.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02I suppose it's a little bit like a 1940s farm, but we kind of
0:19:02 > 0:19:07like to think we're the best of the past and the best of the future,
0:19:07 > 0:19:09and that's how we try and do things.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12So, Ben, why do you use these traditional methods?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15I think it's that connection with the land that I like.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18It means that sometimes you can get on the land just that much earlier
0:19:18 > 0:19:20and you don't damage the land so much.
0:19:20 > 0:19:23But, at the end of the day, it's a way of life.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24How many horses do you have?
0:19:24 > 0:19:25We've got six horses.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28They're all different ages, so we've got some youngsters coming on.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33Tom here is 17, so he's starting to get a little bit older.
0:19:33 > 0:19:36I think Tom's getting a little bit keen to get on with some work,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39so shall we move on and do some horse logging?
0:19:39 > 0:19:41- Yeah.- Yeah, let's go, let's go. - OK. Come on, boy.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Shire horses are more manoeuvrable than tractors,
0:19:46 > 0:19:48can deal with boggier and steeper terrain
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and don't leave ruts in the land.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Ben and his horses often work for organisations like
0:19:53 > 0:19:58The National Trust in environmentally sensitive locations.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Tom's task today is shifting some felled timber.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05The woodland at the farm is mixed and includes some large oak,
0:20:05 > 0:20:09along with smaller trees like ash, willow and hazel.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Over. Good boy, walk on.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17As Ben is keen for his farm to be as self-sufficient as possible,
0:20:17 > 0:20:19much of the wood is used to heat the farmhouse
0:20:19 > 0:20:21or turned into charcoal.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23And, whoa.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26But Ben also uses offcuts in the farm workshop,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28where he has another traditional technique
0:20:28 > 0:20:31that Julie and Morella can turn their hands to.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36So, I've got a piece of hazel here that's come up from the woods.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39And we're going to make a parasol mushroom.
0:20:39 > 0:20:41So, if you'd like to sit down and have a go,
0:20:41 > 0:20:43and I'll just show you what you need to do.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45If you put your two feet on each side of this,
0:20:45 > 0:20:48then that's a vice for you, so it means you don't have to hold
0:20:48 > 0:20:50the piece of wood while you're doing the work.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55A draw knife is used to shave the end of the hazel pole,
0:20:55 > 0:20:57which will form the stalk of the mushroom.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01It's the same basic tool that was used in medieval times
0:21:01 > 0:21:02to make chair legs.
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Turn the piece of wood around.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08And then keep going effectively until you've got a bit of a point.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13Oh, that's great, Julie. Good stuff. Why don't you have a go, Morella?
0:21:13 > 0:21:15- Your turn.- Love to. - BEN LAUGHS
0:21:15 > 0:21:17Using the wood from his mixed woodland,
0:21:17 > 0:21:19Ben makes a range of cottage crafts,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23from furniture to signs and decorative items.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28That's it. Good stuff. I think that's great. What I'll do now is...
0:21:28 > 0:21:30I'll just take this out and we'll put it together.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33We've got this here, and then that goes on here.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- So, there we go. - Great.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37THEY LAUGH
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Thank you very much. - Pleasure!
0:21:40 > 0:21:44One handcrafted garden mushroom completed, it's time to turn
0:21:44 > 0:21:49our attention back to finding Julie her own piece of Devon countryside,
0:21:49 > 0:21:51as we get back to our house-hunt.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57Our property search is heading to the hamlet of West Anstey.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01A picturesque hamlet right on the edge of the Exmoor National Park,
0:22:01 > 0:22:03this is a rural location with all the walks,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06woodlands and wildlife you could hope for.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08And when it comes to local amenities,
0:22:08 > 0:22:11the small town of Dulverton is a five-mile drive away,
0:22:11 > 0:22:14just over the border and into Somerset.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16There's a good mix of local businesses,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19including a post office, takeaways and pubs,
0:22:19 > 0:22:21along with an interesting array of shops.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26But it's a short drive into the surrounding countryside
0:22:26 > 0:22:28where we find the house I want Julie to see.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32JULIE GASPS So, this is what I brought you to see.
0:22:32 > 0:22:33Oh! GINNY LAUGHS
0:22:33 > 0:22:35- Oh, my word.- Come on closer.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37Take a proper look!
0:22:37 > 0:22:39THEY LAUGH
0:22:39 > 0:22:41- I like this, Julie.- Oh! Wow.
0:22:41 > 0:22:43This looks really lovely.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46- That's a brilliant, positive reaction.- Oh, yeah.
0:22:46 > 0:22:47- And the view, look at that! - Yeah.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50- It's a fantastic view, isn't it? - Oh, it's amazing.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I take it this meets with approval.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54I like the look of this house.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Quite an interesting, quirky layout that...
0:22:56 > 0:22:58I have a feeling it might suit you.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02I guess the really outstanding feature is...
0:23:02 > 0:23:03- The view.- That's amazing.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- The view is gorgeous.- Stunning.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- QUIETLY:- And it's quiet.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- It's fantastic.- It's so quiet. - You look quite emotional.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- I know, it's lovely! - THEY LAUGH
0:23:15 > 0:23:17The house looks really nice.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20The garden's pretty as well, isn't it?
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I couldn't have asked for a better reaction to the outside,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26so why don't we go in and explore and see if we can keep that
0:23:26 > 0:23:28- very big smile on your face? - Yes, please.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33Well, that's exactly the response I was hoping for.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36The breathtaking location is a clear winner,
0:23:36 > 0:23:38but I wonder what they'll make of the house.
0:23:38 > 0:23:42It dates back to 1870 and is actually a former schoolhouse,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45until it was lovingly converted under its old slate roof.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- So, we come straight into the entrance hall.- Oh!
0:23:49 > 0:23:53Now, this would have been the old kitchen in the old house.
0:23:54 > 0:23:57From this large hallway, which is doubling up as a snug,
0:23:57 > 0:24:00the ground floor of the property is split into two halves.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03In the right-hand side, which is the original part of the building,
0:24:03 > 0:24:07there's also a sitting room and stairs up to the first floor,
0:24:07 > 0:24:09but first for us is the newer extended wing
0:24:09 > 0:24:11over on the left-hand side.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13The extension through here was done 15 years ago,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16so actually, there's a fantastic-sized kitchen-diner
0:24:16 > 0:24:18that I'm sure you'll be looking forward to seeing.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Hey, I like this!
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Look at the smile! - I like this, Julie.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24What do you like about it?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- It's really nice and warm. - I love it.
0:24:27 > 0:24:29- She likes it. - JULIE LAUGHS
0:24:29 > 0:24:31- She likes it! - THEY LAUGH
0:24:31 > 0:24:33What do you like about it, Julie?
0:24:34 > 0:24:36Well, it's not just a square box. I just love the units.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41It's a bit quirky, cos you've got to step down. It's just lovely.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43- You've got a little courtyard there. - I love it.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46There's another entrance through the side to the back of the house.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50In there is a boot room, a downstairs bathroom,
0:24:50 > 0:24:53so if you were out with the dogs, you can come in and get rid
0:24:53 > 0:24:56of your dirty, muddy boots and clean the dogs off in there.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58I'm a bit overwhelmed, I have to say.
0:24:58 > 0:24:59JULIE LAUGHS
0:24:59 > 0:25:01I've just got a really good feeling.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04- It's nice to see such big smiles on your faces.- Yeah.- Really like it.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Well, we've still got more to explore.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Let's wander through into the sitting room.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- This is nice.- It's nice, isn't it?
0:25:17 > 0:25:20We've a second log-burning stove and some nice views.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23- Oh, it's lovely. - It's really bright and cheerful.
0:25:23 > 0:25:27It's small, but it's perfect for what I want.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- It's cosy, isn't it?- Oh, lovely.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31- Are you still getting that nice feeling?- Yes.- Mmm.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- Just as excited! - SHE LAUGHS
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Are you?- I love it.
0:25:36 > 0:25:37JULIE LAUGHS
0:25:37 > 0:25:38Good.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41'I think it's safe to say that this property is really tugging
0:25:41 > 0:25:43'on Julie's heartstrings,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46'as the ground floor rooms have obviously resonated with her.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49'I just hope the feeling continues upstairs.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53'Here there's a bright family bathroom and three bedrooms.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56'All are comfy doubles and two feature double-aspect windows,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58'allowing the light to flood in.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02'And those beautiful views across lush farmland draw you in
0:26:02 > 0:26:05'as soon as you step inside the rooms.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09'That leaves just one more bedroom to see, and that's the master.'
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- You can see the character of the property here.- Yeah.- It's nice.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16It's nice, isn't it?
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- The views are superb, aren't they, really?- Yeah, I really like it.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22What are you looking worried about? You look really worried!
0:26:22 > 0:26:24THEY LAUGH
0:26:24 > 0:26:27- What's going through your mind? - I'm...waiting for something to be wrong!
0:26:27 > 0:26:29- Are you waiting for the "but"? - Yes.- OK!
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It's just been so lovely so far.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Although Julie's a little anxious,
0:26:34 > 0:26:37I'm confident the outside space will also deliver,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40so we're heading downstairs to throw open the door
0:26:40 > 0:26:41and explore the garden.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44It's mostly laid to lawn, framed by beech hedging,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48but what hits you straight away has to be that incredible vista
0:26:48 > 0:26:51across deeply rural Devonshire fields.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55But if we take our attention back to what's on offer with this property,
0:26:55 > 0:26:57I've got something else to reveal.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01The sunsets are just over there in the west,
0:27:01 > 0:27:03- and they're apparently absolutely beautiful.- Perfect.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I'll have a west-facing back garden.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07- Yeah.- So, you've probably noticed the barn,
0:27:07 > 0:27:09the old barn there in the corner with the stables.
0:27:09 > 0:27:11You're probably going to need that, I'd have thought,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14cos with this property you also get over two acres of land.
0:27:14 > 0:27:15JULIE GASPS
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- Oh!- Oh...!
0:27:17 > 0:27:19Oh, my goodness!
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Don't, you're going to start me off!
0:27:22 > 0:27:24Oh, my goodness.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26My heart's going like mad.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29I'm just so excited about it!
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- I'm just praying the price is OK. - OK.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- So, would you like to go and explore the rest of the land?- Yes, please! - THEY LAUGH
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Beyond the stable block are three paddocks currently used for horses.
0:27:43 > 0:27:44But with two acres of land,
0:27:44 > 0:27:46there should be enough room for even more animals.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50- I could have sheep as well! - THEY LAUGH
0:27:52 > 0:27:55That's more than enough. That's fantastic.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Morella, you know Julie well.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Is this the kind of place you could see her being?
0:27:59 > 0:28:04I think this is a place that she would find herself at home.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06And now comes the difficult bit,
0:28:06 > 0:28:07cos I have to ask you to guess the price.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I'm going to say 375.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I'm thinking 385, 90 maybe.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16Let me put you both out of your misery.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Julie...
0:28:17 > 0:28:20- You are absolutely spot-on.- Oh!
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Wow! I'm so happy! - THEY LAUGH
0:28:23 > 0:28:24I am so happy.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27It's on the market for £375,000,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30and there could potentially be a small amount of negotiation
0:28:30 > 0:28:31on that price as well.
0:28:31 > 0:28:32Oh!
0:28:32 > 0:28:35JULIE LAUGHS
0:28:35 > 0:28:37That's brilliant!
0:28:37 > 0:28:38Now, I know the land has always been
0:28:38 > 0:28:40something that really matters to you,
0:28:40 > 0:28:42so I would normally say go back in
0:28:42 > 0:28:43and have another look around the house,
0:28:43 > 0:28:46but why don't you just go and explore the land?
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- Will do.- OK, off you go. Go on!
0:28:49 > 0:28:54This is absolutely brilliant. I'm so thrilled for Julie.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57You can see the emotion in her. It's making me feel emotional.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59She just seems to have found somewhere
0:28:59 > 0:29:01that has really struck a chord with her heart.
0:29:01 > 0:29:02It's wonderful.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Hello.
0:29:04 > 0:29:05Oh, beautiful.
0:29:05 > 0:29:06This is perfect.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12On budget with a price tag of £375,000,
0:29:12 > 0:29:16this proposition is indeed a perfect match to Julie's wish list.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19A detached Victorian property,
0:29:19 > 0:29:22it has three bedrooms and the large kitchen-diner she wants
0:29:22 > 0:29:26along with a sitting room featuring views out to the garden.
0:29:26 > 0:29:28A whopping two acres of land should be more than ample
0:29:28 > 0:29:31for chickens and rescue ponies.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And the stunning, peaceful location seems to be spot-on.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39I loved this house right from the word go.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43I like the outside, the views are just stunning.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Inside, the kitchen, it's got lots of features,
0:29:47 > 0:29:52the lovely bare wood, the wood-burning stoves.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54I could see in Julie's face that she loved it.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57It was written all over her face, so...
0:29:57 > 0:30:00And then when we went inside, she fell in love even more with it,
0:30:00 > 0:30:03and then when she saw the land, that finished it.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06The two acres of land is just amazing.
0:30:06 > 0:30:08It's just incredible. I'm so happy.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13- Have you had a good explore? - Oh, we have, we have.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- And that smile's still on your face. - Yes! I want to stay!
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Well, you can't, because the search isn't over and there's more to see,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22- so I need to drag you away, I'm afraid.- OK.- Come on.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39It's the start of our second day of property shopping
0:30:39 > 0:30:42for animal-loving Julie from Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex,
0:30:42 > 0:30:46who's chosen to get away from it all in the county of Devon.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49With a budget of £375,000,
0:30:49 > 0:30:52she's brought her friend Morella along to help her find
0:30:52 > 0:30:55a dream country home with some land.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59So far, we've visited an ideal house that could prove hard to beat.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I'm just so excited about it.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05But still to come,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07our Mystery House puts her right in the thick of things
0:31:07 > 0:31:10with an alternative outlook and style.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13- What do you think? - It's different.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15THEY LAUGH
0:31:15 > 0:31:17Different in a good way, different in a bad way?
0:31:17 > 0:31:19It looks very attractive, actually.
0:31:19 > 0:31:23And I'm joining the harvest when I visit a traditional Devon orchard
0:31:23 > 0:31:25and then enjoy the fruits of our labour.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29It's so sweet and zingy and fresh-tasting.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33It's the second day of our house-hunt here in Devon
0:31:33 > 0:31:35and what became clear yesterday
0:31:35 > 0:31:38was the land is as important to Julie as the house itself.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41Well, we'll be putting that to the test with our Mystery House,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44which will offer Julie a slice of village life
0:31:44 > 0:31:47in the heart of a thriving community.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49But first, we're off to see a property that would allow Julie
0:31:49 > 0:31:52to put her own stamp on her home here in Devon.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55How will she feel about a challenge like that?
0:31:57 > 0:32:00To start the day we're heading closer towards the north coast
0:32:00 > 0:32:03and our destination is just outside the village of Parkham.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Being a small rural place,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07there aren't too many amenities in the village
0:32:07 > 0:32:11but there is a thatched 13th-century cob-walled pub
0:32:11 > 0:32:14and a 14th-century church.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16The village is less than a mile from the next house,
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and so within walking distance for Julie and her dogs.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22Passing through agricultural farmland,
0:32:22 > 0:32:24off the beaten track and up an unadopted road,
0:32:24 > 0:32:27we come to the property we're here to see.
0:32:29 > 0:32:30Here we go.
0:32:30 > 0:32:33It's a very, very pretty 19th-century cottage.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35What do you think?
0:32:35 > 0:32:37- Yeah, I love it.- It's really pretty. - It's really pretty.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40The fact that it's detached, is that a positive?
0:32:40 > 0:32:43That's a positive, definitely. I'm more than happy so far.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45What do you think of the location?
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Yeah, it's lovely. Really peaceful. It's lovely.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51You're 20 minutes' walk from some very beautiful beaches
0:32:51 > 0:32:53and from the coast,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55so here you really do have the best of both worlds -
0:32:55 > 0:32:57you've got coast and you've got countryside.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59How does that sound?
0:32:59 > 0:33:00That sounds fantastic.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03We are up a real old country lane here.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06A good chance you might get snowed in when that snow comes.
0:33:06 > 0:33:07That's what I want.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- THEY LAUGH - I love the snow.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12I'd just love to be stuck in the middle of nowhere.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Why don't we go and take a look inside the house?
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- I think we're off to a really good start with this one.- Yeah.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21Originally starting life as two separate cottages
0:33:21 > 0:33:25in the early 1800s, but later knocked into one,
0:33:25 > 0:33:28this pretty property is nestled on the hillside,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30looking out over uninterrupted views,
0:33:30 > 0:33:32surrounded by a generous garden
0:33:32 > 0:33:35with steps that take us down to the patio and front porch.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40So we come straight into the kitchen.
0:33:40 > 0:33:42What I really love about this house
0:33:42 > 0:33:46is that it's so snug and so cosy with lots of character.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47You've got a friend there in the corner.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49I know - you and your animals!
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- Is he staying? - THEY GIGGLE
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Sadly, he's not.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55I like the units. I like it.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57What do you think, Morella?
0:33:57 > 0:33:59You're quiet, you're quiet.
0:33:59 > 0:34:04- I mean, it's a nice little kitchen. - It's got everything. It feels nice.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07So I'm quite happy with it, actually.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- It's cosy, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13Let's go off and explore the rest of the downstairs.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18A long, wide property, this home is just one room deep.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22On the ground floor, the kitchen leads to two reception rooms.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25Right next door to the kitchen is the first of these,
0:34:25 > 0:34:28currently used as a cosy snug with a stove.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Then neighbouring this is the main living room,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33which has a big feature fireplace.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Wow!
0:34:36 > 0:34:37Oh, Morella, look at that.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39- What a lovely fireplace. - A bread oven.
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- Yeah. - It's welcoming.
0:34:42 > 0:34:43That is, isn't it?
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- And it's cosy, as well. - It's beautiful.- Yeah.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48So just imagine getting snowed in -
0:34:48 > 0:34:52you'd have every excuse just to sit by this fire day after day.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53I'd love it.
0:34:55 > 0:34:59It feels really nice and warm, homely.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03It's got a very nice flow through.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05I can see myself here.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08The fact that Julie is picturing herself here is
0:35:08 > 0:35:10a really encouraging sign.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13Upstairs, there are three equally charming bedrooms
0:35:13 > 0:35:15and the family bathroom.
0:35:15 > 0:35:17One of the bedrooms is a good-sized double,
0:35:17 > 0:35:20another is slightly smaller with bunk beds.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23And, finally, the one where Julie might sleep.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25So this is the master bedroom.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28It's nice and bright and airy. What do you think?
0:35:28 > 0:35:30First impressions, yeah, good.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33I like it. I do like the fitted wardrobes.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37I can see I could maybe change a few things in here,
0:35:37 > 0:35:38reveal the floor again.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Yeah, I think make my mark on this, as well.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43- It's a really nice-sized room. - Mm-hm.
0:35:43 > 0:35:45I guess you wouldn't have to do that immediately.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- No, I mean, it's liveable as it is at the moment.- Mm, perfectly.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52There's nothing that she has to change straightaway,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55because it all looks quite... It looks quite nice, doesn't it?
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Mm-hmm.
0:35:56 > 0:36:00Now one thing that I've realised about you is that,
0:36:00 > 0:36:02as much as the house has to be great,
0:36:02 > 0:36:04it's the outside that matters, just as much.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06Let's not keep you in suspense any longer,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09let's go and explore outside.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13Back through the house and outside, steps lead up to an extensive garden
0:36:13 > 0:36:17and the first of a number of lawn terraces.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19As you can see, it's long and it's narrow,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- but it is actually quite a good size.- Mm-hm.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24OK, so you've got the area down at the bottom
0:36:24 > 0:36:26that you could easily keep chickens in.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30Then you've got the stepped areas here with some amazing views
0:36:30 > 0:36:33from the area up at the top where there's a pretty garden swing.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35It is long and thin.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38I'm not sure whether it's big enough.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41I'm not going to be able to spring a surprise on you like yesterday.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43However, the farmer who lives just down the lane
0:36:43 > 0:36:45manages and farms all the land around here
0:36:45 > 0:36:48and there could be a conversation to be had with him
0:36:48 > 0:36:50about potentially leasing some land.
0:36:50 > 0:36:53I always felt that as long as there was that possibility,
0:36:53 > 0:36:56I wouldn't rule it out, definitely.
0:36:56 > 0:37:01There may not be acres, but I'm glad Julie is keeping an open mind
0:37:01 > 0:37:02regarding the potential here.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05'And up a few more small steps is a vantage point
0:37:05 > 0:37:08'that might persuade her further.'
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- The climb is worth it, isn't it? - Mmm.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12It's really pretty.
0:37:12 > 0:37:15That's beautiful. That's idyllic countryside, isn't it?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- It's just.... Yeah. - It is lovely.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21So what do you think this one is on the market for?
0:37:21 > 0:37:23I think, although it hasn't got the land,
0:37:23 > 0:37:25I think because of the location,
0:37:25 > 0:37:28I think I'm going to be optimistic and say 360.
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- I would have said that, as well. - OK.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33- Well, you can both... - You can say that.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36I think around that price, I think she's right.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39I'm sorry to say that you are both wrong, unfortunately.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- It actually on the market for less than that.- Wow.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45It's on for £315,000.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48- That's quite a drop, isn't it, to what we thought?- Wow!
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- Wow, now that puts... - Things into perspective.- Yeah.
0:37:54 > 0:37:57Wow, that's amazing. 315.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Yeah, that is such good news.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02That gives me a nice little bit of money
0:38:02 > 0:38:04to do what I really want to do.
0:38:04 > 0:38:06A lot to see, a lot to think about at this point.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08Why don't you wander back inside?
0:38:08 > 0:38:10- Start thinking about where you could put your own stamp on it.- OK.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- Off you go. Come and find me when you're ready.- OK, thanks.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18What a fantastic reaction.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21I really thought that yesterday was all sewn up.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25We'd seen that property. Julie was so emotional about it.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28But now I think there could be a battle on the cards.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32A huge £60,000 below budget,
0:38:32 > 0:38:37this detached 19th-century property could be another contender.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40It has a cottage kitchen, two reception rooms,
0:38:40 > 0:38:44three bedrooms and a garden that wraps around the property.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46And the location is in a blissful spot,
0:38:46 > 0:38:49offering a great deal of privacy and calm.
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I was amazed with the price. That was such good news to the ear.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56It's really thrown the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58Um, I really like it.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00After yesterday, I didn't think anything would beat that,
0:39:00 > 0:39:03but I can see such a lot of potential here,
0:39:03 > 0:39:05lots of different things that I could do.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10How about if we could maybe knock through here
0:39:10 > 0:39:13to open up this space into a kitchen-diner?
0:39:13 > 0:39:17It'll make it a nice space if you take that wall down.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19That's definitely a possibility.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- It's not something that you have to do straightaway, is it?- No.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I think Julie has got more potential of making it her own here.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29It's a little bit remote, and that's what she likes.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33So, er...I think, ideally, this could be the place for her.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37I'm just admiring this beautiful courtyard garden.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40There's so much going on with this house.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42There is so much you could do with it, yeah.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44How are you feeling?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46A bit overwhelmed again.
0:39:46 > 0:39:47Guess what?
0:39:47 > 0:39:50You've got the Mystery House to see next. Come on.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03Just 50 years ago, the county of Devon had one of the highest
0:40:03 > 0:40:06concentrations of traditional orchards in the country
0:40:06 > 0:40:09and the area was once known as the cider capital of England.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12But now that a significant proportion of our apples
0:40:12 > 0:40:15are imported, or commercially farmed,
0:40:15 > 0:40:17many heritage varieties are under threat,
0:40:17 > 0:40:21along with the wildlife which depends on these orchard ecosystems.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24So to find out about the importance of preserving
0:40:24 > 0:40:27our traditional orchards, I've come to meet Ed Nicholson,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30head ranger of the Killerton Estate, near Broadclyst,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33where the apple harvest is in full swing.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Just walking through here on this beautiful sunny day,
0:40:36 > 0:40:39surrounded by apple trees,
0:40:39 > 0:40:42you would be forgiven for thinking that small orchards like this
0:40:42 > 0:40:44are alive and well and thriving here in Devon,
0:40:44 > 0:40:46but sadly that's not the case, is it?
0:40:46 > 0:40:47No, not really.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Across the region we've lost about 90% of the orchards
0:40:50 > 0:40:52here in the south-west.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53How is that happening?
0:40:53 > 0:40:55Obviously, the demand for apples is still there -
0:40:55 > 0:40:58people want to eat them, they want to drink apple juice,
0:40:58 > 0:40:59they want to drink cider.
0:40:59 > 0:41:01They do, the demand's higher than ever, really.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04To harvest apples from these sorts of trees, basically,
0:41:04 > 0:41:05is very labour-intensive.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08So what we're doing, we're just sticking to a few mainstream
0:41:08 > 0:41:11varieties that are easy and less complex to grow
0:41:11 > 0:41:14and all these traditional trees are just disappearing.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17To a greater or lesser degree, yeah.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Why is it important that orchards like this,
0:41:19 > 0:41:21these smaller orchards, thrive?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23These are a really special habitat.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25You can just feel it on a day like this,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27it's a magical place to be.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31So calm, so peaceful, and yet they're just so right for wildlife.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35Basically, we use 100% of the fruit that's in these orchards.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37Only 50% of it goes for humans,
0:41:37 > 0:41:4050% of it, we leave behind for the overwintering birds,
0:41:40 > 0:41:43the insects and all of the cycles that go on with that.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45These particular trees, they're very old,
0:41:45 > 0:41:47they're quite gnarly and basically they've got
0:41:47 > 0:41:50a lot of lichen in there, they've got a lot of interest from
0:41:50 > 0:41:52the mosses on there and they're just a great habitat.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55How do we ensure then that things don't get worse
0:41:55 > 0:41:57and that small orchards like this are there
0:41:57 > 0:41:59for future generations to enjoy?
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Go and taste and experience your local varieties.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Then, if you've got a bit of ground,
0:42:03 > 0:42:05they do say five trees makes an orchard.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09So, you know, get five trees, plant your own traditional orchard.
0:42:09 > 0:42:11I've got one, they're on the way!
0:42:11 > 0:42:15There are over 6,000 different apple varieties in Britain
0:42:15 > 0:42:18and the estate here is home to around 100 of them,
0:42:18 > 0:42:20with at least 70 in this orchard alone.
0:42:20 > 0:42:2412 tonnes of the fruit are used to make cider for the estate,
0:42:24 > 0:42:28mostly collected by community groups and volunteers.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31'I'm told that it's only after I've joined the harvest,
0:42:31 > 0:42:35'with Ed and Molly, that I'm allowed to taste some.'
0:42:35 > 0:42:36You have one of those, I'll have one of these.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40- By the time we fill these up, we should have enough.- OK.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- Molly's pinched an apple. - She helps to pick them.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45Basically, we want everything that's nice and firm,
0:42:45 > 0:42:46that's reasonable to eat.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- OK.- We don't want anything that's mouldy.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53Unlike eating apples, cider apples are picked from the ground,
0:42:53 > 0:42:55for it's at the point they're ready to drop
0:42:55 > 0:42:58that they have the highest sugars and starches needed
0:42:58 > 0:42:59to make sweet cider.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02I guess if most of us were asked to name
0:43:02 > 0:43:03a few varieties of apple,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05we could probably come up with four or five.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08You've got an awful lot more than that growing here, haven't you?
0:43:08 > 0:43:11There are, yeah. Each area would have its own
0:43:11 > 0:43:14and they'd often be named after where they were born.
0:43:14 > 0:43:17Basically, two varieties that came from the estate here,
0:43:17 > 0:43:18Killerton Sweet and Killerton Sharp.
0:43:18 > 0:43:20What's the ratio, then?
0:43:20 > 0:43:23Is that going to get me a decent amount of cider?
0:43:23 > 0:43:24Almost a pint.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- That's OK, that'll do. - That'll do for a start.
0:43:27 > 0:43:28I don't need more than a pint!
0:43:28 > 0:43:33'I add my somewhat slim pickings to the apples collected earlier.'
0:43:33 > 0:43:35How many's in the bag?
0:43:35 > 0:43:38There's probably about 300kg in there.
0:43:38 > 0:43:40'That's a hefty weight of apples to shift
0:43:40 > 0:43:42'so Ed fires up the tractor.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46'I help him fix the bag in place before we transport the fruit
0:43:46 > 0:43:49'down to the estate's 200-year-old cider press.'
0:43:52 > 0:43:53Oh, my goodness me.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56That is a press, isn't it? Wow!
0:43:56 > 0:43:58Yeah, quite a beast, isn't it?
0:43:58 > 0:44:01But, yeah, this is where we turn all the apples into the juice
0:44:01 > 0:44:03which we then ferment into the cider.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06- I'm guessing it's not going to do that on its own?- It's not.
0:44:06 > 0:44:09As ever, we rely heavily on our volunteers.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11So...are you ready, guys?
0:44:12 > 0:44:14No pesticides or chemicals are used,
0:44:14 > 0:44:19just pure unadulterated fruit - and a whole lot of elbow grease.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25The juice is fermented for about six months before the cider is ready
0:44:25 > 0:44:27but my mouth is watering now.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31'So I'm going to sample some of the raw juice direct from the press.'
0:44:32 > 0:44:34That's delicious.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37It's so sweet and zingy and fresh-tasting.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40I've never tasted apple juice as good as that before.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44- This is very raw, raw apple juice. - Cheers.
0:44:44 > 0:44:47The 50 acres of orchards on this estate may now be
0:44:47 > 0:44:51a drop in the ocean compared to the numbers that once existed in Devon.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54But it's encouraging to witness and taste how every drop
0:44:54 > 0:44:56of the produce grown here
0:44:56 > 0:45:00is supporting the local wildlife and fruit-growing heritage
0:45:00 > 0:45:04that was once so prevalent across the county's fertile landscape.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14Julie, how do you feel? Off to see the Mystery House now
0:45:14 > 0:45:17after seeing a couple of properties that have caused
0:45:17 > 0:45:20- quite a strong reaction.- Yes.
0:45:21 > 0:45:25In a way, I'm hoping I don't like the Mystery House,
0:45:25 > 0:45:29because it'll just confuse me all the more.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33What would your heart absolutely sink at the thought of?
0:45:33 > 0:45:34Brand-new.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36Brand-new. New.
0:45:36 > 0:45:38Yes, yeah.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40I want character.
0:45:40 > 0:45:44- So something very modern is not for you.- No. No.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49Who knows? I might fall in love with a modern property.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52Julie shouldn't worry, for we haven't got a new build lined up,
0:45:52 > 0:45:56and it is full of character, but not in the way she might expect.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00Another twist is the location. To get there,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03we're making our way to the village of Bratton Fleming.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07A large village, close to both the coast and the countryside,
0:46:07 > 0:46:09Bratton Fleming is set on a hillside,
0:46:09 > 0:46:13right on the fringes of the Exmoor National Park,
0:46:13 > 0:46:17so plenty of walking opportunities on the doorstep.
0:46:17 > 0:46:21Residents are served by a church dating back to the mid-19th century,
0:46:21 > 0:46:22a village shop and pub.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26There are lots of ways to get to know the local community.
0:46:26 > 0:46:29Since Julie will be moving out to Devon on her own,
0:46:29 > 0:46:32it's this potential social connection that's prompted
0:46:32 > 0:46:34our choice for the mystery property.
0:46:34 > 0:46:36It lies right on the main street,
0:46:36 > 0:46:38smack bang in the centre of the village.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41So the Mystery House...
0:46:43 > 0:46:45..is right here in front of us.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48- It's an old schoolhouse. - It's a chapel.
0:46:48 > 0:46:50Yeah, it was attached to the chapel,
0:46:50 > 0:46:52which is a separate building on the right.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55The schoolhouse on the left dates back earlier to 1881.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57What do you think?
0:46:57 > 0:46:59It's different.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01Different in a good way, different in a bad way?
0:47:01 > 0:47:03No, it looks very attractive, actually.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05What do you think, Morella?
0:47:05 > 0:47:06I think it looks lovely.
0:47:06 > 0:47:08It's really interesting from the outside.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12It's not as remote as Julie wanted,
0:47:12 > 0:47:15but I think you have to see the inside
0:47:15 > 0:47:18to see whether it's going to be a good thing or not.
0:47:18 > 0:47:20I think you're going to be in for a pleasant surprise
0:47:20 > 0:47:22when we open the door.
0:47:22 > 0:47:23- Really?- Come on.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27'Despite being in the heart of the village,
0:47:27 > 0:47:31'they both seem impressed by the outside of our Mystery House.'
0:47:31 > 0:47:34Converted in 2007, the interior is a prime example
0:47:34 > 0:47:38of historic character and contemporary design combined.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40Renovated to a high standard,
0:47:40 > 0:47:44it also features a unique inverted layout.
0:47:44 > 0:47:45It's an upside-down house.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49- Oh, is it?- Which means the main living space is upstairs.
0:47:49 > 0:47:51- Shall we head straight up?- Yeah.
0:47:52 > 0:47:54The main living area may be upstairs
0:47:54 > 0:47:56but the majority of the accommodation
0:47:56 > 0:48:00lies on the ground floor and includes four bedrooms,
0:48:00 > 0:48:03two bathrooms, and a kitchen-diner.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05To really set the scene
0:48:05 > 0:48:09'of what this unique property has on show, we're starting up at the top.'
0:48:09 > 0:48:13So, up here is the main...living area.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16They took full advantage of the space.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19It is so bright, light, airy. Vaulted ceilings.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Original beams.
0:48:21 > 0:48:23It is a wow!
0:48:23 > 0:48:26- It is definitely a wow!- I love it!
0:48:26 > 0:48:27The windows are lovely.
0:48:27 > 0:48:30- It's amazing. - Gorgeous, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32Could you imagine yourself here, though?
0:48:32 > 0:48:34No, but I could.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36OK.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38So it's a double house search.
0:48:38 > 0:48:43If we were house-hunting for you, what would appeal to you?
0:48:43 > 0:48:44Something like this.
0:48:44 > 0:48:49Well, sadly, we're not. Julie, this is your Mystery House.
0:48:49 > 0:48:52I've got a lot of hysterical laughter at the moment.
0:48:52 > 0:48:54It's different.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56It is certainly different.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58I mean, it is beautiful.
0:48:59 > 0:49:04The Mystery House has clearly thrown Julie a curveball.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06The four bedrooms downstairs lead off a central hallway -
0:49:06 > 0:49:10three of which are light and bright and vary in size.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14There is also a modern tiled bathroom,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17and down a small step, we come to the master bedroom.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21It has an en-suite bathroom just attached there.
0:49:21 > 0:49:22And the nice high ceiling,
0:49:22 > 0:49:25it gives it that really bright, airy feeling in here.
0:49:25 > 0:49:28- It is certainly bright. - It's a lovely-sized room, isn't it?
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Could you imagine yourself in here, Julie?
0:49:31 > 0:49:33I could imagine sleeping here.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36- But not living?- No. Maybe not.
0:49:36 > 0:49:39What is it about it which is not appealing to you?
0:49:39 > 0:49:41- Erm... - SHE SIGHS
0:49:41 > 0:49:42It's not cosy.
0:49:42 > 0:49:47Um...I think I like the cosy feeling.
0:49:47 > 0:49:52It is very white and that can be a bit cold, I think.
0:49:52 > 0:49:55No, it is not to my taste.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59The stark, clean lines may not be suited to Julie,
0:49:59 > 0:50:02but I have a sneaking suspicion that Morella might be sold.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05Back at the step and right at the end of the corridor,
0:50:05 > 0:50:08'we come to the final room on our tour.'
0:50:08 > 0:50:12The second wow factor part of this house, I think, is here -
0:50:12 > 0:50:16the kitchen-dining space, with its vaulted ceiling.
0:50:16 > 0:50:20- Yep.- And more beams. - Hey! That is a wow!
0:50:22 > 0:50:25- Oh, this is nice, isn't it? - It's been nicely done.
0:50:25 > 0:50:27- It has.- Very well done. - Obviously very contemporary,
0:50:27 > 0:50:30but I think they have managed to get that blend of the old features.
0:50:30 > 0:50:35- That's lovely.- It is lovely. I can't deny it's lovely.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38So, what do you think, as Mystery Houses go, Julie?
0:50:38 > 0:50:43It's pretty much on the spot, I think, as a Mystery House!
0:50:43 > 0:50:45I mean, it is such a beautiful finish.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47It has got this contemporary feel,
0:50:47 > 0:50:50which I know isn't your cup of tea, necessarily,
0:50:50 > 0:50:53but I do think it is combined with the original features
0:50:53 > 0:50:54really beautifully.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56It is very well done.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59There's still more to see. So, let's head outside and see
0:50:59 > 0:51:03- if the garden can sway you more in the direction of this house.- OK!
0:51:03 > 0:51:07Well, one half of the pair is impressed,
0:51:07 > 0:51:09but sadly, not the one who is actually buying.
0:51:09 > 0:51:13'Stepping out into the sunshine, the rather compact back garden
0:51:13 > 0:51:15'is the last place to see.'
0:51:15 > 0:51:18Ta-da! Here it is!
0:51:18 > 0:51:19ALL LAUGH
0:51:19 > 0:51:22That is the other mystery!
0:51:22 > 0:51:25- You could definitely keep a chicken or two in here.- Yes!
0:51:25 > 0:51:26You could.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29Morella, I can just tell, from your face,
0:51:29 > 0:51:31that this house really appeals to you.
0:51:31 > 0:51:34- It might not be... - To Julie's taste, yeah.
0:51:34 > 0:51:35No, I think it's lovely.
0:51:35 > 0:51:38You can sit outside and have a coffee.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41A little barbie. It's a small garden,
0:51:41 > 0:51:43but it's really pleasant, isn't it?
0:51:43 > 0:51:46OK, I am going to put you on the spot.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48Your budget is £350,000,
0:51:48 > 0:51:51going up to £375,000, if you needed to.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54What do you think this one is on the market for?
0:51:54 > 0:51:55You go first.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59- Erm...360?- Julie?
0:51:59 > 0:52:02I am going to go 340.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05OK, you are both wrong, I'm afraid.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08But Julie, you are most wrong, out of the two of you.
0:52:08 > 0:52:10It is actually on the market for £375,000,
0:52:10 > 0:52:13so not too far off, Morella.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16And it is a beautifully finished house in a fantastic location.
0:52:16 > 0:52:22- So...- Yep, it's... I won't deny, it's a lovely, lovely house.- Yes.
0:52:22 > 0:52:25OK, I think, for Morella's sake, you just have to go back inside
0:52:25 > 0:52:27and have another look around!
0:52:27 > 0:52:29- And just take your time. - Another look in the kitchen!
0:52:29 > 0:52:31ALL LAUGH
0:52:34 > 0:52:41At £375,000, the Mystery House is an incredible contemporary conversion
0:52:41 > 0:52:44of an original Victorian schoolhouse.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48Featuring a topsy-turvy layout, it has four bedrooms,
0:52:48 > 0:52:51a spacious living room, as well as a large kitchen-diner.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55And the property lies right in the middle of a desirable village.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58As a Mystery House, it lived up to its name.
0:52:58 > 0:53:02It certainly gave me a surprise!
0:53:02 > 0:53:05SHE LAUGHS
0:53:05 > 0:53:08The conversion from an old school is just amazing.
0:53:08 > 0:53:11The design is incredible, especially upstairs.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15The windows, all the features, it is just...
0:53:15 > 0:53:17It is stunning.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20I love this house. It's gorgeous.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24This isn't the type of house that Julie would live in.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26It's too modern for her.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29It is not warm enough, as in, it is too white,
0:53:29 > 0:53:30but I love it.
0:53:30 > 0:53:33I think it's gorgeous.
0:53:33 > 0:53:37An amazing house. Incredibly well-furnished and designed.
0:53:37 > 0:53:43I can't see myself living in something like this,
0:53:43 > 0:53:44but beautiful nonetheless.
0:53:48 > 0:53:50Well, that is all the houses seen,
0:53:50 > 0:53:53so I guess it's time for you two to have a chat
0:53:53 > 0:53:57- and for you in particular, Julie, to do some thinking.- Yep. Yep!
0:53:59 > 0:54:00It has been a lovely few days
0:54:00 > 0:54:03and it is fantastic that a couple of properties
0:54:03 > 0:54:05seem to have really struck a chord with Julie.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07I can't wait to hear what she is going to do next.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13- Hello!- Hello.- Hi!
0:54:13 > 0:54:16Well, the end of the search here in Devon.
0:54:16 > 0:54:21I think that two houses really seemed to stand out for you,
0:54:21 > 0:54:25but I have got no idea where your thoughts lie at this moment in time.
0:54:25 > 0:54:26So, put me out of my misery.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29I am not really sure where my thoughts lie, either!
0:54:29 > 0:54:32The house with the land is a definite.
0:54:32 > 0:54:35I fell in love with that. It was wonderful.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38And then, this morning, I was sent into confusion
0:54:38 > 0:54:40with the cottage.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42That was lovely, as well,
0:54:42 > 0:54:45and I am really torn between the two, at the moment.
0:54:45 > 0:54:49I have really got to, I think, go back and see them
0:54:49 > 0:54:52and weigh up the pros and cons for both of them.
0:54:52 > 0:54:55Well, that is a great, fantastic, promising start.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58So, just talk me through what the pros and cons are
0:54:58 > 0:55:00on the two of them, for you.
0:55:00 > 0:55:06The house with the land - the land is a huge, huge bonus.
0:55:06 > 0:55:09And the kitchen there was particularly lovely.
0:55:09 > 0:55:11The boot room, for the dogs, that was great.
0:55:11 > 0:55:14I guess the main con there was the price.
0:55:14 > 0:55:17The cottage today hasn't got the land.
0:55:17 > 0:55:18However, hopefully,
0:55:18 > 0:55:22I will be able to get in touch with the farmer,
0:55:22 > 0:55:25to see whether there is some way I can rent some land from him.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28The actual cottage, I felt was lovely.
0:55:28 > 0:55:30It had a lot of potential.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32A few things needed doing,
0:55:32 > 0:55:36but as it is quite below budget, that gave me the funds to be able
0:55:36 > 0:55:38to make those changes, yeah.
0:55:38 > 0:55:41So, where do you go from here?
0:55:41 > 0:55:45- Tomorrow, we are going to go back... - Yeah.- ..and have a look at both,
0:55:45 > 0:55:49with the surrounding areas.
0:55:49 > 0:55:52And hopefully come to a decision
0:55:52 > 0:55:55as to which I'd like to pursue.
0:55:55 > 0:55:58That is a brilliantly positive,
0:55:58 > 0:56:00you know, position to be in at the end of this search.
0:56:00 > 0:56:05It is absolutely fantastic to have not one, but two potentials.
0:56:05 > 0:56:09Morella, do you have a gut feeling as to which one of the two
0:56:09 > 0:56:11you could most imagine her in?
0:56:11 > 0:56:15I don't know. I think I particularly like the one with the land.
0:56:15 > 0:56:19But obviously, at the end of the day, it's Julie's choice.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21But she could live in either of them.
0:56:21 > 0:56:23She likes both of them.
0:56:23 > 0:56:25Well, this is a fantastic note to leave you on.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28It has been wonderful being part of your search here.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32I just really hope that, when you go back and explore more,
0:56:32 > 0:56:36one of them stands out for you and becomes your home here in Devon.
0:56:36 > 0:56:37So do I.
0:56:37 > 0:56:40I'm so grateful. Thank you very much for all your help.
0:56:40 > 0:56:41It's been wonderful.
0:56:46 > 0:56:48It is the end of our search here in Devon
0:56:48 > 0:56:51and it is wonderful that Julie has found not just one,
0:56:51 > 0:56:53but two properties that she can imagine living in.
0:56:53 > 0:56:55We really hope that one of them
0:56:55 > 0:56:58will become her new home here in Devon
0:56:58 > 0:57:01and wish her lots of luck with her move to this beautiful county.
0:57:01 > 0:57:04Join me next time, on Escape To The Country.
0:57:05 > 0:57:07If you would like to escape to the country
0:57:07 > 0:57:10in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
0:57:10 > 0:57:14and need our help, please apply online, at...