0:00:02 > 0:00:06Today we're in a county that's home to these guys, otters,
0:00:06 > 0:00:11a rare creature that's made a real success of its own Escape To The Country.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27In today's show I'll be helping four generations of one family
0:00:27 > 0:00:31escape suburbia as they go in search of a slice of the country.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33They'll be viewing inspiring properties.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Can you imagine yourselves in here? - I've moved in.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40There's a pleasant surprise in store when they hear the price.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42- You are joking. - You're joking...
0:00:42 > 0:00:46And there's the mystery house that offers them something a little different.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Today I'm in Cornwall, home to these guys, the great British otter.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57Now this county is a real stronghold for otters. Since the '70s
0:00:57 > 0:00:59they've been on the extinction list but now it's good news.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03From 200 way back when, there are now over 3,000 of them living
0:01:03 > 0:01:09in the British Isles and these two, Honey and Harriet, are two of the newest residents to Cornwall.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12But of course there's a lot more to this place than just otters.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16Thanks to the county's position on the south-westerly peninsula
0:01:16 > 0:01:20it's been left pretty much untouched and boasts some dramatic scenery.
0:01:20 > 0:01:26Historic market towns, small hamlets and fishing villages dot the landscape.
0:01:26 > 0:01:33Hugged by the sea on two sides, and with 300 beaches to choose from, you're never more than 16 miles
0:01:33 > 0:01:37from the coast, and north Cornwall hosts one of the country's most dramatic beaches,
0:01:37 > 0:01:42the Bedruthan Steps, named after the giant who, legend has it,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45used the huge slate outcrops as stepping stones.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Cornwall has long been popular with second-home owners, of course.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53They buy them and let them to those of us who want to come here on holiday.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55The downside is that's raised house prices.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Your average four-bedroom house will set you back
0:01:58 > 0:02:00around about £300,000 down here.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04Not surprisingly it is also above the national average
0:02:04 > 0:02:08but only by 9%, great news for today's buyers.
0:02:08 > 0:02:14Rowan and Carol have lived in their four-bedroom detached house in Reading for 13 years.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19In the early days their house was plenty big enough for them and their two children
0:02:19 > 0:02:25but, you wouldn't know to look at them, they're also grandparents which makes it a bit of a squeeze.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29When we first moved in, I appreciated the extra space, you know, to fit all the stuff in
0:02:29 > 0:02:33and being able to grow into the house as well because it's an ideal house to grow into.
0:02:33 > 0:02:36But we've grown out of it.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Rowan works from home and Carol currently has
0:02:39 > 0:02:44a high pressure job in the city but all that's about to change.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48We don't get much time together now because I work in London, but I'll be leaving my job
0:02:48 > 0:02:52and I'm going to set up a consultancy which I will run from home.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56The grandchildren will be living with us, as will my mother, so we're going to have
0:02:56 > 0:03:01four generations under the same roof, which is fantastic, as we just want to be one big happy family together.
0:03:01 > 0:03:08In the new house they are going to need plenty more space that they can grow into all over again.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I've enjoyed this kitchen, it's much bigger since the extension,
0:03:12 > 0:03:17but it's still not big enough. Ideally I'd want something about three times the size of this,
0:03:17 > 0:03:20although I know that's asking a lot, that would be my dream.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25In the new property we'd be looking to have a larger garden space than we currently have.
0:03:25 > 0:03:28Carol would like to get some livestock, chickens, or something,
0:03:28 > 0:03:33and we'd be looking to get a small pony for my two grandchildren so a bigger garden would be great.
0:03:33 > 0:03:40Looking for a family house that's big enough for Carol, Rowan, their children and their grandchildren
0:03:40 > 0:03:46means they've got quite a wish list, and don't forget Carol's mum will be moving in as well.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51I think my ideal dream property in the country would have to have a minimum of five bedrooms,
0:03:51 > 0:03:56a large bathroom, large kitchen-dining room, a minimum of two living rooms, maybe three.
0:03:56 > 0:04:03- An en suite for the master bedroom, large garden, I've got to have my chickens.- Annexe for your mum.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06We can't forget Mum, yeah, of course - a one-bedroom annexe for Mum.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- And a football pitch. - Um, no. Forget the football pitch.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12For Carol and Rowan, the move can't come soon enough,
0:04:12 > 0:04:16so we've invited round an estate agent to value their home.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19A very well-proportioned four-bedroom property
0:04:19 > 0:04:23located in a very sought-after cul-de-sac within good school catchments,
0:04:23 > 0:04:24lovely garden. At present,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27I'd value this property at 320,000.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And with Carol's mum planning to sell her house too
0:04:32 > 0:04:33how much do they have to spend?
0:04:33 > 0:04:38Our total budget would be £550,000.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45On the face of it, Carol and Rowan's property search seems kind of straightforward.
0:04:45 > 0:04:49They've got over half a million pounds, they want upwards of six bedrooms,
0:04:49 > 0:04:54a couple of living rooms and somewhere for Mum to come, some kind of annexe arrangement.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57But, you see, this I think is where it could unravel.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00Although they've got over half a million pounds,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04they're trying to fit a huge extended family into a half-a-million-pound house.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06That is going to be the challenge.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Location-wise we're focusing our search in north Cornwall
0:05:10 > 0:05:17around the town of Launceston, known as the gateway to Cornwall as it's just over the Devon border.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21In today's show I'll be showing them some very different properties that will hopefully
0:05:21 > 0:05:26match their criteria, but I won't be revealing the prices straightaway.
0:05:26 > 0:05:32Lastly, I'll be showing them the mystery house, that will throw up some interesting choices.
0:05:34 > 0:05:39If you've really had enough of city life and you want a change of pace and a change of lifestyle,
0:05:39 > 0:05:44Cornwall will certainly provide that for you and whatever your tastes, whatever your budget,
0:05:44 > 0:05:49you will find a property to suit you. We have found some fantastic ones. Take a look at these.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55If you're after some prime beach frontage, how about this south-coast villa in Porthpean,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58which is on the market for two and a quarter million pounds?
0:05:58 > 0:06:02It has eight bedrooms and has been stylishly decorated throughout,
0:06:02 > 0:06:05but best of all the sandy bay is, quite literally, on your doorstep.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Another property with a stunning setting
0:06:09 > 0:06:12is this gothic-style mansion in Liskeard,
0:06:12 > 0:06:14on the market for £850,000.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16There's bags of room, with seven bedrooms,
0:06:16 > 0:06:22a stylish kitchen and a large drawing room - and outside there's a small lake surrounded by woodland.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Or for something more modest,
0:06:27 > 0:06:30this 17th-century stone cottage near Saltash
0:06:30 > 0:06:32is on the market for £375,000.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35It has four bedrooms and a homely cottagey feel throughout.
0:06:38 > 0:06:44The kitchen has slate floors, a farmhouse range, and outside there's a pretty cottage garden.
0:06:44 > 0:06:48- Well, Rowan and Carol, welcome to Cornwall.- Thank you.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Cornwall is famous for its coastline, so why not start here, in Bude, with some rolling breakers?
0:06:53 > 0:06:59- It is beautiful.- Beautiful, it is. - Now then, your challenge, because that's what it is, really.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01We're not just buying YOU a house, are we?
0:07:01 > 0:07:06By my reckoning there are, four generations of you, and that's seven people?
0:07:06 > 0:07:07Yeah, yeah, and two cats.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11And two cats. Oh, my God. OK.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17It's going to take some imaginative thinking, I think, in the properties that we're able to show you,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20to fit you all in, because, to be honest, you need a hotel!
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- We thought about that before. - Yes, it's been said.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26But we've got you some fascinating buildings to go round and check out.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31Some of them have the odd twist here and there which I'm sure will amuse you
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- but it's a challenge, one we're up for, I think. - Definitely.- Looking forward to it.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Come on then, let's go!
0:07:38 > 0:07:43So Rowan and Carol have a budget of £550,000.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46They're looking for a five-bedroom house with at least
0:07:46 > 0:07:49two reception rooms, one for the children, one for the grown-ups.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52They need an annexe for Carol's mum
0:07:52 > 0:07:56and plenty of outside space for ponies, chickens and the like.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05Cornwall is a hugely popular place but what was the draw for you two?
0:08:05 > 0:08:09I think because we've holidayed down here regularly for perhaps
0:08:09 > 0:08:1310 or 15 years as a family, and always had a really good time,
0:08:13 > 0:08:17and we were looking to retire down here eventually, but, um...
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- We thought, why bother waiting that long, why not move now?- Yeah, yeah.
0:08:22 > 0:08:28Our first property is on the outskirts of the small village
0:08:28 > 0:08:32of Stratton, four miles from the coastal resort of Bude.
0:08:32 > 0:08:37Despite its proximity to the coast, Stratton has been left untouched by tourists.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39It's a typical Cornish village,
0:08:39 > 0:08:41made up of attractive painted and stone cottages.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45There's a village pub and 12th-century Norman church.
0:08:45 > 0:08:49Property number one is on the outskirts of the village,
0:08:49 > 0:08:53set back off a country lane. Let's see what Carol and Rowan make of it.
0:08:53 > 0:08:58Well, guys. This is it. This is where we're gonna start our tour.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00- Are you excited about this?- I am!
0:09:00 > 0:09:03Right, well let's just settle here for a second
0:09:03 > 0:09:05cos that's what I want you to have a look at.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09It's actually a converted barn. It's been developed over the years
0:09:09 > 0:09:12to provide a lot of accommodation. What do you think?
0:09:12 > 0:09:16The location's fantastic and from the outside it really does look...
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- A lot of character.- It's lovely.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Shall we go inside?- Yes, please.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27Right, get the door. That's it. Right, now then -
0:09:27 > 0:09:29what do you think of this?
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- It's very nice.- It is. - First impressions?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Very cottagey, yeah.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36It has been recently renovated.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39It's hard to distinguish in some areas the old from the new.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- But you do get a nice, new feel to the place.- Yeah.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- Which is good news.- It looked in good condition from outside too.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48Come through here, because it sounds obvious,
0:09:48 > 0:09:52but every room in this house, is very, very different in its shape.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- This is the kitchen. - I like it, it is very different.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59It's much more modern. You wouldn't think you were in the same house.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03You wouldn't. Absolutely right. That's exactly what I thought.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06I like the way the unit's at slightly different height there.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08- Great for your grandchildren. - I was just thinking that.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10I could see them there making cakes.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14I do love the kitchen but I was hoping for something bigger.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17- Well, you have got a dedicated dining area.- Yeah.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20- Which is kind of handy.- It's so difficult without seeing the rest.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- Well, we'll do that! We'll do that. - Yeah, come on then.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26I will point out, you can explore this later, but through there
0:10:26 > 0:10:29is your little utility room, which is quite handy,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32so all your white goods are out there, but come through here.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40Now, come in here. This is where it all gets really, really quirky.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Yeah, I didn't expect this!
0:10:43 > 0:10:45It's full of surprises, isn't it?
0:10:45 > 0:10:48This is one of five bedrooms.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- It's a big surprise. Didn't expect this.- Didn't expect this at all.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55It's a nice room, but I'm not sure about it being off the dining room.
0:10:55 > 0:10:59The upside is that it has an en-suite, in there.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- Very smart en-suite. You can explore that later.- Oh, that's nice.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04And I'm thinking of Mum, maybe.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08Possibly. I think she envisaged a living room and bedroom together.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Very possibly. I mean, there are other options here.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13Go on, Rowan. Lead us through that door.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16This house is full of nooks and crannies,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19but I feel they're hankering after more space
0:11:19 > 0:11:21so let's see if upstairs pays off.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Come and have a look at this.
0:11:24 > 0:11:26This is the principal living room here.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30It kind of goes back to its old credentials as a barn.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- I suppose, that's what you've got here really.- Yeah.
0:11:33 > 0:11:34But some nice touches.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37You've got that, which is a sweet little multi-fuel wood burner
0:11:37 > 0:11:40and coal and so on. So that's quite nice. Keep you nice and snug.
0:11:40 > 0:11:41Wood store tucked away.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45One of those houses, the higher you get, the lighter it becomes.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Mmm, I like the full-length windows.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50Just brings the outside in. Makes it all very light and airy.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- This would be the adult room if there's somewhere else for the family room. Definitely.- Yeah.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58There's a bit more of this round the corner.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01What would you do with this, I wonder. This area here.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04Architecturally, because of the chimney.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06That's why this has appeared.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08They've got it as a little sort of day room.
0:12:08 > 0:12:09This could be my office.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12I could just imagine. I could have my computer there,
0:12:12 > 0:12:14couple of cabinets.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- It's nice.- That's good, I'm glad, because in here
0:12:17 > 0:12:20we've got one of four bedrooms that are up here.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22This is currently set up as an office,
0:12:22 > 0:12:26but if your office is out there, this goes back to being a bedroom.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- Which is perfect. So you'd get your full five bedrooms.- Perfect.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31The rest of it's through here.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Along the corridor are a further two bedrooms.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36One is a good sized double and the other is a single
0:12:36 > 0:12:38with plenty of built-in storage.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41There's also a compact but functional shower room.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44So that's the kids sorted, but what about the grown ups?
0:12:44 > 0:12:47This is the master suite, as it were.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50Yeah?
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- Very nice.- It's surprisingly big.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- Bags of storage.- The room is lovely. And is that a patio out there?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Ah, yes. Cos we're on a slight slope. So as you go up
0:13:00 > 0:13:04you can walk out to the garden behind.
0:13:04 > 0:13:05That's a nice feature.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09And the other nice feature of the master bedroom
0:13:09 > 0:13:11is the smart little en-suite.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14What are you thinking about this property so far?
0:13:14 > 0:13:16I like it...
0:13:16 > 0:13:18I think for us and the kids, it's fantastic.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21But I'm not sure... It's very important Mum has what she needs.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24It's her house as well, and I'm not totally convinced.
0:13:24 > 0:13:29Let's go outside and see, because there may be a project for Mum.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- OK.- Maybe. Outside.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Right, come with me.
0:13:36 > 0:13:37Right, come out here.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- Come out of the top. - There was a huge spider!
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- A huge spider? That comes free with the house, you know?- Oh, don't!
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Now, come down here. What I want you to look at is that area, there.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- See where the car is?- Yeah.- OK.
0:13:50 > 0:13:56I am assured that the right-spec foundations are already laid there.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58All that's required is planning permission
0:13:58 > 0:14:02to build this area up, to produce a separate annexe.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Ah, right. Yeah, certainly. And if it's almost totally separate
0:14:06 > 0:14:07it'd be ideal for your mum.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- Depending on... It'd depend on the cost.- Cost.- We don't know...- A-ha!
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Yes! Well, therein is the million dollar question, of course.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16How much is it gonna set you back?
0:14:16 > 0:14:19Let's finish the tour first, then you can guess the price.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20- Talk cash.- OK.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29Come up here and look at the rest, cos we also get to milk this view.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32This is extraordinary. Have a look at this!
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Have a look at that.- That is fantastic.- That's a really nice view.
0:14:36 > 0:14:37Yeah? Not bad, eh?
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- No, it's lovely.- You wanted a bit of Cornwall. Here's a pretty bit.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44And we've got this orchard area.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47As you can see, it's bursting with really mature, ripe
0:14:47 > 0:14:50and very healthy looking fruit trees.
0:14:50 > 0:14:55In total, the amount of ground you've got is six acres.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56- Really?- What?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58That's quite a lot!
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- You never imagined being a farmer, did you?- No!
0:15:01 > 0:15:05Now then, you have got £550,000. How much of that do you think
0:15:05 > 0:15:10you'd have to part with to get this little slice of Cornwall?
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Complete with a bit of sunshine, on occasion. Make me an offer.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17I can't imagine it being within our budget, being so close to the sea.
0:15:17 > 0:15:22But for us to be able to afford it, it would need to be about...
0:15:23 > 0:15:26..500, to be able to afford to build the annexe.
0:15:26 > 0:15:32Yeah, I'd probably go higher. I reckon it's top of our budget.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34Maybe even slightly over, 560?
0:15:34 > 0:15:39560 plays 500, OK. Quite a difference between the two of you.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I said what I'd need it to be.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46You are so good at this. You really are the moneybags in this equation.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49This is on the market for just under £500,000.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- It's on for £495,000.- Wow.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56OK, so you have got £50,000 left over, to maybe think about
0:15:56 > 0:16:00- doing a bit of extra extension. - And that's all we'd need to do.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- Hmm.- I'm surprised.- Yeah?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06- Can I go and see the six acres? - Yeah, go on. Off you go!
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I'll catch up with you later!
0:16:13 > 0:16:17This detached cottage is on the market for £495,000.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21It has five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a large garden,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24and six acres of land. So, what's the verdict?
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- This field is huge.- It is, it is.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31We wanted a bit of land but I never dreamt we'd get something like this.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I'm just shocked at how much you get for your money.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37I really like its quirkiness.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40I never thought about having a living room upstairs,
0:16:40 > 0:16:42but it really works. I really like it.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45My first impressions were great. The outside looked really nice.
0:16:45 > 0:16:49I liked the walls as we came through. Really olde worlde.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- Which appeals to me.- The house... It really is what we're looking for.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56The area, providing we've got schools and railway nearby,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59cos I've got carried away and not thought about that yet!
0:16:59 > 0:17:02Cos we're so taken with the house.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05At the moment, eight and a half out of ten.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07We don't want the free spider.
0:17:07 > 0:17:13If a tortoise has a shell, does it really need a house, I wonder?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- No idea!- It's a good question though, isn't it?
0:17:15 > 0:17:17I wonder!
0:17:17 > 0:17:20Now then, fellas, I'm afraid I'm going to have to whisk you away.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- OK.- No more lounging around, looking at the wildlife. Go on then!
0:17:24 > 0:17:25- Let's go.- All right.- After you.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38When Rowan and Carol do find their Cornish dream home,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41their nearest market town will be Launceston.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44So, earlier in the week they took the opportunity to look around.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Its narrow streets are lined with Georgian townhouses.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51And you can still see a part of the Medieval gate
0:17:51 > 0:17:53from the original town walls.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56The centrepiece of the town is the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59with its intricately carved stonework,
0:17:59 > 0:18:01dating back to the 16th century.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08- I'll definitely have some of those. A small one, please.- Yes, please.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12Today Launceston is a thriving town with a weekly market,
0:18:12 > 0:18:15where you can buy locally grown produce and craft goods.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- It's beautiful.- Yeah.- They're all shutting up now, it's a shame.- Yeah.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20They're all so friendly.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23If we move down here, you can buy a handbag every week, can't you?
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Definitely. I'd definitely come back.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31After a quick shop, Carol and Rowan head to the Launceston Steam Railway
0:18:31 > 0:18:35which has been lovingly restored and runs for two miles through the Kensey Valley.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40The steam trains date back to the 1800s.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44And it's the perfect way to soak up the beautiful Cornish countryside.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50But for the best view of all, you need to head to Launceston Castle.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Perched upon a hill, overlooking the town, the castle was built
0:18:53 > 0:18:56after the Norman conquest and was the ultimate symbol of power and wealth.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59Although these days, only the ruins remain.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01But the panoramic views are timeless.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05It was worth the climb. Look at those views! They get better!
0:19:05 > 0:19:07Yeah, you can see for miles, can't you?
0:19:08 > 0:19:09It's lovely.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- Look at it, it's so beautiful. - It is, isn't it?
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- Can't wait.- Not much else you can say about it, is there?- No.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Aww!
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Carol and Rowan do seem very at home here already.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24All we need to do now is find them a home.
0:19:24 > 0:19:29What did you think of that property, now you've had time to digest it?
0:19:31 > 0:19:35I quite liked it. It was quirky in its layout.
0:19:35 > 0:19:41And the land around the property was... It's quite impressive.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43What would you do with all those acres, Carol?
0:19:43 > 0:19:47That's what I'm beginning to think. It might be a bit too much now.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Cos I had all these grand plans of sheep and ponies
0:19:49 > 0:19:52but perhaps that's not a realistic thing to do.
0:19:52 > 0:19:58Sometimes it's just as important to find out what you don't need when you're property hunting.
0:19:58 > 0:20:02So, narrowing the search is a step in the right direction.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05The next property is eight miles from Launceston,
0:20:05 > 0:20:08tucked away in the rural hamlet of Trewen.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13The focal point of the hamlet is the 12th-century church of St Michael & All Angels.
0:20:13 > 0:20:19The closest village is Altarnun, which has some very pretty granite cottages and a 15th-century church
0:20:19 > 0:20:23with an impressive tower, which is the second tallest in Cornwall.
0:20:23 > 0:20:26It's a great setting for our next property.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31Right, come through here. Now, then...
0:20:31 > 0:20:38- what do you both think of that? - That's pretty impressive, isn't it?- That's perfect.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43Really, really, really lovely. I can't believe it.
0:20:43 > 0:20:49It's an old barn, probably 100, 150 years old, something like that, and it does offer
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- the most extraordinary accommodation.- Wow.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57Just you wait, if you think it looks great from here, wait till you get inside.
0:20:57 > 0:20:59Come on.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07Right. Look at your face!
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- Right, in you go.- Thank you.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14This is what greets you first of all, the entrance hall.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19We're going to do this house slightly differently, so we're going to start upstairs first.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- OK.- And I'm going to ask you to take your shoes off and you'll see why
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- when we get up there because it is absolutely fantastic.- Right.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- Oh, yes.- Wow. Oh, my gosh.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:21:38 > 0:21:43Come here. No, no, come here, stand there, what do you think?
0:21:43 > 0:21:49- Oh, this is...out of this world, it really is, I love it. - Yeah, stunning.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Isn't it fabulous? All this is only about three years old.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Reclaimed stripped pine floorboards.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- That's really lovely, the wood burner.- I like the look of that, yeah.- Gorgeous.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02It's really stylishly done. Can you imagine yourselves in here?
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- I've moved in!- You've moved in already!- I absolutely love it.
0:22:06 > 0:22:08I might have to leave the kids somewhere else!
0:22:08 > 0:22:13Look at that kitchen. That would be absolutely... I could see us spending hours in there
0:22:13 > 0:22:17because we love cooking. It's something we don't get time to do any more.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20There's more. Come with me through here.
0:22:23 > 0:22:27Carol, if that was a "wow", what about this?
0:22:27 > 0:22:33- There's a whole tree in the middle of the room.- There is a whole tree in the middle of the room.
0:22:33 > 0:22:38- Is that from the original barn? - It is. It is, this is a roundhouse, effectively.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40It was an old cider press.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42- Was it?- Yeah.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46There would have been a donkey running around in here
0:22:46 > 0:22:49helping to crush apples. This is what gives it away.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- If you look, can you see this lovely wood burner?- Yeah.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54And can you see above it the stone wall, OK?
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- That's where the top of the wall was, see where that line of mortar is?- Yeah.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03The whole thing has been raised in the renovation, including that.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- That's a big renovation, isn't it, yeah?- That's a lot of wood to move, isn't it?
0:23:07 > 0:23:11Look at that, double doors, huge doors, out to that little bit of garden.
0:23:11 > 0:23:17You've got a wonderful choice of reception rooms here for you and the rest of the family to use.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21- How do you see this working? - I'm tempted to say that we'd have this room
0:23:21 > 0:23:26and put them in there, but I think with the garden access for the smaller ones
0:23:26 > 0:23:31- it would be great to be running in and out of the garden all the time.- I don't know.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35Possibly, because we're in there because we're all the family together, I don't know.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Come and look at the rest of the place.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41What a lovely dilemma to have, and there are five bedrooms
0:23:41 > 0:23:43to choose from, two of which are on this level.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46The first is currently being used as a small study,
0:23:46 > 0:23:51there's a tidy family bathroom and then there's the master.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56- Ooh wow.- Yeah?- I think so, yeah. - What a huge bedroom.
0:23:56 > 0:24:01I think this is pretty good as it goes for master bedrooms.
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- Yeah.- Definitely.- There's loads of storage and room for more.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- Well, how much more do you need? - You haven't seen...
0:24:09 > 0:24:12So that's the upstairs, bizarrely.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17- To finish it off, let's go downstairs and check out the rest of it.- OK.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Come with me.
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Down here are the further three bedrooms this property has to offer.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32There's a huge double in there with some storage, have a quick look at that.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- That's a nice room.- Good size. - Look at the floor, it's lovely.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38This goes throughout, this goes all the way.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42In there, there's a little shower room and basin and loo, etc,
0:24:42 > 0:24:47to complement the accommodation down here, but the final two
0:24:47 > 0:24:50are along this corridor. It's all very neat and compact.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53- It is. Lovely. - Little girls' room clearly.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57- Oh, yes.- That's beautiful, isn't it? - Isn't that sweet?- That is lovely.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01And next door there's a room that absolutely mirrors that
0:25:01 > 0:25:04so that's your five bedrooms pretty much, OK?
0:25:04 > 0:25:10However, I've got one more idea for you. Come and have a look at this.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13In here is the utility, OK?
0:25:13 > 0:25:17But through this door is the garage.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24Now, the garage.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27It's a good size garage.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32It's a great size garage, it could also make a brilliant little spot for Mum.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37It could be a kitchen/living room, if you like,
0:25:37 > 0:25:42- with her choice of bedrooms. - Mmm.- Possibly.- Possibly. - Yeah, possibly.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46Think about it. There's an awful lot in this house for you to consider.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50- Yeah.- But I think it's important you see this area and have a think
0:25:50 > 0:25:52- about how you might use it, all right?- Yeah.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56- That's the inside of the property, pretty much. What do you think so far?- Love it.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01- Yeah, it is an amazing house. - Pretty special, isn't it? - It is, very.- Yes, definitely.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03There's a bit more outside. Let's go through here, why not?
0:26:03 > 0:26:08As it is the garage. Come with me. Out you come.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11I'm not sure Carol is convinced with the garage conversion idea
0:26:11 > 0:26:16but it is an option worth mulling over. And now to the garden.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20When we drove in you probably spotted this little area of grass, didn't you?
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- We did.- When I say little, I mean...
0:26:22 > 0:26:24- Well, yes.- It's not bad, is it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:30In all, you've got three-quarters of an acre with the property,
0:26:30 > 0:26:33and this is yours.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35This is great because it's really private.
0:26:35 > 0:26:40- It is, it's really nice. - It's ideal for the kids again, isn't it?
0:26:40 > 0:26:46Let's have a little think about how much it's going to cost you, shall we?
0:26:46 > 0:26:50It must be worth an optimistic 560.
0:26:50 > 0:26:57- 560.- I'd say more 575.- 575.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00- Mmm.- It's on the market for 495.
0:27:00 > 0:27:04- You are joking.- You're joking. - How about that?- No way.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06If I had a chair, I'd sit down!
0:27:06 > 0:27:07That is amazing.
0:27:07 > 0:27:11That's almost as amazing as when you walk in the rooms.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Brilliant. Go on, then.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Do we want to walk around the rooms again, do we?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Yeah, go and have an explore, see what you get.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Well, there we are, that certainly put a smile on their faces.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26Just under half a million pounds for a property which, frankly,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29should be way over that, but that is the nature of the market at the moment.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33If you've got money, and you can move, you can find a bargain.
0:27:33 > 0:27:39This converted barn is on the market for £495,000.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43It has been stylishly renovated and has five bedrooms,
0:27:43 > 0:27:44two large reception rooms,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48a garage, which could be converted into a living space for Carol's mum,
0:27:48 > 0:27:51and outside there's a large garden with a paddock.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55This would be great for work space, for cooking, for making a mess.
0:27:55 > 0:27:59Yeah, and when your ladies come to visit you with their wine and their dips.
0:27:59 > 0:28:01This would be a great room for a party.
0:28:01 > 0:28:06I can't think of one thing I don't like about the house. I love it.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09A really good finish to everything. There's a lot of care gone into it.
0:28:09 > 0:28:16This room is fantastic, the kitchen, the lights, the fire, it's got everything.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18The only slight downside possibly being the work
0:28:18 > 0:28:22needed in the garage to change it into accommodation for my mother-in-law,
0:28:22 > 0:28:25but the overall package is just a big wow.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28My gut feelings about this house is I could move in tomorrow,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31it's all here, it feels like our home already.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Right, out you come.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Now then, I think that was a real contender.
0:28:38 > 0:28:44- Yeah, I think so.- You'll have to go something to beat that, I can tell you.- We might.
0:28:44 > 0:28:45We just might. Come on!
0:28:53 > 0:28:58Rowan and Carol are keen cooks and are looking forward to having the time
0:28:58 > 0:29:02to do some home baking, especially when it comes to the famous Cornish pasty.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05This does smell rather good. Hello, Connie.
0:29:05 > 0:29:09We've come to meet Connie Geech who is Cornish born and bred
0:29:09 > 0:29:12and has been making pasties with her mother since she was ten years old.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Connie, this all looks tantalising.
0:29:14 > 0:29:20What is it about the Cornish pasty, do you think, that makes it such a star performer?
0:29:20 > 0:29:27Because you have good meat, local veg, fresh veg, and probably a good hand with pastry, I don't know.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Connie is going to show us how it's done.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34Once the pastry is rolled out it's time for those all-important ingredients.
0:29:34 > 0:29:39- Does it matter in which order the ingredients go in? - Well, it does in my pasties.
0:29:39 > 0:29:43- That told you. - Well, yeah, I wouldn't want to argue with Connie on this one.
0:29:43 > 0:29:47The theory is that the turnip is at the bottom so it's nearer
0:29:47 > 0:29:52the heat on the sheath and therefore it will cook better.
0:29:53 > 0:30:00After the turnip comes the potato, followed by some prime beef, seasoning and a few slices of onion.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04Then for the crimp, or the crust, the trickiest part of the whole operation.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09So all you're doing is squeezing those two pieces together
0:30:09 > 0:30:13and it's push over, push with that left thumb, push...
0:30:13 > 0:30:17- Keep flour on your fingers so it doesn't stick as you go. - That's right.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23Yes, that'll do fine.
0:30:23 > 0:30:27Fantastic. We've got plenty of ingredients left, let's make some more pasties.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35Oh, my God, it's actually working.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38The Cornish pasty can be traced back to the Middle Ages and has since
0:30:38 > 0:30:44provided the perfect portable lunch for tin miners, fishermen and farmers to take to work.
0:30:44 > 0:30:48It's burgeoning. This is the tricky bit which gives it the famous shape.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50You're getting there. Brilliant, go on.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56Brilliant. Housewives used to make one for each member of the family
0:30:56 > 0:30:58and mark their initials on one end of the pasty.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- Do your next bit.- There's a bit of onion in the way.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- I'll get the hang in a minute. - No.- No.- Look, watch.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Push and bring over.
0:31:10 > 0:31:12- No.- I shouldn't have taken the mickey.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15- Ready for their sheets. - That's not too bad.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Yes, that'll work. - Yes, they're ready for the oven. They'll go in here now.
0:31:20 > 0:31:24And because you don't have a great amount of time, we can taste some
0:31:24 > 0:31:26- that I made earlier. - Ah! Brilliant!
0:31:26 > 0:31:30- The moment we've all been waiting for.- Get stuck in.
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- Mmm.- Mmm.- Really nice.
0:31:35 > 0:31:43Absolutely fantastic. Well, Connie, thank you very much for a wholesome introduction to pasty making.
0:31:43 > 0:31:46I'm going to have a go at this, and I'm sure these guys are
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- going to be cooking pasties by the bucket load!- Yeah, definitely.
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- Thanks ever so much.- It's been a pleasure.- Delicious, too.
0:31:54 > 0:31:58Well, so far, it's been a successful start for our house hunters.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02So I think we should give them some time to pause for thought.
0:32:02 > 0:32:04What did you think of the barn conversion?
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I really liked the upside down feature,
0:32:07 > 0:32:12- which I thought was gonna be really strange. But it really worked.- Yeah.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16My real concern is that we're being sensible about what we're doing,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20cos we'd have to actually build a whole extension of the annexe.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22I don't think it'll work, it's too much to take on.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26Realistically, although I loved the house, I loved the garden,
0:32:26 > 0:32:28- I think that's just gotta be too much.- Yeah?
0:32:28 > 0:32:32So what did you think of the stone barn conversion when you went in?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35It's got a definite wow factor,
0:32:35 > 0:32:38and I think I'd continue saying, "wow" every time I walked in,
0:32:38 > 0:32:42even after I'd been living there for five years. It was just...
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Well, I don't say, "wow", very often, do I?
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- But it really did make me say, "wow"!- Mmm.
0:32:47 > 0:32:50Yeah, I mean, I couldn't really fault it.
0:32:50 > 0:32:53I've never been a big fan of the living room upstairs
0:32:53 > 0:32:56and the bedrooms downstairs, but you know, it works
0:32:56 > 0:32:59because it makes the most of all those fantastic beams
0:32:59 > 0:33:01and that amazing room at the top of the stairs.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Roll on tomorrow. Let's see what they can put us through tomorrow.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- I know. I'm looking forward to it. - Me too. Cheers.- We deserve this.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Carol and Rowan, from Reading,
0:33:22 > 0:33:26can't wait to leave the confines of their 4-bed semi behind them,
0:33:26 > 0:33:27for a taste of Cornish life.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30They have a budget of £550,000.
0:33:30 > 0:33:36So far, they've seen two properties, but coming up, they can't get over how much their money can buy them.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38- You also get that.- What?
0:33:38 > 0:33:41And the mystery house takes Carol by surprise.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Oh, my God!- Ha-ha-ha!
0:33:46 > 0:33:51It's the start of my second day's house-hunt with Rowan and Carol, here in Cornwall.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53Yesterday went really, really well.
0:33:53 > 0:33:55It's clear that whatever we find them today
0:33:55 > 0:33:57has got an awful lot to beat.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00But, you know what? I don't think it's going to be that one.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04The next property is 12 miles south of Launceston
0:34:04 > 0:34:08in the hamlet of Trevigro - a rural farming community.
0:34:08 > 0:34:12The closest town is Callington, just a mile away.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16There are plenty of amenities here, there's even a theatre group.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19But it's Trevigro where we find our next property -
0:34:19 > 0:34:22at the end a country lane, in a small complex of converted barns.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28Now then, which one is it, I wonder?
0:34:29 > 0:34:32Well, look over there. Is that something of a clue?
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- Yes, gives it away. - What do you think?
0:34:35 > 0:34:36- It's very nice.- Really nice.
0:34:36 > 0:34:37It's lovely.
0:34:37 > 0:34:41OK. Well, let's see if inside gives you more of an impact.
0:34:41 > 0:34:42- OK.- Come on.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50That's a lovely entrance, I like this.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53- Yeah, if I could get to keep the pigs.- Ha-ha!
0:34:53 > 0:34:56Now, Carol, come in here.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00What do you think of this?
0:35:00 > 0:35:06It's really nicely done, isn't it? I was expecting this sort of really old country cottage effect.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Something quite pokey?- Yeah, but it's not, it's a big, nice open space.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13- The Tardis effect.- It is. I love the flooring when you go up.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18You've got lovely oak flooring up there in what is effectively a family living area.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21Multifuel burner there, then this slate flooring
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- which goes right through the kitchen. - And a dining room through there.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- Have a look at the kitchen. - Yeah?- Yeah, I will.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30- I know you love islands, what about that one? - Yeah, really nice.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Unusual, with the cooker in it, but it frees up
0:35:33 > 0:35:37work space around the kitchen on those lovely slate tops.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- And down there, a little dining room, how about that?- Yeah? - Go and have a look.
0:35:41 > 0:35:47- Now then.- Wow. It's nice, isn't it? - Yeah? What do you think?
0:35:47 > 0:35:54- Very nice. Imagine sitting here, those views out there and this gorgeous patio.- Yeah, doors open.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57- You're surprisingly quiet. - Am I?- Yeah. Have you noticed?- Yeah.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02- I go quiet every now and again when I don't know what to say because I'm...- Thinking.- Gob-smacked.
0:36:02 > 0:36:09- Are you?- Yeah.- Why?- Just looking out there, the views from here are just fantastic.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11- Good. - Through from here, look.
0:36:12 > 0:36:17Well, yeah, there is your domain, madam. Come on, let's have a look.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Back through the vast kitchen that could be yours, who knows?
0:36:23 > 0:36:28- Yeah.- And up to here. This is, as I say, kind of family living area.
0:36:28 > 0:36:33You're getting quite excited already about imagining yourself living in this house. How about here?
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- Yeah. It just all works. I really do feel at home.- Yeah, yeah.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39What is it that's grabbing you?
0:36:39 > 0:36:43I think it's the way it flows through and you've got the steps
0:36:43 > 0:36:46- down into the kitchen. - I love split level, I must admit.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Carol and Rowan seem suitably impressed, and now for the rest of the family.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55At the far end of the lounge there's something for Carol's daughter and her two children.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58This is one of the three bedrooms that kind of offers you
0:36:58 > 0:37:01a potential wing for your daughter and her children.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05This is the biggest bedroom, this would probably be hers, I'm thinking.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- Mmm.- Would it work? - It's bigger than she's got now.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- That's a bonus, isn't it?- Yeah. - She would have her own room
0:37:11 > 0:37:16and the kids would have their own rooms, which has to be a good thing.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Definitely.- Let's continue. Go through the door.- OK. - Chuck a left.
0:37:19 > 0:37:20Nice door as well.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22Another bedroom.
0:37:22 > 0:37:24That's probably the smallest one of the lot.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- Storage there.- Yeah.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32At the end of the corridor is the third small bedroom, and next to that is a family bathroom.
0:37:32 > 0:37:38- Oh, wow. It's a really good size. - It's a really nice bathroom. Look at the size of that shower.
0:37:38 > 0:37:41- They'd be happy there? - I think so, it's really nice.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43It's a really good family bathroom. It's perfect.
0:37:43 > 0:37:48- Yeah?- Yeah, lovely. - But you guys are upstairs.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- Come with me. - Let's go and have a look.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Back through the lounge, the rooms upstairs are built into the eaves.
0:37:54 > 0:37:59At one end is a good size double bedroom for Carol and Rowan's son.
0:37:59 > 0:38:04In the middle is another stylish family bathroom, with a very handsome rolltop bath,
0:38:04 > 0:38:09and at the far end, tucked away from the rest of the family, is the master bedroom.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12Oh, wow.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14There you go. What about it?
0:38:14 > 0:38:18It's not a bedroom, it's a suite.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24- It's deceptive, this house, isn't it?- Very. You've got your own living space down there, as well.
0:38:24 > 0:38:28And, of course, views across the valley, which is terrific.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31- It's lovely.- Let's go and find her somewhere.- Yeah.- Come on.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34So far, this house fits the family perfectly.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37All, that is, except for Carol's mum.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39But as we head outside, I've a trick up my sleeve.
0:38:40 > 0:38:45- Now, there you go, that's your house...- Yeah, it's lovely.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47And these...
0:38:47 > 0:38:49are the keys to Mummy's house, right there.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55- What do you think?- You must be joking! You know how much we've got, don't you?
0:38:55 > 0:38:57- I do know how much you've got. - I don't believe it.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Well, believe it, because that comes with it. Two for the price of one.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Sounds great.- Come and have a look.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Right, now. Come in here.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14What do you think Mummy is going to make of this thing?
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- I'm speechless again.- Look at it.
0:39:18 > 0:39:19- It's just perfect.- Yeah.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Kitchen-living room, I suppose. - Yeah.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Little kitchenette. - She wanted an annexe, but...
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- Separate.- Separate. Just across from us.- Yeah.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32This two-up, two-down is the perfect solution for Mum.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Off the lounge is the first of two bedrooms
0:39:35 > 0:39:39and upstairs is a compact, but tidy bathroom and a second bedroom.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43This isn't all of it, though.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- There is a little bit more which I do have to show you.- Oh, lord!
0:39:47 > 0:39:51And then you can tell me how much you think it's worth.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- Ticking over. I wonder. - Come on, out you go.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59The final piece of the jigsaw is to the back of this cottage,
0:39:59 > 0:40:01in a separate outbuilding.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Inside, is a compact utility and a study, made to measure for Carol.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10Outside the garden is laid to lawn, with a large patio,
0:40:10 > 0:40:13so low maintenance, too, but the best is yet to come.
0:40:15 > 0:40:18- You also get four acres of that. - What?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- You are kidding? - No, you get four acres of that.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- It goes down to a river. Can you hear the river?- Yeah.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30So lots to play with here, lots to think about.
0:40:30 > 0:40:34I'm going to bounce you straight into a price.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36You have got 550,000 quid.
0:40:38 > 0:40:40- Shall I go first? - If you like, go on.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43Um, I think...
0:40:43 > 0:40:46550,000,
0:40:46 > 0:40:47on the end of our budget.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50Oh, you are being optimistic there, my friend.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52Go on, then.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I think...625.
0:40:55 > 0:40:56625.
0:40:56 > 0:41:02OK. This house was on the market for well over £600,000.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06However, it has been significantly reduced,
0:41:06 > 0:41:10to just under £600,000 - to 595.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16- That's not bad, then.- Bearing in mind you do get two real houses.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Mmm.- Mmm. - Now it's 50 grand over budget.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Yeah.- That's something you need to think about.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28However, I do believe this property fits the bill for you guys, pretty much spot-on.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31- I think, probably, yeah. - It really absolutely does.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33It is, we could just move in.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35But it's a lot to think about.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38Go on, have a look around, explore. There's plenty more to see.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42I'll catch up with you a little bit later. Ha-ha-ha! Brilliant!
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Well, there we are - £595,000. It does sound like a lot of money.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49It is, it's nearly 600 grand, but it has been reduced
0:41:49 > 0:41:51and it really is a bit of a bargain
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and, more to the point, it fits their life like a glove.
0:41:56 > 0:42:01This converted barn complex is on the market for £595,000,
0:42:01 > 0:42:03which is over their budget.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06But, remember, for that price they get...
0:42:11 > 0:42:14So, do Carol and Rowan think that the higher price tag
0:42:14 > 0:42:15is one worth paying?
0:42:16 > 0:42:21- I think I'd have that as a playroom, I think I'd have a round table over there.- Yeah.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24- And then all the kids' toys out there.- Yeah.
0:42:24 > 0:42:30And then over this area, look, there's loads of room there, you could have quite a big table.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34I love the fact that there's a separate house next door for my mother-in-law,
0:42:34 > 0:42:38so she gets peace and quiet, but is still part of the family.
0:42:38 > 0:42:42What I really like about this house is it's ready to move in.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46Place for the kids, place for us, for Mum. It just feels like home.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49You get a lot for your money, but it's still above budget,
0:42:49 > 0:42:54so we'd have to make some hard financial decisions but, hopefully, we could work something out.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I love this room. I just want to stay here,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00I really don't want to leave. It's just perfect.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03Right, out you come into the rain.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- I think you rather like that, don't you?- Very much so, yes.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09- OK.- We don't want to leave, please.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13You've got to. Our tour isn't over. There is plenty more to show you.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17- Shall we?- Let's get out of the rain, quick.- Quick.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24PATTER OF RAINFALL
0:43:24 > 0:43:28The rain has arrived as, indeed, has time for our mystery house.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31To give you a clue as to where we are, this bridge behind me
0:43:31 > 0:43:34is one of the oldest over the River Tamar, built about 1504,
0:43:34 > 0:43:39and it offers an important clue, because the river itself is the border between Devon and Cornwall.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42The question is, which side are we on?
0:43:46 > 0:43:49How are we feeling about the prospect of the mystery house?
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- Nervous, I suppose, in a way, yes. - Nervous?
0:43:52 > 0:43:56The properties we have seen already have been so special,
0:43:56 > 0:43:59I just don't know what you've got in store for us.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02I love it when people get slightly anxious,
0:44:02 > 0:44:06because it generally means there's a good decision to be made.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11For the mystery house we've sneaked over the border
0:44:11 > 0:44:13into Devon, to the village of Bridgerule.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16The River Tamar runs through the heart of this community.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19There are just about all the essentials here,
0:44:19 > 0:44:24including a village store, pub and a primary school for Carol and Rowan's grandchildren.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30Now, then, come here, Carol.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- That is the mystery house.- It's got another wow factor, hasn't it?
0:44:34 > 0:44:37Impressive frontage.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42Wait till you see inside, because this house is all about size. You come and have a look.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- It's a really pretty little garden there.- Yeah.
0:44:47 > 0:44:52Right, lots to see here, so we're going to make this a fairly brisk tour,
0:44:52 > 0:44:54because there's an awful lot to pack in.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58- We're going to start in the kitchen. What do you think?- I like it.
0:44:58 > 0:44:59It's very nice, look at that.
0:44:59 > 0:45:05Now, then. Beautiful oil-fired, cast-iron range -
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- really the heart of this farmhouse. - It is a real country kitchen.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10So, we like the kitchen?
0:45:10 > 0:45:11- Definitely.- Yeah.
0:45:11 > 0:45:14- You wanted one, maybe two, reception rooms if possible.- Mm-hm.- Yeah.
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- There are four here.- Four?- Four.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20Let's start through here, come with me.
0:45:20 > 0:45:23Now, off of the kitchen is this kind of lobby area.
0:45:23 > 0:45:26There's a utility in there, but you can explore that later.
0:45:26 > 0:45:28Downstairs loo, there, but come and have a look.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33Now, what do you think of this, is it big enough?
0:45:33 > 0:45:35- Just about(!)- Yeah?
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- Think we could fit in here(?) - Squeeze us all in, couldn't you?
0:45:39 > 0:45:44I am speechless. I just can't believe that you found somewhere again.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47I don't believe this is in our budget, though!
0:45:47 > 0:45:49I love those windows, they are different.
0:45:49 > 0:45:54I love how much Carol can't quite believe her luck and we've only seen two rooms.
0:45:54 > 0:45:56Wait till they see the conservatory.
0:45:56 > 0:45:58Wow!
0:45:58 > 0:46:00- It's enormous.- It is huge.
0:46:00 > 0:46:04I'm classing this as a reception room, because it is so big.
0:46:04 > 0:46:05Look at the garden!
0:46:05 > 0:46:08This is reception room number two.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- Yeah.- Let's go and find the others.
0:46:11 > 0:46:12Go on, go through there.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16Right, now back, that's the front door.
0:46:16 > 0:46:22OK, this...is three of four receptions.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26It's another nice-sized room and...it has a fireplace.
0:46:26 > 0:46:30That's lovely, that's a pukka, open, working fireplace.
0:46:30 > 0:46:32- Is it?- A real fireplace? - Yeah, real thing.
0:46:32 > 0:46:33But come through here.
0:46:37 > 0:46:39Now, come in here.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43This is reception room number four.
0:46:43 > 0:46:45- Gosh. - They've got it as a dining room.
0:46:45 > 0:46:48I'm not sure if it would be the dining room... Oh, my god!
0:46:48 > 0:46:54- Ha-ha-ha!- Don't look round. - Come here, come here, come here.
0:46:54 > 0:46:55What about that?
0:46:55 > 0:46:57- ALL LAUGH - Come and have a look.
0:46:59 > 0:47:01- What about it?- I think it's great.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04- Wow.- It's fantastic!- Yeah?
0:47:04 > 0:47:07Now, did either of you think, for one moment,
0:47:07 > 0:47:10- that you'd be buying a swimming pool on this trip?- No.
0:47:10 > 0:47:13Tell me your grandchildren are not going to enjoy this.
0:47:13 > 0:47:18- They would love it. - I think everyone in the family would enjoy it, wouldn't they?
0:47:18 > 0:47:22- I would, I'd get in there.- You've got a Jacuzzi, you've got a pool.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- How deep is it?- Deep enough.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26- Deep enough to swim in.- Deep enough.
0:47:26 > 0:47:31You can see why this is a great mystery house for you guys, because I think, not only does it offer you
0:47:31 > 0:47:38all sorts of space, but you also get the chance to have an awful lot of fun in the space here.
0:47:38 > 0:47:43Yeah, definitely. I can see great parties, great parties, yeah.
0:47:43 > 0:47:45But it's not over yet.
0:47:45 > 0:47:48Safe to say, I think that the pool has swept them away.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53Upstairs, there are two separate wings to this place.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56In the first, there's a good size double with an en-suite and a box room.
0:47:58 > 0:48:03Above the main part of the house are a further three bedrooms, the first two of which
0:48:03 > 0:48:07are good-sized doubles, with plenty of room for the grandchildren and their toys.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10There's a family bathroom and, of course, a master bedroom.
0:48:10 > 0:48:15And this is you - your little domain.
0:48:16 > 0:48:17- Well, big domain, perhaps.- Yeah.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21- It's a nice big room. - Great size again, isn't it?
0:48:21 > 0:48:25No trouble fitting all my clothes in. I mean, it's a huge bed.
0:48:25 > 0:48:29Big bed, they're OK, big bathroom's even better.
0:48:29 > 0:48:30Go and have a look in there.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33Go through the saloon doors, as it were.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Slightly crazy way of getting into a bathroom, but it's big.
0:48:38 > 0:48:41- It's a good size, isn't it? - You've always wanted a big bathroom.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44And an en-suite, at that. I mean it's...yeah, it's great.
0:48:44 > 0:48:47- I like it, with the view, as well. - Yeah.
0:48:47 > 0:48:50That every morning would be great.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53I'm not sure if it's raining, but either way we should go out
0:48:53 > 0:48:55- and brave it and see what you get outside.- Definitely.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58- Shall we?- Yeah, let's go. - Come on, then.
0:48:59 > 0:49:03Wrapped around the house is the garden, which is mostly laid to lawn
0:49:03 > 0:49:09and there's even accommodation for the pony Rowan wants to buy his grandchildren.
0:49:09 > 0:49:10This is all very exciting.
0:49:10 > 0:49:15This property is set within around about 4.2 acres.
0:49:15 > 0:49:19You can see various paddocks leading off around the yard here.
0:49:19 > 0:49:24There's a pretty new stable block over there, purpose built, as well,
0:49:24 > 0:49:26if you got into the whole pony thing.
0:49:26 > 0:49:27But that's not all.
0:49:27 > 0:49:30I'm saving the best to last as, through the garage,
0:49:30 > 0:49:32there's a really exciting project.
0:49:32 > 0:49:39Right. Now, come up here. Come over to the light, look at the window
0:49:39 > 0:49:44- and that lovely old kind of hay door up here because this is effectively the old hayloft, I guess.- Yeah.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48As you can see it's in need of a bit of work.
0:49:48 > 0:49:50- Just a bit!- It needs a new roof.
0:49:50 > 0:49:55But this would be an extraordinary annexe for Mum, potentially.
0:49:55 > 0:49:59- Definitely. I can just imagine a window there, actually.- Oh, yeah.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03You can probably still do it all in the house as it stands, but this is a real bonus.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06- No, we could, yeah.- Definitely.
0:50:06 > 0:50:09- So?- I like it. - It's great, isn't it? It's terrific.
0:50:09 > 0:50:13But, how terrific is it, I wonder? Ha-ha-ha!
0:50:13 > 0:50:14It's that moment, I'm afraid.
0:50:14 > 0:50:17£550,000.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19Make me an offer.
0:50:19 > 0:50:21You first.
0:50:21 > 0:50:23630.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25630, yeah.
0:50:26 > 0:50:29It's got to be more. It's gotta be more. 650.
0:50:29 > 0:50:32- 650.- Yes.
0:50:32 > 0:50:38We've just saved you a hundred grand, because this is on the market for £550,000, bang on your budget.
0:50:38 > 0:50:40- You're joking.- Unbelievable.
0:50:40 > 0:50:43I'm stunned.
0:50:43 > 0:50:44- That is unbelievable.- Yeah.
0:50:44 > 0:50:51- Yeah?- That does throw a spanner in the works, doesn't it? - That really does, doesn't it.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53I thought it might.
0:50:53 > 0:50:55I love it, I love it.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57You see, confusion reigns supreme.
0:50:57 > 0:51:00It's great, lots to think about.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02- Yeah, definitely. - Go and have a look around.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Go and check out the house again. Get used to the geography,
0:51:05 > 0:51:09don't fall in the pool and I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:51:09 > 0:51:11I saw a swimsuit in the kitchen, I'll see if it fits.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13Go and get wet. Ha-ha!
0:51:14 > 0:51:19Well, there we are, £550,000 - bang on the budget.
0:51:19 > 0:51:22It's got everything, including a swimming pool.
0:51:22 > 0:51:24Who knows? It may even have new owners very soon.
0:51:25 > 0:51:31At £550,000, this large detached farmhouse is a real bargain.
0:51:31 > 0:51:37It has...
0:51:38 > 0:51:42Well, this is definitely a big bonus.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45I never thought we'd find a house with a swimming pool in it.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Never dreamt that we'd ever have a swimming pool.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51Can I get in now?
0:51:51 > 0:51:53Oh, wow, this house is fantastic.
0:51:53 > 0:51:57I really couldn't believe there would be another one like this.
0:51:57 > 0:51:59I don't know how we're going to decide.
0:51:59 > 0:52:02It's got so much space and we've been thinking what we could do.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05The size of the bedrooms are amazing,
0:52:05 > 0:52:08the amount of reception rooms and, of course,
0:52:08 > 0:52:11the swimming pool, which was a total surprise.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15Obviously, I love the swimming pool, the Jacuzzi, the house itself
0:52:15 > 0:52:19and with the stables and everything, it's just out of this world.
0:52:24 > 0:52:25This can be for my horse.
0:52:25 > 0:52:27HE LAUGHS
0:52:27 > 0:52:30That one's smaller in there - for the Shetland pony. Oh, hello!
0:52:30 > 0:52:35- Hello.- You can't have any more additions to the family, surely?
0:52:35 > 0:52:37- Well, possibly.- Possibly.
0:52:37 > 0:52:39There's an awful lot of possibilities.
0:52:39 > 0:52:41You've seen some fantastic properties.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43You've got a bit of a quandary, I suspect.
0:52:43 > 0:52:45- We have.- A major one, yeah.
0:52:45 > 0:52:49Let's get you somewhere you can have a good think about what you've seen
0:52:49 > 0:52:51and we'll see if you've made a decision. Come on.
0:52:57 > 0:53:02With so many options, it's going to be a tough job for Rowan and Carol to make a choice,
0:53:02 > 0:53:05so I've left them alone to discuss their options.
0:53:06 > 0:53:11Well, it's almost time to go home, but not, of course,
0:53:11 > 0:53:14until we've found out if my buyers have made some kind of decision.
0:53:14 > 0:53:18They're not just looking for a home for themselves,
0:53:18 > 0:53:21but also now for their greatly-extended family.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23Not surprisingly, they've slept on it
0:53:23 > 0:53:26and I understand they've been negotiating long into the wee hours.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Let's see if they've made their minds up.
0:53:33 > 0:53:36Well, now, then, you two, what a journey it's been.
0:53:36 > 0:53:40I suspect we've sown some confusion.
0:53:40 > 0:53:43- Yes. Just a bit(!)- Just a bit!
0:53:43 > 0:53:47It all started with that white, converted barn. What happened there?
0:53:47 > 0:53:51We really liked, um, the house.
0:53:51 > 0:53:56- Beautiful garden.- Six acres. - Yeah, a lot of beautiful garden.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58- Maybe a bit too much.- Too much, yeah.
0:53:58 > 0:54:03Could work with building the extension for Mum, next door.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05Quite a few steps for her, around the house, though.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07But not a bad start,
0:54:07 > 0:54:11because then we took you to that fantastic stone barn conversion.
0:54:11 > 0:54:15- Mmm.- Yeah, it's brilliant. That was breathtaking, I think.
0:54:15 > 0:54:18- It was a certain big "Wow!" moment. - Well, it was.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20I mean, I really loved that high ceiling.
0:54:20 > 0:54:23- And price-wise?- Yeah.
0:54:23 > 0:54:29- Yes, yeah, another shock. - Yeah, we'd have enough to convert the garage into a room for Mum.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31It left enough to do, things that we needed to do.
0:54:31 > 0:54:34OK, well, then it was, of course, another day
0:54:34 > 0:54:39and we took you to, effectively, that holiday cottage complex.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41It pushed all the right buttons, I think.
0:54:41 > 0:54:44It's right for the family, for everybody.
0:54:44 > 0:54:47Everybody will be catered for and Mum in her own cottage,
0:54:47 > 0:54:51so, for that perspective, then, it's spot on.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54I mean, the other thing was the price, of course, though.
0:54:54 > 0:55:01- Yeah, that's the worrying thing. It's over budget. It's, um...a big decision to make.- Yeah, definitely.
0:55:01 > 0:55:07Finally, it was time for the mystery house - the farmhouse with the pool.
0:55:07 > 0:55:12Yes, I must admit, I was quite taken with that property, yeah.
0:55:12 > 0:55:15It is stunning from the outside and then, when you go in...
0:55:15 > 0:55:17It's equally stunning from the inside.
0:55:17 > 0:55:22And just the scale of the rooms, I was quite taken aback by.
0:55:22 > 0:55:27The pool and the Jacuzzi, that was a real wow factor
0:55:27 > 0:55:30and I loved it, and the rooms upstairs are massive.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32- The potential.- Yeah.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Well, I can see that you've really put an awful lot of thought
0:55:35 > 0:55:41into what we've shown you, but, of course, I'm dying to know... what are you going to do next?
0:55:41 > 0:55:46Well, we've had a bit of contention, because it's been a really, really difficult decision.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49Probably, we're sort of leaning towards the holiday...
0:55:49 > 0:55:52- Cottage.- ..complex. - Yeah, the cottage.
0:55:52 > 0:55:54- With the separate cottage. yeah. - Yeah.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59Interesting. I mean, £600,000 or thereabouts, 50 grand over your budget?
0:55:59 > 0:56:00- Mmm.- Is that achievable?
0:56:02 > 0:56:05Well, I did give Mum a quick ring.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07She was quite keen on that one, as well.
0:56:07 > 0:56:13I need to get my spreadsheet out and work it out, but we're serious about making an offer on that one.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16Well, guys, it's been terrific having you on this show.
0:56:16 > 0:56:19I'm delighted we've given you so much to think about.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22I hope we've found you your ideal escape to the country.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26- Thanks ever so much, and the very best of luck.- Thank you very much.
0:56:26 > 0:56:31RAINFALL PATTERS
0:56:31 > 0:56:34It looks as if the rain has come just in the nick of time
0:56:34 > 0:56:38as, of course, we come to the end of our house search here in Cornwall.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41I have to say, when we started, I was a little concerned that Rowan and Carol
0:56:41 > 0:56:44were being ambitious in trying to find a property
0:56:44 > 0:56:47to incorporate four generations of their family,
0:56:47 > 0:56:50but they've done so because they've been flexible
0:56:50 > 0:56:52and true to what they were trying to achieve.
0:56:52 > 0:56:55And that is what house-hunting is all about. I'll see you next time.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59If you're longing to escape to the country
0:56:59 > 0:57:01and would like our help,
0:57:01 > 0:57:05contact us through our website...
0:57:18 > 0:57:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:57:21 > 0:57:24E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk