0:00:03 > 0:00:07This atmospheric landscape shares its name with the isle made famous in the legends of King Arthur.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10There's not much chance of me spotting the Lady of the Lake today,
0:00:10 > 0:00:13but people do come here from far and wide in the hope of catching
0:00:13 > 0:00:16a glimpse of something special.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19Find out where I am in just a few moments.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Today's property search is all about shifting priorities.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43You've always got to compromise when buying a place.
0:00:43 > 0:00:48I can't believe how much I love it when I hear people say that you've always got to compromise.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51It's the kind of guy I am. And you have!
0:00:51 > 0:00:56So will any of our properties fulfil our house-hunters' dreams?
0:00:56 > 0:00:58Nice views. Yes. Good-sized garden. Nice views. Good garden.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Yeah, plenty of space.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Could you imagine living here?
0:01:02 > 0:01:03I think so.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09Today I'm in Somerset and these are the Avalon Marshes near Glastonbury.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12Over 100 species of birds have been spotted here,
0:01:12 > 0:01:14including the elusive bittern,
0:01:14 > 0:01:19and they are also home to one of the largest reed beds in the country.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21As well as being a thriving wildlife habitat,
0:01:21 > 0:01:25this place is also embedded in the story of our past.
0:01:25 > 0:01:30Prehistoric settlements dating back 6,500 years have been found here,
0:01:30 > 0:01:33and these captivating wetlands aren't the only gem
0:01:33 > 0:01:35that this county has to offer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Somerset is a county in the south-west of England
0:01:40 > 0:01:44with boundaries little altered since the Middle Ages.
0:01:44 > 0:01:48Its coastline faces Wales across the Bristol Channel,
0:01:48 > 0:01:53whilst it borders five counties, including Devon and Dorset.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Running from the foot of the Mendip and Blackdown hills,
0:01:56 > 0:01:59the Somerset levels and moors cross the peat-based
0:01:59 > 0:02:03Avalon Marshes and into clay-based coastal plains.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08The diverse coastline includes the seaside resort of Burnham-on-Sea,
0:02:08 > 0:02:12popular during Victorian times due to its sandy beach.
0:02:12 > 0:02:16But the shifting banks and flats here are less popular with sailors
0:02:16 > 0:02:19and there are said to have been many shipwrecks,
0:02:19 > 0:02:21particularly at Gore Sands.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26Further west, at Kilve Beach, an area of Special Scientific Interest,
0:02:26 > 0:02:29the cliffs consist of oil-rich shale and lias,
0:02:29 > 0:02:34embedded with fossils, particularly an abundance of ammonites.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37Interesting geological features continue inland,
0:02:37 > 0:02:40with Britain's biggest gorge at Cheddar,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44where the cliffs rise up to 450 feet above sea level.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Formed by meltwater floods during the periglacial period,
0:02:48 > 0:02:50it's home to a herd of wild goats
0:02:50 > 0:02:53as well as an underground cave network.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Along with its natural landscapes,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00the county also features historic architecture.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04The ruins of the Abbey at Glastonbury date to medieval times,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08whilst the nearby St Michael's tower atop Glastonbury Tor is all that
0:03:08 > 0:03:11survives of the 14th-century church,
0:03:11 > 0:03:15demolished during the 16th-century dissolution of the monasteries.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18The area is even considered to be the legendary site
0:03:18 > 0:03:20of King Arthur's tomb.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23So, with its combination of stunning geography,
0:03:23 > 0:03:27wonderful wildlife and legendary landscapes,
0:03:27 > 0:03:31it's no surprise that Somerset is a popular county to plan an escape to.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36Broadly speaking, the average price of a detached property here in
0:03:36 > 0:03:40Somerset reflects the national figure of ?290,000.
0:03:40 > 0:03:44However, the northern parts of the county do tend to be more expensive,
0:03:44 > 0:03:47because they're closer to cities like Bath and Bristol,
0:03:47 > 0:03:51and have good access to the coast, and also the rest of the country.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53If you want more for your money, then head south,
0:03:53 > 0:03:56towards the borders of Dorset and Devon.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00The larger, more sought-after villages will carry a small premium,
0:04:00 > 0:04:03but smaller ones are more affordable and still close to everything you
0:04:03 > 0:04:07need. So where are today's couple looking to call home?
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Let's meet them and find out.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Today's house-hunters are Mark and Sue,
0:04:14 > 0:04:18a husband and wife from Bow in London's East End.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Mark has recently retired from banking and Sue is slowly scaling
0:04:21 > 0:04:24back her insurance job in the city.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28But it was in the school playground, more than 30 years ago,
0:04:28 > 0:04:30where they first got together.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32We actually met in the sixth form at school.
0:04:32 > 0:04:37We were mates for a while before we started going out.
0:04:37 > 0:04:38I think the turning point was, one day,
0:04:38 > 0:04:41we were playing football in the playground and I sprained my ankle.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Yeah. I came to the rescue.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46Yeah.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Our eyes met across a crowded football pitch.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56Home for the last 18 years has been a two-bedroom flat in a converted
0:04:56 > 0:05:00match factory. It's somewhere that has strong connections
0:05:00 > 0:05:02for these born and bred East Enders.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06We both had families that worked in the match factory
0:05:06 > 0:05:09when it was a match factory back in the early 1900s.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12My family were all from around here as well.
0:05:12 > 0:05:13But despite their roots in the area,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16the couple feel the time is right to move on.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20I didn't think either of us would move out of East London,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23let alone London. Since we got the Olympics awarded,
0:05:23 > 0:05:27it's now become such a trendy place to live.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29Most people are around about 30, 35, if that.
0:05:29 > 0:05:33And at 51, I feel like an old-age pensioner.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34It's changed enormously.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38The amount of building work that's going on is unbelievable.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40They manage to fit flats in where you wouldn't think
0:05:40 > 0:05:43they could possibly fit one in, but they do.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45And the traffic has just made it almost impossible to go
0:05:45 > 0:05:48out at certain times of the day, cos you can just sit in the car
0:05:48 > 0:05:51for an hour and not go anywhere.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55And everywhere around here we seem to know inside out,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58so a nice opportunity to start afresh.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01Each month that goes by,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04I think we find more reasons to want to move than to want to stay.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09And when it comes to making the move to more rural surroundings,
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Mark and Sue have got one particular place in mind.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16Where we're looking to move is around south Somerset,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19on the border of north Dorset and east Devon.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22There are more rural areas there than there are elsewhere,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25which is obviously what we're after. Yeah.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Just because of the open space.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31Also looking at, sort of, the neighbouring areas.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The... They seem to be a better value for money in that part
0:06:35 > 0:06:38of the country, in south Somerset.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Mark is keen golfer and water-loving Sue swims
0:06:41 > 0:06:45and volunteers as a lock keeper on the local canal.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48They're hoping the move to the country will give them
0:06:48 > 0:06:53more time to enjoy their hobbies as well as explore new interests.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56I'd love to have a go at doing anything that's around the water.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59We've both done sailing in the past...
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Both enjoyed that. That would be good to try and get
0:07:02 > 0:07:04involved a bit more, doing a bit more sailing.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07I might even sort of venture in to doing the open-water swimming.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11When we move out, we'll have more time, so you can start looking
0:07:11 > 0:07:14at other hobbies, whether it be cider-making, beer-making...
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Jam-making. Jam-making.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Chutneys.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23One of the things I really feel like I need is a garden.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25We might even end up getting some chickens,
0:07:25 > 0:07:27so we'll have, sort of, fresh eggs all the time.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Start growing your own vegetables.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34But most of all, it's about leaving behind the busy city streets for the
0:07:34 > 0:07:37peace of a countrified backdrop.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40We just both want a quieter lifestyle.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44And just spend more time exploring the countryside.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48And just sitting outside looking at the stars and things like that
0:07:48 > 0:07:50that you can't do in the city.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59Mark and Sue are looking to move to the south of the county of Somerset,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01anywhere below Yeovil,
0:08:01 > 0:08:05but would also consider neighbouring regions of Dorset or Devon.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09But before I show them some of the properties on offer,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11I'm meeting them in their Somerset search area
0:08:11 > 0:08:15to hear more about the country home they're hoping to find.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Morning, you two. Morning. Morning. Welcome to Somerset.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Thank you. Thank you.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23So what is it about this part of the country that makes
0:08:23 > 0:08:24you two want to call it home?
0:08:24 > 0:08:28I think it's just the... It's such a relaxing environment,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31compared with where we are now, it's a total change.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34And we just love being out in the countryside.
0:08:34 > 0:08:37OK, so what are you looking for from your home down here?
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Sort of, three-bedroom detached,
0:08:39 > 0:08:43quiet village with a little pub and a local shop, hopefully.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47A bigger kitchen and bigger garden.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50Yeah. A reasonable-sized garden cos, I think,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53not having had one for 18 years, we'd like to get into it and maybe,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56you know, have a few fruit trees and grow a bit of veg,
0:08:56 > 0:08:59that type of thing. What about when you pull up outside the house?
0:08:59 > 0:09:02What do you envisage seeing? What do you want it to look like?
0:09:02 > 0:09:05It'd be nice to have somewhere when you do get there
0:09:05 > 0:09:07you look and you think, "Oh, that's lovely."
0:09:07 > 0:09:10But whether it's because it's really old or it's just a bit quirky or,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12you know, just different, I don't know.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15We're not really too fixated on any specific style or anything.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18No. Something with a bit of character would be nice.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22We're quite open to it being thatched or not thatched.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25We really don't mind either, so...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28It's good. You're giving me a lot to work with!
0:09:28 > 0:09:30So you're open to things, which is fantastic.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33Yeah. So it's about the house feeling right.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Less than what it looks like, or even where it is,
0:09:36 > 0:09:38it's just about it feeling right for you two.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Yeah, yeah. It's more about the location, actually,
0:09:41 > 0:09:43as in the feel of the village.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46And the...the setting of the house.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48You know, if we could have something with nice views,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52that would be fantastic. And, obviously, you're stuck with the views and you're stuck with the
0:09:52 > 0:09:55village - the house, you can play around with.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58Let's just talk a little bit more about the village,
0:09:58 > 0:10:01if it's going to matter so much to the two of you. What do you want
0:10:01 > 0:10:03from it? What do you hope to find?
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I think we're looking for somewhere that's got a nice community.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08The ability to actually go out for an evening
0:10:08 > 0:10:12and maybe down to the local cricket club or something like that.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Or a golf club. Yeah, or a golf club.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17It's all coming out now, isn't it?! Pub, golf club, cricket club!
0:10:17 > 0:10:19LAUGHTER
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Maybe we will have our work cut out for us this week!
0:10:22 > 0:10:25Now, remind me of the budget that we've got for this search.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28Our budget's 450,000, top limit.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30I mean, ideally, we'd like to spend a little bit less.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33Around 400,000. About 400. We don't have a deadline.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34We're not panic-buying.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37We're just going to wait until we get the thing we really want.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40I'm pleased to say we've got some very exciting properties to show you.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Good. Excellent. Are you ready? Yes. Yeah. Definitely.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Come on. Let's go.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50For a maximum budget of ?450,000,
0:10:50 > 0:10:54Mark and Sue would like a detached property with three bedrooms.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56They're open to new or old houses
0:10:56 > 0:10:59but would like something with character.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05Location is key and should offer a village community and country views.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09And after 18 years without one, they'd really like a garden.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14We've got a great selection of properties to tempt them with, and,
0:11:14 > 0:11:19at each, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22The final offering, of course, is our Mystery House,
0:11:22 > 0:11:25where our couple's search may take a surprising turn.
0:11:30 > 0:11:36So what are you looking forward to most from moving out of London?
0:11:36 > 0:11:37From the start...
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Growing your own stuff and... Yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Every time we come down here, the food is so nice.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48And I guess the big change will be just the pace of life.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52It is, but I think that's the main reason why we want to move,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54you know... Where we are, erm...
0:11:54 > 0:11:57You can't go for a quiet stroll.... anywhere. No.
0:11:57 > 0:12:02Everything is busy. You can't get away from people.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08Our property search is taking us to the outskirts of the market town of
0:12:08 > 0:12:12Yeovil and a five-minute drive from the large village of West Coker.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Facilities in West Coker include a butcher's and post office,
0:12:17 > 0:12:19and a garage with a shop.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22There's a choice of places to eat and drink,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25with two inns, a wine bar,
0:12:25 > 0:12:26and a hotel bar and brasserie.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Many of the picturesque houses in the village are built from hamstone,
0:12:31 > 0:12:36a local Jurassic limestone with a distinctive honey colour.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Our property is located a short drive from here
0:12:39 > 0:12:42in a quiet cul-de-sac on the western edges of Yeovil.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47What's your first thoughts?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Impressed. Yeah, it's a nice-looking house.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51It looks lovely, yeah. It looks lovely.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54It does. It looks like it's got a lot of character. Yeah.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57It's... It's all really done really nicely. Yeah.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59And it's done really nicely inside.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01So let's take a look and just see the space that's on offer.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Yeah, OK. It's something that'll appeal to the two of you,
0:13:04 > 0:13:06coming from a two-bedroom flat in London. Yeah!
0:13:06 > 0:13:07Come on.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12This L-shaped, detached home
0:13:12 > 0:13:16was built in 1975, using reconstituted stone,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19and has character features like mullion windows.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22The front door leads into the hallway,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24from which all the rooms fan off.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29So straight into a good-sized entrance hall.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34And then, as you'd expect from those impressions you got outside,
0:13:34 > 0:13:36a nice, big kitchen. That's lovely.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Yeah. It really is. Yeah. It's lovely. Very nice.
0:13:38 > 0:13:40It's got some lovely old touches.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43How does it compare for size with your current kitchen?
0:13:43 > 0:13:45It is about six times as big.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49It's made even bigger, of course, by this extension out the back,
0:13:49 > 0:13:50so let's go and take a look at that.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52It's a lovely space.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57So this was added on just to really open up the kitchen space.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01With that lovely high ceiling, and it looks out all the way,
0:14:01 > 0:14:03on three sides, round onto the garden.
0:14:03 > 0:14:04It's really lovely.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I can imagine, you know, sitting in here and...
0:14:07 > 0:14:08That's what we want, really.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Somewhere where we can do different things but be in the same room.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13That kitchen and this area.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16It flows nice... We'd be in here the whole time, wouldn't we? Yeah.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18But this actually isn't the only living space.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21There's another cosy sitting room, so follow me.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25A great reaction to the kitchen and dining space,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28to the side of which we also find a downstairs cloakroom
0:14:28 > 0:14:31and useful utility room.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Then that additional reception room
0:14:33 > 0:14:36lies at the front of the property and is triple aspect.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43Now, I know you're fans of open-plan living. Mm-hmm.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46But this is a lovely alternative for those cold, winter's nights,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48isn't it? It's a lovely fireplace.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Yeah, it has got that really cosy feel.
0:14:50 > 0:14:51Yeah, yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55It's nice cos it's got windows on three sides,
0:14:55 > 0:14:57which makes it light and airy. Yeah.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59And it's got the beams which give it the character. The beams. Yeah.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01It's a really nice room.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Well, this is one of the reasons we wanted to show you this property.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08Because it's a modern house, the rooms do have those really
0:15:08 > 0:15:11good proportions that I know you're used to,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14certainly, from your living space in London. Yeah.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16It feels more like an old house that's been modernised
0:15:16 > 0:15:20but has nice-sized rooms, as opposed to a modern house.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23It's got a lot of character, it feels really comfortable.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Now, when it comes to bedrooms, you said you'd be happy with three.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30We've managed to get four on this. So, shall we take a wander up?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32Thank you. Thank you.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37The space on offer in this extensive detached home
0:15:37 > 0:15:40is making an impression on Mark and Sue so far.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42Let's see what they make of upstairs,
0:15:42 > 0:15:45where a landing snakes past four double bedrooms.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49Two lie to the front of the house, above the sitting room,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51one for guests and the other a study.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54The family bathroom is at the rear,
0:15:54 > 0:15:58sandwiched between the other two bedrooms.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00There's a large twin with its own en suite,
0:16:00 > 0:16:03and that just leaves the fourth and final bedroom,
0:16:03 > 0:16:07which Mark and Sue could choose to use as their master.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10And this is just one of the rooms I thought was really pretty.
0:16:10 > 0:16:12A good-sized en suite in there.
0:16:12 > 0:16:14I don't think this has got the...
0:16:15 > 0:16:17The personalisation that it's got downstairs.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20This is like walking into a, sort of, hotel room.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23It's just a nice, plain room.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25It seems... It seems a bit small as well.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30But I think downstairs was so impressive and very big...
0:16:30 > 0:16:33And, yes, you haven't got as much character up here,
0:16:33 > 0:16:35but it's about balancing off, isn't it, what matters?
0:16:35 > 0:16:36No, definitely, yeah.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38I know a good-sized garden was on the wish list,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41so let's head down and explore this one,
0:16:41 > 0:16:43and I need you also to start thinking about the price.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45OK.
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Despite having one more bedroom than they asked for,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51as well as three bathrooms,
0:16:51 > 0:16:54Mark and Sue's enthusiasm seems to have dipped.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Outside, there is an integral garage to look at,
0:16:58 > 0:17:01as well as gardens to the front, the rear and the side,
0:17:01 > 0:17:05featuring areas of lawn alongside flowerbeds
0:17:05 > 0:17:07and mature shrubs and trees.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09There's also a large deck seating area
0:17:09 > 0:17:12just off the downstairs extension.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15What do you think? Is this about the size of garden you had in mind?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18It's perhaps a tad on the small side.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21I'd say a bit more than a tad, actually.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Quite a lot. Yeah, I think we're probably looking for...
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Yeah. A reasonable amount more than this, don't you?
0:17:26 > 0:17:30Yeah, we could, sort of, put our own stamp on it, perhaps.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Obviously, the extension has eaten into quite a lot of the garden space.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Yeah, yeah. I just don't think it's big enough for what we were after.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38I wasn't sure, if you were going from nothing...
0:17:38 > 0:17:41I thought, you know, maybe you didn't want to go too much!
0:17:41 > 0:17:43No, if you're going to go for it, go for it properly.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46So, how much do you think this property is on the market for?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49425. OK.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52Erm, I reckon perhaps a little bit less than that.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Maybe 410, 420.
0:17:54 > 0:17:59You're both under cos it's on the market bang on budget - ?450,000.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02All right. The downstairs is really good.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04Oh, that's perfect. We really like the downstairs.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07If you could pop that in a, you know, another house,
0:18:07 > 0:18:10in a bigger garden, it's...
0:18:10 > 0:18:12That's lovely. Listen, don't write it off.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15Go inside. Take another look around and just, you know,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18see if you could imagine yourself there, and I'll come and find you.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Okey doke. Thanks.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I think, actually, it's been a really positive viewing,
0:18:24 > 0:18:26because Sue and Mark were quite unsure about what
0:18:26 > 0:18:30they were looking for and I think this house is helping to focus them.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34Right on budget, this generous detached stone property
0:18:34 > 0:18:37has many of the things our buyers have asked for.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40The large kitchen with additional living space in the
0:18:40 > 0:18:44extension offers the open-plan living that they love,
0:18:44 > 0:18:48whilst upstairs there's plenty of accommodation.
0:18:48 > 0:18:52There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56There's also a single garage, plus gardens to three sides,
0:18:56 > 0:19:00and the peaceful location gives easy access to both countryside and all
0:19:00 > 0:19:03the amenities they could wish for.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08I like this room. All the windows... Yeah, you've got plenty of light.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Yeah. Then you've got another big en suite as well.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14I can see this being the main bedroom,
0:19:14 > 0:19:15rather than the other one.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18As we walked up, I thought the house looked absolutely fantastic.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20You wouldn't really know it was a new house,
0:19:20 > 0:19:22it's got all the features of an old one.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25The downstairs, I think, is really great.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26It's almost perfect.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30The kitchen and the through dining room is ideal.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32And I also really like the separate living room,
0:19:32 > 0:19:35which is nice and cosy although it is still really spacious.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38There was nothing remarkable about any of the bedrooms.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41They were nice enough, there was just no wow factor
0:19:41 > 0:19:42like there was downstairs.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46The garden just wasn't big enough for, for us, really.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48We were hoping for a bigger garden.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50The actual location - even though the countryside
0:19:50 > 0:19:53is on our doorstep, we were hoping to be more
0:19:53 > 0:19:56in a village and have that kind of feel to it.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58On the whole, a very nice place,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01but I don't think it's going to be right for us.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Have you seen enough? Yeah, I think so.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09We've got more to see. Come on.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19From Cheddar cheese to cider, Somerset has a reputation for good,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21honest fare made from local produce.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25As Mark and Sue are keen to grow their own here
0:20:25 > 0:20:28as well as explore some new culinary skills,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31we've lined up a lesson in chutney-making,
0:20:31 > 0:20:34but first they have to source their key ingredient.
0:20:34 > 0:20:37Chris Seager, who farms strawberries and pumpkins near Cheddar,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40may be just the man to help them out.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Pumpkins and strawberries seems an unusual combination.
0:20:43 > 0:20:45How come did you come up with that idea?
0:20:45 > 0:20:49Well, me... Me granny, she used to grow strawberries years ago when the war was on.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52And then, in the '80s, me dad kept growing the strawberries,
0:20:52 > 0:20:56and decided to put some pumpkins in as well.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59As the pumpkins don't need much attention, Chris can
0:20:59 > 0:21:00more or less leave them in the ground,
0:21:00 > 0:21:04whilst he tends to the more high-maintenance strawberries.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07The pumpkin is a crop that does well in moist and slightly warmer
0:21:07 > 0:21:11climates and if recent years are anything to go by,
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Chris should expect 1,000 to 1,500 of them
0:21:15 > 0:21:19from the 1,000 plants they put in the ground.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21How do you know when a pumpkin is ripe enough to pick?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Well, if they've got a nice orange on them
0:21:24 > 0:21:26and they...
0:21:26 > 0:21:28They sound hollow... Uh-huh.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30..they're pretty ready, I think.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Pumpkins are thought to originate from the American continent and
0:21:33 > 0:21:36Christopher Columbus is believed to have carried seeds with him back to
0:21:36 > 0:21:41Europe. This Chris grows a couple of different varieties on his Somerset
0:21:41 > 0:21:46farm, but Mark and Sue are picking out a large orange jack-o'-lantern,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49which can be used both for carving at Halloween and also for eating.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51What are you doing with this pumpkin?
0:21:51 > 0:21:54We're going to make some chutney. Ah, right. I see, right.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58Well, we've got one here. He's a bit green on one side.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00But you give that one a tap.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01Does that sound hollow?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03Yeah, I think so.
0:22:03 > 0:22:08Yeah, that one would be a good one, then, to make some chutney out of.
0:22:08 > 0:22:10Cor, yeah. She's... You make it a lot...
0:22:10 > 0:22:13a lot of chutney out of that one. Excellent.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16With a gourd that's good to go,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19they're now heading to a cookery school in South Petherton,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22where teacher Angela Langford is ready to meet them.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Hello. Hello. Hi.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29Hello, Angela. Hi. Just picked this pumpkin fresh this morning and we'd
0:22:29 > 0:22:31like you to show us how to make some chutney.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34I'd love to show you. It's a mighty pumpkin.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36It certainly is.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39Angela starts by getting them to chop some onion.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42This is put into a bowl, along with crushed garlic,
0:22:42 > 0:22:45finely chopped ginger,
0:22:45 > 0:22:46and fresh red chilli...
0:22:48 > 0:22:51..as well as some crushed cardamom pods.
0:22:51 > 0:22:56Lovely. That's probably enough cos it's quite a strong spice.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59OK, so, then, we've got apples to go in it.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03As we're in Somerset, we must have apples.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06And then to prepare their star ingredient.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Right... How do we tackle that?
0:23:08 > 0:23:11How do we tackle that? Just take a big...
0:23:11 > 0:23:13a nice, big slice out.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15The pumpkin is then cubed.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18It's really easy to cut that.
0:23:18 > 0:23:20Some spices are toasted in a griddle pan,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24including black and yellow mustard seeds,
0:23:24 > 0:23:26cinnamon, bay leaves,
0:23:26 > 0:23:28star anise and cumin seeds.
0:23:31 > 0:23:36Can you start to smell, they're releasing their flavours?
0:23:36 > 0:23:39Then the chopped onion mixture is fried off in a large, deep pan,
0:23:39 > 0:23:41with some vegetable oil,
0:23:41 > 0:23:44along with the toasted spices and some ground turmeric.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50That's going to give it a bit of flavour but also a lovely colour.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Then in goes the cubed apple and pumpkin
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and a good helping of brown sugar.
0:23:55 > 0:23:58So this is cider vinegar.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01Because, obviously, you want to keep it...
0:24:01 > 0:24:02Local. Local.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07Finally, it's seasoned with salt and pepper,
0:24:07 > 0:24:08before bringing to the boil
0:24:08 > 0:24:11and leaving to simmer for around 40 minutes.
0:24:12 > 0:24:13OK, I think that looks about ready.
0:24:15 > 0:24:18And of course, the ideal way to enjoy locally-grown,
0:24:18 > 0:24:22home-cooked chutney is with some Cheddar cheese and biscuits.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25Yeah, it's got a really, lovely kick to it.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28It's really lovely. Really good. Quite sweet as well, isn't it?
0:24:28 > 0:24:30It is, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. A good job.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32You'll have to take some back to London with you.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35Mmm. Thank you. Good luck with your search.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37Thank you very much.
0:24:37 > 0:24:41Well, Mark and Sue may have a new recipe to take back to the city,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44but it's time to press on with our search for their new home
0:24:44 > 0:24:46in the country.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54Mindful of Sue and Mark's wish to be
0:24:54 > 0:24:56part of a vibrant rural community,
0:24:56 > 0:25:00we're doing some border-hopping into unspoilt Dorset countryside,
0:25:00 > 0:25:0317 miles south-east of Yeovil and into the idyllic
0:25:03 > 0:25:06village of Hazelbury Bryan.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Inhabited as far back as the 13th century,
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Hazelbury Bryan is, in fact, a collection of
0:25:11 > 0:25:17seven hamlets, some of which were formed at times of the Black Death
0:25:17 > 0:25:20as resettlements away from the disease.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Now very much a thriving country community,
0:25:23 > 0:25:27facilities include a local pub,
0:25:27 > 0:25:3015th-century church, shop and primary school.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34The village hall and playing field host many activities,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36including football and cricket teams,
0:25:36 > 0:25:40as well as photography and gardening clubs.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43And for keen walkers, there's a fantastic selection of footpaths
0:25:43 > 0:25:47through gorgeous surrounding farmland.
0:25:47 > 0:25:53The house we've come to look at is situated in a picturesque cul-de-sac.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57So, this is the property! That's nice. Oh!
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Oh, yeah. The thatch is appealing, isn't it? It is.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04It just makes it look completely different to if it was
0:26:04 > 0:26:06a normal roof. It just adds so much to a house, I think.
0:26:06 > 0:26:12And what about the house? Does it make you want to go inside? Definitely. Definitely, yeah.
0:26:12 > 0:26:13It's really appealing from the outside.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16Can we stop talking and go in? Let's do that, come on!
0:26:16 > 0:26:18LAUGHTER
0:26:19 > 0:26:22Despite its traditional character, this cottage was only
0:26:22 > 0:26:25built in the year 2000, with a timber-clad extension
0:26:25 > 0:26:27added in 2012.
0:26:27 > 0:26:31The porched front door leads into a spacious hall,
0:26:31 > 0:26:37with decor featuring lots of natural wood and a slate-tiled floor.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39Come on in.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43I like that. I like the tiles. Yeah.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Looks very nice. The stone floor just carries on right through here
0:26:47 > 0:26:49into the kitchen, so come on with me.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Could you imagine cooking and spending time in here?
0:26:54 > 0:26:58Yeah, I think it's a very welcoming kitchen... It's...
0:26:58 > 0:27:01quite cosy, isn't it? And having the room there to sit down
0:27:01 > 0:27:03and have a cup of tea or whatever. Yeah, I think for me
0:27:03 > 0:27:06the main thing is that
0:27:06 > 0:27:10the rooms don't feel oppressive after an open-plan place.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13This is really nice and light and quite spacious.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I can see me experimenting a lot more in here.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Yeah, that sounds good. Once you've experimented with the cooking,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22you kind of need somewhere to sit back and enjoy it
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and eat at a lovely dining table, so shall we go take a look
0:27:25 > 0:27:28at the dining room? Yeah. Yeah.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32The original wing of the ground floor also includes
0:27:32 > 0:27:35a small extension off the kitchen, that provides a utility area
0:27:35 > 0:27:39as well as the first of the reception rooms.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42Across the hall, in the wood-clad wing, there are two further
0:27:42 > 0:27:46reception spaces, with an open-plan flow.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51So you come past the main sitting room into this
0:27:51 > 0:27:53lovely living space.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56It's currently used as a dining room and then there's a second area
0:27:56 > 0:27:59through there. Yes, nice room.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Let's take a look at the space and think about how you might
0:28:02 > 0:28:05choose to use it. When the owners added on the utility room,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08they also added on this really beautiful,
0:28:08 > 0:28:12light, airy space with its wooden-frame doors onto the garden.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15That's lovely. And that lovely log-burning stove.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17I might be more inclined to just have this as a nice
0:28:17 > 0:28:20place to sit and read or something, or listen to music,
0:28:20 > 0:28:24and have the telly in there.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27No, I don't know. LAUGHTER
0:28:27 > 0:28:30What would you do? How would you like to use it, Mark?
0:28:30 > 0:28:33I don't know. I'd try and sort of incorporate it
0:28:33 > 0:28:35as one. If you're not afraid of knocking some walls down,
0:28:35 > 0:28:40you could always...open that up more. Yeah.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43I think that's a possibility. That would be the ideal, I think.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Yeah. The downstairs looks very good at the moment.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49Ah, OK. So we need to see if the upstairs measures up?
0:28:49 > 0:28:51Yeah. Come on, then, let's go and look.
0:28:53 > 0:28:57Offering both contemporary open-plan areas
0:28:57 > 0:29:00and traditionally separated spaces, this cottage is charming
0:29:00 > 0:29:03to our buyers - let's see what they make of the
0:29:03 > 0:29:05three-bedroomed accommodation upstairs.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11There's a dual-aspect double bedroom above the dining space.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13Whilst along the corridor to the rear of the home,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16the smallest of the bedrooms is still large enough for a double bed,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19but is currently used as an office.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22There's also a family bathroom and then, above the kitchen,
0:29:22 > 0:29:24to the front of the house, is the largest
0:29:24 > 0:29:28of the bedrooms, with its own shower room.
0:29:28 > 0:29:30I like this. A good size.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32I like the sloping roof.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Yeah. But it's not too slopey.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38The big en suite as well. Yeah.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Does it have enough character up here for you?
0:29:41 > 0:29:43This room does. I think it's great, yeah. Yeah.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Cos of the slope... Yeah.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48..in the ceiling. It's got a little bit extra, hasn't it?
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Can you imagine yourselves living here?
0:29:51 > 0:29:53Yeah, at the moment. Yeah.
0:29:53 > 0:29:55I can imagine waking up, looking out of the window,
0:29:55 > 0:29:59it's nice. You look out that one, I'll look out that one! Yeah, exactly.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01LAUGHTER
0:30:01 > 0:30:04The space and character throughout have really won them over,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07so it's time to explore what's on offer outside.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09There are shared gardens to the front,
0:30:09 > 0:30:11but the back garden is private and includes a large
0:30:11 > 0:30:13timber-clad double garage,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15ornamental pond,
0:30:15 > 0:30:20deck plus an established vegetable patch next to a patio.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25What do you think of the size and just the style of the garden?
0:30:25 > 0:30:27It's a really nice garden. Yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Um, but there's not enough of it. So you've done without a garden
0:30:30 > 0:30:33for so long, you really want to go for it now, do you? We do. Yeah.
0:30:33 > 0:30:37I think so, yeah. Does the garden actually matter more than
0:30:37 > 0:30:39the house?
0:30:39 > 0:30:41I think in some respects it does, in as much as we
0:30:41 > 0:30:44know what sort of size garden we want.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48And with a house, you can always tweak it if it's...
0:30:48 > 0:30:52You know, there's a lot more room to play about with it.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54Well, we've seen everything there is to see.
0:30:54 > 0:30:57You know what I'm going to ask you. Who wants to go first?
0:30:57 > 0:30:58I will, I'll go first.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00I reckon it's going to be
0:31:00 > 0:31:02about 410,000.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06I think it will be more than that, I think about 430.
0:31:06 > 0:31:09It is under budget. And it's under budget by
0:31:09 > 0:31:13even more than either of you said, cos it's on the market for...
0:31:13 > 0:31:17offers over ?395,000. OK. OK. Right.
0:31:17 > 0:31:18So go off, have a look around,
0:31:18 > 0:31:22see if, now you know the price, if there's any room for compromise
0:31:22 > 0:31:25in anything like the garden. All right, bye.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32Significantly below the top budget, this modern,
0:31:32 > 0:31:3421st-century thatched cottage has a lot to offer
0:31:34 > 0:31:37for a rural relocation.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55This is nice, isn't it? Yeah.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58I don't know what we'd use it for. No, that's true.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00It's sort of an extra room.
0:32:00 > 0:32:04I love that fireplace... Yeah, that would have to stay.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I think this is a really lovely house.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10From the outside it looks fantastic with the thatched roof
0:32:10 > 0:32:12and the wood cladding.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14Downstairs, plenty big enough kitchen.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16The three bedrooms are all a reasonable size,
0:32:16 > 0:32:18with plenty of character as well.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21The actual location of the place, like, the village,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24is what we're looking for. The small village,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26nice community feel to it, the pub, the shop,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29and plenty going on.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31All in all, I think it's a really nice house.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33The only downside for me
0:32:33 > 0:32:37is the garden, which is nowhere near as big as we were expecting.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41You know there are people living within a matter of yards,
0:32:41 > 0:32:44which isn't really what we were hoping for.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50All good? Yes. You seen enough? Think so. Come on, let's go.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06Mark and Sue from Bow in London's East End
0:33:06 > 0:33:11have up to ?450,000 to fulfil their dream of countryside living
0:33:11 > 0:33:13in or around Somerset.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16So far, they've liked what we've offered them inside,
0:33:16 > 0:33:20but they're still looking for their dream country garden.
0:33:20 > 0:33:23But there's more to see, and the Mystery House
0:33:23 > 0:33:25could well put a twist in the tale.
0:33:25 > 0:33:27You look quite taken aback.
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Yeah, I was just stunned, really.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31It just wasn't what I was expecting at all.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34And I'll be visiting a 14th-century barn
0:33:34 > 0:33:38and discovering what was all the rage in late-medieval flooring.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42The mucus in the manure is really what helps get it all
0:33:42 > 0:33:43gluing together.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45How charming! It is.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50It's the second day of our house-hunt here in Somerset
0:33:50 > 0:33:52and our couple are definitely open to the style of property
0:33:52 > 0:33:54they're looking for.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56In fact, after yesterday, I now think the garden
0:33:56 > 0:33:59is more important to them than the house itself.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02So I have high hopes for today's two houses.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04They both have good-sized gardens.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08They're very different in character and I think our couple may think the
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Mystery House is a home from home.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Our house-hunt is venturing 13 miles west of Yeovil
0:34:18 > 0:34:22to a pair of south Somerset villages known as the Seavingtons.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26The collected facilities at the villages of Seavington St Michael
0:34:26 > 0:34:27and Seavington St Mary
0:34:27 > 0:34:31include a shop and cafe run by local volunteers
0:34:31 > 0:34:34and a pub which brews its own beer.
0:34:34 > 0:34:36There's a church in each village,
0:34:36 > 0:34:38although the Grade II listed St Michael's
0:34:38 > 0:34:40is the only one that remains active.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44We're in the middle of the sister village of St Mary,
0:34:44 > 0:34:48where I have a rather picturesque proposition
0:34:48 > 0:34:51that Mark and Sue may find hard to resist.
0:34:53 > 0:34:54Oh. Oh, yeah!
0:34:54 > 0:34:56Oh, that's lovely.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59Is that your cup of tea? Yeah, definitely. Yeah, definitely.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02It's exactly what we'd expect to see in a village like this.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05It's really nice. It's your picture postcard cottage, isn't it?
0:35:05 > 0:35:08So, it's lovely. Do you want to have a look inside? Really promising.
0:35:08 > 0:35:11Shall we bother? Shall we? Come on, let's go and take a look.
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Might as well while we're here.
0:35:15 > 0:35:18This largely 17th-century, Grade II listed,
0:35:18 > 0:35:22semidetached cottage was built from local hamstone.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Recently renovated throughout, it's currently presented unfurnished.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31The front door, below a thatched porch, takes us into a long hall,
0:35:31 > 0:35:34where the original features are immediately apparent.
0:35:35 > 0:35:36Oh...
0:35:38 > 0:35:41Yeah, you come straight through into this lovely entrance hall,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45packed with character and then this original oak panelling,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47which has got the old maker's marks down at the bottom, down there.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Oh. Yeah.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51And all that character and the original features
0:35:51 > 0:35:54carry on in here in the living room.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57You can see the renovation has been done incredibly
0:35:57 > 0:35:59sympathetically, hasn't it? Yeah, yeah.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02The only thing would be the beams and the height of the ceiling.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05The fact is, it is a character property.
0:36:05 > 0:36:07It's got all those lovely features that you love,
0:36:07 > 0:36:10but with that comes things like lower ceilings.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Shall we take a look at the kitchen? Yeah, OK. Thanks.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19The kitchen is housed in a later rear extension,
0:36:19 > 0:36:21and is large enough for a table and chairs.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27So, in contrast, the kitchen is very bright and light.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29A good ceiling height. Yeah, yeah.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31A good contrast. Yeah.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34This is nice, isn't it? Yeah, yeah. It is nice and bright.
0:36:34 > 0:36:37Nice views looking outside. Yeah. Plenty of windows.
0:36:37 > 0:36:40And it's got so much character, it's amazing.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42I didn't think we'd see something with this amount of character.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46That's great. Let's go upstairs and take a look at the bedrooms
0:36:46 > 0:36:48upstairs and see if this good vibe continues.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55A resounding vote of approval for this quintessentially quirky cottage,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59and the character and calm just continue as we head upstairs to the
0:36:59 > 0:37:02two-bedroomed, one-bathroom accommodation.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Again, the original oak beams.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Round into...
0:37:10 > 0:37:13..the bathroom. Oh, wow. That's just recently been done,
0:37:13 > 0:37:16with its roll-top bath. I thought that would get an, "Oh, wow".
0:37:16 > 0:37:20The two double bedrooms are located to the front of the cottage,
0:37:20 > 0:37:25with the smallest, again, boasting a bounty of character features.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28And then there is the largest of the bedrooms.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30And in here, into the master bedroom.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Oh. With its original panelling, its original beams.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Those lovely, deep windows. Yeah, this is nice, isn't it?
0:37:36 > 0:37:38Yeah, yeah. Yeah, it's really good.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42And I like the grain on the beams and the height of the ceilings.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45I know that, ideally, you were looking for three rooms.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48How do you feel now you know that it's a two-bedroom house?
0:37:48 > 0:37:51The only thing I'm wondering is about storage up here.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Because you've always got to compromise when buying a place,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57so if it's two bedrooms, then we might have to live with that.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00You can't believe how much I love it when I hear people say,
0:38:00 > 0:38:02"You've always got to compromise."
0:38:02 > 0:38:04It's the kind of guy I am. And you have!
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Let's go and explore outside and just see what's going on out there.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Yeah.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16Outside, Mark and Sue may find they don't have to compromise as much as
0:38:16 > 0:38:21they may think, but there's also a converted stone stable on offer.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Divided into a WC and another larger room,
0:38:24 > 0:38:27it's a versatile bonus that could be converted
0:38:27 > 0:38:28and used for guest accommodation.
0:38:30 > 0:38:33The enclosed front garden is full of country colour,
0:38:33 > 0:38:36whilst the rear garden backs onto open countryside
0:38:36 > 0:38:40and includes a patio area plus a small orchard.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44There's also a former cart house that provides a triple carport
0:38:44 > 0:38:48and I'm hoping all the elements and space up for grabs here
0:38:48 > 0:38:49will be enough.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52How's the garden for size?
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Better. Yeah, it's nice and I think, as well,
0:38:56 > 0:38:58because you've got the fields at the back,
0:38:58 > 0:38:59you feel like you've got a huge garden.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02What do you think about the idea of having your own mini orchard?
0:39:02 > 0:39:05That's brilliant. I love that.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07Lots of apple pies! Oh, yes, apple pies.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Well, you can't come and live in Somerset and not have an apple tree or two, can you?
0:39:11 > 0:39:14I think there's probably something written in the local law about that. I'm sure.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16So I need you to guess the price.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18What do you think this is on the market for?
0:39:18 > 0:39:22I think it's going to be quite expensive, so I'm going to go 445.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24445? Yeah.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26430. 430.
0:39:26 > 0:39:27OK. That's interesting.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29You're both off the mark.
0:39:29 > 0:39:33It's on the market for ?375,000.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Cor!
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Now... I'm amazed at that.
0:39:37 > 0:39:39Yeah.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41OK, well, that's good. I can tell...
0:39:41 > 0:39:44I can see, now, your minds are just whirring over.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45Yeah, you can hear it ticking.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47So, go in, take a really good look around
0:39:47 > 0:39:50and just think about how you'd use the space and what the potential is.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52OK. Righty-oh. Fantastic.
0:39:55 > 0:39:57That is brilliant. Mark said the magic word -
0:39:57 > 0:39:59he said "compromise". And I think
0:39:59 > 0:40:02if they can just compromise on that bedroom issue,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05they could have found their dream home.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10The asking price of this Grade II listed, fully-renovated,
0:40:10 > 0:40:14thatched cottage would leave Mark and Sue a generous ?75,000
0:40:14 > 0:40:17to create their perfect home.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21The original features, including beams and an inglenook fireplace,
0:40:21 > 0:40:23ooze country charm,
0:40:23 > 0:40:27whilst the new kitchen offers stylish, modern convenience.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30There are outbuildings that could potentially be converted,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32as well as a good-sized garden,
0:40:32 > 0:40:36and it's all located in a thriving village.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42But all this, I mean, we wouldn't really need all this as car parking,
0:40:42 > 0:40:44because we've only got the one car.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45Yeah. Well, you can block this off.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47It's a bit overwhelming, really,
0:40:47 > 0:40:50this part of it. Yeah, there's a lot we can do.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I think it's lovely. From the first time we see it outside with the
0:40:55 > 0:40:58thatched roof and the little country garden in front,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00it just looks gorgeous.
0:41:00 > 0:41:03And then you walk in and all the wood and the big fireplace
0:41:03 > 0:41:07and the window seats and the really nice kitchen.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11It's absolutely brilliant. It's got so much character.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12I do love this room. I know you do.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15It's great, there's just so much in it.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17What do you do with the oven, then?
0:41:17 > 0:41:20I've got no idea, but you feel like you should do something with it,
0:41:20 > 0:41:22cos it's just...
0:41:22 > 0:41:25such a unique feature, isn't it? Yeah.
0:41:25 > 0:41:27The budget surprised both of us.
0:41:27 > 0:41:29And that will give us money, then,
0:41:29 > 0:41:31to perhaps do something with the outside building.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34And perhaps have a third bedroom or a games room.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36The outside... The outside looks really good.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38I mean, the views from the back of the garden,
0:41:38 > 0:41:40with your own trees in there...
0:41:40 > 0:41:44It's one of those houses that you feel like you just,
0:41:44 > 0:41:46immediately, want to say yes.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49It's definitely one that we're going to think about, yeah.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I was just, sort of, thinking how chocolate-box pretty all of this is.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58It is. You couldn't get anything nicer, could you?
0:41:58 > 0:42:00No. This has given us a lot to think about.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Yeah. How are you both feeling?
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Oh, confused.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05OK. And we've still...
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Excited. And we've still got the Mystery House to come,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11so the confusion could increase. Who knows? It will.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19Somerset is a county steeped in rural history,
0:42:19 > 0:42:21but as with the rest of England,
0:42:21 > 0:42:25the ownership and management of its landscape has a turbulent history.
0:42:25 > 0:42:26During the Middle Ages,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31almost half of all English land was owned by the King and nobility,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34or bishops and abbots who shared noble status.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38In the 14th century, the abbey at Glastonbury was one such estate,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41and the second wealthiest in the country.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44That was all to change a couple of centuries later,
0:42:44 > 0:42:47when King Henry VIII seized lands for the Crown,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50or sold them off to fund his military campaigns.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55Fast-forward to the 1970s, the estate had become a dairy farm
0:42:55 > 0:42:58and it's striking 14th-century former abbey barn
0:42:58 > 0:43:00donated to Somerset County Council,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04who developed it into a museum celebrating rural life.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09It's currently undergoing major renovation and Tom Mayberry,
0:43:09 > 0:43:12from the South West Heritage Trust, is in charge of the project.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15I've come to meet him in the farm's courtyard.
0:43:16 > 0:43:20So, just tell me about the plans for what's happening around us and what
0:43:20 > 0:43:22it's all going to look like in a couple of years' time.
0:43:22 > 0:43:26On one side of us is the abbey barn from the middle of the 14th century.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Then there are the cow sheds around us, here, from the 19th century.
0:43:30 > 0:43:35All those spaces are being reinvented so that we can tell Somerset's farming story.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39Chiefly from Victorian times up to, more or less, the modern day.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42So, working with a building like the abbey barn
0:43:42 > 0:43:44must present some huge challenges for you.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46We're very lucky in the South West Heritage Trust
0:43:46 > 0:43:49to have our own conservation team, so we do have the skills.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53But you're quite right, there are all kinds of protections on a building like that,
0:43:53 > 0:43:56and so we have to make sure that we do the right thing.
0:43:56 > 0:43:58And, of course, there are our permanent guests here,
0:43:58 > 0:44:01like the bats in the roof space of the abbey barn.
0:44:01 > 0:44:03We've got to make sure that we treat them properly
0:44:03 > 0:44:05and according to the law as well.
0:44:05 > 0:44:08We've got our conservation team working on a solution
0:44:08 > 0:44:10for how we make a more durable floor in there,
0:44:10 > 0:44:13but pay tribute to the ancient qualities of the building,
0:44:13 > 0:44:16so perhaps you'd like to go and take a look.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Sounds fantastic. I look forward to it.
0:44:18 > 0:44:19Thanks so much for talking to me. Right. Bye.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24Back in the 14th century, this Grade I listed barn
0:44:24 > 0:44:28was used to store the abbey's estate harvest and fresh grain.
0:44:28 > 0:44:32It was also an opportunity for the abbot to show off his wealth
0:44:32 > 0:44:35by ordering the finest craftsmanship of the time.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38So, how does Nic Wall, the Senior Conservation Officer,
0:44:38 > 0:44:42plan to make an authentic floor that will withstand thousands of
0:44:42 > 0:44:44modern-day visiting feet,
0:44:44 > 0:44:48but also stays true to the centuries-old building methods?
0:44:48 > 0:44:51How do you know what would have been used and what materials would have
0:44:51 > 0:44:55been used on it? We are largely using archaeological investigations,
0:44:55 > 0:44:58studying the building itself,
0:44:58 > 0:45:01and also looking at other buildings around a similar period.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05And we want to put back a threshing floor and earth floors
0:45:05 > 0:45:07in the nave part.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Having studied floors elsewhere, we know that's the kind of floor
0:45:10 > 0:45:12that a barn of this status and use would have had.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15So, here, we are doing a lime-ash floor.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18The main filler material is natural clay,
0:45:18 > 0:45:20to which lime and ash are added.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23And to keep it authentic, a good helping of manure.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27The mucus in the manure is really what helps get it all
0:45:27 > 0:45:30gluing together. How charming! Yes.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32The mucus and the lime.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34We've got some little extras, as well.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39This is some milk gone off, nice and sour, and we have some eggs.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Let me look.
0:45:41 > 0:45:44So, they're going to... again, be another bonder... OK.
0:45:44 > 0:45:46..and make the mix more workable.
0:45:46 > 0:45:47Here goes. Just chuck them in?
0:45:47 > 0:45:51Just chuck them in. Nice. Oh, they're not smashing.
0:45:51 > 0:45:52That's better. Nice.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54That looks really sour, doesn't it?
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Sour and thick and nasty.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59After a good stir in the traditional mixing mill,
0:45:59 > 0:46:03our organic foundation layer is ready for use.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07Yes, we'll pour this in now and then we just need to squish it in place,
0:46:07 > 0:46:09and this will be the first layer that goes in. OK.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11Shall we chuck it in?
0:46:11 > 0:46:13There we go. Oh. OK.
0:46:13 > 0:46:17After pouring, the next stage is to spread and tamper it into place.
0:46:17 > 0:46:19We want a nice, dry mix,
0:46:19 > 0:46:23but it does mean you've got to keep going until it clumps together nicely.
0:46:23 > 0:46:25You've given a big chunk of your life to this project.
0:46:25 > 0:46:28What it's going to be like when you see it filled with people?
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Oh, it'll be lovely. The people will really enjoy it for a long
0:46:30 > 0:46:33time and come away with loving memories of the building.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36It's going to be really special and this is a building that...
0:46:36 > 0:46:38It definitely needs to be celebrated, doesn't it?
0:46:38 > 0:46:40Oh, it definitely does.
0:46:40 > 0:46:43From wealthy beginnings through turbulent times,
0:46:43 > 0:46:45it's heartening to know that this medieval gem
0:46:45 > 0:46:48will soon be enjoying a new lease of life
0:46:48 > 0:46:51for all to appreciate, here in the Somerset countryside.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00How do you feel about making the move here from London now,
0:47:00 > 0:47:04now we've spent some time here and started to look at some properties?
0:47:04 > 0:47:08I think it's convinced us even more that we are doing the right thing.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10The whole place is just lovely.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12You know, it's...
0:47:12 > 0:47:15You don't really go through anywhere that doesn't have
0:47:15 > 0:47:17stunning scenery and the villages are lovely.
0:47:17 > 0:47:19I just can't wait, really.
0:47:19 > 0:47:21We've just got to find you a house.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24Exactly. Let's hope the Mystery House is the one, hey?
0:47:24 > 0:47:26I hope so.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31Our Mystery House strays out of our search area,
0:47:31 > 0:47:33taking us into the depths of Dorset,
0:47:33 > 0:47:38within two miles of the Jurassic Coast, to the village of Portesham.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Located in an area rich in prehistoric remains,
0:47:41 > 0:47:46this lovely village features a pub with dining and accommodation,
0:47:46 > 0:47:48a village hall,
0:47:48 > 0:47:50a doctors' surgery,
0:47:50 > 0:47:52and a medieval church.
0:47:52 > 0:47:56The small stream runs by pretty, mainly limestone, cottages.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59One of which, during the 18th century,
0:47:59 > 0:48:02was home to Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy,
0:48:02 > 0:48:04a commander under Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.
0:48:06 > 0:48:07Like many other local residents,
0:48:07 > 0:48:11he affectionately referred to the village as Possum.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14Wrapped within this historic village,
0:48:14 > 0:48:17the unexpected character of our mystery proposition
0:48:17 > 0:48:19is cloaked from view.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22What do you think you're going to find beyond that gate?
0:48:22 > 0:48:24A town. I don't know. A town?
0:48:24 > 0:48:27We can do better than a town. A nice, old, stone-built house, I don't know.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29OK. Are you intrigued?
0:48:29 > 0:48:32Yeah. Yeah. Let's go and get that gate open and see what we can see.
0:48:34 > 0:48:38So, let's push open this big gate and in we come.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43That's different. Cor. It's different, isn't it?
0:48:43 > 0:48:45Yeah. You've got this, kind of, secret courtyard garden,
0:48:45 > 0:48:48and then this very modern property,
0:48:48 > 0:48:50built in a horseshoe shape all around it.
0:48:50 > 0:48:51Oh, right.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54What do you think? Yeah, it's really different, isn't it?
0:48:54 > 0:48:56Yeah, yeah.
0:48:56 > 0:48:58Different in a good way? Oh, yeah. Definitely.
0:48:58 > 0:49:00So, you are... You're keen for me to open the door
0:49:00 > 0:49:03and let you look inside? Let's go and have a look.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06Built in 2004,
0:49:06 > 0:49:10this unique and contemporary Mystery House provides single-storey
0:49:10 > 0:49:13accommodation, arranged in a horseshoe,
0:49:13 > 0:49:16and delivers the type of open-plan living space
0:49:16 > 0:49:18Mark and Sue are used to in their London home.
0:49:18 > 0:49:21It made me think of the property you're both in now,
0:49:21 > 0:49:23because it's a blend of old and new.
0:49:23 > 0:49:25It's got high ceilings.
0:49:25 > 0:49:27You're expecting old, but it's this really interesting,
0:49:27 > 0:49:29modern, modern property.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31Yeah, you're right. It is...
0:49:31 > 0:49:33In that respect, it is really similar. Yeah.
0:49:33 > 0:49:36What about the kitchen and this open-plan feel, generally?
0:49:36 > 0:49:38That's great for us. Yeah. That's what we're used to.
0:49:38 > 0:49:40Yeah, but on a much bigger scale here.
0:49:40 > 0:49:43This is a much bigger scale. It's a much bigger kitchen. Yeah.
0:49:43 > 0:49:45You can see there is loads of... Loads of space.
0:49:45 > 0:49:48And you get an even better sense of all the space and the
0:49:48 > 0:49:51light when you come through into this side of the living area.
0:49:51 > 0:49:53It's really nice.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56Because you'd sit there and you've got light coming in on both sides
0:49:56 > 0:49:58and there are so many windows.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00We like the, sort of, windows that we've got at home
0:50:00 > 0:50:03and the high ceilings and you've got that here, as well. So...
0:50:03 > 0:50:05We don't have such a nice view at the moment.
0:50:05 > 0:50:07We overlook a railway line. Yeah, yeah.
0:50:07 > 0:50:11No, this'd work. You look quite taken aback.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13Erm, yeah, I was just stunned, really.
0:50:13 > 0:50:15It just wasn't what I was expecting at all.
0:50:15 > 0:50:18I don't know what I was expecting, but not this.
0:50:18 > 0:50:21The sleeping accommodation is located to either side
0:50:21 > 0:50:23of the central living space.
0:50:23 > 0:50:27To one end is a large double bedroom, presently set up as a twin,
0:50:27 > 0:50:31with built-in wardrobes and a single bedroom,
0:50:31 > 0:50:33currently used for storage.
0:50:33 > 0:50:37These are separated by a family bathroom with walk-in shower.
0:50:37 > 0:50:39Then, at the other end of the horseshoe,
0:50:39 > 0:50:42the last of the bedrooms is the master suite.
0:50:42 > 0:50:47So, you have your own en suite bathroom, through into the bedroom,
0:50:47 > 0:50:49with fitted wardrobes. Yeah, yeah, it's big enough.
0:50:49 > 0:50:51Yeah, it's a nice size. Yeah. Nice and sunny.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54And how are you feeling, Sue, with the house, at the minute?
0:50:54 > 0:50:56I like it a lot. It's just so different.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00Yeah. It's taking a little bit of getting used to,
0:51:00 > 0:51:03the fact that it's something completely unexpected.
0:51:03 > 0:51:05I know the garden matters to both of you. Yeah.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08So, let's go and explore the garden and just take a look at the
0:51:08 > 0:51:12views outside. OK. Thank you.
0:51:13 > 0:51:16The surprising layout of our mystery offering may be
0:51:16 > 0:51:19causing our buyers some confusion,
0:51:19 > 0:51:22but with exterior plot size so important to the two of them,
0:51:22 > 0:51:25I think they'll find the quarter of an acre garden
0:51:25 > 0:51:27a more straightforward delight.
0:51:27 > 0:51:32The hedged and landscaped area includes established fruit trees,
0:51:32 > 0:51:36plus there is secure off-road parking for several cars,
0:51:36 > 0:51:37along with a large workshop.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42So, how does this... How is this for size for you?
0:51:42 > 0:51:45Could you fit your vegetable plot in here? Oh, I think so. Yeah.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47I think the garden is a really nice size.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49Nice views. Yeah. Good-sized garden.
0:51:49 > 0:51:51Nice views, good garden, plenty of space...
0:51:51 > 0:51:53Could you imagine living here?
0:51:53 > 0:51:55I think so. I think that living room...
0:51:55 > 0:51:57You could almost just walk in and...
0:51:57 > 0:51:59settle down and turn the telly on.
0:51:59 > 0:52:02Yeah, that living room and that kitchen... Yeah.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04So, bearing in mind that we've hopped over the border,
0:52:04 > 0:52:09we're well into Dorset, we're only ten minutes away from the coast...
0:52:09 > 0:52:12what do you think this property's on the market for?
0:52:12 > 0:52:13Go on, you go first.
0:52:13 > 0:52:15I've got absolutely no idea.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Erm...450.
0:52:17 > 0:52:20I'm going over budget. 475.
0:52:20 > 0:52:22OK, Mark, I'm afraid that you're wrong.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24LAUGHTER
0:52:25 > 0:52:27Sue, you are absolutely right.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30It's on the... It's on the money.
0:52:30 > 0:52:31?450,000.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33We've definitely got to think about that, haven't we?
0:52:33 > 0:52:35Yeah. Go and have a little look around,
0:52:35 > 0:52:39and come and find me when you're ready. OK.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42It's been really refreshing with Sue and Mark, cos
0:52:42 > 0:52:44often people say they're open to the style of property,
0:52:44 > 0:52:46but they don't really mean it. But these two absolutely do.
0:52:46 > 0:52:49We've shown them different kinds of properties
0:52:49 > 0:52:51and they've found something to like about them...
0:52:51 > 0:52:53But this one in particular, I think,
0:52:53 > 0:52:55is really grabbing them.
0:52:55 > 0:52:59Right on budget, the contemporary horseshoe-shaped Mystery House could
0:52:59 > 0:53:04just be the surprise lucky find of Mark and Sue's house-hunt.
0:53:04 > 0:53:08The open-plan cooking and living space is an upscale version
0:53:08 > 0:53:10of what they know and love.
0:53:10 > 0:53:13And there are three bedrooms to choose from,
0:53:13 > 0:53:15including a master en suite.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18The enclosed garden offers all the outside space they're after,
0:53:18 > 0:53:22and it's located in a secluded setting, within a popular village.
0:53:27 > 0:53:29This is the second bedroom, isn't it? Yeah.
0:53:29 > 0:53:32The other bedroom is only little, do you think
0:53:32 > 0:53:33this is enough, then?
0:53:33 > 0:53:35I think it probably is cos we were only looking
0:53:35 > 0:53:38for one main spare room, weren't we? Yeah, yeah.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41And then you've still got the option of putting something
0:53:41 > 0:53:43in the other room. Yeah.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Right from the moment we walked through the front gate and saw it
0:53:45 > 0:53:48was a relatively new property,
0:53:48 > 0:53:51seeing the size of the kitchen and living room,
0:53:51 > 0:53:54it reminded us of what we've got at the moment.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57It takes the bits of the flat that I really like,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00the open feeling, the...
0:54:00 > 0:54:03The light and that, sort of, aspect about it,
0:54:03 > 0:54:07which is something that we haven't had in some of the other houses we've looked at.
0:54:07 > 0:54:12The garden's... Yeah, I mean, it's the ideal size.
0:54:12 > 0:54:16And we've got plenty of things we can do to it to make it our own.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18I think it's definitely something we'd consider.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23Have you seen enough? Yes, thanks. Yeah.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Well, the Mystery House wraps things up,
0:54:25 > 0:54:28so why don't we find somewhere to sit down and have a chat about the
0:54:28 > 0:54:31houses we've seen? That sounds lovely. Good idea. OK.
0:54:37 > 0:54:39It's been a great couple of days.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41So let's just recap on the properties that we've seen.
0:54:41 > 0:54:45Let's turn to that 17th-century cottage with the thatch
0:54:45 > 0:54:47in the village.
0:54:47 > 0:54:49That house was absolutely gorgeous.
0:54:49 > 0:54:51I think the garden was nice.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54The village was lovely.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56The only issue was it only had the two bedrooms.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59We don't have to invite anyone down. No!
0:54:59 > 0:55:01And the Mystery House?
0:55:01 > 0:55:05I had no idea what you were going to make of it before we went in.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07You seemed to be positive when we looked round it.
0:55:07 > 0:55:11Without a doubt, the garden was the best garden we've seen. Yeah.
0:55:11 > 0:55:17And the house itself, it was really nice, but I think...
0:55:17 > 0:55:19I'm just not sure if, in our minds,
0:55:19 > 0:55:23we'd already committed to having an older-style house.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26It didn't give us, like, the nooks and crannies
0:55:26 > 0:55:29and things like that that we were expecting to get from this house.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32So it's made us really question...
0:55:32 > 0:55:34I think it was... ..whether we like it or not.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37The bits we liked about it reminded us of where we are now,
0:55:37 > 0:55:40but we've outgrown that.
0:55:40 > 0:55:43What was interesting when I first met the two of you was that you were
0:55:43 > 0:55:45very open to the style of property.
0:55:45 > 0:55:48So, has the search solidified things for you?
0:55:48 > 0:55:52Has it given you a clearer idea of what it is that you want to find?
0:55:52 > 0:55:55I think perhaps it has.
0:55:55 > 0:55:59Erm, out of the houses we saw, apart from the last one,
0:55:59 > 0:56:04they did all have that little extra character... Not character,
0:56:04 > 0:56:08necessarily, but just more of a traditional house, I suppose.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11And I think that's what we decided perhaps we want now.
0:56:11 > 0:56:14What I'm really pleased about is that we seem to
0:56:14 > 0:56:16have been able to at least focus you more on
0:56:16 > 0:56:18what it is that you're looking for.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21And I have a feeling, Sue, that with you,
0:56:21 > 0:56:23if we could have put a third bedroom
0:56:23 > 0:56:26on that 17th-century thatched cottage,
0:56:26 > 0:56:28we'd be having a very different conversation now.
0:56:28 > 0:56:31I think we would. I think we'd be there. Yeah.
0:56:31 > 0:56:33It was absolutely perfect apart from that. I completely agree.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37I think that perhaps in your heart you do know what it is that you
0:56:37 > 0:56:39hope to find, what that little dream is.
0:56:39 > 0:56:42And we're sure that you're going to end up here in a fabulous house.
0:56:42 > 0:56:44And we hope you'll be really happy when you do.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46Oh, thank you very much. Thanks very much.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51Well, it's the end of our house-hunt here in Somerset.
0:56:51 > 0:56:54Sadly, we didn't manage to find Sue and Mark the house of their dreams.
0:56:54 > 0:56:57But I think our search helped them to focus on what it is
0:56:57 > 0:56:59they're looking for in a property.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02And it also confirmed to them that this is definitely the part of the
0:57:02 > 0:57:04country they want to call home.
0:57:04 > 0:57:09If you'd like to escape to the country in Northern Ireland,
0:57:09 > 0:57:11Scotland, Wales or England,
0:57:11 > 0:57:14and need our help, please apply online at...
0:57:51 > 0:57:52Ah, travel.
0:57:52 > 0:57:53Stop.
0:57:53 > 0:57:54The comfort...
0:57:54 > 0:57:57You are not a fun person to share a trishaw with.
0:57:57 > 0:57:58The adventure...