0:00:02 > 0:00:05There is nothing quite like a busy milking parlour early in the morning.
0:00:05 > 0:00:10These little beauties behind me offer a clue as to where we are today.
0:00:10 > 0:00:15They produce this region's most famous by-product - clotted cream.
0:00:28 > 0:00:34'In today's show, we help a couple exchange a flat in the south-east
0:00:34 > 0:00:36'for a dream house in the country.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39'And their cash goes a lot further than they think.'
0:00:39 > 0:00:40A bargain!
0:00:40 > 0:00:46'They'll check out a selection of top-notch rural hidey-holes, but can't put a value on it.'
0:00:46 > 0:00:50- That is a view too far.- Priceless.
0:00:50 > 0:00:56'And there's the mystery house, a little twist we add, but will any of our choices blow them away?'
0:01:00 > 0:01:04Today I'm in Devon. It's famous, of course, for this -
0:01:04 > 0:01:06your classic Devonshire cream teas.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10It's thanks to these guys, all 164,000 of them.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13There's a lot more to this place than jam and scones,
0:01:13 > 0:01:16there's some wonderful coastline, some wonderful landscape,
0:01:16 > 0:01:18and some fantastic properties.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22'Devon is the third-largest county in the UK
0:01:22 > 0:01:26'with just over 200 miles of spectacular coastline.
0:01:26 > 0:01:32'Rocky in the north and sandy in the south, the scenery is dramatic and a favourite for walkers.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38'Further inland, dairy farms pepper the landscape and the rich clotted cream is sold in abundance
0:01:38 > 0:01:42'in the market towns and villages that rest in the beautiful countryside.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45'Tourism is a major contributor to the economy,
0:01:45 > 0:01:52'but the fine coves that attract holidaymakers in their thousands still harbour a dark past
0:01:52 > 0:01:56'as the perfect hideout for the infamous smugglers.'
0:01:57 > 0:02:02Now perhaps, not surprisingly, Devon's popularity comes at a price.
0:02:02 > 0:02:07The average detached property will set you back around £317,000.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11That's a cool 43 grand above the national average.
0:02:11 > 0:02:16The question is - is it worth it? Well, today's buyers think so.
0:02:16 > 0:02:22'Today's property hunters are Trevor and Helen, who live in a two-bedroom flat in Buckinghamshire.
0:02:22 > 0:02:27'They sold their previous house and bought the flat two years ago,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30'before embarking on a year-long round the world trip.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35'Now they've returned, retired police officer Trevor and hotel receptionist Helen
0:02:35 > 0:02:38'long to leave the small flat and put down roots in South Devon,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41'which they know from childhood holidays.'
0:02:41 > 0:02:48We'd like to be away from where we are at the moment, which is close to two major towns.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52We're totally dependent on the car just to go to the local shop for a newspaper
0:02:52 > 0:02:54and we'd like a dog and we can't have a dog here.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58We just want to get out into the countryside and be near the coast.
0:02:58 > 0:03:02- That's it. Some riverside and our own garden.- Yeah.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06'The flat was bought to keep a foothold on the property ladder,
0:03:06 > 0:03:09'but now they're seeing the pitfalls of its bijou accommodation.'
0:03:09 > 0:03:13Even though this is a lovely kitchen, it's modern and compact,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17I'd really like to have something bigger, that we can put in
0:03:17 > 0:03:22like a farmhouse-style table that we can all gather round and entertain.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25The master bedroom here is a really nice size,
0:03:25 > 0:03:29but what we'd really like in the new property is an en-suite.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32'It's not just the indoors they have issues with.'
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Even though it's a lovely, big garden, it's a communal garden.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41What we'd really like, and we miss, is not having a private garden,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44and also the opportunity to have a dog.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50'Trevor and Helen are keen sailors and store their dinghy in the garage with the car and motorbike.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53'A garage of the same size or larger is a must.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57'With all that in mind, what type of house should we be scouring Devon for?'
0:03:57 > 0:04:03Our ideal dream property would be the double-fronted cottage style,
0:04:03 > 0:04:08small garden, en-suite...
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- farmhouse kitchen. - And a garage.- And a double garage!
0:04:13 > 0:04:15'Location-wise, they've worked it all out too.'
0:04:15 > 0:04:19The sort of life we dream of in the country is to be
0:04:19 > 0:04:22in a rural area, but close to a community,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25so that we can go into the local pub,
0:04:25 > 0:04:27into the local shop,
0:04:27 > 0:04:33but also by a river or by the sea, so we can make use of that as well.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39'Let's hope our search is plain sailing. In the meantime, a local agent has been invited round
0:04:39 > 0:04:42'to value the flat they bought for £320,000.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:47This is a fabulous apartment. The property is in great shape.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51I'd suggest we put it on the market at around £350,000.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56We're quite happy with that.
0:04:56 > 0:05:01We've only had it for two years and we've made a little bit on it.
0:05:01 > 0:05:08For our dream property in the country, our budget would be about £470,000.
0:05:14 > 0:05:20You know, I'm pretty optimistic about Helen and Trevor's house search. Their budget is realistic
0:05:20 > 0:05:26and it's well-matched to their expectations. They want two, maybe three bedrooms,
0:05:26 > 0:05:31a nice, big farmhouse kitchen, but importantly a nice, big garage
0:05:31 > 0:05:33to store all of their toys.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36So, fingers crossed, we should be all right.
0:05:38 > 0:05:42Trevor and Helen are pretty flexible on their exact location in Devon,
0:05:42 > 0:05:45as long as they are within reach of the coast,
0:05:45 > 0:05:49so we've chosen the area between Axminster and Exeter
0:05:49 > 0:05:51as the prime area for our search.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55'I'll be taking them on a tour of three fantastic properties,
0:05:55 > 0:05:59'but I won't be revealing the prices until we've completed the viewings.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02'And the final stop will be our mystery house,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05'an interesting option hand-picked to stir things up.'
0:06:06 > 0:06:11Now if you fancy escaping to the country and Devon is for you,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15and why not as it really is a stunning county,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17don't be put off by the cost of housing down here.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21Whatever your taste and budget, you will find something to suit you.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25To get an idea of what I'm talking about, have a look at some of these.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29If you have the cash to live the high life, then check out this five-bedroom mansion,
0:06:29 > 0:06:33in Poole, on the market for just under £5 million.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36There's a kitchen straight out of a glossy magazine,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39more swanky bathrooms than you'll know what to do with,
0:06:39 > 0:06:43and you'll definitely want to invite your friends round for a pool party.
0:06:43 > 0:06:44A slightly less pricey option,
0:06:44 > 0:06:49but still with a million-pound price tag, is this modern home in Broadstone.
0:06:49 > 0:06:55The spacious living area and enormous kitchen-diner make entertaining spaces,
0:06:55 > 0:06:58but the best view is from the bedroom.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02Or if your budget is more modest and you fancy something with character,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04this three-bedroom cottage in Sturminster Newton,
0:07:04 > 0:07:08on the market for 345 could be just for you.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12It's cosy period living, yet still feels light and bright.
0:07:12 > 0:07:17And the secluded cottage-style garden makes the perfect retreat.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21Welcome to Devon. What a fantastic place to start - Exeter Cathedral.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- Fabulous. Really beautiful. - Yeah.- Really nice.
0:07:25 > 0:07:31- Your budget is 470 or so.- Yes. - It isn't going to buy that... unfortunately, or anything like it!
0:07:31 > 0:07:36But we've got some fantastic properties, which your budget will achieve, I assure you.
0:07:36 > 0:07:42- The whole sailing thing is quite a key ingredient, isn't it? - That's for me.
0:07:42 > 0:07:48I'm a novice at the moment, but I've got an interest there and I want to develop it.
0:07:48 > 0:07:54- We need the right location, so I can gain confidence and... - Right.
0:07:54 > 0:07:59And I like my boats with more power and a bit more of an engine!
0:07:59 > 0:08:05- Right, OK. Sail versus power. - Absolutely.- It's just how they're motored.- Right, OK.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11I can't find you acres of ocean, but we can find you some fantastic properties,
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- so if you're ready...- Definitely. - Looking forward to it.
0:08:17 > 0:08:23So Trevor and Helen have a budget of £470,000 and are looking for a cottage-style property.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Ideally, they want three bedrooms and, preferably, an en-suite.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31Helen is keen to have a kitchen large enough to take a table,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34and Trevor definitely needs a garage.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40Now for a retired London policeman,
0:08:40 > 0:08:44this is quite an extreme change in your pattern of life, isn't it?
0:08:44 > 0:08:49It is, and I've always classed myself as a city boy, if you like.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50I was born in West London,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53and I worked in Central London,
0:08:53 > 0:09:00but we've gradually grown to like the countryside and country pursuits, really.
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- It's the walking and the hiking, cycling...- Yeah.
0:09:04 > 0:09:08And everything, really, I suppose as we're getting older and wiser,
0:09:08 > 0:09:13we're coming to like the country more and more and appreciate it.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17So, how wiser are you now?
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Are you likely to agree on the right property, do you think?
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- Oh, yes.- I think so.- We know. - We've been married 30 years
0:09:25 > 0:09:30and so we tend to know one another pretty well, and I do as I'm told.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32THEY LAUGH
0:09:32 > 0:09:36Yes, anything for a quiet and easy life.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39Well, the first house is in Whimple ten miles north of Exmouth.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43It's a traditional rural village with the church, post office and pub
0:09:43 > 0:09:47being the main meeting points. The house we've lined up sits on the outskirts,
0:09:47 > 0:09:52just a stone's throw from open fields, but just a short stroll from village activity.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57If it's a cosy cottage they're after, we may just have hit the nail on the head.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01- Now, tell me that is not cute. - That is cute, isn't it?
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- That's very sweet.- That's wonderful.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07Now, it is thatched, that's the most obvious thing to point out.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- How do you feel about that? - It adds so much character to a place, doesn't it?
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- That's fabulous.- Good. OK.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16Well, if you like the outside, wait till you see the inside.
0:10:16 > 0:10:17Come on.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24- Now then.- Watch your head!
0:10:24 > 0:10:26THEY LAUGH
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Wow!- Yeah?- Yeah. - This your kind of thing?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Yes. It's lovely. It's nice and modern, but it's got lots of character still.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37It's been nicely done. Nice stone tiles and that.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39- I'd say that's the only problem. - Yeah, head room.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- That is the rub with cute, old cottages.- Yeah.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44I mean, how tall are you?
0:10:44 > 0:10:486'4", so that's only about 6'6" that ceiling.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51But it's very, very cute. It's very...cosy, I think.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54- It's beautifully presented. - It is very nice.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57Especially in here, there's nothing you need to do.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01- Perfect, really.- It's a nice size. - And if you do get a dog,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- which I gather might be...an issue - We'd like to, yeah.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- This sort of flooring's ideal. - It's easy to clean.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- But there is more. Come with me through here.- OK.- OK.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- This is really cosy!- Yeah? - Yeah. Oh, look at that fire.
0:11:18 > 0:11:23- Look at that fireplace. - Multifuel. Really, really nice.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25That's something we really want in our next house.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- That is a fabulous multifuel burner. - In terms of space,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33is this big enough as a living room for what you'd use it for?
0:11:33 > 0:11:37It's cosy. The whole feature of this place is a small cottage,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41and so everything is going to be nice and cosy, and that's what we want.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- We have got you a dining room as well, through here.- Even better!
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- That's lovely.- Oh, yeah. - What a lovely room.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53- Oh, it's lovely. It's very light. - The views out there...
0:11:53 > 0:11:56You can have a nice-sized table in,
0:11:56 > 0:11:59- so you can have plenty of friends round, can't you?- Yeah.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Of course, the view, you've got duel aspect. It's really lovely.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- Good. So, so far...- So far it's very, very promising.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08- It's all right? - Yeah, it's very good.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- Let's have a look upstairs and see if that's got the space you're after.- OK.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15'Good. I was hoping all that would impress.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19'Now for the upstairs, but I'm a tad worried about Trevor's height.'
0:12:19 > 0:12:21- In you go. Have a look at the bathroom.- OK.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- Oh! This is small. - And very, very...- low!
0:12:25 > 0:12:29- Oh, dear!- Just how do you feel at the moment?
0:12:29 > 0:12:31- Big!- Like I was driving...
0:12:31 > 0:12:35a friend had a Jaguar once and I drove that like this.
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- So, yeah. I know what... A little bit more difficult.- OK.
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- OK. Oh, that's a shame. Actually, otherwise, it's quite sweet.- Yes.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- It's a deep bath.- Yes, it is a deep bath. I'll be all right there!
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- Your knees won't be on the ceiling, which is OK, so it might all work. - Oh, dear!
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- Again, beautifully finished. It's a lovely old...- Actually, it's really nicely decorated.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02- As you get older, you get smaller. - That's all right, then(!) - You'll grow into it!
0:13:02 > 0:13:03THEY ALL LAUGH
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- Oh, bless him! - Right, come on, then!- OK.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Now, let's get into the bedroom area.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- Ooh! Oh, gosh! This is different. - Oh, that's really unusual, isn't it?
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I've never seen anything like that.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- That's really...- Technically, it's the landing.- Yes, exactly. Yeah.
0:13:23 > 0:13:29- They've got a sofa in, they've set it up with another screen, you know, for games...- Games room.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- I suppose, making use of it, otherwise it's just a big corridor. - Yeah, yeah. Big space.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Basically, we've got your two bedrooms up here.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Right.- That's what you asked for. - Indeed, yes.- Ha-ha-ha!
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- Two good doubles. Come and have a look at this one.- OK.
0:13:44 > 0:13:45OK.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Oh.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49Now, ceiling height - actually not too bad.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50It's actually all right, yeah.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53It's not much different than downstairs. No different.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- That's really nice. - It's small, though, isn't it?
0:13:56 > 0:14:00I know you want an en-suite. That's what this house doesn't offer you.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- Right.- OK.- To be upfront about it.
0:14:02 > 0:14:07You've got the family bathroom and not that it's far away if it's just you guys here most of the time.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Yeah.- It's not an issue. - Maybe it's something to think about, but, erm...
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- Different when we've got guests. - That's the difference.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18But, er, yeah, it's sweet, cosy, cottagey...
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- That's right. It's what it is. - Well, there is a choice of two.
0:14:21 > 0:14:26- Come through here. - His and Hers, then(!)- Exactly!
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Right.
0:14:29 > 0:14:30The last of two.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- OK.- OK. - Now, I suspect size...
0:14:34 > 0:14:37I was just wondering how they get to the other side of the bed.
0:14:37 > 0:14:38THEY LAUGH
0:14:38 > 0:14:39Er...
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Hop, skip and a jump, maybe?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44Yeah. And there's no space for a wardrobe.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47We've noticed in both bedrooms there's not really any space.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49There's no storage space, really.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53It's one the, kind of, drawbacks of cottages like this one.
0:14:53 > 0:14:54There is a bit more to see.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- Let's see what the garden has to offer.- OK.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02'Oh, dear. Just when things were looking good downstairs,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04'I think we've hit a few snags up here.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06'But, undeterred, we're heading outside.'
0:15:08 > 0:15:09Right.
0:15:12 > 0:15:13Now, then...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18..let's start exploring what you've got out here.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- Cos one of the key ingredients, Trevor, is a garage.- A garage.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22- Yeah.- Definitely.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26OK. Now, not a double, in fairness,
0:15:26 > 0:15:30but in terms of the garden area, we've got this lawn here.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35There's another piece over a little brook, further down. That is pretty much it for this property.
0:15:35 > 0:15:41All right. We've got a nice, little, "chocolate box" thatched cottage, in the heart of East Devon
0:15:41 > 0:15:46- and you've got a maximum budget of £470,000.- Yep.- Yes.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- OK.- Well, I...we both think probably a lot less than that,
0:15:51 > 0:15:54but, eh, I think, probably, four.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56- About four...- Four? - ..hundred thousand.
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Yeah, I'm guessing, you know, but just to keep it under... 380?
0:16:00 > 0:16:05- It's on the market for just under £360,000.- Good God!
0:16:05 > 0:16:08All right? Now, the reason we've shown it to you
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- is because it is comfortably under budget.- Yes, very much.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- It really does take the pressure off...- Yeah, that's a good price. - ..your budget.- Yes.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20I appreciate there are things which are a little bit small.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- Mmm.- But again, just to get a sense of what you're into, it's such a lovely place.
0:16:25 > 0:16:30And for that sort of money, it will be a great yardstick as we go through the rest of our properties.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32- Right.- I think so, yes.- Definitely.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34You get a sense of what you're up against.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38- You want to explore the brook? - OK.- It might persuade you! I'll catch up with you later.- OK.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Off you go.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Well, there we are - comfortably under budget.
0:16:42 > 0:16:47From a maximum of 470, this place is on the market for just under £360,000.
0:16:47 > 0:16:48What do you get for it?
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Well, frankly, a house that would fit the cover of any countryside magazine
0:16:52 > 0:16:55and an interior finished to a fantastically high degree.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I think it's really cosy.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59So, this house is a whopping
0:16:59 > 0:17:04£110,000 under budget at £359,950.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07It is, however, a good starting point
0:17:07 > 0:17:09to learn more about Trevor and Helen's needs
0:17:09 > 0:17:12and to give them an idea of what they can get for their money.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15There's a fantastic kitchen, a separate dining room,
0:17:15 > 0:17:18two bedrooms and a garage.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- Oh, that's lovely, isn't it? - It's a nice feature, isn't it? - It's nicely hidden from the garden.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Oh, that's nice. - Vegetable plot down there?
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- It's a nice summer house, isn't it? - Yeah. I like it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30It's a beautiful little cottage.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33Downstairs, there's loads of character,
0:17:33 > 0:17:38but the ceilings are a little low and, really, the lack of garage space is a big problem for us.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41The house is really, really lovely. It oozes so much character,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44it really does, and that's the appeal to me.
0:17:44 > 0:17:46Upstairs was disappointing.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49The bathroom's far too small for Trev, with the low ceiling,
0:17:49 > 0:17:54and the bedrooms are too small, because there's no wardrobe space.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56If only Trevor was five foot six!
0:17:56 > 0:17:58- All done?- Yes, thank you, yes.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Now, look, the sun's come out... and I've got the car ready.
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- It's like being a chauffeur.- Ha-ha! - In you get.- Thanks very much. - Plenty more to see.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19Trevor and Helen have fond memories of Devon,
0:18:19 > 0:18:22but this particular area is uncharted waters for them,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25so they're taking a bike ride to explore it.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28The recently-opened Exe trail cycle route runs around the estuary
0:18:28 > 0:18:32and is a fantastic way to take in the shoreline.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34At the end of the trail lies Exmouth.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37The attractive town was once a small fishing village,
0:18:37 > 0:18:39but it was the introduction of the railway line
0:18:39 > 0:18:43in 1861 that brought the tourists flooding in and the area boomed.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47Today, Exmouth is known for its two-mile stretch of sandy beach
0:18:47 > 0:18:50and the palm tree-fringed promenade which hugs the shore.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Wouldn't it be lovely to find a house down here?
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Oh, so I can go sailing?
0:18:56 > 0:18:57You can sail out there.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59I'd be really happy, cos this is quite shallow and,
0:18:59 > 0:19:02you know, it looks ever so safe. It's not too wavy.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06I can see us being really, really happy.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08How can you not like it, really? Ha-ha!
0:19:08 > 0:19:11It certainly does look idyllic,
0:19:11 > 0:19:15but back on their bikes, there's just a few more moments to take in the coastline.
0:19:16 > 0:19:18Just not spoilt at all,
0:19:18 > 0:19:23- it's really natural and... - And the little villages, the little hamlets, dotted along.- Yeah.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- And the hills go back. - It's really nice.
0:19:25 > 0:19:26It's just wonderful.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Our next property is in Hawley Bottom,
0:19:35 > 0:19:36only 11 miles from the coast.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39It's a mere scattering of houses,
0:19:39 > 0:19:41but just a short hop down the road to Dalwood,
0:19:41 > 0:19:45which would provide the village community they're looking for.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47It's a great hideaway from urban life and,
0:19:47 > 0:19:53with scenery like this on their doorstep, I'm sure they'll want to get their bikes out every day.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55- Now then...- Wow! - What have we got for you here?
0:19:55 > 0:20:01- Oh, it's very, very nice. - That's a lovely setting, a lovely house.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07- And its size...- It's big! - Let's go and have a look. - It looks lovely, actually.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Right. Shall we?
0:20:12 > 0:20:19Now step down into the hallway and we'll come into here... to start.
0:20:20 > 0:20:21Ho-ho-ho! I love it!
0:20:21 > 0:20:25- Oh, now that... - Yeah. Look at the cooker.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30- Yeah. It's all there. - Ah, it's lovely.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- There's a walk-in pantry.- Gorgeous.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Size-wise, that is spot-on. - It's exactly, isn't it?
0:20:37 > 0:20:43- You've got the table and everything. - As a kitchen-diner, is it big enough?
0:20:43 > 0:20:48If you took this out, you could have a much bigger table,
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- much more like a farmhouse kitchen. - You could lose that quite easily.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58- Perhaps have cupboard space up there.- And have a bigger table.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- If you wanted your farmhouse-type table.- I'm sure we'll adapt!
0:21:02 > 0:21:04THEY ALL LAUGH
0:21:04 > 0:21:09You're moving in! You haven't seen the rest of it yet!
0:21:09 > 0:21:14- It's a good start. - It's an excellent start. - Right. Let's see the rest. Lead on.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- I'll go first.- OK.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- Oh, yes.- Ah. - That's a lovely lounge.- Yeah.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- It's cosy.- Yeah.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33Again, plenty of space for everything. A big fireplace as well.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- You could actually sit next to it. - It's huge, isn't it?
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- That will certainly keep you both cosy and warm.- Oh, yes!
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- No, it's nice. Very nice. - Let's continue.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47The thing I need you to understand, the geography of this house
0:21:47 > 0:21:50- is what you need to try and get your head around.- Right.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- Come through here and you'll see what I mean.- OK.- OK.
0:21:53 > 0:21:59'As well as that kitchen-diner, this house also has a separate dining room,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03'but next is something a little bit different.'
0:22:03 > 0:22:08- Now this is...- Look at that! - What do we say about this room?
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Kind of a study at the moment.- Yeah.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14To be honest, what else would you do with this space, really?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16But the key thing, obviously...
0:22:16 > 0:22:21How do you feel about spirals? Some love 'em, some hate 'em.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- That's not the only access to the upstairs, is it?- Not the only access.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28Right, OK, cos I can't imagine putting a bed up there!
0:22:28 > 0:22:33- But as far as the stairs are concerned, they're really nice. - Yeah, it's a nice feature.
0:22:33 > 0:22:40- It's not the only staircase, but it goes to one of the three bedrooms.- Oh, right, OK.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Let's have a look.
0:22:44 > 0:22:46I'm getting dizzy!
0:22:46 > 0:22:53That's spiral staircases for you. Right, what we've got here is one of three bedrooms.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59- OK, that's a guest bedroom? - I think this is the master.
0:22:59 > 0:23:06- Right.- The spiral staircase suggests this is you on your own. You can't get to the rest from here.
0:23:06 > 0:23:11You're very much on your own with all those views.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- Beautiful.- Fantastic, isn't it?
0:23:13 > 0:23:20- Plenty of storage, big double bed, but I think the thing that gives it away for you...- Oh, en-suite!
0:23:20 > 0:23:25- ..is that.- Oh, that's nice. - That's a nice size.- Good size.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- Nice, big shower.- In fairness, it might want some updating.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- But it's big enough for you. - Oh, yeah. I'd fit in there.- Good.
0:23:34 > 0:23:40- This could be you, then. Let's have a look at where your guests might go. Find another staircase.- OK.
0:23:40 > 0:23:47'I don't think the spiral arrangement really frightened them and it could be perfectly cosy.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52'Next, we head to the second staircase and the main part of the house.
0:23:52 > 0:23:58'The family bathroom is light and modern, and next door is a reasonable-sized double bedroom.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02'There's just time for a quick look at the last room.'
0:24:02 > 0:24:04Oh, it's a nice size.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07- It is. - It may be the biggest bedroom here.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10- What do you think? - It's quite a good size,
0:24:10 > 0:24:14but because of the inglenook chimney there, it looks a bit smaller.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- But it's a good size.- But we think inside we're not doing badly?
0:24:19 > 0:24:26- No.- Very much so. It hits a lot of things that were on our list that we're looking for.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- There's many, many of them in here. - There's one or two outside.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- You're going to like this. - It's good!
0:24:39 > 0:24:45- Right. So one bit of lawn for you. - Yeah.- To keep you busy.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53Right, now come through here. Trevor, this is all about you, mate.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58- Oh, right.- See what I'm thinking? - Yes, I do. That is a big garage.
0:24:58 > 0:25:03- This is a huge garage!- Oh, yes! - Will that do?- That will do.
0:25:03 > 0:25:09- That will do very nicely. - You've also got that as well, that grassy area through there.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14- Really? No way!- Yeah. Possibly a kennel out there?
0:25:14 > 0:25:19- Oh, you're joking!- She's off! Right, come on, let's have a look.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Right, how about that?
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Wow!- Like that?- That's a real surprise, I tell you.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29What a lovely spot. That's a real bonus, that is.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- It's a bonus. But there is a bit more.- No!
0:25:34 > 0:25:35Come on.
0:25:36 > 0:25:44Let's finish our little tour of the garden down here on this kind of gravel garden.
0:25:44 > 0:25:50- It's low maintenance, isn't it? - All you've got are raised beds and a view to look after.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53- That is a view too far.- Priceless.
0:25:53 > 0:25:59- That is absolutely wonderful. You can see for miles. - It's very secluded and very quiet.
0:25:59 > 0:26:05- You can't get any more rural! - This is countryside, this is. Really nice.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- Amazing.- You've got 470.- Yeah.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- It's going to be over.- Yes. But how much over, do you reckon?
0:26:13 > 0:26:18I don't know. I'd like to say...485.
0:26:18 > 0:26:24- 485? That's not a bad guess. - Yeah, 480 I would go. It's definitely over our budget.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29If it was around about 480, would you be interested?
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- You'd get a job! - Yeah, I'd have to!
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Obviously, yes. It is really nice.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41- I wouldn't say that would really put us off.- You could rob a bank!
0:26:41 > 0:26:44I'd know how to catch myself!
0:26:44 > 0:26:51But, yeah, it would take a lot of working out to go over our budget, really.
0:26:51 > 0:26:56- We'd have to rethink it.- Well, you may not have to rethink that much.
0:26:56 > 0:27:03- It IS over budget, but it's on the market for a mere £475,000. - Seriously?
0:27:04 > 0:27:10- Wow.- Offers in the region of. - Yes, offers in the region of. - I'm surprised. Very surprised.
0:27:10 > 0:27:16- It's a hell of a house for that. - Go have a good look around. - Thanks very much.- Bye.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19There we are. £475,000.
0:27:19 > 0:27:25Traditionally, when I present a house that is over budget, it causes sadness, but not here.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29It's only five grand over and it's an extraordinary house.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33So, £475,000 is the price tag,
0:27:33 > 0:27:36but I'm sure a little negotiation could be done.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40It has...
0:27:45 > 0:27:47I think it delivers everything.
0:27:47 > 0:27:54- This room's really cosy. This big fireplace really makes the room.- It's a feature.
0:27:54 > 0:28:00- A feature we've always wanted. - It is.- It adds the character to the rest of the house.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- That's one of the things we've got on our list.- Definitely.
0:28:04 > 0:28:09This house is quite impressive. Good condition, looks really nice.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13And the view out the back is quite stunning.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17And it's got a huge garage and a nice work room.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Plenty of room for everything I want to do.
0:28:20 > 0:28:27There's lots of good features. The price is the top end of our budget
0:28:27 > 0:28:31and that's got to be negotiated, but there's potential there.
0:28:33 > 0:28:38- What a lot of excited chatter! - Yes, well, it's a wonderful house.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- It really is. - The question is, can we beat it?
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- Take a lot of doing. - You never know. Come on.
0:28:55 > 0:29:02Helen and Trevor's move to Devon will give them more opportunity to get out on the water,
0:29:02 > 0:29:06but while Helen is happy in a dinghy, Trevor wants more power,
0:29:06 > 0:29:11so we meet up with Sue Spring, a local powerboat instructor.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14Nice to meet you. Hello.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19'It doesn't look that choppy, but I've a funny feeling there's potential to get wet,
0:29:19 > 0:29:24'so we get kitted out and don the buoyancy aid.'
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Shall we go down to the boat? - Right.- OK.
0:29:27 > 0:29:34'Trevor quite fancies buying a RIB, but one like this would make a £6,000 hole in his bank account.'
0:29:34 > 0:29:38How about it, Trevor? Come on! Spend some money.
0:29:38 > 0:29:46'So it's slowly off the mooring and away from other vessels and Trevor jumps into the hot seat.
0:29:46 > 0:29:51'OK, so he's dabbled a bit before and he's looking pretty confident
0:29:51 > 0:29:54'but it's time for him to move over and let me have a go.'
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Big boys' toys! And girls, of course.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02'I do quite fancy opening up the throttle,
0:30:02 > 0:30:09'but with no experience and being right under Sue's nose, that's probably not a good idea.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16'Sadly, I'll have to leave that to our professional.'
0:30:16 > 0:30:22- Show us what this thing can do. - OK, go round to the water-ski area and I'll take over.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26High-speed burn on the water! Oh, yes!
0:30:28 > 0:30:34'This is more like it. Shame there aren't more waves, but we're all hanging on!
0:30:34 > 0:30:39'And judging by the squeals, Helen is having a great time!
0:30:39 > 0:30:43'I think we'll persuade Sue to take us for a few more spins.'
0:30:55 > 0:30:57With the day drawing to a close,
0:30:57 > 0:31:00Helen and Trevor head to the hotel
0:31:00 > 0:31:02to mull over their options so far.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04What did you think of the thatched cottage?
0:31:04 > 0:31:08Oh, at first, it was really, really sweet.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11It had loads of characteristics and lots of surprises there,
0:31:11 > 0:31:14but unfortunately, it's not really
0:31:14 > 0:31:15good for you, with the headroom.
0:31:15 > 0:31:20Especially that bathroom. I mean, I couldn't even stand up straight
0:31:20 > 0:31:24and the bedrooms were the same, really. They were so small.
0:31:24 > 0:31:27- There was no storage or anything. - Yes, that's true.- Nowhere.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29And then, of course, you come to the garage
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- and, unfortunately, that was... - A disappointment, really, yeah.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35What about the double-fronted?
0:31:35 > 0:31:39It was so wonderful I don't what to say, really.
0:31:39 > 0:31:43First impression, I was so, so excited, I must admit.
0:31:43 > 0:31:45It is absolutely gorgeous.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48- And the bedroom upstairs is lovely. - The bedroom upstairs...
0:31:48 > 0:31:52- And, obviously, if you used that bedroom for our own... - It's got an en-suite.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54- ..which is everything.- Yeah.
0:31:54 > 0:31:56And the study is something we want, as well.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- Good day, good day.- Yeah.- And we'll look forward to tomorrow.- Yeah.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- Yeah.- Let's hope we have a good one. - Yeah. Cheers!
0:32:04 > 0:32:05Cheers!
0:32:13 > 0:32:20'Trevor and Helen can't wait to leave their stop-gap flat and find a new house in Devon.
0:32:20 > 0:32:25'They have a budget of £470,000 and are looking for a new life by the sea.
0:32:25 > 0:32:28'They've viewed two houses which have been hit and miss.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31'But, coming up, Helen gets the room of her dreams.'
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- Oh, now, this is a serious kitchen. - Oh, this is fantastic.
0:32:34 > 0:32:40'We find the perfect parking place for their dinghy, but Helen wants to keep up with the neighbours.'
0:32:40 > 0:32:42- We'll have to buy a bigger one now! - Yeah!
0:32:42 > 0:32:43THEY ALL LAUGH
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Well, it's the start of day two down here in Devon.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51Now, at the close of play yesterday, Helen and Trevor seemed very excited
0:32:51 > 0:32:54by what we had shown them and we were left wondering whether or not
0:32:54 > 0:32:56we could better the selection of houses.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00With two more to go, including what I think is an exceptional mystery house,
0:33:00 > 0:33:03there's a very good chance that we can.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05'Our first house this morning
0:33:05 > 0:33:08'is in Marsh Green, 10 miles north of Exmouth.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09'It's a small hamlet
0:33:09 > 0:33:12'sitting in glorious countryside and amongst farmland.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15'I can't pretend there are many local amenities,
0:33:15 > 0:33:17'but the location of this house
0:33:17 > 0:33:20'would provide them with the community they're looking for.'
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Now then...
0:33:23 > 0:33:30- You currently live in something of a courtyard development... - Yes.- ..sort of thing.- Yes.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- So we thought this wouldn't be completely unacceptable.- No.
0:33:35 > 0:33:40- What we have here is a development built around 1990...- OK.
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- ..on the footprint of an old farmyard.- Right.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47They knocked down the old barns and rebuilt five brand-new homes.
0:33:47 > 0:33:52- Right.- Now, what you do get is an awful lot of space.- Yeah.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- How do you feel about this kind of development? - It's obviously communal.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04- A community.- What we're used to. Yes, as long as you get on well with them!
0:34:04 > 0:34:12I'm sure you two will have no problem! This is the property and it ends at the far stone pillar.
0:34:12 > 0:34:17- That's quite big. - That's a big, big property!
0:34:17 > 0:34:25- And a double garage.- Lots of storage, lots of property. So far, so good?- Yes, very much.- Yes.
0:34:34 > 0:34:35Right.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- OK.- OK?- That's a nice entranceway, isn't it?- It is.
0:34:40 > 0:34:45It's very bright and airy. Plenty of room in here. Lovely and bright.
0:34:45 > 0:34:50Now, you want a nice, big kitchen. I think you're going to like this.
0:34:53 > 0:34:57- Oh, now this is a serious kitchen. - Fantastic. Look at the size!
0:34:57 > 0:35:02- Big enough?- It's huge!- It is. - Huge.- Get the big table in.
0:35:02 > 0:35:08- Just what you wanted.- Yeah. - Just as you pictured it. - It's lovely. Really nicely done.
0:35:08 > 0:35:13- It is.- And the big range. - You've got a range over there.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18- See that big beam?- Yes. - That is part of the original barn.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22- All of the properties incorporate some of the old timber.- Lovely.
0:35:22 > 0:35:28It's quite a nice little feature. You could accommodate your family and friends around this table.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31- And the neighbours!- Exactly.
0:35:31 > 0:35:38'But if there is any doubt about fitting them all in, there is also a large dining room next door.
0:35:38 > 0:35:45'There's also a study and that much-needed garage for all of their stuff.'
0:35:45 > 0:35:51French oak on the floor. Downstairs WC and then this, the living room.
0:35:51 > 0:35:58- This is a lovely-sized lounge. - Yeah?- It is, isn't it? - Yeah. Oh, it's nice.
0:35:58 > 0:36:03- And the French doors... - And a wood-burner there.
0:36:03 > 0:36:10When I first saw it, I thought it was fake gas, but it is the real thing.
0:36:10 > 0:36:15- Lovely. Ah, that's nice. - Let's go upstairs and explore.
0:36:15 > 0:36:16OK.
0:36:16 > 0:36:23'Up here there are bedrooms galore. Four, in fact, and all of them will take king-sized beds.
0:36:23 > 0:36:30'Some have built-in wardrobes and I'd be happy to wake up to views like this.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34'Before the master, we look at the other important room.'
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Now, this is the family bathroom. - Very nice.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- I like this.- It's a good size.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Again, this has been recently upgraded.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47That's a nice finish. Neutral colours.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51And it's got a proper shower as well as the bath.
0:36:51 > 0:36:58- The ceiling allows it. - Right then, last but not least, the bedroom for you guys.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02- The master bedroom. Come with me.- Lead on.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09- Now this is you two.- Oh! - It's a huge room again!
0:37:09 > 0:37:17- It is enormous. Loads of built-in storage, which even you, I'm sure, could get all your clobber in.- Yes.
0:37:17 > 0:37:24As you would probably expect, because it is so well-appointed, this room comes with an en-suite,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27which is exactly what you're after.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Right. Have a look in there.
0:37:33 > 0:37:41- Gosh. It's quite big for an en-suite, really.- Having a full bath in it as well. Good for an en-suite.
0:37:41 > 0:37:48All right. So far, so good, I think, with this property. Let's go outside and have a look at the garden.
0:37:48 > 0:37:53- Then see if you can afford it. - Oh, yes!- Right.- OK, yeah.
0:37:55 > 0:38:00'Space certainly isn't going to be a problem in this place and as a new conversion
0:38:00 > 0:38:04'it needs little attention and that goes for the garden too.'
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Right. Follow me through here.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09Past the pond.
0:38:10 > 0:38:16- Now, up here is where you get probably the best view of the garden.- It's really pretty.
0:38:16 > 0:38:22- It's not acres, not loads of lawn, you don't need a lawnmower.- No.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Very manageable. A lovely garden.
0:38:25 > 0:38:32- There's plenty to keep you occupied if you just want to have a little bit of a potter.- Yes.
0:38:32 > 0:38:37- And loads of entertaining space. - Yeah, it's a good-sized patio.
0:38:37 > 0:38:41- Lovely.- Relatively low maintenance...- Yeah.- Yeah. - ..I would suggest to you.
0:38:41 > 0:38:50So that's it. That's what you get. That's the house with its kitchen, dining room, four bedrooms
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- and all the rest of the stuff. And you've got your garden. - And a lovely view.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Lovely outlook.- Gorgeous.
0:38:58 > 0:39:03So now, it begs the question, how much will you have to part with?
0:39:03 > 0:39:08I think this is very much over budget, a long way over budget.
0:39:08 > 0:39:14I think this is a £500,000 house. It's the sheer size of it, the rooms, four bedrooms,
0:39:14 > 0:39:20- double garage, where it is - got to be £500,000. - Your husband says half a million.
0:39:20 > 0:39:25- Yeah. I'm... Again, a guess. 490?- 490?
0:39:25 > 0:39:30- But still over budget.- Still over budget. And if it were over budget,
0:39:30 > 0:39:34cos it is an exceptional property, would it radically put you off?
0:39:34 > 0:39:41It would, yeah. I just think it will be so much over budget that I think it would, yeah.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- OK, shall I put you out of your misery?- Please, yeah.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50This is on the market for 455.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- You're kidding me?!- Good grief. - All that space!- That is...
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- That's a bargain!- Yes!
0:39:58 > 0:40:02It is a bargain! For what you're after.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- Go and have a look.- Thanks, yeah.
0:40:05 > 0:40:11'So at £455,000, the price tag is a welcome surprise.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14'Helen gets the large kitchen/diner she's desperate for,
0:40:14 > 0:40:15'and there's a dining room too.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18'The four bedrooms include an en-suite
0:40:18 > 0:40:20'and there's a large garage
0:40:20 > 0:40:24'which I'm sure Trevor will have no problem in filling up.'
0:40:24 > 0:40:30- This kitchen is huge, isn't it? - Yeah.- There is enough cupboard space in here for everything.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- It's gorgeous.- Really well done.
0:40:33 > 0:40:38- It's everything we wanted in the kitchen.- We want a bit smaller!
0:40:38 > 0:40:43It is very large! What I really liked was the price.
0:40:43 > 0:40:50But it is a family home, really, and just for the two of us it is just a bit too large.
0:40:50 > 0:40:56It's really taken me by surprise. It's so spacious! It's a truly fabulous house for a large family,
0:40:56 > 0:41:02but not the sort of place that is going to be ideal for Trevor and I, unfortunately.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Another one done, but it's not over just yet.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10We still may yet find a property to change your minds.
0:41:10 > 0:41:12- Good.- OK.
0:41:17 > 0:41:22'Trevor and Helen are looking forward to retirement in Devon but never ones to sit still,
0:41:22 > 0:41:24'they're eager to find new ways of filling their time.
0:41:24 > 0:41:29'With a shared interest in conservation issues picked up from their round-the-world trip,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32'they're keen to find out more about voluntary work
0:41:32 > 0:41:34'at the Bowling Green Marsh Nature Reserve
0:41:34 > 0:41:38'run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.'
0:41:38 > 0:41:41OK, I've got a rake for you two guys, one each.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44'Richard Brown is one of the reserve assistants for this 35-acre site,
0:41:44 > 0:41:47'and is keen for Trevor and Helen to get stuck in.'
0:41:47 > 0:41:50So what we have here is one of the scrapes created in the fields.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52These are low points that gather water,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56and they create excellent feeding opportunities for birds.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00What we're going to do now is cut some of the rush that grows up around this site
0:42:00 > 0:42:02due to the wet conditions,
0:42:02 > 0:42:06and by cutting all the vegetation down around it,
0:42:06 > 0:42:10we make it very open, very accessible for the birds,
0:42:10 > 0:42:13so let's get to it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14Yeah, get going.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17'It's hard physical work, but it keeps you fit, out in the open,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21'and best of all, it's helping the wildlife, and that's no bad thing.
0:42:21 > 0:42:22'And after all that exertion,
0:42:22 > 0:42:27'there's just time to have a quick peek at the residents from the hide.'
0:42:29 > 0:42:32'This vantage point is a fabulous place for observing the birds.
0:42:32 > 0:42:38'Over 150 species have been seen here and, with something different to look at on every occasion,
0:42:38 > 0:42:41'I'm sure Trevor and Helen will want to make a return visit.'
0:42:41 > 0:42:43It's absolutely fabulous. Thanks very much.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47- Thanks for your time. It's been really good.- Thanks. - I'm glad you enjoyed it.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50- Yeah, we had a really fabulous time, thanks very much.- Excellent.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- You're welcome to come back any time.- Bye-bye.- Bye.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Well, at long last, it's mystery house time.
0:42:59 > 0:43:03Traditionally, mystery houses are something completely different
0:43:03 > 0:43:07to what our buyers have looked at before, and this one is no exception.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09Let's just hope it floats their boat.
0:43:14 > 0:43:20I love mystery houses because I'm always fascinated to see what people think we've found for them.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24It's always different. What do you think is coming up?
0:43:24 > 0:43:29It's been such a variety so far, it's sort of like...who knows?
0:43:29 > 0:43:30Well, yeah, I was going to say,
0:43:30 > 0:43:34about the only thing we haven't had is a cowshed, I think!
0:43:34 > 0:43:37It could be anything, really!
0:43:37 > 0:43:41They have been good properties and I'm looking forward to this mystery house.
0:43:41 > 0:43:43- Can't wait.- It'll be different.
0:43:43 > 0:43:51'Well, I can reveal that the mystery house is in the port town of Topsham on the Exe Estuary.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54'First stop for us is the quay.'
0:43:54 > 0:43:59Right, guys. This is it. We're almost at the mystery house.
0:43:59 > 0:44:03Before we go and see it, I want to show you the River Exe.
0:44:03 > 0:44:09OK? You can't come to East Devon and be interested in the water without visiting this place, Topsham.
0:44:09 > 0:44:14It's one of the most desirable places to live on this coast.
0:44:14 > 0:44:21Property here doesn't come up for sale very often. The great news is...we've got you one!
0:44:21 > 0:44:26- Wa-hey! That's the mystery house. - Right.- In the heart of Topsham.
0:44:26 > 0:44:31A wonderful, historic building. Is it for you, I wonder? Come on.
0:44:31 > 0:44:34'Topsham might attract the sailing fraternity today,
0:44:34 > 0:44:38'but in the 16th century, it was a thriving port with substantial trading links
0:44:38 > 0:44:40'with Holland and Belgium.
0:44:40 > 0:44:44'Many of the buildings were built from Dutch bricks brought back as ballast on the boats.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48'The house we're about to view is a stone's throw from the quay
0:44:48 > 0:44:51'and was built in the 1680s as a warehouse to house supplies.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55Sadly, there's no garden for a dog, but hopefully,
0:44:55 > 0:44:57'the terrific views will make up for it.'
0:44:57 > 0:44:59That is lovely, isn't it?
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- How sweet. - It's really, really sweet.
0:45:02 > 0:45:09- It's not the biggest property, but its location and character... - Really nice.- ..are what it's about.
0:45:09 > 0:45:10- OK.- Let's go.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15Right. Come on in.
0:45:16 > 0:45:22- Ah, yes.- Oh, yes. OK... - Now, very kind of cute.- Yes.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24It's like living in a lighthouse.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28- It's arranged slightly differently, over several floors.- Right.
0:45:28 > 0:45:34- We're sort of in the middle. There's another floor below us. - Right.- And a couple above us.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- Well...- That's really interesting. - Architecturally, it's quite a thing.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- Bizarrely, we'll start with the bedroom...- OK.
0:45:42 > 0:45:46..because it's what's through there. Lead on into there.
0:45:46 > 0:45:48- Oh, a bedroom!- Oh, that's nice.
0:45:48 > 0:45:53Not just any bedroom. This is currently the master bedroom.
0:45:53 > 0:45:58- Yeah.- With a view.- Look at that. That is fabulous. Right across.
0:45:58 > 0:46:03- Waking up in the morning to that. - Yeah?- Just what a lovely room.
0:46:03 > 0:46:10It's sweet, isn't it? Nice, big fireplace. No longer working, but a great feature.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14- Loads of built-in storage. - It's quite quirky.
0:46:14 > 0:46:15It's really is quirky.
0:46:15 > 0:46:21Stripped floorboards painted white. Lots of blue and white fabrics.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24It's really, really sweet.
0:46:24 > 0:46:28- Very nautical. - Nautical, but nice.- Yes!
0:46:28 > 0:46:29- Ah, rubbish, rubbish!- Very good.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32THEY LAUGH
0:46:35 > 0:46:37Now, come and squeeze in here.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41Oh, wow. Look at the shower.
0:46:41 > 0:46:46That's a real surprise. You wouldn't expect a really modern,
0:46:46 > 0:46:48big shower room like this, would you?
0:46:48 > 0:46:55- Roll-top bath.- Yeah, lovely. - An original. Maybe not original to the house, but an antique.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58Let's go upstairs. After you.
0:46:58 > 0:47:04'If you think it looks shipshape on this floor, it's because the basement is for hiding things away.
0:47:04 > 0:47:10'There's a utility room and a garage and an extra space which could be a spare bedroom.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13'Our next port of call is the living room.'
0:47:13 > 0:47:15Oh, this is nice, too.
0:47:15 > 0:47:17- Yeah?- Yeah.- Oh, yeah.
0:47:17 > 0:47:22Yeah. Again the view. It's a continuation, isn't it?
0:47:22 > 0:47:25- That's very nice.- The window seat.
0:47:25 > 0:47:30- Special, isn't it?- I like it. And you've got...- The fireplace.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- A wood burner in there.- Brilliant.
0:47:34 > 0:47:39This is interesting. See this? This hatch, what was a hatch,
0:47:39 > 0:47:44was part of it when it was a warehouse. Everything was hauled up.
0:47:44 > 0:47:50It's a house that really grows on you as you get higher in it. It just gets better and better.
0:47:50 > 0:47:54I wouldn't have expected a room this size. Cos it's a good size.
0:47:54 > 0:47:57Good. And it gets bigger.
0:47:57 > 0:48:00Come and look at the kitchen. Come and look at this.
0:48:00 > 0:48:02This is not the biggest in the world.
0:48:02 > 0:48:06- No, but it's compact. - Quite small, but...
0:48:06 > 0:48:11It feels like a yacht's galley. A ship's galley, isn't it?
0:48:11 > 0:48:12Absolutely, yeah.
0:48:12 > 0:48:17- In keeping with everything else. - Modern just wouldn't be right.
0:48:17 > 0:48:22There's one more floor to see. Let's go up and see some sky.
0:48:22 > 0:48:28'So the galley has gone down a treat, but if they're worried about fitting their dinghy in the garage,
0:48:28 > 0:48:32'I might have the perfect solution, which can be spotted from up here.'
0:48:32 > 0:48:35- Ooh-ah, Captain.- What about it?
0:48:35 > 0:48:37Captain or lighthouse keeper. I don't know.
0:48:37 > 0:48:41Aw, look at that, that is fantastic!
0:48:41 > 0:48:45- There's so much character here, really.- Yeah?- Mm.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48Now in terms of this boat,
0:48:48 > 0:48:52how about you keeping it out there permanently?
0:48:52 > 0:48:56We'll have to buy a bigger one, though!
0:48:56 > 0:48:59That depends on whether you have any change left over.
0:48:59 > 0:49:02- Would you consider that?- Oh, yes.
0:49:02 > 0:49:07If you've got a fair-sized boat anyway, it's better out there.
0:49:07 > 0:49:13- It's easier for you. - Yes, easy access, isn't it? - It's there whenever you want it.
0:49:13 > 0:49:20- No lugging it in and out. Shall we think about how much this might cost?- That's difficult.
0:49:20 > 0:49:24- Let's do it out there with some fresh air.- OK.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27'Although this house has no garden,
0:49:27 > 0:49:31'I can't wait to see their reaction to the view.' Now then...
0:49:31 > 0:49:37- You get that for free! - Yes, that's true. - It's absolutely fabulous.
0:49:37 > 0:49:44- Now we are in a very unique spot here.- Yes.- Quite a difficult one to judge, I suspect.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48But I'm going to ask you to put a value on it.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51385, I think.
0:49:51 > 0:49:52385.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57I think it'll be a bit more because it's such a sought-after area.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59Erm, 425?
0:49:59 > 0:50:02- 425, 385...- Yeah.
0:50:02 > 0:50:08Not bad. Not bad, as indeed it should be, coming to the end of the house tours.
0:50:08 > 0:50:13- You've straddled the truth. It's bang on the market for £400,000.- OK.
0:50:13 > 0:50:17- OK.- You've got change. - 70 grand's worth of change.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20That's the boat!
0:50:21 > 0:50:26I knew that money wouldn't last long! It's burning a hole already.
0:50:26 > 0:50:31- That's what this house is about. It's about fun.- It is.- Yes.
0:50:31 > 0:50:34- It's a fun house.- Yeah. - And having fun.
0:50:34 > 0:50:39- Lots of entertaining, yeah. - Go have another look around.- OK.
0:50:39 > 0:50:44- Keep the fun up.- All right. - I'll catch up with you later.
0:50:44 > 0:50:48Well, there we are. £400,000-worth of fun.
0:50:48 > 0:50:55What do you get for it? Views to die for, a fantastic community location, and plenty to do on your doorstep.
0:50:55 > 0:50:59Would I buy this place? Yes. Yes, I would.
0:50:59 > 0:51:03It's a real mindbender, this one, but, boy, it's a cracking property,
0:51:03 > 0:51:06and it's up for grabs for £400,000.
0:51:06 > 0:51:09There's a living room with spectacular views over the estuary,
0:51:09 > 0:51:11a traditional style kitchen,
0:51:11 > 0:51:13two to three bedrooms and a garage.
0:51:13 > 0:51:19It will surely appeal to those of a nautical nature but what will their comments be for the logbook?
0:51:19 > 0:51:25It's a fun house. We're out to have fun from now on. If you look at it like that, it's good.
0:51:25 > 0:51:29But there's not enough room probably for everything we've got.
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- The views are beautiful.- Yeah, they are.- The village is lovely.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36This house is a fun, fun house.
0:51:36 > 0:51:40It's very quirky. It's a nice place to wander around.
0:51:40 > 0:51:46My only concern is its age and how much work might need doing.
0:51:46 > 0:51:48It oozes a tremendous amount of character.
0:51:48 > 0:51:52I can imagine it could be turned into something quite striking.
0:51:52 > 0:51:59Personally, I really do long for a dog and I'm not sure whether this is an ideal spot.
0:51:59 > 0:52:01Lots to consider, though.
0:52:03 > 0:52:09Very interesting property. And a fantastic way to top off our tour of these properties in Devon.
0:52:09 > 0:52:15- It is, yeah.- Lots to think about. - Yes.- Lots to talk about. - Wheels still turning, Helen?
0:52:15 > 0:52:17Absolutely!
0:52:17 > 0:52:21- More so now, I think. - Brilliant. That's what I like.
0:52:21 > 0:52:28- Let's have a nice little sit down and a good old think about it. - All right.- OK.
0:52:38 > 0:52:43Now, Trevor and Helen plan to keep this next property for a very long time,
0:52:43 > 0:52:45so there's plenty to think about.
0:52:45 > 0:52:51At long last, my favourite part of the show has arrived. It is decision time.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53Now, we have explored, we have toured,
0:52:53 > 0:52:57but finally, Helen and Trevor have to make their minds up
0:52:57 > 0:53:00as to whether any of the properties we have shown them
0:53:00 > 0:53:04will be their ideal escape to the country. Let's go and ask them.
0:53:08 > 0:53:15- Guys, this is the end of our tour. How have you found our little journey?- Fascinating.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18It has been absolutely fantastic.
0:53:18 > 0:53:22It all started with that lovely little thatch cottage. What happened there?
0:53:22 > 0:53:23It was just so pretty.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- It had a lovely garden as well. - Yeah.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29The grounds were really nice and that type of thing.
0:53:29 > 0:53:34- And downstairs was good.- But? - Just the upstairs, really,
0:53:34 > 0:53:37for us, was just not practical.
0:53:37 > 0:53:41I think I had to tilt my head to one side to get in the bathroom.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45- THEY LAUGH - The biggest problem with that one,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49it was probably just a little bit too small as a house in itself.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52Then we took you to the much bigger
0:53:52 > 0:53:58- white double-fronted cottage. - Oh, yeah. I got very excited when I saw it.
0:53:58 > 0:54:03That was the one that ticked so many of the things that we wanted -
0:54:03 > 0:54:10it had the kitchen, it had the wood-burning stove, good-sized rooms.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13It was a good, good house.
0:54:13 > 0:54:17Then of course it was another day and we took you to something very different,
0:54:17 > 0:54:24- a new-build in an old farmyard. What did you make of that one? It was huge.- Yes.
0:54:24 > 0:54:26- It was just too big.- Too big?- Yeah.
0:54:26 > 0:54:31It's the sort of house that needs a family. It needs to be filled
0:54:31 > 0:54:34with a lot more than just us two.
0:54:34 > 0:54:37As far as the courtyard was concerned, and the setting,
0:54:37 > 0:54:41we thought that was really nice because you've got a community there.
0:54:41 > 0:54:47We then moved from the enormous to...back in a way, I suppose, to the not so enormous.
0:54:47 > 0:54:53- The mystery house.- Yeah. - That house, it was fun, wasn't it?
0:54:53 > 0:54:59- It was very quirky.- It's a fun place to live, I should think. A fun place to occupy.
0:54:59 > 0:55:06I liked it. I was really taken by it. The only thing I'd say is I'm a bit worried about the age,
0:55:06 > 0:55:11and whether it needs a lot of work done.
0:55:11 > 0:55:18But it was a wonderful house. A lot could be done in it. And look where it's situated.
0:55:18 > 0:55:24This is stunning, with the views of the river and the countryside. Perfect, yeah.
0:55:24 > 0:55:28So, they were the properties. What are you going to do next?
0:55:28 > 0:55:34The double-fronted and the mystery house are going to cause us some problems, I think.
0:55:34 > 0:55:38- We like both for different reasons. - There's a huge price difference. 75 grand.
0:55:38 > 0:55:42- Yes.- That's true. - And that is one of the factors.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45But I don't think it's a big factor.
0:55:45 > 0:55:49Between them, they've got so many things going for them,
0:55:49 > 0:55:53but there are one or two things we'd have to compromise on
0:55:53 > 0:55:56and maybe we'd have to talk about those.
0:55:56 > 0:55:58I have a hunch...
0:55:59 > 0:56:04..as to which one may win out. I'll wager it's probably Topsham.
0:56:04 > 0:56:10That's all I'm going to say. But, guys, it's been great having you on the show.
0:56:10 > 0:56:15Do let us know how you get on. Either one would suit you down to the ground,
0:56:15 > 0:56:17but you have to go with your heart, I suspect.
0:56:17 > 0:56:21- I wish you the best of luck. - Thank you very much.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26The thing I've really enjoyed about Helen and Trevor's house search
0:56:26 > 0:56:29isn't just that we've been looking for a property.
0:56:29 > 0:56:35We've been looking for a whole new lifestyle, but what kind of lifestyle are they going to go for?
0:56:35 > 0:56:41We found a pretty remarkable choice between rural country living and life by the coast.
0:56:41 > 0:56:47It's a debate that will rumble on for some time to come. Either way, they have two fantastic choices.
0:56:47 > 0:56:49I'll see you next time.
0:56:49 > 0:56:54If you would like to escape to the country, and fancy our help,
0:56:54 > 0:56:59contact us through our website - bbc.co.uk/beonashow.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:10 > 0:57:13E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk