0:00:02 > 0:00:05From up here, this gorgeous little cobbled lane is called Down-Along.
0:00:05 > 0:00:06If you were standing at the bottom,
0:00:06 > 0:00:08it would actually be called Up-Along.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10Just a matter of perspective.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Find out exactly where I am in just a moment.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34Today, I'm helping a couple of house-hunting novices
0:00:34 > 0:00:37who've been dreaming of country life for over 20 years.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41You could dry your socks on that, Dave, after a walk on Meshaw Moor.
0:00:41 > 0:00:43Yeah, I expect you could do, really.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46It's got a nice long bar for my long socks.
0:00:46 > 0:00:50But will any of our properties motivate them to make that big move?
0:00:50 > 0:00:54How is the house as a whole working for you so far?
0:00:54 > 0:00:58It's sort of slapped us round the face, you could say.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Today I'm in Devon in the charming fishing village of Clovelly,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06and this is the main street,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09which has a different name depending on which end of the street
0:01:09 > 0:01:11you're actually standing on.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15But whichever way you look at it, this has to be a strong contender
0:01:15 > 0:01:18for one of the prettiest villages in the UK.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22This really is like stepping back in time - no buses, no cars.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26And if you're wondering how the local residents get their weekly shop home,
0:01:26 > 0:01:28well, in the old days, they used to use a donkey
0:01:28 > 0:01:32to help them get their fruit and veg back to their kitchen tables.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Today, there's a specially designed sled,
0:01:34 > 0:01:36which, as well as helping out,
0:01:36 > 0:01:41also preserves the gorgeous historic aspect of this village.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Sitting on the south coast,
0:01:44 > 0:01:47with the neighbouring county of Cornwall to the west,
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Devon is the third largest county in England.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Today's search takes us to the north of the county,
0:01:53 > 0:01:55where the coastline has been designated
0:01:55 > 0:01:58an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01The golden sandy beaches are popular with holiday-makers
0:02:01 > 0:02:03and water-sports enthusiasts,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06from the seaside resort of Westward Ho!
0:02:06 > 0:02:10to Saunton Sands, one of Devon's prime surfing destinations.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12At the north-western tip of the county,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14the rocky outcrop at Hartland Point
0:02:14 > 0:02:18provides some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Britain,
0:02:18 > 0:02:20but also some of the fiercest currents
0:02:20 > 0:02:23where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27Inland, North Devon's landscape is shaped by agriculture,
0:02:27 > 0:02:29primarily dairy farming,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32producing the famous Devon clotted cream -
0:02:32 > 0:02:34an essential element of the traditional cream tea
0:02:34 > 0:02:36enjoyed by visitors here.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Whether it's the coast, countryside or cream tea
0:02:39 > 0:02:41that draws you to the county,
0:02:41 > 0:02:43it's easy to see why Devon regularly tops polls
0:02:43 > 0:02:47for offering the best quality of life in the UK.
0:02:47 > 0:02:53£352,000 is the average price for a detached house here in Devon,
0:02:53 > 0:02:57which is £26,000 above the national figure,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59so it's a pretty pricey place to move to,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03especially because it's so popular with second-home owners.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06And it's also very popular with us holiday-makers.
0:03:06 > 0:03:106 million of us chose to come and stay here last year,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12including today's couple.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15But, hopefully, if all goes according to plan,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18they won't be holidaying in this gorgeous county soon.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21They'll be calling it home.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25Today's buyers are recently retired couple Dave and Kaz.
0:03:25 > 0:03:30They met in 1971 when Dave wandered into Kaz's workplace.
0:03:30 > 0:03:35Well, I was working in a bank, and Dave came in to open an account.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39And, of course, in those days, it was the miniskirts!
0:03:39 > 0:03:40You know, she looked good to me,
0:03:40 > 0:03:42so I asked her if she'd like to come for a coffee,
0:03:42 > 0:03:44and that's where it all began.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47They moved into their three-bedroom home in Ashford, Kent
0:03:47 > 0:03:5133 years ago with their two young sons, Jay and Lee,
0:03:51 > 0:03:53then seven and nine.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55We loved this house when we...
0:03:55 > 0:03:56We still love this house.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59But when we moved in, it was a lovely-sized family house.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02Two boys - youngsters - brought them up.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05And what our master plan was that when they left school, we'd move.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08But the location, being as it overlooks the green,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11and we're not overlooked at the back and everything, we're still here.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Rather than when they were 16, we'd move,
0:04:14 > 0:04:16they're now 40 and we're still here,
0:04:16 > 0:04:19so we think it's time to make a move!
0:04:19 > 0:04:22They've enjoyed the convenience of living in Ashford,
0:04:22 > 0:04:26but no longer feel that life in a busy town is for them.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29Their search for serenity has brought them to the West Country,
0:04:29 > 0:04:34an area where Dave has fond memories of visiting as a teenager.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36We've had quite a few holidays in Devon.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39It's a very pretty county. It's got a lot to offer down there.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43The countryside is a great appeal to us because we like walking.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45I like cycling, as well,
0:04:45 > 0:04:47and it would be nice to live somewhere where it would be,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I can just jump on the bike and go.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54It's the start of a new chapter, but also the end of an era,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56as they leave behind family and friendships
0:04:56 > 0:04:58made during their time in Kent.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Well, a lot of our friends have already moved
0:05:01 > 0:05:03in different parts of the country.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Our son lives locally.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08He seems quite excited about it, really.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11I don't know whether he wants us to go or not!
0:05:11 > 0:05:13It means that he can come down for holidays,
0:05:13 > 0:05:15bring our grandchildren down to see us.
0:05:15 > 0:05:18Probably leave them with us for a while.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21With no shortage of activities to enjoy down in Devon,
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Dave and Kaz plan to make the most of what's on offer when they move.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28When you enter this phase of your life,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I think it's time to think about
0:05:31 > 0:05:35what you'd like to do while you can still do it.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38I like gardening, and as long as it's not raining,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41you'll find me pottering around out in the garden.
0:05:41 > 0:05:46But it'd be nice to go somewhere else and start a new garden.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49One of my passions is local history.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51So when we visit a lot of stately homes,
0:05:51 > 0:05:53to go through a lot of the stories
0:05:53 > 0:05:55that's attached to them is very interesting to me.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59And, of course, there's lots of lovely gardens and walks, as well.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01That's what we're looking forward to.
0:06:01 > 0:06:03It is the freedom to just go and do it,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05you know, rather than plan it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10You're there to experience it straightaway.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Dave and Kaz are happy to house hunt anywhere in Devon,
0:06:17 > 0:06:19be it coast or countryside,
0:06:19 > 0:06:22but with walking and cycling opportunities nearby.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24It seems they're broadly flexible on location,
0:06:24 > 0:06:27so I'm meeting up with them to run through their wish list.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- Ah.- Dave, Kaz, hello.- Hello.- Hello. - Welcome to Devon.- Well, thank you.
0:06:33 > 0:06:38- What's pulled you to Devon? - Well, it's a really pretty county,
0:06:38 > 0:06:40and we've got some good memories of holidays.
0:06:40 > 0:06:41- A new adventure.- Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44And what do you want in your dream home here in Devon?
0:06:44 > 0:06:46What are we searching for?
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Three bedrooms, detached.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Oh, and obviously a nice-sized garden.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52That's one of the main things for Kaz, yeah.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- So, garden's important to you, Kaz?- Yes.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58In a nice position, edge of a village,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00perhaps a village that we can walk in to
0:07:00 > 0:07:03and get involved with, really. You know, join in.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And is there anything you don't want to see in this property
0:07:05 > 0:07:09or that would not work for you so much?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12I don't think we want to be overlooked, really, you know.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I mean, we're not overlooked at the moment, front or back.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19We've got neighbours each side, but that works.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24So, it would make a change to have a bit of space around us.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27What kind of style are you looking for in the property?
0:07:27 > 0:07:32I think something possibly that's got a bit of character to it.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We don't mind new, but with character.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Sort of old but new, that type of thing.- OK.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42Or something that's, you know, done up rather nicely.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44And how much are we looking to spend here in Devon?
0:07:44 > 0:07:51Well, our tops is £300,000. That would just about do us nicely.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Well, let's see if we can work some magic for you.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56We've got some great properties for you to see.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58- Shall we get searching? - Yeah, let's go.- Yeah.- Come on.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Dave and Kaz are hoping their budget of £300,000
0:08:05 > 0:08:09will afford them a detached property with character and three bedrooms,
0:08:09 > 0:08:13as well as a good-sized garden for green-fingered Kaz.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Although they're after a countryside setting,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17they also want to feel part of a community,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21so an edge-of-village location would be ideal.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24We've got a great selection of properties to tempt them with,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27but they won't find out the price tag of each one
0:08:27 > 0:08:29until they've had a guess at the end of each tour.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32Finally, we'll explore the Mystery House,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34which has an interesting past
0:08:34 > 0:08:38and offers an alternative view on life in the countryside.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41As we take to the road,
0:08:41 > 0:08:45I'm keen to work out the dynamic of this house-hunting duo.
0:08:45 > 0:08:48Kaz, I've noticed Dave's a little more chatty than you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Oh, he is, yes.- So, does that mean you're making the decisions?
0:08:50 > 0:08:53You're sort of the director of operations?
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Yes, I do it secretly.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57THEY LAUGH
0:08:57 > 0:09:00They always say it's the quiet ones you've got to watch.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Our house search takes us to Meshaw,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09a small village just over ten miles from Exmoor National Park.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12The larger, picturesque village of Witheridge
0:09:12 > 0:09:14is just ten minutes away by car,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17where there's a village shop and post office, and a pub.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Nicknamed the gateway to the Two Moors Way,
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Witheridge is perfectly positioned
0:09:22 > 0:09:25along a walking route from Exmoor to Dartmoor,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27offering over 100 miles of walking
0:09:27 > 0:09:31and cycling opportunities for Dave and Kaz to enjoy.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33In the centre of Meshaw,
0:09:33 > 0:09:36our property is one of around 20 homes in the village.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Dave, Kaz, you said you wanted character.- Yes.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- 400 years of character.- Wow.- Yeah.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49THEY LAUGH How do you feel about thatch?
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Well, I am a great believer that if it's in good nick,
0:09:53 > 0:09:55it's definitely worth a look.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56So, it wouldn't put us off straightaway.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00Well, this one is in good nick. It was done six years ago,
0:10:00 > 0:10:02and it's been serviced a couple of years ago.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05Your garden and the land with this property goes right to the end,
0:10:05 > 0:10:06to that workshop at the end.
0:10:06 > 0:10:09- So, for that, I thought, Dave...- Yeah.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11..a little man cave for you, perhaps?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Looks like a little house from here, doesn't it?
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Shall we have a little explore? - Yes, let's go.- Let's go.- OK.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21This 17th-century thatched cottage
0:10:21 > 0:10:25has plenty of character and links to the village.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28The workshop used to serve cream teas for the local residents,
0:10:28 > 0:10:31and the sitting room housed an antiques shop.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34Let's see if they warm to the character.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Into your warm, cosy,
0:10:36 > 0:10:40snuggle-up country kitchen with your range.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44You could dry your socks on that, Dave, after a walk on Meshaw Moor.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Yeah, I expect you could do, really.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48It's got a nice long bar for my long socks.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- It's got some age to it, hasn't it, really?- Yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52It really has got some age to it.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55It's not probably been done up for a while, has it, the kitchen itself?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58It's in probably... It's in nice condition.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00Dave used to work fitting kitchens.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- There you go.- So, he can design... - I used to be a kitchen designer.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- So, re-doing the kitchen - no problem for you?- No.- No.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- Shall we take a look at the rest of the house?- Yeah.- Yes.- OK.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15Next door is currently used as a double bedroom,
0:11:15 > 0:11:18but could become a separate dining room.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20On the other side of the cottage is the sitting room,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23complete with beamed ceiling, feature fireplace,
0:11:23 > 0:11:26and exposed brick walls.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- I mean, look at that fireplace. - Lovely.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30The thickness of those walls.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32You can really feel the sort of history in the cottage
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- looking at that. - Yeah. Dear, oh, dear.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37Is this somewhere, Kaz, that you could curl up cosy
0:11:37 > 0:11:40at the end of sort of a winter's day or a long walk?
0:11:40 > 0:11:42Yes, I think so.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45It's not a bad-sized room. It's nice and square, isn't it?
0:11:45 > 0:11:46You know, you've got double aspect.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50- Erm, very low ceilings. - THEY LAUGH
0:11:50 > 0:11:52They made them smaller in those days.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54There is a lot of history here, isn't there? Really is.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57- Shall we take a look upstairs? - Yes.- Yes.- OK.- OK.
0:12:00 > 0:12:01Besides that ceiling height,
0:12:01 > 0:12:05it seems that they appreciate the overall character feel.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08Upstairs are the two main bedrooms - both good doubles -
0:12:08 > 0:12:11and a bright bathroom with a roll-top bath.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18And up into the master bedroom.
0:12:18 > 0:12:20- What do you think about the space, Kaz?- Yeah, nice size.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23Built-in wardrobes over there, as well.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27Yeah, I like the way the ceiling goes up in this area.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- It gives you a little more headspace, doesn't it? - Yeah, I can stand up straight.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32It has got a lot of interesting points,
0:12:32 > 0:12:35but I think this one is definitely a project.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38And is that a project you feel you could take on
0:12:38 > 0:12:40between the two of you?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- Well, we'd have a go if the price was right.- Yes.
0:12:43 > 0:12:44THEY LAUGH
0:12:44 > 0:12:47I know the important space for you, that garden space...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- Yeah.- Let's have a look at that,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- and then we've also got to guess the price.- Yes.- Yes, OK.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56As the house isn't listed, there would be scope
0:12:56 > 0:13:00for Dave and Kaz to make improvements if they wanted to.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03The back door from the kitchen leads to an attractive,
0:13:03 > 0:13:04south-facing cottage garden,
0:13:04 > 0:13:07where there's a variety of mature shrubs and plants,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10a raised bed used for vegetables,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13and even a working water pump and well.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15So lots of lovely garden features.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19- Is this enough space for you? - Possibly.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I know you shouldn't base it on the children all the time,
0:13:22 > 0:13:24but when they do come, they need somewhere to play.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27It's not really in the right position, either, for children,
0:13:27 > 0:13:29right near this road.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- But what a beautiful little cottage it is.- Yeah.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34Well, let's talk price.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37What do you think this is currently on the market for?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I'll go 300.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43I'll go just a little bit lower and say 295.
0:13:43 > 0:13:46Kaz, you're actually closest.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51This property is on the market for £285,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54- Oh.- Hmm.- So, 15 under the top of your budget.- OK.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57Why don't you have another look around,
0:13:57 > 0:13:58and then I'll catch up out the front with you?
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- OK.- OK.- Thanks.- Thank you.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Considerably under budget, this historic character cottage
0:14:10 > 0:14:14has great potential and generous living spaces.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17There's a pretty garden for Kaz, and it's a quiet village
0:14:17 > 0:14:21surrounded by walking and cycling opportunities for Dave.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25If I'd have seen this property in an estate agent's window,
0:14:25 > 0:14:27it wouldn't have been the type of property
0:14:27 > 0:14:29we would have been looking for.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31But having said that, now we've looked round it,
0:14:31 > 0:14:34I'm really pleased we have because it's been an eye-opener.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I like the look of it outside.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39It's a lovely garden, but I don't think...
0:14:39 > 0:14:42It's not big enough for what we need it for.
0:14:42 > 0:14:46- And it's a bit too close to that main road.- It is too near the road.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51If we had the grandchildren here, you know, you'd be very wary of it.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- Well, what a day.- What a day.- Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56So, your first day of house-hunting in, what, 30 years?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- Yes.- Yeah, it is, yeah.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59How are you feeling at the end of it?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Well, it's definitely opened our eyes.
0:15:08 > 0:15:10Devon's picturesque landscape
0:15:10 > 0:15:14is scattered with historic houses and stately homes,
0:15:14 > 0:15:19providing plenty of places for Dave to indulge his thirst for history
0:15:19 > 0:15:23and Kaz's love of gardens when they set up home here.
0:15:23 > 0:15:2715 miles west of Bideford, in a narrow wooded valley,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Hartland Abbey is a 12th-century monastery-turned-stately home
0:15:31 > 0:15:33with a rich and varied history.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35As well as being open to the public,
0:15:35 > 0:15:39it's the permanent residence of the Stucley family.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42We sent our buyers along to meet Lady Stucley to have a look around
0:15:42 > 0:15:46before the team pack up some of the family's memorabilia,
0:15:46 > 0:15:48which has been on display for the open season.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- Hello.- Hello. - You must be Dave and Kaz.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- We are, yes. Lovely to meet you. - How nice to see you. Really nice.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Thank you for bringing such a beautiful day.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59Well, it's such a beautiful building.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02How long has the abbey been an ancestral home?
0:16:02 > 0:16:06Well, it was the last monastery in the country to be dissolved.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Henry VIII purportedly lost a game of tennis
0:16:10 > 0:16:15to the sergeant of his wine cellar, called William Abbott,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19and so he gave Hartland Abbey to him,
0:16:19 > 0:16:22and Mr Abbott was my husband's ancestor.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24It's been in the family since 1539.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- And is it your family home all the year round?- It is, Kaz.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31We're open to the public for six months of the year,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35and none of the house is shut away at all.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We don't have our own quarters or anything like that.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Sadly, it's not big enough for that.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43I'm going to take you in now and I'm going to introduce you to Peter,
0:16:43 > 0:16:45who's one of our wonderful stewards,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and he's going to show you some of the jobs
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- that we've got to do today...- Right.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52..to pack up the house for the winter.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Well, lead on. Let's get to it. - THEY CHUCLKE
0:16:55 > 0:16:57The abbey's architectural characteristics
0:16:57 > 0:17:01are a mix of medieval, Queen Anne and Georgian.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03Inside, the decoration is largely Victorian,
0:17:03 > 0:17:08with furniture and artefacts collected over many generations.
0:17:08 > 0:17:09The striking Alhambra Passage
0:17:09 > 0:17:14was masterminded by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1862
0:17:14 > 0:17:17on the instruction of Sir George Stucley
0:17:17 > 0:17:18after a visit to Granada.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21The running of the abbey as a visitor attraction
0:17:21 > 0:17:24is overseen by a team of expert volunteers,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26and stewards like Peter Senior,
0:17:26 > 0:17:30who Dave and Kaz are meeting in the drawing room.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32Last modified in the 1850s,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35the interior was inspired by the Palace of Westminster.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38Wow. Was there a specific room in the Palace of Westminster?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41There was indeed. It was the queen's robing room.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44In the queen's robing room, you have panelled walls
0:17:44 > 0:17:48with scenes from Arthurian legend in murals above,
0:17:48 > 0:17:51so, hence, we have the panelled walls in this room,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55and scenes, in this case, of Stucley history.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58So, who was the artist that actually depicted all this?
0:17:58 > 0:18:01These paintings were done in the 1850s
0:18:01 > 0:18:02by a man called Alfred Beer,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05who was really a stained-glass artist from Exeter.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07Of course, they were not always to everybody's taste.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11At one point, all the murals were covered up with white paper.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Although we know when the white paper was taken off,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16it's not altogether clear when it was put on.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Before the introduction of electricity,
0:18:19 > 0:18:21the paintings had been covered in lining paper
0:18:21 > 0:18:24to enhance the room's quality of light.
0:18:24 > 0:18:26When it was finally removed,
0:18:26 > 0:18:28these magnificent murals were revealed,
0:18:28 > 0:18:31much to the family's surprise.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34For the six months the abbey is open to visitors,
0:18:34 > 0:18:37several of the most historic and decorative artefacts
0:18:37 > 0:18:39are out on display.
0:18:39 > 0:18:42As the season draws to a close and the abbey is being transformed
0:18:42 > 0:18:44back into a family home for the winter,
0:18:44 > 0:18:46many of the items are packed away
0:18:46 > 0:18:52while Sir Hugh and Lady Stucley enjoy a more relaxed home life.
0:18:52 > 0:18:54One of the abbey's finest pieces
0:18:54 > 0:18:58is the Robert Jupe expanding table in the dining room.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- So, it's all mahogany, isn't it? - It's all mahogany.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04How does it actually, you know, come apart?
0:19:04 > 0:19:07Well, when you see it, it's very simple,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10which is the genius of the thing, really, like a lot of these things.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Made in 1840, the table was bought by the family in 1934
0:19:15 > 0:19:18for the sum of just ten guineas.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20It's amazing to think these tables are worth
0:19:20 > 0:19:23in the region of £100,000 today.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28- Get all of these pieces, rotate that way a little way.- OK.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30Just gently. That's it.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33You can see that they're starting to come apart.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- That's it. - Probably far enough.- Yeah.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37Now we pull these straight out.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41The table can be altered to three different sizes
0:19:41 > 0:19:44to suit between eight and 22 people.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Notable guests at the table have included
0:19:47 > 0:19:50Princess Victoria of Sweden and Lady Thatcher.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55- OK, now we're going to go that way to close it up.- OK.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02And that's brilliant.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04Well, now we've passed our initiation test,
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- perhaps we could apply for a job. - Well, we'll think about that.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10It's been absolutely fantastic. Thank you very much.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13Now all that's left for Dave and Kaz to do
0:20:13 > 0:20:16is put their packing skills into practice back home,
0:20:16 > 0:20:18so they can bring their prize possessions
0:20:18 > 0:20:20into their new abode here in Devon.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But first, we need to find it for them.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32I'm house-hunting with retired couple
0:20:32 > 0:20:37Dave and Kaz from Kent, who, after more than 30 years in one place,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40have decided to start their next chapter here in Devon.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44They're hoping their £300,000 budget will bag them a detached property
0:20:44 > 0:20:47with space for the grandchildren to stay.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50So far, it doesn't seem that they've been blown away
0:20:50 > 0:20:51by what they've seen,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55but coming up, our Mystery House presents the unexpected.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59So, here we are, your Mystery House.
0:20:59 > 0:21:00- BOTH:- Wow!
0:21:00 > 0:21:03THEY LAUGH
0:21:03 > 0:21:06That's just a completely different kettle of fish, isn't it, really?
0:21:06 > 0:21:08And as the search heats up,
0:21:08 > 0:21:11I find out how to make a feature fireplace
0:21:11 > 0:21:13more energy-efficient.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Oh, wow! You can feel the heat straightaway coming in here.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22Well, today is a brand-new day
0:21:22 > 0:21:25and we have two more fantastic properties for them to see,
0:21:25 > 0:21:28including that Mystery House,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31which offers them all the inside space they're after,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33but in good, old-fashioned Escape To The Country style,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36throws them a little bit of a curve ball.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38For the budget, it is, I have to say,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42one of the finest properties on the market here in Devon today.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43That to come later.
0:21:43 > 0:21:47First, though, this morning's house, and it's another fine property.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I just hope Dave and Kaz also think so.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55We're continuing our search in the village of Beaford.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58The nearest town is Great Torrington,
0:21:58 > 0:22:01famous as the site of one of the last major battles
0:22:01 > 0:22:06of the English Civil War in 1646, the Battle of Torrington.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08Today, it's a vibrant market town,
0:22:08 > 0:22:12which has been voted North Devon's most welcoming community.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16I'm hoping Dave and Kaz will feel at home in our next property,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19positioned in a quiet cul-de-sac back in Beaford,
0:22:19 > 0:22:24where they really would have the countryside right on their doorstep.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- So, here we are.- Right.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28- First impressions... - Looks nice from the outside.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Yeah, it does. It does.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- Got quite a bit of potential there, hasn't it?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36And, Kaz, I know having the grandkids play somewhere safe
0:22:36 > 0:22:39was extremely important to you.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- This road, just listening... - Nice and quiet.- Lovely and quiet.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46Would this be the kind of thing they could have their little bicycles out
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- and a bit of a kickabout? - Yeah.- I think so, yeah.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53It looks lovely from outside, but I'd like to see inside.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56Dave, I'm sensing she's keen to get in there.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57- Keen to get in there. - Shall I waste no time?
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- Shall we get straight through the front door?- Let's go.- Come on, then.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06This modern property was built just 15 years ago.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08Inside, it's been finished to a high standard
0:23:08 > 0:23:10and it's deceptively spacious.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12I'm hoping they'll agree.
0:23:13 > 0:23:16So, come through into your kitchen-diner.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21- Very nice.- Very... - I like the surface.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Very light, as well, isn't it?
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Space-wise, it's good.- Space-wise, it's good.- It's good.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28I mean, you've got probably more room around the table.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30It's obviously very workable.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- Thumbs up so far? - So far.- Thumbs up, yeah.- OK.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Well, I know the entertaining space was important to you, as well,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37when you have all the family come to stay.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- So, let's go and take a look at that.- OK.- OK.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48So, through those double doors into your living room.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51- Lovely space.- Yes, lovely. - Yeah, it is.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54And you've actually got that extra living space.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55You could open the double doors there
0:23:55 > 0:23:57through into your conservatory,
0:23:57 > 0:23:59which was added to the house a few years ago.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01It looks lovely and bright out there.
0:24:01 > 0:24:03How would you use that?
0:24:03 > 0:24:05Erm, I don't know.
0:24:05 > 0:24:09- She'll be sitting out there reading her book.- Yeah, probably.
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- Shall we take a look upstairs? - Yes, please.- OK.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16Also downstairs, at the front of the house,
0:24:16 > 0:24:19there's a study with plenty of storage,
0:24:19 > 0:24:21which could be used as a guest bedroom.
0:24:21 > 0:24:24The living spaces down here have got the thumbs up,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26so fingers crossed the positive reactions continue
0:24:26 > 0:24:30as we head upstairs where there are two well-decorated
0:24:30 > 0:24:33bright double bedrooms and two bathrooms.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35So, let's see what they think.
0:24:37 > 0:24:38And into the master bedroom,
0:24:38 > 0:24:41which gives you, in this property, an en suite, as well.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46- Ooh!- Ooh!- Bit of a bonus? - Yes, bonus.- Definite bonus, that is.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50Nice size cos you've got two chests of drawers either side.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51It gives you plenty of room.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- And an en suite!- Yeah. - What more could you ask for?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56Well, how about a fabulous garden?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- That would be good. - That would be good?
0:24:58 > 0:25:02- Shall we see if we've found you that?- Yeah.- Yes, please.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06The inside of this property delivers everything they asked for
0:25:06 > 0:25:10and is ready to move into, meaning they could focus their efforts
0:25:10 > 0:25:13on transforming the low-maintenance garden outside
0:25:13 > 0:25:16into a haven for Kaz and the grandchildren.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18Plus, there's enough room for a greenhouse
0:25:18 > 0:25:21and a garage space for Dave and his bike,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23with utility area built in.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Kaz, I know you're the green fingers in this partnership.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32Is this somewhere you could imagine relaxing of an evening?
0:25:32 > 0:25:34- Yes. Yes, definitely. - Yes. Yes, it is.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- Yes, it's lovely. - Yeah, it's very peaceful.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38And how do you think the grandchildren
0:25:38 > 0:25:40- would enjoy this space? - Oh, they'd like it.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Oh, they'd run round and round and round in circles, no doubt.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46There's lots of places they could play hide-and-seek here, yeah.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50What do you think this property is on the market for?
0:25:50 > 0:25:52I'll go 305.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- Dave, what do you think? - I think Kaz is on the right
0:25:56 > 0:25:59wavelength with this one, but I think it's a bit more.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01I think it's about 310.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03This is actually on the market not over your budget,
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- bang on the top of your budget - £300,000.- 300, yeah.- Hmm.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11- Well, there we are.- So, a lot of positives to this one.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Yes.- Yeah, we have a got a lot of positives for this one.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15Now you know what it's on the market for,
0:26:15 > 0:26:17why don't you have another look around
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- and we'll catch up outside after? - OK.- Thank you.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Bang on budget, this well-presented property
0:26:27 > 0:26:30would give them the three bedrooms they need,
0:26:30 > 0:26:34as well as the generous bright living spaces they were hoping for.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37The wrap-around garden would make a great project for Kaz,
0:26:37 > 0:26:40and it's in a quiet cul-de-sac location,
0:26:40 > 0:26:44offering a balance of village life in a countryside setting.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47My first feelings when I saw this place was,
0:26:47 > 0:26:49"It looks like a new build,"
0:26:49 > 0:26:52but it was a very nice area. Very quiet.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54As soon as I came into the house,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56the first thing I noticed was the finish of it.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00It's immaculate, and the whole feeling of the house was nice.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03It's got a warm, warm feel about it.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06This house has got enough garden space for us.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10We may like to add a few little bits to it,
0:27:10 > 0:27:13but it's more or less perfect.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16- Hi. BOTH:- Hello.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- You've had a good look round? - Yes, thank you.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Seen enough? BOTH:- Yes.- OK.- OK.- Set off.- OK.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Our Mystery House takes us to the town of North Tawton.
0:27:31 > 0:27:36It lays claim to being one of Devon's smallest towns.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39At its heart, the Grade II-listed clock tower
0:27:39 > 0:27:43was built to commemorate the 1887 Jubilee.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47There's been a market town on this site since 1270,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51and it's been home to famous residents, including Ted Hughes.
0:27:51 > 0:27:53There's a blue plaque to him here.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56And Sylvia Plath, as well, the poet. What do you think?
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- Yeah, it looks a nice little town. - Yeah. It's got all the amenities.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03Yeah. Lots of shops. Obviously, there's lots of history here, as well.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- You can tell by the buildings, can't you?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07Well, I'm glad you like it,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10cos we're just a stroll away from what could be your new home.
0:28:10 > 0:28:13- Oh, right.- Come on.- OK.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20Dave and Kaz might be surprised by quite how close we are.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24So here we are.
0:28:24 > 0:28:26Your Mystery House.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28- BOTH:- Wow!
0:28:28 > 0:28:29THEY LAUGH
0:28:30 > 0:28:34That's a completely different kettle of fish, isn't it, really?
0:28:34 > 0:28:35And I know you wanted detached.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39- And it is, isn't it?- It is.
0:28:39 > 0:28:40By six inches.
0:28:40 > 0:28:41- Yeah! - LAUGHTER
0:28:41 > 0:28:44It definitely makes a statement, doesn't it?
0:28:44 > 0:28:47It does make a statement and it also does that inside.
0:28:47 > 0:28:48So, shall we get in?
0:28:48 > 0:28:49- Let's go.- Yes, please.
0:28:51 > 0:28:55Built in the 1920s to replace two cottages after they burned down,
0:28:55 > 0:29:00our intriguing mystery property had former lives as a haberdashers,
0:29:00 > 0:29:04antique shop and cafe with accommodation upstairs.
0:29:04 > 0:29:09It was converted during the 1970s and '80s into the detached home
0:29:09 > 0:29:13that exists today, retaining its 1920s grandeur.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18In you come. Come straight through.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24So, into the main living space.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Now, you wanted space.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29- Yes.- You were after light, weren't you?
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Space and light.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32There's definitely space.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Space, light, chandeliers!
0:29:34 > 0:29:35LAUGHTER
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- Big windows.- Huge windows.
0:29:38 > 0:29:39The original plate glass.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- Yes.- And then you've got the double glazing now there.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Yes. Definitely gives you the wow factor as you walk in, doesn't it?
0:29:45 > 0:29:46Yeah.
0:29:46 > 0:29:49Kaz, is this enough space for you when you're entertaining the family?
0:29:49 > 0:29:51That was a concern of yours.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- Yes.- There's definitely enough space.- Yes.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Have you got enough furniture to fill this one?
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- Er...- No, don't think so!
0:30:00 > 0:30:01We'll have a go!
0:30:03 > 0:30:06They felt room size was an issue in some of our previous properties,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08but I'm confident there will be no complaints
0:30:08 > 0:30:12with the generously proportioned spaces in this house.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16Next to the main reception area there's a second sitting room
0:30:16 > 0:30:19leading onto the kitchen.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22So through that lovely snug and into your kitchen.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26- Yeah.- Got your big sash windows so, again, lots of light.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Lovely big sash windows, yeah.
0:30:28 > 0:30:31Lovely slate work prep-tops, next to the wooden worktops,
0:30:31 > 0:30:33which I think is a lovely little feature.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36- Nice touch, yeah.- Do you turn the snug into a breakfast room or...?
0:30:36 > 0:30:37- Possibly, yeah.- Yeah.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40I think so. That could be a breakfast room.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41And, if we had a formal dining,
0:30:41 > 0:30:43you could use the other end of the big room, couldn't you, really?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Because it is so big, you...
0:30:45 > 0:30:47It is so big, yeah. Exactly. You could do that.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50And there's yet more space to come upstairs.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55The staircase leads from the sitting room up to an impressive landing,
0:30:55 > 0:30:56off which there are three large,
0:30:56 > 0:30:59sympathetically decorated double bedrooms
0:30:59 > 0:31:03and a good sized fourth, currently being used as a study.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07A family bathroom offers an oasis of calm overlooking the rear garden and
0:31:07 > 0:31:10there's a separate WC along with a shower room.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Thanks, Kaz. So into what I think
0:31:16 > 0:31:18would be a great main bedroom for you.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20Come and have a look at this.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22Those GORGEOUS big windows.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- Oh, yeah.- Yeah. Flooded with light, just a heavenly space.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Mmm.- Mmm.- I mean...
0:31:27 > 0:31:28- A nice-sized room.- It is big.
0:31:28 > 0:31:30So enough space with the four bedrooms?
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- Yes.- Yes.- Any reservations here?
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- What are you thinking?- Not really.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36It's such a different house.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39It's taking time to sink in.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42How is the house as a whole working for you so far?
0:31:42 > 0:31:45It's sort of slapped us round the face,
0:31:45 > 0:31:47you could say.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49But it's a lot to take in.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52Well, lots of space inside the property.
0:31:52 > 0:31:53And, of course, there's the garden.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- Yeah.- Which I know, again, your green fingers will be itching
0:31:56 > 0:31:58to get to, so let's have a look at that
0:31:58 > 0:32:00and then we've got to guess the price.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- Oh, we have, yeah. - Let me show you the way.- OK.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07Heading outside, there's a useful utility area
0:32:07 > 0:32:10running the length of the mystery property,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13which delivers on space and style.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17The garden is no exception, extending to around 20 metres.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21It's split across three tiers and includes a seating area, a workshop,
0:32:21 > 0:32:24which would make a great little potting shed for Kaz,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26a pretty herb garden and, at the top,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29there's a level lawn and a summer house.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33And here we are at the very top.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36A mystery garden in a Mystery House.
0:32:36 > 0:32:39It is. It really is quite a magical garden, isn't it?
0:32:39 > 0:32:42- It is. Yes.- It is a magical garden.
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Feel like you're at the top of the world.
0:32:44 > 0:32:45You do.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48Is this a space you could work with, Kaz?
0:32:48 > 0:32:49Never seen or had a garden like this before.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52No. I think I could work with it.
0:32:52 > 0:32:56I'm just wondering about... There's so many steps.
0:32:56 > 0:32:58- Yeah.- As I'm not getting any younger.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00- What, whether you'll get up them later on?- Yeah!
0:33:00 > 0:33:04What do you think this is currently on the market for?
0:33:04 > 0:33:05I'm going to go 295.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07You've just taken the words out of my mouth.
0:33:07 > 0:33:13Er, I'll go £290,000.
0:33:13 > 0:33:14Well, this time...
0:33:16 > 0:33:17..Dave, you're closest...
0:33:18 > 0:33:21..but you're both right. It is under budget.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24This house is £50 under the very top of your budget.
0:33:24 > 0:33:30It's currently on the market for £299,950.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33- Wow.- Right. - It's a lot of house for your money.
0:33:33 > 0:33:35- It is a lot of house.- It is a lot of house, yeah.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Why don't you take another look round...
0:33:37 > 0:33:39OK. ..and then we'll catch up, and lots to talk about.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42Yes. We'll have a good look round.
0:33:42 > 0:33:43Yes. Go on, take your time.
0:33:43 > 0:33:44Thank you.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50On budget, this beautiful mystery property
0:33:50 > 0:33:53provides an abundance of both character and space.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56It would give them an extra bedroom and reception room
0:33:56 > 0:33:58as well as a private garden.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01It's situated in the heart of a small market town
0:34:01 > 0:34:05but is just six miles from the open spaces of Dartmoor.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10If I had to put character up against new build, character would win...
0:34:11 > 0:34:15..hand over fist, no contest.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18I mean, this house has got so much going for it.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21But, for two of us, we think it's probably a bit too large.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24We've learned a lot from this journey, I think, both of us, haven't we?
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27It's shown us what we can get for our money,
0:34:27 > 0:34:29what we can't get for our money.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32And it's opened our eyes, maybe,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35to get something similar but not quite as big.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So a fantastic Mystery House,
0:34:39 > 0:34:42maybe too much of a house for Dave and Kaz.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Hi!
0:34:44 > 0:34:47- Hi.- Have you explored every nook and cranny of the Mystery House? - Yes, I think so.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50- There's a lot of it, isn't there? - There certainly is, yeah.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Shall we find somewhere to have a cup of tea and a bit of a chat now? - Why not?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Please. Come on.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05House-buyers on Escape To The Country present us with a wish list
0:35:05 > 0:35:08of what they'd like in their dream home,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11from period features to open-plan kitchens,
0:35:11 > 0:35:14and a current feature that house-hunters always love
0:35:14 > 0:35:18is a beautiful fireplace or wood-burning stove.
0:35:18 > 0:35:19Take a look at this.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- Oh!- THAT is a fireplace. - That IS a fireplace!
0:35:24 > 0:35:25That's fantastic.
0:35:25 > 0:35:27I've never had one, always wanted one.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- I love the wood burner. - Yeah. It's great.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35- It's a double wood burner, because one isn't good enough.- No.
0:35:35 > 0:35:38I'm taking some time out to visit Woodwarm Stoves,
0:35:38 > 0:35:42a local company who have been manufacturing stoves here in Devon
0:35:42 > 0:35:44for over 30 years.
0:35:44 > 0:35:50Co-director Rupert Snook has offered to show me around.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- Hi, Rupert. Good to see you. - And you.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- Nice to be in the workshop. - Absolutely.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56So this is where it all happens.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58This is exactly where it all happens.
0:35:58 > 0:36:02Rupert, what's made the wood-burning stove or the dual burner so popular?
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Because those fireplaces are great,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08but everyone seems to love wood burners right now.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10Why?
0:36:10 > 0:36:13When you're sitting round a beautiful fireplace,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16between 80 and 90% of the heat is going up the chimney,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19and not only is it going up the chimney,
0:36:19 > 0:36:23it's taking quite a lot of the heat from the room up there with it.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28So a stove reverses that efficiency.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30So only, I don't know,
0:36:30 > 0:36:3210-20% of the heat goes up the chimney
0:36:32 > 0:36:35and the rest of the heat radiates out into the room.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38So how do you actually go about manufacturing a stove here?
0:36:38 > 0:36:41We find the steel, British steel.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Then we've got to have the cast iron to go with that steel.
0:36:45 > 0:36:51So the steel we make into the shapes we need with the cutter.
0:36:51 > 0:36:56We bend those shapes into the shape we need for the stove itself.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00And the steel here, this seems quite solid, it's quite a weight.
0:37:00 > 0:37:02How many sheets of this would go into making a stove?
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Probably just about one.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07One sheet of steel makes a stove,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10with all the bits and pieces that need to go with it, yes.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14The heat provided by a stove is a convex heat which,
0:37:14 > 0:37:18compared to a radiant heat produced by an open fire,
0:37:18 > 0:37:20circulates far better throughout a property.
0:37:20 > 0:37:24They're also more efficient in terms of the amount of fuel burned.
0:37:24 > 0:37:29In the workshop, Rupert has a team of 24 highly skilled craftsmen
0:37:29 > 0:37:32working across the different parts that make up each stove.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36Rupert, there is so much going on here.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I feel like I'm in the heat of the stove itself.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40What exactly is happening?
0:37:40 > 0:37:44So those bits we saw being cut over the other side are being stuck
0:37:44 > 0:37:47together by welders who've been doing it for a long time.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Once they've put all the bits of steel together,
0:37:50 > 0:37:53we end up with something like this, once it's been fitted.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55So not only are they putting the bits together,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59but the fitters over here are putting the cast-iron doors
0:37:59 > 0:38:02and grates onto the product and then finishing it off
0:38:02 > 0:38:05so that it's ready to go to the shot blaster
0:38:05 > 0:38:07and actually be prepared for being sprayed.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- Can I see the finished product? - Yes, do.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Come over to the other side and we'll see what we can find over there.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17Rupert tells me that a well-placed stove in a property often negates
0:38:17 > 0:38:21the need for central heating, even in the coldest winters,
0:38:21 > 0:38:24so they can be a much cheaper way of heating your house,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26especially if you have your own wood supply.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33Oh, wow! You can feel the heat straightaway coming in here.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35So when I get my stove installed,
0:38:35 > 0:38:39the fuel that I run it with, does that need to be special?
0:38:39 > 0:38:43Can I just nip into the garden and chop a branch or two off a tree?
0:38:43 > 0:38:46If you chop a branch off a tree you're actually...
0:38:47 > 0:38:52It's a living product. So it has at least 60% moisture in it.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55So to get rid of that moisture which is embedded in the structure
0:38:55 > 0:38:58of the plant, you need to cut it down,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00split and then dry-store it
0:39:00 > 0:39:03for at least 18 months.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04Is that what it is to season a log?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06That's it. That's seasoning a log.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Clearly, all wood is combustible, but hard woods like ash,
0:39:11 > 0:39:13oak and beech are considered far better for burning
0:39:13 > 0:39:17as they're more heat-dense than a soft wood like pine or Douglas fir,
0:39:17 > 0:39:20meaning they'll burn brighter for longer.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23So with the onset of a seasonal chill,
0:39:23 > 0:39:26a quality stove can make the perfect companion
0:39:26 > 0:39:29for those cosy winter evenings here in the country.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35So after an unsteady start yesterday,
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I am really pleased that we've had such positive responses
0:39:38 > 0:39:41from both Dave and Kaz to what we have seen today
0:39:41 > 0:39:43and that they really seem to be finding their feet
0:39:43 > 0:39:45in this world of property searching -
0:39:45 > 0:39:47something they haven't done for a number of years -
0:39:47 > 0:39:50really getting a clear idea of what it is they want in their new home
0:39:50 > 0:39:53here in Devon. Have we managed to find it for them?
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Let's find out.
0:40:01 > 0:40:04Dave, Kaz, what have you made of the experience?
0:40:05 > 0:40:10It's been very eye-opening and it's taught us a lot, what we're really
0:40:10 > 0:40:12looking for and what we're not looking for.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17Yes. There's more out there than we originally thought.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19What have you changed on that list,
0:40:19 > 0:40:22or have the priorities within that list changed?
0:40:22 > 0:40:27Well, we'd stipulated quite strongly that we wanted detached,
0:40:27 > 0:40:31but since having a good look round the area,
0:40:31 > 0:40:34I mean, there is places that are partly attached
0:40:34 > 0:40:38in a decent community that maybe we'll have a look at.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40Now that might be open for consideration?
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- Yes.- Yes.
0:40:42 > 0:40:44So let's talk about the properties.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Which one came closest to your wish-list?
0:40:48 > 0:40:53The property with the conservatory was immaculate.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54Absolutely immaculate.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57The area it was in was quite good
0:40:57 > 0:41:00because there was lots of places to go for walks and everything else.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02It was very pretty, wasn't it?
0:41:02 > 0:41:03It was very pretty, yeah.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07But maybe we would be looking to live somewhere
0:41:07 > 0:41:10perhaps with a little bit more going on.
0:41:10 > 0:41:13And you also seem quite taken with the Mystery House.
0:41:13 > 0:41:14How did you feel about that one?
0:41:14 > 0:41:17Well, that was a magical mystery tour.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19It really was. It really was.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21It was a fantastic property.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23And it was a bit too big just for two of us.
0:41:23 > 0:41:24Just for two of us.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28And I can see Kaz as she gets older going up and down
0:41:28 > 0:41:29them three terraces in the garden.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34So where do we go from here? What's the next step for you both?
0:41:35 > 0:41:39Well, I think we will continue to look in this area
0:41:39 > 0:41:43and hopefully find something, you know, more suitable,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46but we know we've got a job on our hands, that's for sure.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49You've done a great job, though, with the ones you've shown us.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52It has been a joy to search with you
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and do let us know how it goes and where you end up.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- We will do.- And all we can say is thank you very much for giving us this opportunity.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02It has been a joy. A real joy.
0:42:06 > 0:42:09I'm disappointed that we haven't managed to find
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Kaz and Dave a new home here in Devon, but as Dave said,
0:42:12 > 0:42:16as they began their first property search in over 30 years,
0:42:16 > 0:42:19a detached property on their budget was going to be a big ask.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23What I'm really pleased about is that they've come to the realisation
0:42:23 > 0:42:27that whether a property is detached or not is nowhere near as important
0:42:27 > 0:42:30for them as the space that's inside that property
0:42:30 > 0:42:34to welcome in their family and the space that's outside
0:42:34 > 0:42:36to create their new life here in Devon.
0:42:36 > 0:42:40And knowing that opens so many new doors to them
0:42:40 > 0:42:42in the hunt for that dream home.
0:42:42 > 0:42:43And I'm sure, knowing that,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46it won't be too long before Dave and Kaz are sending out
0:42:46 > 0:42:49those change-of-address letters
0:42:49 > 0:42:52and celebrating a new life here in glorious Devon.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54I will see you next time on Escape To The Country.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58If you'd like to escape to the country
0:42:58 > 0:43:01in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
0:43:01 > 0:43:03and would like our help,
0:43:03 > 0:43:05you can apply online at...