- 18 hours ago
Escape to the Country - Season 26 Episode 15 -
Cornwall
Cornwall
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00Incredible.
00:01I just think it looks amazing.
00:03Really?
00:04Yeah.
00:05My mission?
00:06Tempt them with some irresistible properties.
00:08Wow.
00:09It's beautiful.
00:10Oh, good grief.
00:12And there might be a little perk in it for me, too.
00:15It feels like I'm on holiday.
00:16It feels like I'm abroad.
00:18You're going to stay.
00:19You're welcome.
00:21The places might feel familiar, but big change is on the horizon.
00:26I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
00:28Oh!
00:29My God is going to start a life of sobriety.
00:31No, I didn't say that.
00:32No, no, no.
00:33She didn't say that.
00:55Today we're in a county with the longest coastline in England.
00:58From the dramatic Atlantic facing north to the sheltered and temperate south, it can only
01:04be Cornwall.
01:05Breathtaking and beautiful.
01:09Cornwall is very much a maritime county, flowing with the ocean, moving with the tides.
01:16But away from the coast you can find tucked away villages where music and laughter comes
01:21from fire lit pubs.
01:22Everywhere you look in the landscape are stories, but you're never far away from the spirit of
01:28the sea.
01:30Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall is a perennial popular destination for both holidaymakers
01:36and house buyers.
01:38It's renowned for its tin and copper mining heritage, which stretches back over 4,000 years.
01:45The fine architecture on show in the village of Brieg reflects the wealth of the mine owners
01:50who settled there during the industry's 18th and 19th century boom.
01:55The harbour town of Porth Leaven is emerging as a creative and culinary hotspot, and guess
02:00what's on the menu?
02:01Cornwall's probably got the most diverse array of fish that you'll ever have.
02:06I mean, I'm originally from New Zealand, but to have somewhere where you can get oysters
02:12and scallops and then bluefin tuna, that's insane.
02:16For those who prefer catching waves over fish, Prey Sands Beach is a prime surfing destination,
02:23stretching for over a mile and set within Cornwall's national landscape.
02:27Cornwall means everything to me.
02:29We've got the coastlines, we've got the rolling farmland, and today we've got the great
02:34weather, but that's not all the time.
02:35Today's escape is all about bringing family together here in Cornwall, three generations
02:44in one county.
02:45Two generations are already here, so let's meet the one that isn't.
02:53Yeah, coming to Cornwall is stepping back in time.
02:56People have time for you, they talk to you.
02:58It's the community.
02:59It's the community.
03:00Everyone says hello in the street, the pubs are great.
03:03For the past 23 years, home for retirees Sally and Denny has been this 1930s four-bed detached
03:12property in the Wirral.
03:14Where we live now, we're on a main road.
03:17We love the house.
03:18The house is great, isn't it?
03:19It's been perfect family home.
03:20It's been superb to bring the family up.
03:22But now they've flown, they've gone.
03:24There's me, Sal and the cat.
03:25And we're just rattling around in a reasonably big-sized house, aren't we?
03:30Yeah.
03:31So moving on felt like the natural next step, and so did choosing where to make their countryside
03:38escape.
03:39We've been coming to Cornwall now for 19, 20 years, isn't it?
03:44And our children have grown up with the village children.
03:47And when we get to Cornwall, everyone says, oh, you're back again, are you?
03:51Yeah.
03:52We're kind of known, infamous or maybe famous, I don't know, one or the other.
03:57Family holidays in Cornwall left a lasting impression on their son, Tom.
04:01After finishing school, he joined the Navy and made the county his home.
04:07Last year, Tom and his wife welcomed baby Billy, Sally and Denny's beloved grandchild.
04:13I think the driving force for our move is the fact our son's got our first grandson.
04:18First grandson, yeah.
04:19So Cornwall, here we come.
04:21So we've got shut of both kids.
04:23We've got a new grandkid.
04:25There's only one place to go to.
04:28Sally and Denny have a budget of £400,000 to find a modern and practical property,
04:34such as a bungalow, with three bedrooms so they can host their daughter Caroline
04:38when she visits from the Wirral.
04:40A music room slash man cave for Denny's guitar collection is a must,
04:45as is a manageable garden.
04:47Oh, and one more thing.
04:49They'd love to be within strolling distance of a good pub.
04:55Sally and Denny have been coming here to this particular spot in Cornwall
04:59for years on holiday.
05:01In fact, they're here on holiday right now.
05:04Sort of weird.
05:05How can they come and join us from their holiday?
05:08But I hope that we can find it because what a dream, huh?
05:11Come somewhere on holiday and then make it your home.
05:17Sally and Denny are pressing pause on their latest break in the county
05:21to catch up with me at a stunning spot on the Lizard Peninsula above Mullion Cove.
05:26I feel like I've crashed into your holiday, I'm really sorry.
05:29That's okay.
05:30But you've already been here a week, right?
05:31We have.
05:32But also that you're experts in the Lizard.
05:34You've been here like many, many more times than I have.
05:36About 19 years now.
05:38Oh my goodness.
05:39Two or three times a year, isn't it?
05:40Yeah.
05:41Are there any particular areas you're keen to live in?
05:44Exactly where we are now, Mullion.
05:46It's such a beautiful place.
05:48This is the hub kind of thing for us.
05:51And from here we can go to other areas, but we love this place.
05:55We've made so many friends here.
05:57We've got so many connections.
05:59It's just an absolutely fabulous place.
06:01So you're going to say farewell to the Wirral and come down here?
06:03Oh, yes.
06:04Yes.
06:05Oh, yes.
06:06The Wirral's a nice place, don't get me wrong,
06:08but this is a different lifestyle completely.
06:11And apart from looking after Billy, your grandson,
06:13what else are you going to be doing?
06:14Are you kind of joiners?
06:15Are you going to be joining things?
06:17Over the years we've made an awful lot of friends down here,
06:19so they've got me trying to learn very badly to play the guitar.
06:25So there's things like that.
06:26We do like music.
06:27There's always music going on in the pubs,
06:29and we do like the pubs.
06:31Pubs are good.
06:32Yeah.
06:33And how is this guitar playing?
06:35Be honest.
06:37I'll reserve judgements.
06:40Do you need a whisper?
06:42No.
06:43So it's an exciting move.
06:45Are you excited or are you a little nervous?
06:47Excited.
06:48Excited, but nervous about what we can afford.
06:52Well, we've got some lovely properties lined up.
06:54Shall we go and see them?
06:55Oh, yes, please.
06:56Sounds good.
06:57Well, you should lead the way because you know better than me.
07:02Sally and Denny are focusing their search here on the Lizard Peninsula
07:06along Cornwall's southern coast.
07:08So we're starting in the village of Malian.
07:11The largest village on the peninsula, Malian offers a great mix of amenities
07:16for both tourists and locals alike.
07:19Having spent many holidays here, the couple know the area well,
07:22including the village pub, where I'm told they've enjoyed more than a few memorable evenings.
07:28Our destination is in the Mears Valley, a desirable residential area.
07:33Just a short walk from the shops and home to a property so tucked away you might just miss it.
07:42We're coming into the garden because the hedge is quite big.
07:44You can't see the house from the road.
07:46This is the house that we're starting off with.
07:49OK.
07:50It's a 1970s bungalow.
07:52Excellent.
07:53Ideal.
07:54I like the colour.
07:55And it's a lovely spot.
07:56We're only ten minutes away from your favourite pub.
07:59That's the most important thing.
08:00But I think this is going to be a great contender for you.
08:03Lovely and quiet.
08:04Secluded front garden.
08:05Really pretty garden.
08:06That's unusual, isn't it?
08:07Could you ask for a better area for Bully?
08:08No.
08:09You'd lose them in the bushes.
08:10But also safe from the road.
08:12Yeah.
08:13I love this property.
08:14Let's see what you think.
08:15Come and follow me.
08:16Yeah, let's go.
08:18Sally and Denny have expressed concern about how far their budget will stretch in Cornwall,
08:23so I'm hoping this place, with its light and spacious interior, will quietly put those
08:28worries to rest.
08:31Oh!
08:32Wow.
08:33Great, isn't it?
08:34This is a big open space.
08:35This was actually a gap between this was the old house finished here.
08:38It's so open, isn't it?
08:39Isn't it?
08:40It feels quite European, isn't it?
08:41It does very.
08:42In Spain, isn't it?
08:43Come into the kitchen.
08:44So a step up, because that was the old garden door.
08:47It's lovely.
08:48It's bright.
08:49It's airy.
08:50And the colour of the blue follows through as well, yeah.
08:52Oh, look at the garden.
08:53Yeah, the garden's really beautiful, isn't it?
08:55Big, big, big windows in this property.
08:57So obviously there's no seating in this kitchen, but they've knocked through, this was a closed
09:02wall, they've knocked through.
09:03So it's almost like a kitchen, sitting room, dining room, combo.
09:08Nice and relaxed again.
09:10Loads of light.
09:11Space for the kitchen table from home.
09:13Yeah, it would fit.
09:14So this is facing south.
09:15You stand on your tiptoes, you can see the sea.
09:18Lock the hedge down a bit.
09:20But that garden's beautifully secluded and it gives this, it gives privacy in this room
09:24as well with the beautiful big window.
09:26How would you use it?
09:27Can you imagine being here with the grandson?
09:30Oh yes.
09:31It's ideal flooring for the little guys they have to scamper about on.
09:35The red sofas, kitchen table.
09:38I tell you, you've decorated her already.
09:40What, red against the blue?
09:41Perfect.
09:42Have you lived in a bungalow before?
09:43No.
09:44No.
09:45No.
09:46But you're okay with living all on one level?
09:47Yeah.
09:48Well, when we come down to Cornwall, we stay in a bungalow.
09:51It's a real strange one because Sal's dad always said you have to go upstairs to go to bed.
09:55Nice.
09:56No.
09:57You just have to turn left to go to bed.
09:59There are two big double bedrooms.
10:05I think I might fancy this one as the main one because you get this lovely morning sun pouring in through the windows.
10:12That's a fabulous view to wake up to every morning, isn't it?
10:15Yeah.
10:16It's beautiful.
10:17You've got a wash basin and toilet in there, not a shower, but there's the family bathroom.
10:23But it's just mainly going to be the two of you, is that right?
10:25It will be.
10:26It will be, yeah.
10:27What are your vibes about the house so far?
10:29I think it's lovely.
10:30Very nice.
10:31Yeah.
10:32The gardens are spectacular.
10:33I know.
10:34It is.
10:35It feels like I'm on holiday.
10:36It feels like I'm abroad.
10:37You can come and stay.
10:38Oh, thanks.
10:39You're welcome.
10:40That means you've already bought it.
10:42Yeah.
10:44Things are going so well, I'm leaving them to explore the remaining bedrooms on their own.
10:50There are four in total, two further doubles and one single.
10:55Oh, it's massive.
10:57This is nice.
10:58Wow.
10:59Oh.
11:00And again, you've got loads of natural light.
11:02I like this one too.
11:03Should we go see some more?
11:05I think we should.
11:07Oh, this is the baby room.
11:09This is a good size for the little fella, isn't it?
11:11Yeah.
11:12Perfect.
11:13So, baby Billy is sorted, but what about a man cave for Denny?
11:18The fourth bedroom is an option, but for the sake of Sally and her ears, Denny and his guitars
11:24might be better off in the attached garage.
11:27The rear garden can be accessed via the dining room or through sliding doors in the principal bedroom.
11:33How glamorous is this?
11:36It's half patio, half lawn and equal parts private and peaceful.
11:42You love to garden, right?
11:43I like my snowbounder garden, yeah.
11:45I wouldn't call myself a gardener.
11:46Is this about the right size for you?
11:48Perfect.
11:49This is ideal, yeah.
11:50Very little to mow.
11:51Nicely stocked.
11:52Yeah, little to mow.
11:53And the sun sets over here, so this is actually the spot they've put this space here so you
11:57can have like a table out.
11:58Evening.
11:59Yeah, have your cocktails.
12:00Nice.
12:01What do you think the price of this one is?
12:03I would say this is on our limit.
12:05I'd say 400.
12:06400.
12:07I would say 410.
12:09This is on the market for 385,000.
12:12Oh!
12:13Wow.
12:14Okay.
12:15Yeah, so you could afford it.
12:16Very much so, yeah.
12:18That's good to know.
12:19That really is.
12:20Feeling the pressure now.
12:2415,000 pounds under budget, this turnkey condition bungalow is as spacious as they come,
12:30offering open plan living and four bedrooms, including a principal ensuite.
12:35There's even room in the garage for Danny and his Qatar collection, and it's right in
12:40the heart of the couple's favourite Cornish village.
12:43The Blue House is definitely a contender.
12:47Price-wise, it's excellent.
12:49We've been coming to Mullion for years, and this location I never knew existed, so I really
12:55like it.
12:56Beautiful, bright, airy.
12:58It's got a nice flow to it.
13:00It's got everything that we want, plus its staggering distance of the pub.
13:05We're hitting pause on the house hunt for a moment, so our buyers can explore Helston,
13:21one of Cornwall's oldest towns, and the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula.
13:26Once a bustling hub for the county's tin mining industry, today Helston's High Street is packed
13:32with independent shops showcasing the best produce from local artisans.
13:38Helston Community Market.
13:40And then you can go to the choir later.
13:43Not with my voice, no.
13:47I mean, it's just a really cool town.
13:50It's relaxed, it's easy going.
13:52I feel like other towns in Cornwall get a lot of attention, and Helston just kind of flies
13:57under the radar.
13:59Every May, Helston comes alive for Flora Day, a centuries old celebration that fills the streets
14:05with music, dancing, and colourful pageantry.
14:10Oh, this must all be for the Flora Day.
14:13People do travel to Flora Day.
14:16All the family gets together, no matter where they live.
14:20They plan the whole day, what they're going to wear, and it's so beautiful,
14:25and it's a lot of traditions and amazing people.
14:28One reason Helston might hold even more appeal to Sally and Denny
14:33is that it's home to their son, Tom, and grandson Billy.
14:38So when they move, playdates at Coronation Park will likely become part of their new routine.
14:43And when they're off grandparent duty?
14:46Well, they might just find themselves raising a glass in one of Cornwall's oldest pubs.
14:52I think it's time for a pint now, don't you?
14:54I'd love a beer.
14:56The Blue Anchor has been brewing its own ales since the 15th century,
15:01and manager Janine is ready to give Sally and Denny a warm Helston welcome.
15:09Is there much going on around here during the day?
15:11Absolutely. There is so much going on.
15:14There's many pubs and food places to go and visit and try.
15:18The steel sanctuary just down the road, you've got the Lizard, you've got Land's End,
15:22and the beaches, the best in the world.
15:25I think there's so much to do.
15:26They are beautiful, yeah.
15:27And that's why I haven't left Cornwall, because I love it.
15:30Yeah.
15:31We can't understand people going on holiday from Cornwall.
15:33No.
15:34Do you know, I go on holiday and I visit beaches and I just think,
15:39I'd rather be back in Cornwall.
15:40We've been coming down for 20 years, we've fallen in love with it.
15:43We've even been in here a few times.
15:45Oh, wow.
15:46The perfect part of Cornwall is that it doesn't matter where you're from,
15:49everyone's very inclusive and that you can make friends and we're all willing to talk to people
15:54and I just think that's a lovely, lovely part of us.
15:56Yeah, we've noticed that.
15:58Well, hopefully you find something and we see you in here again.
16:00Yes, please.
16:01You certainly will.
16:02Hopefully next time holding a pint.
16:03Absolutely.
16:04I'll join you.
16:05Good.
16:06So, with history on its doorstep, ice cream by the lake and baby Billy just around the corner,
16:11Helston offers far more than meets the eye.
16:20We might have struck gold with house one in Mullion, but I want to push my buyers out of their comfort zone
16:26by heading inland to the village of St Martin.
16:30For amenities, Sally and Denny could travel to the slightly larger village of Morgan
16:34with its village store and the all-important pub.
16:37That does mean someone's got to be designated driver though,
16:41as it's two miles away from St Martin, which is mostly residential,
16:45dotted with traditional stone cottages and surrounded by rolling hills.
16:55Come on and feast your eyes on this one.
16:57What a garden.
16:59From Gardens Becker.
17:00It's beautiful.
17:01Really nice.
17:02The garden's superb, the way it's laid out.
17:05Just an explosion of colour.
17:06So, taking you out of your beloved Mullion, do you know St Martin?
17:10No.
17:11We've never been here, have we?
17:12We've never been here before.
17:13I'd have to check out the bus routes.
17:15It's a consideration.
17:17Sally's not so convinced.
17:18I'm not, no.
17:19Maybe not.
17:20Let's look at the house and see if that'll be just laid on.
17:22OK.
17:23This chalet bungalow is brand new to the market and, in terms of its impressive front garden,
17:29everything is rosy.
17:31But, with Sally already questioning the property's location, let's not beat around the bush.
17:36This one might be a tough one.
17:38Come on in.
17:39We'll go straight into the living space here.
17:43Wow.
17:44Beautiful windows over onto the garden.
17:47It's very cottagey, isn't it?
17:48Yeah, and again, a lot of light.
17:50What are your vibes coming into the house?
17:52Because you were a bit uncertain, Sally, outside.
17:54I'm still uncertain.
17:55I think it's very busy, but I've got to look past the furniture.
17:58OK, so none of this is going to be here.
18:00No.
18:01It's going to be a big square room.
18:02Yeah.
18:03It is a really nice room.
18:04Yeah.
18:05You could really make something of it.
18:06I have to win you over, Sally.
18:07Yes.
18:08Try.
18:09Your face.
18:10Try.
18:11Let's look at the kitchen.
18:15Nicely finished, nicely laid out.
18:17You've got somewhere to sit down and have a coffee every morning, which I really like.
18:21It's smaller than I expected.
18:24And the last one we saw had the lovely view outside the kitchen window.
18:28I can see you're not loving this.
18:29Sorry.
18:30It's fine.
18:31You don't have to love every house.
18:32No, no, no, it's fine.
18:33OK.
18:34Try as we might, this property seems to be no match for our first house.
18:39OK, this must be the master bedroom.
18:42Main bedroom.
18:43Yep.
18:47Hmm.
18:48That isn't the kind of speechless I had in mind.
18:51It's a shame, because there's a lot on offer here.
18:53There are two double bedrooms downstairs, served by a family bathroom.
18:57And upstairs, the third bedroom has its own en suite.
19:01Unlike the first property we saw, the garage here has already been converted.
19:08The artist's studio.
19:10Oh, goodness.
19:11Oh, this is quaint, isn't it?
19:12This is quirky, yeah.
19:14Would it be foolish of me to think the bedrooms and the workshop might have brought them round?
19:20And let's find out.
19:21So tell me, you went upstairs, you saw the bedroom, you fell in love with it and you want to put an offer in?
19:26No.
19:28But just for interest, how much do you think it costs a house like this?
19:31I would say 370.
19:32370.
19:33370.
19:34I'd say 350.
19:35This is on the market for 425,000 pounds.
19:40Wow.
19:41Wow, OK.
19:42Yeah.
19:43Which is probably a relief.
19:44Well, I'm glad it's not my favourite.
19:46It's not your favourite.
19:47Phew.
19:48Exceeding their budget by £25,000, Sally and Denny might be out, but for the right buyer, this 1970s chalet bungalow could still be a fabulous place to call home.
20:01It benefits from three bedrooms, including one with an en suite, and two further bathrooms on the ground floor, plus a workshop in the converted garage and a terrifically landscaped front garden.
20:13Two properties down, and what better way to wrap up a day of house hunting than with the people at the heart of this move.
20:29Denny and Sally's son, Tom, his wife Molly, and their son, Billy.
20:34Hello, Billy.
20:35Hello.
20:36Hello, guys.
20:37Sorry.
20:38I always get ignored when there's a little one.
20:39Yeah.
20:40He's such a smiler.
20:41He's such a smiler.
20:42Gorgeous, isn't he?
20:43Yeah.
20:44He'd like a smiler.
20:45He'd like a room up.
20:46So we've been showing your mum and dad some property.
20:48How do you think it went today?
20:50I think it's a definite possibility of a move down now.
20:53Yeah?
20:54Yeah.
20:55Yeah.
20:56It is.
20:57It's like at the end of the tunnel, it's gone right through.
20:58It's down to the help you guys have given us.
20:59It's superb.
21:00Brilliant.
21:01Yeah.
21:02How long did it take you to move down, Tom?
21:032014.
21:04I got based down here.
21:05Ah.
21:06So then living round on Coldrose or in Halston when mum moved down.
21:10Well done.
21:11And how do you feel about these two coming to join you?
21:13It's going to be a culture shock.
21:14How long has it been away?
21:15Eleven years away.
21:16Mummy wants to know where you're going.
21:18It would be really nice to have both sets of grandparents down for him.
21:24It's like he can grow up with both his grandparents.
21:26Yes!
21:27It's so lovely.
21:28Are your parents nearby Molly too?
21:29Yeah.
21:30So they moved down last year though?
21:31Oh.
21:32Last May.
21:33So they came from where you guys were from.
21:34Yeah, they moved down.
21:35So it's like an exodus down from the Wirral down to New York.
21:37Yeah, it's still your fault.
21:38Yeah, one for us.
21:39It was for this one, wasn't it?
21:40Yeah.
21:41Little Billy's the magnet.
21:42He is.
21:43That and the Cornish coast.
21:44He's the icing on the cake.
21:46Yeah.
21:47One more day, so hopefully we're going to seal the deal.
21:50Fingers crossed.
21:51Hopefully.
21:52Yeah, and you'll be down and you'll have a permanent babysitter.
21:55Yeah, after your child cut off.
21:59Hang on.
22:00We never thought of that, did we?
22:01Happy Friday night.
22:02No.
22:13Cornwall attracts around 18 million visitors a year.
22:17But what if you want to stick around after the summer season ends
22:20and make it your year-round home?
22:23Currently, you could expect to spend a little over £437,000
22:29for a detached home, which is slightly lower than the national figure of £438,000.
22:34But when compared to the rest of the region, where the figure is just over £503,000,
22:41it turns out Cornwall also offers better value than its south-western neighbours.
22:49Here, for your consideration, is a selection of properties currently available in the county.
22:54For renters, this stone cottage in the town of Porthleven has a traditional exterior
22:59but is smart and modern inside, with three bedrooms, a sleek bathroom and a small courtyard garden.
23:07It's offered unfurnished for £1,400 per calendar month.
23:13This two-bed end-of-terrace cottage would be ideal for first-time buyers,
23:17with wooden beams adding a lovely touch of character and a well-established rear garden.
23:22It has a guide price just shy of £250,000.
23:27This substantial detached property in the same town benefits from three bedrooms,
23:32plus a separate studio apartment.
23:35The sheltered, walled garden feels totally secluded
23:38and it has a guide price of £525,000.
23:42There is nothing like the Cornish coast to give you property power,
23:48so I am looking forward to showing Denny and Sally the mystery house,
23:51which brings a little bit of history into the mix.
23:54But before that, some clean 1970s lines.
23:58We've already given them a taste of it, but now it's a property that's drawing us back to the delightful market town of Helston.
24:08The previous location wasn't quite right for the couple,
24:11so surely we can't go wrong by taking them almost to the doorstep of their beloved grandchild Billy,
24:17who lives just an eight-minute drive from the next option we're here to see.
24:22This looks really nice.
24:28Oh, very nice.
24:30Yeah.
24:31Is this the one?
24:32This is the one.
24:33Come and take a look.
24:34First impression, really nice.
24:36Oh, look at the balcony.
24:37Interestingly, we've actually been here before.
24:39Denise came here like in 2022,
24:41but the current owners, the new owner, completely remodelled it.
24:45But also we thought this is going to be close to Billy.
24:47It is.
24:48We thought this is going to give you very good grandparent kudos.
24:52You're going to be like, yes.
24:54They're within like eight-minute drive.
24:56Bam.
24:57I like it.
24:58Shall we have a look inside?
24:59It's a beautiful house.
25:00Okay.
25:03It might look like another 70s bungalow at first glance,
25:06but trust me, its elevated position puts it in a league of its own.
25:12Wow.
25:15That's beautiful.
25:16Isn't it gorgeous?
25:18And having recently had something of a refresh inside,
25:21it's all set to welcome its new owners.
25:25Come into the main sitting room.
25:28Oh.
25:29Can you imagine your furniture fitting in here?
25:31Oh, it would fit in here very well, wouldn't it?
25:33Oh, yeah.
25:34Very comfy.
25:35What really comes alive is in the evening,
25:37you get the sunset over the view
25:39and you can go out onto the balcony.
25:43Incredible.
25:44I just think it looks amazing.
25:47Yeah?
25:48Yeah.
25:49It's breathtaking.
25:50You're not really overlooked.
25:51And you've always wanted a balcony?
25:52I've always had a thing about a balcony, strangely enough.
25:53I don't know why.
25:54I've always fancied having a glass of wine on a balcony.
25:56Oh.
25:57Annoying the neighbours with the guitars.
25:59Oh, God.
26:00So you can serenade everyone but it's back out again, yeah.
26:05That's one way to make friends when you move somewhere new.
26:07Let's head to the kitchen, which, much like the rest of the property,
26:11is brand, brand new.
26:13Nice.
26:14It's that marble top.
26:15It's beautiful.
26:16A bit small.
26:17But it's workable.
26:18It's a proper kitchen.
26:20It's not...
26:21Oh, yeah.
26:22It's got everything in it.
26:23It's not a galley.
26:24It's nice, yeah.
26:25I like the view.
26:26You've got privacy in the morning and then of an evening you can go out and chill
26:30and have a glass of wine overlooking that beautiful valley.
26:34And when they finished their nightcaps, they could head to one of the property's three bedrooms.
26:40The landscaped rear garden has a choice of seating areas
26:44and the current shed could potentially be swapped out for an even larger man cave.
26:49Failing that, there's a garage at the front that would no doubt do the job.
26:54Come join me on the breakfast terrace.
26:57I imagine this is where you'd be having your breakfast.
27:00Which is quite a nice idea.
27:01I think the garden is lovely.
27:03Beautifully laid out garden and, again, the quality of finish is superb.
27:08What do you think the price of this one is?
27:10I'd say 3.75.
27:14I'd go a bit higher, 3.85.
27:16Yeah.
27:17So this is actually top of your budget.
27:19This is on at £400,000.
27:21Okay.
27:22I suppose it's the views as well, isn't it?
27:24The views, the location, edge of town.
27:26Yeah.
27:27Sitting at the top of the budget, this three-bed bungalow has been given a smart, modern makeover
27:34and is ready for Sally and Denny to move straight into.
27:37With beautifully landscaped gardens, front and back, and gorgeous countryside views,
27:42the setting speaks volumes.
27:44Best of all, it's just down the road from their son and little grandson, Billy.
28:01Nearly 40% of the world's grey seal population live in the waters around Britain,
28:06with Cornwall's rugged coastline providing a vital haven for many of them.
28:11On the banks of the Helford River, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has been caring for injured seal pups since 1958.
28:19Today, animal care specialist Bethan Goodridge has kindly agreed to show me around
28:25and share the work that goes into protecting these incredible marine mammals.
28:31Good morning, Bethan.
28:32Good morning.
28:33Lovely to meet you.
28:34What an amazing space you have to work in.
28:36It's not bad, is it?
28:37It's really great.
28:38And tell me about this sanctuary.
28:40We very much rehab between 50 and 70 grey seals every season, with the goal to release as many as possible.
28:49We do have a few residents on site that, for whatever reason, have lifelong medical problems,
28:54so couldn't be released, and we are basically a second chance to give them the best life possible.
28:59So how big an issue is it for UK seals?
29:02The biggest problem they have is, honestly, public disturbance.
29:05So it means that often a seal will be on the beach just having a sleep, having a nap.
29:11They like to do that.
29:12They like to sunbathe, and either somebody gets too close, especially if they're very, very little
29:17and they're still feeding from mum, if someone gets too close and interferes with that pup,
29:21mum will just leave and look after herself first, and that is, unfortunately, when we have to step in.
29:26Very good.
29:27So would you actually like to come and meet some seals?
29:29Actually see some seals?
29:30Yes, that would be great.
29:31You can feel like some marlin.
29:32Most of the seals that are brought in will go on to be released within a few months of rehabilitation,
29:39but for some, injury and old age make that impossible.
29:42Marlin, up!
29:44I'm meeting two of the seals who have made the sanctuary their forever home,
29:48although Marlin, it turns out, isn't that excited to see me.
29:52Should I keep quiet? Is that the problem?
29:54Come on, let's go!
29:55Let's see if Yule Logs, or Logs for short, is a bit more willing.
29:59Look at his lovely little feet! So cute!
30:02And if I can buy his affection with some lunch.
30:05Hey Logs, it's your lucky day, you've got a lot of fish here.
30:08What is he eating here?
30:09So he's having a bit of herring.
30:11Herring.
30:12How much herring will they eat in a day?
30:14So Yule Logs...
30:15As much as they can?
30:16Yes, pretty much.
30:17But our residents here, we have to weigh them.
30:19So they get weighed every other week, and then we adjust their diet.
30:21So Yule Logs is on about five kilos a day at the moment.
30:25He's on his summer diet.
30:28He's on a diet?
30:29He's on his summer body.
30:30Oh, I see.
30:31From a beach body?
30:32Yes.
30:33You're going to get a beach body, Logs.
30:35And then in the winter, we'll up his diet to put on some more weight.
30:38Is that like, I want more?
30:40I want more fish.
30:41Stop talking, keep feeding.
30:44If you tell him splash, he will splash.
30:46Splash.
30:47So like this.
30:48Splash.
30:49There you go.
30:52In the common pool are some seals currently in rehab.
30:56Bethany is showing me how group scatter feeds encourage them to forage for food,
31:01which will help prepare them for life back in the wild.
31:04So we have the three commons here with sort of the shorter snout,
31:07and then the grey seal at the back.
31:09She's got sort of a lighter belly.
31:10Oh, light with it, yes.
31:11And slightly more...
31:12Yeah.
31:13There you go.
31:14So the females and greys will have lighter bellies,
31:16whereas the commons, their markings are pretty similar between the genders.
31:19You little fellas not getting enough.
31:21No.
31:22So this little one here is Jarvis.
31:24Is he the baby?
31:25So he is eight now, so he is the youngest.
31:27And he's blind.
31:28But he is pretty much blind.
31:29He has cataracts.
31:30Oh, no.
31:31And then we have Bo and Buddy, who are the brothers.
31:34So they were actually born here.
31:36Come on, kids.
31:37Woo!
31:39So just to round off, if a member of the public is walking on the beach and they see a seal,
31:44what should they do?
31:46They should stay at least 100 metres away.
31:48If you have a dog, make sure they're on a lead.
31:50If you are concerned, you can give us a ring at the Seal Sanctuary
31:52or British Divers and Marine Life Rescue
31:54and we'll get someone out that's trained to keep an eye of them.
31:56But the biggest thing is please don't disturb them.
31:58If they are looking at you, you are too close.
32:00Ah, okay.
32:01If you are looking at you, they're too close.
32:03Yes.
32:04Don't look at me.
32:05A little bit different with ours here.
32:06Well, thanks, Beth.
32:07It's been really great.
32:08No worries.
32:09It's been lovely to have you guys.
32:10Let's have a busy season ahead.
32:11Absolutely.
32:12Yeah.
32:13Good luck with that.
32:16For our finale, we're returning to the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula
32:27to Sally and Denny's beloved Mullion.
32:34But before we go to the mystery house, we're on our way to Mullion's community garden
32:38because this move is more than just day trips to the beach.
32:42It's about belonging.
32:44So tell me, for people who've not been here, what are the best things about Mullion for you?
32:51The location with its local bus routes.
32:55It's quiet.
32:56The people are friendly.
32:58People will talk to each other.
32:59You walk past someone, everyone says hello in the morning.
33:02It's just such a lovely feel to her, hasn't it?
33:05Yeah.
33:06It's interesting you don't mention the landscape.
33:07A lot of people come here because of the cove and the cliffs and the countryside.
33:11That's an advantage.
33:12We're right in the middle of the countryside and we've got some of the most beautiful scenic walks here as well.
33:17And you've got the coast and that is awesome.
33:20Everything's here for us.
33:23Whilst the couple hang back in the village centre, I'm going on ahead to the mystery house, which is located towards the outskirts of Mullion.
33:32So far we have been giving Denny and Sally exactly what they wanted, a bungalow built in the 1970s.
33:39But I can't resist showing them something that is much, much older, has much more character and I think it's really quintessentially escaped to the country.
33:48The mystery house is, wait for it, 375 years old, which is quite a long way from the 1970s.
33:59I think it's really magical.
34:01It's been beautifully restored.
34:02It's in a beautiful quiet lane just on the outskirts of Mullion.
34:06But Denny and Sally are going to have to fall in love with the period features.
34:12I think it's wonderful.
34:14I wonder if they will.
34:16Come on up into the garden, we can see better.
34:23It's the mystery.
34:26Wow.
34:27It's beautiful.
34:29Oh, good grief.
34:30Isn't it?
34:31And the mystery is it's not built in 1970.
34:34It's a proper country escape.
34:36It is.
34:37It is.
34:38I really like it.
34:39Character.
34:40It's got character, yeah.
34:41Really got character.
34:42How do you feel about being on the edge of Mullion rather than being right in the middle?
34:45I think with something like this it's...
34:48It's worth it.
34:49It could be a possibility, yeah.
34:51Yeah, yeah.
34:52Phew.
34:53I thought you were going to rule it out because it wasn't close enough to the pub.
34:55Are you excited to go inside?
34:56Yes.
34:57Can't wait.
34:58Shall we?
34:59We're stepping back in time to 1650 with a semi-detached property that, from the sounds
35:06of it, isn't too many steps away from the pub.
35:10We're starting our tour in the heart of the home in the generous open-plan kitchen diner.
35:16Come on in.
35:17Oh, isn't that cute?
35:20This is really something different.
35:22So you've got your kitchen diner.
35:24Perfect.
35:25Absolutely fabulous.
35:26It's got no potential because it's all done.
35:28Yeah.
35:29If that makes sense.
35:30Some places you go in and I think, right, I could do this, I could do this, but what would
35:34you change here?
35:35There's nothing to change.
35:37Well, yeah.
35:38I mean, that's wonderful.
35:39Yeah.
35:40You mean less work for you.
35:42That is, I didn't think of that, but yeah, that is another way of looking at it.
35:45You can feel the history.
35:47It's really strange.
35:48Yeah.
35:49It's beautiful.
35:50But it's not, like, sometimes these old properties are a bit kind of oppressive and
35:53small, but this is actually...
35:54It's light.
35:55A lot of space.
35:56So far, I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
35:58Oh!
35:59Oh, my God, it's going to start a lack of sobriety.
36:01No, I didn't say that.
36:02No, no, no, no, she didn't say that.
36:04With a property this appealing, the regulars will want to come here for happy hour.
36:10Next up is the living room, a cosy retreat that's brimming with potentially even more
36:15character than the kitchen.
36:17Oh, this is a good size.
36:19Isn't it wonderful?
36:21Very high ceilings.
36:22Two red settees.
36:23All right.
36:24The two red settees would go, yeah.
36:26So we've got two red sofas, about the same size as these, and they would fit in here perfect.
36:32Make it into a really cosy room.
36:34What are you thinking?
36:35I'm liking it a lot.
36:36Really?
36:37This is good.
36:38It's not what you were expecting?
36:39No.
36:40Not at all, no, no.
36:41But it's like you said, it is the mystery home, and it's entirely different to everything
36:44we've said.
36:45But it does, well...
36:47It's what we do.
36:48It does have a well factor.
36:49Do our little property voodoo and give you something you weren't expecting.
36:52Yeah.
36:53Very impressed.
36:54Very, very impressed.
36:55For the first time on our search, the property's bedrooms, of which there are three, are all
37:01located on the first floor.
37:03There are also two bathrooms to choose from, including an ensuite for the principal bedroom.
37:09It's like a separate annex.
37:12Oh, it is, isn't it?
37:14Like a ceiling.
37:15A vaulted ceiling kind of thing.
37:18That's beautiful.
37:19We'll have to get new furniture.
37:21Oh, this has got so much character.
37:23Perfect.
37:24And an ensuite as well.
37:26Handy.
37:27It's absolutely stunning.
37:28Have you seen the view out the window?
37:30It's fabulous, isn't it?
37:31Stunning.
37:32What a good size.
37:33Another good size bedroom.
37:35And again, view from the window.
37:38It is.
37:39It's delightful.
37:40Wow.
37:41As always, mystery houses can go either way.
37:43I thought this might not work, because it's not right next to the pub and it's historical,
37:49but I'm getting very excited vibes from the two of them, so maybe this could be the curveball
37:56that snatches the goal.
37:59To get us across that finish line, there's just the garden left to take in, which includes
38:04a patio out to the front, plus a totally enclosed, well-stocked lawn at the rear.
38:12There are also two allocated parking spaces for good measure.
38:17What do you think of the upstairs configuration?
38:19I think it's lovely.
38:20So quirky.
38:21And the space.
38:22Really different and a lot of space.
38:23That's great.
38:24But the only thing missing is the price.
38:26How much do you think this costs?
38:28I think it's way over our budget.
38:30I would think so too.
38:31I would...
38:32I'm going to say 450.
38:34Just to be a little bit different, I'm going to say 440.
38:38This is actually on the market for 375,000 pounds.
38:44Good grief.
38:45Wow.
38:46Seriously, walking around, I'm thinking this is beyond us.
38:48This is going to be, you dangle a carrot and you snatch it back, but you haven't.
38:52This is superb.
38:53We would not do that to you.
38:54Well, we would do that to you, but we haven't done that to you in this instance.
38:57Lovely.
38:59We've said goodbye to the 1970s and hello to the 17th century with this semi-detached
39:05cottage that's full of period features and a pleasing £25,000 under budget.
39:11As well as a large open-plan kitchen diner, there are three bedrooms, including a principal
39:17en suite, and it's well located within easy reach of everything that the village of Mullion
39:22has to offer.
39:23Mystery house, total shock.
39:25You really pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
39:28It's beautiful, really different.
39:30The bedrooms are an impressive size.
39:33I think it definitely is a contender.
39:37I think amongst what you've shown us, we have our forever home.
39:44I feel the mystery house may have broken the spell of all those very practical, beautiful
39:491970s bungalows, but is the walk to the favourite public house in Mullion just a country
39:56mile too far?
39:57Let's find out.
40:00Look, we're back at Mullion Cove where we started.
40:08It's been a busy week.
40:09Have you had a good time?
40:11Fantastic time.
40:12Brilliant.
40:13Really good.
40:14How are you feeling about the properties we showed you?
40:16They've all given us insight into where we actually want to be.
40:19I hate to say it, but you did pull a few stunts.
40:22That mystery house and the price that it was up for was a shocker.
40:26That was superb.
40:27The properties you've showed us have been incredible.
40:30You're being very flattering, but you're not telling me which ones you like.
40:34Which ones at least?
40:35Okay.
40:36My favourite ones to start with was the blue house.
40:39Blue house.
40:40Lovely.
40:41I love that one.
40:42The mystery house.
40:43Absolutely stunning.
40:44However, age isn't on our side anymore and the walk was a little bit further into the village than I'd hoped.
40:54And I was very disappointed that my age is against, our age is against us.
40:59Yes.
41:00And we've got to be realistic with that.
41:01Are you saying in a roundabout way that you like the first house most?
41:06We like the blue house.
41:07Yes.
41:08Wonderful.
41:09At the very start when you took us into that, there was just something about it.
41:12It just flowed.
41:13It was absolutely brilliant.
41:14I had space for our daughter to come.
41:16Yes.
41:17So the blue house is a contender.
41:18Yes.
41:19What's next?
41:20What happens for you next?
41:21We're going to go home and speak to our estate agent and see if they can advise us on dropping the price of ours.
41:28Possibly.
41:29Yeah.
41:30So that's the plan.
41:31So you'll sell your place and you've got to put an offer in on the first house?
41:35No.
41:36I just hope the blue house is still up for sale.
41:38We're both of a like mind.
41:40That is the one.
41:41Wow.
41:42It's got everything we want.
41:43I'm so delighted because I didn't know this part of the world, but this is a beautiful part of Cornwall.
41:49It is, isn't it?
41:50I really hope you find that place or another place here and that I can come revisit you.
41:56You're welcome.
41:57We would love that.
41:58I wish you all the best.
41:59Thank you so much.
42:03Escape to the Country has brought me many times to the beautiful Cornish coast, but sometimes
42:07I'm caught short by the beauty of places like Mullion Cove.
42:11And in some ways this show has not been Escape to the Country, or indeed the county, but to this particular place.
42:17Because it's the magnetic magic of Mullion that has drawn Sally and Denny over and over to this spot.
42:25And so I am crossing everything that they do purchase a house here and we come and visit them.
42:31And I hope that you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.
42:34After returning from their holiday in Cornwall, Sally and Denny were still certain that the first house was the one.
42:43They put in an offer which I am happy to say was accepted, subject to them selling their own property.
42:49And we hope it's just a matter of time before they are calling Mullion and its local pub home.
42:55If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
43:08We'll see you next time.
43:09Bye.
43:10Bye.
43:11Bye.
43:12Bye.
43:13Bye.
43:14Bye.
43:15Bye.
43:17Bye.
43:38Bye.
Be the first to comment