0:00:02 > 0:00:04The walls of this impressive red sandstone castle
0:00:04 > 0:00:07hold a thousand years of history
0:00:07 > 0:00:08and stand on a tor
0:00:08 > 0:00:11overlooking a beautifully preserved medieval village,
0:00:11 > 0:00:14once renowned for its wool production.
0:00:14 > 0:00:17So, have I managed to pull the wool over your eyes?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Or have you guessed exactly where I am?
0:00:20 > 0:00:23All will be revealed in just a moment.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45On today's show, we're helping a couple plan for the future
0:00:45 > 0:00:47by finding their very first home together.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50But, they're not the only ones thinking ahead...
0:00:50 > 0:00:53I was down here on holiday last year, with my daughter.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56She said to me, "Mum, that's where I'm going to get married."
0:00:56 > 0:00:58- So...- No!- So, it must be an omen.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Today, we're in Somerset
0:01:03 > 0:01:05and this is Dunster Castle,
0:01:05 > 0:01:08with its breathtaking views over Exmoor,
0:01:08 > 0:01:11and across the Bristol Channel.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Originally built as a Norman fort
0:01:13 > 0:01:15back in the 11th century,
0:01:15 > 0:01:17the castle's dramatic hilltop position
0:01:17 > 0:01:21gave it strategic advantages in terms of defence
0:01:21 > 0:01:22and also horticulture
0:01:22 > 0:01:25as a variety of subtropical plants
0:01:25 > 0:01:27flourish in the grounds here.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30And this evocative and fruitful stronghold
0:01:30 > 0:01:32is just one of the many highlights
0:01:32 > 0:01:34this beautiful county has to offer.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39Nestled in the south-west of England,
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Somerset is bounded to the north
0:01:41 > 0:01:43by the Bristol Channel.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46And it's no surprise that the breathtaking views
0:01:46 > 0:01:49from the county's very own unsung Jurassic coast
0:01:49 > 0:01:51have fuelled the imaginations
0:01:51 > 0:01:54of some of our greatest creative minds.
0:01:54 > 0:01:56Samuel Taylor Coleridge's epic
0:01:56 > 0:01:58Rime Of The Ancient Mariner
0:01:58 > 0:02:01was conceived on a walk through the port town of Watchet.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03And since 2003,
0:02:03 > 0:02:06a seven-foot bronze statue of the mariner
0:02:06 > 0:02:08holding the slain albatross
0:02:08 > 0:02:10has stood overlooking the marina.
0:02:10 > 0:02:12Travel further south into the county,
0:02:12 > 0:02:14and the countryside is dissected
0:02:14 > 0:02:17with tracks, hedgerows and canals
0:02:17 > 0:02:20that pass through Somerset's stunning landscapes,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23world-renowned for fruit and dairy production.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25The varied topography,
0:02:25 > 0:02:26from low-lying wetlands
0:02:26 > 0:02:28to high hills and ridges,
0:02:28 > 0:02:32brings with it a vast range of scenic vistas.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35And the far-reaching outlook from Dunster Castle
0:02:35 > 0:02:37is just as impressive
0:02:37 > 0:02:40a little closer to its fortified walls.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42The medieval Dunster village itself
0:02:42 > 0:02:45is chock full of historic intrigue,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47with over 200 listed buildings
0:02:47 > 0:02:50that include the 17th-century yarn market
0:02:50 > 0:02:51at its centrepiece.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54So, if you're lusting after
0:02:54 > 0:02:57the assorted delights of West Country life,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59in a county with a population density
0:02:59 > 0:03:02well below the country's average,
0:03:02 > 0:03:04there's every reason to choose Somerset.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15When it comes to shopping for property in Somerset,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18you'll find the average price of a detached home
0:03:18 > 0:03:22is nearly £324,000,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24which is just a couple of thousand pounds
0:03:24 > 0:03:26below the national figure.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30And as one of the top ten most rural counties in the country,
0:03:30 > 0:03:32Somerset offers potential buyers
0:03:32 > 0:03:37a huge variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39both inland and on the coast.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41Factors that have prompted
0:03:41 > 0:03:43our active house-hunters today
0:03:43 > 0:03:45to make the move here.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49Romance blossomed for Karen and Mike
0:03:49 > 0:03:52after first meeting one another at a dance class.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55They've now been together for over three years
0:03:55 > 0:03:56but it's fair to say
0:03:56 > 0:03:59that it wasn't love at first sight.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02My ideal guy would be very tall, very dark.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04As you can see, Mike is quite short and...
0:04:04 > 0:04:06HE MOUTHS
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I think he was dark, but obviously he has no hair now, so...
0:04:08 > 0:04:10You can't actually...
0:04:11 > 0:04:14It's a relationship that's quite effortless.
0:04:14 > 0:04:15Our values are very similar.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17We're different personalities
0:04:17 > 0:04:18but our values are very similar.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Mike is certainly much more extroverted than I am.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24Nothing phases Mike at all.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26He takes everything in his stride.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30The couple currently live in their own separate properties.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33Mike's home is a four-bedroom semi in a Leicestershire village,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36while Karen lives with her 15-year-old daughter
0:04:36 > 0:04:37in a Leicester suburb.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39We live approximately 15, 20 minutes apart
0:04:39 > 0:04:41and we spend every weekend together,
0:04:41 > 0:04:43sometimes one or two nights in the week.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46I've lived in this area for just over 13 years.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48In fact, the whole area probably about 25 years.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50I've always lived in the Midlands.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52The approximation of this house is
0:04:52 > 0:04:54it's close to the M69 motorway,
0:04:54 > 0:04:55which is quite noisy,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and the road in front of the house
0:04:57 > 0:04:59is a bit of a rat run, really.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01This house would be Mike's house, my house is my house
0:05:01 > 0:05:02and what we're looking for really is
0:05:02 > 0:05:04something we could call OUR house.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06Ours. It's an exciting adventure, isn't it?
0:05:06 > 0:05:08It is. It's a new chapter in our life.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- It's what we want to do.- Yeah.
0:05:11 > 0:05:13Mike's son has flown the nest
0:05:13 > 0:05:14and Karen's daughter, Ella,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17is due to finish her GCSEs shortly,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21so the timing seems right to start putting down new roots together
0:05:21 > 0:05:24and they've set their sights on the West Country.
0:05:24 > 0:05:26I would really like to go to Somerset.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28It's an area that we've visited many times before
0:05:28 > 0:05:31and really enjoyed our times down there.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34It's the tranquillity, and I think it's the contrast from living in the
0:05:34 > 0:05:35Midlands all our lives.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37It's such a contrast and a new start,
0:05:37 > 0:05:38and a new adventure.
0:05:40 > 0:05:41At the moment,
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Karen is a self-employed marketing consultant,
0:05:43 > 0:05:45and Mike runs his own business.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47But they have high hopes of redressing
0:05:47 > 0:05:50the work life balance when they move.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52Karen works in a very stressful profession
0:05:52 > 0:05:55and I would like Karen, if she wanted to,
0:05:55 > 0:05:56is to reduce her hours
0:05:56 > 0:05:58and both of us work part-time.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00Karen's stress levels will reduce
0:06:00 > 0:06:03and we'll spend more quality time together.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05Hopefully when I move to Somerset,
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I'll set up my private practice as a physiotherapist,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09which I've done for 30 years
0:06:09 > 0:06:11and I also work as a psychotherapist.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13Therefore I'm looking at setting up a new practice,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15new environment, new clientele.
0:06:15 > 0:06:16It will be different.
0:06:16 > 0:06:17It will be a challenge.
0:06:17 > 0:06:18It will be refreshing.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24They are an energetic couple
0:06:24 > 0:06:26with a love of the great outdoors,
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and have plenty of plans to keep them occupied
0:06:28 > 0:06:31in their new coast and countryside location.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34I like DIY. I'm very sporty.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36I swim, I cycle, I run,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I play tennis with my son on Saturdays normally.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41But I'm happy to try out anything, really.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44I'd like to get into sailing. It's something I've not tried.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46It's something both of us would like to try.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Yes. I'm coming around to the idea more!
0:06:48 > 0:06:49Both of us would like to try it.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Actually, I think it could be really quite interesting
0:06:51 > 0:06:53and it's something we could do together as a hobby.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58With a buyer already lined up to purchase Mike's property,
0:06:58 > 0:07:00they are just about ready to go
0:07:00 > 0:07:02and full of optimism for their Somerset future.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05All I can see is positives, no negatives,
0:07:05 > 0:07:08cos every time we down there we don't want to come back, do we?
0:07:08 > 0:07:09No. No.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Somerset is the chosen destination,
0:07:15 > 0:07:17and ideally Mike and Karen would like us to
0:07:17 > 0:07:20concentrate our property search
0:07:20 > 0:07:22within a 20 mile radius of Taunton.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25I'm meeting up with both of our buyers on Somerset soil
0:07:25 > 0:07:26to get better acquainted.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28Well, Karen and Mike,
0:07:28 > 0:07:29welcome to Somerset.
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:07:31 > 0:07:33Hope you're looking forward to the next few days.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35Absolutely. We're delighted to be here.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38Let's talk about the finer detail of this new home.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40What is if you're after?
0:07:40 > 0:07:42I think a character property would be nice,
0:07:42 > 0:07:45although we would like it fairly modern inside.
0:07:45 > 0:07:47Three bedrooms. We're not really looking for
0:07:47 > 0:07:49a very, very large property.
0:07:49 > 0:07:51I would really love a big kitchen.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52I know it sounds very cliched,
0:07:52 > 0:07:55but I would like the kitchen to be very much the heart of the home.
0:07:55 > 0:07:57- Wonderful.- We both work from home,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59so either a study
0:07:59 > 0:08:01or a space to create a study.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03I think Mike would like a treatment room.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Yeah, I need the availability of a treatment room,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07or we can produce that from the property itself
0:08:07 > 0:08:09within the budget we have.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Perhaps a holiday let to bring some income in.- Holiday lets.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14Have you ever done anything like this before?
0:08:14 > 0:08:16No, we are looking at a new adventure, really, aren't we?
0:08:16 > 0:08:19A new source of income that we can bring in.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Now you're making me nervous, Karen,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22because at the start you said,
0:08:22 > 0:08:24we don't want a big house...
0:08:26 > 0:08:27We don't NEED a big house.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29That list kept going, didn't it?!
0:08:29 > 0:08:31The three bedrooms, yeah, I'll accept.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Will we get Karen's bed in the bedroom?
0:08:33 > 0:08:36Now, tell me about this bed.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38Ah, I'm rather attached to my bed.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40It's a super king.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41It's very large
0:08:41 > 0:08:42but it's also a sleigh bed,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44so the frame is also large,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48so if the bed doesn't fit in the bedroom, we're not buying the house!
0:08:48 > 0:08:50Are you prepared to compromise?
0:08:50 > 0:08:52There will be an element of compromise,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54and I think it's probably fair to say that
0:08:54 > 0:08:57we may need to take on a project to get the wish list,
0:08:57 > 0:08:58so we're quite happy to do that.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- We are.- We've done quite a bit of renovation ourselves in the past...
0:09:01 > 0:09:04- Mm-hmm.- ..so if it is a project then we'd be more than happy.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Well, let's remind ourselves of your budget,
0:09:06 > 0:09:09and also how quickly you want to make this move.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12About £425,000 is our ceiling.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- Right.- We can accommodate that with selling the one property,
0:09:16 > 0:09:18which I have a potential buyer for.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22If we fall in love with something that's well over that budget,
0:09:22 > 0:09:24then we may need to sell both properties.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27The idea is I move down in advance, and then they'll follow.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29So in an ideal world,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32you'd like to spend £425,000
0:09:32 > 0:09:34on this new home.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35However, you do have
0:09:35 > 0:09:37a little bit of flexibility, don't you?
0:09:37 > 0:09:40I'm sure if we fall in love with a property
0:09:40 > 0:09:41and it meets all our needs
0:09:41 > 0:09:44that we could probably stretch to £450,000.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Splendid. Well, we do have
0:09:46 > 0:09:47some wonderful properties
0:09:47 > 0:09:49lined up to show you,
0:09:49 > 0:09:50so I think we should get started.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Lovely. Thank you.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53- If you'd like to follow me? - Thank you.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58For an absolute maximum budget
0:09:58 > 0:09:59of £450,000,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01our buyers are looking for
0:10:01 > 0:10:02a character property
0:10:02 > 0:10:03with a modern interior,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05a spacious kitchen
0:10:05 > 0:10:07and three bedrooms.
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Both Karen and Mike
0:10:08 > 0:10:09need a study and treatment room
0:10:09 > 0:10:11for their respective businesses,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14and they are also after a holiday let
0:10:14 > 0:10:15for extra income.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It may be quite a tall order,
0:10:17 > 0:10:19but we do have a choice range
0:10:19 > 0:10:20of beautiful Somerset homes
0:10:20 > 0:10:22that I hope will meet the mark.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24And, as always,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27the attached prices will be a guessing game.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28Then, to top it off,
0:10:28 > 0:10:30I'll reveal the mystery house,
0:10:30 > 0:10:32where Mike and Karen could really cash in
0:10:32 > 0:10:34on their country dream.
0:10:38 > 0:10:40We are taking our house-hunters to
0:10:40 > 0:10:42the country village of Wadeford,
0:10:42 > 0:10:43which lies within the parish and
0:10:43 > 0:10:46larger village of Combe Saint Nicholas,
0:10:46 > 0:10:48and not too far from the amenities
0:10:48 > 0:10:50in the county town of Taunton.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53There is a local village shop,
0:10:53 > 0:10:56as well as a pub nearby,
0:10:56 > 0:10:57and right in the heart of Wadeford
0:10:57 > 0:11:00is the house that I want to present.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03Right, let me introduce you...
0:11:03 > 0:11:08..to our first property here in Somerset.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09It looks gorgeous.
0:11:09 > 0:11:10Lovely.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12Very, very attractive property.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I'm calling it a house.
0:11:14 > 0:11:15I probably should actually say
0:11:15 > 0:11:17- it's more of a cottage.- Right. Yeah.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Just so that you're prepared as you walk through the door.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21It's got a very cottage feel.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22Just from the outside, it looks quite cottagey.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24So, as first impressions go...?
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- Very good.- Very good. - Yeah, very good.- Lovely.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28Shall we take a look inside?
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- Please do.- Oh, yeah. Can't wait.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34Built in the middle of the 19th century,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36this was originally a home for a working mill,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39which itself dates to the 1600s
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and makes up part of this cottage complex.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Right, let's start off with...
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Well, shall we call it a sitting room
0:11:47 > 0:11:48or shall we call it a snug?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I think it's more of a snug.
0:11:50 > 0:11:51- Yeah?- It's lovely, yeah.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52Very, very cosy.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54A nice wood burner there.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56I can imagine cosy winter evenings. That would be lovely.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- It's just what we're looking for, isn't it?- It is.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01And it's a big bay, and gives lots of light,
0:12:01 > 0:12:02which is important, isn't it?
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- Yeah.- And we like light, light...
0:12:04 > 0:12:06Yes, I do like light rooms.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09Well, actually, the house is south facing
0:12:09 > 0:12:10so you're going to get it all day.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- Yeah.- Wonderful. This is nice. - Good. Great.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14A really good start,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17and back on the other side of the entrance hall,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20we find a dining room which opens out onto the kitchen.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- So, other side of the staircase... - Oh, it's lovely.- Wow.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26..here is your dining room...
0:12:26 > 0:12:28Fantastic. Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30..integrated into the kitchen.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Exactly what you want, isn't it?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33- Yeah, it is.- It's just lovely.
0:12:33 > 0:12:34It's got options. It's got character.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- You'll have fun here, won't you? - I would, yeah. I'd be happy here.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39The heart of the home, really.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Again, very light, very airy
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and I think they've utilised this space beautifully.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45Now, Karen,
0:12:45 > 0:12:47how are you with a range?
0:12:47 > 0:12:48I think I'd be fine with it.
0:12:48 > 0:12:50I've never actually used one, I have to be honest.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53I think my daughter might struggle a little bit with it.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Country living.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57The good news is you've actually got a hob here.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59- Ah, wonderful.- So far it's...
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- So far so good. - ..super, yeah.- Yeah.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04It's just what we imagined, really, isn't it?
0:13:04 > 0:13:05- Mmm. Yeah.- Oh, my goodness.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07I'm getting a bit excited, Mike.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10I'm amazed you found something so lovely.
0:13:10 > 0:13:11Well, very promising downstairs.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Let's hope we feel the same upstairs.- Yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Mike and Karen seem very taken
0:13:16 > 0:13:19with this former mill cottage so far,
0:13:19 > 0:13:21and at the other end of the property
0:13:21 > 0:13:24is an attached scullery used as a utility room.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26Back in the entrance hall,
0:13:26 > 0:13:28stairs take us to the sleeping quarters,
0:13:28 > 0:13:29where a double bedroom,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31presented as a single,
0:13:31 > 0:13:33could be used by Karen's daughter.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35There's also a smaller guest room
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and both bedrooms are served by a family bathroom.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41All hitting their wish list so far,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44but there is that all-important issue
0:13:44 > 0:13:46of Karen's super king-size bed.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50This is the master bedroom.
0:13:50 > 0:13:51It's very small.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I'm not entirely sure my bed would actually go in here.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- It would fill the entire wall there...- Yeah.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01..and probably there would be very little room to even walk.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Yeah. Mike, help me.
0:14:04 > 0:14:06- Or we could even knock through, couldn't we?- Potentially.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09We could knock that through. That could be a dressing room.
0:14:09 > 0:14:11- Could be.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Then we just juggle and adjust and adapt.- Yeah.- Good.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16And you like the idea of having an en-suite?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18- Yes.- Absolutely.- Definitely,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- we're both used to having an en-suite at the moment.- Mm-hmm.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22And with a 15-year-old daughter in the house,
0:14:22 > 0:14:25we don't tend to get a look-in in the bathroom.
0:14:25 > 0:14:28So the compromise could be to take the bedroom next door,
0:14:28 > 0:14:31make this into a wonderful master.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Daughter's at the end of the corridor...
0:14:33 > 0:14:35- Yeah. - ..and guests stay down the road.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40It's heartening that Mike and Karen are clearly able to see through
0:14:40 > 0:14:42the need to compromise
0:14:42 > 0:14:45to what could be a fantastic home for them.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Outside to the front,
0:14:46 > 0:14:50a gated gravel driveway leads to the former stone mill.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52It's now used as a garage,
0:14:52 > 0:14:54but could potentially be converted into
0:14:54 > 0:14:56a holiday let or therapy room,
0:14:56 > 0:14:58subject to the right permissions.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00At the side of the property
0:15:00 > 0:15:02is a raised area of lawn,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04and to the rear a further level
0:15:04 > 0:15:06enjoys elevated village views.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I'll get you just to turn around and look behind us.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13- Wow. The Blackdown Hills. - Stunning, isn't it?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- Beautiful, beautiful. - That's some view, isn't it? - Mmm, that's lovely.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18And it gets the sun all day up here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19- Right.- That's the great thing.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- So in the summer...- Suntrap, yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Exactly, suntrap. Right.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Well, we've got to see if you could
0:15:25 > 0:15:27actually afford to make the changes to that mill,
0:15:27 > 0:15:29because we've got to try and put a price
0:15:29 > 0:15:31on our very first property.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33What are you thinking?
0:15:33 > 0:15:35I think it's below our budget.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37I'd say 395.
0:15:37 > 0:15:38Karen?
0:15:38 > 0:15:39And I would say slightly lower.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I'd say for about 385.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43OK.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And we're looking around £425,000 as your top budget, aren't we?
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- Mm-hmm.- With that...
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- Yes.- ..room to manoeuvre if we need to.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51- Absolutely.- Right.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53This first home is...
0:15:53 > 0:15:55..under your budget.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57It's only been on the market for about three weeks.
0:15:57 > 0:15:58The asking price is...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01..£355,000.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03- Interesting.- Surprising.
0:16:03 > 0:16:04- Yeah.- Yes.- Very interesting.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06It certainly gives it a bit more scope, doesn't it?
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- It does. It's got potential, hasn't it?- Yeah.
0:16:08 > 0:16:09So, now you know the price,
0:16:09 > 0:16:12I think you can look at things with fresh eyes, can't you?
0:16:12 > 0:16:14Do you fancy having another look on your own this time?
0:16:14 > 0:16:16- Yeah. Please.- Yes, please. Yeah.
0:16:16 > 0:16:17- Be my guest.- Thank you.- Thank you.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23Leaving plenty in their budget to play with,
0:16:23 > 0:16:24this former mill cottage
0:16:24 > 0:16:27has an open-plan kitchen and dining room,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29the three bedrooms they requested,
0:16:29 > 0:16:31including a master en suite,
0:16:31 > 0:16:32plus a potential project
0:16:32 > 0:16:34in the former stone mill.
0:16:36 > 0:16:38It needs a lot of work.
0:16:38 > 0:16:39It is a massive project to do.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40It's a huge, huge project.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- It will cost quite a bit of money, I would have thought.- Yeah.
0:16:43 > 0:16:45The inside is beautifully done.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48The current owners have done the property very, very well.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50Upstairs, unfortunately, I think the bedrooms
0:16:50 > 0:16:52are probably just a little bit too small for us.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55It's a bit like a reverse TARDIS, really.
0:16:55 > 0:16:56It was gorgeous and big on the outside,
0:16:56 > 0:16:58but it shrunk as you went on the inside.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Right, are we happy?
0:17:00 > 0:17:02- Have we seen enough? - Yes. Seen enough.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05It's a really nice property and certainly a great start
0:17:05 > 0:17:06I think for property number one.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08And the fact you've got a little bit
0:17:08 > 0:17:11of spare change in your back pocket is always very pleasant, isn't it?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- It is.- But we have more to show you.
0:17:13 > 0:17:14So, shall we make a move?
0:17:14 > 0:17:16Definitely. Thank you.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Keen to explore different activities
0:17:25 > 0:17:27when they make their move to Somerset,
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Mike and Karen have expressed an interest in sailing,
0:17:31 > 0:17:35so we've arranged a dinghy taster session at Wimbleball Lake.
0:17:35 > 0:17:36It's beautiful over there.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:17:38 > 0:17:41Instructor Andy Clear is welcoming our couple
0:17:41 > 0:17:44and he's been coming to this lake since he was eight.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Hi. Welcome to Wimbleball Sailing Club.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Thank you very much. Nice to meet you.
0:17:48 > 0:17:49So have you ever done any sailing?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51No. None whatsoever.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52We're total novices.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54OK. Have you brought your wet suits?
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- Yes.- We certainly have. Yes.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56So if we go and get changed
0:17:56 > 0:17:59and then I'll meet you down by the training boats in a little bit.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Mike and Karen will be joining Andy to sail a Comet Trio,
0:18:04 > 0:18:07a dinghy which is typically crewed by three people.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08But before getting afloat,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11Andy's running through some basic controls.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13So, this is the boat we're going to be using.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16At the back for steering is the rudder,
0:18:16 > 0:18:18which is the blade in the water,
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and then attached to that is this stick that comes up here and that's
0:18:21 > 0:18:23called a tiller and that's what you hold on to
0:18:23 > 0:18:26and then the sources of power on the boat,
0:18:26 > 0:18:27the sails, of course.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30So this one is the largest one and it's in the middle and it's called
0:18:30 > 0:18:33the main sail and up the front of the boat
0:18:33 > 0:18:36you have another sail called a jib sail.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40The ropes used to raise the sails are named halyards
0:18:40 > 0:18:43and the ropes that control the sail out on the water
0:18:43 > 0:18:45are called sheets.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- When we're ready, we can start pulling in on the sails.- OK.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50So one way of pulling it in,
0:18:50 > 0:18:51how we want to hold it
0:18:51 > 0:18:55and it's called a dagger-dagger grip.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58Right? So you've got this hand and it's stabbing down
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- towards the pulley here.- Right.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02- Yeah.- That way. And we've got this hand
0:19:02 > 0:19:03and it's stabbing towards the back.
0:19:03 > 0:19:05Demonstration over,
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Karen is first at the helm.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09- OK, have you got it?- Mm-hmm.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12So, I just want you to try and go in a straight line that way.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14OK, so get a feel for the steering,
0:19:14 > 0:19:15so pull it towards you. OK.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Do you sort of feel what it's doing?
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- Yeah.- So you say...
0:19:19 > 0:19:21- Ready about. - ..and then we go ready...
0:19:21 > 0:19:23- Ready.- ..and then you push it away.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26So the other way. Push.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27All the way over.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31OK? And then Mike's undone the rope.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35And then when you're facing over this way, straighten up.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38So straighten back up.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40OK? And you're tacked.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42Next, it's Mike's turn to really
0:19:42 > 0:19:44get the wind in their sails.
0:19:44 > 0:19:46So if you start leaning over.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48All you've got to do is just let the rope out.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49Oh, God!
0:19:49 > 0:19:51Turn it round a bit. If I can just grab that...
0:19:51 > 0:19:53Oh, Mike!
0:19:55 > 0:19:56Don't worry, it's fine.
0:19:56 > 0:19:59So what's happened there is it's just cleated in in this,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02so that's the problem with locking it in the cleat.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05You just need it... You can't ease it out too easily.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09To reduce the angle of the boat,
0:20:09 > 0:20:11body weight can be redistributed
0:20:11 > 0:20:13with a technique called hiking.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15You've just got to pop your feet under the strap.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17Under there.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19Sit up on the edge, OK?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21And then using that to support you,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- you just sort of lean out a little bit.- Well done!
0:20:24 > 0:20:25And then you keep the ropes nice and flat
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and we're actually moving quite quickly now
0:20:28 > 0:20:30because the wind's come up a little bit.
0:20:30 > 0:20:32- It's nice and fast.- It's quite exhilarating, really.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It is. Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:35It's just having that confidence.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37I thought we were going to go in at that point.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Now I know why we've got wet suits. - Yeah.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42The tiller back in Andy's expert hands
0:20:42 > 0:20:45and the fear of an impromptu dip
0:20:45 > 0:20:46has not put Karen off.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48So how much experience do you have to have
0:20:48 > 0:20:51before you can go out on the water on your own?
0:20:51 > 0:20:54So we usually are happy if the weather's good
0:20:54 > 0:20:57and if you've done a RYA Level 1 taster course,
0:20:57 > 0:20:59which is just like a weekend with one of our instructors.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02I've really enjoyed this. It's been a great experience,
0:21:02 > 0:21:03so thank you very much.
0:21:03 > 0:21:04- Thank you.- Yeah, thank you,
0:21:04 > 0:21:07and we'll look forward to having lessons in future.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Yes, I hope to see you again soon.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12It's been a great introduction to how Karen and Mike
0:21:12 > 0:21:15might set sail in Somerset.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18And we'll be getting back on course with our search
0:21:18 > 0:21:19for their new country home
0:21:19 > 0:21:21first thing in the morning.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32With a top budget of £450,000,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34we're helping Mike and Karen
0:21:34 > 0:21:36to quit Leicestershire town life
0:21:36 > 0:21:39and create a whole new life and business together
0:21:39 > 0:21:41in the Somerset countryside.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Still to come,
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I reveal a mystery house that takes our buyers aback...
0:21:48 > 0:21:49Wasn't expecting this.
0:21:49 > 0:21:50No.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52..and I'll be on a mission
0:21:52 > 0:21:54to control carnivorous crustaceans
0:21:54 > 0:21:56in Exmoor National Park.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58They get their calcium from eating each other.
0:21:58 > 0:21:59Do they?
0:21:59 > 0:22:00Oh.
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Well, today we still have two more properties
0:22:06 > 0:22:07to show Mike and Karen.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10One of course is our mystery house,
0:22:10 > 0:22:12which may make our couple
0:22:12 > 0:22:15have to revisit their finances.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16But first, well,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19it would be a shame to come all the way to Somerset
0:22:19 > 0:22:20and not see the sea
0:22:20 > 0:22:22and our next property offers them
0:22:22 > 0:22:23that very luxury.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Our Somerset property search is heading to
0:22:27 > 0:22:29the village of West Quantoxhead.
0:22:30 > 0:22:34Overlooking the coast and the western edges of the Quantock Hills,
0:22:34 > 0:22:36facilities include a bar and restaurant,
0:22:36 > 0:22:40a shop and a village hall.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41The local manor took its name
0:22:41 > 0:22:43from the 19th century church,
0:22:43 > 0:22:45which is dedicated to St Audrey.
0:22:46 > 0:22:48And just a short stroll from here
0:22:48 > 0:22:50is the house we've come to see.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Location is fabulous here.
0:22:55 > 0:22:57It's exactly where we wanted to be, wasn't it?
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- We love the village. - We love the village.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02I was down here on holiday with my daughter
0:23:02 > 0:23:04and the church that is just in the village down there.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07She said to me, "Mum, that's where I'm going to get married."
0:23:07 > 0:23:08- So...- No!
0:23:08 > 0:23:10..must be an omen!
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Is this going to be where she has her honeymoon?
0:23:14 > 0:23:16It's a pretty house, isn't it?
0:23:16 > 0:23:17- It is.- Very pretty.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Love the front door. The front door's really rustic.
0:23:20 > 0:23:21To live here would be wonderful.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24Let's see if we can make it a reality.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- Let's go.- Thank you.
0:23:26 > 0:23:28It seems this one is spot on
0:23:28 > 0:23:30in terms of location.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33The house was built on a sloped plot in the 1960s
0:23:33 > 0:23:34and we're starting our tour
0:23:34 > 0:23:36in the kitchen-breakfast room.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Very nice. Yes.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40I think it's big enough.
0:23:40 > 0:23:41- Lovely range cooker again. - Lovely.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44It's big enough for the table or we could put an island there
0:23:44 > 0:23:46maybe if we wanted to in the future.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48- Yeah.- Super, a good start.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Let's continue.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52To one side of the kitchen there's also
0:23:52 > 0:23:53a utility and boot room,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55with direct access to the garden.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59So you've got a downstairs cloakroom,
0:23:59 > 0:24:01leading us through...
0:24:01 > 0:24:04..into our sitting room.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06It's a nice size. Nice views out the window.
0:24:06 > 0:24:07They've really made the most of
0:24:07 > 0:24:09the views that they've got.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10That's what you call a view.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It's beautiful. I really like it.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16- Yes.- So much potential for us, hasn't it?- Yes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18You've got the fire there.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21And then from here leading us into your conservatory.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23- Very nice.- Fantastic.- Another bonus.
0:24:23 > 0:24:24Makes the most of that vista,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26but also your garden.
0:24:26 > 0:24:27It's amazing.
0:24:27 > 0:24:28Perfect location.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31With a house, you can always develop, you can always change.
0:24:31 > 0:24:33You can always make it to your own taste,
0:24:33 > 0:24:35but you can't ever change the location.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36We've got lovely houses now, haven't we?
0:24:36 > 0:24:38But they're really in the wrong location.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42There's nothing I can do about that other than move down here.
0:24:42 > 0:24:43You're sold on the area
0:24:43 > 0:24:46and you're really liking my house as well, aren't you?
0:24:46 > 0:24:47- Absolutely.- We certainly are.
0:24:47 > 0:24:48You've got a good one here.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Shall we head upstairs? - Yes. Lovely.
0:24:54 > 0:24:56No less than four double bedrooms
0:24:56 > 0:24:59give Mike and Karen good options for their business,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01as one room, currently used as a study,
0:25:01 > 0:25:03has its own separate entrance.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07There's also a family bathroom
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and two more good-sized guest rooms,
0:25:10 > 0:25:13one of which has its own en-suite.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Lastly, we come to the largest bedroom,
0:25:17 > 0:25:19which offers some incredible views.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22Oh, my God, you can see the sea!
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- Yes!- Wow! That's great.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25You've actually got a sea view.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27I didn't think we'd be that high up.
0:25:27 > 0:25:28You can see right over to the sea.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31- Stunning.- Sold on the view. - Yeah, big tick.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33So, I'd better bring you back to the bedroom.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35Now, at the moment, they taken out the en-suite
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and they've used it as a little dressing room area.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39- Yeah.- Right.- But all the plumbing is already in there.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41- Yep.- But it does have en-suite facilities
0:25:41 > 0:25:43if you want to reinstate that.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- Perfect.- And you will get your bed in here.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48- The bed will go in here.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Sea views and space for Karen's enormous bed
0:25:51 > 0:25:53are making this option
0:25:53 > 0:25:55more and more attractive.
0:25:56 > 0:25:59Outside, there's a powered workshop as well as a garage,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02which give further scope for Mike's therapy business.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05The garden, plus a well-placed summerhouse,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08also benefit from those captivating views
0:26:08 > 0:26:10of the coast and countryside.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13I think this garden
0:26:13 > 0:26:15is just so beautiful.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18And then you have the most incredible vista as well.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20It's absolutely stunning,
0:26:20 > 0:26:22it's a really pretty garden.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- So lovely.- Just the right size as well, isn't it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:25It's not too big, not too small.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27- No, that's right.- It's perfect.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29It's got lovely character.
0:26:29 > 0:26:30So, you love our property,
0:26:30 > 0:26:32you adore this area.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34What do we think the asking price is?
0:26:34 > 0:26:36I think it's going to be way over our budget.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38I would say 460?
0:26:38 > 0:26:40OK. Mike?
0:26:40 > 0:26:43Wow. Our comfortable budget is 425...
0:26:43 > 0:26:45- Yeah.- I've got my fingers and toes crossed,
0:26:45 > 0:26:47but I think it may well be above that.
0:26:47 > 0:26:52OK. Well, the asking price is, with everything crossed...
0:26:52 > 0:26:54..£425,000.
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Right on your comfortable budget.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Fantastic. Great.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- Wow.- It has only just gone on the market, though.- Yep.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03But, yeah, we're not stretching you on this one, are we?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05- No.- Absolutely not.- Bang on budget.
0:27:05 > 0:27:06That's really surprising.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09Be my guests, go and have another look around.
0:27:09 > 0:27:10Off you go. Take another look.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Thank you. Thank you.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14The potential of this detached home
0:27:14 > 0:27:17is hitting just about everything,
0:27:17 > 0:27:18including the budget.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20There is a large kitchen,
0:27:20 > 0:27:21four double bedrooms,
0:27:21 > 0:27:22pretty gardens
0:27:22 > 0:27:24with a selection of outbuildings
0:27:24 > 0:27:27and far-reaching sea views.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28The interior really works for us,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31because it's got the extra bedroom, which is a bonus.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32It's got a study here already,
0:27:32 > 0:27:34which is great for working from home.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36With the panoramic views, I mean,
0:27:36 > 0:27:37what more could we ask for?
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I feel like I'm the king and queen sat up here.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44- Wow.- It's stunning.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Absolutely stunning.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47Karen is happy, I'm happy.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51Well, I have to say,
0:27:51 > 0:27:53that went extraordinarily well.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55You both love it, don't you?
0:27:55 > 0:27:58It's gorgeous. It's such a beautiful property.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Am I allowed to drag you away?
0:28:00 > 0:28:02I think you will need a rope for Karen.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Well, the day isn't over yet,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06we've got more to see, so let's make tracks.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Great.- Thank you.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19Stretching across Somerset's northern reaches
0:28:19 > 0:28:20and west into Devon,
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Exmoor's 270 square miles of open moorland
0:28:23 > 0:28:27was designated as a National Park in 1954.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32Wildlife conversation is a priority for the park authority,
0:28:32 > 0:28:37but invasive, non-native species are posing a serious threat,
0:28:37 > 0:28:42so conservation officers are waging war on one particular intruder.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46I've come to meet ecologist Nicky Green,
0:28:46 > 0:28:49who is heading up the project to reduce the numbers of
0:28:49 > 0:28:51signal crayfish in the River Barle.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52We're here today to talk about quite
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- a serious subject, aren't we? - That's right.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56This introduction of signal crayfish.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Yes. We've got them here.
0:28:58 > 0:29:00They're an invasive species of crayfish
0:29:00 > 0:29:05which were introduced into the UK in the 1970s from America
0:29:05 > 0:29:08to grow for food for the restaurant trade.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11And they are responsible for probably a loss
0:29:11 > 0:29:15of 70-80% of our native crayfish populations in the UK.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18My goodness. And do they actually affect anything else,
0:29:18 > 0:29:20the countryside, other wildlife?
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Yeah, they eat a wide variety of things in the rivers.
0:29:23 > 0:29:24They burrow into the bank,
0:29:24 > 0:29:26which can cause siltation of
0:29:26 > 0:29:28gravel beds that salmon spawn on,
0:29:28 > 0:29:31so they have lots of different levels of impact.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Well, I've never seen crayfish up close and personal.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Let me take a look, I can help you with some of these traps.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Yeah, we'll go and empty some traps,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- and you can meet some volunteers and look at some crayfish.- Great.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Tackling the signal crayfish involves donning our waders,
0:29:45 > 0:29:49scrambling down the river bank and getting into the water.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I can see we've got one of the traps here.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Yes, this is a funnel trap,
0:29:54 > 0:29:56or a baited trap, they're called.
0:29:56 > 0:29:58You can see, there's a couple of crayfish in there.
0:29:58 > 0:29:59I can see the bait.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01What actually is it? What are you using?
0:30:01 > 0:30:03That's tinned sardines.
0:30:03 > 0:30:04We also use cat food.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06And on an average day,
0:30:06 > 0:30:08how many crayfish would you get?
0:30:08 > 0:30:10Or does it vary season to season?
0:30:10 > 0:30:11Erm, it does vary.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13It's probably around 100 a day.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- 100, 150 a day. - My goodness.- Yeah.
0:30:15 > 0:30:16That's a lot of crayfish.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19We've caught about 6,000 animals so far.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22Nicky and her team have planted a variety of baited traps
0:30:22 > 0:30:26along a 1,500-metre stretch of the river to catch the critters,
0:30:26 > 0:30:29which can grow up to six inches long.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32Is there a way that you have to hold them?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Yeah. Avoid the claws.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37So, just try and hold it fairly low down.
0:30:37 > 0:30:38That's it.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40Look at that blue underbelly.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43Those claws are ferocious!
0:30:43 > 0:30:44Only half a claw.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45Would that be in a fight?
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Yeah, probably. They're aggressive and they basically,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50they get their calcium from eating each other.
0:30:50 > 0:30:52Do they? Oh.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55So, what's going to happen to these crayfish?
0:30:55 > 0:30:57The large males, like this one,
0:30:57 > 0:30:59will be sterilised and put back in the river,
0:30:59 > 0:31:02because they dominate the breeding activity,
0:31:02 > 0:31:03so putting them back means that
0:31:03 > 0:31:06they'll do all the mating but they won't produce any young.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07And the females?
0:31:07 > 0:31:09Yeah, the females have to be killed humanely,
0:31:09 > 0:31:11and the smaller males as well.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13There are strict rules for catching crayfish,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17and the process requires a licence from the Environment Agency.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Nicky works with a team of 40 volunteers,
0:31:20 > 0:31:22including park intern, April
0:31:22 > 0:31:24and retired fisherman, Steve.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- And it looks like there could be success here. Hi, guys.- Oh, yes.
0:31:27 > 0:31:28There's quite a few of you have
0:31:28 > 0:31:31been working on this stretch of the river today.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33Is that something you would encourage people
0:31:33 > 0:31:35- to do in their areas? - Oh, yeah, absolutely.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36I mean, I think it's a great way to
0:31:36 > 0:31:39become familiar with your surrounding environment.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41You also have to sort of educate yourself to the area where you live,
0:31:41 > 0:31:44don't you, from county to county, the importance of...?
0:31:44 > 0:31:46You meet like-minded people and you talk.
0:31:46 > 0:31:49I know, Nicky, this is early days for the trial.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50In your opinion, as an expert,
0:31:50 > 0:31:52how's it going?
0:31:52 > 0:31:54Initial signs are looking pretty good.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Well, it is the most beautiful setting, I think we'll all agree
0:31:57 > 0:32:00and making a difference to the countryside.
0:32:00 > 0:32:02Nicky, April, Steve,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04- thank you very much indeed. - Thank you.- Thank you.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I'll leave you to monitor and log your catch.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09Thank you.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12This initiative is the first of its kind in the UK,
0:32:12 > 0:32:14and in the last year or so,
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Nicky and her dedicated team have seen the
0:32:16 > 0:32:21numbers of river-raiding signal crayfish reduce by some 20%,
0:32:21 > 0:32:23a noble effort which could offer
0:32:23 > 0:32:25real hope for the native species.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32Our mystery house is located in Bishops Lydeard.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34This small Somerset village,
0:32:34 > 0:32:36nestles in the Vale of Taunton Deane,
0:32:36 > 0:32:39once the location of two working mills.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42One of these is now a museum of rural life,
0:32:42 > 0:32:45and heritage buffs can also enjoy the steam railway,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48the longest of its kind in the country.
0:32:48 > 0:32:50The village is served by a shop and store,
0:32:50 > 0:32:52plus a Grade I listed church
0:32:52 > 0:32:55that dates to the 14th century,
0:32:55 > 0:32:58and right in the heart of this village is the mystery property,
0:32:58 > 0:33:01which has a centuries-old history of its own.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- Very different, isn't it? - It's thatched.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06It is. It's thatched,
0:33:06 > 0:33:07it's attached,
0:33:07 > 0:33:08and it's listed.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- Yeah?- It does look lovely.
0:33:10 > 0:33:11It's very chocolate box.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12And it's very beautiful.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Let's step inside and see what you make of it.
0:33:14 > 0:33:15Great. Thank you.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Trust our mystery house to throw a curveball.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23This thatched, Grade II listed home
0:33:23 > 0:33:27is thought to have started life as two separate cottages,
0:33:27 > 0:33:29and dates to the 1500s.
0:33:30 > 0:33:31Over the centuries,
0:33:31 > 0:33:32the cottage has been added to,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35and now presents a large family home.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37And, as we come through the front door,
0:33:37 > 0:33:40the historic period features are immediately apparent.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46There is so much to explore with this house.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47Oh, this is really sweet.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50And, when it comes to fireplaces, how is that for a wood burner?
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Yeah.- That is huge. That will be so warm.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54That is some fireplace.
0:33:54 > 0:33:55Very, very cosy room.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58So far, so good, with our mystery house?
0:33:58 > 0:33:59- Definitely.- Lovely.- Yeah?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02If I can squeeze past you, let's see the kitchen...
0:34:04 > 0:34:06..which I think is quite interesting,
0:34:06 > 0:34:08because it's been divided up.
0:34:08 > 0:34:09- But does it work for you? - Yeah, I think so.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12The fact that you've got all that space over there, actually,
0:34:12 > 0:34:14it doesn't feel like the kitchen is very, very small.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16I think it's in character for the property.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18So, you've got your kitchen here, your country kitchen,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20beautifully appointed,
0:34:20 > 0:34:23and then, you know, this is a huge supporting wall,
0:34:23 > 0:34:25but they've been quite clever, because through here...
0:34:28 > 0:34:31You've actually got a dining room with access outside.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33- Amazing.- Yeah. Incredible standard,
0:34:33 > 0:34:35- and so much in character with the property.- Beautiful.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- You can see it's been loved as a home.- Yes.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41We've seen a little bit of the downstairs. It's huge.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44There's another sitting room and a study on the other side.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47But one of the reasons we really wanted to show you this property
0:34:47 > 0:34:50was the business side.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54So, let's walk through. Quite a few bedrooms in total. Follow me.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00There are no fewer than five bedrooms
0:35:00 > 0:35:01in this mystery cottage,
0:35:01 > 0:35:03which currently achieves a significant income
0:35:03 > 0:35:06from bed and breakfast guests.
0:35:06 > 0:35:09Upstairs, we find four of them.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12One to the rear is currently offered as a twin guest room
0:35:12 > 0:35:14with doors down to the garden
0:35:14 > 0:35:16as well as an en-suite.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18Then, running across the front of the cottage,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20are three further rooms.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22One is a large double featuring
0:35:22 > 0:35:23a freestanding bath,
0:35:23 > 0:35:26then there's another smart twin room,
0:35:26 > 0:35:28and a further double.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30These last two rooms are both served
0:35:30 > 0:35:32by a Jack and Jill family bathroom.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35But the final bedroom, number five,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37is found back on the ground floor
0:35:37 > 0:35:39and reached via a snug.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41So, you've got an additional
0:35:41 > 0:35:43reception stroke sitting room there...
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Lovely, isn't it, in there? Yeah.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48This is what I wanted to show you.
0:35:48 > 0:35:50Oh. I wasn't expecting this.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51No, not at all.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53So, you've got private access here
0:35:53 > 0:35:55off this beautiful courtyard garden,
0:35:55 > 0:35:57- with an en-suite.- Wow.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59We're thinking, as a treatment room,
0:35:59 > 0:36:02or as a B&B. It can be stand-alone.
0:36:02 > 0:36:04This would make a fabulous treatment room, wouldn't it?
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- Yeah.- It's got its own private access. Perfect.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- Lots of light in here. - It would.
0:36:09 > 0:36:12- It's a big property. - Amazing. It is really deceiving.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14It's totally not what we expected at all.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16That's our mystery house for you.
0:36:16 > 0:36:17So, let's head outside
0:36:17 > 0:36:19and see what you make of it,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22and also what you think it's on the market for.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Lovely. Great, thank you.
0:36:23 > 0:36:24Thanks.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28This pretty, but extensive thatched cottage
0:36:28 > 0:36:30has really given them lots to consider.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34And outside, there are mature gardens packed with features
0:36:34 > 0:36:36including a carp pond,
0:36:36 > 0:36:38courtyard and a patio.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42To the rear, there's also off-street parking for guests,
0:36:42 > 0:36:44whether paying or otherwise.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48So, a unique thatched property with B&B potential,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50already up and running.
0:36:50 > 0:36:51I mean, they have a successful business
0:36:51 > 0:36:53bringing in quite a lot of money every year.
0:36:53 > 0:36:55That got you thinking, Mike?
0:36:55 > 0:36:56Yeah, absolutely, yeah.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Ticking over.- Yes.
0:36:58 > 0:37:00But it's a beautiful home,
0:37:00 > 0:37:02and that's the sort of home that people want to come and stay in.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03It's really beautiful.
0:37:03 > 0:37:06It's gorgeous inside, and you can understand the attraction.
0:37:06 > 0:37:08Now, for the final time,
0:37:08 > 0:37:12can we put a finger on how much it's on the market for?
0:37:15 > 0:37:18I think it's got to be 500,000.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21- OK.- I've got to go slightly lower than that.
0:37:21 > 0:37:22475.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24The asking price is...
0:37:24 > 0:37:28..£499,500.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30500 out.
0:37:30 > 0:37:31You're giving us a dilemma.
0:37:31 > 0:37:35- Yes.- A real dilemma, because it covers all the aspects of our needs,
0:37:35 > 0:37:36of our wish list.
0:37:36 > 0:37:38I can practice, Karen's got her study,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and we've got an income coming in immediately.
0:37:41 > 0:37:42And on that note,
0:37:42 > 0:37:44why don't you take the time,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46think of how it might work for you,
0:37:46 > 0:37:47the revenue that would come in,
0:37:47 > 0:37:49which is all-important,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51and you're going to find me out here when you're ready.
0:37:51 > 0:37:52- Lovely. Thank you.- Thanks.
0:37:52 > 0:37:53Thank you.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59This Grade II listed thatched cottage
0:37:59 > 0:38:01may require Mike and Karen
0:38:01 > 0:38:02to release more equity,
0:38:02 > 0:38:03but it does offer a
0:38:03 > 0:38:05home and business potential.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08There's a characterful kitchen
0:38:08 > 0:38:09and dining room,
0:38:09 > 0:38:11three further receptions,
0:38:11 > 0:38:13plus five large bedrooms
0:38:13 > 0:38:14and pretty gardens
0:38:14 > 0:38:15to the front and back.
0:38:17 > 0:38:19It's a very beautiful building
0:38:19 > 0:38:20with a lot of character.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22It's got plenty of space.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24It means that Ella can have her own en-suite bedroom,
0:38:24 > 0:38:26we've got our own en-suite bedroom,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28and there's numerous opportunities to either do
0:38:28 > 0:38:30a self-contained holiday let or
0:38:30 > 0:38:32as a B&B letting room, as it's used already.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34It's really put the cat amongst the pigeons.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36We really thought we knew exactly what we wanted
0:38:36 > 0:38:38and what we didn't want.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40However, it's quite surprised us,
0:38:40 > 0:38:42and it's a real dilemma for us.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46That's a very nice spot.
0:38:46 > 0:38:47A little bit of a suntrap there.
0:38:47 > 0:38:48Having a snooze.
0:38:48 > 0:38:50So, have you seen enough?
0:38:50 > 0:38:51- Yes.- Certainly, yes.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52- Good.- Lovely.- Excellent, well,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55we've finished on a high with our mystery house.
0:38:55 > 0:38:56I'm going to whisk you away
0:38:56 > 0:38:59- and find out what you're going to do next.- Great.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Well, it's been an incredible few days
0:39:10 > 0:39:14showing Mike and Karen around Somerset,
0:39:14 > 0:39:15and I have to say,
0:39:15 > 0:39:18they are the most positive couple.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19But I think that last property,
0:39:19 > 0:39:21our mystery house,
0:39:21 > 0:39:22I think we may have confused them...
0:39:22 > 0:39:24..in a good way.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26Let's hear what they've got to say.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39Well, Mike and Karen, I hope you've managed to catch your breath,
0:39:39 > 0:39:42because we've certainly seen a lot of this county, haven't we?
0:39:42 > 0:39:43We certainly have.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45So, now, talking about the properties.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Out of everything we've shown you,
0:39:47 > 0:39:49have we got close?
0:39:49 > 0:39:51I think there's two in particular
0:39:51 > 0:39:53that we are really toying with,
0:39:53 > 0:39:56and it is a real dilemma for us.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59The house with the sea views completely blew us away,
0:39:59 > 0:40:02and everything we asked for in terms of location, but of course,
0:40:02 > 0:40:05it didn't have any business opportunity there.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07Whereas, the mystery house, well...
0:40:08 > 0:40:09That was something else.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12You gave us everything that we didn't want...
0:40:12 > 0:40:13..but it's beautiful.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15Beautiful property, and of course
0:40:15 > 0:40:17it's got the business opportunities.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I think there may well be a second viewing,
0:40:19 > 0:40:21um, potentially on the properties.
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Which one? Both? - Both, possibly.- Possibly both.
0:40:23 > 0:40:25I think we need to sleep on it.
0:40:25 > 0:40:26We need to go and explore more.
0:40:26 > 0:40:30We need to look at the pros and cons of both properties,
0:40:30 > 0:40:31and then we'll be clearer.
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Well, can I just thank you both?
0:40:33 > 0:40:35We have loved, and I really mean this,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38loved showing you around this beautiful county.
0:40:38 > 0:40:39Please keep in touch.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41Exciting times,
0:40:41 > 0:40:43buying your first home together
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- and all the very best for the future.- It's been wonderful.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50Well, we might not have found
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Mike and Karen their dream house,
0:40:52 > 0:40:54but what we can confirm is
0:40:54 > 0:40:55that Somerset will
0:40:55 > 0:40:57definitely be their new home
0:40:57 > 0:40:59and I think the last few days
0:40:59 > 0:41:03has helped them really clarify in their minds what it is
0:41:03 > 0:41:05they want from this move.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08I'm glad we've played a small part of it,
0:41:08 > 0:41:10and we wish them all the very best
0:41:10 > 0:41:12for their future together.
0:41:12 > 0:41:13I'll see you again soon on
0:41:13 > 0:41:15Escape To The Country.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19If you would like to escape to the country
0:41:19 > 0:41:21in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland,
0:41:21 > 0:41:22and need our help,
0:41:22 > 0:41:27why not apply online at...