0:00:02 > 0:00:06"In my beginning is my end. In my end is my beginning."
0:00:06 > 0:00:11That line beautifully encapsulates a 300-year journey that brought
0:00:11 > 0:00:14which poet to rest here?
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Find out where we are and who that was in just a moment.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39On today's show, a resounding seal of approval...
0:00:39 > 0:00:42Hands up if we like this room?
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Two hands.- Without a doubt.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47..as I'm with a couple who've spent six long months searching,
0:00:47 > 0:00:50but are yet to find their perfect property.
0:00:50 > 0:00:52Have you had this reaction like this before?
0:00:52 > 0:00:53- No.- No.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55Hand on heart, no.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59But, with our help, their luck might be about to change.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- I feel rather emotional.- Yeah.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Today we're in Somerset
0:01:09 > 0:01:14and this is the Church of St Michael and All Angels in East Coker,
0:01:14 > 0:01:16the final resting place
0:01:16 > 0:01:20for the celebrated 20th century poet TS Eliot.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23Now, born in the United States,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25Eliot adopted England as his home
0:01:25 > 0:01:29and spent his life teaching and writing in London.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32On his death, he requested that his ashes were brought here,
0:01:32 > 0:01:38to East Coker, from where his ancestors had emigrated to America
0:01:38 > 0:01:41some 300 years before.
0:01:41 > 0:01:47So, let's discover why Somerset is where so many house-hunters end up
0:01:47 > 0:01:49finding their new beginnings.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Somerset sits on the Bristol Channel coast
0:01:53 > 0:01:56in the heart of England's West Country.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59One of the least populated countries in the UK,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01it's home to England's first
0:02:01 > 0:02:05designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantock Hills,
0:02:05 > 0:02:09and the second longest stretch of sand in Europe,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12which runs from Burnham-on-Sea to Brean Down.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14In the north, Exmoor National Park
0:02:14 > 0:02:18extends west into the neighbouring county of Devon.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22Here, vast expanses of open moorland inspired RD Blackmore,
0:02:22 > 0:02:26who used the landscape as the setting for his novel, Lorna Doone.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Scattered across the county,
0:02:29 > 0:02:32the picture-postcard villages and market towns are known
0:02:32 > 0:02:34for their character cottages,
0:02:34 > 0:02:38adorned with the warm hues of local hamstone from Ham Hill -
0:02:38 > 0:02:43from Somerton, which gave its name to the county, to Hinton St George,
0:02:43 > 0:02:47where schoolmaster Henry Fowler resided whilst compiling
0:02:47 > 0:02:49the Oxford English Dictionary.
0:02:49 > 0:02:53From language to literature, photography and architecture,
0:02:53 > 0:02:56it's easy to see how Somerset's varied landscape
0:02:56 > 0:02:59has inspired its residents and visitors for generations.
0:03:01 > 0:03:06Somerset's relatively unspoiled landscape presents a pretty picture
0:03:06 > 0:03:11of rural English charm, but it also has good transport links,
0:03:11 > 0:03:13making the county a popular spot
0:03:13 > 0:03:18to balance a quiet yet well connected country life.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21And compared to the neighbouring counties of Devon and Dorset,
0:03:21 > 0:03:24Somerset is also good value.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27The current average price of detached homes here
0:03:27 > 0:03:31come in around £335,000.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Now, that's £36,000 below the figure
0:03:34 > 0:03:37for the whole of the south-west region.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42But that popularity, especially in the south of the country,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45means perfect properties are hard to find,
0:03:45 > 0:03:47as today's buyers have found out.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Terry, a semi-retired educational adviser and football scout,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55met Annie, an exam invigilator,
0:03:55 > 0:03:5823 years ago through some mutual friends.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00They hit it off straightaway.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05Terry is unassuming but very loyal and loving.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07When we first met,
0:04:07 > 0:04:10he was already a member of a tennis club
0:04:10 > 0:04:15and invited me along, and I just took to it from then.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17Since then, we've been playing, we play regularly.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19For the last ten years they've lived
0:04:19 > 0:04:22in the Somerset market town of Yeovil,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25but six months ago decided it was time to sell up
0:04:25 > 0:04:27in search of a countryside retreat.
0:04:27 > 0:04:30We wanted a more rural lifestyle.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34We wanted to be able to look out of our kitchen window
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and see a better view than we had.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40It's wonderful, once you're able to just enjoy nature
0:04:40 > 0:04:44and everything that the country has to offer.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Although Annie can work as an invigilator anywhere,
0:04:48 > 0:04:50Terry's job ties him to the colleges
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and football clubs in the south-west.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56So they've set their sights on the villages of south Somerset.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58When we were living in Yeovil anyway
0:04:58 > 0:05:03we used to travel out to the various villages, look for country pubs.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06It's quite nice to go to individual villages around
0:05:06 > 0:05:07that have got their own shops.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11After just two weeks on the market, their property sold,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14forcing them to vacate with nowhere to go.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17For five months they've been renting a friend's barn annexe
0:05:17 > 0:05:21and storage unit in North Perrott, in the heart of their search area.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Well, we have actually got our main furniture.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28We've got our sofas and our dining table and our clothing.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32So we have to trip out to the storage containers every so often
0:05:32 > 0:05:34to rescue something that we need.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36I think what I'm looking forward to most
0:05:36 > 0:05:39is the opportunity to be able to find things again.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Things that we've put away that I'm not sure where they are.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46And have an office space because wherever we've been,
0:05:46 > 0:05:49the space has been gazumped every time.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51So I'm looking forward to having...
0:05:51 > 0:05:53I don't know what you mean!
0:05:53 > 0:05:56As long as I have room to work,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00and play my congas, then I will be absolutely fine.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04While Terry will be content with a man cave to play his drums,
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Annie's focused on starting afresh.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Finding themselves living in limbo,
0:06:09 > 0:06:11the couple are desperate to put down roots,
0:06:11 > 0:06:16but, even so, aren't willing to settle for less than perfection.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18We've looked since October
0:06:18 > 0:06:21and we haven't found the one that says, "Yes."
0:06:21 > 0:06:22No, that's true.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- We've found a garden, but we haven't found a house.- Yes.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Or we've found a house and haven't found the garden.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30So we're looking for that complete package.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Terry and Annie are happy to look at property
0:06:37 > 0:06:41anywhere between Frome, Dorchester and Exeter,
0:06:41 > 0:06:46stretching our search area from south Somerset to Dorset and Devon.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48With the pressure on, I'm meeting up with them to find out
0:06:48 > 0:06:51the make-up of their elusive dream property.
0:06:52 > 0:06:57Well, Terry and Annie, I have to say a very warm welcome to Somerset.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00So you've pulled us in to help you with this search.
0:07:00 > 0:07:01Has it been frustrating?
0:07:01 > 0:07:05Cos you've probably looked at quite at few properties, I'm guessing.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Well, we must have seen about 20, would you say?
0:07:07 > 0:07:09If not more. Between 20 and 30, I would think.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11I think it would be about 20. Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13You've got to be realistic.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Yes.- There are certain things that we are happy to compromise on,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20but there are certain things that we really want to have
0:07:20 > 0:07:22that we're not prepared to compromise on.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26Can you give me some details about your perfect home?
0:07:26 > 0:07:28What does it look like in your mind?
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Hopefully something with a bit of character,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33but we won't rule out new builds
0:07:33 > 0:07:37if the builder has been thoughtful about how they've put it together
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and they've given the building a bit of character.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42How many bedrooms are we after?
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Two, basically. Two plus.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46It would be nice to have two bathrooms.
0:07:46 > 0:07:49What about the outside space, the garden?
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- The garden...- It is important.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55It's important to us because we both like outdoors.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57We both like gardening.
0:07:57 > 0:07:58We have a new grandson,
0:07:58 > 0:08:01so we're looking for space for Cooper to play
0:08:01 > 0:08:04and we'd just like to develop our own vegetables.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07- Yes.- We'd like to do a lot more in the garden than we have done.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10Are we looking for an outbuilding for these congas and the drum kit?
0:08:10 > 0:08:13We're looking for an outbuilding for the congas, yes.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Otherwise your neighbours aren't going to like you, are they?
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- OK. That's a passion, isn't it? - Yes.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21If we've got somewhere nearby with maybe a tennis club,
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- that would be ideal. - That would be perfect.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26Let's remind ourselves of how much we've got to spend.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- What is our top budget? - Top budget, really, is 425.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34We do have some rather splendid properties lined up to show you,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37which of course is important because I don't need to tell you that
0:08:37 > 0:08:40you're homeless at the moment, do I? Shall we get started?
0:08:40 > 0:08:41- Yes.- Come on, then.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46For their maximum budget of £425,000,
0:08:46 > 0:08:50Annie and Terry would like an older property or one with character,
0:08:50 > 0:08:52with at least two bedrooms
0:08:52 > 0:08:55and a study or separate space for Terry to play his drums.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58The outside space is of equal importance,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02as they want a large garden for entertaining and growing vegetables,
0:09:02 > 0:09:05and they'd like to have a tennis club nearby.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10We've got some wonderful properties ready for them to view.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14At each one, I'll be asking them to guess the price before I reveal it
0:09:14 > 0:09:19and, as always, our final property will add a twist to our search.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22But this time, it's not so much the house that's the mystery,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24but that crucial garden.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30The first stop on our property tour of south Somerset
0:09:30 > 0:09:33is in the small village of East Chinnock.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The village was historically known for a nearby salt spring.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38Large quantities of salt were
0:09:38 > 0:09:42produced and manufactured in the area until the mid 19th century.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45A range of amenities and independent shops are available
0:09:45 > 0:09:47just over a mile away in West Coker.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49But back in East Chinnock,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Terry and Annie will be pleased to hear there is a popular pub
0:09:52 > 0:09:55just a short stroll from house number one.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00So may I introduce you to our first property?
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- It's beautiful. - I like the thatch, yes.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05It looks wonderful from the outside, really pretty.
0:10:05 > 0:10:08The thatch, the ridge has been looked after,
0:10:08 > 0:10:10which is absolutely key to a thatch.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12- Yes. - That was just done a few years ago.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14So you've probably, guesstimating,
0:10:14 > 0:10:18you've got about 15 more years on the thatch itself.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Now, I'm pretty confident you haven't seen this cottage
0:10:21 > 0:10:23because it has only just come on the market.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26- Would I be right, Terry? - Absolutely, we've not seen it.
0:10:26 > 0:10:28We would have definitely come to look at this.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- Would you?- Absolutely, yes.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31Are you intrigued? Would you like to step inside?
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Very much so.- We'd love to. - Surprised and delighted.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Good! What a start.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Dating back to around 1640,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42originally this property would have been two separate cottages.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45Inside, it's retained a host of period features,
0:10:45 > 0:10:49which I hope will impress as much as the exterior has.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Come on in. We're going to start off...
0:10:53 > 0:10:57..in the sitting-room-cum-dining-room.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59I love the fireplace. Isn't it amazing?
0:10:59 > 0:11:01It's not a bad sized room in actual fact, is it?
0:11:01 > 0:11:02- It's not, actually.- It's an L shape.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04It feels comfortable.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- Yes.- There's actually another sitting room next door,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09which is of a good size.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10So two rooms, which, again,
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- when you're looking at properties of this age, is unusual.- Yes.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19Joining these two cottages together has created a good sized family home
0:11:19 > 0:11:21with two reception rooms.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24The kitchen is part of a later extension,
0:11:24 > 0:11:27added around 100 years after the property was built.
0:11:27 > 0:11:31So this extension gives you this long kitchen
0:11:31 > 0:11:35with another dining area and the utility behind us.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- Oh, yes.- And a range as well.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- Do you both cook?- Yes.
0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Yes, we do. - Terry's a very good cook.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45Are you? How's this kitchen for you, Terry? Is this workable?
0:11:45 > 0:11:47- This is workable.- Chef's happy.- Yes.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Also on the ground floor is a bathroom,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53which would be useful for guests or visiting grandchildren.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Now, the staircase is just up here.
0:11:57 > 0:11:58Ah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02And on the first floor there are three characterful bedrooms,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04complete with beam ceilings
0:12:04 > 0:12:08and, although of typical cottage proportions, all doubles.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10There's also another bathroom,
0:12:10 > 0:12:14conveniently just across the hall from the largest of the bedrooms.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19This is the master bedroom. It doesn't have an en-suite,
0:12:19 > 0:12:22but there is a bathroom right next door.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24So you can negotiate with your guests -
0:12:24 > 0:12:27they use the downstairs bathroom and you keep that for yourselves.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Yes, good idea.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33- Yes.- It's lovely having the two aspects, actually.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35A lot of natural light coming into the room.
0:12:36 > 0:12:37For me, it's a little small.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40Yes. I notice that there is a wardrobe here,
0:12:40 > 0:12:44but maybe there's a possibility of converting another room
0:12:44 > 0:12:47into a dressing room. I don't know.
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Yes, definitely. Because you've got the three bedrooms,
0:12:49 > 0:12:52you only need two, that would be a fantastic idea.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56Your study has gone, sir. We have a walk-in wardrobe.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- There we go.- Sorry. - The story of my life.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01The most important thing about the move is to get the house right,
0:13:01 > 0:13:03but also the outside space.
0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Yes.- Let's see how we get on.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Terry might think he's lost out yet again when it comes to his study
0:13:12 > 0:13:16but, outside, the large well-kept gardens are home to a shed,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19a stone outhouse and a garage.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21So there is hope for his man cave yet
0:13:21 > 0:13:24plus, with a vegetable plot and some wonderful views,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27I think it's a space that will really appeal.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31Now, I'm thinking this has to be one of the most idyllic gardens.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34I'm hoping you're going to agree with me.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37- Completely.- Yeah? - It is really, really lovely.
0:13:37 > 0:13:38Really nice size.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44Just morning coffee, lunchtime beer, evening gin and tonic - I'm sold.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48You've got it all worked out. How wonderful!
0:13:48 > 0:13:51So, top budget of £425,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- Yes.- What are we thinking for this, our very first property?
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I would say around about £415,000.
0:13:58 > 0:13:59Right. Terry?
0:13:59 > 0:14:02I'm going to say £410,000.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05The good news is, it's under that.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07£400,000.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09- Oh.- Oh, OK.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11That's food for thought.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Yeah.- Who fancies having another look around, this time on your own?
0:14:14 > 0:14:19- Yes.- Love to.- I thought you might. Be my guests.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25£25,000 under budget,
0:14:25 > 0:14:28this charming Grade II listed cottage
0:14:28 > 0:14:30is packed with period features
0:14:30 > 0:14:33and would give Terry and Annie an extra bedroom and a large garden
0:14:33 > 0:14:36with wonderful countryside views.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37It's on the outskirts of a village
0:14:37 > 0:14:41just a 15-minute drive from their current tennis club.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44The size of the garden is terrific.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46I think the fact that it has open views,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50you can see into the field next door, the pasture land.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52I just think it's lovely.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55Location is great because we both play tennis in a village
0:14:55 > 0:14:58about five, ten minutes from here.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01We've got a bridle track just outside the door.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04So it is, for me, a good location.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08I think that there will always be a compromise and I'm happy to think
0:15:08 > 0:15:12about compromise, but because we have quite a lot of furniture
0:15:12 > 0:15:14already sitting in storage,
0:15:14 > 0:15:17maybe having to get rid of just about all of our furniture
0:15:17 > 0:15:21to accommodate the size of the rooms upstairs could possibly be,
0:15:21 > 0:15:23maybe, a step too far.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Seen enough?- Yes, I think so.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Have you been won over by our thatch?
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Well, hold that thought, because we've still got more to show you.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Great.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41The West Country is renowned for being the home of British cider.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46In Somerset alone there are some 32 farms dedicated to producing the
0:15:46 > 0:15:50bold, fruity flavours of the fermented apple drink.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54But one local baker has taken the leap into vegetable fermentation.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58Katie Venner has been producing sourdough bread with her husband,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01Gordon, from their home near Wellington for nearly ten years.
0:16:01 > 0:16:06But her enthusiasm for sour tastes and healthy eating led her to
0:16:06 > 0:16:09experiment with fermenting vegetables four years ago.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13As Terry and Annie are also keen to grow their own when they move,
0:16:13 > 0:16:15we've sent them to find out more.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18- Hello, Katie.- Hi, welcome.
0:16:18 > 0:16:21Why do we ferment foods, then?
0:16:21 > 0:16:25We ferment foods because it means that we can preserve for winter the
0:16:25 > 0:16:28vegetables that we have in the summer.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Fermentation is the process where bacteria,
0:16:31 > 0:16:36the live bacteria that are on plants, are broken down.
0:16:36 > 0:16:42It enhances the B vitamins, it makes the vegetables more digestible.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44The tradition of fermenting to preserve vegetables
0:16:44 > 0:16:46goes back centuries.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50In fact, Captain Cook famously took barrels of sauerkraut on his voyage
0:16:50 > 0:16:53to Australia in 1768.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56Rich in vitamin C, although unknown at the time,
0:16:56 > 0:17:00it was commonly given to sailors on long sea voyages to prevent
0:17:00 > 0:17:02and cure scurvy.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Today, Katie is going to show Terry and Annie how to make her take on
0:17:06 > 0:17:07the German staple.
0:17:07 > 0:17:12Great. So, OK, so I'm going to show you how to make a simple kraut.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14Sauerkraut is the German word,
0:17:14 > 0:17:17but the kind of krauts that I make are a hybrid.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20So we're going to...
0:17:20 > 0:17:23..chop our cabbage up fine.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28I'm going to teach you how to salt your kraut by taste and we want to
0:17:28 > 0:17:32ensure that we have the right amount of salt to keep our vegetables
0:17:32 > 0:17:35really crunchy and to create the right environment
0:17:35 > 0:17:37for the lacto bacteria to grow,
0:17:37 > 0:17:41multiply and do their work to make our delicious kraut.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45I'm going to give you a cabbage here, both of you.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49So we are using a hard cabbage as the base for our kraut.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54We're going to add some salt because the salt is going to draw the juices
0:17:54 > 0:17:55out of the cabbage,
0:17:55 > 0:17:59and we're going to do a kind of scrunching movement.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Our scrunching is getting the juices running as well.
0:18:03 > 0:18:08Until we get it to the point where we can hold it up,
0:18:08 > 0:18:10squeeze it and we get the juices running.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12So that is just cabbage juice.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16To ensure nothing interferes with the fermentation process,
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Katie opts for vegetables that are free from pesticides,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22so the bacteria can thrive.
0:18:22 > 0:18:23While Annie scrunches,
0:18:23 > 0:18:27Katie adds spring onion to the cabbage, followed by wild garlic,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30then it's over to Terry to sample.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32How does that taste to you?
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- Quite salty?- Quite salty, yes.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Quite salty. I can taste the salt,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40but it's not enough for a fermented kraut.
0:18:40 > 0:18:41So I'm going to add a little bit more salt.
0:18:41 > 0:18:45- OK.- Once happy with the balance of salt,
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Katie packs the cabbage mixture firmly into a jar,
0:18:48 > 0:18:52as airtight as possible, before she adds a layer of wild garlic flowers.
0:18:53 > 0:18:58I really like wild garlic flowers, I think they look really pretty.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00So the secret for good,
0:19:00 > 0:19:04crunchy krauts is that you keep all the vegetables under the liquid,
0:19:04 > 0:19:08away from the air. So we're going to do that by using our reserved
0:19:08 > 0:19:10cabbage leaf here,
0:19:10 > 0:19:15just to hold all the vegetables down then we're going to use the end
0:19:15 > 0:19:21of the cabbage because that pokes up inside the concave of the jar top.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- Right.- Then we're going to close it.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27So here we are, so you can see all the juices now,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29covering up the cabbage.
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- It looks wonderful.- It will be ready to eat in three to five weeks.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35In the meantime, Katie has a selection of fermented vegetables
0:19:35 > 0:19:39ready for Annie and Terry to try, including
0:19:39 > 0:19:41South Korean kimchi,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and rhubarb fermented with ginger and cardamom.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47So, Katie, what would you eat these with?
0:19:47 > 0:19:50With all of these, you can eat them just like you would a pickle or a
0:19:50 > 0:19:52chutney. You'd have them on the table.
0:19:52 > 0:19:55For example, when we've got a soup, this is a cauliflower soup,
0:19:55 > 0:20:00then I might add a little bit of this piccalilli to it.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03And eating it with something else just means that you're not going to
0:20:03 > 0:20:08- get the full thwack of that sour flavour.- Mm!
0:20:08 > 0:20:10It's absolutely delicious.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- You've got the crunch.- Exactly!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Which is lovely. - And the texture and the flavour.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17And that's because we've got the right amount of salt to keep the
0:20:17 > 0:20:21vegetables crunchy under the liquid, all that time.
0:20:21 > 0:20:25Katie believes the benefits of fermented vegetables are huge.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28They are packed with all the essential vitamins of raw produce,
0:20:28 > 0:20:31but are far easier to digest.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And with research telling us how important a healthy gut is to our
0:20:34 > 0:20:39overall wellbeing, it's no wonder such veg is cropping up on menus
0:20:39 > 0:20:40across the UK.
0:20:40 > 0:20:43If it's OK with you, can we stay for lunch?
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- Brilliant.- We can carry on eating.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- You're very welcome.- Thank you. - Thank you.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59We're in the West Country with Annie and Terry, who have sold their
0:20:59 > 0:21:02property in Yeovil, and, desperate to ditch their rental
0:21:02 > 0:21:07accommodation, are searching for a countryside retreat of their own.
0:21:07 > 0:21:11Armed with a budget of £425,000,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14the pressure is on to find them their dream property.
0:21:14 > 0:21:20Still to come, our mystery house reveals a sight for sore eyes.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22- Wow.- How fantastic!
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- How's that for a surprise? - I'm absolutely gobsmacked.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27Gobsmacked.
0:21:27 > 0:21:32And I take to the skies to enjoy a beautiful bird's-eye view of the
0:21:32 > 0:21:36region. This is quite something to be seen, it?
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Not bad, is it?
0:21:42 > 0:21:45It's the second day of our house hunt here in Somerset,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48and I don't think we've hit the mark quite yet.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51Between us, we may have exhausted the search
0:21:51 > 0:21:52in this part of the county.
0:21:52 > 0:21:57So we decided to take Terry and Annie a little bit further afield.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02But will our mystery house be a step too far, I wonder?
0:22:02 > 0:22:03Interesting one, that.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07But first, I'm going to show them a real rural retreat,
0:22:07 > 0:22:09with views to match.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14We're border-hopping into Dorset for our next property.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18The small village of Seaborough is on the edge of the county's
0:22:18 > 0:22:20Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23The nearest shop is a ten-minute drive away in Broadwindsor,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26but the closer village of Drimpton has a pub,
0:22:26 > 0:22:30and is perfectly positioned for a number of the county's popular
0:22:30 > 0:22:34walking routes. These include the local Drimpton trail,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36and the long-distance Monarch's Way footpath,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40which traces the escape route of Charles II
0:22:40 > 0:22:43after his defeat in the 1651 Battle of Worcester.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47But let's hope the next property won't send our buyers running for
0:22:47 > 0:22:52the hills. Now for something completely different.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54- Oh, yes.- Yes.- Yes.
0:22:54 > 0:22:57Yes. I like this.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00- I like this a lot.- It's great. It's lovely.- Yeah, yeah.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03And, as you can see, we are nestled on the top of a hill,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06surrounded by borrowed views.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08- Yes!- Yeah, and it has a rill.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11You're right. It's an unusual word as well, isn't it?
0:23:11 > 0:23:13You know your gardens. You know your streams.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15THEY CHUCKLE
0:23:15 > 0:23:17So, that's a very strong start.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19Let's continue inside.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24This house is an interesting mix of period character,
0:23:24 > 0:23:27with some more modern additions and styling.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30The main entrance is via a conservatory to the front of the
0:23:30 > 0:23:33house, which leads to the original entrance hall.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37So we have two sitting rooms off the front door.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40This is the smaller of the two.
0:23:40 > 0:23:42So you've got the original floor.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44- Lovely floor!- Floor, yeah. - Look at those flags, fabulous.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Do you like the idea of having two reception rooms?
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Yes, that makes life more adaptable.
0:23:50 > 0:23:54So we can decide whether or not we want to keep it as such
0:23:54 > 0:23:58or change it, and maybe have it as a study or whatever.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01We'll have to see how big the other one is.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02- Yeah.- Yeah.- The study word.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Hm. It's always been taken away from me.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Has it?- Yes.- This would make a fabulous study.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11- Yes.- Good.- OK, well, first room - so good, so far.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Let's see how we get on next door.
0:24:16 > 0:24:22This is your second sitting room, leading on to a dining room.
0:24:22 > 0:24:26- Characterful, isn't it? - It is, it is.- Bold.- Yeah.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27And I like the log burner.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31It's a very strong house, with lots of characterful features,
0:24:31 > 0:24:33like the chimney breast here, and the exposed wall.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- Yes.- Which will take us to the kitchen.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42So it flows, the kitchen, into the dining room.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Quite handy for when you are entertaining.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Yes. I do like this.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48- There is a lot of storage here, by the look of things.- Yeah.
0:24:48 > 0:24:52So that's great. But, yes, we haven't been able to use any of our
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- equipment for some time. - What did you take with you
0:24:54 > 0:24:56when you packed everything up from the kitchen?
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Oh, the essentials. Knife, fork, corkscrew.
0:25:00 > 0:25:02- That's about it.- That's it. Knife, fork, corkscrew!
0:25:02 > 0:25:04Corkscrew! The essentials.
0:25:04 > 0:25:08The upstairs of the property should have more than enough
0:25:08 > 0:25:10space for their belongings,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13with yet more high ceilings and three double bedrooms -
0:25:13 > 0:25:16one already in use as a study.
0:25:16 > 0:25:18There's also a large, modern family bathroom
0:25:18 > 0:25:20with separate bath and shower.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23Master bedroom time.
0:25:23 > 0:25:24Very nice.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26That looks like a king-sized bed.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28- Which...- Win-win!
0:25:28 > 0:25:30- The bed, yes!- And look at the way it's facing - you wake up,
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- and you've got the views again. - Yes. Perfect.
0:25:34 > 0:25:35- I'm happy.- Good.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I'm happy if you're happy.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- Yes!- May it continue outside.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44It's a thumbs-up for the inside,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47now to find out if the garden gets the go-ahead.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51The rural setting means the outside space enjoys great privacy,
0:25:51 > 0:25:55there's a patio seating area, surrounded by a raised lawn,
0:25:55 > 0:26:00and plenty of space to build an outbuilding for Terry, if required.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02So here is your back garden.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04A nice space.
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- Oh, yes.- Entertaining space.- Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:08Wonderful spot, looking out.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10It isn't the biggest of gardens.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13The front certainly is a lot larger than the back,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17but with these borrowed views, you might not mind too much.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- Yes, well, I agree with you. - It's the best of both worlds.
0:26:19 > 0:26:23Now I'm going to have to focus your mind on the price.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- What do we think? - I think I would go 390.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Maybe £405,000.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35OK. Well, the asking price is...
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- ..a little bit above that.- Ah!
0:26:37 > 0:26:39It's at the top of your budget.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42£425,000.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- Right.- Right.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- OK.- Would you like an opportunity to have another little wander around on
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- your own this time?- Yes, please.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51- Yes.- It's worth it, isn't it? - Yes, definitely.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- Thank you.- See you later. I'm going to sit here in the sunshine.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55Lovely.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Bang on budget, this detached house would give Terry and Annie
0:26:59 > 0:27:01the two bedrooms they asked for,
0:27:01 > 0:27:04and options for a music room on the third,
0:27:04 > 0:27:06or in one of the downstairs reception rooms.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10The modernised interior offers plenty of entertaining space,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12with yet more outside.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16It's in a picturesque rural spot, just a mile from the nearest pub.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18I love the facade initially, from the outside.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21As soon as I walked in, I thought,
0:27:21 > 0:27:22"Gosh, we've got high ceilings."
0:27:22 > 0:27:25I must mention the flag floors as well.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28In the sitting room, I love that.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32Because then you really get a feeling for the age of the property.
0:27:32 > 0:27:36I think the location is probably a little more rural than we would have
0:27:36 > 0:27:40considered, but having said that, it's not isolated.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44As long as there's a pub that's not too far away, then it's all good!
0:27:45 > 0:27:48Are you happy, happy you've seen enough of the house?
0:27:48 > 0:27:50Well, yes.
0:27:50 > 0:27:51If we have to go, we must.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54- Oh!- Yeah, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes for us.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56Good. Good. Let's go.
0:28:02 > 0:28:07Just across the Somerset border into East Devon, Dunkeswell Aerodrome is
0:28:07 > 0:28:09set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Built in 1943, it was used by the US Navy during the war,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16then later by the RAF.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17In the late 1950s,
0:28:17 > 0:28:21it was decommissioned and it became a popular civilian airfield.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26Somerset Microlights was set up here by Jim Greenshields in 1985.
0:28:26 > 0:28:31Today, he's invited me along to get a taste of the high life.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I am very, very excited about today.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36- So am I!- Good!
0:28:36 > 0:28:39So, tell me, how long have you been flying for?
0:28:39 > 0:28:42Cos I know I'm in good hands, but how good hands?
0:28:42 > 0:28:44I think it's just coming up to 40 years.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- Is it?- I first started when I found out that my uncle was in
0:28:47 > 0:28:48the Battle of Britain.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50And I thought, "Well, that's quite a big deal."
0:28:50 > 0:28:55And I found out that my father flew after the Second World War,
0:28:55 > 0:28:58and I also found out that my great-uncle flew
0:28:58 > 0:28:59in the First World War.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02So I thought, "Oh, well, I'd better go flying, then,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04"because everyone else has been doing it,"
0:29:04 > 0:29:07and it kind of started from there. That was when my interest started.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10I'm just wondering - is it a hobby that once you start,
0:29:10 > 0:29:11you just can't stop?
0:29:11 > 0:29:16Very much so. I guess it's the old cliche about feeling freedom.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20For over 30 years now, Jim has been flying microlights,
0:29:20 > 0:29:26one- or two-seater aircraft, which weigh around 265 kilos at most.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29Inspired by hang-gliding in the late 1970s and '80s,
0:29:29 > 0:29:32microlighting became a more affordable way
0:29:32 > 0:29:33for pilots to get airborne.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42And there she is!
0:29:42 > 0:29:47First impressions, it's much smaller than I thought it was going to be.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49It's not a 747, is it?
0:29:49 > 0:29:52No, no. What's it made of?
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Mostly Duralumin, which is a very strong form of aluminium.
0:29:55 > 0:29:59The sail is Dacron, that's the ripstop Dacron, incredibly strong.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01And it's easy to handle when you're up in the air?
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Very easy to fly, yeah. - So how does it actually work?
0:30:05 > 0:30:08Well, it's tandem seating, so we're going to pop you in the back-seat
0:30:08 > 0:30:10today, I'll be sat in the front,
0:30:10 > 0:30:12and I'm holding on to the control frame,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15which is exactly the same as a hang-glider.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16So you're actually holding this?
0:30:16 > 0:30:20Yes, so I'm sat, holding on to the bar at the front of it,
0:30:20 > 0:30:24and then we are moving the control frame around to give us
0:30:24 > 0:30:26- the desired effect.- My goodness!
0:30:26 > 0:30:30Microlights make up around 20% of the UK's civilian aircraft,
0:30:30 > 0:30:34with more than 2,500 registered pilots.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37- Put your left foot on the foot rest over there.- Mm-hm.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39And just lower yourself into the seat.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44Do you know what, I've got butterflies!
0:30:46 > 0:30:50To qualify for a National Private Pilot's Licence,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53Jim tells me it would take around 35 hours of training.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59And once you're qualified, the world is your oyster.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02This is it! Here we go!
0:31:02 > 0:31:04Woohoo!
0:31:05 > 0:31:07See what I mean? It goes up really quick.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09It goes up REALLY quick!
0:31:11 > 0:31:13With the most incredible view!
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Not only is he a first-class flyer,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22but Jim also holds a number of world records,
0:31:22 > 0:31:26including the most aircraft flown by one person in one day -
0:31:26 > 0:31:30an incredible 43 planes.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33We're just coming up to the edge of the Blackdown Hills here and then
0:31:33 > 0:31:35we'll be turning right towards Taunton, roughly.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40People talk about the countryside looking like a patchwork quilt,
0:31:40 > 0:31:43and that's such an accurate description, isn't it?
0:31:43 > 0:31:45It is at this time of year.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48In the winter, it's kind of uniform green, and then in the summer,
0:31:48 > 0:31:51it all goes very patchwork-y as they cut the grass.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56That's good, just climb above the cloud.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00As we reach a height of 2,500 feet...
0:32:00 > 0:32:04This is quite something to be seen, isn't it?
0:32:04 > 0:32:06Not bad, is it?
0:32:06 > 0:32:09..Jim passes control over to me.
0:32:09 > 0:32:10- Put one hand on there.- OK.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Oh!
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- One hand on there.- OK.
0:32:14 > 0:32:17- Yeah.- Your mission now is to fly in a dead straight line.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19Oh, OK.
0:32:19 > 0:32:22- So, relax again.- Nice and relaxed.
0:32:22 > 0:32:24- How's that?- Pretty good.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28- I'll have a little snooze now, then. - No!
0:32:28 > 0:32:31You're my ears and eyes! You're my safety blanket!
0:32:33 > 0:32:36- I'm enjoying this.- Beautiful.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40A microlight like this one could fly for up to five hours nonstop at
0:32:40 > 0:32:43speeds of 70 to 90mph -
0:32:43 > 0:32:48that's the equivalent of going from here to the South of France.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51But it's time for me to head back down to earth and get back to the
0:32:51 > 0:32:53pressing matter of property.
0:32:53 > 0:32:55Oh, here we go!
0:32:58 > 0:33:01That was smooth, sir!
0:33:01 > 0:33:03That was smooth!
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I don't know, I had my eyes shut.
0:33:06 > 0:33:08SHE LAUGHS
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- Wonderful. Thank you.- Pleasure.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19For our mystery house, I'm taking Annie and Terry to South Perrott,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21a village they are very familiar with,
0:33:21 > 0:33:24as it's just three miles from North Perrott,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26where they are currently renting.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30The picturesque village has a population of around 250 and takes
0:33:30 > 0:33:33its name from the River Parrett that runs through it,
0:33:33 > 0:33:37whose banks are lined with pretty 17th and 18th century
0:33:37 > 0:33:40wisteria-clad cottages.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44Our mystery house lies alongside the Grade I listed village church.
0:33:46 > 0:33:51So the final house on our house hunt is always going to be a mystery
0:33:51 > 0:33:53property, and here she is.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55- South Perrott.- You know it, do you?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- I know it very well.- You know this village.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00- Yeah.- But we haven't seen this house.
0:34:00 > 0:34:03- Have you not?- No.- Phew!- No. Looks good from the outside.
0:34:03 > 0:34:06I'm looking at the size of the windows and thinking they are
0:34:06 > 0:34:08a good-sized window, really, for a cottage of this age.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10So, I'm hoping it's going to be light inside.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12Well, let's see if you are right, shall we?
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- Oh, yes.- For the final time, step inside.
0:34:15 > 0:34:20This attractive, thatched cottage was built in the 1800s from local
0:34:20 > 0:34:23hamstone, but as it's our mystery house,
0:34:23 > 0:34:27there's more to it than meets the eye, which I'll reveal in good time.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30For now, I want to show them the interior,
0:34:30 > 0:34:32which has been brought right up-to-date,
0:34:32 > 0:34:34a balance I think will suit our couple.
0:34:34 > 0:34:38The one thing I like about all the properties we've shown you is
0:34:38 > 0:34:41every single one is very different.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42- Yes.- Yes.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- This is lovely. - Oh, what a great fireplace.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- The flagged floor is fabulous.- Yeah.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- This is a good choice. I love it. - It's lovely.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- It's a great size room. I love it.- Yeah.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Right. OK, if you'd like to follow me.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- More flags as you come through.- Yes.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02Ooh. Nice hallway, yeah.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03Oh, I love it.
0:35:03 > 0:35:08- Do you?- It gets better.- I do.- Yeah. It does get better. Great.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10Well, you've excelled yourself.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Now, of all the properties that you've seen,
0:35:12 > 0:35:14and we guess it's about 30,
0:35:14 > 0:35:16- isn't it?- Yeah. - I think it probably is, yeah.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19Have you had this reaction before?
0:35:19 > 0:35:21- No.- No.- No, hand on heart, no.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24There is no way that we've walked into and immediately both looked at
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- one another and thought...- Yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28This is... Excited. It's fabulous.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30And it's right on our doorstep.
0:35:30 > 0:35:32I know! How has this happened?!
0:35:32 > 0:35:35- I don't have to sell you the area, do I?- No.
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- You know it well, you're locals. - Yeah.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Annie and Terry's faces have positively lit up.
0:35:40 > 0:35:44And to think, this property was right under their noses.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50So do you want to tell me about this room?
0:35:50 > 0:35:55I love it. I love the clean lines,
0:35:55 > 0:35:59the window. Stable door, fabulous.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- Yeah.- Yeah.- Utility.- Yeah.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04- Good-sized utility. - Oh, that's a nice feature.
0:36:04 > 0:36:06And at the end, you've got a downstairs cloakroom.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- Oh.- Perfect.- And there's enough space for two or three people to
0:36:10 > 0:36:13work and you can still have a chat in the dining room while people are
0:36:13 > 0:36:15- in the kitchen.- Yeah.- The space works really well.- Yes, yeah.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17And it continues all the way round,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20so we're going to go back via the sitting room and then I'll take you
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- upstairs and show you the bedrooms. - Great.- OK.
0:36:25 > 0:36:30I'm thrilled our buyers already seem at home in our mystery cottage.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Hopefully, they'll find the upstairs just as comfortable.
0:36:33 > 0:36:37There are two well-presented double bedrooms and a large, light,
0:36:37 > 0:36:39modern family bathroom.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43Your main bedroom.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45- Is it big enough? - Oh, it's big enough.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Yes.- It's big enough. - It's a big yes from me.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50- Absolutely.- And me.
0:36:50 > 0:36:52Hands up if we like this room.
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- Two hands!- Without a doubt, look at the space.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59They've chosen not to put any wardrobes in here.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02The good news is, behind that wall, because of the eaves,
0:37:02 > 0:37:06they've made it into a cupboard. All along there is storage space.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10- Oh.- Good to know.- I'm feeling quietly confident.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- Yes.- I wonder whether I should.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14Fingers crossed.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21Outside, the property benefits from a single garage to the side,
0:37:21 > 0:37:24which could be Terry's man cave,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26and there's an enclosed garden to the rear,
0:37:26 > 0:37:28with a number of raised beds,
0:37:28 > 0:37:31plus a patio area to soak up the morning sun.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35So, from the back door, you have
0:37:35 > 0:37:37this beautiful,
0:37:37 > 0:37:39pretty private garden.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Yes. Not overlooked at all, actually.
0:37:42 > 0:37:44- No, you're not, are you?- Do you like it?- Yes.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:37:46 > 0:37:51I would like it to have been a little bigger, but that being said,
0:37:51 > 0:37:53the house is fabulous.
0:37:53 > 0:37:58So maybe it's a compromise that maybe we are willing to reach.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02- Yeah.- I am so pleased you said that,
0:38:02 > 0:38:04because it is the mystery house...
0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Yes.- ..so there's always something else up our sleeve,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10and if you'd like to follow me, I'll show you.
0:38:10 > 0:38:11No!
0:38:15 > 0:38:17Now, I think you should lead.
0:38:17 > 0:38:18After you.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Just across the lane to the side of the property, behind the garage,
0:38:24 > 0:38:28our mystery house comes with a separate and very special
0:38:28 > 0:38:29mystery garden.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Wow. Look at that.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Oh. This is...
0:38:35 > 0:38:38This is... This is with the house?
0:38:38 > 0:38:41- Does this actually belong to the property?- It does.- Wow!
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Oh, fantastic!
0:38:43 > 0:38:45How's that for a surprise?!
0:38:45 > 0:38:48- I'm absolutely gobsmacked. - Gobsmacked.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50- So now we've got the heart beating...- Mm-hm.
0:38:50 > 0:38:52- Yes.- Nearly everything that you've wanted,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55I'm going to have to bring you back down to earth
0:38:55 > 0:38:59because we've got to put a price on our mystery house with this rather
0:38:59 > 0:39:00special garden.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06I would think about £435,000.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08So £10,000 above your top budget.
0:39:08 > 0:39:12- Yes.- OK.- I would say round about the same, 435,
0:39:12 > 0:39:15440 even, because of the...
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Maybe it's because I love it so much that I think I can't have it.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20NICKI CHUCKLES I can hardly contain myself.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24I'm going to get straight to the point. The asking price is...
0:39:24 > 0:39:26£375,000.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28- No way!- For all of this?
0:39:28 > 0:39:31- For all of this.- You are kidding. - No.
0:39:32 > 0:39:34Well, that's it, then.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36That's...
0:39:36 > 0:39:38- I'm speechless. - I am absolutely blown away.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Absolutely speechless.- Wow.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- I feel rather emotional.- Yeah.
0:39:42 > 0:39:43I know, I can see.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45You're going, aren't you?
0:39:45 > 0:39:46- Yeah.- Ooh.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48This is the house.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51- OK.- It's absolutely gorgeous.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54Thank you. Thank you so... Oh, it's gorgeous.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58You're allowed. You haven't had a home for many, many months.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00- No.- And hopefully we've just found you your new one.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Thank you.- Oh.
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I think those tears say everything, so on that note,
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- enjoy your second viewing. - Thank you.
0:40:11 > 0:40:15For a staggering £50,000 below budget,
0:40:15 > 0:40:18this beautifully presented mystery cottage
0:40:18 > 0:40:20has blown Terry and Annie away.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24It's got two bedrooms as well as two separate gardens.
0:40:24 > 0:40:25It's in a quiet village
0:40:25 > 0:40:29just three miles from where they're currently renting.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33We know the village, but we didn't know this house existed.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38I immediately felt, "Oh, my word, I can picture myself here."
0:40:38 > 0:40:42It was like a physical feeling, as though...
0:40:42 > 0:40:44"We've found it. I think we've found it."
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- That's how I felt. - This is the one for us.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Once we walked through and into this fantastic garden,
0:40:50 > 0:40:52I was in disbelief.
0:40:52 > 0:40:53- Absolutely glorious.- Yes.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- Great.- Really wonderful.
0:40:55 > 0:40:57Yeah.
0:40:57 > 0:41:00I'm going to have to drag you two away, I'm afraid.
0:41:00 > 0:41:01Oh, must we go?
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Yeah, you do, and I should think you need some time to mull things over,
0:41:04 > 0:41:06don't you?
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Well, I was just going to make some gin and tonics!
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- Sounds good.- Yeah. - Let's hit the road.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20Well, emotions were definitely running high with Terry and Annie,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23but I wonder - now they've had a little while to think about it,
0:41:23 > 0:41:26do they still feel the same way?
0:41:26 > 0:41:27Let's find out.
0:41:36 > 0:41:38Well, this all looks very nice.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43Terry and Annie, it seems like it's been quite a long house search,
0:41:43 > 0:41:46doesn't it, for this next property of yours.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48We've only come in at the tail end of it,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52but I wonder whether there's been a conclusion.
0:41:52 > 0:41:56It's been a great week because we've seen properties that have started
0:41:56 > 0:41:58with possibilities,
0:41:58 > 0:42:02probabilities, and now we've got to the mystery house and, for us,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04we think that could be ours.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08So much so that we've actually made an arrangement for a second viewing.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12That is the best news. How quickly are you going to go and see it?
0:42:12 > 0:42:14- BOTH:- Tomorrow. - Oh, yes.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17We don't want to risk losing it. Yes.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20The garden has been the clincher, really, there, with that property.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- Once we saw it...- It... - ..it was a done deal, really.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27I think exciting times ahead
0:42:27 > 0:42:28and I can't wait to come back and visit you
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- in your mystery house, how about that?- That would be wonderful.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33It has been fantastic.
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Thank you, both.- Thank you. - It's been wonderful.- Yeah.
0:42:40 > 0:42:46So, what a conclusion and I am thrilled for Terry and Annie.
0:42:46 > 0:42:51We showed them such an eclectic mix of houses, and it just goes to show
0:42:51 > 0:42:54it really does pay to push the boundaries,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57especially with a garden like that.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I'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 Northern Ireland,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Scotland, Wales or in England, and need our help,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10why not apply online at...