0:00:02 > 0:00:05For nearly 300 years, and despite having a perfectly good front door,
0:00:05 > 0:00:10the only way into this beautiful 15th-century chapel was through a
0:00:10 > 0:00:14hole in the roof. I'll tell you why in just a moment, and where I am.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17SWEEPING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Today I'm with a South London couple
0:00:35 > 0:00:38who have big business plans for their move to the country.
0:00:38 > 0:00:43But are their property expectations realistic when it comes to budget?
0:00:43 > 0:00:45At the moment, £50 change.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- Yeah?- That's all I could give you. - Enough for lunch. - LAUGHTER
0:00:49 > 0:00:52- A nice lunch.- Yeah, a good lunch for 50, yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56However, our houses definitely give them a new perspective.
0:00:56 > 0:00:59Each one is a snapshot into the garden.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- Yes.- Yes, yeah.- It's like having big pictures on the wall.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05Today, I'm in Cornwall,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09and this is the chapel of Saint Enodoc, which,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12from the 16th century through to the mid-1800s,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16was almost completely buried in sand that had blown in from the
0:01:16 > 0:01:19nearby dunes. Now, to maintain its status,
0:01:19 > 0:01:24the chapel had to host at least one service every year.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28So the vicar and congregation would have been lowered in through a hole
0:01:28 > 0:01:31in the roof. Happily, in 1864,
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Saint Enodoc's was finally dug out of its sandy tomb,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39and visitors have been able to use the front door ever since.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Lying in the extreme southwestern sleeve of England,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48the county of Cornwall shares an eastern land border with Devon,
0:01:48 > 0:01:50but is otherwise surrounded by the sea,
0:01:50 > 0:01:52with the Atlantic Ocean to its north,
0:01:52 > 0:01:54and the English Channel to the south.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Almost a third of the county is designated as an Area of Outstanding
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Natural Beauty.
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Historically, Cornwall was famed for its tin mines, but these fell into
0:02:05 > 0:02:07decline in the mid-19th century.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Today, the imposing ruins of this once-booming industry lie scattered
0:02:11 > 0:02:13across the county.
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Cornwall's only city is Truro.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21Its Gothic revival cathedral took 30 years to build, and opened in 1910.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24During mining's heyday, the city prospered,
0:02:24 > 0:02:28and the industry's legacy is still evident in its elegant architecture
0:02:28 > 0:02:32and monuments. Cornwall's rugged north coast faces the Atlantic,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36making it a paradise for surfers.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Polzeath Beach is popular both with those hoping to catch a wave,
0:02:39 > 0:02:41and more sedate holiday-makers.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46The tiny fishing village of Mousehole, three miles west of
0:02:46 > 0:02:48Penzance, has a charming harbour,
0:02:48 > 0:02:52surrounded by twisting streets and lichen-covered houses.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56For those who want to appreciate the local crafts and produce,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01walk along the wild coastal paths or simply soak up the unspoiled beauty
0:03:01 > 0:03:04of one of England's most distinctive counties,
0:03:04 > 0:03:09Cornwall offers an appealing escape option for both holiday-makers and
0:03:09 > 0:03:11those seeking a permanent move.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18There's no denying that Cornwall is one of the most popular counties in
0:03:18 > 0:03:22the country to own a second home or holiday let.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24In some coastal and rural areas,
0:03:24 > 0:03:28as much as 42% of the homes aren't lived in by what's called
0:03:28 > 0:03:30"usual residents".
0:03:30 > 0:03:34That means they're not permanently occupied by the same person.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39So, as you can imagine, that can push property prices up.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41But don't worry,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44because the average cost of a detached Cornish home here
0:03:44 > 0:03:48at the moment is £309,000.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52That's £22,000 below the national figure.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56So, great value homes in a super county.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59All we need to do now is find a couple
0:03:59 > 0:04:01who want to permanently move here.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06Hannah and her IT consultant husband Robin
0:04:06 > 0:04:10tied the knot over 20 years ago and have two adult children.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15Yeah, we met in about '93, '94.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17We met through mutual friends
0:04:17 > 0:04:20and we've been together ever since, really.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- Yes. After about three or four years.. "We have to get married!" - SHE LAUGHS
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Yeah.- She was very good with the children, a very good cook.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33Very creative at making the garden look nice, which,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- unfortunately, gives me a lot of work, but never mind. - SHE LAUGHS
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Though Britain has been Hannah's home for decades,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43her early roots lie elsewhere.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49I was born in Vietnam and came here in 1983.
0:04:49 > 0:04:53So now we are nearly retirement time.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57So I think this is the time we need to change.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00They currently live in Robin's birthplace, Croydon,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03a town in the South London suburbs.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06The area's changed massively since I was born.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Every time you turn round, there's another building gone up,
0:05:09 > 0:05:13and the traffic just seems to get worse day by day.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16Cornwall has previously been a holiday retreat for
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Robin and Hannah, and their move to the country gives them a chance to
0:05:19 > 0:05:22get outdoors and let their dogs off the leash.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Yeah, we enjoy walking.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27We'd like to be able to do that in the countryside.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Here, we just really walk round the block to take the dogs out.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32- Yes, yeah.- It's not quite the same thing.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36Our dog and our cat are very important to us.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40Hannah hopes to rekindle a lifelong passion for painting, while Robin
0:05:40 > 0:05:44will be refocusing on his past love of photography.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47I'd like to take up photography again.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Being based in Cornwall would be ideal, because I do primarily
0:05:51 > 0:05:53landscape or flower photography.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55So that would be perfect.
0:05:55 > 0:05:59Although they'll be leaving their busy London life behind them,
0:05:59 > 0:06:02they hope a move to the country will kick-start a new business venture.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Ideally, the house should have an annexe.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08It would be useful for two aspects.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12Running as a holiday let during the warmer months, and obviously,
0:06:12 > 0:06:15if family want to come down, they've got somewhere to stay.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20We hope that in a couple of years we have a lovely house
0:06:20 > 0:06:22and nice, big garden,
0:06:22 > 0:06:26so grandchildren will come back to visit us
0:06:26 > 0:06:29and have more room for them to run around.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36Robin and Hannah won't be travelling back to London frequently,
0:06:36 > 0:06:38but their family will be visiting,
0:06:38 > 0:06:41so North Cornwall is their ideal location.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43They have other requirements for their property,
0:06:43 > 0:06:46so I want to meet them and find out the finer details
0:06:46 > 0:06:48of their wish list.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Well, Hannah and Robin, welcome to Cornwall.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54So, tell me, what are you looking for with this move?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56What type of property?
0:06:56 > 0:06:58Well, we like the sort of stone-built properties.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Interior, perhaps a little bit modernised, opened up.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07Edge of a village would be ideal, so it's not too many neighbours.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10This annexe, you want to rent it out as a holiday let, I believe?
0:07:10 > 0:07:15Yes, yeah. Because we move away from the city, so we're looking,
0:07:15 > 0:07:19you know, a little bit for income when we live out there,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- when we retire.- And, Hannah,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24let's talk about this garden, because you're a passionate
0:07:24 > 0:07:27gardener, aren't you? A little bit like me. Is an acre going to be enough for you?
0:07:27 > 0:07:29It's quite a lot to look after.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- Not enough!- Is it not? - No, not enough. - LAUGHTER
0:07:32 > 0:07:34Yeah. I have a lot in mind.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Who is going to make the final decision, do you think?
0:07:37 > 0:07:40SHE LAUGHS Robin didn't even have to open his lips!
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- I put my hand first.- Did you?
0:07:43 > 0:07:45No, we compromise.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Yeah, you compromise, do you?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50But you're going to make the final decision. Fair enough.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Now, remind us how much we've got to spend with this move.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56The maximum is £450,000.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59- That's if we find the perfect home.- Yes.- £450,000.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- If it ticks all the boxes, yes. - How many bedrooms? We didn't discuss this.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- About three bedrooms.- 2-3, yeah.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- Yeah.- Do you think we're being realistic with that budget, in your opinion?
0:08:08 > 0:08:10If we're on the edge of a village,
0:08:10 > 0:08:13I think you've got more chance of that sort of budget.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- And we trust you, you do well. - You trust me?- Yeah.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19I'm feeling the pressure, Hannah, I'm feeling the pressure. LAUGHTER
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Well, we do have some other wonderful homes already lined up
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- to show you. If you want to follow me, let's get started.- Yeah.- OK.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31With a maximum budget of £450,000,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Hannah and Robin would like a 2-3 bedroom property, so that family can
0:08:35 > 0:08:38visit. The house should be on the edge of a village,
0:08:38 > 0:08:40be light and airy inside,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44but have a character exterior and ideally be built of stone.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47Hannah wants the garden to be an acre or more, and preferably
0:08:47 > 0:08:50come with an annexe that can be used for holiday lets.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54I've got a wide range of attractive houses to show them both,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57and I'll be asking them to guess the price of each one before I reveal it
0:08:57 > 0:09:02to them. The final proposition will be the Mystery House,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05which offers an unpredictable twist on their requirements.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09It's a conversion that I hope will make their spirits soar.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15What do your children think about you moving to the country?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18They're a little bit worried, too far away,
0:09:18 > 0:09:23but they know that Devon and Cornwall is, you know,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- a lovely place for retirement.- Yeah.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28And do you manage to go back to Vietnam much?
0:09:28 > 0:09:33- Yes, yeah. Not every year because it's really far away...- It is, yeah.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37..but every time we go back to Vietnam,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I always pack some English tea.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42- Do you?- Yeah. - LAUGHTER
0:09:42 > 0:09:45- You miss your brew, do you? - Yes, yeah.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52We're starting our house-hunting journey in the village of
0:09:52 > 0:09:54North Petherwin, in the north-east of the county.
0:09:54 > 0:10:00Originally in Devon, North Petherwin became part of Cornwall in 1966.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04It's home to a beautiful stone church dating back to Norman times,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06along with a primary school,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09and a local pub, situated around a mile away.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13It's also the base for the Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre,
0:10:13 > 0:10:16which helps conserve the Cornish otter population.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Set in beautiful natural surroundings of its own
0:10:19 > 0:10:21is house number one.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25See, I brought you through the scenic route to our first property,
0:10:25 > 0:10:28because this garden is so beautiful, and here it is.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- Colourful, yeah. - Hopefully our first home.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Lovely. Certainly stone. - Unusual?- Yeah.- Yes, yeah.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36First impressions?
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- Yeah, lovely, yeah.- It's certainly got some character.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- I love the garden.- Shall we start? - Why not?- Yeah.
0:10:43 > 0:10:47The house was converted in 1993 from what is thought to be have been an
0:10:47 > 0:10:5018th-century granary.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55Once inside, a left turn leads to the open-plan kitchen dining area.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58So you've got a really long hallway here,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00and at the end of it is the kitchen.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03- Lovely kitchen.- It's got the dining area as well.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05Yeah. Has, I think, enough space for us.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- Yeah.- They've opened it up.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- You can see you've got your range there.- Which is what we like, yes.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So, you know, would you change anything?
0:11:13 > 0:11:16We'd probably decorate it, to lighten it up a bit.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19It's perhaps a little dark for our tastes, but that's just cosmetic.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Yes.- It's minor.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24That's a rather strong start to this house tour. That's very good.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26To the right of the kitchen,
0:11:26 > 0:11:29a utility room provides more convenient storage space,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33and possibly a room Hannah and Robin could give over to the dogs.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38Next we're moving into the charming sitting room,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40where light streams in from every angle.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45This is where the granary part of the process would have happened.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48The beams are nice as well, they're not too dominant.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- Not low.- Yeah. It's quite a high ceiling as well.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53Do you like the idea, though, having all these doors and windows?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- I love it, yeah.- Each one is a snapshot into the garden.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57- It is.- Yes, yeah.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- It's like having big pictures on the wall.- Very true!
0:12:00 > 0:12:03It's an interesting property, because from the outside it looks
0:12:03 > 0:12:07like it's all one level, but there is an upstairs. So, two bedrooms.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Mm-hm.- I'm going to show you the one that's down here, the master.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Thank you.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18We're retracing our steps down the long hallway to see if this ground
0:12:18 > 0:12:20floor master bedroom measures up.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25I would say this is probably the largest, in a way, of the three
0:12:25 > 0:12:27bedrooms, because it takes a double bed.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Got some built-in storage, by the looks of things.
0:12:30 > 0:12:33Built-in storage, and a little cloakroom in there as well,
0:12:33 > 0:12:36with a family bathroom next door.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- I see.- So how do we feel about what you've seen in this part of the
0:12:39 > 0:12:43- property so far?- Yeah. So far, so good, and very solidly built.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46In addition to the master,
0:12:46 > 0:12:49the house has two cosy bedrooms tucked away upstairs in the eaves,
0:12:49 > 0:12:51as well as an ample attic for storage.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55There's also the business arrangement to consider.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Yeah.- So, Robin, if you wouldn't mind popping back out through the
0:12:58 > 0:13:01front door, let's have a look at next door and see what's there.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06A dividing wall ensures complete privacy from the adjoining annexe,
0:13:06 > 0:13:09which Hannah and Robin could rent out.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15So, next-door you have your holiday let.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17- Right. Oh, that... - That's a good-sized room.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- Yeah, good size.- At the moment, they make about £8,000 a year,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24but that's only really for the spring and summer months.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Yes, yeah.- That's reasonable, yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30- Have you ever done anything like this before?- No.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32O-o-o-oh! LAUGHTER
0:13:32 > 0:13:36The hospitality, it's big business in Cornwall, isn't it?
0:13:37 > 0:13:39And with a well-appointed kitchen,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42two bedrooms and a generous-sized bathroom,
0:13:42 > 0:13:45this annexe can comfortably accommodate a family of four.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Shall we head out into the garden?
0:13:47 > 0:13:50Still more to show you, and then of course we're going to have to
0:13:50 > 0:13:53discuss how much you think this property is on the market for.
0:13:53 > 0:13:54- All right.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00A fenced-off garden for the annexe means that Robin and Hannah
0:14:00 > 0:14:02will be undisturbed by guests,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05while an ample driveway allows parking for several cars.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09The beautifully designed garden covers a third of an acre
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and features acers, providing that oriental feel,
0:14:12 > 0:14:14along with landscaped rockeries.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18Keen cook Hannah could also make use of the greenhouse on the rear patio.
0:14:21 > 0:14:25This really is the most delightful garden.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28I see the garden is beautiful, but
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- I need more...- A bit more space? - I need more space
0:14:31 > 0:14:33for my grandchildren in the future, to play football.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Ah, OK. LAUGHTER
0:14:36 > 0:14:40What do you think our converted barn is on the market for?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Could be about...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45£380,000.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48£380,000? OK.
0:14:48 > 0:14:53Because of the size of the annexe, I'm going to say £415,000.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Well, we've taken you right to the top of your budget with this
0:14:57 > 0:15:03property. The asking price is £449,950.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06So, at the moment, £50 change.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- Yeah.- That's all I could give you.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Enough for lunch. - LAUGHTER
0:15:12 > 0:15:14- A nice lunch!- Be a good one for 50, yeah.
0:15:14 > 0:15:16I like your attitude. That's good! LAUGHTER
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I'd love you two to go and have a wander around on your own this time.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- OK.- I'll catch up with you when you're ready.- OK.- Be my guest.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Priced at the top of their budget,
0:15:29 > 0:15:33this granary conversion has perhaps been a reality check for
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Robin and Hannah's wish list.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40That said, it provides a generous stone-built period home,
0:15:40 > 0:15:44along with an up-and-running holiday let, and a third of an acre of
0:15:44 > 0:15:45landscaped gardens.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- Careful.- It's quite different up here, isn't it?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- A little bit more cramped.- I could be hitting my head every day.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Perhaps we wouldn't use this bit so much, because it'd be quite a lot of
0:15:57 > 0:16:00room downstairs, so this could be more for family
0:16:00 > 0:16:02and visitors in general.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04I think this is a very good start-off,
0:16:04 > 0:16:06just for the first property,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- but not quite there.- I agree, yeah.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think the house is very lovely,
0:16:12 > 0:16:17but I don't think that is suitable for me
0:16:17 > 0:16:20and Robin and grandchildren
0:16:20 > 0:16:21in the future.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27All right? Well, I think a very good beginning to our house-hunt.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- Let's see how we get on with our next property.- Indeed.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41Cornwall's coastline stretches for over 400 miles, and is a key
0:16:41 > 0:16:45attraction for nearly 20 million visitors to the county each year.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49Artist Kirsty Elson uses reclaimed driftwood found on beaches
0:16:49 > 0:16:53to create miniatures that reflect the beauty of the Cornish coast.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58Hannah is keen to renew her artistic interest when she moves to Cornwall,
0:16:58 > 0:17:02so we've sent her and Robin to meet with Kirsty on a beach which
0:17:02 > 0:17:06inspires her work, just outside the small coastal town of Looe.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12So, Kirsty, how long have you been doing your work for?
0:17:12 > 0:17:16I went to art college a long time ago,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and I didn't really do anything with it.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22I started a family, moved down to Cornwall,
0:17:22 > 0:17:26and I started collecting things from the beach.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29I was inspired, and it all went from there.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32So, all of your materials are reclaimed.
0:17:32 > 0:17:33What's the reason behind that?
0:17:33 > 0:17:38I think it's quite authentic when you take materials from the beach
0:17:38 > 0:17:42and then use it to create something coastal from it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46So what are you looking for when you walk along the beach?
0:17:46 > 0:17:48I tend to go with an open mind.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50I'm not looking for anything specific.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55I think when you're working with driftwood, each piece is unique,
0:17:55 > 0:17:58so you never make the same thing twice, and it keeps you creative,
0:17:58 > 0:18:00definitely.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05Once she's collected her driftwood, Kirsty takes it home to dry.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08It's then cut and shaped before being painted.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12She's invited Hannah and Robin back to her studio to see how her work
0:18:12 > 0:18:13has come together.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19We've got some, sort of, blocks, and then some roof-shaped ones,
0:18:19 > 0:18:24and I thought we might have a go at making a house together.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27All right. So where did that idea come from?
0:18:27 > 0:18:32The first one I made, I found a block and it was house-shaped.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36It had a slanting roof, and it just came to me.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40I came home and put a bit of slate on for the roof and secured it with
0:18:40 > 0:18:44a couple of nails that served as chimneys as well.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48So, do you work from memory, from photographs, or how does it work?
0:18:48 > 0:18:52They're not really based on anywhere specific,
0:18:52 > 0:18:57although I might take inspiration from several places.
0:18:57 > 0:18:58I don't work from photographs at all.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03So we've been to the beach, hopefully you've been inspired.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05I've got some treasure here for you.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Have a play. I'm going to go and put the kettle on.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- See what you can come up with. - OK.- OK, thank you.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16After hearing how Kirsty makes her charming coastal artworks,
0:19:16 > 0:19:19it's time for Hannah and Robin to see if Cornwall will stimulate their
0:19:19 > 0:19:21inner creativity.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23So, Robin, what do you want to make?
0:19:23 > 0:19:27Well, the blocks lend themselves to house shapes.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30The roof piece doesn't need painting.
0:19:30 > 0:19:34- It's also a nice texture already. - Would you like this colour?
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Yeah. That's a sort of stone colour.- That's right, yeah.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39This wood is really, really lovely.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43It reminded me about, you know,
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Japanese, Vietnamese or Chinese art.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51They very often use natural material, yes.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55I'd love if I move to the country in Cornwall, I could be
0:19:55 > 0:19:59trying to create something like this.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- What do you think, Robin?- Yes.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Looks like a house, kind of a cottage.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09- How have you guys got on? Did you have fun?- Yes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Yes, yeah.- Look, you've got your own little village.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14Hopefully you'll find something bigger than that when you move to
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Cornwall.- Thank you. - LAUGHTER
0:20:22 > 0:20:26Our property search continues in the village of Ashwater, just over
0:20:26 > 0:20:28the Cornish County border into Devon.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31The village of the Halwill Junction is 3.5 miles away,
0:20:31 > 0:20:35and offers a shop along with other local amenities.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38It developed around an important railway interchange.
0:20:39 > 0:20:43Though the station and the rail routes that served it closed in 1963,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46its memory endures in the name of the local pub.
0:20:47 > 0:20:52Back in Ashwater, I've got high hopes for this attractive stone
0:20:52 > 0:20:57property, an exterior look I know they will love.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00I don't know whether you noticed, but we've actually crossed the border.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03But we've brought you here to show you this next property.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Lovely!
0:21:05 > 0:21:07You can probably spot it is a converted barn.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- Oh, really?- But if I can just bring your eye to this building here,
0:21:11 > 0:21:13because this is the holiday let.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- Looks lovely.- Fine.- Yeah.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20So, shall we start with the main house or the holiday let?
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- What do you think, Robin?- Why don't we get started with the holiday let?
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Yeah.- Excellent. Come on.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30An income stream is clearly a priority, so I hope it delivers.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34Right, well, here is the holiday let accommodation.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It looks lovely. Very cosy. - Lovely character.
0:21:37 > 0:21:38Yes, and a lot of character.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- No need to change anything in here. - So you've got your wood burner.
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- Yeah.- It's a big kitchen, actually. It's not huge, but it's big enough.
0:21:45 > 0:21:47- Yeah.- Courtyard leading outside,
0:21:47 > 0:21:50so they have their own private space, and so do you.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Mezzanine floor upstairs,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55which would easily get a double bed.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58In actual fact, you've got a bedroom down there and a family bathroom.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Oh.- So we like this?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Let's see what you make of your property.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Hannah and Robin seem happy with the substantial holiday let,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12and I'm hoping they feel the same way about the barn conversion.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17It dates from the early 1820s, and was converted around 25 years ago.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23So let's start off in our sitting room.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27It's small, but it's nice.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Yeah.- Nice fireplace. - I like the fireplace.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- So, you're right, it isn't huge. - Hmm.
0:22:32 > 0:22:36From the outside, the house looks rather large, doesn't it?
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- Yes, yeah.- So I think I'm going to have to manage your expectations
0:22:40 > 0:22:43downstairs, perhaps. Right, let's try the kitchen.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46Slightly muted responses, so I hope the kitchen-diner
0:22:46 > 0:22:50on the other side of the hall gets better reactions.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Let's continue through into our kitchen/dining room.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56More of an L-shape, actually, than a square,
0:22:56 > 0:22:58because you've actually got a utility room there,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01with a downstairs cloakroom and access outside.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- Right. I like the window. - You like the leaded glass, do you?
0:23:04 > 0:23:06Yes, yeah.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11- It's slightly small for us, isn't it?- Possibly, yeah.- Yeah, small for us, yeah.- It could certainly do with
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- a little bit of brightening up. - Yeah.- It's not blowing you away, is it?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16- Come on, I know you're being polite. - Not so far.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18OK. Let's see how we get on upstairs.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24On the first floor, there are a total of three spacious bedrooms,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27one of which is currently used for storage,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29as well as a family bathroom,
0:23:29 > 0:23:32but we're heading to the third one for them to consider.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35I'm going to call this the master bedroom,
0:23:35 > 0:23:37really mainly because of the views.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40So again we've got the beams over the windows.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- Yeah.- I think it looks cosy, it looks nice.- Yeah.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45We have a really big bed.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Oh, do you?- Yeah.- Super king, yeah.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52Som super king in here, really not much room for anything else.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Yeah.- This is only a personal thought, but I would transform one
0:23:54 > 0:23:57of those bedrooms into a dressing room and then
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- have another one as the guest at the end.- Right.- But, you know, it does,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I think, need a little bit of tweaking.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05And, well, we'll head outside, take a look at some of those views,
0:24:05 > 0:24:07and then obviously we're going to talk money, too.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11- Yeah.- Robin, if you wouldn't mind leading us back out? Thank you.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17The house is set in generous gardens and has a secluded rear patio.
0:24:17 > 0:24:22If they wanted more, there's the option of buying 2.5 extra acres,
0:24:22 > 0:24:24with stables just a short walk from the property.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Are we going to be under, on or over your budget?
0:24:29 > 0:24:32I'm thinking it might have sneaked slightly over.
0:24:32 > 0:24:33460?
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I think it could be...
0:24:36 > 0:24:39435,000.
0:24:39 > 0:24:45The asking price for everything is £475,000.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Right! Yeah. OK.
0:24:47 > 0:24:51Now, the owner is aware of your budget,
0:24:51 > 0:24:56and is happy to have a conversation for anything over £450,000.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Oh, right. Yeah.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02So, can I add something into the mix here?
0:25:02 > 0:25:05- Yeah.- If you wanted to buy
0:25:05 > 0:25:10the acreage separately, it would be sold for £40,000.
0:25:10 > 0:25:11Oh!
0:25:11 > 0:25:13So if you do want it,
0:25:13 > 0:25:16you could actually buy the house for £435,000.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18- I see.- So it does... - Makes a difference.- Yeah.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21It does add an awful lot on.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24It makes you think, what actually is it you want with this move?
0:25:24 > 0:25:26Have another look around.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- OK.- And yeah, if you've got any questions, ask me at the end.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33- All right.- Thank you.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38It is really interesting, because, you know, that land isn't attached
0:25:38 > 0:25:42to the house, but having a price tag of £40,000,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45it really puts things into perspective for me, that...
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Do they really need three acres of land?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Or is it what they want is a large garden,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54a beautiful home with a holiday let on the side?
0:25:56 > 0:26:00Priced at £15,000 under their budget,
0:26:00 > 0:26:04this five-bedroom stone barn conversion delivers generously,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06and leaves the money to add their decorative mark
0:26:06 > 0:26:08to the kitchen/diner.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11The impressive self-contained annexe fulfils the brief on their holiday
0:26:11 > 0:26:15let aspirations. It also comes with extensive gardens.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18However, if they wanted an extra 2.5 acres,
0:26:18 > 0:26:23it's possible to purchase for a further £40,000.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25The house is... It's nice when you come inside.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29It's quite a homely feeling. Perhaps a bit more compact than you'd think
0:26:29 > 0:26:31from looking outside the house.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I don't see myself come live in big property.
0:26:34 > 0:26:38However, I have big family in the future,
0:26:38 > 0:26:43and I see that's why it's a little bit small for us.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47Yeah, I think today has taught us a lot about the market in this
0:26:47 > 0:26:52particular area. It's perhaps higher than we anticipated when we started
0:26:52 > 0:26:54our search.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58I'm not sure if we've entirely cracked this house-hunt yet,
0:26:58 > 0:27:00but I think we're getting close.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03And of course I've got something else lined up to show you tomorrow.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Yeah.- Sounds interesting.- Shall we hit the road?- Yes.- Why not?
0:27:17 > 0:27:20It's the second day of our house search in Cornwall,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23with Croydon couple Robin and Hannah.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27So far it's been quite a challenge to meet their property expectations
0:27:27 > 0:27:30on their £450,000 budget.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35Coming up, our Mystery House is stylish and functional...
0:27:35 > 0:27:37- Practical.- Yeah.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- For our dogs?- Yeah, we can bring them in this way. This is easy to clean, the old muddy paw prints.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43Definitely.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47..and my heart is stolen by some new arrivals.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Aww! They are so adorable.
0:27:52 > 0:27:56Although Robin and Hannah have a good budget for this move
0:27:56 > 0:28:00to Cornwall, they're also asking a lot from it, too.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02In theory, not one but two homes,
0:28:02 > 0:28:06if you include the holiday let, and a few acres of land.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Now, we managed to show them exactly that yesterday,
0:28:10 > 0:28:14but, sadly, neither house really hit the spot.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18Today we're going to show them a property with additional income.
0:28:18 > 0:28:22We've got the land, but it is lacking in space.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26However, it has two magic words attached to it:
0:28:26 > 0:28:28Planning permission.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31So let's see if the Mystery House can really deliver.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37Our mystery property takes us to the village of Lawhitton,
0:28:37 > 0:28:40two miles away from the market town of Launceston.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44The parish church features various periods
0:28:44 > 0:28:46of English Gothic architecture.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50It dates from the 13th century, but was restored in the 19th.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54The village lies just across the border from Devon,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and the Mystery House can be seen from the River Tamar,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00tucked away in a glorious woodland setting.
0:29:01 > 0:29:06Right, our final property. Can I reveal...the Mystery House?
0:29:06 > 0:29:08- Yeah.- It's certainly got some character, yeah.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11Really nice, in a beautiful setting.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Well, this actually is a converted chapel, so not a barn today.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19The chapel was built around 1850, for the local tin miners,
0:29:19 > 0:29:21converted in the 1980s,
0:29:21 > 0:29:24but to me it looks like a proper Cornish home.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26Yeah, it looks more like a house.
0:29:26 > 0:29:31Now, as it is the Mystery House, there's always a curve ball around,
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- isn't there?- Yeah.- At the moment, you could live in it.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35It's absolutely fine.
0:29:35 > 0:29:39But it might not necessarily have the space that you're seeking.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42Next-door you've got a garage, as you can see.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Planning permission has already been granted,
0:29:44 > 0:29:47so you've got three years left on that, to extend, to go up.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49So you could actually build and have a double bedroom up there,
0:29:49 > 0:29:51should you want it.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- Quite substantial then, if you did all that.- Absolutely.
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- So shall we start our final tour? - Yes, why not? - CHUCKLING
0:30:00 > 0:30:04Although the Mystery House has a traditional stone exterior,
0:30:04 > 0:30:07the interior has been tastefully reconfigured for
0:30:07 > 0:30:08modern country living.
0:30:10 > 0:30:12- So, from the front door, you've got a hallway...- Yeah.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16..which leads us into the sitting room.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18I like the floor.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21- That's probably original, I would say.- Yes, yeah.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24What about it being open-plan? How do you feel about that?
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- Perfect.- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah. Little dining area.
0:30:26 > 0:30:28Can you see the unusual door there?
0:30:28 > 0:30:31That would have been the back door to the chapel.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- We believe that's the original. - Oh, that... Oh, lovely!
0:30:34 > 0:30:36Yeah. Leads out into a courtyard.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38My thinking would be, if you were going to extend into the garage
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- next-door, rather than going through the kitchen...- Right.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45- ..you could actually use that as the access point.- Oh!
0:30:45 > 0:30:48For the link tunnel across, yeah, into the...
0:30:48 > 0:30:51It looks really a very good kitchen.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54It's such an important room in the house, I feel.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56It's certainly light and bright.
0:30:56 > 0:30:58It's nice to see the white units, instead of dark wood again.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- I'm so with you on that. - The colour, I like it.
0:31:01 > 0:31:06The colour of the unit and the floor colour, it goes together.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10- Practical?- Yeah. For our dogs.- Yeah, we could bring them in this way.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12This is easy to clean. The old muddy paw prints.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Definitely. So you wouldn't change anything, Robin, in this kitchen?
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Not in this kitchen, no. No need to. - Good. That's always a great start.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Right, let's see what you make of upstairs.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26A doorway leads from the sitting room to a downstairs
0:31:26 > 0:31:27family bathroom.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Then stairs give access to two guest bedrooms up on the first floor,
0:31:33 > 0:31:35as well as the master bedroom.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Just mind your head as you come in.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- Yeah.- The good news is, when you get to the bedroom,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43- you can stand up straight. - Yes. Looks lovely.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45- Yeah.- I normally don't
0:31:45 > 0:31:49like, you know, the beam in the bedroom, but this looks really,
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- really nice.- Next door to this is a good-sized single.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56However... Robin, just give that a knock.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58- Stud wall.- Absolutely.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02Take that down, and I think it would transform the upstairs.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05- You like that idea?- Yeah. - Yeah. Very good.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Because there's one thing we haven't discussed as yet.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11- What could that be?- The holiday let, perhaps?- The holiday let, yes.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14There is a lodge. It's hidden, actually, amongst the trees.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- Oh!- I guess you'd like to take a look?- Yes indeed.- Oh, yeah!
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- Let's head outside. Thank you. - Thank you.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23That would be a surprise!
0:32:23 > 0:32:27I'm hoping the potential to develop the Mystery House means Hannah and
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Robin won't be put off by its smaller size.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35Its detached timber holiday let lies up a private pathway.
0:32:36 > 0:32:38It has a sitting room with a wood-burning stove,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42a contemporary kitchen-dining area overlooking the garden,
0:32:42 > 0:32:47along with two cosy double bedrooms and a stylish modern bathroom.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51It would provide them with an up-and-running income stream.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55So, this is the final part of the jigsaw - the business side.
0:32:55 > 0:32:56The holiday lodge.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Currently, it earns around £7,000 a year.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- OK.- Now, if you follow this path around...- Yeah..
0:33:03 > 0:33:05..there is a second lodge.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08The current owners use it as a dog-grooming business.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12It's got water, it's got electricity, so it could be a workshop, it could be an office.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Very good.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17And then we have...the grounds.
0:33:17 > 0:33:21- This obsession you've got with wanting...- Yes. - LAUGHTER
0:33:21 > 0:33:25I don't think Robin's ever asked me for lots of garden, but Hannah,
0:33:25 > 0:33:26- you definitely have.- Yeah.
0:33:26 > 0:33:29- Now, it's landscaped at the moment, and it's terraced.- Right.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31You've got over an acre here.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34I mean, it is incredible woodland.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- But it's in an orchard...- Yeah, OK. - ..and it's not a football pitch.
0:33:37 > 0:33:42- All right.- But you could do something very creative, couldn't you, with that area?- Yeah.
0:33:42 > 0:33:44Yeah, I can see that, yeah.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48We've now got to try and put a price on everything.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51Why do we think this house is on the market for?
0:33:51 > 0:33:54I would think slightly over budget at 470,000?
0:33:54 > 0:33:57I would like to go to 450.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00£450,000, which is the top of your budget.
0:34:00 > 0:34:06- Yeah.- The asking price is for offers over £450,000.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Right!
0:34:08 > 0:34:10What does that say to you, that price?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- Does it make it appealing? - It does, for what you get.- Yes, yes.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- Yeah.- Why don't you have a wander round, starting with that lodge?
0:34:17 > 0:34:19- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24Although the mystery chapel conversion is on the market for
0:34:24 > 0:34:30offers above £450,000, it is a substantial proposition.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32The main house features a cosy living room,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34adjoining a well-equipped modern kitchen,
0:34:34 > 0:34:37and there is existing planning permission in place
0:34:37 > 0:34:41to extend the house. What's more, there's one holiday cabin,
0:34:41 > 0:34:45giving them a ready-made income, and another with potential,
0:34:45 > 0:34:48and it's all wrapped up in an acre of gardens and woodlands.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55- Wow. This is a good size, isn't it? - Yes, yeah.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- Lovely living room. - Great kitchen.- Big kitchen.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Yes, yeah. And they have a dining room over there as well.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- That is really good for renting. - Yeah.- Yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07Yeah, I think this house is a strong contender.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09There's a few things we need to talk through, to discuss,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12but it's a strong possibility, I believe.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15The downstairs...I love it.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20Upstairs, we need to see how we can make it work for us.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24Yeah. I think the budget that we set you for the requirements that we had
0:35:24 > 0:35:28was a tough one. I think trying to get all of those elements that we
0:35:28 > 0:35:31required was perhaps impossible at that price point,
0:35:31 > 0:35:35but this is an excellent try at that.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37What do you think of the grounds?
0:35:37 > 0:35:39I think it is quite a big land for us.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41What about the slope? Bit of a problem, or...
0:35:41 > 0:35:45- just careful planting?- Yeah, could be careful planting.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Hello. I'm eavesdropping.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50I can hear you discussing the grounds, which I think could be a
0:35:50 > 0:35:54good sign, what you could do with this garden, but I am going to have to drag you away.
0:35:54 > 0:35:56- OK.- Our final property.
0:35:56 > 0:35:58Decisions need to be made.
0:35:58 > 0:36:01So, shall we hit the road and then we can have a proper chat?
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- OK.- Sounds like a plan. - All right, yeah.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13More and more of us are concerned about the provenance of our food,
0:36:13 > 0:36:16where it comes from, and how it's produced.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Across the country, the Government has established
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Food Enterprise Zones, making it easier for food-focused
0:36:22 > 0:36:26entrepreneurs to fulfil their farming ambitions.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30Richard and Fiona Harding left financial careers in London to give
0:36:30 > 0:36:32their children a rural quality of life,
0:36:32 > 0:36:36and to convert their passion for food into farming traditional
0:36:36 > 0:36:39breeds, raised ethically and sustainably.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44At Norton Barton Farm, they've established an artisan food village,
0:36:44 > 0:36:45and I've come to meet them,
0:36:45 > 0:36:49to learn more about the village and the Food Enterprise Zones.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52So, here we are on your farm,
0:36:52 > 0:36:56and you're part of this exciting new project, this Food Enterprise Zone.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58What does that mean, exactly?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Well, for us, it means an artisan food village.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05For other people in other areas, it could mean new dairies or
0:37:05 > 0:37:09diversifications on their farm that allow them
0:37:09 > 0:37:11to have greater sustainability.
0:37:11 > 0:37:15Food Enterprise Zones provide grants of up to £50,000 to develop
0:37:15 > 0:37:17high-quality regional produce,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20and they make it easier for businesses to expand.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23So, what's the story? How did you get involved?
0:37:23 > 0:37:26We wanted to make a better life for our children.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29We've got four children, and the first one was quite poorly,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and it just made us reassess our lives as bankers.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34Do I take it you were living in London, then?
0:37:34 > 0:37:37- Islington, at the time.- Ah!
0:37:37 > 0:37:40- OK.- So, we decided we would move to Cornwall.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43And did you have any experience at all in farming?
0:37:43 > 0:37:45- No.- Yes, we listened to The Archers. - HE CHUCKLES
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- And that was it?- That's it.- So, what happened in those early days?
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Well, I'd come in from the office, and I'd listen to The Archers,
0:37:52 > 0:37:56and they'd be saying, "Oh, you should be silaging."
0:37:56 > 0:37:58So I'd ring up a local farmer and say, "Philip, should we be silaging?"
0:37:58 > 0:38:01And he'd go, "No, boy, leave it a couple of weeks."
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Sort of, Philip, "What is silaging?" And so we learned.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Richard and Fiona produce charcuterie,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10but they hope that their status as a Food Enterprise Zone will make
0:38:10 > 0:38:14Norton Barton a magnet for other small farmers.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18We're hoping to build a collection of artisan producers,
0:38:18 > 0:38:22bring them all together in one area so that we can share expertise,
0:38:22 > 0:38:26we can share our experience, we can, we can share highs and lows.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29So, tell me, how do you share the responsibilities?
0:38:29 > 0:38:32Well, I handle the business aspects.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34And I do the livestock. In fact, we've just had some piglets.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Would you like to come and see them? - I would love to!
0:38:37 > 0:38:40I'm looking forward to this.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Richard and Fiona farm a variety of animals, including ducks and cattle,
0:38:44 > 0:38:47but they focus on breeds of pig that are local to Cornwall.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Who do we have here? Aww, look at them!
0:38:52 > 0:38:54They are so adorable.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56So, what breed are these pigs?
0:38:56 > 0:38:58This particular one is a Berkshire-Cornish Lop cross,
0:38:58 > 0:39:01but the one in here is actually a purebred Cornish Lop.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04I can tell, Fiona, that you are really hands-on with this farm.
0:39:04 > 0:39:07It is a labour of love. I mean, you're still running it as a business,
0:39:07 > 0:39:09but what difference does that mean?
0:39:09 > 0:39:12We want to make sure that the life they live is a good life.
0:39:12 > 0:39:16So we have an organic farm, we rear them to organic principles.
0:39:16 > 0:39:18They should have access to the outdoors.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19We have an open house policy.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22If people come here and they want to see the pigs, they're very welcome.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25We always let people see that we do what we say we do.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Yeah.- Because I think that's really important.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30But why don't you go and have a look at Richard in the farm shop?
0:39:30 > 0:39:32Thank you.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35The shop is where I'll get a taste of other local delicacies from
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Richard's expanding artisan food village.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Well, it looks impressive. Is this all locally produced?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44Yes, everything here we produce on the farm,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46and that's the salami you're trying.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48So that's a quintessential Cornish salami.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51It's made with seaweed that's harvested off the Falmouth coast,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53and cider that we have on the farm here.
0:39:55 > 0:39:59Mmm. That's really good. How many local producers do you have here?
0:39:59 > 0:40:01At the moment, there are five of us producing.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05There's the cheese, the salamis, the chorizos,
0:40:05 > 0:40:07the biscuits are made here,
0:40:07 > 0:40:10cider will be made here, and we've got a still,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13so we're going to start making rum and apple brandy.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15For you, what is the vision? What does the future hold?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17We're going to have a chocolatier here.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19We're going to have a bakery here.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21We'll have a butchery here.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24We would like a producer that's making cakes to come and join us.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28Coffee roasting, educational centre.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- Let's toast that, then. To the future.- Thank you.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33And I hope I'm invited back to see all this good work happening.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Oh, yes. Please come and visit us again.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37- Well done to you.- Thank you. - And the team.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- Mmm. That's definitely worth coming back for.- Brilliant. - LAUGHTER
0:40:47 > 0:40:51Well, today's Mystery House certainly got a better reaction than
0:40:51 > 0:40:56the previous two we showed them yesterday, but has it done enough?
0:40:56 > 0:40:59I'm not so sure. Time to have a chat with Hannah and Robin and see what
0:40:59 > 0:41:01they've got to say.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10Well, Hannah and Robin, I wonder,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12how have we got on these last few days?
0:41:12 > 0:41:16Yeah, you've shown us some wonderful properties.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18It been an education as well, I think, for us.
0:41:18 > 0:41:20What have you learned?
0:41:20 > 0:41:24Perhaps that our...we need to revisit the budget, and perhaps
0:41:24 > 0:41:28reduce the parameters on the size of land, so we don't have to compromise
0:41:28 > 0:41:30on the other bits that we wanted.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33Now, there was one house that I think you liked more than the others.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35Yeah, for me, my favourite was the Mystery House.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39It could have been made better with some work on our behalf.
0:41:39 > 0:41:45Yeah, I think that house is close to what we want,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49but again, the land, it just sits there, it does nothing for us,
0:41:49 > 0:41:50because it's on the slope.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53- Quite a steep slope.- Yeah, I can't change that.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56You know, I hope all the properties that we showed you have helped
0:41:56 > 0:42:00inspire you with this move and given you a taste of perhaps what you can
0:42:00 > 0:42:04get when you finally move to this beautiful part of the world.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07So, all the best. I take it you're going to keep looking?
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- Oh, indeed. Indeed.- Yeah. - Get the old calculator out,
0:42:10 > 0:42:12- rework the sums. - Crunch some numbers.
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- Have a word about the garden.- Yeah. - LAUGHTER
0:42:17 > 0:42:19And, well, I hope it all goes well,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22and fingers crossed you do find what you're looking for.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23Thank you very much, Nicki.
0:42:28 > 0:42:29I think you'll agree,
0:42:29 > 0:42:33this has been a rather ambitious house hunt over the last few days in
0:42:33 > 0:42:38Cornwall, but I feel that Robin and Hannah now realise that,
0:42:38 > 0:42:40in order to achieve their dream,
0:42:40 > 0:42:43they're going to either have to compromise on the land,
0:42:43 > 0:42:46something that Hannah wants so desperately,
0:42:46 > 0:42:50or to crunch the numbers and up their budget.
0:42:50 > 0:42:51Whatever they decide,
0:42:51 > 0:42:55we wish them all the very best with their continued search,
0:42:55 > 0:42:58and I'll see you again soon on Escape To The Country.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04If you would like to escape to the country in England, Wales,
0:43:04 > 0:43:06Northern Ireland or Scotland,
0:43:06 > 0:43:10and need our help, you can apply online at...