0:00:00 > 0:00:02This brooding landscape was once described
0:00:02 > 0:00:05by a famous fictional doctor with these words,
0:00:05 > 0:00:07"The longer one stays here,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11"the more does the spirit of the moor descend on one's soul,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14"its vastness and its grim charm."
0:00:15 > 0:00:19I'll solve the mystery of who he was and where I am in just a moment.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42On today's show, our enticing selection of homes gets our buyers
0:00:42 > 0:00:44increasingly excited.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- Stunning.- Incredible.
0:00:49 > 0:00:50I love it.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Brilliant.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54Everything's brilliant.
0:00:54 > 0:00:56That is amazing.
0:00:56 > 0:00:58We're putting an offer in, and that's it.
0:01:01 > 0:01:05Today I'm in south Devon, and this is the Dartmoor National Park,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09whose barren beauty was immortalised by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in his
0:01:09 > 0:01:12story The Hound Of The Baskervilles,
0:01:12 > 0:01:16in a telegram that Dr Watson sent to Sherlock Holmes.
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Conan Doyle came here in 1901,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22and wove local legends of demonic dogs and malevolent men
0:01:22 > 0:01:26into his work, as well as several famous local landmarks.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29And it's said that he walked for hours every day to find chilling
0:01:29 > 0:01:31locations for his story.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34And as you can see, the place still has lots of drama.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38One of the largest counties in England,
0:01:38 > 0:01:42Devon stretches coast-to-coast across the southwestern peninsula.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46Spanning 368 square miles,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49the wild terrain of Dartmoor National Park
0:01:49 > 0:01:53is home to a native pony breed and many discrete settlements.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58The hamlet of Dartmeet features an ancient stone bridge called a clapper at the
0:01:58 > 0:02:01confluence of the East and West Dart rivers.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07One river that winds its way down from Dartmoor to the sea is the Teign.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09At some 30 miles long,
0:02:09 > 0:02:13it becomes an estuary before reaching the historic port of Teignmouth.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15And when it comes to water quality,
0:02:15 > 0:02:19the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is renowned for its
0:02:19 > 0:02:22clean sea water and beaches.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26Coastal towns include the uber-fashionable Salcombe,
0:02:26 > 0:02:28with eye-watering property prices,
0:02:28 > 0:02:31and the attractive naval base of Dartmouth,
0:02:31 > 0:02:33where a colourful array of merchants' houses
0:02:33 > 0:02:35and cottages line the harbour.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Devon is a land of contrasts,
0:02:38 > 0:02:42whose variety not only fuels its ever-popular tourist trade,
0:02:42 > 0:02:46but also satisfies those lucky enough to call the county home.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Buying property in Devon is an expensive affair.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55The average price for a detached house here in the county
0:02:55 > 0:02:59is just a tad over £350,000, which is £25,000 more
0:02:59 > 0:03:01than the national figure.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04And if you want a seaside residence in towns
0:03:04 > 0:03:08like Croyde on the north coast, or Salcombe down south,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10then you're going to pay 70% more
0:03:10 > 0:03:14than for a similar property just one mile inland.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17That's a good tip worth knowing as we meet our house-buyers today.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22After notching up nearly four decades of married life,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26teacher Denise and mechanical engineer Vince are after a change.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28Not from one another,
0:03:28 > 0:03:32but from their home in Staffordshire on the outskirts of Burton-on-Trent.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35So, having recently retired on the very same day,
0:03:35 > 0:03:39they're now focused on a brand-new chapter in the West Country.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43We've been married for 37 years, 38 years in November.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46So the time's just flown.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49Ups and downs, obviously, as with any marriage,
0:03:49 > 0:03:53but a sense of humour sees us through, and we like to be together.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57It's our time now when we thought, "Well, we'll bite the bullet."
0:03:57 > 0:03:58We want to go down Devon.
0:03:58 > 0:04:04We want to get settled for the rest of our autumnal years, if you like.
0:04:05 > 0:04:10Vince and Denise have lived in their detached redbrick home for 27 years,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13working locally and raising two children.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15But Jack and Hannah are both adults now,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19and it's the distance from Hannah that's spurring the idea of moving.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23Where we'd like to go is in South Devon.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25Our daughter's already down there.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28She's been down there for eight years.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30We've toured the area quite a bit.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32I love Dartmoor. The different seasons suit me a lot.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I'm an autumn person. Denise is a spring person.
0:04:35 > 0:04:36- I think you'd...- Summer.- Summer, sorry.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41They're both hopeful that a different location,
0:04:41 > 0:04:42and the change of scenery,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46will spark new opportunities to get out and about.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49It'd be nice to go for cycle rides or even a motorbike ride
0:04:49 > 0:04:53across Dartmoor, and be in striking distance of the beaches.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56We'll enjoy the countryside more.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59We both like walking. We like cycling.
0:04:59 > 0:05:02So we'll do more outdoor activities.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04I like being in the garden.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07I like having the time now since we've finished work,
0:05:07 > 0:05:09so I have my garden projects.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Vince will do the labouring,
0:05:11 > 0:05:16and he'll move all the slabs and dig the area,
0:05:16 > 0:05:19and then I just do all the pretty bits.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22And Vince has plenty of projects of his own,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25so an outbuilding or garage will be essential.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27I love repairing things.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Even if they don't need repairing, I want to know how they work.
0:05:30 > 0:05:32I've always done that. It's just in your blood.
0:05:32 > 0:05:38And I started buying odd motorbikes and restoring them.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42There's nothing more an enjoyable than getting something to work again.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44He hoards so much stuff.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46It's collectable! They're investments.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48That's his domain.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49That's his environment.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51I don't like to go in there.
0:05:52 > 0:05:53He can...
0:05:53 > 0:05:55He can keep his garage.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58Despite some small differences in opinion,
0:05:58 > 0:06:00both Denise and Vince are very much united
0:06:00 > 0:06:03by the expectations for their future in Devon.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07I've always wanted to be in charge of my own destiny a bit,
0:06:07 > 0:06:11and you get into a bit of a rut going to the same sort of jobs every day.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14It's like a new chapter in our lives.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17New house, new location.
0:06:17 > 0:06:19A complete life change.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Mindful that property prices in Devon are significantly cheaper
0:06:29 > 0:06:33away from the coast, we're going to concentrate our search inland,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36near to Dartmoor National Park and within easy access of Exeter for
0:06:36 > 0:06:39visiting family and friends.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42Time for me to meet up with Vince and Denise
0:06:42 > 0:06:45to finalise all the details of this South Devon escape.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50Welcome, guys. Welcome to a beautiful, sunny South Devon.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52And so it's been a long time since you moved.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55Are you good at moving? Are you good at spotting a house and going,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- "This is the one", or...? - It'll be a bit of a shock, a bit of a challenge.
0:06:58 > 0:06:59- We like a challenge.- Yeah.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01We're ready for a challenge.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04And what sort of property are you looking for, what style?
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- Old or new?- We've looked at a mixture.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08We've looked at cottages.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10We've looked at properties very modern.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13So we're quite open, really, in the design, you know,
0:07:13 > 0:07:17and then we can sort of put our own stamp on it, really.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19And in terms of very basic things, I mean,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21how many bedrooms are you looking for?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24Maximum four, ideally three, so, you know,
0:07:24 > 0:07:26people can come and stay with us.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30But if it's a cosy cottage with two, then that would be fine.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- Pretty flexible, to be honest. - You're so flexible.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Yeah, we are.- What else are you looking for in the property in Devon?
0:07:35 > 0:07:39The view. That's probably the main thing.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42And some space around that, you know,
0:07:42 > 0:07:46we haven't got immediate neighbours that we've got to consider,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48and our own space.
0:07:48 > 0:07:49So you want views like this?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52That would be absolutely beautiful.
0:07:52 > 0:07:53Remind us again of your budget.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56How much are we playing with this week?
0:07:56 > 0:07:58Don't look at me!
0:07:58 > 0:08:01Um... Well, being realistic,
0:08:01 > 0:08:06between £450,000 to £540,000
0:08:06 > 0:08:11should, you know, get something that ticks all the boxes for us.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Well, we've got three lovely properties lined up.
0:08:13 > 0:08:14- OK.- So, no time like the present.
0:08:14 > 0:08:19- Shall we go and see them?- Yes, absolutely.- Right.- Come with me.
0:08:19 > 0:08:23For a top budget of £540,000,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25we are on the hunt for a detached country home
0:08:25 > 0:08:29with at least two bedrooms, two reception rooms,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33a garage for Vince, and a lovely wraparound garden for Denise.
0:08:33 > 0:08:37They'd like the property to have views in a quiet village location.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41And we've got some great options to present our couple,
0:08:41 > 0:08:44but I won't be revealing the prices until the end of each tour.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Our final choice is the mystery house,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53which will throw an unexpected element of sharing into the mix.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56So, without further ado, let's get the house search under way.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02We're starting our property hunt in the village of Bridford,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04on the eastern edge of Dartmoor.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Twinned with a French village in Normandy,
0:09:07 > 0:09:12Bridford is the perfect destination for peace and quiet.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16Enveloped by countryside, there are less than 500 residents,
0:09:16 > 0:09:19who benefit from a church and a traditional 17th-century pub.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Stone and whitewashed homes are found throughout the village,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27and a mixture of both was used in the construction of the first house
0:09:27 > 0:09:30we're seeing, which sits high above the valley.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Wow.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35Look at that view.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37- Here we are.- Amazing.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Now, you wanted a view.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Well, this is a view.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43Absolutely incredible.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46So, this is the Teign Valley, so it goes all the way down to Teignmouth.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Yes.- And this is the property, and it goes back to the 1600s,
0:09:49 > 0:09:51a stone-built Devon cottage.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54But then also the modern solar panels,
0:09:54 > 0:09:56that brings in about £2,000 worth of income.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Really?- That's put a smile on my face.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02What are your first impressions of the outside of the property?
0:10:02 > 0:10:04Um...
0:10:04 > 0:10:05Not quite sure yet.
0:10:05 > 0:10:06Seems a bit...
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Higgledy-piggledy.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12So this is a house that you're going to want to kind of make your own.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14It's old bones but new body.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17Let's have a look inside.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21There are clearly some reservations from Denise
0:10:21 > 0:10:23about the property's mix of styles.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27And indeed, it's believed that the home started life
0:10:27 > 0:10:29as a pair of miners' cottages.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31There are even two front doors,
0:10:31 > 0:10:34and we're taking the one that leads directly
0:10:34 > 0:10:35into the main reception room.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41So, straight into the cottage.
0:10:41 > 0:10:42- Oh, this is lovely.- Wow.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46I like the fireplace, it's massive, isn't it? I like that.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48So, here we're in the old heart of the house.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50You've got this fantastic stone staircase.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Oh, wow.- And then you've got a proper inglenook fireplace.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56A little bread oven at the back.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59And the beams as well, so quite low beams, but...
0:10:59 > 0:11:03Well, I don't have any problem with that!
0:11:03 > 0:11:04- What you think?- Yeah, very nice.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- It is, yeah.- Very in keeping with the age of the property.
0:11:07 > 0:11:10It's really quaint.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Coming straight into the living room from outside
0:11:12 > 0:11:15is something we're not used to, so that's different for us.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19I don't know whether I can get used to that or not.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22The sitting room lies on the right side of the cottage.
0:11:23 > 0:11:27But the left side could be used as a separate self-contained wing,
0:11:27 > 0:11:31as it benefits from its own external access.
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Over here, there are two bedrooms,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35one of which has an en-suite shower room,
0:11:35 > 0:11:38so it could make a private wing for visiting guests.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44Back on the other side, we're making our way to the heart of the home.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Let's poke our head in the kitchen.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50So, country house kitchen, quite sort of compact.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Wooden tops and Belfast sink.
0:11:52 > 0:11:53And the range cooker.
0:11:55 > 0:11:56- Very nice.- Nice to have a range cooker.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- Yeah.- I like the features of these two windows here.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03And you're going to get the sunlight through, as well.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05You can imagine having breakfast there.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08It's a great big thick wall, as you can see, so it keeps it nice and snug.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10But it is a kind of cottage, so I suppose it brings the question of,
0:12:10 > 0:12:12are you planning on downsizing?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15It's counterintuitive, but we want to do more, and upsize,
0:12:15 > 0:12:19as opposed to the common view that we'd downsize and do less.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21So this is perhaps a little bit too compact for you?
0:12:21 > 0:12:22I think so. Yeah.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- But let's look upstairs, because there's a lot of space upstairs.- OK.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Vince and Denise would be wise not to write off this historic cottage
0:12:31 > 0:12:34just yet, as there's lots of space to be found
0:12:34 > 0:12:38up the flagstone staircase in the master suite.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40It's really like climbing up history.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- And then you come into this giant bedroom.- Wow.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- This is lovely.- It's a nice high ceiling, as well.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- It's a big size, isn't it? - Beautiful.- And it goes right the way through?
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Oh, my goodness.- Yeah, so there's another bedroom,
0:12:52 > 0:12:56and that would probably be a sort of study, sort of snug area, I imagine.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- It's good, that is, I like that. - Really nice.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02And then you've got a gigantic ensuite bathroom,
0:13:02 > 0:13:03which is really huge.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05Lovely wooden floorboards.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07And this wonderful kind of balcony.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- It's beautiful.- Back to the view again, isn't it? - So you can have your morning coffee.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- Looking out over the valley. - That's perfect, yeah.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16There's... There's a lot of features I really like.
0:13:16 > 0:13:20If you really wanted somewhere rustic with lots of character, this is it.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22It might be a step too far for me.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24It's a different style of living, for sure.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- It certainly is. It certainly is. - Yeah.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30We will give you time to explore again,
0:13:30 > 0:13:33but I do want to show you the garden, particularly for a gardener,
0:13:33 > 0:13:36because I got quite excited by the garden.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37- Lots of potential.- OK, lovely.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41A cottage it may be,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44but this property isn't lacking when it comes to the outside space,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48as overall it has just under two acres to offer,
0:13:48 > 0:13:51one and a half of which is woodland.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56A stone outbuilding could be ideal for Vince's projects,
0:13:56 > 0:13:58and beyond the lawned front garden,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01a gate leads to a further parcel of land.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05So, the garden's in two halves,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07and it's actually bisected by a footpath.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Oh, I see.- OK.- It's got this lovely sort of terrace area up here and a
0:14:11 > 0:14:13barbecue, greenhouse,
0:14:13 > 0:14:16and then a layered garden that goes with fruit trees.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18I keep being drawn to the view. All the time, I'm looking at the view.
0:14:18 > 0:14:23- Yes.- I guess the missing part of the puzzle is the price of the property.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27I think probably about
0:14:27 > 0:14:29410.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's got to be 400 and...
0:14:32 > 0:14:36I don't know. £70,000, perhaps?
0:14:36 > 0:14:40Well, if you split the difference, you're spot on. It's on at 450.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- Oh, right.- Right, OK.- £450,000.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44We weren't too far out, then.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46- Something to think about. - Yes, it is.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49So, why do to go and have a look,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51look at the top of the garden, look inside, and I'll come and find
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- you and we'll go on to the next one. - OK.- Brilliant, thanks a lot.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- Thanks.- Shall we go down this way first?- Yeah.- OK, then.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00You see, there's nothing like actually seeing a property
0:15:00 > 0:15:04to focus your mind on what it is you do like, and what you don't like.
0:15:04 > 0:15:05And that is a case in point.
0:15:09 > 0:15:11With a guide price of £450,000,
0:15:11 > 0:15:14the first of our line-up is a detached
0:15:14 > 0:15:1617th-century cottage that comes
0:15:16 > 0:15:19with four bedrooms, a country-style kitchen,
0:15:19 > 0:15:25beautiful rural views, and all in a 1.7 acre plot.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26The property's really well presented.
0:15:26 > 0:15:31Makes excellent use of the features that are in the building.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Reservations... I'm not used to having
0:15:33 > 0:15:37the door entering into your living space, if you like.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39It's a bit alien to me.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43I don't know whether I'd be able to cope with that over a while.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45The view is stunning. Absolutely stunning.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49And the house, although, you know, a character cottage,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51we'd like a bigger kitchen.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57But I do like the different features, love the windows in the kitchen.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00But I would definitely need more living space downstairs.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03Such a lovely, sunny garden.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05I'm itching to get my secateurs out.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- All done inside?- Yes.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Wonderful. Well, we're all done here,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12and we can move on and continue our search.
0:16:12 > 0:16:13Right, OK.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Alongside their respective pursuits of gardening and motorbike restoration,
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Denise and Vince are looking forward to spending more time together,
0:16:26 > 0:16:29particularly now that they are retired.
0:16:29 > 0:16:31With glorious countryside and coasts to hand,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35they'll be spoiled for choice when they make their move to Devon.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39And there is a brand-new activity taking the county by storm,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43one that was the brainchild of local resident Robbie Richardson,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46who wanted to create a game that could be played
0:16:46 > 0:16:49on rougher terrain like Dartmoor.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Vince and Denise have come to the beautiful grounds of an
0:16:51 > 0:16:5418th-century stately home in Chudleigh to meet him.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56- Hello.- How are you doing?- Good to meet you.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58- Pleased to meet you.- This is Ugbrooke,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00which is the home of crolf,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03which is a game I invented many years ago, 16 years ago.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05So what's crolf?
0:17:05 > 0:17:07What is crolf? Good question.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09It's a cross between croquet and golf.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13It's cross-country croquet, and the gardens here,
0:17:13 > 0:17:17designed by Capability Brown, are just right for it.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18- So are you a golfer?- No, no.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20No. One go once.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22- I'm liking you more and more. - I wasn't very good at it.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- I won't do it again.- And croquet is an evil game.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26People hit the other balls.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29There's none of that. This is a nice, fun game.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31We've got some crolfers here practising for the Open,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- so shall we go and watch them?- Yeah, definitely.- Are up for it? Come on then.- Brilliant.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40Ugbrooke House is home to the Crolf British Open,
0:17:40 > 0:17:42a championship that draws over 100 players
0:17:42 > 0:17:44and has been an annual fixture
0:17:44 > 0:17:47for more than ten years but, nationwide,
0:17:47 > 0:17:52Robbie estimates that 4,500 players have taken up his game.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55The equipment involves wooden balls
0:17:55 > 0:17:57and hammers rather than mallets,
0:17:57 > 0:18:00and the couple are joining the pros.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04So, we're going to get Denise hitting a 'hool' in one.
0:18:04 > 0:18:05- Really?- Yeah.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09But, before that, a top tip from Robbie.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11Watch my head. When I hit it...
0:18:11 > 0:18:14See how my head's still looking at the ground?
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- Right?- OK.- Most people...
0:18:18 > 0:18:20I say most people. This rabble.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Will raise their head, so watch what happens, as I raise my head,
0:18:23 > 0:18:26I hit the ball higher up and then it starts to go all over the place.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28So, as long as you're looking at the ball,
0:18:28 > 0:18:30once you've decided where it's going to go, OK,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33just keep your head down and hit straight through.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36Denise is first to have a go.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37Just keep watching that ball.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- Yes.- Good.- Straight line.
0:18:40 > 0:18:42And then Vince tests his aim.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Oh, yes!
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Scoring is rather like golf,
0:18:50 > 0:18:53and the winner is the player who makes minimum shots
0:18:53 > 0:18:57through a course of six 'hools', which are three-way metal goals,
0:18:57 > 0:18:58a cross between a hoop and a hole.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Though Vince may need a little more practice,
0:19:05 > 0:19:09no doubt he'll fare better in the construction of a crolf set.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12For just like Vince, Robbie spends considerable time
0:19:12 > 0:19:14in his workshop on Dartmoor.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17He's actually a farrier by trade,
0:19:17 > 0:19:19but makes all the kits himself by hand.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22It takes a day to craft one whole set,
0:19:22 > 0:19:24and he's already created over 1,000.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27- Did you enjoy it?- Yeah, I really enjoyed it.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29- You were good!- Yeah, really enjoyed it.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31Went where you said, because you watched the ball.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33I think you should help to build your set.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34- OK.- I'm going to show you what to do.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36So grab the glue, I'll hold this.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39- Thank you.- Screw some glue in there.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41OK. Grab the handle.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44And the taper then goes in the hole.
0:19:45 > 0:19:46- Wonderful.- Right.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50Then we're going to take that down, put that on the ground,
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- and you're going to knock seven bells out of it. - Right, any...? Does it matter...?
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Yes, don't hit your hand.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58- Keep hitting.- Harder, Denise, harder.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00Yeah.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01That's a hammer fit for Denise,
0:20:01 > 0:20:05leaving Vince to put the finishing touches to his own one.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Then they're both set to take up this new activity together.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11- Thanks a lot.- Thank you so much.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13- Good luck.- Really good, thank you.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15But first, we need to find them their own
0:20:15 > 0:20:19perfect country playground, so it's back to the house hunt.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Our next destination is Kennford,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28within the parish of Kenn and a shade closer to the coast.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34Just a mile away, the village of Kenn lies in the shadow of Holden Hills,
0:20:34 > 0:20:37with countryside and woodland walks right on the doorstep.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41There's a beautiful Grade I listed church here,
0:20:41 > 0:20:45and the country lanes are lined with attractive thatched buildings,
0:20:45 > 0:20:46including a welcoming pub.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50But, on the outskirts of the village,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54the property we're looking at is a more contemporary affair.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- It's nice.- Different, isn't it?
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- Yeah.- It's very different.
0:20:58 > 0:21:00This is from the 20th century.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02It was built in the '80s,
0:21:02 > 0:21:06so the couple who live here are the same couple who had it built.
0:21:06 > 0:21:07It's actually an architect and his wife.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09He designed it and they built it,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12and they've lived here for as long as you've lived in Staffordshire.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- Blimey.- So a lovely view, looking out over the hills,
0:21:14 > 0:21:17and then that's just the fringes of Exeter over there.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19And you can actually, on a clear day,
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- you can see the River Dart and you can also see a little glimpse of the sea.- Wow.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26So what do you think of the exterior of the property, and the feel of this one?
0:21:26 > 0:21:29Very nice. Very different.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It is different. It's all facing this way again,
0:21:32 > 0:21:33onto the magnificent views.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- Yeah.- So it'll be interesting to see, you know...
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Well, the great thing about the inside of this house is that it makes the
0:21:39 > 0:21:41most of those views in a very special way.
0:21:41 > 0:21:43- OK.- Very exciting.- Let's look!
0:21:47 > 0:21:51I think it's fair to say that the surprising exterior of this modern
0:21:51 > 0:21:55architect-designed home has definitely got Vince and Denise intrigued,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58so it's an encouraging start.
0:21:58 > 0:22:03Out here, there are two timber garages Vince could make his own.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07But I can't wait to see their reactions to the style inside.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10Come on in to this lovely space.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13- Beautiful.- This is lovely.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- Yeah.- This is more like it. - Yeah.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Where do you look first?
0:22:18 > 0:22:21- Amazing.- So, everywhere you look, as I mentioned,
0:22:21 > 0:22:23it's all about the views. It's green everywhere.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25- 360.- It's lovely.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27I love all the light and the space.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Yeah. It's very nice, very nice.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Clean, spacious.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- Yeah.- Is it the sort of space you can imagine living in?
0:22:34 > 0:22:36Yes, definitely.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37I can, yeah, definitely.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43This home is certainly not your typical Devonshire cottage.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45The layout centres on a staircase,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48around which the reception rooms flow,
0:22:48 > 0:22:52and include the open-plan areas of the main sitting room,
0:22:52 > 0:22:54as well as separate areas offering more privacy.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58So the house just winds around the central staircase.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02- Let's go and explore.- OK.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03Beyond the sitting room,
0:23:03 > 0:23:07a formal dining area utilises the full height of the property,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10with a glazed roof that fills the room with light,
0:23:10 > 0:23:13and also features patio doors to the garden.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16The kitchen is not open-plan.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19It's sort of tucked away at the other end of the house, designed, really,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21so it has the views.
0:23:21 > 0:23:22Again, it's beautifully finished.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24It's just...
0:23:24 > 0:23:26Oozes quality, doesn't it?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It's really beautifully done.
0:23:28 > 0:23:34I can imagine standing there and looking out at the wonderful view there.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Beautiful.- And then tucked on this little floor you've also got
0:23:37 > 0:23:40a little shower room and downstairs bathroom and then, across the way,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43a sort of separate sort of... It could be a bedroom,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46but they use it as a snug or a separate TV room.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Mmm.- So essentially you've got three reception rooms down here.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51Mmm. Yeah.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Brilliant. I said brilliant again.
0:23:54 > 0:23:55I keep saying it, don't I?
0:23:55 > 0:23:57It's... Yeah, I really love it.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01- Let's look at the master bedroom, because that's rather special, too. - OK.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08The wooden staircase takes us up to a galleried landing,
0:24:08 > 0:24:11off which fan the bedrooms and a family bathroom.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13There are three bedrooms up here.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17A large double is presented with twin beds,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20and a slightly smaller double benefits from windows on two sides.
0:24:24 > 0:24:25This is the master.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29Wow. This is fantastic!
0:24:29 > 0:24:33- Look at this!- That is incredible.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I'd say that's... That's perfect, I would say.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40- Yes.- You could stand in the shower, Vince, and look out on the views.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42- And storage.- Tonnes of storage, yeah.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- You're smiling.- I am...
0:24:44 > 0:24:46- Big smile.- Big smile on my face.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Light and spacious.
0:24:48 > 0:24:50You can feel the calm.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Mmm.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55The clever and minimal design seems to have brought
0:24:55 > 0:24:58a kind of zen to this house search.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02Outside, this one doesn't have acreage to offer,
0:25:02 > 0:25:04but it should be an adequate space
0:25:04 > 0:25:06for green-fingered Denise, with a lawn,
0:25:06 > 0:25:10mature trees and flowerbeds, all surrounded by open countryside.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13There is a little gateway that goes into this woods.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16These woods kind of wind all the way up the hill to the top of the hill,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18where there's a nice cafe.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Mmm.- So, even though that's not yours,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23it's kind of a nice extension of your garden, if you wanted to go for a stroll.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24I think the size as well,
0:25:24 > 0:25:29even though it's smaller than we probably wanted,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32with all the views and the woodland and as we get older,
0:25:32 > 0:25:35then we can manage to maintain it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37So, it's coming up trumps, but can you afford it?
0:25:37 > 0:25:39What you think the price tag is on this one?
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I think this is probably
0:25:44 > 0:25:47570.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49You're going pay a premium for this.
0:25:49 > 0:25:50Say 550.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55Well, you're spot on. It is actually on the market for £550,000.
0:25:55 > 0:25:57- Right, OK.- Yeah.- Goody good.
0:25:57 > 0:25:59- I really like it.- That's a mark up from there.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02We're going in the right direction. Or we've even got there.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- I don't know yet.- Well, I'd love you to kind of just sit around,
0:26:06 > 0:26:08maybe do a little meditation, strike some gongs.
0:26:10 > 0:26:11And I will see you at the front.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- Thank you.- Thank you very much.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18£10,000 over budget,
0:26:18 > 0:26:22this one-of-a-kind rural property comes with three receptions,
0:26:22 > 0:26:24three bedrooms, two garages.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27A pretty but manageable garden.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30And stunning views all round.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34When we first came to the property and I saw it for the first time I
0:26:34 > 0:26:37thought, "Oh, this doesn't look too promising, but then again,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39"I'm not sure". After a while I got used to it.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42I thought, "I'll go and have a look inside." When we get inside, wow.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45Absolutely blown away by it.
0:26:45 > 0:26:50The spaciousness, the light, just what we'd been looking for.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54It doesn't matter that it's not traditional property,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56it's not traditional Devon.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00It's unique, there's not gonna be another one like it.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02And that appeals.
0:27:02 > 0:27:04It is a very impressive property.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05From all angles.
0:27:05 > 0:27:10I think we're both in agreement that this is a potential.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Well, I had to drag you out of this one.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14- Yes, you did.- Absolutely, yes.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Going to come back and have a viewing, perhaps?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19- I think that's a definite possibility.- Yes.- Definite possibility.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- Well, right now, let's press on. - OK.- OK.
0:27:33 > 0:27:39Recent retirees Vince and Denise have a maximum budget of £540,000,
0:27:39 > 0:27:43to swap suburban Staffordshire for rural Devon.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46So far, they've seen two potential country retreats,
0:27:46 > 0:27:50but still to come is an overwhelming mystery house.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52At the moment, I've got palpitations
0:27:52 > 0:27:55because I'm feeling so excited about it.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58I'm in awe of the whole property.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02And I'll be taking an unscientific approach to harvesting Devonshire
0:28:02 > 0:28:06specimens for a highly scientific conservation project.
0:28:09 > 0:28:12Day two of our property search in the shadow of Haytor,
0:28:12 > 0:28:14which is looking much clearer this morning.
0:28:14 > 0:28:18And we're hoping that Denise and Vince's minds are clearer, too.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21We showed them a quaint property yesterday which they weren't so keen on.
0:28:21 > 0:28:23And a very modern one which they loved.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27So the mystery house is going to really test
0:28:27 > 0:28:29how many neighbours they want.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38And in terms of the mystery house, what do you think we might show you for that?
0:28:38 > 0:28:41I think it might be nearer the coast.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It could be anything.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47- We could be off at a tangent, it could be...- A lighthouse.- Could be something completely unusual.
0:28:47 > 0:28:49I'm trying to get my bearings at the moment and I'm not sure which way
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- we're heading.- No, I don't know where we're going.- It's away from Dartmoor.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54Well, no time like the present.
0:28:54 > 0:28:55Let's go and have a look.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Vince and Denise's suspicions are correct,
0:28:59 > 0:29:02as we are travelling further south,
0:29:02 > 0:29:07skirting round the national park and heading to Moorhaven Village.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10Just over three miles away on the fringes of Dartmoor,
0:29:10 > 0:29:14the large village of South Brent has a whole host of everyday amenities.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20There's a grocers, a bank, a pharmacy, cafes and pubs to name a few.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23And there's lots going on in Moorhaven, too,
0:29:23 > 0:29:25which is where we find our last property.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- Ah-ha!- Wow.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34This is a mystery house and a half.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35- Yeah.- Just a bit.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- And some.- So, can you guess what this was?
0:29:38 > 0:29:40It looks like a hospital.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43- It was indeed.- Was it?- Top marks. - Oh!
0:29:43 > 0:29:47Built in 1890s, hospital, it's not all of the building, obviously.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51So, back when the Victorians built these things in splendid style,
0:29:51 > 0:29:55it's a huge sprawling clump. It used to have a thousand people in it.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56- Wow.- With the staff and everything.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58So it was like a village.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02Perched on top of the hill, looking out over the views.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04The sea there. It's, like, a ten-minute drive to the sea.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- Fantastic.- And you get the plum apartment.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- Oh, right.- It's these five windows.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13You see the three there and the two next to it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Oh, I see.- Well, that's a surprise.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- It is a mystery.- Yeah, it certainly is a mystery.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24- Mystery place.- What are your thoughts about living in an old Victorian asylum?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I think we'd be well suited.
0:30:27 > 0:30:29I'd agree with that, definitely.
0:30:29 > 0:30:33- Yeah. This is something to think about, isn't it?- It is.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Well, there's lots more inspiration inside
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- because that's where you get the views.- Yeah. Brilliant.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41Fantastic. Everything's brilliant.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47The asylum closed in 1992 and then the numerous buildings,
0:30:47 > 0:30:52along with 65 acres of grounds, were sold privately.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55By the late '90s the site had been developed
0:30:55 > 0:30:58and converted into 120 different dwellings.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02The one we're here to see is set in a quiet courtyard,
0:31:02 > 0:31:04and our first stop is the kitchen.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07I can't believe this place, it's unbelievable.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It's very grand, isn't it?
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- Isn't it?- Stunning. Incredible.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14- Can't get over this. - Where do you look first?
0:31:14 > 0:31:16It's like a visit to a stately home, this is, isn't it?
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Could be your stately home. - Yeah.- Can we afford this?
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Surely not.
0:31:23 > 0:31:25So, obviously, this is the kitchen.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28I mean, there's great big sort of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out
0:31:28 > 0:31:30over the terrace. It's a very simple ground plan.
0:31:30 > 0:31:36You've got the hallway, this big kitchen and then this giant reception room.
0:31:36 > 0:31:37And it really is very impressive.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41It's very nice.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- I love it.- Yeah.- I didn't expect it to be this good.
0:31:44 > 0:31:46I really did not.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49Obviously, a bit of a gamble, bringing you to a property like this.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- But...- No, I thought it was going to be really obscure.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Which it is in some ways, I suppose.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57But not this good, not this good.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Well, wait til you see the views from your bedroom.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Despite being a mid-terraced home,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07our mystery house delivers super-sized proportions,
0:32:07 > 0:32:12with over 2,000 square feet of living space across two floors.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16The staircase sweeps up through a generous hallway,
0:32:16 > 0:32:17and takes us to the bedrooms.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21There are three in total that lie off a large landing.
0:32:21 > 0:32:24The smallest one is set up as a study,
0:32:24 > 0:32:26next to which is a double bedroom
0:32:26 > 0:32:29with a very tasteful ensuite bathroom.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32And then we come to the biggest room up here.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35Come in and feast your eyes on this.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- What!- Oh!- I thought that was the master bedroom.
0:32:39 > 0:32:41No, this is the master.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44This is a beautiful ensuite through here.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- I'm blown away with this.- Yeah.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49It's... We wouldn't have put this on our wish list because we wouldn't
0:32:49 > 0:32:52have thought of this. It's just incredible.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55It's a very palatial bit of property.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58- Certainly is.- I know you're speechless but can you put it into words,
0:32:58 > 0:33:00what you feel about this property?
0:33:00 > 0:33:02At the moment, I've got palpitations
0:33:02 > 0:33:06because I'm feeling so excited about it.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08I'm in awe of the whole property.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10I need to know how much it is.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14With such gushing reactions,
0:33:14 > 0:33:17the mystery house is clearly working its magic inside.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22And what's not to like outside, with 65 acres of parkland to discover.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26Residents have exclusive use of the grounds,
0:33:26 > 0:33:31and pay an annual maintenance fee of around £1,200.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35However, this mystery house also has its own private garden,
0:33:35 > 0:33:39three parking spaces, and the all-important garage for Vince.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44Come out onto your terrace where you can have
0:33:44 > 0:33:47a regal cup of morning coffee.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49So, it's quite a unique package.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51- It is.- A lot of history.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53So, how much do you think it is?
0:33:53 > 0:33:55This is my big concern.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00I like this so much, I'm thinking it's going to be above our budget.
0:34:00 > 0:34:01I don't know.
0:34:03 > 0:34:08- 570.- Yeah, I agree, that it's going to be probably above our budget.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09- 565.- 565.
0:34:11 > 0:34:14OK, I'm afraid you're wrong.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16This is on the market for...
0:34:16 > 0:34:18Hold your horses.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20£450,000.
0:34:20 > 0:34:21- You're joking.- No.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- You are joking.- I want it now.
0:34:24 > 0:34:28- Good grief.- So you could have all of this, and quite a lot of spending
0:34:28 > 0:34:31money for your retirement years.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33Oh, wow. That is amazing.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36We're putting an offer in. And that's it.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Well, I'm so pleased that you like it so much.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41I'm going to give you another chance to wander round,
0:34:41 > 0:34:43- and I'll see you at the side. - Thank you.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48You see? You should just always bring people
0:34:48 > 0:34:52to renovated Victorian asylums, that's the answer.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56£90,000 under budget,
0:34:56 > 0:34:59the mystery property is a wonderful terraced home
0:34:59 > 0:35:02in a former Victorian hospital.
0:35:02 > 0:35:06It has a grand drawing room, kitchen diner, three bedrooms,
0:35:06 > 0:35:09a garage and acres of parkland.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14- Oh, really?- You're going to be impressed with this, Vince.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16This is included, as well?
0:35:17 > 0:35:19Well, I can't believe that.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- I can't believe it.- I thought we were having to compromise,
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- seeing as there wasn't a garage. - I could live in here.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Yeah, you can.- Oh, thanks.
0:35:28 > 0:35:29This would never be on our list.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31We'd have looked at the photographs,
0:35:31 > 0:35:33we'd have looked at the details and thought,
0:35:33 > 0:35:36"No, there's going to be a catch. It's going to be small inside,
0:35:36 > 0:35:39"it's going to be something wrong with it," you know.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41We wouldn't have even looked at it, to be honest.
0:35:41 > 0:35:43We really wouldn't.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46The view, the size of the rooms, the...
0:35:46 > 0:35:51It's opulent, it's the colours.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54It's everything I would want in a house.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57When I went inside the first thing that hit me...
0:35:57 > 0:36:01This is like a really nice, big, grand,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04luxury hotel that we've stayed in before.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05But we could own this,
0:36:05 > 0:36:08we could live here and we could have this every day.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Now, I know you're itching to get to
0:36:13 > 0:36:15the estate agent and put in an offer,
0:36:15 > 0:36:19but let's just take a moment to have a cup of tea and talk things over.
0:36:19 > 0:36:20OK.
0:36:27 > 0:36:31Back in 2014, whilst helping a couple to escape to the West Sussex
0:36:31 > 0:36:35countryside, I paid a visit to Wakehurst Place,
0:36:35 > 0:36:39to find out about the pioneering Millennium Seed Bank project,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.
0:36:42 > 0:36:46The project conserves an international bank of seeds,
0:36:46 > 0:36:48in a bid to safeguard the future of
0:36:48 > 0:36:51the world's most vulnerable plants and trees.
0:36:51 > 0:36:54To help this enormous global collection grow,
0:36:54 > 0:36:58the project has also partnered with various organisations nationwide.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03Devon Wildlife Trust is playing a key part in the initiative,
0:37:03 > 0:37:06and at a farm in Doddiscombsleigh,
0:37:06 > 0:37:10Andrew Warren and his team are out in the field gathering samples.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13What's this lovely specimen?
0:37:13 > 0:37:17This particular tree is a witch elm, it's a fine example.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Elms, we don't have many of those in the country.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22Elms are generally susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25It's unusual to see any of this sort of size, certainly around this area.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28Now, I know you're working with the Kew to collect seeds,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- tell me a little bit about that project.- We are, yes.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33We're involved in the UK National Tree Seed Project,
0:37:33 > 0:37:38which is gathering of tree seeds and native trees around the country.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41I've been to the seed bank, it was quite impressive,
0:37:41 > 0:37:44it's real James Bond stuff down in the kind of cellars.
0:37:44 > 0:37:45What actually constitutes native?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48Because presumably lots of things have come in over the years.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Yeah, generally on, sort of,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52the classification of ancient woodlands,
0:37:52 > 0:37:55we're talking about stuff that's been here for around about 400 years.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00So, we've been collecting Ash, Hawthorne, Rowan...
0:38:00 > 0:38:03So, I understand you're... We're not collecting from this Wych Elm,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05but it's a lovely autumn day,
0:38:05 > 0:38:07are there other places we could collect from?
0:38:07 > 0:38:10At this time of year there will be some that will be
0:38:10 > 0:38:14- ready and viable, yes, certainly. - Great, lead the way.- OK.
0:38:14 > 0:38:19Across Devon, 49 nature reserves are involved in this five-year project.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Staff are helped by a team of volunteers
0:38:22 > 0:38:24who scour the county for suitable specimens.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27This is my colleague, Adam.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- Hi, Adam.- He's going to be helping us collect some crab apples from this tree here.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34And this is the shake-the-tree method.
0:38:34 > 0:38:35Ah! Can I give it a shake?
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- Please do.- Yeah. Just mind your head.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Is there some scientific structure here?
0:38:39 > 0:38:42- Or just give it a bit of a... - There's nothing scientific,
0:38:42 > 0:38:44just don't poke yourself in the face too much.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50How many do you actually need to collect for Kew?
0:38:50 > 0:38:52Collect a couple of hundred, I think, of these.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55Couple of hundred? Are you counting the seeds or the fruit?
0:38:55 > 0:38:58It's the seeds inside. And normally with crab apples,
0:38:58 > 0:39:00it's about four or five from ones we've done in the past.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Oh, you've got 500 there! So, should I give you a hand bagging these up?
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- Yes, let's do that. - Quite like my name on the bag, because I did most of the work.
0:39:07 > 0:39:08In fact, all of the work.
0:39:09 > 0:39:12This team have been tasked with collecting
0:39:12 > 0:39:14from 20 different tree species.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16And although timings vary,
0:39:16 > 0:39:18between late summer and late autumn
0:39:18 > 0:39:22is generally the prime time for picking.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23Which one are we harvesting here?
0:39:23 > 0:39:25This one is field maple.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27Field Maple, ah.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29It's got tiny leaves.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32So, these are like... Almost like acers or those sort of family?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- Yes.- Sycamores.- Same family - sycamore, acers, yes.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38- Do they do the...- The should helicopter.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- Oh!- Disperse, how they disperse naturally.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46- Yes.- So, from each species how many speeds are you looking to collect?
0:39:46 > 0:39:48We're looking to get 10,000 seeds, ideally.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- 10,000?- Yes, it's a lot.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52We need to collect from over the entire canopy,
0:39:52 > 0:39:56so we've got a long-handled Lauper pruner.
0:39:57 > 0:40:02The tree seeds will form part of the UK's first national collection.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Oh! That's the one.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- That's got a few.- Yup.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10It's hoped the seeds could be used in scientific
0:40:10 > 0:40:16botanical studies to help protect trees against diseases and pests.
0:40:16 > 0:40:20I'm glad that all our native trees are safe from doomsday Armageddon.
0:40:20 > 0:40:21It's good to know, isn't it? Yes.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23Thanks to you. It's very nice to meet you.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25- Thank you.- And good luck with the project.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35I got the distinct impression this morning that Vince and Denise,
0:40:35 > 0:40:39despite having loved the second house, were a bit downcast.
0:40:39 > 0:40:43And worried that the mystery house wasn't going to come up trumps -
0:40:43 > 0:40:44and it did!
0:40:44 > 0:40:47And so, I'm really hoping that when I go and speak to them now they're
0:40:47 > 0:40:49going to tell me some good news.
0:40:55 > 0:41:00Guys, well, I think we did something with the mystery house.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01You seem very excited.
0:41:01 > 0:41:02Is that the one that you're...
0:41:02 > 0:41:05- You've plumped for?- Definitely, yes.
0:41:05 > 0:41:06- Yes, and I agree.- Yeah.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08And the second one we, you know,
0:41:08 > 0:41:11did like, but then when we saw the mystery house that was...
0:41:11 > 0:41:16That was it. A lot of the things in the house aren't on our wish list,
0:41:16 > 0:41:20but it was just so beautiful, and absolutely gorgeous.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22Really loved it.
0:41:22 > 0:41:23Very spacious, palatial.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26But it's still got the homely feel.
0:41:26 > 0:41:29You could feel a sense of wellbeing within it.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34- Yeah, we fell in love with it. - I think there are things that are on the wish list that we haven't even
0:41:34 > 0:41:37put on the wish list because we didn't expect to find them, to be honest.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38Very pleasant surprise.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40- Yes.- More than we envisaged.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Well, we love it, of course, we love that you go for the mystery house.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46But what happens next? What's the next few steps for you guys?
0:41:46 > 0:41:50We'll definitely be going to look again at the house,
0:41:50 > 0:41:52probably in the next 24 hours.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- Yeah, we are.- We want to take our daughter down to have a look.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58- Ah, of course.- And yeah...
0:41:58 > 0:41:59Wheels are in motion.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03- Yes.- Just get that estate agent to sell up!
0:42:03 > 0:42:07- Yeah, we're on the way.- And all the best, and I hope it goes really well.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- Thank you.- Thank you very much. - Thank you. And it's been a fantastic experience.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19It is, of course, a very risky strategy
0:42:19 > 0:42:21to show someone, as a mystery house,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23a property that was once a psychiatric hospital.
0:42:23 > 0:42:28But, in our case, it was the perfect trump card, because Denise and Vince
0:42:28 > 0:42:32came with a sort of slightly out of focus idea
0:42:32 > 0:42:34of a Devon cottage somewhere.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37But it was the stately splendour of that mystery house that
0:42:37 > 0:42:39pulled everything into focus.
0:42:39 > 0:42:41Now, all we have to do is make sure that
0:42:41 > 0:42:44they get all their ducks lined up, and that the sale proceeds.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47And all you have to do is tune in next time
0:42:47 > 0:42:49for more Escape to the Country.
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0:42:53 > 0:42:55Scotland or Northern Ireland,
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