Cornwall Escape to the Country


Cornwall

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Welcome to Escape To The Country.

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Now, this tranquil spot and the ancient church that overlooks it

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is surrounded by myth and mystery, and a legend that helped inspire

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one of our most popular and famous hymns.

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But where are we and what's the story?

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Well, join me in just a moment and I'll tell you.

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Today, it's a long-standing dream

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that's driving an active and creative couple

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to search for their country paradise.

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And they're more than ready to part with their cash.

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Have you got your cheque book?

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Ah! Excellent. That's a good start, isn't it?

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And a celebratory tipple is already on the cards.

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What do you think about the bar?

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Do you think you could use it for some other purpose?

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I think I'd be inclined to keep it as a bar, my dear.

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THEY LAUGH

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Well, today, we are in Cornwall and this is

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the rather pretty, 13th-century St Just In Roseland Church,

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tucked away on the banks of this gorgeous little creek,

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just across the water from Falmouth.

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And it's one of several spots here in the West Country

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that it's thought were visited by a teenage Jesus,

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who was then travelling with his relative, Joseph of Arimathea,

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who it's thought at the time, was a wealthy merchant

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dealing in Cornish tin.

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Now, the idea and the legend that Jesus visited Britain

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became immortalised in the words of the 19th-century hymn, Jerusalem,

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written by the poet, William Blake.

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Without a doubt, it is my favourite hymn

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and it's gone down as a national favourite.

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Cornwall is England's most south-westerly county,

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sharing an inland border with Devon,

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meeting the Celtic Sea to the north and west,

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and the English Channel to the south.

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The region's sole city is Truro,

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with the tall spires of its cathedral

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towering over the Georgian streets.

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In 1880, the foundation stones for this spectacular place of worship

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were laid by Queen Victoria's eldest son, Edward VII,

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and 30 years later, the cathedral was complete -

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the year of his death.

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Moving out towards the coast,

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Cornwall boasts miles and miles of glorious beaches,

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overlooked by pretty coastal villages.

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At the most westerly peninsula of the county, the picturesque

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harbour at Mousehole, on Penwith, is actually spelt Mouse-Hole

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and one local legend says the village was named after a hole

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or cavern in a nearby cliff in the 12th or 13th centuries.

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Towards the east of the region,

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Bodmin Moor has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,

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as has almost a third of Cornwall.

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Here, the 80 square miles are cloaked in heather

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and grazed upon by moorland ponies.

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So, with its rich canvas of stunning architecture

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and dramatic natural beauty,

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Cornwall is a hugely popular destination

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for both visitors and escapees alike.

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Well, behind me is the beautiful backdrop of St Mawes.

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It's just one of numerous coastal settlements that, for many people,

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really define what life is like in this maritime county.

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And it's worth remembering that, no matter where you are in Cornwall,

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you're never more than 25 miles from the sea.

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As for house prices, they are often as attractive as the views.

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Currently, the average price of a detached property here

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is £277,000.

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That's some £22,000

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below the national figure.

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Now, of course, a house with a view like that is going to come

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at a premium, but nonetheless, as a county,

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it does represent pretty good value for money.

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So, let's meet today's buyers and find out what's persuaded them

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to weigh anchor and move to the South West.

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Part-time lecturer Heather and her Merchant Navy officer husband David

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live near Chelmsford, but have been in Essex since the 1980s.

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They wed just six months after they met, 36 years ago.

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I'd definitely say Heather is the noisy one.

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She's the one that's outward-going more than I am,

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although I think I have learned from her over the years

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and we've met in the middle somewhere now.

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The couple's two grown-up sons have now flown the nest

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and their four-bedroomed, mock-Tudor detached home is up for sale.

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Looking forward to their upcoming retirement,

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Heather and David are planning on moving out of Essex.

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I wouldn't say that Chelmsford exactly has

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a great sense of community.

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It is, literally, a commuter town. People use it for getting up

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to work in London and they just happen to sleep here.

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I think Chelmsford has grown over the last 20 years.

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It's perhaps a little bit too big for us now.

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And I feel that I would like to move to somewhere quieter.

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And there's one West Country county that has captured their hearts.

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I've always liked Cornwall.

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I started to go down there when I was a baby

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and sort of grew up going on holidays,

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and when I go into Cornwall,

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I feel that it's my natural home, that I've come home,

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and that's really a feeling that I like and want to keep.

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When they make their move,

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Heather and David are planning on enjoying their hobbies,

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and master mariner David has also got his eye on some new ones.

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I'm coming up to retirement age now,

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so I shall be looking for some retirement activities.

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I've been involved in the nautical industry from the age of 13

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and I look forward to being able to give something back

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to the marine industry,

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and I'd very much like to get involved

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with the National Coastwatch Institution,

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which is a voluntary organisation.

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I will be giving up my work

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and I would like to get involved with the local community.

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I would like to develop my art skills, as well,

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and I would like to sort of relax a bit,

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cos I feel at the moment that we are living our lives

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in a very full and very active way.

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I'd still like to be active,

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but in a little bit more of a relaxed surrounding.

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All they need now is a sale on their house

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and they will be opening the door to their future.

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This move means a culmination of all my dreams and hopes.

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I would love a lovely home in Cornwall,

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where I can welcome my sons and my grandchildren

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and we can enjoy the Cornish scenery and the Cornish life together.

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That's what I want from Cornwall - happiness, relaxation

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and a jolly good retirement.

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Heather and David have asked us to concentrate our search

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between the towns of Falmouth to the west and Looe to the east.

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But before we commence our journey to find them their new home,

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we're all catching up in Cornwall, on the banks of Charlestown's

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picturesque harbour, to discuss the details of their property wish list.

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Well, Heather, David, what a place to start our house search.

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-It certainly is. Look at that.

-For a master mariner, come on, look!

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I think it really does set the scene

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and, for many people, this view is what Cornwall is all about.

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Its maritime heritage is writ large right across this glorious county.

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So, I can perfectly understand how you have fallen in love with it

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over so many years of coming here, but let's get down to the hard facts

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of what it is you're looking for, Heather.

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Well, we would like at least a three-bedroomed house.

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I would very much like a beautiful stone Cornish cottage,

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but I realise that may not be possible.

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We don't want acres of ground,

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but we want something with a little bit of character and, of course,

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we want something to accommodate David's head height.

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Yes! I mean, I'm just under six foot. How tall are you, David?

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-Just under six foot six.

-Wow!

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Obviously, the boys are going to come down and see you,

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so what about reception space? Because at the end of the day,

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that's where life's going to unfold on a day-to-day basis.

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Well, I'd like a really nice lounge.

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I think that's the most important thing,

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a really nice, big lounge,

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where we could have the boys and their families down.

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I'm not so worried about the kitchen or the other bedrooms,

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but David would like a study, and if there's a room,

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it could even a small bedroom,

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which I could sort of turn into an art studio,

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that would be absolutely ideal.

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In terms of garden space, you mentioned earlier,

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-we're not after acres.

-Yes, I'd like somewhere where I can sit out,

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have a cup of tea or a glass of wine and some sandwiches,

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and I'd like somewhere to potter as well,

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perhaps David wants to grow a few vegetables.

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I'd like to plant some flowers and have some tubs.

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-And you can't do that at sea, can you?

-Absolutely not. Total change.

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LAUGHTER

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-Tell us what you don't want.

-Well, I'm not really looking for

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a barn. I know a lot of people like barns, but I don't really like

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barns myself. We don't particularly want a very old property,

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-with low beams, so that David keeps hitting his head.

-Yes!

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And I am a little bit worried about a thatch, I'm not sure I could

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-buy a thatched property.

-I do understand your concerns,

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but have got an interesting range of properties here in Cornwall

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to show you. How much are we going to spend, then, David?

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-Well, our budget for the move would be £550,000.

-Wow.

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But, for a suitable property, we could uplift that

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-to maybe 560, at a pinch.

-Wow!

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I am confident that, with your very generous 550,

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or maybe a little bit more,

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we should be able to find you what you're looking for,

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from the range of properties that we have to show you,

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including, of course, our Mystery House.

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Oh, this is exciting! I'm really looking forward to it.

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I'm afraid we have to bid farewell to lovely, historic Charlestown

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and its wonderful boats and its wonderful sea view,

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and head inland to our first property.

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-Come on, let's go.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

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For their top budget of £560,000,

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Heather and David are after a character Cornish home,

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with at least three bedrooms

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and enough headroom to accommodate David.

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They'd like a living room, great for entertaining,

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and a couple of hobby rooms.

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Outside, they're after a manageable garden, with views,

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and they'd also like to be close to the local community.

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Our varied selection of properties will give Heather and David

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food for thought, but it'll only be after they've viewed each one

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that its price tag will be revealed to them.

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The final visit to the Mystery House

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is sure to turn things on their head,

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but, with an open mind, it could be the answer to their dreams.

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You could be forgiven for thinking that we are lost,

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as we duck and dive our way through these little lanes.

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And it wouldn't be the first time! But I'm pleased to tell you

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we aren't lost. Our first property isn't far away!

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So, let's see if this one will whet your appetite.

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Our Cornish house-hunt is taking us to the inland village of Luxulyan.

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Locals are served by a village store and post office,

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and the village hall provides plenty of social opportunities,

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as does the popular dining pub.

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The parish church, originally Norman,

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was completely rebuilt in the 15th century from granite.

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One of its windows is a monument to a 19th-century architect,

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whose name is also linked to this detached house

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on the edge of the village.

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Well, Heather, you wanted a Cornish house made of Cornish stone.

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-How about this one?

-It looks...

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-Like an old school.

-..like an old school.

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It looks really interesting.

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-It is an old school.

-And I love the stonework.

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And I notice it was built in 1871.

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It was, by the amazingly-named Silvanus Trevail.

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He was an architect actually born in the village here.

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He built around 50 schools around Cornwall.

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And ended up, towards the end of the 19th century,

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-as the Mayor of Truro.

-Good gracious!

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So, it has quite an impressive, sort of, signature to it, this building.

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When it was originally put together, there was no middle floor,

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just a huge, kind of, vaulted space,

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so the current owners have inserted a floor throughout it.

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Well, it looks like, dare I say it, a hidden gem you've found for us,

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so I'm very interested to open the package and let's see what's inside.

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Right, then, let's open that package. Come on.

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This impressive property was built from local granite

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and converted into a family home around 1970,

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a century after it was built.

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Once inside, a long hallway divides the ground floor in two

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and it's home to a rather fun surprise feature.

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Come this way, guys, because this, I think, is really unusual.

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-Wine rack set into the fireplace.

-Oh!

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THEY CHUCKLE

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I'm sure you could fill it and just as easily empty it.

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We could make a good attempt!

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Anyway, this is the kitchen.

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Nicely fitted. Very simple.

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Oh, I like the kitchen.

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It's very nice and I like the view from the window.

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-And very spacious, as well.

-Really spacious.

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They've got this breakfast bar in here, but next door, you've got

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a really nicely-appointed dining room as well,

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if you want to have more formal dining and so on,

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but I imagine, sort of, for every day...

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Yes, absolutely ideal.

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I would like to see the rest of the rooms, though, please.

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Oh, yes, absolutely. Of course you can. Follow me.

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Beyond the kitchen and past the dining room is the sitting room.

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And, although it's beamed,

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there's enough headroom for all six foot six of David.

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-Well, the beams aren't too low, are they?

-It's high enough,

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but I'm a bit worried about what Heather's about to say.

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It's a little bit too small, I think.

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It seems to come in a little bit at me.

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Whether we could get used to it, I'm not sure.

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I certainly take your point,

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but I do think it benefits from the addition of this conservatory here,

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which I rather liken to the bridge of a ship.

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-Yes, you could certainly survey your domain from here.

-Yeah.

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I do like that view. That view is lovely.

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What I'm thinking about is, is that a solid wall?

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You could potentially open that up.

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It would become a diner-cum-living room.

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Cos I suppose then you could effectively shift that whole

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doorway back down the corridor and give yourselves a much bigger

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living room with, of course, the bonus of the conservatory.

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But it would feel bigger. Maybe that's what we're after.

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That could very well be it, yes.

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There are so many other features that recommend this property to you.

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There's also one twist, which I can't wait to show you.

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Come on, follow me.

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Also on this side of the house

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is a bath and shower room and a cloakroom.

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Now, this is a little surprise I've got for you, Heather.

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David could probably reach this.

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Above our heads is a loft hatch concealing something

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rather special. All will be revealed.

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The pull-down stairway takes us to a vaulted loft room

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that runs the length of the house.

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It's bright and airy, so could provide a perfect space

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for a budding artist.

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My gosh!

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-Yeah?

-Yeah!

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This has got the light that you would need

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from both ends of the room.

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This would be absolutely superb.

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Imagine this without a floor. That is how it was when

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-it was a schoolhouse.

-Yes.

-I think this is such a useful space for you.

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Yeah. It's good.

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Look at that smile! I know we had a bit of a downer in the living room,

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didn't we? But, somehow, I think our little graph has picked up again.

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I think the old compromise is coming into play there, isn't it?

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Well, you know, what you lose with one,

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often a property will make up for with another,

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and I think this, certainly, should recommend this place to you.

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It's lovely.

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Moving back downstairs into the other side of the house,

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there's a utility room and three ground-floor bedrooms.

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At the front, there's a small double and next door is a single.

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The master overlooks the back and has its own en-suite shower room.

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The nature of this converted schoolhouse

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means the upstairs accommodation isn't conventional.

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As well as the loft ladder leading to the potential studio,

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there are two separate staircases,

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each leading to a first-floor bedroom,

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again featuring vaulted ceilings.

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That makes five bedrooms in total.

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But next stop is the garden.

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Hot tub straight outside the master bedroom...

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-..for a morning dip.

-Indeed!

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Outside, the conservatory opens onto a raised terrace

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with views across the lawn, a pond and a panoramic countryside vista.

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There's also a walled side garden and a summerhouse-cum-bar.

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It's an ideal size.

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Not too much to look after.

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Very, very low-maintenance. I love the walls that surround it.

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You've got a nice sort of tool shed there,

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very much in keeping, obviously, with the original building.

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Water feature here, David, which I don't know if it's quite

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Sounds of the Sea, although I have filled it with salt water,

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just to make you feel at home.

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And the views, you know, not bad, really.

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It's a lovely spot. It's beautifully quiet.

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What do you think about the bar?

0:17:070:17:09

I think that looks excellent, myself.

0:17:090:17:12

Do you think we could use it for some other purpose?

0:17:120:17:14

I think I'd be inclined to keep it as a bar, my dear.

0:17:140:17:17

What other purpose could you possibly have in mind

0:17:170:17:19

for your art studi... Er, sorry, David! Sorry.

0:17:190:17:21

LAUGHTER

0:17:210:17:24

You've got an art studio in the loft!

0:17:240:17:26

So, I think this is of interest.

0:17:260:17:29

-Yes.

-But, of course, it will come down to its price.

0:17:290:17:32

-I would go round about 520.

-Mm-hm.

0:17:320:17:36

I think it's probably a little bit more, so I'm going 525.

0:17:370:17:41

If it was £500,000, that makes it very doable.

0:17:410:17:46

-That's interesting.

-That's interesting.

0:17:460:17:49

That would give us money to be able to perhaps change it

0:17:490:17:53

to the way that we might want it.

0:17:530:17:55

Yes, it's a really good first house.

0:17:550:17:58

Have another look at this one, because it is quite cavernous.

0:17:580:18:01

There's plenty to see.

0:18:010:18:02

Go on, off you go, and I will come and find you later on.

0:18:020:18:05

Brilliant. Well, Heather said it. It's a great start,

0:18:050:18:08

so let's hope that what begins well, ends well.

0:18:080:18:11

This 19th-century old schoolhouse is under budget,

0:18:130:18:17

leaving a healthy £60,000 in the kitty.

0:18:170:18:20

It's got the potential for a great family room,

0:18:200:18:23

along with the huge loft room and five bedrooms.

0:18:230:18:26

With the garden comes many additional features

0:18:260:18:29

along with those lovely views

0:18:290:18:30

and the property is located right on the edge of the village.

0:18:300:18:34

-Oh, that's very interesting.

-It is interesting, isn't it?

-Yes.

0:18:340:18:37

I can imagine a beer tap there and probably a barrel of beer

0:18:370:18:41

-underneath there.

-Yes, I think you and your whisky-drinking chums

0:18:410:18:44

would really like this on a summer's evening.

0:18:440:18:47

When I approached the house, it looked lovely.

0:18:480:18:51

I loved the stone and I loved the age of the house

0:18:510:18:54

and the big, wide driveway.

0:18:540:18:57

Then, there was the attic space.

0:18:570:18:59

Well, that was a complete surprise.

0:18:590:19:01

I mean, I'd never dream I could get anything as big as that as a studio.

0:19:010:19:06

Well, overall, I'd feel this house has got a lot of potential for us.

0:19:060:19:11

I had a reasonably good feeling in most of the house.

0:19:120:19:15

Certainly, the art studio potential would be very nice for Heather.

0:19:170:19:22

-How are you doing?

-Very nicely, thank you, Jules.

0:19:230:19:26

-All done?

-It's very interesting.

0:19:260:19:28

A really good first house.

0:19:280:19:29

-I thought you'd think that. Come on, let's go.

-Thank you.

0:19:290:19:33

With 50 years at sea under his belt,

0:19:390:19:41

David can't wait to make the most of the Cornish coastline,

0:19:410:19:44

which spans a distance of over 400 miles.

0:19:440:19:48

He has hopes of joining the NCI, the National Coastwatch Institution,

0:19:480:19:53

a voluntary organisation,

0:19:530:19:55

which keeps a vigil watch along the UK's shores

0:19:550:19:58

to keep seafarers safe.

0:19:580:19:59

This is Polruan NCI, over.

0:20:000:20:02

David and Heather have come to the ancient fishing village of Polruan

0:20:030:20:07

to meet Richard Hews,

0:20:070:20:08

a trustee of the NCI at one of the 50 stations in England and Wales.

0:20:080:20:13

Can you tell me, please, when was the NCI set up

0:20:130:20:16

and where did the idea come from?

0:20:160:20:18

Way back in 1994, two fishermen were tragically drowned off the Lizard.

0:20:200:20:26

They were in the vicinity of a disused coastguard station.

0:20:260:20:31

The local community were very upset by this and asked the National Trust

0:20:310:20:35

if they could reopen the station on a voluntary basis,

0:20:350:20:39

and Bass Point was reopened in December 1994 and NCI was born.

0:20:390:20:44

I'm actually a serving Merchant Navy officer.

0:20:440:20:47

Do you consider I've got the correct qualifications for the job?

0:20:470:20:50

David, you'd be in an ideal position to become an NCI watchkeeper.

0:20:500:20:55

You don't actually need to have previous maritime experience.

0:20:550:20:58

A lot of watch-keeping is common sense,

0:20:580:21:02

but you need patience, vigilance, a good pair of eyes,

0:21:020:21:07

and if we can make a difference in helping to protect and preserve life

0:21:070:21:11

and safety at sea,

0:21:110:21:13

then we feel we are doing a worthwhile job

0:21:130:21:15

and we're passionate about it.

0:21:150:21:17

There are 2,000 volunteers, like Richard, around the country

0:21:180:21:22

and he's one of 40 watchkeepers who volunteer here at Polruan.

0:21:220:21:26

This lookout was opened in 1998 and sits 240 feet up

0:21:260:21:31

in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

0:21:310:21:33

Right, come on in.

0:21:350:21:38

Welcome to the lookout.

0:21:380:21:40

Dan is on A-watch this morning.

0:21:400:21:42

You can see from here that he's got a very good view of the coastline

0:21:420:21:47

in front and to the east and the west.

0:21:470:21:49

He's also monitoring several different radio channels.

0:21:490:21:53

We have a number of optics,

0:21:530:21:55

which aid us in looking further out to sea,

0:21:550:21:59

according to the visibility.

0:21:590:22:02

These are all important aids to watch-keeping,

0:22:020:22:05

but it can't spot a local fisherman in distress,

0:22:050:22:09

or a yacht with an engine breakdown,

0:22:090:22:11

or a kayaker or a canoeist who's in trouble.

0:22:110:22:14

What you need is the Mark One Eyeball for that...

0:22:140:22:16

-Absolutely.

-..and that's what we do, visual surveillance.

0:22:160:22:19

That's why we are here.

0:22:190:22:20

But if someone is in distress, the Coastwatch can also

0:22:210:22:24

be contacted via one of the radio channels,

0:22:240:22:27

and there's a dedicated channel -

0:22:270:22:29

number 65, to communicate with local vessels.

0:22:290:22:33

Since we've had this dedicated channel 65,

0:22:330:22:35

we get more and more yachtsmen,

0:22:350:22:38

fishermen asking us for local information,

0:22:380:22:40

what is very important, they want to know

0:22:400:22:43

what are the real-time weather conditions out in front of them,

0:22:430:22:46

and they can also ask, if they

0:22:460:22:47

are coming in, for local information about the harbour,

0:22:470:22:50

which we can help them with.

0:22:500:22:52

So, Richard, could you please tell me

0:22:520:22:54

what a typical day would be like in the lookout?

0:22:540:22:57

I don't think there's any such thing as a typical day.

0:22:570:23:01

Sometimes we come up here and you can't even see to the edge of the cliff,

0:23:010:23:06

but we can listen to the radio,

0:23:060:23:08

we can see what's going on through radar,

0:23:080:23:10

there's always ongoing familiarisation and training to do in the lookout.

0:23:100:23:15

All of the sophisticated technology in use here is invaluable, but,

0:23:170:23:21

as Richard says, there's nothing quite like a watchful pair of eyes,

0:23:210:23:25

and something that makes spotting trouble that little bit easier

0:23:250:23:28

are these powerful tripod-mounted optics.

0:23:280:23:32

I've got the edge of the coastline.

0:23:320:23:34

Yes, I can see it quite well now. It's very clear.

0:23:350:23:39

If you see somebody in the water, what would you do then?

0:23:390:23:43

Well, the phrase to remember is "spot, plot and report".

0:23:430:23:47

Once we've spotted somebody who is either in danger

0:23:480:23:52

or looks as if they might be going into danger,

0:23:520:23:54

we need to plot as accurate a position as we can very quickly

0:23:540:23:59

and then we will relay that position,

0:23:590:24:01

by phone, to the coastguard,

0:24:010:24:06

and then they will decide on the resolution of

0:24:060:24:09

that particular situation.

0:24:090:24:11

With his marine background,

0:24:110:24:13

David's training won't be too lengthy if he joins the Coastwatch.

0:24:130:24:16

And with the organisation involved

0:24:160:24:19

with almost 300 incidents last year alone,

0:24:190:24:22

the work he could be doing would be very much appreciated.

0:24:220:24:25

You've seen our lookout. What do you think of it?

0:24:250:24:28

Very interesting, too.

0:24:280:24:29

I think I could be very interested in joining

0:24:290:24:31

when we actually, finally move down here.

0:24:310:24:33

I should say also that we do have

0:24:330:24:34

a number of husband-and-wife teams who keep watch together,

0:24:340:24:37

and they do extremely well,

0:24:370:24:39

-so I hope we do see you again.

-I'm sure you will.

0:24:390:24:42

-I shall look forward to a nice cup of tea, then.

-Thank you so much.

0:24:420:24:45

-Yes, thank you, Richard.

-Thank you.

0:24:450:24:47

Well, now David's all but signed on the dotted line,

0:24:470:24:50

it's time to return to our house-hunt, to continue

0:24:500:24:52

our quest to give him and Heather a new Cornish address.

0:24:520:24:56

Next, we're heading to the hamlet of Scredda.

0:24:580:25:02

Just a ten-minute drive away is the coastal village and port

0:25:020:25:05

of Charlestown.

0:25:050:25:07

What was once a small fishing village,

0:25:070:25:09

home to just nine families, has grown into a charming community,

0:25:090:25:12

attracting both locals and tourists.

0:25:120:25:14

Fishermen still use the quaint harbour,

0:25:140:25:16

which dates back to the 18th century.

0:25:160:25:19

Its beauty has also won it a part in

0:25:190:25:22

the hugely popular television series Poldark,

0:25:220:25:25

where it stood in for Truro.

0:25:250:25:27

Just over two miles away is this detached whitewashed house,

0:25:270:25:31

with views back down to St Austell Bay.

0:25:310:25:33

There we are, look, our second offering, bathed in sunshine.

0:25:350:25:40

I like the house, it's a nice, light, well-built-looking house.

0:25:400:25:43

The only problem is, is that road noise.

0:25:430:25:46

-And I can hear it.

-There is, to be fair,

0:25:460:25:49

a little bit of road noise, I mean, that has come with the territory,

0:25:490:25:53

in terms of where we are - St Austell.

0:25:530:25:54

But the house itself, it is well-built.

0:25:540:25:57

Originally built about 1890 or so,

0:25:570:25:59

that's the front half and then,

0:25:590:26:01

at the turn of this century,

0:26:010:26:02

sort of 2002, it was effectively doubled in size to the back.

0:26:020:26:05

What do you think, David?

0:26:050:26:06

Well, certainly it's a traditional building.

0:26:060:26:08

I'm confident that what you'll find inside is well worth considering.

0:26:080:26:12

-So, let's see what you think.

-Thank you.

-OK.

0:26:120:26:16

'Located on a country lane, this 19th-century detached house

0:26:160:26:19

'is built from granite, with an attractive approach from the front.'

0:26:190:26:22

In you come.

0:26:220:26:24

'And once inside, the distant hum of the passing traffic is forgotten.'

0:26:240:26:29

Nice little hallway to greet you.

0:26:290:26:31

Really nicely appointed dining room in there,

0:26:310:26:33

with a couple of skylights above it.

0:26:330:26:35

I think the best place to start is probably in here, Heather.

0:26:350:26:38

This is a nice, light room.

0:26:380:26:40

It's very nice. I like the three windows -

0:26:400:26:44

that does project lots of light in.

0:26:440:26:46

It's got a very good floor area as well.

0:26:460:26:48

I mean, it's certainly high enough for you, isn't it?

0:26:480:26:51

It is high enough, yes, these beams are not a problem at all.

0:26:510:26:56

So, a sitting room fit for statuesque David,

0:26:560:26:58

and across the entrance hall

0:26:580:27:00

at the back of the house is the kitchen.

0:27:000:27:02

Is this to your taste, madam?

0:27:020:27:04

Yes, it's a very nice kitchen,

0:27:050:27:07

there's room for a table.

0:27:070:27:09

There is a table.

0:27:090:27:10

You've also got a utility room and a downstairs loo through that door.

0:27:100:27:13

-Good.

-Which is really handy.

-Yes.

0:27:130:27:15

I think it works a treat, actually.

0:27:150:27:17

If you say, "Yes, Jules, I think it does," I'll let you

0:27:170:27:20

-see more of the house.

-Yes, Jules, it does,

0:27:200:27:22

-please could I see more of the house now?

-Yes, you may, come on!

0:27:220:27:25

Fantastic!

0:27:250:27:27

The kitchen is part of the 14-year-old extension,

0:27:270:27:29

as is a good-sized family room next door, featuring

0:27:290:27:33

access to the garden. It could provide an

0:27:330:27:35

inspirational art space for Heather.

0:27:350:27:37

Moving upstairs, there's a smart and neutral family bathroom

0:27:370:27:40

and four bedrooms. There's a sunny double at the back,

0:27:400:27:44

plus another that's dual aspect.

0:27:440:27:47

There's a single in use as a dressing room

0:27:470:27:49

and we're headed to what I believe

0:27:490:27:51

is the best of the bunch.

0:27:510:27:52

Then finally, this would be your master, with yet more views

0:27:530:27:57

of St Austell Bay.

0:27:570:27:59

It's a nice, light, airy room and, yes,

0:28:010:28:03

you can see the sea.

0:28:030:28:05

-What's behind the door?

-Ah, now, this is

0:28:050:28:09

your en suite, madam.

0:28:090:28:11

-My en suite.

-Go and have a look, en-suite shower room.

-Thank you.

0:28:110:28:14

-Er, ludicrously large, actually.

-It is!

0:28:140:28:18

It's a lovely big room.

0:28:180:28:20

-Come on, out you come.

-OK.

0:28:200:28:22

But I think it gives you the idea that actually,

0:28:240:28:26

the nice thing about this property is

0:28:260:28:28

that the space is very sort of amenable.

0:28:280:28:29

I think you can play around with it, whether it's downstairs

0:28:290:28:32

or upstairs, to kind of fit the life that emerges once you get down here.

0:28:320:28:37

So, let's finish off outside, then.

0:28:370:28:40

See if we can find something else to tempt you.

0:28:400:28:44

We've already seen the enclosed lawn garden to the front,

0:28:440:28:47

that overlooks the sea.

0:28:470:28:48

Then to the back, there's a raised deck terrace with

0:28:480:28:51

a hot tub and a double car port.

0:28:510:28:53

But there's more.

0:28:530:28:55

Now, I know you didn't want acres.

0:29:020:29:04

But this one just happens to come with a 1.3 acre paddock.

0:29:040:29:08

-Which we could...

-Right!

-..presumably rent to someone.

0:29:100:29:13

-Well...

-We could.

-..or you could simply not buy it.

0:29:130:29:17

Cos they're prepared to knock a bit off...

0:29:170:29:19

if you don't want this.

0:29:190:29:21

-And they would keep it for their own use.

-Right.

0:29:220:29:25

Right. That's got me thinking.

0:29:250:29:27

Which brings us neatly on to the price!

0:29:280:29:31

Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have a clue

0:29:310:29:34

how much land is worth.

0:29:340:29:36

On average, pony paddocks like this -

0:29:360:29:39

anything from between, say, £10,000 to £15,000 an acre.

0:29:390:29:43

I'm going to pitch at 450.

0:29:430:29:46

450?

0:29:460:29:48

I'd say, bearing in mind your calculation there,

0:29:480:29:51

-470 for the house...

-Yeah.

0:29:510:29:54

..with 15 on top for the paddock, so, 485.

0:29:540:29:58

You're very good at sums, you must be a brilliant navigator.

0:29:580:30:00

-I am!

-As you are!

0:30:000:30:02

You're absolutely right, £485,000 is the asking price...

0:30:030:30:08

for the package combined.

0:30:080:30:10

Go and have a wander round.

0:30:100:30:12

Soak up the atmosphere of this very pretty cottage.

0:30:120:30:14

-I'll come and find you a little bit later.

-Thank you.

0:30:140:30:17

-Thank you.

-Off you go.

0:30:170:30:19

In the meantime, I might enjoy this sunshine, walk round the paddock.

0:30:190:30:21

This detached house with the additional land has rung in at

0:30:230:30:27

£75,000 under Heather and David's top budget.

0:30:270:30:30

It offers a great living space,

0:30:300:30:32

four bedrooms,

0:30:320:30:34

a boarded garden and sea views.

0:30:340:30:36

The bonus paddock is optional.

0:30:360:30:39

This is the dining room! It's quite a nice-sized room.

0:30:420:30:44

-I like the skylights.

-Yes, they do cast some nice light down.

0:30:440:30:48

-And we've got the view.

-A lovely view there as well.

0:30:480:30:52

It's a nice view from the window.

0:30:520:30:54

Generally speaking, the house in itself, erm...well-constructed,

0:30:540:31:00

solid and one that I could live in.

0:31:000:31:04

It was a good property.

0:31:040:31:05

Overall, I think the house is jolly good.

0:31:050:31:09

It's a nice size.

0:31:090:31:12

I like the paddock.

0:31:120:31:14

We could do things with it.

0:31:140:31:16

I like the view.

0:31:160:31:17

But, unfortunately for me, the road noise, I think,

0:31:170:31:21

is a deal breaker.

0:31:210:31:23

-Hello.

-How are we then, all right?

-Yes, thank you. Had a good look round.

0:31:250:31:29

Well, skipper, I think the sun is pretty much over the yardarm.

0:31:290:31:33

Well, I think it's time for a bevvy, in that case, Jules!

0:31:330:31:35

-Gin o'clock. Off you go.

-Gin o'clock, it is.

-Ready for another day.

0:31:350:31:39

It's the second leg of our coast around Cornwall,

0:31:490:31:52

on the hunt for a country pad

0:31:520:31:53

for Heather and David from near Chelmsford in Essex.

0:31:530:31:56

With a top budget of £560,000 in their pockets,

0:31:570:32:01

we've been given the job of finding them a home full of Cornish charm

0:32:010:32:05

that also has high enough ceilings for 6'6" David.

0:32:050:32:09

'Coming up, we've got a surprise in our Mystery House...'

0:32:090:32:12

-It is like...a five-star hotel.

-Yeah.

0:32:120:32:17

Do you want to check in, I wonder?

0:32:170:32:20

'..and I'll be getting the pick of the county's bunch

0:32:200:32:22

'when I discover why this pocket of the country is carpeted

0:32:220:32:26

'by the biggest concentration of daffodils in the world.'

0:32:260:32:29

You've got a rubber band already on yours,

0:32:290:32:31

I haven't even picked enough yet! LAUGHTER

0:32:310:32:33

Well, our Cornish quest is now heading into its final leg

0:32:360:32:40

and with two more properties to come,

0:32:400:32:42

we've managed to conjure up a Mystery House that should offer

0:32:420:32:45

Heather and David a real slice of grand country living,

0:32:450:32:48

and that I hope will prove to be as memorable as it is unusual.

0:32:480:32:52

But first, a property that I hope will really appeal

0:32:520:32:55

to their love of the coast, and what's more,

0:32:550:32:57

it's just a stone's throw from this beautiful harbour.

0:32:570:33:01

Mevagissey is a village on Cornwall's southern coast.

0:33:010:33:05

This pretty fishing port attracts tourists to its harbour

0:33:050:33:08

and narrow streets, teeming with artisan shops and eateries.

0:33:080:33:12

In the late 1700s, Andrew Pears, a farmer's son, was born here.

0:33:120:33:17

He later invented and gave his name

0:33:170:33:20

to a very famous amber-coloured soap.

0:33:200:33:22

Just five minutes' walk from the centre of the village

0:33:220:33:25

and perched on a hill with views to the coast is our next offering.

0:33:250:33:28

Looks absolutely magnificent.

0:33:280:33:30

-Lovely.

-Have you got your cheque book?

0:33:300:33:33

Ah, excellent! That's a good start, isn't it?

0:33:330:33:36

It's really substantial.

0:33:360:33:38

I think the tree here in the foreground,

0:33:380:33:41

gives us a real sense of the climate you can expect when you move down here.

0:33:410:33:46

-Oh, come on, please, can we go in?

-Come on.

0:33:460:33:49

This fabulous whitewashed detached villa certainly looks

0:33:490:33:53

perfectly in place with its palm tree and its proximity to the sea.

0:33:530:33:57

It was once a guest house and, with a local history of smugglers,

0:33:570:34:00

who knows who may have rested here in the past?

0:34:000:34:04

I love the double doorway.

0:34:040:34:05

It's a classic layout - central hallway, dining room is in there,

0:34:070:34:11

but let's start in here. This is the living room.

0:34:110:34:13

I just love it.

0:34:160:34:18

I love the height of the ceilings.

0:34:180:34:21

I like the ceiling rose, the fire...

0:34:210:34:25

I could see us living here very happily already.

0:34:250:34:28

-And it's cosy as well.

-And it's cosy.

-Yes.

0:34:280:34:31

It could be our home already.

0:34:310:34:33

Wow! That's a great reaction!

0:34:330:34:36

I wasn't expecting that, to be honest with you, but I'm delighted.

0:34:360:34:39

I don't need to sell this any more, do I?

0:34:390:34:41

-No, we're off, Jules. We're going to...

-Go on, then, you can go.

0:34:410:34:43

Let's have a look at the kitchen.

0:34:430:34:45

Just to remind you - sumptuous, Victorian-style dining room in there

0:34:450:34:49

and then this, the galley kitchen,

0:34:490:34:51

which is sort of appropriate, I suppose,

0:34:510:34:53

for a master mariner, David.

0:34:530:34:54

This would be very appropriate and extremely good to work in.

0:34:540:34:58

I think it's wonderful!

0:34:580:35:00

Would you like me to make you some tea and toast?

0:35:000:35:02

-You've moved in, haven't you?

-Yes!

-Brilliant, brilliant.

0:35:020:35:05

You know, for a galley kitchen, it does extend this way, which is,

0:35:050:35:09

I think, a really useful space for the dining table,

0:35:090:35:12

nice little range at the end, there,

0:35:120:35:14

but the whole thing is really complemented by

0:35:140:35:16

this rather useful garden room as well

0:35:160:35:19

that really does milk those views.

0:35:190:35:21

Oh, what a wonderful conservatory.

0:35:210:35:24

Absolutely fabulous. Absolutely beautiful.

0:35:240:35:27

Yeah. It's the bridge, it's your own maritime bridge.

0:35:270:35:30

It's my own little domain.

0:35:300:35:31

All you need is a ship's wheel in the middle

0:35:310:35:33

-and you'll feel right at home.

-Indeed.

-Absolutely.

0:35:330:35:36

I can see all our friends will want to visit us.

0:35:360:35:39

Well, let's find some bedrooms for them, shall we? Come with me.

0:35:390:35:42

The stairway from the entrance hall leads up to the first floor,

0:35:440:35:47

where all the rooms are off a wide landing

0:35:470:35:50

and served by a bright, monochrome family bathroom.

0:35:500:35:54

There are four double bedrooms, one in each corner of the house,

0:35:540:35:57

and whilst they're all generously sized,

0:35:570:36:00

the biggest of the four is the master,

0:36:000:36:03

which comes with an en-suite shower room and sea views.

0:36:030:36:07

What a good master bedroom this is.

0:36:090:36:11

-I love the big windows and the light pouring in.

-Mm-hm.

-That's fantastic.

0:36:110:36:16

There's nothing more I can say. It's a really superb house.

0:36:160:36:21

-Yes.

-All right, then.

0:36:210:36:22

Come on, let's continue, there's plenty more to this place.

0:36:220:36:25

Below ground, in a basement level,

0:36:270:36:29

lies a warren of rooms to give even more options for hobbies

0:36:290:36:32

and visiting friends and family.

0:36:320:36:35

There's a utility room, a bathroom and a shower room,

0:36:350:36:39

a sauna, an office and a studio that's currently in use

0:36:390:36:42

as a treatment room. Outside, there's a garage

0:36:420:36:45

and a beautiful, multi-level garden.

0:36:450:36:47

It's a little sun trap.

0:36:490:36:51

-Isn't it?

-It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

0:36:510:36:54

Absolutely ideal size for us as well.

0:36:540:36:57

So I think we've scored quite well with this one!

0:36:570:36:59

Do we have potential for a vegetable patch?

0:36:590:37:01

I would say so, yeah.

0:37:010:37:03

There's a little bit of garden behind that wall as well, but as you can see,

0:37:030:37:06

they've got a little developed veg patch here, quite modest,

0:37:060:37:09

but there's nothing to stop you making that bigger.

0:37:090:37:11

You couldn't have done more for us.

0:37:110:37:13

I quite agree with that.

0:37:140:37:15

It's been absolutely a privilege to come round this property.

0:37:150:37:19

-A privilege?

-A privilege, indeed.

0:37:190:37:21

Will it be a privilege to buy it, then?

0:37:210:37:23

You were keen to get your cheque book out before we'd even got through the door, Heather!

0:37:230:37:26

I suspect that thought is still foremost in your mind.

0:37:260:37:30

But we need to talk about the price.

0:37:300:37:32

Where are we on this one, then, David?

0:37:320:37:33

Well, it's a lovely house.

0:37:330:37:36

Stunning location.

0:37:360:37:38

I think it's nearer to the top end of our budget.

0:37:380:37:40

-Yep.

-Yeah.

-I'd go for 530,000.

0:37:400:37:42

530?

0:37:420:37:44

I think it's going to be slightly higher than that,

0:37:440:37:47

and I'll go for 545.

0:37:470:37:50

It's not £545,000, I'm afraid.

0:37:500:37:53

It's £480,000. SHE GASPS

0:37:540:37:56

For once, you're lost for words!

0:37:590:38:01

-Good gracious!

-Yes!

0:38:010:38:04

Absolutely unbelievable.

0:38:040:38:06

And that would give us plenty of money to do it up.

0:38:060:38:10

You did say 480, didn't you?

0:38:100:38:11

I did. They are the right numbers in the right order.

0:38:110:38:15

-That's incredible.

-Right then, better wet the ink, mate.

0:38:150:38:18

I suspect you'll be writing something fairly quickly!

0:38:180:38:20

Go and have another look around.

0:38:200:38:22

In particular, do have a look at the basement area.

0:38:220:38:24

I think you'll find that quite amusing, you'll see what I mean.

0:38:240:38:27

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Go on, then. Off you go.

0:38:270:38:29

This wonderful detached house has come in way under budget,

0:38:320:38:35

and gives Heather and David

0:38:350:38:37

everything they've asked for and more.

0:38:370:38:40

There's a great living room and a spectacular conservatory,

0:38:400:38:43

along with four bedrooms.

0:38:430:38:45

The basement offers plenty of extra space,

0:38:450:38:47

and then there's the garden with all its nooks, crannies and sea views.

0:38:470:38:51

Location-wise, it couldn't be better situated,

0:38:510:38:54

close to amenities and the sea.

0:38:540:38:57

-Watch your head!

-I will do.

0:38:590:39:01

Nice little office, working area.

0:39:010:39:03

Do you think it would be sufficient for your office space?

0:39:030:39:06

Well, just a little bit concerned about the head room.

0:39:060:39:09

This is an interesting little room.

0:39:110:39:13

I think it'd make a perfect studio for you.

0:39:130:39:15

I could even have my art books up there.

0:39:150:39:20

Well, it's a really lovely house. It has heaps of character.

0:39:200:39:25

I can see Heather and I living here for a long time to come.

0:39:250:39:29

It's light, it's airy.

0:39:300:39:32

The garden is a real little sun trap.

0:39:320:39:35

And there's a studio and there's a little study for yourself.

0:39:350:39:38

I don't think we could better this.

0:39:380:39:40

Well, look at these beaming faces!

0:39:420:39:45

-Happy with the studio?

-It's fabulous.

0:39:450:39:47

Well, I am delighted at your reaction to this property,

0:39:470:39:50

and if it were the last property on our list, so far, so good.

0:39:500:39:53

However, of course, there is one more to come.

0:39:530:39:56

-The Mystery House.

-The Mystery House.

0:39:560:39:58

Can it possibly better this one?

0:39:580:40:00

Who knows, but I am pleased to think

0:40:000:40:02

that at least we've got one really good contender on our list.

0:40:020:40:05

Come on, let's go.

0:40:050:40:06

There's nothing more vibrant to signal the arrival of spring

0:40:140:40:17

to the British countryside than the sight of yellow daffodils

0:40:170:40:20

swaying in the breeze.

0:40:200:40:23

And it seems we Brits just can't get enough of them.

0:40:230:40:26

An estimated three-quarters of a billion daffs

0:40:260:40:29

are grown commercially in the UK each year.

0:40:290:40:32

But it's Cornwall that's the largest producer of this springtime bloom

0:40:330:40:37

in the world.

0:40:370:40:39

I've come to meet James Hosking on his 25,000-acre farm near Truro,

0:40:390:40:44

where his father first planted my favourite flower half a century ago.

0:40:440:40:48

I had no idea that Cornwall was the home of the British daffodil.

0:40:500:40:54

Yes, the climate down here is absolutely ideally suited to daffodils,

0:40:540:40:58

and it's really because we've got these mild springs,

0:40:580:41:01

which mean we get the daffodils before everyone else.

0:41:010:41:04

So, it is the true harbinger of spring,

0:41:040:41:06

and when you're in darkest winter in the rest of the country,

0:41:060:41:09

suddenly you get a bit of spring coming out of Cornwall as the daffodils arrive.

0:41:090:41:12

They do look beautiful today, putting on a fabulous show.

0:41:120:41:16

How many acres have you got given over to daffodils, James?

0:41:160:41:19

Of daffodils, we've got about 170 acres.

0:41:190:41:21

And how many daffodils is it possible to quantify

0:41:210:41:24

that you actually produce here?

0:41:240:41:26

Roughly, we pick about 15 million stems of flowers

0:41:260:41:29

-that go to market each year.

-15 million?!

0:41:290:41:33

And how many varieties?

0:41:330:41:34

Well, we've got about 400 different varieties.

0:41:340:41:37

We tend to have a lot of speciality daffodils,

0:41:370:41:39

as opposed to the Cornish crop,

0:41:390:41:41

which really is producing the early yellow trumpet daffodil.

0:41:410:41:45

These yellow flowers aren't just a pretty face -

0:41:450:41:48

they were brought to Britain centuries ago by the Romans,

0:41:480:41:51

who believed their sap to have healing powers.

0:41:510:41:54

But even today, a substance in their bulbs

0:41:540:41:56

is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's.

0:41:560:41:59

The daffodils on James's family farm are picked

0:42:000:42:03

from the beginning of January through to mid-April.

0:42:030:42:06

And although numbers run into many millions,

0:42:060:42:08

they're still plucked by hand.

0:42:080:42:10

They just look beautiful today.

0:42:130:42:15

I mean, that's a classic example, isn't it?

0:42:150:42:17

They do, and it is, but that's not what we want to pick.

0:42:170:42:19

That's how it needs to look in someone's vase.

0:42:190:42:21

So, actually, that's the one we want to pick.

0:42:210:42:24

-It's at the stage we pick it.

-The one that's unopened?

0:42:240:42:26

Unopened. This variety needs to just be showing a little bit of colour

0:42:260:42:30

to show... And that's at the right stage to pick it.

0:42:300:42:32

And do you cut them?

0:42:320:42:34

No, our way of doing it is what we call pulling it,

0:42:340:42:36

because what you want is a clean break on the stem, and not...

0:42:360:42:40

If you pick it, you can squash it, and they curl up and it looks tatty.

0:42:400:42:44

So our way is... No pressure in my thumb, I just grip it in my palm.

0:42:440:42:48

You give it a sharp pull up,

0:42:480:42:49

and it gives a clean break on the stem,

0:42:490:42:52

and also it gives me another inch longer stem,

0:42:520:42:55

-so that makes a longer bunch.

-That's the perfect picked daffodil.

0:42:550:42:59

-One of the 15 million.

-One of the 15 million.

0:42:590:43:02

Ten of those, and that's a bunch.

0:43:020:43:03

We've put this out in our cold store for tonight to cool down,

0:43:030:43:07

and then it's posted out tomorrow,

0:43:070:43:08

so in one day's time, it'll be on someone's kitchen table

0:43:080:43:11

or living room or whatever, and just starting to open.

0:43:110:43:14

I mean, can I just practise the technique

0:43:140:43:16

on this very pretty head here?

0:43:160:43:18

Because, you know, that to me...

0:43:180:43:20

And you're saying...pull, not pick.

0:43:200:43:23

Yeah, so grip it with your palm and don't pinch it with your thumb.

0:43:230:43:26

So grip it and just pull up.

0:43:260:43:28

There we are, a nice, clean break.

0:43:290:43:31

-And what variety is that one?

-This one's called Rosemoor Gold,

0:43:310:43:34

which is a new variety that was actually bred down here at Camborne.

0:43:340:43:37

Wow. Now, about four years ago, when I moved into my current home,

0:43:370:43:40

James, we planted about 1,000 daffodil bulbs, and thankfully,

0:43:400:43:44

they are looking absolutely at their best at the moment.

0:43:440:43:46

But there are one or two clumps which are showing

0:43:460:43:48

no signs of flowering at all.

0:43:480:43:49

They just look like that, let me pull that off of there.

0:43:490:43:53

Clumps with seemingly no flower on them at all.

0:43:530:43:56

Will they eventually produce flowers?

0:43:560:43:59

It's short of nutrients, and the bulb's defensive mechanism

0:43:590:44:02

is not to send up a flower because it's sort of struggling slightly.

0:44:020:44:06

And it's generally because either it's short of nutrients

0:44:060:44:08

because it's used them all up, or often there are trees nearby

0:44:080:44:12

that have, A, given a bit of shade or sucked it out of the ground.

0:44:120:44:15

So the answer is, you want plenty of potash and potassium,

0:44:150:44:19

like old bonemeal or whatever, fertiliser,

0:44:190:44:21

which will get them back again.

0:44:210:44:22

That's very interesting, you're right, they are near trees.

0:44:220:44:25

So actually what I need to do now is to get home, fertilise them

0:44:250:44:28

and then hopefully next year, we'll get that instead of that.

0:44:280:44:31

Absolutely, yes.

0:44:310:44:33

Right, then, we'd better get picking, hadn't we?

0:44:330:44:36

There we go, that's a nice one, isn't it?

0:44:360:44:38

-That's very nice.

-Yep, there we are.

0:44:380:44:40

You've certainly got your work cut out, though, I mean,

0:44:400:44:42

-to get 15 million.

-That's right, and then, to finish off,

0:44:420:44:45

I have my daffodils, I want to even them up now,

0:44:450:44:47

so I give them a little twist to straighten all the stems

0:44:470:44:49

-and get them to line up.

-Yep.

0:44:490:44:51

Bring their heads on, and so you just...

0:44:530:44:56

Quick break on those, even up again.

0:44:560:44:58

-Look at that.

-And then, that's a nice bunch of daffodils.

0:45:000:45:03

You've got a rubber band already on yours,

0:45:030:45:05

I haven't even picked enough yet! LAUGHTER

0:45:050:45:08

I'm not sure I'm really going to help you towards your total.

0:45:080:45:11

-I've done it before.

-You certainly have.

0:45:110:45:14

Now, James may have 400 varieties of daffs on his farm,

0:45:140:45:18

but there are 13,000 hybrid varieties, too.

0:45:180:45:22

It's been a fascinating insight into what is, without question,

0:45:220:45:25

my favourite flower.

0:45:250:45:27

Well, Jules, it's been an absolute pleasure having you here,

0:45:270:45:30

and why don't you take those home to put in a vase?

0:45:300:45:32

I know exactly where they're going to go. Lovely.

0:45:320:45:34

-Made in Cornwall, just like they should be.

-Yeah.

0:45:340:45:38

Well, there's no doubt that these daffs are a sign of new beginnings.

0:45:380:45:42

So now, it's back to our house-hunt,

0:45:420:45:44

to continue our search for a new home for Heather and David.

0:45:440:45:48

Well, I think it's safe to say, David, that at last,

0:45:530:45:55

our house search might really be getting somewhere.

0:45:550:45:59

Yes, the last property that we've just seen was absolutely excellent.

0:45:590:46:03

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

0:46:030:46:05

So, what could we possibly have come up with,

0:46:050:46:07

Heather, for our Mystery House?

0:46:070:46:08

Well, I've deliberated about it long and hard.

0:46:080:46:12

It has to be a barn.

0:46:120:46:14

Possibly with a twist.

0:46:140:46:15

-You don't like barns.

-No, I don't, really.

0:46:160:46:20

But our Mystery House does have a twist.

0:46:200:46:23

And as a clue, it's a lovely mixture of classical elegance.

0:46:230:46:28

Well, Heather, I think that rules out a houseboat, doesn't it?

0:46:280:46:31

A houseboat would be a bit unkind,

0:46:310:46:33

that would be a busman's holiday for you, wouldn't it?

0:46:330:46:35

-It would, rather.

-Well, let's see what you make of it.

0:46:350:46:40

It's got a lot to compete with, though, hasn't it?

0:46:400:46:42

We await with eager anticipation.

0:46:420:46:45

Our final stop is the village of St Clement in mid-Cornwall.

0:46:480:46:52

Just south of St Clement is the village of Malpas,

0:46:520:46:55

which sits on the bank of the Truro River,

0:46:550:46:58

where it meets the River Tresillian.

0:46:580:46:59

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Malpas is a port

0:46:590:47:04

and is popular for its boat trips in the summer months.

0:47:040:47:07

The river here is known for being unpredictable at times

0:47:070:47:10

and there are even tales of tidal waves in the 19th century.

0:47:100:47:14

Five minutes away is St Clement, where we find our final offering,

0:47:140:47:18

which forms part of this grand, Georgian home.

0:47:180:47:20

Well, chaps, this very steep drive goes to the heart of explaining

0:47:220:47:26

in part how our Mystery House - there it is - is arranged.

0:47:260:47:29

-What do you think of that?

-Is it all of it?

0:47:290:47:32

No. You get...that cream wing.

0:47:320:47:36

-I like the style.

-It looks Georgian.

-Yes.

0:47:360:47:39

Its proportions on the inside are Georgian -

0:47:390:47:42

high ceilings, big windows, loads of light,

0:47:420:47:45

but, in truth, this was put on in the late 1980s.

0:47:450:47:50

-Right.

-Now, it is a wing of an earlier country house,

0:47:500:47:55

a mixture of Victorian and Georgian,

0:47:550:47:57

although, that bit there you can see is 1940s.

0:47:570:48:00

So it's a building that's evolved in both size and purpose over time.

0:48:000:48:05

David, is this one possibly going to compete with our last offering?

0:48:050:48:09

Well, let's have a look inside and see how it's all set up.

0:48:090:48:13

I do like the fact that it's set in nice woodland

0:48:130:48:15

and it's totally different to what we've seen before.

0:48:150:48:18

It's a slice of mini-estate, really.

0:48:180:48:21

Right then, let's have a look.

0:48:210:48:23

This rather grand, semidetached house

0:48:250:48:27

uses its elevated position to its advantage

0:48:270:48:30

and has been laid out in an upside-down configuration

0:48:300:48:33

to make the most of the superb views across the Cornish countryside,

0:48:330:48:37

and so win it its title of Mystery House.

0:48:370:48:40

We're starting our tour in the sunlit living room.

0:48:400:48:43

Our Mystery House may be turned on its head,

0:48:430:48:45

but it's not hard to see why.

0:48:450:48:47

Well, this is the obvious place to start, I think,

0:48:490:48:51

and you can see how the reorientation of the downstairs

0:48:510:48:55

to the upstairs works rather nicely,

0:48:550:48:58

with those views out of the window

0:48:580:49:00

and these lovely, really generous proportions.

0:49:000:49:03

I do like the layout of the room and the size and the fireplace.

0:49:030:49:08

I like the fireplace very much.

0:49:080:49:10

I think it gives you the idea

0:49:100:49:12

-that none of the rooms here are going to be tiny.

-Yes.

0:49:120:49:16

It's certainly interesting and will certainly make us think.

0:49:160:49:19

Good. Well, let's have a look at the kitchen.

0:49:190:49:22

Dining room in there.

0:49:220:49:24

And then, in here... I mean, I think, in fairness,

0:49:250:49:28

this is probably the same size as the living room next door.

0:49:280:49:33

-It is a lovely kitchen.

-I think you're probably right.

0:49:330:49:35

Lovely working space here.

0:49:350:49:37

They've got this as a bit of a sort of living end.

0:49:370:49:40

You'd certainly accommodate a much bigger dining table here.

0:49:400:49:43

Yes, and then possibly use the dining room for some other function.

0:49:430:49:48

So the whole thing has had a quite recent refresh.

0:49:480:49:51

Not just in the kitchen, but also in the bathrooms, too.

0:49:510:49:53

Come on, follow me. Let's go and look downstairs.

0:49:530:49:56

Also on this floor is a beautifully appointed bathroom,

0:49:560:50:00

but it's downstairs where we find the sleeping quarters.

0:50:000:50:03

Now, unusually, I thought we might start down here

0:50:050:50:09

with one of the two family bathrooms this place has to offer you.

0:50:090:50:13

Oh, this is a very good bathroom.

0:50:130:50:16

-Isn't it?

-I like the shower. Yeah. Super shower.

0:50:160:50:19

And I know Heather likes the bath.

0:50:190:50:21

I like the roll-top bath, that's really nice,

0:50:210:50:23

and the big radiator beside it.

0:50:230:50:26

I can certainly imagine myself languishing in there

0:50:260:50:28

with a glass of something nice after a hard week at sea.

0:50:280:50:32

I think that could well be the case, yes.

0:50:320:50:34

THEY LAUGH

0:50:340:50:36

But, of course, this, really, is to flatter and spoil your guests with,

0:50:360:50:40

because the master bedroom, just across the hallway,

0:50:400:50:43

not surprisingly, has its own en suite.

0:50:430:50:46

Come and have a look at this.

0:50:460:50:48

Probably one of the most generous master bedrooms I've seen of late,

0:50:510:50:54

-if I'm honest.

-I do like a big bedroom.

0:50:540:50:56

It's got plenty of scope for extra furniture,

0:50:560:50:58

like you could have a couch there, for instance.

0:50:580:51:00

And they have had in the past.

0:51:000:51:02

It is very luxurious.

0:51:020:51:03

It is like...a five-star hotel.

0:51:030:51:07

Yeah.

0:51:070:51:08

Do you want to check in, I wonder?

0:51:080:51:10

Come on, let's go up and talk about the price.

0:51:100:51:13

Along with this luxurious master bedroom

0:51:140:51:16

are a further three double bedrooms on the ground floor.

0:51:160:51:20

There's one with an adjoining cloakroom,

0:51:200:51:22

a room of the same proportions next door

0:51:220:51:24

and another, slightly larger one across the corridor.

0:51:240:51:28

Moving back outside, as well as the private driveway,

0:51:280:51:31

there's also a lawned garden on the lower level,

0:51:310:51:34

surrounded by mature trees,

0:51:340:51:36

but the view can be best appreciated from a raised terrace.

0:51:360:51:40

There's no getting away from how intoxicating those views are, guys.

0:51:430:51:47

They're absolutely gorgeous views.

0:51:470:51:50

And there are many other factors to recommend our Mystery House,

0:51:500:51:53

Heather, but clearly, the price may be the weightiest of the lot.

0:51:530:51:58

Make me an offer for our mystery, mock-Georgian number.

0:51:580:52:02

I think I would give you 430,000 for it.

0:52:020:52:07

-Oh, would you?

-I'd agree with Heather,

0:52:070:52:09

but I wouldn't go quite so low as that.

0:52:090:52:12

I think I'd price it at £460,000.

0:52:120:52:15

You know, there is a curious relationship

0:52:150:52:17

between the estimates people give on properties...

0:52:170:52:21

and how much they really love them.

0:52:210:52:23

This is on the market at £550,000,

0:52:230:52:26

or indeed, offers in excess of,

0:52:260:52:29

although, of course, open to negotiation.

0:52:290:52:31

So, go and have a quick run round, don't take too long,

0:52:310:52:34

and I'll come and find you and whisk you away.

0:52:340:52:37

-Thank you.

-Off you go.

0:52:370:52:39

Our great and grand Mystery House has crept in just under budget.

0:52:420:52:47

It offers Heather and David both light and plenty of space.

0:52:470:52:51

There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms,

0:52:510:52:53

and because it's an upside-down house,

0:52:530:52:55

there are wonderful views from many a window.

0:52:550:52:59

There's also a manageable garden

0:52:590:53:01

and the house is located just a short drive from amenities.

0:53:010:53:04

This property fulfils the criteria

0:53:040:53:07

of the Mystery House, most certainly.

0:53:070:53:09

It's quirky in the fact that it's an upside-down house.

0:53:090:53:13

However, it is a little bit isolated.

0:53:140:53:17

It's very interesting to see this property, though.

0:53:170:53:20

It's been an intriguing property

0:53:200:53:22

and one I've thoroughly enjoyed looking round.

0:53:220:53:25

There are a lot of nice features within this property,

0:53:250:53:29

for instance, both Heather and I were very much taken

0:53:290:53:32

with the kitchen and also the master bedroom,

0:53:320:53:35

so it does have a lot going for it,

0:53:350:53:38

but perhaps not enough for ourselves.

0:53:380:53:41

Out you come!

0:53:410:53:43

Right, then, that's it, our house tours are now all over.

0:53:440:53:47

You have got quite a lot to think about, I suspect.

0:53:470:53:51

-Shall we go?

-Yes.

-After you.

0:53:510:53:53

Well, it's now decision time for David and for Heather,

0:53:590:54:02

so, as a final treat on our trip to Cornwall this week,

0:54:020:54:05

I thought I'd bring them here

0:54:050:54:06

to the beautiful Botanic Gardens at Tregothnan.

0:54:060:54:09

These are just part of what is still

0:54:090:54:11

the largest privately owned estate in Cornwall,

0:54:110:54:14

and just over a decade ago, they started growing this stuff - tea.

0:54:140:54:19

It's the perfect place for a final chat

0:54:190:54:21

over a lovely, home-grown cuppa.

0:54:210:54:23

Well, this is all very civilised.

0:54:280:54:30

-How are you?

-I am very well, thank you.

0:54:300:54:32

A cup of Cornish tea, Cornish scones and, look -

0:54:320:54:35

Cornish daffodils that I picked.

0:54:350:54:37

-Cheers.

-Cheers, guys.

-Cheers.

0:54:370:54:39

Mmm. Now, then, before we celebrate completely...

0:54:390:54:44

let's think about these properties,

0:54:440:54:45

cos we've given you, I think, a really interesting range,

0:54:450:54:49

but I think it will come as no surprise to anybody

0:54:490:54:52

to realise that there is one front runner.

0:54:520:54:56

Tell me what it is.

0:54:570:54:58

-I think you know it's going to be the house in Mevagissey.

-Absolutely!

0:54:580:55:02

-David?

-It's the house in Mevagissey.

-LAUGHTER

0:55:020:55:06

It was a remarkable price.

0:55:060:55:08

And, in terms of its location, next to the harbour, pretty much.

0:55:080:55:13

Absolutely splendid.

0:55:130:55:14

Really couldn't have done better than that.

0:55:140:55:17

Are you surprised to have found a property this week

0:55:170:55:19

that you've clearly fallen head over heels in love with?

0:55:190:55:22

Yes, because it wasn't really a location that we'd thought about.

0:55:220:55:26

I wanted somewhere with a community,

0:55:260:55:28

and Mevagissey gives us that in buckets,

0:55:280:55:31

but the house was quite a surprise.

0:55:310:55:35

It's got the studio, it's got the study,

0:55:350:55:37

it's got the lovely, large bedrooms.

0:55:370:55:40

It's got the wonderful kitchen and conservatory, and the view.

0:55:400:55:44

-What more could we ask?

-So, what happens next?

0:55:440:55:47

I know you've still got your house to sell, any movement on that?

0:55:470:55:50

Well, our house is on the market, as you're aware.

0:55:500:55:52

We have been in touch with the agent today.

0:55:520:55:55

We're informed there's been lots of interest,

0:55:550:55:57

but, unfortunately, no concrete offers yet,

0:55:570:56:00

but we are hoping for that to change soon.

0:56:000:56:04

Well, guys, I'm absolutely delighted. I can't wait for you

0:56:040:56:07

to go back and have another look. I'm sure you will.

0:56:070:56:09

And then, hopefully, news

0:56:090:56:10

that you may have been able to put in an offer.

0:56:100:56:13

How optimistic are you that might happen, Heather?

0:56:130:56:15

-110%!

-JULES LAUGHS

0:56:150:56:17

-Right then, David, that's told us, hasn't it?

-Yes, indeed!

0:56:170:56:20

So we might as well toast to your new life in Cornwall.

0:56:200:56:23

It will happen, I dare say, very soon.

0:56:230:56:24

-New life in Cornwall.

-Here's to you.

-Cheers.

0:56:240:56:27

Well, it is often said that some of our best decisions are made

0:56:330:56:36

over a cup of good, old-fashioned tea,

0:56:360:56:38

and that is exactly what has happened here

0:56:380:56:41

in these beautiful surroundings at Tregothnan.

0:56:410:56:43

Now, I mentioned earlier

0:56:430:56:44

that this was the biggest private estate in Cornwall.

0:56:440:56:47

It is also, surely, one of the oldest.

0:56:470:56:50

It's been in the same family since 1334

0:56:500:56:53

and that is the sort of legacy that I think most of us would aspire to.

0:56:530:56:57

And now, hopefully, Heather and David have got the chance to create

0:56:570:57:00

a legacy of their own. And not just for themselves,

0:57:000:57:03

but also for their children and their grandchildren

0:57:030:57:06

in a beautiful Victorian villa overlooking the sea.

0:57:060:57:10

I'll see you next time.

0:57:100:57:11

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0:57:130:57:15

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