0:00:02 > 0:00:07House-hunting is a fantastic excuse to explore the very best of what the British Isles has to offer.
0:00:07 > 0:00:12Where else can you enjoy views of the Atlantic, sunbathe under a palm tree
0:00:12 > 0:00:17and play a game that involves a silver ball, yet no playing field and no rules?
0:00:17 > 0:00:20Welcome to Escape To The Country.
0:00:32 > 0:00:38'Today, I'll be helping a couple leave the big smoke behind for a new life in the fresh sea air.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43'We'll be looking at some of the finest houses in the area.'
0:00:43 > 0:00:48- Very clever design.- It is.- You're tickled with that, aren't you?- I am.
0:00:48 > 0:00:53'Including a mystery property twice as big as they bargained for.'
0:00:53 > 0:00:56- From the outside, wow!- Hooray!
0:00:57 > 0:01:02Today, I'm in St Ives in Cornwall, the home of Cornish hurling
0:01:02 > 0:01:05and this silver ball goes right to the heart of it.
0:01:05 > 0:01:11One February morning at half past ten, this silver ball is thrown from that wall down on to the beach
0:01:11 > 0:01:14to an assembled throng of the town's youth.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19The winner is the first person to get this back to the Guildhall by noon
0:01:19 > 0:01:22and they've been doing it for decades.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Stretching around 300 miles of spectacular coastline,
0:01:26 > 0:01:30Cornwall is renowned for its tantalising scenery,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34world-famous surfing beaches, rugged cliff tops and wild, open landscapes.
0:01:34 > 0:01:40Whatever your age or interests, there are many activities to enjoy, including a thriving art scene,
0:01:40 > 0:01:46a living theatre of plants at the popular family attraction, The Eden Project,
0:01:46 > 0:01:49as well as all the outdoor adventures you could imagine.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55From the moment you set foot in this county which is so rich in history and natural beauty,
0:01:55 > 0:01:59you are certain to lose yourself in its old-world charm.
0:02:02 > 0:02:08If you fancy moving to this part of the world, it's probably no surprise to learn that you wouldn't be alone.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11That popularity comes at a price.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Your average detached property will set you back
0:02:14 > 0:02:17about 10% above the national average.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19But it is just into double figures
0:02:19 > 0:02:22and for all of this, it's a price worth paying.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Today's buyers are Jill and Julian
0:02:25 > 0:02:30who are looking to downsize from their six-bed detached property in Esher, Surrey.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34They recently moved back to the UK after living abroad
0:02:34 > 0:02:39and are looking forward to spending more time together in the country.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Jill is looking forward to a real homecoming back to her roots.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47For me, there's no decision around what area we want to move to.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I was born and raised in Cornwall and my heart lies there.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54I have a huge family in Cornwall, so it would be nice to be near them.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56Their priorities have changed.
0:02:56 > 0:03:01I'm retired and Jill is still working, but looking forward to retirement.
0:03:01 > 0:03:07I'm certainly looking forward to the time that we can enjoy life together to its full.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12Julian sees Cornwall as a chance to indulge his outdoor hobbies.
0:03:12 > 0:03:18I would love to pick up on sailing skills that I learnt while I was in America.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21They can't wait to enjoy rural life.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25I dream of the sort of life I used to have when I was growing up,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29just being able to open the doors in the morning and breathe the air.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33It's not just sea air. They both yearn to take in breathtaking views.
0:03:33 > 0:03:38To me, a sea view is very important, whereas for Julian, it's a view of some kind.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42They are very particular about what they are after.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46This is a 1920s property and it's got lots of character features.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48We'd be wanting something similar.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Julian has his mind on a practical space to relax.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55This is the TV room and this is my domain.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00I'm proud of the fact that Jill hasn't a clue how to use these remote controls.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I'm looking for the same facility in my new property in the country.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08And Jill will be on the lookout for outside space to grow veg.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12We've got a beautiful garden and I want to have something similar.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16So to sum up, what are their exact requirements?
0:04:16 > 0:04:22We're looking for a detached property with good views, tranquil, minimum of two bedrooms,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24a large kitchen to use and live in.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28And we've also talked about the need for some outbuildings,
0:04:28 > 0:04:34so Julian can pursue his hobbies of renovating furniture and having his own workshop.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39But I'm not looking for a property where I have to do a lot of renovation work.
0:04:39 > 0:04:46Jill and Julian are in a fortunate position and don't have to sell their property to finance the move.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51We're probably not going to sell this property before we move to the country.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55This isn't a good time in the market to sell, so we'll delay it a little.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01- So how much can they spend? - For the right property, we're prepared to go up to £700,000.
0:05:08 > 0:05:13When you're surrounded by beautiful coastline and scenery like this,
0:05:13 > 0:05:17the often painful task of house-hunting seems to evaporate.
0:05:17 > 0:05:23It's simply a joy being down here looking for the ideal home for Julian and for Jill.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26Their requirements are slightly different.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32Julian wants a large garage and a workshop for his carpentry and maybe a room for that hi-tech media suite.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36But for Jill, this is altogether something different.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42This is a return to the land of her childhood and who can blame her for wanting to come back here?
0:05:42 > 0:05:46She wants a big country kitchen and a garden to have some fun with,
0:05:46 > 0:05:52so even though their requirements are a bit different, let's hope neither will have to compromise.
0:05:52 > 0:05:57Our property search today stretches from the coastal town of St Ives
0:05:57 > 0:05:59across to the city of Truro,
0:05:59 > 0:06:04giving our buyers the scope for stunning coastline views and tranquil hideaways.
0:06:04 > 0:06:10I'll take them to see three stunning properties that I hope will tick all of the boxes on their wish list,
0:06:10 > 0:06:12but I keep the prices under wraps.
0:06:12 > 0:06:19The last of the three will be a mystery house which will have not just one, but two surprises.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- Jill, welcome back to Cornwall. - Thank you.
0:06:22 > 0:06:26- This is where it all began.- It is, and hopefully we'll go full circle.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31In terms of your move, Julian, this is a big step, isn't it?
0:06:31 > 0:06:35Yes, but it's something we've been looking forward to for a long time.
0:06:35 > 0:06:41- And you've lived all over the place.- Yes, we recently spent five years in Chicago.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45- You've got, what, £700,000? - Yeah, we have 700,000 available.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- And you can buy straight away? - We're in a cash position, yes.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54On a day like this, with scenery like this, it's got to be good.
0:06:54 > 0:07:00- And that's what we're looking for, the view.- A house right here. No pressure then(!)
0:07:00 > 0:07:02Come on.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22And they want a tranquil setting accessible to the coast.
0:07:23 > 0:07:28For our first property, we're travelling ten miles west of Truro
0:07:28 > 0:07:33to the seaside town of Porthtowan, meaning "cove of sand dunes" in old Cornish lingo.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41Located on the Atlantic coast, the sandy beach is a hot spot for surfers and walkers alike
0:07:41 > 0:07:45and it's ideal for Julian to indulge his passion for sailing.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48Right, first things first.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56- What do you think?- Interesting. - What does that mean?- Not a great deal of character outside.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Not a huge amount. I think you get two kinds of property in Cornwall.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04You get your stone-built vernacular, OK?
0:08:04 > 0:08:09And then you get this kind of thing, very much more modern, more up to date.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13The other obvious feature about this place is the double garage.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17That looks exactly the same as what I have in the existing house.
0:08:17 > 0:08:22In terms of you having somewhere to do your DIY and woodwork and maintenance...
0:08:22 > 0:08:24That will do.
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- The reason we brought you here is because I know views are important to you.- Absolutely.
0:08:30 > 0:08:36- I'm pretty open-minded - a view, but without pylons and without telegraph poles.- OK.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- Whereas Jill...- It's a sea view.- OK.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43Two good things I can offer you - no pylons, no poles
0:08:43 > 0:08:45and some sea.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51But you do get to look at it via a contemporary building.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53I'm open-minded about contemporary.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58Let's see if you're open-minded about this one. Follow me.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- Right, a view.- It's got the view. - Definitely got the view.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Very, very contemporary as you can see.
0:09:10 > 0:09:15This has been designed with that view in mind. It's only two years old.
0:09:15 > 0:09:22It's an upside-down arrangement. You walk in from ground level there with the garage and the parking
0:09:22 > 0:09:28into the principal living area on this level, then all your accommodation is underneath.
0:09:28 > 0:09:32- You're taking advantage of the view? - Precisely.- That's magnificent.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34And I like the wood. It's beautiful.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37Yeah. Come and have a look in here.
0:09:38 > 0:09:40This might be of interest.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- This is a nice study.- Study arrangement.- Nice, light room.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47Looks like a nice place to escape.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- Yeah.- There's even more to escape to out here. Come and look at the rest of it. Follow me.
0:09:52 > 0:09:59Now, in terms of kitchen, as you'd expect, everything is pretty kind of open-plan in here.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- Is it big enough? - It's big enough for the two of us. That's not a problem.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08It's very modern. It's not dissimilar to something we had in Chicago.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11We had an open-plan flat in Chicago.
0:10:11 > 0:10:17It's a nicely laid-out kitchen. You can imagine sitting having breakfast and overlooking the sea.
0:10:17 > 0:10:23- The view, what they've done with this property, you couldn't do with a character property.- That's right.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Then this dining area with something of an Arthurian Round Table theme.
0:10:27 > 0:10:34Then you've got this area which is cosy with a working fireplace and so forth. A room for the telly?
0:10:34 > 0:10:37- Absolute must.- Have a look in here.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Now please tell me it'll fit somewhere in here.
0:10:43 > 0:10:49Just about. It depends with technology. It could get a lot bigger than it is currently.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53But I think this is a good size, a very good size.
0:10:53 > 0:10:58- It will limit the size of the TV which will be good. - Which won't be a bad thing.
0:10:58 > 0:11:04So that is pretty much the main living area. It's very open-plan and easy to see how it all works.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07What are your thoughts?
0:11:07 > 0:11:11It's quite an exciting house, but yes, I want to see the rest.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15There's an awful lot of it under our feet. Let's see what you make of it.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20'The modern, open-plan style of this property seems to be going down very well.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25'Downstairs, there is a large family bathroom and five bedrooms.
0:11:25 > 0:11:31'The first three are bright and airy with good views. The other two are potential masters with en-suites.'
0:11:31 > 0:11:36This is one of the en-suites. This is the shower arrangement.
0:11:36 > 0:11:43- Who would this be for?- The shower is definitely for me.- This could be your room?- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- Sounds perfect for me. - And you want a bath?- Yeah. - Come and have a look at the bath.
0:11:48 > 0:11:54- So you can really take your pick in terms of master bedrooms and so forth.- This is definitely mine.
0:11:54 > 0:11:59- Why is this you?- It's larger, brighter and it's got a bath. - Come and have a look.
0:11:59 > 0:12:04But you have got his'n'hers basins, so you might let him in occasionally.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06I'll think about it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10I think I'll stay where I am.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- Great. Everybody's happy.- Yeah. - Nice bathroom.- All right.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18I don't know how much of a garden you're really into or would like,
0:12:18 > 0:12:21but there is one and it's right out there.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25'So it's thumbs up on the interior, but despite the glorious views,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27'the outside space isn't enormous.'
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- Now, then.- It's compact.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35It's compact. It's very much in keeping with the idea
0:12:35 > 0:12:40that this place is currently something of a holiday let, so it's manageable.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- Easy maintenance, but I'm a keen gardener.- So it might be a bit limiting.- Could be.
0:12:46 > 0:12:53The other thing is that you can't really appreciate the best of the view from down here,
0:12:53 > 0:12:55so they built that decking.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Unfortunately, you can appreciate the main road.- Yes.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02It's not the A30, but it is a road, yeah.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- And it'll only get busier in summer.- Potentially, yeah.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Which is when you'll spend more time outdoors.- Potentially.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14He's hard work! Come and have a look at the view.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17'Here's a man who knows exactly what he wants.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21'Let's see what he thinks of the sea views from the balcony.'
0:13:21 > 0:13:26This is all stainless steel, very contemporary, glass, so very low-maintenance if any.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- And of course, there you go.- That's where you get the spectacular view.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33That's the main event about this property.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37You can imagine sitting here on a summer's day, looking over that.
0:13:37 > 0:13:43- I take your point about the road, Julian. It is there, but certainly intermittent at the moment.- Yeah.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47Overall, what are your kind of general impressions?
0:13:47 > 0:13:52- The view is fabulous. It's a little more contemporary than I had anticipated.- OK.
0:13:52 > 0:13:58- But I like the open-plan living. - Yeah.- So that contradicts what I've just said!
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- Julian?- I like the contemporary. It is a marvellous view.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07It is limited though by the road that it's on and by the neighbouring properties.
0:14:07 > 0:14:13Let's have a think about how much you think it's worth. Maybe that'll have a bearing on it.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- You've got 700,000 or so to spend. - After you. Ladies first. - I always get this wrong.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- 675.- 675, yeah, OK.
0:14:21 > 0:14:28I think it's going to be limited because it's the best house in an average road.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30So I would say...
0:14:31 > 0:14:33..675.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36You can't have the same as me!
0:14:36 > 0:14:40OK, well, no, I thought you two weren't going to agree on anything,
0:14:40 > 0:14:43so I'm delighted that you've agreed on 675.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46The good news is you're both wrong.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48This is on the market for 625.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54- Oh, crikey!- Which may compensate and reflect some of your concerns.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Yeah.- Possibly.- Certainly. - 625, 75 grand under budget.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- Right.- Interesting?- Yeah. - Something to think about.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05- It's more interesting now. - It's more interesting. Good.
0:15:05 > 0:15:10Have a good look around and I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:15:10 > 0:15:15Off you go. Go and enjoy some open-plan, seaside living.
0:15:18 > 0:15:26This modern, open-plan home with outstanding sea views is on the market for way below their budget.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42It has the coastal outlook and extra living space they're after
0:15:42 > 0:15:45and the ocean is practically on their doorstep.
0:15:45 > 0:15:52I was a little dubious walking up to the front of the property, but it was like a Tardis when we walked into it.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55There's a lot more here than you anticipate.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58It's an interesting property. In terms of open-plan,
0:15:58 > 0:16:04the design is obviously centred upon the views that the property is able to give.
0:16:04 > 0:16:10It's a lot larger than you anticipate, not that we need the five bedrooms,
0:16:10 > 0:16:14but it's got a very large downstairs and multiple bathrooms. That's nice.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Well, guys, how was that?
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Enjoyable and interesting.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- I'm looking forward to the next ones.- Right, come on then.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37Earlier this week, Jill and Julian took a stroll through St Ives,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40an old fishing port which is now a popular tourist destination.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45It has traditional little shops, making it a quintessential Cornish village.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50It's well known for its many galleries.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53They have brilliant art shops, don't they?
0:16:54 > 0:17:00Including a branch of the Tate Gallery, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gallery is a must.
0:17:00 > 0:17:06Hepworth, who lived in Cornwall from 1938, was famous for her sculptures,
0:17:06 > 0:17:09made out of bronze, stone and wood.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14Following her death in 1975, her home and studio were made into the museum,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18so now visitors can see her work and the place she found an inspiration.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22Let's see if her sculptures give Jill and Julian some ideas
0:17:22 > 0:17:25- for decorating their new Cornish home.- Lovely! Would be nice
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- to afford something like this in our garden.- Dream on.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Unfortunately for Jill, the sculptures are priceless,
0:17:31 > 0:17:34and are only for viewing and not for sale.
0:17:34 > 0:17:40Cornwall has an abundance of museums. Our next stop is the Wayside Folk Museum,
0:17:40 > 0:17:43which preserves the practices of Cornish life from yesteryear.
0:17:43 > 0:17:48It has over 5,000 exhibits, including tools from the mining boom.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Oh, look, Julian! Perfect! A workshop for you!
0:17:51 > 0:17:55Thanks, I'd like a few more modern tools!
0:17:55 > 0:17:58And household appliances from a bygone age.
0:17:58 > 0:18:03I recognise some of these things - how old does that make me?!
0:18:03 > 0:18:07- You're no spring chicken, are you? - I think I've seen enough!
0:18:09 > 0:18:14To round off the day they go to Porthmeor Beach.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Glorious.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22This is what Cornwall's all about.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Yep.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32'For our next property,
0:18:32 > 0:18:34'we're heading a 30-minute drive southwest of St Ives
0:18:34 > 0:18:39'to the outskirts of St Just, the most westerly town in the UK.
0:18:39 > 0:18:46'St Just sits perched on a spectacular cliff top, offering dramatic waterfront views.
0:18:46 > 0:18:52'Historic inns and artsy galleries offer plenty to keep Julian and Jill entertained.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57'The house we're about to explore is an absolute hidden gem with quite spectacular views.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01'It's nestled within the picturesque Cott Valley.'
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Coastal paths and coastal walking is one of your big things?
0:19:05 > 0:19:11Yes, our ambition is to walk the coast of Britain. We've done most of the north Cornwall coast.
0:19:11 > 0:19:17- Have you done this bit?- We have and I remember walking into this valley and thinking how charming it was.
0:19:17 > 0:19:22- That's the Cott Valley. - I didn't know that then, but I know where we are.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25It's owned by the National Trust, so what you see will never change.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- So we're in a conservation area. - Very much so.
0:19:28 > 0:19:35You've got a beautiful little sandy bay at the bottom, but what I want you to look at is that.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's charming. Charming and very tranquil.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- This used to be owned by the National Trust.- Right. - It was sold off a few years ago.
0:19:43 > 0:19:49It should give you an idea of its local importance and also charm and character.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53- Sounds great.- Is it too good to be true, I wonder?- We'll see.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Come and have a look inside.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06Jill, come and tell me what you think of this country kitchen.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- Absolutely charming.- Yeah? - Absolutely charming. - Is this what you had in mind?
0:20:11 > 0:20:17- This is more what I had in mind in terms of the country feel. It's compact.- You're downsizing.- Yeah.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21You've got this breakfast bar, island arrangement.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- Lovely slate window seat. - It's very pretty.
0:20:24 > 0:20:30- This is a great start. - A great start. Brilliant. Let's continue through here.
0:20:31 > 0:20:36Now, if you do decide to entertain, this might work for you.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- Oh, and the view again. - This would be great.
0:20:40 > 0:20:47Fantastic sash windows all the way round which really do show off the valley to its best.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50You also get a little study arrangement here.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- I don't know, Julian, if that would work for you.- Yes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58- In terms of PCs, etcetera?- Yeah. - Something out of the way.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03If you wanted to spill out, you could move down to the dining room table.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07But this answers the lack of space in the kitchen for entertaining.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Would this make up for it? - Yes.- Absolutely.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12So, kitchen good, dining room good.
0:21:12 > 0:21:17Let's have a look at the main living room because this you will enjoy as well.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19OK...
0:21:19 > 0:21:25So this is where it's all going to happen in terms of you guys, cosy nights in.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30This is a good sized room. This is larger than I was expecting.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- I think you'd be quite well suited here.- It's very cosy. Very nice.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39Come through here. This staircase is a feature of the room in itself,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42even though it fulfils the job of getting you upstairs.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I might not get up the stairs after I've gone past the wine case!
0:21:46 > 0:21:50Well, I'll leave you to that fantasy!
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Well, up here we've got you three bedrooms,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57the first of which is in here.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Come and tell me what you make of this.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03- It's nice and bright. - Nice and bright.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09- Very simply furnished. You've got these nice, big window seats again. - It's a good size.- Yeah.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Am I allowed to look in here? - Yes. Open the door.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15- Oh!- A cave!
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- What about that?- Oh, goodness!
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- It's a kind of wet room. - Extraordinary.- A complete wet room.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26An unusual wet room.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29You don't see many with feature walls in them.
0:22:29 > 0:22:37- But a really interesting mix of contemporary and the traditional fabric of the building.- Yeah.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- Very clever design.- It is.- You're tickled with that, aren't you?- I am.
0:22:41 > 0:22:47One of the nice things about this house... I say that a lot with property, but it's very true here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53It's a place your family and friends will remember for features like that when they come and see you,
0:22:53 > 0:22:56if, of course, you decide to buy it.
0:22:56 > 0:22:58After you.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07Now, then... This is your own little master suite.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12That's your bathroom. Have a look at that - shower and loo and all the rest of it.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16- But this, Jill... - Is a walk-through bathroom.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- It's a walk-through bathroom. - Wow, you could, um...
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- I'll lose you in this.- ..have a bath with a view.- It's fabulous.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30- Imagine a long soak in there watching the sunset...- You'd never get me out.- ..over the horizon!
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It's fantastic. I love it. It's a bit crazy, but I do love it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- It works. - Very traditional design of bath.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Come in here because this isn't a project at all. This is all ready to go.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- Isn't that nice?- Very French looking.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47- Yeah.- Yeah. But a very good size.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- And again, double aspect. - Yeah. Perfect.- Very nice.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Is it growing on you, this place? - It is.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58It's a lot smaller, but that's what we're expecting.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02'Upstairs, there is another light and spacious bedroom.
0:24:02 > 0:24:06'And outside, there is a big bonus to this property -
0:24:06 > 0:24:11'a separate, huge, two-bedroom cottage with its own lounge and its own conservatory and garden.
0:24:11 > 0:24:17'It's also a real money-spinner as a holiday let, turning over £995 a week in the peak season.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21'Next, we head to the rear garden which has the best sea views.'
0:24:21 > 0:24:28Right, guys, come out, the moment we've been waiting for - another chance to really indulge that view.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- That's great.- You'd probably get a fabulous sunset there.- Clearly.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35A fantastic sunset. It's just the perfect frame.
0:24:35 > 0:24:41It's what everybody coming to Cornwall wants to see - a secret cove with the ocean beyond it.
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- And, of course, you get that to enjoy it all from.- Yeah.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- So far, so good?- Yes.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53- Cos all in all, you've got about an acre here.- Really? As much as that?- An acre?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- Yeah, because it's not all here. - Oh, right.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00This is the lawn, but there is more through here.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05Now, Jill...
0:25:06 > 0:25:09You're the gardener.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15It's not the flattest garden in the world, but do you think there's enough garden to keep you busy?
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- Just the front part is enough to keep somebody busy.- You're not pining for acres and acres?
0:25:20 > 0:25:23You could put a vegetable plot here.
0:25:23 > 0:25:29There is an old, now defunct vegetable area down there, so you could have a bit of fun around here.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32And for you, sir, that great big wooden shed is also yours.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- I was going to ask about that.- It's a huge double garage arrangement.
0:25:36 > 0:25:42But you can create all manner of things in there to your heart's content.
0:25:42 > 0:25:48I'm pretty sure the price will have a bearing on how interesting this place will be, ultimately.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Go on.- Well... - A very difficult one.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56Very, very difficult indeed. Two properties we were not expecting at all.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00But I know you wouldn't blow our budget, so I have trust in you.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03- Therefore, I'll say 850. - LAUGHTER
0:26:03 > 0:26:08- That's blowing the budget! - It's certainly blowing the budget by £150,000.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12I don't think I'll go that far. I'll say 780.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16780... Gosh, lots of numbers, not necessarily in the right order.
0:26:18 > 0:26:22The mystery figure is 795.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- It's attractive?- Yes.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- Great.- We've got a lot of thinking to do though. Very attractive indeed.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33Go and get more attracted to it. I'll catch up with you later.
0:26:33 > 0:26:37Great stuff. Well, there we are. £795,000,
0:26:37 > 0:26:42yes, it is over budget by a considerable sum, but doesn't seem to worry Jill and Julian.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47And absolutely, why would it? If I had the money, I'd buy it.
0:26:48 > 0:26:53This gorgeous ocean-front pad is priced at £795,000.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58It has a cottage with an additional two bedrooms
0:26:58 > 0:27:02which can bring in a tidy little sum as a holiday let.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14This property was engaging as soon as you arrived.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16Brilliant setting, fabulous views.
0:27:16 > 0:27:21The view is just... Views you dream of, quite frankly.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26We could make this area more into a dining room, then use that as a snug for somewhere to sit,
0:27:26 > 0:27:32- overlooking the sea, because this isn't the room with the sea view. - Yeah, that's a very good idea.
0:27:32 > 0:27:38Three bedrooms - an extra bedroom is a bonus. Then suddenly, you throw on top of that another house.
0:27:40 > 0:27:45- So you're admiring our view. - I am admiring... Well, is it your view, I wonder? Could it be?
0:27:45 > 0:27:52- A distinct possibility.- It's not over till it's over. Come on.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12As the sun sinks into the horizon, day one of our property hunt draws to a close.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15Jill and Julian head back to the hotel for some reflection.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- How do you think the search went today?- I think we've seen two extremes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:25Contemporary and something full of character and very unique.
0:28:25 > 0:28:30The contemporary grabbed me in terms of the view.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32I think it had more to offer than I anticipated from the outside.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37It was a bit like a TARDIS - more space than you anticipated.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39The view was spectacular.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44- The character property?- I fell in love with the position. That view would never be taken away from you.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Yes. It is a spectacular position.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52- Wonderful in many regards. - If we see two more tomorrow
0:28:52 > 0:28:55that are thought-provoking as the ones we've seen today,
0:28:55 > 0:28:59- it'll be an interesting day out. - Yes, quite thrilling, really.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14'Today's buyers are Jill and Julian from Esher in Surrey.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20'They're looking to settle down in Cornwall where Jill grew up and their budget is £700,000.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25'So far, they've seen two properties with gorgeous sea views, but we've got another two to come,
0:29:25 > 0:29:30'including the mystery property which is surprising for more reasons than one.'
0:29:30 > 0:29:33This one is very, very, very interesting.
0:29:33 > 0:29:40Well, it's the beginning of my second day's house hunt in Cornwall,
0:29:40 > 0:29:46with Jill and Julian, and I suppose most would love to live by the coast
0:29:46 > 0:29:50in a house like that. When they come up, they come
0:29:50 > 0:29:53with a hefty price tag attached.
0:29:53 > 0:29:59So I think today, we will try something different and head inland.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04For our next property, we travel eight miles northwest of Truro
0:30:04 > 0:30:07to Mount Hawke.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10It's an old copper and mining village a few miles from the coast.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13Surrounded by sprawling open landscapes and wooded walks,
0:30:13 > 0:30:17this is a pretty town with a pub and handy post office.
0:30:17 > 0:30:22And Truro is just a 20-minute drive away.
0:30:23 > 0:30:29Something different to what we've seen before. What do you think?
0:30:29 > 0:30:34- Doesn't have the charm of yesterday's property. - It's a nice way of putting it.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Not on the outside. It's been much extended since 2000
0:30:37 > 0:30:39by the current owners.
0:30:39 > 0:30:43It was a tiny cottage then. But treat this from the inside out.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50- I wait to be convinced! - This will be a struggle! Come and have a look.
0:30:50 > 0:30:56I might have a challenge on my hands but I think its unique features will give them something to think about.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00So I'm taking them into the open-plan kitchen and living space first.
0:31:00 > 0:31:05- Nice big room.- Quite surprising.- Mm.
0:31:05 > 0:31:11- Very large kitchen.- Very much a farmhousey style of kitchen.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Come here and look at this extra space,
0:31:14 > 0:31:17because this is an area that's been pushed through.
0:31:17 > 0:31:23A garden room attached to the kitchen, making it a big kitchen-diner.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28- Would you keep it as a dining area? - We'd use it in a similar way
0:31:28 > 0:31:32to that how it's used at the moment - a table for eating,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35and some sofas you can use for relaxation.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37It's a nice, large, bright room.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40- Let's see the rest. - Let's see the rest!
0:31:42 > 0:31:46Again, this is...
0:31:46 > 0:31:52- part of the original cottage, actually.- Use this as a TV room? - I'm thinking that through, yeah.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- It has possibilities.- OK, well, come through here.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59Continue our tour into the dining room.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03Nice size. It's a bonus, really, to have a dining room with that size of kitchen.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09- A nice TV room!- I've suddenly been evicted now, have I?
0:32:11 > 0:32:14- That's my study, this is your TV room.- Fine!
0:32:14 > 0:32:18At least you can decide later what it may or may not become.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22'Things are looking up. They seem a bit more positive than their initial reaction to the kitchen.'
0:32:22 > 0:32:27Downstairs, there is also a utility room and a pantry as well as a washroom.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Upstairs, there's a family bathroom with a shower,
0:32:31 > 0:32:34and wonderful views. But we're heading to their room.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38So the master, en suite in there.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- Nice size.- Yeah! Suits me.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43Big shower, actually.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47And then the bedroom.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50- Big enough?- Yes, the bedroom's plenty big enough.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54I like the windows.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59There are another two bedrooms here, one with an en suite and all with fantastic views.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04Coming out of the extension at the end of the kitchen,
0:33:04 > 0:33:10that's the view of the front door of the original cottage.
0:33:10 > 0:33:15- That's retained its character. That's nice.- I like that a lot. - I like the walled garden effect.
0:33:15 > 0:33:19This little courtyard has quite a lot of potential, I think.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21I like that a lot, yeah.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25I suspect the depths of the walls allow everything to kind of fit.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26It's not all flat.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30I think that's what gives it a nice texture.
0:33:30 > 0:33:36Come through here. This is my thinking in terms of a vegetable patch area...
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- This is just one part of the gardens.- Oh, yes!
0:33:40 > 0:33:45The old stone wall works really well, and you have those views out across Cornwall.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Lovely. Far too good for a vegetable patch.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52There is planning permission here to put a swimming pool in it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:57- A vegetable patch with a swimming pool!- Water garden, you know!
0:33:58 > 0:34:05It's ideal for a pool. It's very private. You won't be overlooked by anyone or anything.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07I didn't realise we were this high up.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10It's cold enough!
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I do think this property's outlook is a definite plus.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20There's a separate building where the current owners run a business
0:34:20 > 0:34:24from home. It could as easily be Julian's workshop, or TV outhouse.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27And he'd even have his own WC.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Next, a generous plot of land.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Right, now, finally...
0:34:32 > 0:34:37- The garden.- It's huge.- It's huge. So, vegetables,
0:34:37 > 0:34:42- combine harvesters... - The odd donkey.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Tennis court, whatever you want to do, you've got plenty of space.
0:34:45 > 0:34:51There's a lot to this property. Interesting to see what you think it's worth.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53I'd say...620.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56620. OK.
0:34:56 > 0:34:59I will go...640.
0:34:59 > 0:35:03640. OK, yeah. Pretty much in the ballpark.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05650.
0:35:05 > 0:35:06I won.
0:35:06 > 0:35:12650, um, comfortably under budget by £50,000.
0:35:25 > 0:35:31It has positive features. The kitchen is great. Very large, nice space
0:35:31 > 0:35:36to live in, but I think we'd have to do a lot of work to bring it up to what we'd want.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38It's a good quality kitchen,
0:35:38 > 0:35:41but...I'd want to change some of the units.
0:35:41 > 0:35:45What I particularly like about this property is the, er...
0:35:45 > 0:35:50outbuilding. It is a tremendous outbuilding. All I need now is to install a shower.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55Right, guys. Out you come.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58- Still smiling.- Always smiling.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03Good, that's what I like to hear. It's not over yet. Shall we?
0:36:12 > 0:36:15Jill and Julian love outdoor adventure.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19So we decided to introduce them to a thrilling new sport called blo-karting.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23It's just the thing for Julian, whose big passion is sailing.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28It's similar, but instead of riding the waves, you set sail along the beach.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32Graham from Speedsail UK shows us the ropes at Longrock Beach.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- Hello, there.- Hi!
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- This is Julian and Jill.- Hi.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44Blo-karting seems to be sweeping the coastal resorts of the UK.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48How difficult is it to learn how to do it? Julian here is something of a keen sailor.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- Is that useful?- All of the stuff you learn in blo-karting
0:36:52 > 0:36:56is almost identical to that of normal sailing,
0:36:56 > 0:37:02so if you have sailing knowledge already, we'll have to sail hard to beat you!
0:37:03 > 0:37:07Well, it looks absolutely fantastic. Let's have a go.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09Absolutely. Come on.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13OK, first up, Jill.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17'She seems to get up to speed with ease.'
0:37:17 > 0:37:20Go on, Jill!
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Julian is quick to join in for a race.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27Great stuff. Beautiful.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Peaceful. No engines.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34Jill seems to be just in front.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40To say these two are competitive
0:37:40 > 0:37:45will be something of an understatement. It shows sports like this can be incredibly simple to do
0:37:45 > 0:37:50and quick to learn if you go to the right place. Cornwall is full of places to do this.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54It's a fantastic thing, and within five minutes,
0:37:54 > 0:37:57we've got two F1 blow-kart racers on our hands.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04Watch out, Jill, Julian has taken first place.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Not going fast enough, am I?
0:38:07 > 0:38:11I'm not really sure who's winning any more, but one thing's for certain.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14They found a new sport they'll enjoy on the shores of Cornwall.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20- How'd you find it? - I cannot see a thing!
0:38:22 > 0:38:24You're absolutely plastered in sand!
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- Had fun?- It's brilliant!
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- A bit of competition out there, wasn't there?- I think I won!
0:38:32 > 0:38:35I'll call it a win.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40It's been a lot of fun, but before we do anything else, they'll need quite a good clean-up.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50Well, at long last, it's mystery house time.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53I do know that Julian doesn't really want a project,
0:38:53 > 0:38:57so maybe doing up this old Cornish tin mine might be a step too far,
0:38:57 > 0:39:04but the good thing about the mystery house, well, the conversion has already been done.
0:39:05 > 0:39:08The mystery house is situated in Baldhu,
0:39:08 > 0:39:12a charming country hideaway just five miles south-west of Truro.
0:39:12 > 0:39:17Truro itself provides everything you need from shops to entertainment
0:39:17 > 0:39:20and both Cornish coasts are within ten miles.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24St Agnes on the Atlantic side is a 20 minute drive away.
0:39:24 > 0:39:28There's plenty on offer in the village, from exploring pottery shops
0:39:28 > 0:39:32to stocking up on local Cornish produce.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36The mystery house is not exactly what they're looking for.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39It doesn't have views and it's semi-detached,
0:39:39 > 0:39:45but the great mystery is it's split into two - not one, but two properties, both up for grabs.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53Now, then, mystery house time. Come on up. Don't be scared.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57Don't be put off by the graveyard. How do you feel about old churches?
0:39:57 > 0:40:03- I have a strange fascination with churchyards. They all tell a story. - They certainly do tell a story.
0:40:03 > 0:40:09This church has a story to tell as well. We're looking at an extraordinary conversion.
0:40:09 > 0:40:15This is one of only three churches in the whole of Cornwall ever to be converted and it's just been done.
0:40:15 > 0:40:22It'll be interesting to see what you think of the finish because it is brand-new with all mod cons.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24From the outside, wow!
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Hooray! We've got a "wow". Brilliant.
0:40:27 > 0:40:32- It's totally justified.- This looks a great find.- Have a look inside.
0:40:32 > 0:40:38'And he and Jill will find many surprises in this chapel conversion built in 1847.
0:40:38 > 0:40:44'The first property has three bedrooms and a whole lot more space that just goes on and on.'
0:40:44 > 0:40:47This is... This is so heavy.
0:40:47 > 0:40:52- There you go.- That's a pretty impressive front door. - Not bad, eh? Come on in.
0:40:52 > 0:40:58'The entrance hall which makes a grand first impression leads to all areas of the house.
0:40:58 > 0:41:04'On the ground floor, there are two large bedrooms, both with their own en-suite bathrooms.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10'As well as a large utility room with a lovely slate floor.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16'All have fantastic views of this incredible church architecture which allows for superb open-plan living.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22'The outstanding design of this home sprawls across three levels. We're heading to the first.'
0:41:22 > 0:41:28- Do I need to say much really? I think it rather sells itself, to be honest.- It's magnificent.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- A lot to absorb. - It's a lot to absorb.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35The geography of this place, even I'm still slightly confused by it,
0:41:35 > 0:41:39because it goes all over, trying to make the best use of the space.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- It is just brilliant. - And the finish looks immaculate.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- It is. - Yes, very impressed by that so far.
0:41:46 > 0:41:52There is absolutely nothing you would need to do in here really, apart from move in.
0:41:52 > 0:41:58- Can we get cooking?- Yeah, come and have a look up here. Very open-plan, but I think it works in this space.
0:41:58 > 0:42:03You wouldn't want to be in poky little rooms cos you wouldn't enjoy the architecture.
0:42:03 > 0:42:09You've got these beautiful windows throwing light and patterns and dappled light everywhere.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14And I love the fact that this big, round window up here carries through that theme
0:42:14 > 0:42:18of these great ecclesiastical windows and their architecture.
0:42:18 > 0:42:22It's something you couldn't dream of. The building is so unusual.
0:42:22 > 0:42:28I know flooring is of interest to you, Julian. This is all slate. It's all under-floor heating throughout.
0:42:28 > 0:42:32There are very few radiators about the place.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35It just goes on and on and on. Come through here.
0:42:35 > 0:42:42This is one of the principal living areas, although you've got plenty of choice in this place.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Come on into here.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47- I just love...- Oh!
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- I have my open fire.- A very funky, quite modern open fire.
0:42:50 > 0:42:58- The way the light just comes through...- I just love all this carving as well. So much detail.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- Is there enough character for you? - Bags.- In abundance.
0:43:01 > 0:43:06'The simply outstanding architecture is displayed throughout.
0:43:06 > 0:43:11'Also on this floor is a mezzanine level which could have many uses,
0:43:11 > 0:43:15'but we're heading up to the top floor to see the impressive master.'
0:43:15 > 0:43:18Right, come up here.
0:43:18 > 0:43:22I love showing properties which are so unusual and clever.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25And this one is all of that, I think.
0:43:25 > 0:43:31- We could just live in this space. - It's big. This floor is bigger than most flats in a city.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33And I just love...
0:43:33 > 0:43:35You've got to touch it.
0:43:35 > 0:43:39You have, absolutely. Feel it, suck it up. It's brilliant.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43I love it. And in here you've got your own en-suite. Check it out.
0:43:43 > 0:43:46Have a look in there.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- You've got your bath and I've got my shower.- Yeah.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53And look at the finish.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58- I can't fault it.- Magnificent. - Yeah?- Yeah.- Make me an offer!
0:43:59 > 0:44:03- You're going to tell us we can't afford it!- I'm sure you can.
0:44:03 > 0:44:08There's a lot more to see. Let's go outside and have a look at the garden.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11I think Jill is lost for words. It's interesting.
0:44:11 > 0:44:17'This extraordinary property clearly has immense appeal for Jill and Julian.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22'Just wait till they find out that the house next door is also up for sale.'
0:44:22 > 0:44:27Can't get out, it's so heavy! Right, come on out on to the drive.
0:44:27 > 0:44:32Now, I think you'll agree it's a fairly extraordinary property.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35- Goes beyond my expectations. - Brilliant. That's fantastic.
0:44:35 > 0:44:39How do you feel about the fact that it's a semi?
0:44:39 > 0:44:44That always gives me a problem, but it really depends on the type of construction.
0:44:44 > 0:44:50- I imagine these are quite thick walls.- Very thick walls. And it'll depend on who your neighbours are.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Because here's the thing.
0:44:53 > 0:44:59Next door is up for sale too. If you like that one which we've just seen, wait till you see next door
0:44:59 > 0:45:02because for my money, that's the one.
0:45:02 > 0:45:04Let's go and see it.
0:45:04 > 0:45:07'The first house comes with the grand porch.
0:45:07 > 0:45:13'The house we're about to explore doesn't have the porch, but it does have the tower.'
0:45:13 > 0:45:15Come and have a look at next door.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Come on in.
0:45:20 > 0:45:22Need I say any more?
0:45:22 > 0:45:24And you get the pulpit.
0:45:24 > 0:45:30You get the pulpit. You get, of course, a lot more ecclesiastical architecture,
0:45:30 > 0:45:33these lovely Bath stone arches and so forth and columns.
0:45:33 > 0:45:40The great thing I love about this side of the property is that the views through really do tease you.
0:45:40 > 0:45:47Again you've got under-floor heating throughout, underneath this gorgeous slate floor. It is extraordinary.
0:45:47 > 0:45:52'Like the house next door, the architecture everywhere is stunning.
0:45:53 > 0:45:57'Downstairs there is a double bedroom and a large shower room,
0:45:57 > 0:46:01'but we're heading up to the huge kitchen on the first floor.'
0:46:01 > 0:46:04Now, Jill, come on in.
0:46:05 > 0:46:09- It's all right, isn't it? - Yeah, I like it a lot.
0:46:09 > 0:46:15Compared to next door, it's a completely separate room which may be an advantage.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18The great advantage here is we can have the table here,
0:46:18 > 0:46:22so it's got a distinct advantage over the other kitchen.
0:46:22 > 0:46:28- And the kitchen units are very similar to next door.- All high quality.- Very high quality.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32What I love about this end of the building, the western end,
0:46:32 > 0:46:37we're above what would have been the altar area, is the stained glass in the window.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39I'm delighted that we've got close,
0:46:39 > 0:46:44if not have arrived at the kind of finish that you've been seeking, Julian.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47You've gone the other way. You've exceeded.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51Well, there you go. I'll take "exceeded". That's fine.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55Let's continue our tour. Follow me through here.
0:46:55 > 0:46:57Come through here.
0:46:57 > 0:47:00Now, this is your principal living area,
0:47:00 > 0:47:03I suppose, because it's got the fireplace in it.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08And quite a bit larger than next door, it feels.
0:47:08 > 0:47:13Yes, and again you've got access to the beams and the sense of great height and space.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18'It's starting to look like they prefer this house over next door.
0:47:18 > 0:47:23'Also on this level is another raised platform area which would make an ideal lounge.
0:47:23 > 0:47:29'On the next floor is a second bedroom with its own en-suite and views of the tower,
0:47:29 > 0:47:31'which is where we're heading next.'
0:47:32 > 0:47:35So last, but by no means least,
0:47:35 > 0:47:39our tour of this converted church is going to end in the tower.
0:47:42 > 0:47:47What do you think? This would be bedroom three here.
0:47:47 > 0:47:51- I've got to look in here. Excuse me.- Mind your head.
0:47:53 > 0:47:55Great.
0:47:55 > 0:48:01That used to be part of the arrangement for getting bell ropes up. See that groove in the wall?
0:48:01 > 0:48:05- Yes.- There was a single bell rope that used to come through there.
0:48:05 > 0:48:10But the main belfry was above us and that now provides the ceiling to the en-suite,
0:48:10 > 0:48:14which is via that ladder, again finished to a very similar spec
0:48:14 > 0:48:17to all the others that we've seen.
0:48:17 > 0:48:23So, as a guest room, I'm thinking your family and friends will really remember staying up here.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27- They certainly are. - They certainly, certainly are.
0:48:27 > 0:48:33- I get the feeling you two will remember this place for an awfully long time as well.- Yes.
0:48:33 > 0:48:37Who knows? Maybe you'll move in if the price is right.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41Let's go outside and see what we can do about the money.
0:48:41 > 0:48:47'This heavenly hideaway comes with enchanting woods, but they do incorporate the cemetery.
0:48:47 > 0:48:52'The first house with the porch is just under two-thirds of an acre
0:48:52 > 0:48:55'and the second extends to just over half an acre.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58'With two to choose from, will they agree on either?'
0:48:58 > 0:49:00Right, out you come.
0:49:02 > 0:49:08Now, the two properties are separated by this fence.
0:49:08 > 0:49:14OK? So this is there. Over there is next door, the first one we looked at.
0:49:14 > 0:49:20The grounds as such, I'm not really going to call them a garden because it's the graveyard basically.
0:49:20 > 0:49:26- How do you feel about that? - They don't worry me. They're not going to give me much trouble.
0:49:26 > 0:49:28No, late night parties anyway!
0:49:28 > 0:49:31But we are lacking a workshop.
0:49:31 > 0:49:33How do you feel about that?
0:49:33 > 0:49:37Those are sacrifices that we're prepared to make.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39How you've changed your tune, sir!
0:49:39 > 0:49:45I love this. All the big things, the issues before, suddenly have evaporated
0:49:45 > 0:49:47in the face of this beautiful building.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50It's amazing what property can do to people.
0:49:50 > 0:49:55We've seen two very unusual mystery houses because it is mystery "houses", plural.
0:49:55 > 0:50:00- Which one do you prefer?- Well, I definitely prefer number two.
0:50:00 > 0:50:04- OK...- But I know Jill will prefer both one and two.
0:50:04 > 0:50:10- So you want them together? - It depends on the price. - It will depend on the price.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15Let's start with that one, the slightly bigger of the two.
0:50:15 > 0:50:20- You've got £700,000 or so. How do you think it compares to that? - Very, very difficult to price.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24But let me put a price of 875...
0:50:24 > 0:50:26875. Jill?
0:50:26 > 0:50:29It's difficult to price a labour of love,
0:50:29 > 0:50:33but I would say you wouldn't show us something we couldn't afford, so...
0:50:33 > 0:50:35- I might.- 780.
0:50:35 > 0:50:39780? Crikey, there's about 100 grand between your two guestimates!
0:50:39 > 0:50:44OK, well, not surprisingly, this one is more expensive than that one.
0:50:44 > 0:50:49This one is on the market for £700,000.
0:50:50 > 0:50:52Mm-hm.
0:50:52 > 0:50:56That one is on the market, with the porch and all the rest of it,
0:50:56 > 0:50:59the first one we looked at, for £650,000.
0:51:00 > 0:51:03Well, obviously, I'm miles out.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07Will you buy them both? Will Jill win?
0:51:08 > 0:51:10We need to talk about that.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15But this one is very, very, very interesting.
0:51:16 > 0:51:23Well, there is an awful lot to both of these properties that you still should explore and discover.
0:51:23 > 0:51:29When you have done, I'll come and find you and tear you away. Go on, off you go.
0:51:30 > 0:51:34There we are. What an interesting estimate that was from Julian!
0:51:34 > 0:51:39£875,000 - a cool 175 grand over the asking price.
0:51:39 > 0:51:43But some properties, it's very difficult to put a figure on them.
0:51:43 > 0:51:46And this one, to many of us, is priceless.
0:51:46 > 0:51:51This extraordinary church conversion offers the choice of two homes.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18They both have the "wow" factor.
0:52:18 > 0:52:23I thought the mystery houses were absolutely phenomenal.
0:52:23 > 0:52:28I used the big W-word, the "wow" factor. And this has got it in spades.
0:52:28 > 0:52:34Can you imagine guests sitting here with the light coming down from the tower?
0:52:34 > 0:52:36I think it would be great.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39I think it's fantastic.
0:52:39 > 0:52:45This is my TV room. It's got to be my TV room. It's got the advantage of the en-suite shower room.
0:52:45 > 0:52:47It has a position for the projector.
0:52:47 > 0:52:53I can see myself living in a place like this. I would be privileged to live in a place like this.
0:52:59 > 0:53:06'Jill and Julian have now seen treasures by the sea and a rural hideaway in a converted church,
0:53:06 > 0:53:08'so there's a lot to weigh up.'
0:53:08 > 0:53:12As you can probably make out, behind me, the sun has gone.
0:53:12 > 0:53:18Night has come, but the day isn't over just yet because it's decision time.
0:53:18 > 0:53:24We've shown Jill and Julian some fantastic properties and some which may have been a bit frustrating,
0:53:24 > 0:53:30but they are hard at work making notes, so let's go and see if they've made their minds up.
0:53:35 > 0:53:38Well, Jill, Julian...
0:53:38 > 0:53:44We've seen some very interesting properties. You actually got a bonus with two mystery houses.
0:53:44 > 0:53:49But it all started with that very modern, contemporary... with that extraordinary view.
0:53:49 > 0:53:53It was like standing on the bridge of a ship. What did you think?
0:53:53 > 0:53:57Certainly as you walked into that property, the view was everything.
0:53:57 > 0:54:04A sea view, as I asked for. It was way larger than I anticipated.
0:54:04 > 0:54:08- Did it feel like you were downsizing?- Not really.
0:54:11 > 0:54:16- The only thing...- Apart from the garden.- Apart from the garden, yeah.
0:54:16 > 0:54:22Next we took you to something very different, set in that gorgeous valley,
0:54:22 > 0:54:24a very sweet little stone cottage.
0:54:24 > 0:54:29- What did you think of that one? - Love it. Very cosy.
0:54:29 > 0:54:34- The location is just something you dream about.- Oh, the location was absolutely stunning.
0:54:34 > 0:54:41And that's what sold it to me. We had concerns about the interior,
0:54:41 > 0:54:43and how we made that work for us.
0:54:43 > 0:54:50There wasn't a TV room, and you'd have to use the additional property to make that space work,
0:54:50 > 0:54:54but you know, the view was to die for.
0:54:54 > 0:54:58Then of course, another day dawned and we took you
0:54:58 > 0:55:01to something quite different again - big white family house
0:55:01 > 0:55:04with the office attached.
0:55:04 > 0:55:09- Couple of acres to play with. - It probably was unfair,
0:55:09 > 0:55:11as what we were doing immediately was comparing it to the valley property.
0:55:11 > 0:55:19It had the stunning view and had the character I think that property didn't have.
0:55:19 > 0:55:25Lots of plus point but what we're looking for in terms of downsizing,
0:55:25 > 0:55:27two acres is a lot of garden.
0:55:27 > 0:55:35Then we took you to the mystery houses. Two very much in the same location,
0:55:35 > 0:55:41in that extraordinary conversion of the church. Grade II style listed,
0:55:41 > 0:55:44as one would expect. What happened there?
0:55:44 > 0:55:50The quality of finish and the quality of thought that had gone into the design, just impeccable.
0:55:50 > 0:55:53That was a labour of love.
0:55:53 > 0:55:59But there was a choice there. Are you still fighting over which one you might be interested in?
0:55:59 > 0:56:04I wouldn't say we were necessarily... Yes, we are, in fact.
0:56:04 > 0:56:06LAUGHTER
0:56:06 > 0:56:10I think Julian is leaning towards the tower property
0:56:10 > 0:56:15and I might lean towards the other one because of the aspect and the outside space.
0:56:15 > 0:56:22That's it. We've trawled round them all. We've discussed them. What happens next with Jill and Julian?
0:56:22 > 0:56:27I'm still torn between the two properties, the mystery and the valley property.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29Jill?
0:56:29 > 0:56:35- And I think I'd like to go back and see the mystery properties. - Brilliant.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37Well, let us know what does happen.
0:56:37 > 0:56:42I hope we've helped clarify things and not created too much confusion.
0:56:42 > 0:56:48- It's been brilliant. Thank you from both of us.- That is our pleasure.
0:56:48 > 0:56:53That's it for us from Cornwall for today. Do join us again on Escape To The Country next time.
0:56:53 > 0:56:58If you long to escape to the country and would like our help,
0:56:58 > 0:57:01then contact us through our website:
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