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Escape to the Country Season 26 Episode 15
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Today I'm with a couple who know exactly where they want to be.
00:05Incredible.
00:06I just think it looks amazing.
00:08Really? Yeah.
00:09My mission? Tempt them with some irresistible properties.
00:13Wow.
00:14It's beautiful.
00:16Oh, good grief.
00:17And there might be a little perk in it for me, too.
00:20It feels like I'm on holiday. It feels like I'm abroad.
00:23You can come and stay.
00:24Thanks.
00:25You're welcome.
00:26The places might feel familiar, but big change is on the horizon.
00:31I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
00:33Oh, my God, it's going to start a life of sobriety.
00:36No, I didn't say that.
00:37No, no, no, she didn't say that.
00:56Today we're in a county with the longest coastline in England.
01:04From the dramatic Atlantic facing north to the sheltered and temperate south,
01:09it can only be Cornwall.
01:11Breathtaking and beautiful.
01:15Cornwall is very much a maritime county,
01:18flowing with the ocean, moving with the tides.
01:21But away from the coast you can find tucked away villages,
01:24where music and laughter comes from fire lit pubs.
01:28Everywhere you look in the landscape are stories,
01:30but you're never far away from the spirit of the sea.
01:34Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, Cornwall is a perennial popular destination
01:39for both holiday makers and house buyers.
01:42It's renowned for its tin and copper mining heritage,
01:47which stretches back over 4,000 years.
01:50The fine architecture on show in the village of Brieg
01:53reflects the wealth of the mine owners
01:55who settled there during the industry's 18th and 19th century boom.
01:59The harbour town of Porth Leven is emerging as a creative and culinary hotspot,
02:04and guess what's on the menu?
02:06Cornwall's probably got the most diverse array of fish that you'll ever have.
02:11I mean, I'm originally from New Zealand,
02:14but to have somewhere where you can get oysters and scallops
02:18and then bluefin tuna, that's insane.
02:21For those who prefer catching waves over fish,
02:24Prey Sands Beach is a prime surfing destination,
02:27stretching for over a mile and set within Cornwall's national landscape.
02:32Cornwall means everything to me.
02:33We've got the coastlines, we've got the rolling farmland,
02:36and today we've got the great weather, but that's not all the time.
02:40Today's escape is all about bringing family together here in Cornwall,
02:48three generations in one county.
02:50Two generations are already here, so let's meet the one that isn't.
02:54Yeah, coming to Cornwall is stepping back in time.
03:01People have time for you, they talk to you.
03:03It's the community.
03:04It's the community.
03:05Everyone says hello in the street.
03:07The pubs are great.
03:09For the past 23 years, home for retirees Sally and Denny
03:14has been this 1930s four-bed detached property in the Wirral.
03:19Where we live now, we're on a main road.
03:22We love the house.
03:23The house is great, isn't it?
03:24It's been perfect family home.
03:25It's been superb to bring the family up.
03:27But now they've flown, they've gone.
03:29There's me, Sal and the cat.
03:31And we're just rattling around in a reasonably big-sized house, aren't we?
03:35Yeah.
03:36So moving on felt like the natural next step,
03:39and so did choosing where to make their countryside escape.
03:43We've been coming to Cornwall now for 19, 20 years, isn't it?
03:49And our children have grown up with the village children.
03:52And when we get to Cornwall, everyone says,
03:54oh, you're back again, are you?
03:56Yeah, we're kind of known, infamous or maybe famous,
03:59I don't know, one or the other.
04:01Family holidays in Cornwall left a lasting impression on their son, Tom.
04:06After finishing school, he joined the Navy and made the county his home.
04:12Last year, Tom and his wife welcomed baby Billy,
04:15Sally and Denny's beloved grandchild.
04:18I think the driving force for our move is the fact
04:21our son's got our first grandson.
04:23First grandson, yeah.
04:25So Cornwall, here we come.
04:26So we got shut of both kids.
04:28We got a new grandkid.
04:30There's only one place to go to.
04:33Sally and Denny have a budget of £400,000
04:36to find a modern and practical property such as a bungalow
04:40with three bedrooms so they can host their daughter Caroline
04:43when she visits from the Wirral.
04:46A music room slash man cave for Denny's guitar collection is a must,
04:50as is a manageable garden.
04:53Oh, and one more thing.
04:54They'd love to be within strolling distance of a good pub.
05:00Sally and Denny have been coming here to this particular spot in Cornwall
05:04for years on holiday.
05:06In fact, they're here on holiday right now.
05:09Sort of weird.
05:10How can they come and join us from their holiday?
05:13But I hope that we can find it because what a dream, huh?
05:16Come somewhere on holiday and then make it your home.
05:22Sally and Denny are pressing pause on their latest break in the county
05:25to catch up with me at a stunning spot on the Lizard Peninsula
05:29above Mullion Cove.
05:31I feel like I've crashed into your holiday.
05:33I'm really sorry.
05:34That's okay.
05:35But you've already been here a week, right?
05:36We have.
05:37But also that you're experts in the Lizard.
05:39You've been here like many, many more times than I have.
05:41About 19 years now.
05:43Oh my goodness.
05:44Two or three times a year, isn't it?
05:45Yeah.
05:46Are there any particular areas you're keen to live in?
05:49Exactly where we are now, Mullion.
05:51It's such a beautiful place.
05:53This is the hob kind of thing for us.
05:56And from here we can go to other areas, but we love this place.
06:00We've made so many friends here.
06:02We've got so many connections.
06:04It's just an absolute fabulous place.
06:06So you're going to say farewell to the Wirral and come down here?
06:08Oh, yes.
06:09Yes.
06:10Oh, yes.
06:11The Wirral's a nice place, don't get me wrong,
06:13but this is a different lifestyle completely.
06:16And apart from looking after Billy, your grandson,
06:18what else are you going to be doing?
06:19Are you kind of joiners?
06:20Are you going to be joining things?
06:22Over the years we've made an awful lot of friends down here,
06:24so they've got me trying to learn very badly to play the guitar.
06:30So there's things like that.
06:32We do like music.
06:33There's always music going on in the pubs,
06:35and we do like the pubs.
06:37Pubs are good.
06:38Yeah.
06:39And how is this guitar playing?
06:41A bit honest.
06:43I'll reserve judgements.
06:45You can whisper.
06:47No.
06:48No.
06:49So it's an exciting move.
06:50Are you excited or are you a little nervous?
06:52Excited.
06:53Excited, but nervous about what we can afford.
06:57Well, we've got some lovely properties lined up.
06:59Shall we go and see them?
07:00Oh, yes, please.
07:01That sounds good.
07:02Come on.
07:03Well, you should lead the way, because you know better than me.
07:07Sally and Denny are focusing their search here on the Lizard Peninsula, along Cornwall's
07:12southern coast.
07:13So we're starting in the village of Malian.
07:16The largest village on the peninsula, Malian offers a great mix of amenities for both tourists
07:21and locals alike.
07:23Having spent many holidays here, the couple know the area well, including the village pub,
07:29where I'm told they've enjoyed more than a few memorable evenings.
07:33Our destination is in the Mears Valley, a desirable residential area, just a short walk from the shops and home to a property so tucked
07:42away you might just miss it.
07:47We're coming into the garden because the hedge is quite big.
07:49You can't see the house from the road.
07:51This is the house that we're starting off with.
07:54OK.
07:55It's a 1970s bungalow.
07:57Excellent.
07:58Ideal.
07:59Good colour.
08:00And it's a lovely spot.
08:01We're only ten minutes away from your favourite pub.
08:04That's the most important thing.
08:05But I think this is going to be a great contender for you.
08:08Lovely and quiet, secluded front garden.
08:10Really pretty garden.
08:11That's unusual, isn't it?
08:12Could you ask for a better area for me?
08:13No.
08:14You'd lose them in the bushes.
08:15But also it's safe from the road.
08:18Yeah.
08:19I love this property.
08:20Let's see what you think.
08:21Come and follow me.
08:23Sally and Denny have expressed concern about how far their budget will stretch in Cornwall,
08:28so I'm hoping this place, with its light and spacious interior, will quietly put those
08:33worries to rest.
08:35Oh.
08:36Wow.
08:37It's great, isn't it?
08:38This is a big open space.
08:40This was actually a gap between...
08:41This was the old house, finished here.
08:43It's so open, isn't it?
08:44Isn't it?
08:45It feels quite European, doesn't it?
08:46It does, very.
08:47In Spain, doesn't it?
08:48Come into the kitchen.
08:49So a step up, because that was the old garden door.
08:52It's lovely.
08:53It's bright.
08:54It's airy.
08:55The blue follows through as well, yeah.
08:57Oh, look at the garden.
08:58Yeah, the garden's really beautiful, isn't it?
09:00Big, big, big windows in this property.
09:02So obviously there's no seating in this kitchen, but they've knocked through...
09:06This was a closed wall.
09:07They've knocked through...
09:08So it's almost like a kitchen, sitting room, dining room combo.
09:13Nice and relaxed again.
09:15Loads of light.
09:16Space for the kitchen table from home.
09:18Yeah, it would fit.
09:19So this is facing south.
09:20You stand on your tiptoes, you can see the sea.
09:23Lock the hedge down a bit.
09:25But that garden's beautifully secluded and it gives this...
09:28It gives privacy in this room as well with the beautiful big window.
09:31How would you use it?
09:32Can you imagine being here with the grand...
09:34The grandson and...
09:35Oh, yes.
09:36It's ideal flooring for the little guy, isn't it?
09:38Yeah.
09:39To scamper about on.
09:40Yeah.
09:41The red sofas.
09:42Kitchen table.
09:43I see you've decorated her already.
09:45What, red against the blue?
09:47Perfect.
09:48Have you lived in a bungalow before?
09:49No.
09:50But you're okay with living all on one level?
09:52Not a problem.
09:53Well, when we come down to Cornwall, we stay in a bungalow.
09:56It's a real strange one because Sal's dad always said you have to go upstairs to go to bed for...
10:00Nice.
10:01No.
10:02You just have to turn left to go to bed here.
10:04What?
10:05There are two big double bedrooms.
10:10I think I might fancy this one as the main one because you get this lovely morning sun pouring in through the windows.
10:17Wow.
10:18That's a fabulous view to wake up to of a morning, isn't it?
10:20Yeah.
10:21It's beautiful.
10:22You've got a wash basin and toilet in there, not a shower, but there's the family bathroom.
10:28But it's just mainly going to be the two of you, is that right?
10:30It will be.
10:31It will be.
10:32Yeah.
10:33So what are your vibes about the house so far?
10:34I think it's lovely.
10:35Very nice.
10:36Yeah.
10:37The gardens are spectacular.
10:38I know.
10:39It is a few...
10:40It's quiet.
10:41It feels like I'm on holiday.
10:42It feels like I'm abroad.
10:43You can come and stay.
10:44Oh, thanks.
10:45You're welcome.
10:46Look at the office cast.
10:47That means you've already bought it.
10:50Things are going so well, I'm leaving them to explore the remaining bedrooms on their own.
10:55There are four in total, two further doubles and one single.
11:00It's massive.
11:02This is nice.
11:03Wow.
11:04And again, you've got loads of natural light.
11:06I like this one too.
11:08Shall we go see some more?
11:09I think we should.
11:11Oh, this is the baby room.
11:14This is a good size for the little fella, isn't it?
11:16Yeah, perfect.
11:18So, baby Billy is sorted, but what about a man cave for Denny?
11:23The fourth bedroom is an option, but for the sake of Sally and her ears, Denny and his guitars might be better off in the attached garage.
11:32The rear garden can be accessed via the dining room or through sliding doors in the principal bedroom.
11:38How glamorous is this?
11:40It's half patio, half lawn and equal parts private and peaceful.
11:46You love to garden, right?
11:48Yeah.
11:49I like messing about in a garden, yeah.
11:50I wouldn't call myself a gardener.
11:51Is this about the right size for you?
11:53Perfect.
11:54This is ideal, yeah.
11:55Very little to mow.
11:56Nicely stocked.
11:57Yeah, little to mow.
11:58And the sun sets over here, so this is actually the spot they've put this space here so you can have like a table at.
12:03Evening.
12:04Yeah, have your cocktails.
12:05Nice.
12:06What do you think the price of this one is?
12:08I would say this is on our limit.
12:10I'd say 400.
12:11400.
12:12I would say 410.
12:14This is on the market for 385,000.
12:17Oh!
12:18Wow.
12:19Okay.
12:20Yeah, so you could afford it.
12:21Very much so, yeah.
12:23That's good to know.
12:24That really is.
12:25Feeling the pressure now.
12:27Wow.
12:28£15,000 under budget, this turnkey-conditioned bungalow is as spacious as they come, offering open-plan living and four bedrooms, including a principal en suite.
12:40There's even room in the garage for Danny and his Qatar collection, and it's right in the heart of the couple's favourite Cornish village.
12:48The Blue House is definitely a contender.
12:52Price-wise, it's excellent.
12:54We've been coming to Mullion for years, and this location I never knew existed.
12:59So, I really like it.
13:01Beautiful, bright, airy.
13:03It's got a nice flow to it.
13:05It's got everything that we want, plus its staggering distance of the pub.
13:10We're hitting pause on the house hunt for a moment, so our buyers can explore Helston, one of Cornwall's oldest towns, and the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula.
13:31Once a bustling hub for the county's tin mining industry, today Helston's High Street is packed with independent shops showcasing the best produce from local artisans.
13:43Helston Community Market.
13:45And then you can go to the choir later.
13:48Not with my voice.
13:49Not with my voice, no.
13:53I mean, it's just a really cool town.
13:55It's relaxed, it's easy going.
13:57I feel like other towns in Cornwall get like a lot of attention, and Helston just kind of flies under the radar.
14:04Every May, Helston comes alive for Flora Day, a centuries-old celebration that fills the streets with music, dancing, and colourful pageantry.
14:16Oh, this must all be for the Flora Day.
14:18People do travel to Flora Day.
14:21All the family gets together.
14:23No matter where they live, they plan the whole day, what they're going to wear, and it's so beautiful, and it's a lot of traditions and amazing people.
14:35One reason Helston might hold even more appeal to Sally and Denny is that it's home to their son, Tom, and grandson, Billy.
14:43So when they move, playdates at Coronation Park will likely become part of their new routine.
14:49And when they're off grandparent duty, well, they might just find themselves raising a glass in one of Cornwall's oldest pubs.
14:58I think it's time for a pint now, don't you?
14:59I'd love a beer.
15:00The Blue Anchor has been brewing its own ales since the 15th century, and manager Janine is ready to give Sally and Denny a warm Helston welcome.
15:11Is there much going on around here during the day?
15:16Absolutely.
15:17There is so much going on.
15:19There's many pubs and food places to go and visit and try.
15:23The Steel Sanitary just down the road, you've got the Lizard, you've got Land's End, and the beaches, the best in the world.
15:29I think there's so much to do.
15:31They are beautiful, yeah.
15:32And that's why I haven't left Cornwall, because I love it.
15:34Didn't they?
15:35Yeah.
15:36We can't understand people going on holiday from Cornwall.
15:38No.
15:39Do you know, I go on holiday, and I visit beaches, and I just think, I'd rather be back in Cornwall.
15:45We've been coming down for 20 years, we've fallen in love with it. We've even been in here a few times.
15:50Oh, wow.
15:51The perfect part of Cornwall is that it doesn't matter where you're from, everyone's very inclusive, and that you can make friends, and we're all willing to talk to people, and I just think that's a lovely, lovely part of us.
16:01Yeah.
16:02We've noticed that.
16:03Well, hopefully you find something and we see you in here again.
16:05Yes, please.
16:06You certainly will.
16:07Hopefully next time holding a pint.
16:08Absolutely.
16:09I'll join you.
16:10Good.
16:11So, with history on its doorstep, ice cream by the lake, and baby Billy just around the corner, Helston 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 by heading inland to the village of St Martin.
16:34For amenities, Sally and Denny could travel to the slightly larger village of Morgan, with its village store and the all-important pub.
16:42That does mean someone's got to be designated driver, though, as it's two miles away from St Martin, which is mostly residential, dotted with traditional stone cottages and surrounded by rolling hills.
16:55And then feast your eyes on this one.
16:56What a garden.
16:57Beautiful garden.
16:58Beautiful garden.
16:59It's beautiful.
17:00Really nice.
17:01The garden's superb, the way it's laid out.
17:02Just an explosion of colour.
17:03So, taking you out of your beloved Mullion, do you know St Martin?
17:04We've never been here, have we?
17:05We've never been here before.
17:06I'd have to check out the bus routes.
17:07It's a consideration.
17:08Sally's not so convinced.
17:09I'm not, no.
17:10Maybe not.
17:11But let's look at the house and see if that'll come to the same dome.
17:12OK.
17:13This chalet bungalow is brand new to the market, and in terms of its impressive front garden, everything is rosy.
17:23But with Sally already questioning the property's location, I'm not really excited about this place.
17:29And, this is the first place to look at the house.
17:31and, in terms of its impressive front garden, everything is rosy.
17:36But with Sally already questioning the property's location,
17:40let's not beat around the bush.
17:41This one might be a tough one.
17:44Come on in. We'll go straight into the living space here.
17:48Wow.
17:49Beautiful windows over onto the garden.
17:52It's very cottagey, isn't it?
17:54Yeah, and again, a lot of light.
17:55What are your vibes coming into the house?
17:57Because you were a bit uncertain, Sally.
17:59I'm still uncertain.
18:00I think it's very busy, but I've got to look past the furniture.
18:03OK, so none of this is going to be here.
18:05It's going to be a big square room.
18:06Yeah.
18:07It is a really nice room.
18:09Yeah, you could really make something of it.
18:11I have to win you over, Sally.
18:12Yes, try.
18:13Your face.
18:13Try.
18:15Let's look at the kitchen.
18:19Nicely finished, nicely laid out.
18:22You've got somewhere to sit down and have a coffee every morning, which I really like.
18:25It's smaller than I expected.
18:27And the last one we saw had the lovely view outside the kitchen window.
18:33I can see you're not loving this.
18:34Sorry.
18:35It's fine.
18:35You don't have to love every house.
18:37No, no, no.
18:37It's fine.
18:38OK.
18:38Try as we might, this property seems to be no match for our first house.
18:43OK.
18:44This must be the master bedroom.
18:48Yeah.
18:52Hmm.
18:52That isn't the kind of speechless I had in mind.
18:56It's a shame because there's a lot on offer here.
18:58There are two double bedrooms downstairs, served by a family bathroom.
19:02And upstairs, the third bedroom has its own en suite.
19:08Unlike the first property we saw, the garage here has already been converted.
19:13The artist's studio.
19:15Oh, goodness.
19:16Oh, this is quaint, isn't it?
19:17This is quirky, yeah.
19:18Would it be foolish of me to think the bedrooms and the workshop might have brought them round?
19:25Let's find out.
19:26So tell me, you went upstairs, you saw the bedroom, you fell in love with it and you ought
19:30to put an offer in.
19:31No.
19:32But just for interest, how much do you think it costs a house like this?
19:36I would say $370,000.
19:38$370,000.
19:39I say $350,000.
19:40This is on the market for $425,000.
19:45Wow.
19:46Wow, OK.
19:47Yeah.
19:48Which is probably a relief.
19:49I'm glad it's not my favourite.
19:51That it's not your favourite.
19:52Phew.
19:52Yeah.
19:54Exceeding their budget by £25,000, Sally and Denny might be out, but for the right buyer,
20:01this 1970s chalet bungalow could still be a fabulous place to call home.
20:05It benefits from three bedrooms, including one with an en suite,
20:09and two further bathrooms on the ground floor,
20:12plus a workshop in the converted garage and a terrifically landscaped front garden.
20:27Two properties down and what better way to wrap up a day of house hunting
20:31than with the people at the heart of this move,
20:34Denny and Sally's son Tom, his wife Molly and their son Billy.
20:39Hello, Billy.
20:41Hello, guys.
20:42Sorry, I always get ignored when there's a little one.
20:44He's such a smiler.
20:45He's such a smiler.
20:46God, you see, isn't he?
20:48He'd like to have a smile that lights a room up.
20:49So we've been showing your mum and dad some property.
20:53How do you think it went today?
20:55I think it's a definite possibility of a move down now.
20:58Yeah?
20:58Yeah.
20:58Yeah.
20:58It is light at the end of the tunnel.
21:00It's gone right through.
21:01It's been brilliant.
21:02And it's down to the help of you guys and give us a superb...
21:04How long did it take you to move down, Tom?
21:07Er, 2014.
21:08I got based down here.
21:10Ah.
21:10So then living round Uncle Dro's or in Helston when Mum moved down.
21:15And how do you feel about these two coming to join you?
21:18It's going to be a culture shock.
21:20How long has it been away?
21:2111 years away.
21:22Mummy wants to know where you're going.
21:23It would be really nice to have both sets of grandparents down for him.
21:29Like he can grow up with both his grandparents.
21:31It's so lovely.
21:32Are your parents nearby Molly too?
21:34Yeah.
21:34So they moved down last year, I know, last May.
21:37So they came from where you guys were from.
21:39So it's like an exodus down from the Wirral down to New York.
21:42It's still your fault.
21:43It wasn't for us.
21:43It was for this one, wasn't it?
21:45Yeah.
21:45Little Billy's the magnet.
21:47He is.
21:47That and the Cornish coast.
21:49He's the icing on the cake.
21:51Well, we've got one more day.
21:52So hopefully we're going to seal the deal.
21:54Fingers crossed.
21:55Hopefully.
21:56And you'll be down and you'll have a permanent babysitter.
21:59Yeah, I see your child care.
22:03Hang on.
22:04We never thought of that, did we?
22:05We never.
22:06Every Friday night.
22:18Cornwall attracts around 18 million visitors a year.
22:22But what if you want to stick around after the summer season ends and make it your year-round home?
22:29Currently, you could expect to spend a little over £437,000 for a detached home, which is slightly lower than the national figure of £438,000.
22:39But when compared to the rest of the region, where the figure is just over £503,000, it turns out Cornwall also offers better value than its south-western neighbours.
22:51Here for your consideration is a selection of properties currently available in the county.
22:59For renters, this stone cottage in the town of Porth Levin has a traditional exterior but is smart and modern inside, with three bedrooms, a sleek bathroom and a small courtyard garden.
23:12It's offered unfurnished for £1,400 per calendar month.
23:16This two-bed, end-of-terrace cottage would be ideal for first-time buyers, with wooden beams adding a lovely touch of character and a well-established rear garden.
23:28It has a guide price just shy of £250,000.
23:31This substantial detached property in the same town benefits from three bedrooms, plus a separate studio apartment.
23:41The sheltered, walled garden feels totally secluded, and it has a guide price of £525,000.
23:50There is nothing like the Cornish coast to give you property power, so I am looking forward to showing Denny and Sally the mystery house, which brings a little bit of history into the mix.
23:59But before that, some clean 1970s lines.
24:05We'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.
24:13The previous location wasn't quite right for the couple, so surely we can't go wrong by taking them almost to the doorstep of their beloved grandchild, Billy, who lives just an eight-minute drive from the next option we're here to see.
24:29This looks really nice.
24:33Oh, very nice.
24:34Yeah.
24:35Is this the one?
24:36This is the one.
24:38Come and take a look.
24:39First impression, really nice.
24:40Oh, look at the balcony.
24:42Interestingly, we've actually been here before.
24:44Denise came here, like, in 2022, but the current owners, the new owner, completely remodelled it.
24:49But also, we thought this is going to be close to Billy.
24:52It is.
24:53We thought this is going to give you very good grandparent kudos.
24:57You're going to be like, yes.
24:59They're within, like, eight-minute drive.
25:01Bam.
25:03I like it.
25:04Shall we have a look inside?
25:04It's a beautiful house.
25:05OK.
25:05It might look like another 70s bungalow at first glance, but trust me, its elevated position puts it in a league of its own.
25:17Wow.
25:20That's beautiful.
25:21Isn't it gorgeous?
25:21And having recently had something of a refresh inside, it's all set to welcome its new owners.
25:30Come into the main sitting room.
25:33Oh.
25:34Can you imagine your furniture fitting in here?
25:37Oh, it would fit in here very well, wouldn't it?
25:39Very comfy.
25:40What really comes alive is in the evening, you get the sunset over the view, and you can go out onto the balcony.
25:48Incredible.
25:48I just think it looks amazing.
25:52Yeah?
25:52Yeah.
25:53It's breathtaking.
25:53You're not really overlooked.
25:55And you've always wanted a balcony?
25:56I've always had a thing about a balcony, strangely enough.
25:58I don't know why.
25:59I've always fancied having a glass of wine on a balcony, annoying the neighbours with the guitars.
26:04Oh, yes, you can serenade everybody but it's back out again, yeah.
26:09That's one way to make friends when you move somewhere new.
26:12Let's head to the kitchen, which, much like the rest of the property, is brand, brand new.
26:19It's that marble top.
26:20It's beautiful.
26:21It's a bit small.
26:23But it's workable.
26:24It's a proper kitchen, it's not...
26:26Oh, yeah.
26:27It's got everything in it.
26:28It's not a galley, it's nice, yeah.
26:29I like the view.
26:30You've got privacy in the morning and then of an evening you can go out and chill and have a glass of wine overlooking that beautiful valley.
26:37And when they've finished their nightcaps, they could head to one of the property's three bedrooms.
26:45The landscaped rear garden has a choice of seating areas and the current shed could potentially be swapped out for an even larger man cave.
26:54Failing that, there's a garage at the front that would no doubt do the job.
26:59Come join me on the breakfast terrace.
27:01I guess I imagine this is where you'd be having your breakfast.
27:04Which is quite a nice idea.
27:06I think the garden is lovely.
27:08Beautifully laid out garden and again, the quality of finish is superb.
27:12What do you think the price of this one is?
27:14I'd say £375,000.
27:19I'd go a bit higher, £385,000.
27:21Yeah.
27:22So this is actually top of your budget.
27:24This is on at £400,000.
27:26OK.
27:27I suppose it's the views as well, isn't it?
27:29The views, the location, edge of town.
27:31Yeah.
27:33Sitting at the top of the budget, this three-bed bungalow has been given a smart, modern makeover and is ready for Sally and Denny to move straight into.
27:41With beautifully landscaped gardens, front and back, and gorgeous countryside views, the setting speaks volumes.
27:49Best of all, it's just down the road from their son and little grandson, Big.
27:53Nearly 40% of the world's grey seal population live in the waters around Britain, with Cornwall's rugged coastline providing a vital haven for many of them.
28:15On the banks of the Helford River, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary has been caring for injured seal pups since 1958.
28:25Today, animal care specialist Bethan Goodridge has kindly agreed to show me around and share the work that goes into protecting these incredible marine mammals.
28:36Good morning, Bethan.
28:37Morning.
28:38Lovely to meet you. What an amazing space you have to work in.
28:41It's not bad, is it?
28:42It's really great.
28:43And tell me about this sanctuary.
28:44We very much rehab between 50 and 70 grey seals every season with the goal to release as many as possible.
28:54We do have a few residents on site that, for whatever reason, have lifelong medical problems, so couldn't be released.
29:00And we are basically a second chance to give them the best life possible.
29:04So, how big an issue is it for UK seals?
29:07The biggest problem they have is, honestly, public disturbance.
29:11So, it means that often a seal will be on the beach, just having a sleep, having a nap.
29:16They like to do that.
29:17They like to sunbathe.
29:19And either somebody gets too close, especially if they're very, very little and they're still feeding from mum.
29:24If someone gets too close and interferes with that pup, mum will just leave and look after herself first.
29:30And that is, unfortunately, when we have to step in.
29:32Very good.
29:32So, would you actually like to come and meet some seals?
29:34Actually see some seals?
29:35Yes, that would be great.
29:38Most of the seals that are brought in will go on to be released within a few months of rehabilitation.
29:44But for some, injury and old age make that impossible.
29:47Marlin, up!
29:49I'm meeting two of the seals who have made the sanctuary their forever home.
29:53Although Marlin, it turns out, isn't that excited to see me.
29:57Should I keep quiet? Is that the problem?
29:58Come on, let's go!
29:59Let's see if Yule Logs, or Logs for short, is a bit more willing.
30:04Look at his lovely little feet!
30:06So cute!
30:07And if I can buy his affection with some lunch.
30:10Hey, Logs.
30:11It's your lucky day.
30:11You've got a lot of fish here.
30:13What is he eating here?
30:14So, he's having a bit of herring.
30:16Herring.
30:16How much herring will they eat in a day?
30:19So, Yule Logs...
30:20As much as they can?
30:21Yes, pretty much.
30:22But our residents here, we have to weigh them.
30:24So they get weighed every other week, and then we adjust their diet.
30:26So, Yule Logs is on about five kilos a day at the moment.
30:31He's on his summer diet.
30:33He's on a diet?
30:34He's on his summer body.
30:36Oh, I see.
30:36From a beach body?
30:37Yes.
30:38You're going to get a beach body, Logs?
30:40And then in the winter, we'll up his diet to put on some more weight.
30:44Is that like, I want more?
30:45I want more fish.
30:47Stop talking.
30:48Keep feeding.
30:49So, if you tell him to splash, he will splash?
30:51Splash.
30:52So, like this.
30:53Splash.
30:55There you go.
30:57In the common pool are some seals currently in rehab.
31:01Bethan is showing me how group scatter feeds encourage them to forage for food,
31:06which will help prepare them for life back in the wild.
31:09So, we have the three commons here with sort of the shorter snout,
31:12and then the grey seal at the back.
31:14She's got sort of a lighter belly.
31:15Oh, light with it, yes, and slightly more...
31:17Yeah.
31:17There you go.
31:18So, the females and greys all have lighter bellies,
31:20whereas the commons, their markings are pretty similar between the genders.
31:23You little fellas not getting enough.
31:26So, this little one here is Jarvis.
31:28See the baby.
31:29So, he is eight now, so he is the youngest.
31:32And he's blind.
31:32But he is pretty much blind.
31:34He has cataracts.
31:35Oh, no.
31:36And then we have Bo and Buddy, who are the brothers.
31:38So, they were actually born here.
31:41Come on, kids.
31:42Woo!
31:43So, just to round off, if a member of the public is walking on the beach
31:47and they see a seal, what should they do?
31:51They should stay at least 100 metres away.
31:53If you have a dog, make sure they're on a lead.
31:55If you are concerned, you can give us a ring at the Seal Sanctuary
31:57or British Divers and Marine Life Rescue,
31:59and we'll get someone out that's trained to keep an eye of them.
32:01But the biggest thing is, please don't disturb them.
32:03If they are looking at you, you are too close.
32:05Ah, OK.
32:06If they are looking at you, they're too close.
32:08Yes.
32:09Don't look at me.
32:10A little bit different with ours here.
32:11Well, thanks, Beth.
32:12It's been really great.
32:13No worries.
32:14It's been lovely to have you guys.
32:14Let's have a busy season ahead.
32:17Absolutely.
32:17Good luck with that.
32:19For our finale, we're returning to the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula
32:31to Sally and Denny's beloved Mullion.
32:38But before we go to the mystery house,
32:40we're on our way to Mullion's community garden
32:42because this move is more than just day trips to the beach.
32:46It's about belonging.
32:52So tell me, for people who've not been here,
32:54what are the best things about Mullion for you?
32:57The location with its local bus routes.
33:00It's quiet.
33:02The people are friendly.
33:03People will talk to each other.
33:05You walk past them when everyone says hello in the morning.
33:07It's just such a lovely feel to it, hasn't it?
33:10Yeah.
33:10It's interesting you don't mention the landscape.
33:12A lot of people come here because of the cove and the cliffs
33:15and the countryside.
33:16That's an advantage.
33:17We're right in the middle of the countryside.
33:18We've got some of the most beautiful scenic walks here as well.
33:22And you've got the coast, and that is awesome.
33:25Everything's here for us.
33:28Whilst the couple hang back in the village centre,
33:31I'm going on ahead to the mystery house,
33:33which is located towards the outskirts of Mullion.
33:35So far, we have been giving Denny and Sally
33:40exactly what they wanted,
33:42a bungalow built in the 1970s.
33:44But I can't resist showing them something
33:47that is much, much older, has much more character,
33:50and I think it's really quintessentially escaped to the country.
33:53The mystery house is, wait for it,
33:59375 years old,
34:01which is quite a long way from the 1970s.
34:04I think it's really magical.
34:06It's been beautifully restored.
34:07It's in a beautiful, quiet lane
34:09just on the outskirts of Mullion.
34:11But Denny and Sally are going to have to fall in love
34:15with the period features.
34:17I think it's wonderful.
34:20I wonder if they will.
34:25Come on up into the garden, we can see better.
34:30It's the mystery!
34:32Wow.
34:33It's beautiful.
34:34Oh, good grief.
34:35Isn't it?
34:36And the mystery is it's not built in 1970.
34:39It's a proper country escape.
34:41It is.
34:42It is. I really like it.
34:43Character.
34:44It's got character, yeah.
34:45Really got character.
34:47How do you feel about being on the edge of Mullion
34:49rather than being right in the middle?
34:51I think with something like this, it's...
34:53It's worth it.
34:54It could be a possibility, yeah.
34:55This really...
34:56Yeah, yeah.
34:57Phew.
34:57I thought you were going to rule it out
34:59because it wasn't close enough to the pub.
35:00Are you excited to go inside?
35:01Yes.
35:02Can't wait.
35:03Shall we?
35:03Yes.
35:03Yeah.
35:06We're stepping back in time to 1650
35:09with a semi-detached property
35:11that, from the sounds of it,
35:12isn't too many steps away from the pub.
35:15We're starting our tour in the heart of the home
35:17in the generous open-plan kitchen diner.
35:22Come on in.
35:23Oh, isn't that cute?
35:25This is really something different.
35:27So you've got your kitchen diner.
35:29Perfect.
35:30Absolutely fabulous.
35:30It's got no potential because it's all done.
35:33Yeah.
35:33If that makes sense.
35:35Some places you go in and I think,
35:37right, I could do this, I could do this,
35:38but what would you change here?
35:40There's nothing to change.
35:42Well, yeah.
35:43I mean, that's wonderful.
35:44Yeah.
35:45You mean less work for you.
35:47That isn't...
35:47I didn't think of that,
35:48but, yeah, that is another way of looking at it.
35:50You can feel the history.
35:51It's really strange.
35:53Yeah.
35:53It's beautiful.
35:55But it's not...
35:56Like, sometimes these old properties
35:57are a bit kind of oppressive and small,
35:59but this is actually...
35:59It's light.
36:00A lot of space.
36:01So far, I wouldn't want to go to the pub.
36:03Oh!
36:03I'll be quite honest.
36:04Oh, my God, it's going to start a lack of sobriety.
36:06No, I didn't say that.
36:07No, no, no, she didn't say that.
36:08With a property this appealing,
36:11the regulars will want to come here for happy hour.
36:15Next up is the living room,
36:16a cosy retreat that's brimming
36:18with potentially even more character than the kitchen.
36:22Oh, this is a good size.
36:24Isn't it wonderful?
36:25Very high ceilings.
36:27Two red satis.
36:29All right.
36:29The two red satis would go...
36:30Yeah.
36:31So we've got two red sofas
36:33that are about the same size as these,
36:35and they would fit in here perfect.
36:36Make it into a really cosy room.
36:39What are you thinking?
36:40I'm liking it a lot.
36:41Really?
36:41This is good.
36:42It's not what you were expecting?
36:43No.
36:44Not at all, no, no.
36:45But it's like you said,
36:46it is the mystery home,
36:48and it's entirely different to everything we've said.
36:50But it does...
36:51Well...
36:52It's what we do.
36:53It does have a well factor.
36:54Do our little property voodoo
36:55and give you something you weren't expecting.
36:57Very impressed.
36:58Very, very impressed.
37:01For the first time on our search,
37:03the property's bedrooms,
37:04of which there are three,
37:05are all located on the first floor.
37:08There are also two bathrooms to choose from,
37:11including an en-suite for the principal bedroom.
37:14It's like a separate annex.
37:17Oh, it is, isn't it?
37:18Like a ceiling.
37:20A vaulted ceiling kind of thing.
37:23That's beautiful.
37:24We'll have to get new furniture.
37:26Oh, this has got so much character.
37:28Perfect.
37:29And an en-suite as well.
37:31Handy.
37:31It's absolutely stunning.
37:32Have you seen the view out the window?
37:34It's fabulous, isn't it?
37:36Stunning.
37:37What a good size.
37:39Another good-sized bedroom.
37:41And again, view from the window.
37:43It is.
37:44It's delightful.
37:46Wow.
37:46As always, mystery houses can go either way.
37:48I thought this might not work because it's not right next to the pub and it's historical,
37:54but I'm getting very excited vibes from the two of them.
37:58So maybe this could be the curveball that snatches the goal.
38:02To get us across that finish line, there's just the garden left to take in, which includes
38:09a patio out to the front, plus a totally enclosed, well-stocked lawn at the rear.
38:16There are also two allocated parking spaces for good measure.
38:20What do you think of the upstairs configuration?
38:23I think it's lovely.
38:25So quirky.
38:25And the space.
38:26Really different and a lot of space.
38:28That's great.
38:29But the only thing missing is the price.
38:31How much do you think this costs?
38:33I think it's way over our budget.
38:35I would think so too.
38:37I'm going to say 450.
38:40Just to be a little bit different, I'm going to say 440.
38:42This is actually on the market for £375,000.
38:49Good grief.
38:49Wow.
38:50Seriously, walking around, I'm thinking this is beyond us.
38:53This is going to be your dangle a carrot and you snatch it back, but you haven't.
38:57We would not do that to you.
38:59Well, we would do that to you, but we haven't done that to you in this instance.
39:02Lovely.
39:04We've said goodbye to the 1970s and hello to the 17th century with this semi-detached cottage
39:10that's full of period features and a pleasing £25,000 under budget.
39:16As well as a large open-plan kitchen diner, there are three bedrooms, including a principal en-suite,
39:23and it's well located within easy reach of everything that the village of Mullion has to offer.
39:28Mystery house, total shock.
39:30You really pulled the rabbit out of the hat.
39:33It's beautiful, really different.
39:36The bedrooms are an impressive size.
39:38I think it definitely is a contender.
39:42I think amongst what you've shown us, we have our forever home.
39:49I feel the mystery house may have broken the spell of all those very practical, beautiful 1970s bungalows,
39:55but is the walk to the favourite public house in Mullion just a country mile too far?
40:02Let's find out.
40:03Look, we're back at Mullion Cove, where we started.
40:13It's been a busy week.
40:14Have you had a good time?
40:16Fantastic time.
40:17Brilliant.
40:18Really good.
40:19How are you feeling about the properties we showed you?
40:21They've all given us insight into where we actually want to be.
40:24I hate to say it, but you did pull a few stunts.
40:26That mystery house and the price that it was up for was a shocker.
40:31That was superb.
40:32The properties you've showed us have been incredible.
40:36You're being very flattering, but you're not telling me which ones you like.
40:39Which ones are the least?
40:40OK, my favourite ones to start with was the blue house.
40:44Blue house, lovely.
40:45I love that one.
40:46The mystery house, absolutely stunning.
40:50However, age isn't on our side anymore, and the walk was a little bit further into the
40:57village than I'd hoped, and I was very disappointed that my age is against, our age is against us.
41:05We've got to be realistic with that.
41:06Are you saying, in a roundabout way, that you like the first house most?
41:11We like the blue house.
41:11Yes.
41:12Wonderful.
41:13From the very start, when you took us into that, there was just something about it.
41:17It just flowed.
41:18It was absolutely brilliant.
41:19I had space for our daughter to come.
41:21So the blue house is a contender.
41:23What's next?
41:23What happens for you next?
41:25We're going to go home and speak to our estate agent and see if they can advise us on dropping
41:32the price of ours.
41:33Possibly.
41:34Yeah, so that's the plan.
41:36So you'll sell your place and you've got to put an offer in on the first house?
41:40I just hope the blue house is still up for sale.
41:43We're both of a like mind.
41:45That is the one.
41:46It's got everything we want.
41:48I'm so delighted because I didn't know this part of the world, but this is a beautiful
41:53part of Cornwall.
41:54It is, isn't it?
41:55I really hope you find that place or another place here and that I can come revisit you.
42:01You're welcome.
42:01We would love that.
42:02I wish you all the best.
42:04Thank you so much.
42:07Escape to the Country has brought me many times to the beautiful Cornish coast, but sometimes
42:12I'm caught short by the beauty of places like Mullion Cove.
42:16And in some ways this show has not been Escape to the Country, or indeed the county, but to
42:21this particular place, because it's the magnetic magic of Mullion that has drawn Sally and Denny
42:28over and over to this spot.
42:30And so I am crossing everything that they do purchase a house here and we come and visit
42:35them.
42:36And I hope that you join us next time for more Escape to the Country.
42:39After returning from their holiday in Cornwall, Sally and Denny were still certain that the
42:46first house was the one.
42:48They put in an offer which I'm happy to say was accepted, subject to them selling their
42:53own property, and we hope it's just a matter of time before they are calling Mullion and
42:58its local pub home.
43:01If you would like to escape to the country in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales
43:06and need our help, why not apply online at bbc.co.uk forward slash take part.
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